Community Advocate April 16, 2019

Fire departments receive safety grants

Stakeholders offer expanded cases for, against, MGB care clinic in Westborough

NEWS | 8

Grafton football roars past Tantasqua

region | 10

sports | 31

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Vol. 47 | No. 16 | April 16, 2021

Shrewsbury TD Bank robbed Police make swift arrest

Scouts’ honor

Cub Scouts celebrate milestone amid COVID-19

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

TD Bank, 200 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury

SHREWSBURY - A man allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of money from a Shrewsbury TD Bank April 6, police say.

At approximately 12:53 p.m. the Shrewsbury Police Department received a report of a bank robbery at TD Bank, located at 200 Boston Turnpike, roughly a half mile east of the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge.

According to a press release, the suspect reportedly passed a note demanding money and fled. Police said the suspect did not display any weapons. Likewise, no employees or bystandRobbery | 6

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WESTBOROUGH - Four Westborough Cub Scouts celebrated a milestone in their Scouting journeys April 10 at the Harvey Building in Westborough.

Nicholas Brainerd, Evan Rosenberg, Cameron Cox and Malachi Kocou all made the transition to the rank of Scout in their pack’s anticipated annual “Webelo Arrow of Light Ceremony.”

“The transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts is a big thing because it’s a shift from being led in Cub Scouts to being a leader in Boy Scouts,” Pack 100 cubmaster William Bramley wrote in an email to the Community Advocate.

The Arrow of Light Ceremony is the pinnacle of Cub Scouting tradition.

The last step for participants before they become full-fledged Boy Scouts, the event revolves around the symbolic launching of arrows.

Those represent the core ideals of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts respectively.

Scouts then take a solitary walk across another symbolic bridge to mark their formal transition to the Boy Scouts ranks.

Cub Scouts swear the scout’s oath during their Arrow of Light Ceremony, April 10.

making headlines ARHS student newspaper continues to be platform for student voices

schools |14

Scouts | 11

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 3

Northborough Planning Board candidates Capobianco and Odone respond to online statements Dear Northborough Residents:

THE

OVER TOP

We are candidates running for Northborough Planning Board against Kerri Martinek and Anthony Ziton. Since pulling nomination papers, a small but vocal group of the incumbents’ closest supporters has made public statements on social media, via email, and verbally which are false. They have stated that Theresa Capobianco is an attorney who represents developers, and Glenn Odone is closely related to developers and therefore we will “rubber stamp development.” There is also the unfounded accusation that we are “in the developers’ pockets,” which is not true.

Amazingly, none of those criticizing us have ever asked about our relationship to developers.

Glenn Odone has been a land surveyor for nearly 20 years and a small business owner in Northborough for over 15 years. His survey work has been for residential and business transactions, not developers. He has never represented a developer in Northborough. Theresa Capobianco, an attorney for 23 years with a business in Northborough since 2015, has never represented a developer. Her business is a general practice with 25% real estate work (mainly purchase/sale of homes, landlord/tenant law).

We have self-funded this campaign 100%. The signage along Main Street is indicative of business owners’ support for change.

Many of these businesses are owned by individuals who reside in or employ residents of Northborough. The majority of our 250+ signs are in residential neighborhoods. We believe that the residents and small business owners in Northborough need elected officials who pursue truth in an unbiased and professional manner.

The incumbents and their supporters continue to publish these

letters to the editor

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

AMSA strikes landmark deal MARLBOROUGH - Administrators at the Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) in Marlborough are celebrating this week after reaching a landmark deal to potentially buy two buildings that it currently leases from MetroWest real estate manager David DePietri. Drone photography shows the campus that AMSA hopes to soon actually own as it sits between Interstate Highway 495 and the Forekicks soccer facility.

letters to the editor

false statements to sway the voters. Is this the character of an individual we want in any elected or appointed position? As candidates

Letters | 4

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters can be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor for suitability. Letters that are deemed slanderous, libelous or attacking a person or organization will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor are not necessarily the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

news ........................4 schools ....................14 home & garden ..........17

business ..................29 sports ......................30 police log ..................32

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Periodicals postage is paid at Westborough, MA 01581 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Scouts host Annual Senior Citizen Spaghetti Dinner

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Boy Scout Troop 100 in Westborough made the best of COVID-19 restrictions, continuing a tradition of handing out prepared meals to area seniors last month.

Meeting on March 20 at the Senior Center, Scouts passed

out 90 meals through their Annual Senior Citizen Spaghetti Dinner.

“It truly is a great community event that the Troop 100 Scouts and seniors look forward to every year,” wrote volunteer and Scout parent Maureen Johnson.

The Spaghetti Dinner is indeed a familiar tradition.

In normal times, this event

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sprawls through the Senior Center, providing musical entertainment, socialization and, of course, pasta. The event is always free.

The coronavirus continues to disrupt in-person events, however. As such, this year’s dinner transitioned to a pickup format.

Seniors drove by what was still a broad set-up outside the

Right: A Boy Scout passes a bag of food to a senior citizen in a waiting car March 20.

Left: A member of the Boy Scout Troop 100 in Westborough passes a potted plant and a hot meal to a visiting senior citizen.

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Senior Center. There, Scouts delivered food and special potted daffodils to celebrate spring.

From there, things went a step further as Scouts delivered their flowers and meals to seniors who could not make it to the Senior Center but still wanted to participate.

“My thanks and appreciation to Troop 100 and all in-

volved for taking the time and the kindness to make this very normal event happen during this very abnormal time,” one such senior, Adrianna Baltimore, wrote in a recent Community Advocate letter to the editor, directly addressing Scouts. “You certainly gave this 91-year-old senior a first day of spring to be very happily remembered.”

Northborough Planning Board candidates Capobianco and Odone respond to online statements Letters | from page 3

for elected office, we believe that we have the obligation to ensure that statements made on our behalf are factual. We promise to rise above the noise and not participate in smears or personal attacks.

We want to bring our professional expertise to help Northborough realize its best promise – a town where all are welcome and reasoned debate is the norm.

Theresa Capobianco & Glenn Odone Northborough Planning Board Candidates

Vote for Martinek and Ziton for Northborough Planning Board I have served on the Planning Board for 7 years now and for the last 3 years I have served with Kerri Martinek and Anthony Ziton.

Kerri and Anthony are dedicated to the Town of Northborough. They work tirelessly and selflessly to represent everyone fairly – neighborhoods, businesses, seniors and families. They also have no potential conflicts so they can go into every application with an unbiased perspective.

I also served on the Planning Board for 5 years with Theresa Capobianco. She quit in May 2019, with one year left of her term and while the Master Plan, our town’s future roadmap, was still being written.

Voters deserve representatives who are 100% committed to their promise to do the job. We need to keep moving forward, not backwards.

A win for Kerri Martinek and Anthony Ziton would be a huge win for Northborough!

letters to the editor

Amy Poretsky Northborough

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Developer eyes possible office/industrial park at Centech North “Allen Property”

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter

Developer, outside firm introduce plans to stakeholders NorthBridge is in the process of finalizing plans to create a three-building commercial logistics park that will combine the two parcels of land known as Subdistrict A (northerly parcel) and Subdistrict B (southerly parcel).

Once complete, these facilities could house companies in industries from logistics/ supply chain, to traditional

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SHREWSBURY – A Wakefield developer is under agreement to acquire Centech North, a 60-acre site located at 384386 South St. formerly known as the “Allen Property.”

Speaking to elected officials April 1, Owen Hall of NorthBridge Partners celebrated the news.

“We are eager and excited to work with the town to come up with a great plan,” he said

benefits for the town through job creation and tax revenue.

He noted that the underlying zoning is commercial but added that there are some residences along South Street.

An abandoned hard hat rests next to a rusted fence on the currently vacant Centech North site in Shrewsbury.

manufacturing, to office/research and development, to biotech/pharma manufacturing to eCommerce logistics.

Hall and Lawrence Beals from civil engineering firm Beals Associates, Inc. met April 1 with the Planning Board as well as members of the Board of Selectmen, the Shrewsbury Development Corporation and the Conservation Commission to begin

initial discussions for possible plans for the site.

They are currently working with NorthBridge on this effort.

“We are here for two functions,” Beals said. “We want to present the project to you but we also want to listen to you.”

Beals shared that the NorthBridge plan efficiently utilizes the Centech land while maximizing economic

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NorthBridge seeks ‘campus’ approach NorthBridge is proposing a three-building campus with a 190,000 square foot building to the north, a 102,000 square foot building in the middle and a 16,000 square foot building to the south.

They have designed an entrance for cars only off of South Street while restricting truck traffic access to Route 20.

Beals said that utilities will route underground and water and sewer will, subject to town review and approval, come in off of South Street, loop though the site and come out to a water main on Route 20.

Being mindful of wetlands on the property and residential neighborhoods also nearby, Beals listed mitigation measures such as maintaining

residential buffers and creating a box culvert to protect the wetlands.

“We’ve employed a lot of green technology in terms of stormwater management, tree wells and infiltration,” he said.

“We know that that is going to be a critical factor in whether or not this project gets approved or rejected by the Conservation Commission.”

Planning Board raises concerns Having heard Beals’ presentation, Planning Board Chair Steven Boulay shared concerns regarding traffic issues. Colleagues supported him.

In line with his questioning, he then asked Beals what he thought the most likely use of the site would be.

Beals replied that spaces for logistics/supply chain and biotech companies remain in high demand.

From here, Beals and NorthBridge will file for a Campus Plan Special Permit and Site Plan Review.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough ZBA incumbents reappointed

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer

Northborough Selectmen discuss zoning board of appeals appointments during a recent Zoom meeting.

NORTHBOROUGH - Two expiring Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) incumbent seats and an alternate seat had applicants vying for appointment consideration last month. Board of Selectmen Interview Committee members Jason Perreault and Scott Rogers held interviews on March 29 and 31.

The Board of Selectmen voted on April 12.

Petition asks for new voices Two separate citizen petitions to consider new ZBA applicants were submitted to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) in advance of their March 22 meeting.

“The practice of repeatedly reappointing board members who have presided for more than ten years while turning away new volunteers is creating a noticeable imbalance of influence on how our town is governed,” one such petition stated.

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During later BOS discussion on April 12, Perreault said the petition represented a small percentage of residents, whose addresses were confined to areas in town which had contentious issues relating to land use.

Incumbents selected after discussion In the end, incumbents Fran Bakstran and Mark Rutan were reappointed. One new applicant, Suzanne Cieslica, was recommended for the alternate seat unanimously. Selectmen

Julianne Hirsh did not vote in favor of the reappointments and Selectmen Leslie Rutan recused herself from voting as her husband was one of the incumbents.

Cieslica’s prior experience as an attorney includes commercial and residential real estate, working closely with New York state municipalities, zoning boards, planning boards and town boards, as well as with residents.

John Wixted, Jonathan Rea, and Ashley Davies were also new applicants.

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During the interview deliberations, Perreault said that Davies’s professional experience made her the most qualified applicant.

She holds a Juris Doctor and is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. For the past 10 years, she has been a conservation specialist and has built collaborative relationships with surrounding towns. She has extensive knowledge of agriculture conservation and zoning bylaw interpretation.

She is currently serving on the Northborough Open Space Committee and on the Master Plan Implementation Commit-

tee (MPIC).

Perreault, however, said on March 31 that it would be “too much of a load to also have her serve on the ZBA,” and said that her qualifications would serve the town better in her role on the MPIC. Rea was reached for comment and said he thought the new applicants were more qualified than the incumbents.

“The best interest of the town is to have the most qualified candidates in the roles and the process failed,” he said. “The interviews and subsequent deliberation being in public domain on YouTube exposed that fair consideration is not given to candidates challenging incumbents.”

New members at the Zoning Board typically serve as an alternate to develop knowledge before transitioning to the full role.

“ZBA requires a significant amount of knowledge and familiarity with zoning bylaws and …understanding the legal framework in which you operate in order to arrive at sound decisions,” said Perreault.

Shrewsbury TD Bank robbed Robbery | from page 1

ers were injured during the incident.

Multiple officers responded to the scene. However, the suspect had fled prior to officers arriving.

Police built a description of the robbery suspect thanks primarily to witness statements, their release stated.

Approximately 17 minutes after first reports of the robbery came in, Worcester Po-

lice located and detained the suspect on Myrtle Street in Worcester. Shrewsbury officers and detectives responded, identified the man as the suspect, and placed him under arrest.

As of 11:30 a.m. on April 7, Shrewsbury police are identifying this suspect as Stephen Waterman, age 53, of 13 South Main Street, Troy NH. Waterman is being charged with Unarmed Robbery.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

EDC planning Westborough’s post-pandemic business recovery

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – Westborough intends to leverage the state’s “Local Rapid Recovery Plan” to make it easier for downtown businesses to bounce back from the effects of COVID-19, Economic Development Coordinator Zach Boughner said April 1.

That goal and others were highlighted in a presentation by Boughner during an Economic Development Committee meeting.

This plan is part of a broader effort by Gov. Charlie Baker to help strengthen local economies following the shock of the still ongoing pandemic.

Business surveys get underway This month Westborough is working with Hagerty Consulting on the first step in this process --data collecting.

Boughner said that he and EDC members Allen Edinberg and Pete Allen have started “face-to-face door knocking to drum up knowledge” and distribute a business survey within a designated downtown business area.

The survey answers will speak to specific needs businesses have in the wake of the pandemic.

Allen said that he has received mostly positive feedback from business owners about participating in the survey.

“They feel it is an easy ask and are glad to be asked,” he explained.

Hagerty consultants are also “on the ground,” collecting data and making site visits, Boughner said.

A report on the findings is expected at the end of April.

Town eyes projects, recovery initiatives The second phase of this Rapid Recovery Plan involves identifying specific projects or initiatives the town can consider to help recover. A recommendation on initiatives would take place in mid to late June, Boughner said.

By the end of July, there should be a draft plan that recommends about five projects that reflect Westborough’s recovery needs.

Town officials want to make sure stakeholders are supportive and then “put a bow on it and wrap it up,” added Boughner.

Westborough considers other recovery measures Coming out of COVID-19, the EDC wants to not only help the business community recover.

It wants to expand that community.

Specifically, through more outreach, the EDC plans to update and maintain its business directory and web site, boost marketing, advance grant

programs and distribute newsletters and other promotional materials.

Along those same lines, board members are considering reviving Westborough’s Ambassador Program. That past effort sought to cultivate inroads with area businesses as “ambassadors” interfaced with local owners.

These days, though, EDC

members said that it is difficult to get business leaders to engage without a “value proposition,” offered in return.

“They don’t have time for general chit chat,” said EDC member Jim Robbins. “We have to come armed with reasons why they should give us their time and [say] what we can do to give them a competitive advantage to help their busi-

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Edinberg also talked about taking a more regional approach in order to potentially find businesses in the Greater Boston area that may want to relocate or expand into Westborough.

The EDC is also hoping to diversify its membership to involve a better mix of staff and community members.

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WESTBOROUGH – An April 6 hearing moderated by the Department of Public Health offered the most extensive public discussion yet in an already complex debate over a proposed out- The front façade of Marlborough Hospital patient Mass General stands just outside of Downtown.

Brigham (MGB) care feared MGB could drive up the clinic in Westborough. overall cost of care in the reMGB wants to build its clinic, gion by posting high prices for offering surgery, primary care, services. behavioral health, orthopedics, Collectively, Fernandez addneurology, diagnostic imaging ed, this expansion project would and other specialty care at 1400 bring 1,000 construction and West Park Dr., just off Route 9. health care jobs to the three sites The Integrated Health Care of across the state. Roughly 300 of MGB is also planning two other those would be in Westborough. outpatient centers in Woburn “We’re steadfast in our reand Salem, N.H., in addition to solve to put patients at the an expansion effort at its existcenter of our decision-making,” ing Westwood facility. In WestFernandez said. borough, MGB’s proposal is currently in the “determination UMass continues of need phase” at the state level. opposition to clinic On the UMass side of things, Broad field of callers join the majority of callers against DPH hearing this proposal discussed those The majority of callers April aforementioned concerns about 6 represented UMass Memorial the cost of health care. They Health Care, its medical center also worried this facility could and Marlborough Hospital, as threaten the sustainability of well as imaging facilities such as UMass’ hospitals, as well as its Shields MRI in Worcester, which medical school in Worcester. also has an outpatient surgery Several speakers said the center in Shrewsbury. presence of a Westborough Other participants included facility would further expand legislators, representatives of existing inequities and separate nursing, construction and other the “haves” from the “haveunions, local human services ornots.”

They elaborated, explainganizations as well as some local ing they feared MGB would patients who currently travel to cater to higher-income people Boston for care. while leaving low-income individuals and people of color MGB makes expanded behind. case for clinic That could damage UMass, Making the case for his orspeakers like Worcester District ganization and its efforts, John 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera Fernandez, president of MGB’s said, because as a “safety net” Integrated Health Care and hospital, UMass only makes 60 Mass Eye and Ear, discussed the to 65 cents out of each dollar of benefits of having comprehentreatment given to uninsured, sive mental and physical health Medicaid or Medicare patients. care services under one roof.

UMass makes the money up He explained that MGB thanks to patients with comcurrently has 42,000 patients mercial insurers who pay at within a 20-mile radius of this higher rates.

But hospital execuWestborough site and noted tives worry this MGB site could that because this clinic would pull those patients away. not be a hospital setting, costs John Kelly, Chief Operating would be lower than at other Officer at Marlborough Hospifacilities even within the MGB tal, said many of the proposed network. services at MGB’s clinic would That directly addressed a be identical to what is already concern raised before this hearoffered in the area. That would ing took place when UMass mean UMass and MGB would Memorial Executives told the suddenly start competing for Marlborough City Council they MGB | 9

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Stakeholders offer expanded cases for, against, MGB care clinic in Westborough Head | from page 8

both patients and health care workers, he said.

Eric Dickson, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, questioned the location of the proposed sites across the state, among other things, noting, “It basically amounts to cherry-picking at the expense of poor and underserved populations and communities of color in central Massachusetts.”

Westborough residents offer support to MGB

As UMass voices spoke at length, the project did have its own supporters outside of MGB staff.

Westborough Board of Selectmen Chairman Allen Edinberg discussed a possible economic boost this would give to the town. He also praised the convenience it would offer people who now travel to Boston for care.

Westborough resident Candace Roderick echoed similar arguments, describing her family’s trips to Boston for care at

Tufts Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham as they sought treatment for her daughter’s brain tumor and stroke.

She said it would save a lot of time and money and be great to have the therapy and specialty services in their own community.

“We need MGB to come to Westborough,” she said, adding

that opponents to the project should “come and travel with us…Live our life for a month, and you’d be on my side.”

Tom Sequist, Chief Patient Experience and Equity Officer at MGB, took issue with comments that the outpatient center would increase inequities and make access difficult for people of color.

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Southborough weighs promotions for part-time Board of Health workers

By Sara Brown Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - The Southborough Board of Health would like to make its three part-time staff positions into full-time positions as it faces what it describes as overwhelming community needs especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Selectmen are worried taxpayers won’t go for a 100 percent increase in the board’s budget at town meeting later this year.

Board of Health makes case for full-time positions The Board of Health currently employs a public health director, a public health nurse and an administrative assistant.

All those individuals work some variation of a part-time schedule.

“We are poorly positioned to deal with the spread of this illness or any illness,” Board Chair Mary Lou Woodford said during an April 6 selectmen meeting.

Woodford explained the town has “underinvested” in its public health for “too long” and said Southborough is at risk of losing its current public health director if it does not convert that position into a full-time gig.

“I don’t think you all comprehend how stressed this department is,” she said, addressing Selectmen. “I know everyone is stressed but we are the ones that are dealing with the pandemic head on.”

Selectmen offered their compassion but reiterated concerns about passing a budget increase.

“I think we all understand the Board of Health’s position,” Chair Martin Healey said. “Still, more than a 100 percent in-

“American Indian physician,” he said MGB is committed to diversity and anti-racism and is “working to reimagine the patient experience” for all people with “dignity, equity and clinical excellence.”

Callers April 6 collectively expressed a need for more input while calling for an unbiased cost analysis before this proposal moves any further.

crease from last year is a bit of a jolt.”

Vice chair Lisa Braccio wondered if there was a staggered way to add the full-time positions over multiple years.

“It’s a big bite for taxpayers to take,” she said. “I am trying to find balance.”

Federal aid money introduces funding variable Selectmen Chelsea Malinowski proposed the town hold an additional fall town meeting to allow voters to weigh in on positions then.

This way, Malinowski suggested, Southborough could fund full-time jobs with federal funding and special stimulus aid until at least the end of 2021.

Malinowski’s colleagues suggested this could be risky, saying that if the town doesn’t vote for the positions and if it can’t find additional funding, it could lose its health workers at the end of the year.

Regardless, Selectmen agreed to continue to look into that idea moving forward.

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Earth Day Calendar: Region rallies for conservation, beautification

Fire departments receive safety grants

REGION - Earth Day in 2021 will look different due to COVID-19.

But local organizations are still eyeing Thursday, April 22 and the weekend directly after it as a rally point for ongoing conservation and beautification efforts.

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

Northborough/ Southborough hosts Earth Day Poster Contest - Due Friday, April 30 Youth in Northborough and Southborough can celebrate Earth Day through a cross-town arts project this month.

Contestants must create a poster on 8.5 by 11 inch paper focusing on either Earth Day or the theme “Restore our Earth.”

Judges will split submissions between Northborough and Southborough public schools to then choose one winning poster from each school.

Home-schooled children are encouraged to apply and will be grouped by age.

Learn more at: https://www. southboroughtown.com/ conservation-commission/ news/2021-earth-day-postercontest.

Shrewsbury hosts Annual Town Clean Up - April 24 The group Keep Shrewsbury Beautiful will host its Annual Town Clean-up Saturday, April 24.

Interested participants can sign up to clean a chosen spot in town. They can then drop off what they collect at a designated pickup location.

Supplies will be available at Shrewsbury Town Hall from 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Learn more at: https:// www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0e45a8a72da2ff2shrewsbury.

Southborough Rotary Club hosts BioBlitz initiative April 24 - 25 Budding naturalists can par-

ticipate in the Southborough Rotary Club’s 2021 BioBlitz event.

Running Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, April 25, BioBlitz calls on local residents to download the “iNaturalist app” and start exploring their surroundings.

A free phone application, iNaturalist allows users to try to identify plants and animals they see. Given a specimen, the app will offer a number of likely candidates, then asking the user to identify one.

A “real” naturalist will then vet and verify whether the choice was correct.

“There is more diversity out there than you can imagine and getting to know some of it will improve anyone’s life,” Rotary Club Member Carl Guyer wrote in a message to the Community Advocate explaining the effort.

From 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Rotarians will be present at the Breakneck Hill Conservation Land and Chestnut Farm trailheads to provide “socially distanced” assistance to those who decide to explore these lands.

REGION - Six area fire departments will soon get new equipment thanks to over $90,000 in state grant funding doled out this month.

D e p a r t m e n t s The Northborough Fire Department stands near originally applied downtown. Northborough is one of several for cash to buy up communities receiving a series of state grants to pay for equipment upgrades.

114 different types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, thermal imaging cameras, extrication equipment and more.

With a state announcement, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough and Shrewsbury fire departments all learned they would be receiving money.

“The firefighters of the Commonwealth are true heroes, and they face a tremendous amount of risk every time they respond to a call,” State Senator Michael Moore, whose district includes Shrewsbury, wrote in a press release announcing this. “Therefore, it is crucial that we provide them with the proper resources so that they can be as protected as possible from the hazards they face while on the job.”

This is part of a larger program now sending $4 million in grants to 294 departments across Massachusetts.

This program, in turn, is part of a $25 million state bond bill focused on promoting firefighter safety over the next five years.

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FROM PAGE 1 Cub Scouts celebrate milestone amid COVID-19 Scouts | from page 1

The Arrow of Light sticks with Scouts for years. As Bramley noted, its patch remains the only such Cub Scout patch worn on a Scout’s official uniform after rising to the level of Boy Scout.

For all the fanfare, though, this year’s event underwent changes due to COVID-19.

due to COVID-19, this continued an ongoing trend.

Local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts have been able to host some events, going on trips and gathering for some small regular meetings.

But other dates normally circled on the schedule have changed form or been postponed.

Westborough EDC raises concerns about Climate Action Plan

PHOTOS/JESSE KUCEWICZ

“It was pretty quick just because we’re limited on some of the things that we normally do,” Bramley explained.

Gone was a traditional banquet celebration. In its place was an abbreviated half hour version of the core Arrow of Light traditions.

In a year of compromise

Above: Parents look on as this year’s Pack 100 Cub Scouts complete their Arrow of Light Ceremony.

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Task Force drafts climate plan The Climate Action Plan Task Force has been working on this document for roughly a year.

It offers guidance on how to help achieve a state’s initiative to eliminate use of fossil fuels by 2050.

Although the measures would not initially be mandatory, Dunbeck said they would align with what will be state mandates in the future.

For example, goals include having 20 percent of cars and trucks be fully electric by 2030.

All vehicles sold after 2035 would then be electric. The committee wants to see at least 25 percent of local households install electric heat pumps as their primary source of heat by 2030. Likewise, the Committee hopes Westborough can halve the proportion of its electricity needs coming from fossil fuel sources by 2030.

EDC concerned about current proposal During his presentation at an

Left: Cub Scouts participate in their Arrow of Light Ceremony.

***PHOTO TO COME*** PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH - The Economic Development Committee is not prepared to offer its support for a proposed Climate Action Plan without first getting substantial feedback from the business community.

Climate Action Plan Task Force Chair Peter Dunbeck has been making presentations to various Westborough committees to get letters of support for the comprehensive plan. On April 1, though, EDC members raised concerns.

Cars drive down Route 9 in Westborough. A new Climate Action Plan calls for 20 percent of cars and trucks sold after 2030 to be fully electric.

April 1 EDC meeting, Dunbeck said it is important to be sensitive to community members, recognizing that these changes will impact everyone differently, including businesses.

He said his group’s plan will provide information about state incentives and regulatory changes that reinforce this transition to 2050 compliant equipment. The idea he said is to prepare businesses for the transitions that are coming.

The town could also later assist businesses through the process of improving buildings, transportation and energy supplies, Dunbeck said.

In response, EDC member Todd Alexander reiterated that the role of the EDC is to promote business in Westborough. He feared that landlords or tenants may have concerns about tackling the transition locally and regard the EDC as doing the opposite of its mission.

EDC member Fred Lonardo said he’s already heard “pushback” from commercial and industrial landowners who would be more prepared to accept the measures if they are

done uniformly regionally and state-wide.

However, “they are not looking to be the forefront on this with their industry in Westborough,” Lonardo said.

EDC takes open-ended stance on plan Dunbeck noted that the Climate Action Plan Task Force’s work is done and he did not see a need to wait any longer as “time is of the essence to move to the implementation phase.”

Initially, the idea was to get EDC feedback by the April 13 Board of Selectmen’s meeting when a vote is planned.

In light of concerns and discussion about dates and involving business stakeholders in the input, Dunbeck suggested the EDC keep its stance on the matter “open ended,” and do sufficient outreach over a period of six months.

EDC member and Town Planner Jim Robbins said that he expected the Planning Board to have a similar reaction to this plan when the Task Force presents again later this month.

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury Planning Board discusses zoning articles slated for town meeting

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter

Warrant article proposes changes to Town Center Zoning District The first article seeks to amend the map of the new Town Center Zoning District where a “limited business district” used to be. Town meeting adopted the new district last year.

“What we did not do, which was an administrative oversight on our part, was that we didn’t indicate what happens to those parts of the limited business that were not in the new Town Center District,” Cahill explained.

The article will reclassify small sections along the border of the district that were limited business and revert them back to adjacent zoning districts – Residential B1 or B2, depending on location.

Cahill said that the property owners affected have been notified. There have not been any comments to date.

Bylaw on home additions could change The second of the three articles seeks to amend a part of the town zoning bylaw on “continuance of existing uses” by adding “other than

Warrant article seeks clarification for residents, developers The final article amends seek to clarify a separate set of text for developers and residents.

Cahill remarked that the town proposes to change the text of VII.C – Accessory Uses (sheds, detached garages and swimming pools, etc.) to a table format.

He said that residents and developers found the current language confusing. The proposed change is much clearer, he said.

SCREENSHOT COURTESY SHREWSBURYMA.GOV

SHREWSBURY – Voters will weigh in on a trio of zoning bylaw changes at town meeting later this year.

Town Planner Bernard Cahill reviewed the relevant warrant articles while speaking with the Planning Board April 1. The Planning Board subsequently opened and continued a public hearing to its May 6 meeting.

a single or two-family home” to the language of the bylaw.

Currently, if one wishes to increase a non-conforming structure by more than 50 percent they would need a special permit and a variance. However, Cahill has been advised by Town Counsel that according to current case law, the variance is no longer required by the courts in Massachusetts.

The existing Shrewsbury zoning map may undergo minor changes following a series of Town Meeting votes, this year.

Planning Board responds to zoning change presentation The Board convened a public hearing to discuss this presentation, but there were no public comments.

The Board’s comments were few but agreeable.

Steven Boulay, chair, inquired if there might be other opportunities to use table charts in other bylaws.

Cahill responded “yes,” and said that it is a trend he is seeing in other communities.

Town Meeting is currently scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at Oak Middle School.

Southborough officials debate whether to expand IT department

By Sara Brown Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH – Continuing budget discussions centered on a debate over IT staffing in Southborough, April 6.

As selectmen are still reviewing a variety of town departments’ budgets for the 2022 fiscal year, they emphasize that they’re trying to avoid headaches for taxpayers and employees during an already tough financial time.

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ogy department recently hired a full-time IT manager to fill a vacant position. That manager will be starting soon.

In their budget the team has also marked money for a part-time technician position that would work 19.5 hoursper-week.

Individuals in town government have, over the years, debated whether to convert that existing part-time position into a full-time one aimed at keeping the IT department updated and meeting the demands of the town.

However, town officials are now hesitant to make the change.

Town Administrator Mark Purple suggested that the Board should put more money aside for contracted services this year. That would give Southborough’s incoming IT manager flexibility to evaluate whether he actually needs extra hours from a technician.

If he determines that is necessary, Purple suggested, the IT department could supplement its needs with contracted services for the next year.

Then, it could request more money next year.

“I always get worried when we add new positions because they become embedded in the budget,” Purple said during an April 6 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Town brainstorms price tag for new position According to Purple, a new full-time IT position would cost the town an additional $60,000.

Using contracted services, in comparison, would lower that price tag as Southborough would not need to pay full-time benefits to a new employee.

“This would give [the IT Manager] a year and [then we can] strategize from there,” Selectmen Brian Shea said, supporting Purple’s suggestion.

Like Shea, Vice Chair Lisa Braccio similarly liked the idea of at least temporarily using contracted services in place of a new position.

“I am not ready to add another benefited position,” she said. “I think it’s imperative to get the new person on board and allow them the flexibility to decide what they think the department needs.”

Selectman Sam Stivers, however, disagreed.

“I think the need is abundantly clear,” he said. “It seems to me to be prudent to get to two people as soon as possible. I would rather not wait a full year.”

He elaborated, saying, “The faster we get to two people, the safer we are in terms of the risks we are facing everyday here.”

Purple defended his approach, saying it was the most “bloodless” one.

“We are better off going this way [as opposed to] looking at a new position and saying it’s not what we thought it would be and now we are going to impact someone’s life and get rid of the position to move into a different direction,” he said. “ The Board of Selectmen will be meeting with the advisory committee next week to continue discussing the budget.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Marlborough recalls shoemaking boom City was once a global capital of industry

By Brett Peruzzi Contributing Writer

Samuel Boyd pushes development Brodeur is a long-time Marlborough resident and local historian, and a former trustee of the Marlborough Historical Society who has his own website about local history.

He credits businessman Samuel Boyd with jumpstarting the shoemaking boom. “[He was the] father of the city,” Brodeur said. “He was personally responsible for building the infrastructure of the city in the 19th century, mostly at his own expense.”

In 1835, Boyd and his brother Joseph started their shoe business. Previously, shoemaking had been a solo endeavor, with shoemakers sometimes traveling between towns to make one pair of shoes at a time for specific customers.

Within two years of 1835, though, other companies had been started alongside Boyd’s effort. The nascent industry employed 150 people in Marlborough and produced over

Marlborough shoe workers circa late 19th century.

100,000 pairs of shoes in 1837. The upward trend then continued.

Assembly lines and mechanization drive growth Boyd introduced the concept of “shoemaking by team,” an early version of a factory assembly line. A few years later, Boyd partnered with a friend, Thomas Co- Rice & Hutchins shoe factory in 1902. rey, to found the troops during the Civil War. Boyd & Corey shoe company It was during the war years as the next step in his career. that the John A. Frye Shoe Co. The next decade marked formed. the beginning of the “machine age.” Production skyrocketed as Workers’ strike initiates sewing and pegging machines decline dramatically increased the Paul Brodeur said locals in number of shoes a factory could the 1870s believed Boyd’s factoturn out in a day. ry was the largest in the world.

By 1855, Marlborough was “Many of the early owners of producing two million pairs of the more than 20 factories [in shoes and boots a year.

Marlborough] learned from But that wasn’t the ceiling. him,” Brodeur said.

The 1860s brought further auImmigrants, mostly from tomation in the form of steam Quebec, Italy, Ireland and power. That led Marlborough Greece, poured into Marlborto become one of the major ough to work in the shoe factosuppliers of boots for Union ries. The industry grew in kind.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MARLBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MARLBOROUGH – Before 1835, shoe manufacturing did not exist in Marlborough. A halfcentury later, the city boasted more than two dozen shoe companies and was believed to be the second-largest producer of shoes and boots in the world.

“In many ways, the making of shoes was solely responsible for turning Marlborough from an agricultural town focusing on apples to an industrial city,” local historian Paul Brodeur recently told the Community Advocate.

The original John Frye shoe shop was founded during the Civil War.

But labor unrest around the turn of the 20th century dealt a blow less than a decade after Marlborough became a city in 1890.

“The Great Shoe Strike of 1898 and 1899 shut down production and crippled the industry,” Brodeur said.

“The entire city was adversely affected, and the growth of the city stopped entirely,” he added.

People sold their homes.

Businesses closed and sold their facilities. Those workers who immigrated expressly to work in the factories struggled.

Shoe era ends in Marlborough While more shoe companies continued to open during the first half of the 20th century, increasingly they could not compete with factories in faraway locations where wages were much lower.

The businesses that had fueled Marlborough’s growth and prosperity began to shut

down.

In 1982, Frye Boot moved its manufacturing out of the city.

The final survivor, Marlborough Footware, which had started less than 20 years earlier in 1963, then also left.

The nearly century-and-ahalf legacy of shoe manufacturing in Marlborough was over.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ARHS student newspaper continues to be platform for student voices

“

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - The Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) student run, nationally recognized newspaper, The Harbinger, had to make pandemic adjustments this year and shift to a full online format.

Even so, it continues to be a hands-on learning experience for students—one which strives to engage student voices and enhance a sense of school community.

National recognition received The Harbinger has received consistent recognition over the years for individual stories and overall excellence.

It was honored with the 2021 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown for print and website for the 2019-2020

Lindsay Coppens Adviser

Harbinger Editors-in-Chief Karthik Yalala and Aaliyah Yan work recently at Algonquin High School.

school year.

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“It’s nice recognition for the

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The focus has been on website improvements, increased online content, and promoting articles on social media platforms.

Coverage continues to reach a varied audience with a mix of

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hard work they do,” said Adviser Lindsay Coppens. “It puts you on the map…it keeps the bar high.”

The Harbinger staff delves into important, sometimes controversial topics that have a direct effect on the school community. Upcoming topics include racism and the impact of increased local industrial development near Algonquin.

Editors-in-Chief Aaliyah Yan and Karthik Yalala, both ARHS seniors, are proud of both the accomplishments of the 30 member staff as well as the ways they have adapted to this unusual school year.

“One of our biggest responsibilities is to give people a voice who wouldn’t normally have a voice,” said Yan. “It’s so powerful for us to do.”

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meaningful, important and fun topics.

Coppens said the paper is not just for students. She described it as a great source of information for anyone seeking to “understand what is going on with teenagers in the community today.”

However, there is one thing that is missing this year – the excitement and energy that comes as students and staff scramble for the print copy.

“I miss seeing others reading the print issue,” said Yalala.

“You don’t get that same unity by having everything online.”

A special Class of 2021 print edition is being planned.

Students have passion for their work This work requires effort.

“It takes hours and hours of time to produce a free product for the school and community that they are dedicated to,” said Coppens. “They are doing it in their free time on top of vigorous schedules, sports, and work.”

Coppens also said that many real world elements play into the editorial staff roles. These include collaboration, communicating, organizing, budget balancing and relationship building.

Students who take “Journalism” as an elective class become contributors to the paper and often remain on the staff to work up to leadership roles.

“I’m glad I got pulled into it sophomore year,” said Yan. “It never was on my radar.”

Subscriptions and advertisement sales help to defray the $7,000 per year cost to produce 6-8 issues in a typical year.

Story ideas, letters to the editors, and feedback are welcome at arhsharbinger@gmail.com.

Follow The Harbinger at www. arhsharbinger.com, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 15

PUP

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Profile

Shrewsbury School Committee adopts revised school calendar avoiding Rosh Hashana

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – Schools Superintendent Joseph Sawyer presented a revised 20212022 school calendar to the Shrewsbury School Committee, March 24.

Since the calendar was initially proposed to the committee, March 10, Sawyer said his office received several calls from residents concerned that the original start date of September 7 was also the Jewish High Holy Day of Rosh Hashanah.

Sawyer told the School Committee that this was an oversight on his part.

“Given the importance of the first day of school, it would not be appropriate to have our Jewish students and staff members who observe Rosh Hashanah to miss that [first] day,” remarked Sandra Fryc, committee chair, after the

“

Given the importance of the first day of school, it would not be appropriate to have our Jewish students and staff members who observe Rosh Hashanah to miss that [first] day.

Sandra Fryc Committee chair

meeting, acknowledging the need for Sawyer’s calendar change.

The district has a longstanding policy of holding school on “the myriad of religious holidays” observed by families and staff. Further, though, students who miss school for religious observances do so without penalty and are provided with ample opportunity to make up missed work.

“This proposed calendar

follows state law regarding not holding school on legal holidays… which is structured according to the recommendations made in January 2016 by a Calendar Committee composed of staff and parents,” Sawyer said in a new memo to the School Committee dated March 24.

The revised calendar now lists Wednesday, Sept. 1 as the first day of school. Barring any snow days, the academic year will conclude on June 15, 2022.

Speaking, March 24, Sawyer noted that, should there be any snow days pushing the calendar out beyond June 20, the newly minted state holiday of Juneteenth would be observed on that date because June 19 (the date of the holiday) falls on a Sunday.

Alongside Juneteenth, this new calendar draft also includes added language of “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” “It is my recommendation that this title be added to the Columbus Day holiday entry, so that it reads ‘Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day,’” Sawyer said.

That approach, he noted, includes the legal name of the holiday under Massachusetts law that requires schools to be closed, while also recognizing indigenous people.

The Committee voted unanimously to adopt the calendar.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Students in quarantine have range of options for learning, superintendent says

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Schools preserve remote learning options At all grade levels, a variety of options will take place for students needing unexpected remote learning. Those options include targeted Zoom lessons, updated Google Classroom instruction, livestreams, teacher office hours and extra help ses-

COVID-19 cases persist in Westborough schools Reviewing data from March 29 to April 1, Bock said 96 students had been identified as having been in close contact with COVID-19 patients. Of those, 90 students and staff were placed in quarantine.

The high school had the most students in contact with 64, followed by 15 at Armstrong Elementary, 13 at Gibbons Middle School, three at the Mill Pond School and one at Fales Elementary.

Eleven students and one staff member were dismissed with possible symptoms of COVID-19 during that period.

Thirteen students had positive test results while no staff members tested positive.

All COVID-19 data, updated

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH - Superintendent Amber Bock recently tried to quell concerns about the continuity of services for students who need to quarantine due to COVID-19.

Now that the Westborough Schools are returning to fulltime in person learning, Bock told the School Committee April 7 that in grades K-3, a whole class is considered a close contact and shifts to remote learning whenever contact tracers identify a relevant coronavirus case.

That practice will soon be reviewed by the Board of Health.

sions, Bock said.

“There’s a range of ways to interact to sustain learning through the quarantine cycle,” Bock noted. “It’s expected that [quarantining] will be part of our life through the close of the year.”

A sign encourages Westborough High School students to stay strong during the pandemic. The school is eyeing its in-person reopening soon.

on Fridays, can be found on the school department’s website.

Contact tracing continues Nurses and teachers are continually calling parents to convey contact exposure information.

In light of that, Bock asked that people remain respectful, understanding that they may feel frightened, frustrated or angry when they receive the news.

School Committee member

Lisa Edinberg said a major anxiety these days comes from not knowing how a student will thrive in quarantine when they are put there because of a close contact. She said that she’s been asked why the district isn’t livestreaming all meetings so that “no opportunities will be missed.”

Bock replied that administrators are working with teachers to make sure all students feel supported.

Student representative Kyla Kamugu said that students will feel mental health impacts as they return to school after being out for so long. She, likewise, questioned what would be done for the cohort of students who remain in remote learning and “feeling neglected and left out” as they miss the in-person experience.

Bock said that the district’s neediest students are getting the support services they require while teachers and counselors are working with families and students based on individual experiences.

“You can have a lot of people around you and still be struggling,” Bock said. “We know who needs help and will keep sharing resources with them.”

Earlier in the meeting, Bock noted that the district is holding funds back for the purpose of developing “strategic interventions,” and more support to address students’ emotional needs in the next school year. Additional hiring may occur.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 17

HOME

Upgrade Your Home, Downgrade Energy Usage 7 efficient home improvement projects Family Features -

T

he best home upgrades not only make spaces more livable and energy-efficient but are also cost-effective. Making energy-efficient improvements is a savvy way to save money on utility bills, curb energy usage and add to the house’s value.

Consider a variety of home improvement projects, both big and small, that can reduce the financial burden of maintaining your home throughout the year and improve energy efficiency.

Add Insulation A cost-effective way to save on heating and cooling bills is

adding a layer of insulation in the attic where heat loss is typically greatest due to hot air rising. While many newer homes are adequately insulated, those that are several decades old (or older) may benefit from an upgrade in not only the attic but other common problem areas where air can escape such as Energy | 18

Skylights are a cost-effective option for transforming any room in the home with natural light while also delivering energy-saving benefits.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

HOME

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Upgrade Your Home, Downgrade Energy Usage

Replace Appliances Because appliances like refrigerators and ovens, among others, are major energy users, investing in more efficient models provides both cost and energy savings. Additionally, homes more than 15 years old could benefit from updates to the air conditioner or heater as systems 15-20 years old or older may be candidates for replacement as they’re inefficient by today’s standards.

7 efficient home improvement projects Energy | from page 17

basements, crawl spaces, fireplaces and ductwork.

Seal Doors and Windows Windows and doors are common culprits for energy loss. While a complete replacement of doors and windows can be pricey, adding exterior caulk and weather stripping to fill in gaps where air can escape around these openings can make a noticeable difference for a fraction of the cost and make it cheaper to heat and cool your home.

Install Skylights Skylights are a cost-effective option for transforming any room in the home with natural light while also delivering energy-saving benefits. For example, Sun Tunnel Skylights from Velux can be installed in

as little as 90 minutes and funnel natural light from the roof through the attic and into the room below with an aesthetic that resembles recessed lighting. Customizable with six diffuser film styles to complement interior design, the skylights can make a home more energy-efficient by reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

An optional daylight controller makes it easy for homeowners to adjust natural light entering a room, and a solar nightlight provides a moon-like guiding light at night. Installed with the solar nightlight, the skylights qualify for a 26% federal tax credit on solar property.

Add Reflective Window Film When the sun shines through windows, it can heat up the home’s interior quickly

Sun Tunnel Skylights from Velux can be installed in as little as 90 minutes and funnel natural light from the roof through the attic and into the room below.

and trigger the air conditioner to turn on. Window coverings, such as blackout curtains, can help, but adding low-e reflective window film to your windowpanes, particularly southern-facing ones, can provide an additional shield from the sun’s hot rays and reduce energy costs.

Install a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to control the climate inside your home, and those with smart

technology take programming to a whole new level.

Today’s smart thermostats not only let homeowners control temperatures from their smart devices while on-the-go but can also learn daily habits and adjust the temperature accordingly with no other manual adjustments necessary. In addition, some utility companies offer incentives like money back at the end of the year for installing a smart thermostat because the energy savings are so substantial.

Add Ceiling Fans In comparison to running your air conditioner consistently, the cost of running a ceiling fan (or several) is significantly less. Particularly on days that may not require cooling the entire house completely, fans can provide a gentle breeze and circulate air in the spaces you use most often.

Simply adjust the switch to the counterclockwise position to ensure it’s pushing air downward during warmer months.

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SOURCE: VELUX

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 19

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Lawn aeration

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Q

: I had a remodeling project going on in the back of my house. The project is done, but the tractors, wheelbarrows and other equipment did a lot of damage to the grass in the side yard and backyard. At the time of the remodeling, it was too early to fix the yard.

I know I need to reseed, but what else should I do?

A

: Fixing the soil is as important as adding new grass plants. If the work was done when the ground was frozen, there probably wasn’t too much compaction of the soil. The same goes for a warm area if the soil was dry. If the soil was damp and the equipment was compacting the soil, then core aeration is needed.

Grass seed will have a hard time growing roots into in a compacted soil. Any tree or shrub roots growing under the compacted soil will also have been adversely affected.

Most lawn and garden soils are supposed to act like sponges. They have large pores for water to drain through and small pores to hold water. The large pores allow air to move into the soil supplying roots with oxygen. A compacted soil is like a sponge that is smashed down. There are very few large pores, so water doesn’t move through the soil, and there is practically no air for the roots.

Compacted soil does not provide conditions for healthy plants.

Core aeration improves oxygen, nutrient and water movement into the soil. It is best done during the season when grass is actively growing. The cores should be removed 2 to 3 inches apart and 5 or 6 inches deep, if possible. If the tines on the machine are farther apart, then multiple passes are

required. To get them in deep, make sure the soil is damp but not too wet.

Leave the soil cores on the lawn to decompose naturally.

Adding a thin layer of compost on the lawn will help improve the soil even more. The grass seed can be spread right after the aeration, or it can wait a few days for the cores to break down.

Keep the soil damp for the seeds to sprout and then water as necessary. A starter fertilizer can also be used. The fertilizer will also help any of the existing grass crowns to grow and spread.

Apply the seeds to an area wider than what is necessary for the lawn repair. You can even plant the seeds over the whole lawn. The seed mix will have different varieties of grass than the existing lawn. If you just apply the seeds to the areas needing repair, you might see two different colors and types of grass. If you spread the seeds out into the areas that don’t need repair, the colors and visual differences between the old and new grasses will blend in better.

Does your side yard need to be grass? If you don’t use it for anything except access into the backyard, then maybe it could be something else. How about a paved path for access, and the rest can be planted into flower beds or vegetables?

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

HOME

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7 Steps to Save Money on a Remodel Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular, but lower-cost countertop materials are available.

Family Features -

E

very homeowner has a defined budget he or she can allocate toward a remodeling project. Even if funds were unlimited, it’s still in a homeowner’s best interest to secure the best value for each dollar invested in a remodeling project, ultimately increasing the value of the home.

1. Determine how far your budget will go.

Create a wish list of everything you want to accomplish.

Disregard cost and simply write down everything you can dream of. Prioritize items from “must haves” to “nice but not necessary.” Find a contractor who will work with you to

PEXELS/MARK MCCAMMON

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association for the Remodeling Industry to help save money on your next project.

determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home.

2. Decide how to handle budget overages.

If you can’t get far enough down the list with the available money, you could choose to stop the process and continue saving, investigate financing options, re-evaluate your wish list or consider material substitutions.

3. Make material selections you can afford.

Every project will have a set of required materials, but there are options when it comes to variety, style and quality. * Cabinets: Subtle changes like forgoing custom rustic

cherry cabinets with plywood cabinet sides for regular cherry cabinets with furniture board sides can achieve the same look at a lower cost. * Countertops: Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular, but advances in the design options for lowercost countertop materials have

rejuvenated their popularity, too. With the proper usage and protection, nearly all countertop materials can support your everyday needs. * Millwork: Painted millwork has dominated the market for many years and solid maple is the preferred choice Remodel | 21

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 21

HOME

&GARDEN Find a contractor who will work with you to determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Remodel | from page 20

because the tight grain allows for a beautiful, smooth surface.

However, the cost is multiple times that of vinyl and equally appealing when finished properly. * Flooring: Advances in synthetic materials make them difficult to distinguish from natural products. Synthetics generally come with lower cost and more durability, making them a simple substitute for natural products like stone, wood, brick and marble.

4. Pay attention to project details.

It’s critical to ensure every detail of labor and material is specified in the agreement with the remodeler. If it’s not included in the written agreement, it’s likely not included in the work scope. Ask your remodeler what labor and materials are not included and determine what additional expenses you’ll likely incur to complete the project.

5. Ask how you can help reduce costs.

Talk to your contractor about tasks or materials you can provide that would reduce

the project cost without affecting its schedule. This might include jobsite clean-up or obtaining certain materials the contractor would otherwise spend considerable time securing.

6. Plan ahead for project timing.

Ask for a potential timeframe for completing the project, as well as any factors that could affect the schedule so you can anticipate costs such as eating out more often while the kitchen is being renovated or renting living or storage space.

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7. Know how you’ll resolve disputes.

Because of the unique stresses induced by remodeling projects, it’s a good idea to determine before you begin how disputes will be resolved, such as adding an arbitration clause to the agreement that eliminates expensive legal representation. A few deep breaths and a solution-minded approach can also save more than money if conflict arises.

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

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Improve Wellness with Affordable Bathroom Upgrades Family Features -

A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC toward creating a healthier lifestyle. These cost-effective measures can turn your bathroom into a more practical, functional space that promotes your well-being.

W

ellness is at the forefront of nearly everyone’s mind, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small, but important, spaces like the bathroom can benefit from changes with wellness in mind.

Switch Up Surfaces The countertops in your bathroom, much like the flooring, must be able to withstand a lot of water.

Nonporous vanity tops, such as those made from quartz, hold up to being wet constantly and can help keep germs from breeding. In addition to being easy to clean, a solid-surface option like quartz never needs to be sealed or polished, making it an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting option.

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Upgrades | 23

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 23

HOME

&GARDEN Upgrades | from page 22

Reduce Humidity All that steam can affect your health in other ways, too, since it creates a humid environment that encourages mold and mildew. A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mildew, therefore benefitting indoor air quality.

Heated towel racks like those from Amba Products come in a variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your decor. For modest accommodations, the Radiant Small is a space-saving choice, and freestanding models are available if wall space is at a premium. Another advantage: Since the racks dry towels, they’ll stay mildew-free longer and don’t need to be washed as often, which helps save valuable natural resources.

A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mildew.

“

A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC toward creating a healthier lifestyle.

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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

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Five Tips to Make Your Bathroom Stand Out

By Michelle Gillespie

E

Michelle Gillespie, REALTOR® MEGA AGENT Direct Line: 508-934-9818 michelle@michellegillespie.com www.michellegillespie.com MICHELLE GILLESPIE REALTORS 10 MAIN STREET, NORTHBOROUGH

very homebuyer has a vision of their perfect house and the rooms inside that are most important to them. Because of their relatively small size in comparison to the rest of a home, bathrooms are often overlooked in the staging process, but for many buyers, it could be the most important room of all.

A bathroom is more than just a place for grooming: it’s a sanctuary. It’s a place where you can relax in a hot bath and escape the stresses of daily life for a few moments at a time.

Updating a tired bathroom is one of the best things you can do to increase a home’s resale value,

and the fixes are not too costly or labor-intensive.

Easy changes inc lude adding new, luxuriouslooking towels, replacing the shower curtain and adding candles around a bathtub. However, with a little more money and effort, your bathroom can become a talking point of the house. Here is a look at five great ways to upgrade a bathroom: BEAUTIFY: By adding decorative glass, stone tile or accents to the bathroom, it will stand out among the other houses that are for sale.

Extra-wide wall tiles are popular these days, and wood cabinets can be beautifully embellished with intricately carved wooden inlays.

a big, soothing tub. By putting in a new tub and creating a spalike atmosphere, you will have buyers imagining themselves washing their cares away.

Adding a massage element to the showerhead or one that replicates rain showers will also appeal to buyers.

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UPDATE FIXTURES: Not as costly as some of the other tips, changing the fixtures in a bathroom can add a great deal. From cabinet handles to faucets, the addition of brushed nickel or other polished metals is always a huge hit. And, if space permits, consider adding a second sink, a popular request from buyers.

BATH & SHOWER: It’s not too often you hear someone complaining about a bathtub being too large, and that’s because there’s nothing better than coming home from a hard day’s work and relaxing in

THINK GREEN: The bathroom is a prime place to start employing those environmentally friendly devices. Installing fixtures that save water, such as a low-flow showerhead, a low-flow faucet aerator and a dualflush toilet, can save thousands of gallons of water each year. Adding energy-efficient windows is another easy option, since the size of bathroom windows is relatively small. Another fix that is both decorative and energy-efficient is the addition of natural stone

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options around the room, especially around the vanity, to reduce shadows and glaring. This is something that isn’t too expensive and can really highlight the positive features of a bathroom.

Mood lighting around the tub area is also increasing in popularity.

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flooring, which helps the bathroom stay cool during the summer and warmer during the winter.

When buyers walk into an updated bathroom that exudes quality and offers an intimate feel, it’s one of the top things that people will remember about a home.

Inventory is so low….

The inventory is so low for Northborough–only 7 homes, Westborough has 3 homes, Marlborough only 8 homes, Shrewsbury with 11 homes and only 4 homes in Hudson. This is an excellent time as a seller to sell your property.

Buyers are looking for new inventory every day, and I receive calls from buyers and agents asking for new inventory. If you are thinking of selling your home, please call or email me.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 25

HOME

&GARDEN

Study for Safety Know the rules and regulations before any home electrical projects

Q

: We are converting our family room into a bedroom and laundry room. I am pretty handy and want to do most of the wiring myself. Are there some common wiring errors I should look out for?

A

: Wiring a room looks like a simple project to do, especially when watching a professional electrician working on a house under construction with framed walls. It appears you just drill some holes in the studs; nail a few conduit boxes in place for lights, outlets and switches; and attach them with wire.

It actually is much more detailed work than it appears.

Unless you have some experience with electrical work, I recommend you invest the money to have it done professionally.

Just one wire overheating inside a finished wall from im-

proper installation can result in a house fire. A fire inside a wall can spread quickly inside the walls before you are aware of it.

If you do want to try it yourself, study all your local wiring codes, and then contact your local building inspectors.

Check to see if you need a permit and if an unlicensed electrician is even allowed to do electrical work. If you are allowed to do the work yourself, it would still be wise to have an inspector come to check your work before the walls are enclosed in order to make sure it meets code.

Keep in mind that if you do

the electrical work, you are responsible for it as long as it exists. If you sell your house 10 years from now and the new owners are injured due to your unlicensed electrical work, you may be liable.

One of the most common wiring mistakes made is drilling clearance holes too close to the edges of a stud. The edge of the hole in the stud should be no closer than 1 1/4 inches from the edge of the stud. This is to keep nails driven into the stud for drywall from reaching and piercing the insulation on the wiring. If a hole must be closer than 1 1/4 inches, a protective metal nail plate must cover that area of the stud edge.

Even though it saves time, don’t group low-voltage, communication and line-voltage (120-volt) lines through the same holes in the studs. Linevoltage wires carrying standard alternating current can cause interference with communication wires, such as ones from a computer or telephone.

Line-voltage wires should always be separated at least 6 inches from other wiring within a wall.

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electric current runs through it.

Switches and connections with wire nuts can get even warmer.

If you group too many wires, switches, etc., into a small conduit box, it may overheat and become a hazard.

Don’t ever hang anything, such as a support for a dropped ceiling or a recessed light fixture, from electrical wiring.

This can stretch and weaken the insulation over time, which may cause higher resistance, overheating or even a short.

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A more serious problem is if a line-voltage line shorts out to a communication or lowvoltage wire. This not only can cause a fire to start but also can destroy any equipment attached to the low-voltage wiring. I have seen the entire low-voltage control system on a furnace destroyed in this way.

Plan all your wiring before purchasing the conduit boxes so you know what size boxes to get. Even the proper-sized wiring can get warm when

C O M F O R T

26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

HOME

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E.W. Gemme & Sons Co. Family business boasts four generations of home improvement experience

By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer

ing than a thrilled customer.”

“Thank you for your excellent work and the superior customer service,” one recent customer testimonial read, backing up that focus. “We are so happy, and we look forward to working with you in the spring.”

GRAFTON -

E

.W. Gemme & Sons Co., Inc., a family-owned and operated business since 1907, offers quality interior/exterior painting, carpentry, power washing and more. Their exemplary workmanship extends to Worcester County and the surrounding towns while being based in Grafton.

The company history is rich.

Family patriarch Paul Gemme came to Worcester from New Bedford in 1907. There, he started a family painting business. His second-oldest son eventually took over the company, only to see his work interrupted by World War II. Decades later, in 1970, Roger Gemme took the baton only to recently appoint his son Rene as E.W Gemme’s latest President/Treasurer.

A business unlike the others There are many things that make this particular business stand out from others who might offer similar services.

Notably, the company has certifications from the EPA for lead licensing. As a lead-safe certified firm, E.W. Gemme reassures customers that they won’t let particles spread into the environment when removing lead paint.

custom kitchens • flooring • baths & more!

E.W. Gemme & Sons: Multiple generations of Gemme family members now work in their beloved family business, E.W. Gemme & Sons.

All of the residential and commercial work that they do, likewise, is guaranteed. They pay close attention to detail and are always prompt, professional and courteous.

Their repeat customers and referrals, they say, are a testament to their hard work and

dedication to the company.

“We value the job, no matter how big or small it might be,” Rene recently told the Community Advocate. “Pleasing our customers is always our top priority, and we take great pride in our workmanship.

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A family passion There are four primary employees working at E.W. Gemme & Sons Co. During the warmer months, they’re joined by extra hires.

The business has certainly evolved over the years from simply painting houses to new jobs that require more artistry and creativity, like color matching with stains and more.

Exterior work now includes power washing, sanding, caulking, painting, staining, gold leafing, carpentry and more.

Interior work encompasses painting, staining, refinishing surfaces, color matching, decorator services and more.

“Our training has been one hundred percent on the job, and we have all learned the trade from generation to generation,” Rene said. “I started in 1993 and have worked my way up. Together, the four of us have 166 years of experience.”

A seasonal opportunity for additional work With this type of business, one of the challenges the Gemme family faces is the weather. Mother Nature does not always cooperate when working outdoors.

Sometimes this is out of anyone’s control. But, in general, as the weather warms up, E.W. Gemme is able to handle more work outside.

As the spring rolls in, Rene Gemme invites customers to reach out about any work they need done at their homes.

“E. W. Gemme & Sons Co., Inc. has a slogan,” he said. “It costs less to do the job right the first time.”

E.W. Gemme & Sons Co. is located at 58 Hudson Ave., Grafton, MA, 01519. They can be reached by phone at 508.839-4775 or 508.757-5239.

Their website is www.ewgemmeandsons.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 27

HOME

&GARDEN

No Walls Needed Designing the perfect outdoor room

Y

ou’ve seen it on HGTV home remodels: the transformation of a basic backyard into a jaw-dropping outdoor room with an arched-roof pergola housing a flame-flickering fire pit table, fabulous couches and tables, a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen and magical lighting illuminating the cozy and chic space for gathering family and friends.

Now, more homeowners are designing their own outdoor rooms to give themselves a fabulous open-air space in top design style.

According to the experts at The Outdoor Greatroom Co., “the wonderful thing about

adding an outdoor great room is that the cost per square foot is much less than any other inside-the-home remodel job.”

To begin your process of designing an outdoor room, Outdoor rooms | 28

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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

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No Walls Needed: Designing the perfect outdoor room Outdoor | from page 28

your property’s grading and anchoring needs, advise on township codes and suggest the most durable, weatherresistant materials for your outdoor room.) Completing this project alone presents serious risk to the amateur home remodeler, as there are

browse Pinterest to gather enticing images, from the ultra-exorbitant to the most simple. Show these to your professional designer or outdoor room company stylist.

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A pergola is the most popular design, with thick support legs holding up the lofty beamed roof, in either flat or arched design. The legs may be simple beams with decorative bases, or you can give your outdoor room a feel of Tuscany through pedestalround legs. Overhead, choose from an open beam design or add a latticework layer to increase visual interest while allowing for wind and rain to pass through harmlessly. You also need to decide if your structure will be anchored into the ground or raised on a deck.

Choose furniture for comfort and style in materials specifically designed for outdoor use. New trends in outdoor furniture include love seats, gliders, coffee tables and end tables in addition to the traditional table and chairs set. Materials for stylish outdoor furniture sets are resistant to mildew and mold and are often UV-ray resistant to prevent fading. Furniture may be accessorized with cushions and pillows in complementary colors to coordinate with colors existing in your landscaping or pool areas.

Outdoor lighting is an important element for creating the perfect outdoor living space. French colonial lanterns add elegance to an outdoor room. Grouping several different sizes of metal lanterns will add extra visual appeal. Other lighting effects include lights strung throughout the latticework ceiling or wrapped around pergola beams, LED or solar lights in pillar candle form, and lanterns hung from S-hooks on tree branches around the structure. Portable light-and-heater fixtures add to the lighting effect while warming up the space on cool evenings.

Speaking of heat, the top trend in outdoor rooms is the gas fire pit table, which is often a low-set round, square or rectangular table with a clean-burning gas fuel feature in the center, creating a fireplace flame effect emerging from center-placed clear or colored stones.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 29

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop Market focuses on quality, being a true community partner

“

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH – Tom Lowe, owner of Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop at 255 West Main St. in Northborough, has been proud to be known as the hometown butcher and grocer serving the community for 35 years.

The premise has always been to provide quality meat, fish and produce along with everyday items that people need.

He credits his longtime success to his experienced staff of 31 employees.

“It’s because of the experienced staff in all departments that I have been able to expand and improve every year,” said Lowe.

The grocery business has been a family business and dates back to Lowe’s grandparents.

His first employers were his Aunt Joan and Uncle Jim. He bought the store in 1986 from his Uncle Bill and Aunt Doris, who he started working for in 1978. One priority that has not changed over the years is being a local business that is a true part of the community it serves.

Indeed, Lowe knows his regular customers by name.

“The best part is still being part of a small town,” said Lowe.

“It’s like a big family; you can really feel that.”

Whether it is a specialty cut of meat or a new kind of gravy, Lowe prides himself on providing quality and fresh foods.

Tom Lowe Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop

Lowe’s Meat Market: Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop’s storefront

“We are known as the butcher, and that specialty sets you apart from most places,” said Lowe.

Captain Marden’s Seafood supplies the store with fish, which is a big part of the business.

“They are the fish supplier to many Worcester and Boston area restaurants,” Lowe said. “It speaks quality.”

It’s also important to Lowe to partner with other local businesses and support organizations and charitable events.

“You have to participate in town,” he said.

He sells vegetables from Indian Head Farm in Berlin all summer long. He offers coffee from Armeno Coffee Roasters and local honey from local growers. Recently, he started selling items from Little Shop of Olive Oils.

Those partnerships are part of Lowe’s philosophy of being successful.

“It’s important,” he said. “It’s not about the amount of money you donate; it’s that you are a part of it.”

The pandemic impacted Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop.

There were challenges from disrupted supply chains to occupancy restrictions and constantly changing health and safety protocols.

Lowe is optimistic for summer, as more people are vaccinated, and the weather gets warmer, though. His store will be ready to supply customers with everything needed for BBQs and long-awaited gettogethers. He is also excited to fully reopen Two Doors Away Café, which he co-owns. That spot has only been open for take-out on Friday nights.

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The store offers customers convenience. As such, its marinated prepared products are just as much a part of the business as fresh-cut meats and fish.

“The more we can change and adapt to what people are looking for, the better,” he said.

If prospective customers have never stepped inside of the store, Lowe encourages them to do so.

“It pays to take a stroll

through and see what we have,” Lowe said. “We end up surprising people.”

Special meat and seafood orders are welcomed year round.

They can be placed by phone at 508-393-6594 and are usually able to be picked up the next day. Store hours are M-F 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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30 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

COMMUNITY SPORTS Westborough football wins thrilling contest HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD

By Chris Wilson Contributing Writer REGION - Week four of the Fall II season saw interleague action between a handful of area schools. Unlike the previous week, all those games took place without any interruption from COVID-19.

On the gridiron, the Westborough Rangers football team won a 43-36 thriller against Oakmont, April 9. After battling throughout their contest, Westborough pulled off a redzone stop at the end of the game to secure its first win of the season.

With the victory, new Head Coach Joe Beveridge also picked up his first win at the helm of the Rangers organization.

“It was a special win because the kids deserved it,” Beveridge told the Community Advocate.

Westborough scored a season high 43 points due to a change in offensive scheme, according to Beveridge.

“We decided to spread the field and put our athletes in space,” he said.

This success came after Westborough sat out last week’s action due to COVID-19 protocols. The MIAA’s strict guidelines indeed mandated that the Rangers cancel their meeting with the North Middlesex Patriots.

Itching to retake the field, Beveridge said his players entered April 9 energized.

“Being on the field Friday night…after losing a week of practice was really exciting for everyone,” he said.

In other football action, Shrewsbury defeated Algonquin 21-6 on Friday night. Hudson fell to West Boylston 28-14

ALGONQUIN

VOLLEYBALL – APRIL 6 ALGONQUIN – 3, MARLBOROUGH – 0

VOLLEYBALL – APRIL 8

ALGONQUIN – 3, MARLBOROUGH – 0

FOOTBALL – APRIL 9

ALGONQUIN – 6, SHREWSBURY – 21

GRAFTON

VOLLEYBALL – APRIL 6 GRAFTON – 3, OXFORD – 1

VOLLEYBALL – APRIL 8 GRAFTON – 3, OXFORD – 1

FOOTBALL -APRIL 9

GRAFTON – 28, TANTASQUA– 7

A Shrewsbury volleyball player set a shot during a game against Algonquin, April 1.

HUDSON

VOLLEYBALL – APRIL 5 HUDSON – 0, GROTON-DUNSTABLE – 3

VOLLEYBALL – APRIL 7

HUDSON – 0, GROTON-DUNSTABLE – 3

FOOTBALL – APRIL 9

HUDSON – 14, WEST BOYLSTON – 28

MARLBOROUGH

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COMMUNITY SPORTS

Grafton football roars past Tantasqua

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

Right: Grafton quarterback Tyler Dimond dives to tag the end zone pylon on what was a touchdown run, April 9.

Left: A Grafton player stutter-steps to stay on his feet while Tantasqua players lunge to bring him down.

Up 21-7, Grafton tacked on one more touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“Tyler Dimond is must-see TV,” Anderson wrote in another postgame social media posting.

As he heaped praise on his program’s standout junior star, Anderson and the Grafton football community similarly celebrated their senior players.

April 9 marked Grafton’s Senior Night celebration as players and families gathered during a pre-game ceremony to honor

the commitment of players now finishing their high school careers, this spring.

“Senior Night victories always feel so much better,” Anderson tweeted.

This victory came a week after Fitchburg dealt Grafton a difficult 15-7 loss. More broadly, this continued a roller coaster year on the field that has seen Grafton lose two games with a stifled offense, while now also winning two others thanks to explosive scoring.

Westborough Volleyball defeats Shrewsbury

PHOTO/KELLY BURNESON

Shrewsbury’s Grace Creamer punches a volley forward after a setup from teammate Kathleen Calderwood.

By Kelly Burneson Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Rangers volleyball team capped off a two-game sweep of the Shrewsbury Colonials last week with a win April 8.

Two days earlier, the Rangers had easily shut down the Colonials by winning three straight sets on the road in Shrewsbury.

Lookingtospoilwhatremains an undefeated record for Westborough, Shrewsbury seized momentum early this time

around, winning their matchup’s first set by a score of 25-21.

From there, though, it was all Westborough. The Rangers took the second frame by a score of 25-22 before running away with sets three and four via back-toback 25-18 scores.

Westborough has lit up the court this year, dominating its schedule under the atypical circumstances of an abbreviated Fall II season.

Beyond winning their first eight games on their schedule, Westborough left its most recent victory over Shrewsbury having taken 24 of the first 26 individual sets in its season.

Speaking with the Community Advocate last month, Head Coach Roger Anderson credited all this to his players.

“All of our players have accepted each other and supported each other,” he said. “…

This is far more important than anything else.”

PHOTO/JEFF SLOVIN

PHOTOS/JESSE KUCEWICZ

GRAFTON - The Grafton High School football team got back into the win column April 9 with a 28-7 victory over Tantasqua.

A triumphant day on its home field, the strong showing improved Grafton’s season winloss record to 2-2. “[Grafton High School Football] clicking on all cylinders,” Athletic Director Kevin Anderson tweeted shortly after the win.

Quarterback Tyler Dimond opened the scoring in the first quarter by shaking off defenders and rumbling into the endzone himself for a 27-yard touchdown run. Kicker Nate Remillard completed the extra point attempt, putting Grafton up 7-0 early in their game.

The defense stepped up in the second quarter, running back an interception for a touchdown to eventually give Grafton a 14-0 lead after another extra point kick.

Reassessing in halftime, Tantasqua briefly took momentum in the third quarter. Jonathan Miranda punched a five-yard score past Grafton blockers to halve their lead.

The offense answered, though, as Andrew Hanna soon hauled in a 14-yard reception from Dimond for another touchdown.

Shrewsbury football improves to 2-2 with win over Algonquin

Shrewsbury’s Jake Mulholland looks to hold off Algonquin’s Jeff Valentine.

By Jeff Slovin Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY – The Shrewsbury High School football team defeated visiting Algonquin Regional High School by a score of 21-6 in a game played April 9.

After a scoreless first quarter, Cam Jenkins drew first blood for Shrewsbury in the second quarter with a three-yard touchdown run. Kicker Ryan King booted the extra point attempt through the uprights to hand the Colonials a 7-0 lead heading into halftime.

Teams battled through another defensive showing in the third quarter before Jenkins restarted momentum in the fourth. He powered past Algonquin defenders on another touchdown carry, this time from five-yards out.

A few minutes later, Jake Mulholland hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from John O’Sullivan. With two more extrapoint kicks, Shrewsbury led 21-0.

Algonquin mustered an answer via a four-yard touchdown run from Pedro Ribeiro. But it was too little too late.

With the win, Shrewsbury improved its win-loss record to 2-2, continuing an upswing after starting its season with back-to-back losses against Wachusett and Doherty.

Algonquin, meanwhile, saw its record fall to 0-4 having lost to Doherty, Marlborough and Shepherd Hill respectively before this most recent tilt.

With this latest action, the COVID-19 abbreviated Fall II high school football schedule is already winding down as teams will wrap up their final games of the year in the coming weeks.

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32 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

POLICE LOG The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area.

Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.

Grafton

Sunday, March 28 10:14 a.m. Hudson Ave. Wires down.

8:11 p.m. N Main St. Wires down.

Monday, March 29 10:03 a.m. Sunrise Ave. Wires down.

10:09 a.m. Waterville St. Road hazard.

11:13 a.m. Main St. Vandalism.

Tuesday, March 30 7:30 a.m. Upton St. Accident – no injuries.

Northborough

7:32 a.m. Sartell Rd. Flooding.

4:43 p.m. Kay St. Scam/attempted scam.

Wednesday, March 31 1:51 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/theft.

3:42 p.m. Forest Ln. Scam/attempted scam.

8:05 p.m. Leland St. Road hazard.

Thursday, April 1 12:02 p.m. Fairlawn St. Scam/ attempted scam.

1:13 p.m. South/Bruce Sts. Assault.

2:32 p.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Assault.

Friday, April 2 7:33 a.m. Westboro Rd. Harassment.

6:27 p.m. Grafton Com. Erratic operator.

9:03 p.m. South St. Road hazard.

Saturday, April 3 11:15 a.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

10:21 p.m. Main St. Assault.

Monday, March 29 8:21 a.m. Bartlett St. Assault.

9:52 a.m. Arrested, Jeremy Tyler Frotten, 26, of 3 Sherri Ln., Leicester, on warrant.

Tuesday, March 30 2:54 p.m. Main/Hudson Sts. Accident: P.D. Wednesday, March 31 2:57 p.m. Whitney/Winter Sts. Accident: P.D. 3:51 p.m. Cedar Hill St./Marlborough. Vandalism.

Thursday, April 1 11:48 a.m. King St. Keep the peace.

12:05 p.m. Whitney St./Rice Ave. Dog complaint.

5:19 p.m. West Main St. Accident: P.D. Saturday, April 3 9:47 a.m. West Main St. Fraud.

2:38 p.m. West Main St. Stolen property.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, April 1 10:05 a.m. Harrington Ave. Identity theft.

11:48 p.m. Hartford Tpke. B&E residential.

Friday, April 2 6:59 a.m. Avalon Way. Medical call.

11:55 a.m. North Quinsigamond. Identity theft.

Saturday, April 3 11:22 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Accident with injury.

12:04 p.m. Boston Tpke. Dispute.

Monday, April 5 8:52 a.m. Grafton St. Road rage.

12:01 p.m. Boston Tpke. Road – trees/wires/debris.

2:37 p.m. Maple Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

6:04 p.m. Parker Rd. Vandalism.

7:45 p.m. Arrested, Chad David Greenwood, 41, of 88 River St., Holden, on warrant.

Tuesday, April 6

1:17 p.m. Jenney St. Identity theft.

1:22 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

5:18 p.m. Arnold Rd. Identity theft.

Wednesday, April 7 6:07 a.m. Grafton St./Hartford Tpke. Road rage.

Southborough

Wednesday, March 31 10:10 p.m. Boston Rd. MVA property damage only.

Thursday, April 1 10:34 a.m. Middle Rd. Road hazard.

4:24 p.m. Arrested, William P. Peters III, of Forsberg Street, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, sell/possess electric stun gun, warrant.

Friday, April 2 10:49 a.m. Turnpike/White Bagley Rds. MVA property damage only.

2:27 p.m. Turnpike Rd. MVA property damage only.

Police log | 33

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 33

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows) at no charge as a courtesy to our readers. 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 McCarthy, Mary of Northborough Rich, Gwendolyn of Hudson Vitake, Jacqueline formerly of Shrewsbury Davis, Gerald of Shrewsbury Doyle, Michael of Grafton Furtado, Joseph of Hudson Timmons, Sharon of Hudson Benotti, Sandra of Northborough Clickner, Susan of Shrewsbury Hubley, Linda of Southborough Kohland, John of Hudson Ruch, Mary of Westborough Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.

Myrtle R. Ruch, 93 WESTBOROUGH - Myrtle R. Ruch, 93, of Westborough, passed away on April 1, 2021 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northborough. She was the

POLICE LOG Police log | from page 32

Saturday, April 3 9:22 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Road hazard.

10:58 p.m. Turnpike/Woodland Rds. MVA property damage only.

Sunday, April 4 12:21 a.m. Arrested, Luan S. Ribeiro, of Winthrop Street, Framingham, for operate MV with license revoked as HTO, op MV with registration suspended, uninsured motor vehicle.

9:31 a.m. Breakneck Hill/Mt.

wife of the late Robert J. Ruch.

Myrtle is survived by nine children, Gregg Isaacs of Plainfield, N.H., Gerry Isaacs of Holden, Gwen Isaacs of Arizona, Galen Isaacs of Hudson, Greer Isaacs of Alstead, N.H., Greta Morris of Rutland, Garvin Isaacs of Arizona, Grant Isaacs of Lancaster, and Ginger Hilow of Strafford, N.H.; one step-son, Lawrence Ruch of Shrewsbury; one stepdaughter, Theresa Ruch of Worcester; nine grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Sandra M. Benotti, 74 NORTHBOROUGH - Sandra Marilyn (Squillacote) Benotti, 74, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Northborough, Sandra was the devoted wife of 47 years to Joseph R. Benotti, MD and a beloved mother to her four children.

In addition to her husband, Joseph, Sandra is survived by her four children, Mark Benotti and his wife Julie of Duxbury, Johanna Benotti and her husband Michael Lafleur of Melrose, Andrew Benotti of Northborough, and Emily Benotti and her husband Jason Lowell of Jamaica

Vickery Rds. Road hazard.

Westborough

Tuesday, March 30 1:26 p.m. Harrison Ave. Accident – hit & Run. 1:40 p.m. Robin Rd. Threats made.

4:34 p.m. Smith Pkwy. Accident property damage.

5:22 p.m. Flanders Rd./Washington St. Accident (pedestrian).

10:05 p.m. Arrested, Nicholas Lee Tidman, 38, of 5 W Main St., Apt. 17, Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, leave scene of property damage, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

Plain. She also leaves her four grandchildren, all whom she adored, Gian Marco, Vincent, Francesca, and Aiden. Sandra was preceded in death by a brother, Richard V. Squillacote; a sister, Joan S. Chevalier; and Joan’s husband, Maurice.

Susan F. Clickner, 86 1934 - 2021

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

- Thomas Campbell I share a tribute to the life of my best friend, my mom.

Susan Doreen Fisher Clickner, 86, (2 weeks away from her 87th birthday) died at home with me of breast cancer. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Clickner of Holden; her daughter, Jennifer Engle, husband Raphael, and their son Tristan (Susan’s youngest grandchild) of Geneva, Switzerland; I, her daughter Wendy Prescott whom Susan lived with in Shrewsbury; her granddaughter, Rachel Hudson and husband Steele of West Boylston; and her grandson, Josh Prescott and wife Ashley of Shrewsbury.

She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth H. Fisher and Doris L. Glunz.

There will be no service.

Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

Wednesday, March 31 12:31 a.m. Arrested, Jose Angel Santiago Baez, 26, of 41 Faneuil St., Apt. 139, Brighton, on default warrant, straight warrant.

1:02 a.m. Flanders Rd. Accident property damage only.

11:47 a.m. W Main St. Accident – hit & run.

11:56 a.m. Lyman St. Accident property damage.

7:16 p.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.

Thursday, April 1 7:55 a.m. Otis St. Burglary/ breaking & entering.

1:22 p.m. Flanders Rd. Accident property damage.

Friday, April 2 1:34 p.m. W Main St. Threats made.

Linda C. Hubley, 68 SOUTHBOROUGH - Linda C. (Roake) Hubley, 68, of Southborough, passed away on April 1, 2021 at home, after a brave 10-month struggle with brain cancer. She was the beloved wife of George “Skip” Hubley for the past 42 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Matthew Hubley and Tanya Curran and her husband Patrick; her grandchildren, Gianna and Sophia Hubley; her siblings, Eileen Roake, Stephen Roake and his wife Valerie, and Carol Stepnitz and her husband Larry; an uncle and two aunts; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

John H. Kohland, 84 HUDSON - John H. Kohland, 84, died on April 2, 2021 after a long period of failing health. He was the husband of Ann (Gillman) Kohland of Hudson. They were married for 61 years.

He was born in Cobleskill, N.Y., the son of the late Harry and Victoria (Schaffer) Kohland, and lived in Lake George, N.Y. prior to moving to Hudson three years ago.

Mr. Kohland was a veteran of both the United States Army, serving during the Korean War, and the United States Navy Reserves.

He served as a New York State Trooper for 20 years, retiring in 1980. After his retirement he went to work driving buses for Trailways.

He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed traveling with his family in their motor home.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Park and her husband Charles “Larry” of Marlborough; a granddaughter, Lindsay Park and her husband Eric Mammoser of Marlborough; two brothers, Fred Kohland of Ohio and Craig Kohland of California; one sister, Beverly

Elwell of Oneonta, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Kohland.

A private family burial service was held.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Sharon A. Timmons, 76 HUDSON - Sharon “Sherry” Ann Timmons passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 31, 2021. She was born April 14, 1944 in Ware, the daughter of the late Marjorie and Earl Johnson.

Sherry is survived by her sisters, Sandra Roes, Ellen Duprey, and Gail Moseley, and was the loving mother to Tammi-Lynn, Roger, Terri, Troy, Charlotte, Christina, and Coreena, the grandmother of 19, and great-grandmother of five.

A friend to many, always sharing her love of life. Sherry made her life and career in Hudson, where she worked as the Property Manager at Peter’s Grove.

Sherry enjoyed reading, gardening, long conversations, traveling, art, music, Broadway shows, and cooking. She was an amazing cook; adding love and flavor to every dish... Sherry was a thrillseeker, she began skydiving at age 57.

Sherry will be missed by her family, but we take comfort in knowing that she walks in Heaven with her late husband, Eddie, and grandson, Sebastian.

Answers to Super Crossword Puzzle on page 35

34 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

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The Marlborough Community Development Authority-Housing Division (“MCDA”), the awarding authority, is inviting electronic sealed bids from Contractors for 667-1 Pleasant Street Community Building Interior Accessibility Renovations,#170083 in Marlborough, MA., in accordance with the documents prepared by Nault Architects Inc. The project consists of: Interior accessibility renovations to the Pleasant St Development Community Building. The work is estimated to cost $245,000.

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. THIS PROJECT IS BEING ELECTRONICALLY BID AND HARD COPY BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. DCAMM Certificate for General Building Construction required for general bidders. General bids will be received until 10:00 AM on Wednesday, 19 May 2021 and publicly opened online, forthwith. Filed Sub-bids for trades listed will be received until 10:00AM on Wednesday, 5 May 2021. Filed sub-bidders must be DCAMM certified in sub-trades. Section 22 00 00- Plumbing and Section 26 00 00-Electrical Work. General bids & 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), made payable to the Marlborough Community Development Authority. Bid Forms & Contract Documents will be available online at www.biddocsonline. com or pick up at Nashoba Blue, Inc., 433 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749 (978-568-1167).

There is a plan deposit of $50.00/set (max.-2 sets) payable to BidDocs Online Inc. Separate check payable to BidDocs ONLINE inc. for mailing fee $40.00/set to BidDocs Online Inc. for UPS ground (or$65.00/set UPS overnight) non-refundable. The job site visit will be available for inspection on Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 10:30 AM at 29 Pleasant Street, in front of Community Building, Marlborough, MA. State of Massachusetts & CDC protocols for COVID-19 shall be observed when on MCDA property & inside building. To register call Vonnie Morris, Executive Director at 508 624-6908 option 8.

The Marlborough Community Development Authority-Housing Division (“MCDA”), the awarding authority, is inviting electronic sealed bids from Contractors for 667-3 Liberty Hill, 240 Main Street Development in Marlborough, MA., in accordance with the documents prepared by Nault Architects Inc.

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WELDING

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Public Notices

Holy Spirit you who made me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideal.

You, who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and you, who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory, Amen. Thank You for your love towards me and my loved ones. Persons must pray the prayer without asking your wish. After third day, wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be.

Then promise to publish this dialogue as soon as this favor is granted. Thank You. - M. W.

Personal Prayers Novena to Saint Jude To Saint Jude, Holy Saint Jude. Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles.. near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition, in return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Marys and 3 Glory Be to the Father. Publication must be promised. This Novena must be said for 9 consecutive days. - M. W.

Prayer to St. Jude May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, the helper of the hopeless, pray for us.

Say this nine times a day, for nine days and your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication is necessary. My prayers were and are being answered.

- M. W.

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin, Never known to fail. Oh most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, succor me and this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). This prayer must be said for three days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. - M. W.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021 • 35

Interested in placing a HELP WANTED AD?

CLASSIFIED

Contact Mary Ellen at

508-366-5500 x17 or please send an email to us at Classified@CommunityAdvocate.com

@communityadvocate.com

* CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT NOON, ONE WEEK PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE

Help Wanted

For Sale & Services

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Looking forr Painters Minimum, 10 years’ experience. Interior/ Exterior. Chance for Advancement.

Call 508-757-5239 and leave your contact information.

ELDER ASSISTANT

Northborough-Southborough Public Schools is actively interviewing for: • Substitute Teachers • Substitute Aides • Substitute Custodians • Substitute Cafeteria Help • Substitute Nurses • and Summer Employment Opportunities Northborough-Southborough Public Schools is looking to fill these openings immediately for this school year

SHREWSBURY

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We have other exciting opportunities available for next school year, please visit our website to see the available postings!

Apply online today at: https://www.nsboro.k12.ma.us/ and select the “Employment” tab Northborough-Southborough Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

SUPER CROSSWORD

CommunityAdvocate

Answers to puzzle are on the page 33

Local news at: C ommunity Advocate.com

For classified advertising, contact Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or classified@communityadvocate.com

36 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 16, 2021

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