This Week's Community Advocate April 30, 2021

Northborough relies on skills, expertise of community media channel through the pandemic page

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Southborough, Shrewsbury municipal candidates make case to voters page

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Vol. 47 | No. 18 | April 30, 2021

Algonquin and Westborough provide normalcy for athletes with Thanksgiving game

BJs considers moving headquarters to Marlborough

By Chris Wilson Contributing Writer

PHOTO/DAVE BAGDON

The BJs headquarters building stands in Westborough.

By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH—BJs Wholesale Club is looking to move its headquarters, currently located in Westborough, to Campus Drive in Marlborough.

The company has filed an application with the City of Marlborough for a tax-increment financing (TIF) agreement as it seeks to lease approximately 187,000 square feet in two buildings from Greatland Realty Partners. In addition, BJs is planning to build a parking garage on the property.

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NORTHBOROUGH – The Algonquin and Westborough football teams got to play a rivalry matchup they weren’t sure would happen this year on April 22.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the teams could not play their traditional Thanksgiving rivalry game last November.

When the football season then got pushed back to this March, the teams were in opposite pods. That meant they did not face each other during their regular season.

But both schools kept Week Six of their schedules open in case one of the teams in their pod had to cancel a game due to coronavirus protocols.

Thankfully for Algonquin and Westborough that didn’t happen, opening up this opportunity for both schools to continue their rivalry with a special “Thanksgiving in April” game.

“As the season progressed…

[Westborough High School Athletic Director] Johanna DiCarlo and I came up with the idea of playing each other during the last week,” Algonquin Director of Athletics Mike Mocerino told the Community Advocate.

T h e y i n d e e d te n t a t i ve l y Football | 23

Algonquin senior Rio Ferguson breaks away from a diving Declan Van Nest Algonquin players celebrate with the trophy after winning the annual Thanksgiving matchup over Westborough

PHOTOS/JEFF SLOVIN

2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 3

BJs considers moving headquarters to Marlborough

THE

OVER TOP

PHOTO/DAVE BAGDON

BJs | from page 1

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

A walk by the river HUDSON - Drone photography shows work underway renovating walkways and riverfront space at Hudson’s Cellucci Park. As the Community Advocate reported last week, this project is continuing with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. As of April 21, crews had laid concrete paths through a patch of trees between Cellucci Park and the Assabet River.

letters to the editor

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in 2011. That move brought a major company back into local office space once occupied by National Grid. Now, a move to Marlborough would relocate 800-1000 BJs employees, potentially leaving the large concrete complex at 25 Research Drive empty once again.

The Marlborough Economic Development Commission oversees compliance of TIF agreements. According to Picot’s letter of intent, he and MEDC Executive Director Meredith Harris first met to discuss Marlborough’s economic incentives for businesses last December.

Don’t forget Mom on

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR:

BJs plans to spend approximately $36 million on interior building construction and the construction of that new parking structure.

In a letter of intent released publicly with the City Council’s April 26 agenda, David Picot of the company SVP Real Estate & Property Development indicated BJs is particularly eyeing a 20-year lease on space at 350 Campus Drive. If things go to plan, it will move in next fall.

The company moved its headquarters from Natick to 25 Research Dr. in Westborough

Ryan Maloney, owner

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The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS Shrewsbury voters voice support for budget override question letters to the editor SHREWSBURY - Voters in Shrewsbury will soon decide whether to approve a Proposition 2-1/2 budget override.

Decided via a ballot question during Shrewsbury’s municipal election on Tuesday, May 4, a “yes” vote will let the town bypass state limits on annual property tax increases.

Town officials have said this action is necessary to maintain funding for key municipal operations.

In the final weeks before heading to the polls, members of the Shrewsbury community have penned several letters to the editor generally supporting the override.

Read some of those here...

As a 7-year member of the Shrewsbury Finance Committee, I support the $9.5M operational override question on the May 4th ballot as the fiscally responsible decision.

Our town leaders have worked hard to remedy the structural deficit that has challenged our community for many years.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic fall-out have exacerbated our fiscally tenuous situation, with revenue shortfalls and higher costs leaving a gap that can only be closed with passage of an override or substantial cuts to services, most keenly impacting students.

Please join me in voting YES on May 4th. ­— Representative

Hannah Kane Dear Shrewsbury Voters, As a Town Meeting Member

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Town leaders have put forward a thoughtful, responsible proposal to preserve services, maintain a low tax rate, and establish an override stabilization fund for multi-year management of revenues and budgets.

Please join me in voting Yes for Shrewsbury on Tuesday, May 4th. ­— Moira Miller

How do you measure quality of life in a community? Great parks and recreation, public safety, schools, trash pick-up, library, or Council on Aging services? Shrewsbury, a wellmanaged, fiscally responsible town, provides these quality

I am writing to enthusiastically support the upcoming proposition 2.5 override in Shrewsbury. This is needed to maintain the high-quality public education system that has drawn so many to live in Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury’s tax rate is below all the neighboring towns, by $3-5/$1,000 of home value, and this will remain true if this override passes. Our taxes will increase but we will still pay less than all the neighboring towns.

Shrewsbury is in the lowest 11% in per student expenditures compared to other towns in the state. Without this override, the town will be unable to continue to have an excellent public education system.

Last year, Shrewsbury had to lay off many teachers and limit its programmatic offerings. Without this override, the school system could be forced to lay off as many as 50

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and Library trustee, I urge you to join me in voting YES on May 4 to support the operational override Selectmen have placed on our town election ballot. In doing so you will protect public safety staffing, enhance senior services, and maintain our stellar school system, which faces an educational emergency in the form of a crippling $4.5 million budget gap.

Our town and our schools are incredibly lean and efficient. But MA Proposition 2½, which prevents towns from raising property taxes more than 2½% per year, means we cannot keep pace with inflationary costs (about 4% a year). The purpose of Proposition 2½ was to give voters a voice in town government and funding.

Let’s use that voice to preserve the integrity of our town and its services. Let’s vote to maintain our property values.

Let’s vote to show our students—our next generation of leaders, who will join us in tackling climate change, racial equity, and the next pandemic—that we value them and their education.

On May 4, vote YES to preserve the Shrewsbury we know and love. ­— April Prince

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Shrewsbury needs an operational override. Without this revenue, class sizes will skyrocket, school libraries will close, and programming will be cut. Our community is counting on us.

As a fourth generation lifelong resident, I cannot dismantle our basic services. We must refuse to cut Shrewsbury’s safety and education, when we are only contributing at the bottom 11% per pupil, while our income is in the top 20%.

Did you know Shrewsbury has only passed ONE operational override? Every single vote matters. Please join me in voting YES for our town on May 4th! ­— Lauren Mitsis

additional teachers. I moved to this town because of its high-quality public education.

I know this is true for many if not most of my neighbors. Our public schools are the reason our homes have increased and held their value so well. If we do not invest in our schools, we will see the public schools deteriorate along with our children’s educational success and our home values. Please support this override! ­— Brian Murphy Shrewsbury will have an operational override question on Tuesday May 4th, 2021, in the annual town election. I urge Shrewsbury residents to vote YES on this question in order to provide much needed services for all residents of our community. Shrewsbury’s Board of Selectmen as well as the School and Finance Committees unanimously voted to place a $9.5 million operational override before the voters. In the current school year, the town had to cut $1.9 million in costs, including 30 staff positions. Next year’s budget has a $4.5 million gap. If the override were defeated, the town would need to cut 50 teachers and staff from across the district.

This would lead to increasing class sizes at all grades; closing all elementary library/ media centers; fewer electives and AP courses for high school students; and would prevent the new Beal school from opening. The pandemic has made this year difficult for all. To their credit, faculty and students have leaned into the challenges. A YES vote will also benefit municipal operations and will prevent reductions in staffing and service.

This override would provide a sustainable plan for multiyear management of budgets.

The increase in Shrewsbury taxes would still keep us below towns around us.

What do we value in Shrewsbury? We will see when the results are in. Failure to pass this override would mean the Shrewsbury we have known and loved will not be the same, and the decrease in services will be felt by all residents.

Please vote YES on May 4th. ­— AnneMarie Bird

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough receives state grant to enhance pedestrian safety Flowers bloom in the shadow of the EllsworthMcAfee Park off South Street in Northborough.

A new grant will pay for two new bike racks at the park.

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

NORTHBOROUGH - Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Scott Charpentier announced at an April 12 Board of Selectmen meeting that $59,609 was awarded to Northborough to enhance pedestrian safety. This is the first time the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Grant has been offered. Each municipality can only receive a single award in accordance with program guidelines.

Northborough will use the majority of its funding for pedestrian safety improvements at high-traffic crossing areas near town recreation facilities.

Improvements will specifically be made at the crosswalks at South Street and Davis Avenue, South Street at Longfellow Road, South Street at Gale Street, and East Main Street between Memorial Field and Casey Field.

The goal of the project, as stated on the February 11 town announcement of the grant application, is to improve safety and visibility in these areas.

These areas have access to recreational facilities, which are often used by students, senior citizens and other residents.

Additionally, pedestrian and cyclist access is promoted.

Solar-powered, pedestrianactivated, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, additional signage and new wheelchair ramps will be installed.

In addition, funding will also cover the expense of two bicycle racks at Ellsworth-McAfee Park and one each at Casey Field and Memorial Field.

“I am very pleased that through this MassDOT grant program, we are able to provide crosswalk safety improvements for our community’s recreational facilities,” Charpentier said when reached for comment.

However, there is a timely expenditure component to this grant.

“Everything needs to be spent by May 31, and we have to comply with procurement law, which generally doesn’t fall on quick timelines,” Charpentier said April 12.

Anticipating this challenge, he said he solicited bids for the required materials in advance of the award. Now that the

grant award has been confirmed, the process can move forward quickly.

Additionally, the DPW staff will be doing much of the installation as another means to expedite the construction schedule.

Charpentier is excited to be able to address some citizen safety concerns as a result of

the grant award.

“It’s a good project; it’s needed; it is going to be a wonderful addition to the town,” he said April 12. “We are looking forward to implementing some safety measures that have been expressed by the citizens, and we were able to find a funding mechanism to make it happen.”

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

McAllister joins Shrewsbury’s planning department as Assistant Town Planner

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – When Rowen McAllister, a 22-year-old graduate student at Clark University in Worcester, interned with the Shrewsbury Planning Department last summer, she didn’t realize that she would soon become Shrewsbury’s Assistant Town Planner.

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Rowen McAllister at Shrewsbury Town Hall

She officially began that very job, though, in November.

McAllister is grateful for the opportunity, which is parttime for now, because it works well with her graduate studies in community development and planning. She also received her undergraduate degree in economics from Clark.

“Rowen is a pleasure to work with for the same reasons we hired her,” Shrewsbury Town Planner Bernard Cahill remarked. “She is very enthusiastic about planning, always eager to learn more,

and is quick to pick up and run with any task that is assigned to her.”

Internship develops into long-term job McAllister credits a relationship she developed with Shrewsbury’s Assistant Town Manager, Kristen Las, who is an alumnus of the same graduate program, with letting her know about that initial internship opportunity in the Shrewsbury town planning department.

Once she had her internship, McAllister’s primary accomplishments included developing a business guide for prospective new business owners and streamlining the zoning appeal application process.

She is now the key staff member assigned to work with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Experiences from Minnesota to Worcester shape professional focus Still simultaneously a student, McAllister remembers

arriving at Clark and knowing she wanted to have a career spent working with people.

Since then, much of her academic focus has been on issues of spatial inequity and how people’s lives are affected by economic factors.

Before Clark, though, McAllister became interested in community development back in her hometown of Stillwater, Minn.

“It’s a beautiful, small town right on the St. Croix River.

It has a very beautiful historic downtown,” she added. “I worked in a public library, and my mom was a small business owner, and I felt really engaged and part of this really vibrant community.”

McAllister eyes future projects Having relocated to Massachusetts, McAllister said she now looks forward to becoming more engaged with civic endeavors now that she is “a bit more grounded here on the east coast.”

Near the top of her list of interesting endeavors, she notes, are efforts to help to install and restock Free Food Fridges that have recently appeared in Worcester.

McAllister has her eye on Shrewsbury too.

“I’m really excited to become more familiar with the town…and to contribute to what I think is a really vibrant effort right now in terms of economic development,” she said.

Colleagues praise new Assistant Town Planner McAllister resides in Worcester and is enjoying what the city has to offer. While COVID-19 has put a damper on some things, she enjoys reading and hiking. She also plays the flute in Clark’s jazz band.

As far as future plans? She said she could be working in Shrewsbury for a while.

Cahill agreed, saying, “We are incredibly glad that she is a member of the Shrewsbury Planning Department.”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Town Meeting to consider establishing Disability Commission

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

ADA Coordinator details proposal According to state law, the commission members must include people with disabilities, an elected or appointed official of the town and an immediate family member of a person with a disability.

Lonardo said that, like Lexington, a Westborough commission might also have a landscape architect or someone who works with people with disabilities as representation.

He noted that many people think of disabilities solely as wheelchair-users when in reality, a multitude of challenges exist, such as visual and hearing loss.

Lonardo noted that when

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH – Town Meeting will be asked on Saturday, May 15 whether it wants to establish a seven-member commission to advise officials about relevant compliance laws as well as design policy, services and facilities to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

During the April 13 Westborough Board of Selectmen’s meeting, Fred Lonardo, who is the town’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, spoke about his past experiences providing similar technical assistance to the town of Lexington.

An outdoor classroom sits outside Westborough High School. Conversations about a new push to form a disability commission in town briefly referenced accessibility efforts taken in setting up such spaces.

“

SHREWSBURY – Selectmen voted April 13 to reduce the quorum to 100 town meeting members for the 2021 Annual Town Meeting scheduled Saturday, May 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Before COVID-19, the quorum marked 50 percent plus one of the roughly 240 elected members. The quorum was previously reduced to 61 members, though, for the 2020 Annual Town Meeting that was postponed several times before taking place August 8.

This year, outgoing Town Moderator Christopher Mehne

Johnson said. “It’s definitely a worthwhile route to take.”

Town Manager Kristi Williams noted that, within the last two years, Westborough has completed its own ADA self-assessment, designated Lonardo in his current role and created policies.

“This is really good timing,” she said.

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setting up a municipal meeting room, for example, accommodations for people with hearing impairments may be incorporated.

Hegaveotheranecdotesfrom his previous role on the types of situations that may arise.

Lonardo recalled working with the town clerk on choosing voting machines that are accessible for visually and hearing-impaired individuals.

He helped the school department to set up an accessible outdoor classroom.

Businesses, public agencies and other community organizations are other areas where the commission, in conjunction with the coordinator, pro-

Sean Keogh Selectman vides guidance, recommendations and technical assistance.

Lonardo pointed out that the commission would work with a business seeking a variance through the Architectural Access Board on identifying issues.

Selectmen weigh in on Disability Commission Establishing a Disability Commission “sounds like an intelligent decision to make,” said Selectman Sean Keogh.

Although Selectmen were not required to take a vote, Keogh added his support. “It makes a lot of sense if we’re focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said. “This

Shrewsbury reduces town meeting quorum, signs off on warrant

By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter

[commission] would go a long way answering questions that come about because of those issues.”

Selectman Ian Johnson said that, as a member of the Municipal Building Committee, he’d seen questions and ADA concerns raised.

“I can see the role it will play to help Fred out as well,”

met with the board to discuss lowering the quorum again.

Hearing the presentation, Board of Selectmen Chair Beth Casavant recommended lowering the quorum to 100 members, which is 42 percent of the total number of town meeting members.

Mehne supported that proposal.

“I certainly will defer to the judgment of the Selectmen with respect to the actual number,” he said. “…

We did have a very healthy attendance at last summer’s August Annual Town Meeting. But, again, it is better to be cautious and plan for the

possibility that attendance will be reduced.”

Casavant noted that the 2019 Annual Town Meeting saw 196 members in attendance. The Annual Town Meeting last August saw 154, even with a reduction in the quorum.

Later in the same April 13 meeting where this quorum reduction took place, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar reviewed the Town Meeting warrant. After the review, Selectmen unanimously signed and granted their approval.

The Town Meeting will take place at the Field House at Shrewsbury High School.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough relies on skills, expertise of community media channel through the pandemic

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Community events and celebrations have been impacted over the last year due to the pandemic.

Northborough Cable Access Television (NCAT) staff is dedicated to meet the needs of the community and keep residents connected in uncertain times.

Director Kathleen Dalgliesh and Production Supervisor Dana Volke have been instrumental in making this happen as a true community media station. Providing quality, positive on-air content and being a resource are their priorities.

The last year has put a spotlight on NCAT as the public sees the moving parts and complicated pieces behind the scenes to cover and broadcast an event successfully.

“Our motto through this whole thing…is, when people

NCAT Volunteer Jim Ellis covers a girls basketball game at ARHS.

ask if it is possible to do something, we will figure it out to make it happen,” said Dalgliesh.

NCAT pushes forward with dedicated team NCAT has a professional staff of two full-time and two parttime employees. The studio is based at Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) with three channels dedicated to public access/community, education, and local government content.

Programs can be viewed on Charter Spectrum channels 191, 192, and 194 and on Verizon channels 29, 30, and 31. Recorded events and meetings can be viewed at the Northborough Cable YouTube channel.

Community media seeks solutions for the community Through the tumult of COVID-19, staff are proud of what they’ve done.

“We are able to adapt to

the world situation right now quickly and it has worked out well,” said Volke.

The NCAT team assisted town committees and boards transition from in-person meetings to Zoom remote meetings.

They continue to monitor the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and school committee meetings and optimize the audio and visual for broadcast.

Resinate partners with Mass Pirates football team

By Laura Hayes, Contributing Writer REGION – Worcester-based recreational and medical marijuana dispensary Resinate has officially partnered with the Massachusetts Pirates professional indoor football team.

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Mass Pirates,” said Resinate founder and CEO Peter DeCaro in a recent press release.

Resinate, which first opened as a medical marijuana dispensary, is based at 1191 Millbury St. in Worcester. It opened its second store in Northampton in November and now serves recreational clients.

According to its website, Resinate works to sync with its customers and patients through connection, compassion, education and community.

“Worcester is our home, and we are proud to partner with the Mass Pirates in serving our

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community at a time when we people need it the most,” said DeCaro.

Under this partnership, Resinate will be the presenting sponsor of the Pirates’ website, social media studio and official post-game party.

Resinate and the Pirates will also co-host five community service events a year. Likewise, the Resinate brand will be featured at select Piratesowned Yatco Food Mart Convenience Stores across Massachusetts.

NCAT works closely with Senior Center Many seniors who may not be computer savvy are able to access NCAT stations. As such, staff have shared everything from exercise classes to information and resources that matter the most to those seniors.

“We are doing everything we can to get the word out about anything that might be important to our seniors,” said Dalgliesh.

Staff live-stream youth sports Meanwhile, NCAT is also live-streaming school sports games as spectators have been limited or not allowed.

“For parents, it is gutwrenching,” said Volke. “For many, their kids are [high school] seniors and this is possibly the last time they compete, and they aren’t there to support their kids.”

“I believe families truly appreciate having the opportunity to watch their children,” said ARHS Athletic Director Mike Mocerino.

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required an untold amount of hours of planning for the feasibility of the technical capability for multiple scenarios that were brought forward.

The school district relied on NCAT as school reopening plans were formed. Staff and faculty specific videos were produced and parent informational videos were created.

NCAT assisted churches to broadcast worship services for community members unable to access the internet or attend in person.

“Kathy Dalgliesh and Dana Volke have been nothing but supportive and accommodating,” said Trinity Church Pastor Rev. Valeria Schmidt. “Northborough is truly blessed to have them!”

Due to gathering restrictions, the community could not participate in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Applefest and holiday events. These were professionally captured, edited and shared. Other events went virtual such as the Northborough Cultural Council’s CultureFest, Northborough Library’s Bear Hunt, and a town-wide holiday decoration contest.

NCAT lends a hand for Class of 2020 graduation video As the Class of 2020 reached the end of its time in high school last year, NCAT staff worked with the school administration, teachers and music department.

They produced a final video incorporating individual student photos, the traditional tassel turning, drive-up diploma distribution, speeches, and musical performances.

Volke said it was one of the most complex projects in his eleven year career and took well over 80 hours to edit and produce, all within a strict deadline and while having a newborn baby at home.

“There is a misconception that editing video is done overnight,” he said. “The reality is it’s a time-consuming process and it takes a lot of skill to do it right.”

NCAT will continue to immerse itself into the community where technical help is needed and to assist students explore skills in the field.

“Our model is changing and evolving as the industry is changing and evolving,” said Dalgliesh. “Our job is never the same every day.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough Library to welcome back patrons on limited schedule on May 3

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer

PHOTO/LIZ NOLAN

NORTHBOROUGH - Book browsers, get ready! The Northborough Free Library has a reopening date of Monday, May 3.

This comes after the Library Trustees met on April 13 and approved plans, which will still have some safety restrictions in place.

Library Director Jenn Bruneau’s April report to the trustees outlined plans and changes to the library’s service models.

The understanding is that procedures will have to be adjusted to maximize service and maintain safety for all patrons and staff amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been so happy this week,” said Bruneau when reached for comment about the reopening approval. “There is just no substitute for inperson browsing.”

Patrons will be allowed to browse the collections, pick up holds, print, photocopy

The Northborough Free Library stands ready to welcome patrons back for in-person browsing after COVID-19 shutdowns.

and make appointments for computer use. However, meeting and quiet study rooms will remain closed and in-person programs will not be held yet.

Browsing and computer appointment hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with extra hours on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Patrons are asked to limit their

time to 45 minutes to enable others the use of the library.

Hours and occupancy levels will be gradually adjusted as allowed. But for now, they will be limited to a maximum of 25 people and no more than five computer appointments.

Masks will be mandatory.

Bruneau said she went with a lower capacity limit to start in

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order to test the newly created procedures and to be able to ensure that they work.

“Then we can gradually increase capacity limits to accommodate a more typical library experience,” she said.

Curbside pickup and Library on the Go services will continue.

Patrons will, however, see a few changes, such as options for self-checkout. Three kiosks will allow for contactless transactions, and patrons can download the MeeScan app to their smartphones to check out materials.

There will be a staff member greeting patrons at the door, guiding and reorienting them to the library. Hand sanitizer and extra masks will be available.

Another layer of confidence for all is that all eligible staff will have had their second vaccine doses by May 3.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said there is minimal risk of COVID-19 transmission

from a surface or object. Still, Bruneau said in her report that staff will continue to sanitize frequently touched surfaces.

Patrons are encouraged to take proper precautions.

Kids’ programming is what Bruneau said people want back the most. But it’s simultaneously also what she worries about the most.

“We want to make sure it is as safe as it reasonably can be before we bring back any in-person programming, especially for kids under 16,” she said.

Additional outdoor programs are planned for spring and summer, including an outdoor book sale on Saturday, May 29.

In the fall, Bruneau hopes to gradually bring programming back inside.

Bruneau is grateful for the continued support of the library and staff by the community over the last year.

“It’s an overwhelming reminder that people love and miss the library,” she said.

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grant funds to support Northborough’s traffic safety efforts

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough was awarded grant funding in the amount of $10,000 to further investigate and compile data on the impacts of the new Amazon facility on local infrastructure. The news was shared by Northborough Town Planner Kathy Joubert and Planning Board Chair Kerri Martinek on April 6.

The grant funds have been provided by the state through the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Program. This program enables the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) to allocate funds and provide technical assistance to member communities on eligible projects.

Priority categories of the projects include planning ahead for growth and development at the local level and technical assistance to support regional efficiency.

Northborough is a CMRPC

Northborough’s Amazon distribution center sits off Bartlett Street.

member community. In addition, Martinek serves as the Planning Board delegate and was elected to the CMRPC Executive Committee, while Board of Selectmen delegate Julianne Hirsh serves on the Physical Development Committee.

This participation earns the town hours of resources from CMRPC. Grant matches Amazon’s prior commitments In February, the Planning Board utilized these resources and the CMRPC did a presentation regarding the traffic and safety impacts of big e-commerce facilities, such as Amazon, on the town roadways. The two recommendations made by CMRPC were a post-occupancy monitoring study and a neighborhood walk audit.

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Selectmen meeting. Amazon approved $80,000 in funding for traffic mitigation on Bartlett Street to also include items such as flashing lights, a crosswalk in front of the entrance to Algonquin Regional High School, and the creation of bike lanes.

Neighborhood audit addresses resident concerns The Neighborhood Walk Audit Report will provide recommendations to improve safety, alleviate traffic concerns and improve coordination between a diverse group of stake-

holders including Town Planning, Engineering, Department of Public Works, Police and Fire Departments, residents, businesses, Algonquin High School and others as identified.

“The overwhelming message to the Planning Board from residents over the last six to nine months has been that we need to better counter the intensity of growth in the development of warehouses and distribution centers with solutions that account for the right to safe streets and quiet neighborhoods,” said Martinek when reached for comment. “A

post-occupancy study combined with the neighborhood audit will provide our town with a blueprint to deal with this type of development and the impacts that it brings.”

Data collection and analysis for the study will begin this month and run through July 2021. Coordination of stakeholders will take place in August. The Neighborhood Walk Audit is scheduled for September, and a draft report with recommendations is expected

by November. The final report is scheduled to be delivered in December.

Southborough considers new sales tax on meals

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By Sara Brown Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough is considering implementing a new sales tax on meals sold at restaurants.

This will be one of the warrant articles voted on at Town Meeting next month. This article will require all local restaurants to charge an additional .75 percent in meals tax, which will come back to the town as unallocated revenue through State Local Aid. The local meals tax has been identified as an additional revenue source to help alleviate increases to residential property taxes.

Advisory Chair Kathryn Cook has said she’s discussed the issue with restaurants in town. Almost everyone was OK with the new tax, she reported.

The tax would only impact restaurant-goers, as restaurants themselves would just need to update their machines

to add the new tax to patrons’ bills when and if voters adopt this warrant article.

Still, given the major impact COVID-19 has had on the restaurant industry, the Board of Selectmen wanted to make sure they give local restaurants enough time to adjust to this change in the event that it takes effect.

Board of Selectmen Chair Martin Healey suggested during an April 13 meeting that if the warrant is adopted at Town Meeting, it shouldn’t be implemented until January 2022.

“The thought is to do everything we possibly can for businesses to have smooth sailing when they get back on their feet again,” he said.

Cook believed the town advisory committee would be in favor of that and, when speaking with selectmen, said she specifically sought support for the warrant article’s prediction that it could generate $125,000 for the town.

She said this would not only impact residents, but residents from other towns that like to frequent Southborough’s restaurants. That would bring money into town, generating revenue from out-of-town taxpayers who don’t otherwise contribute to Southborough’s coffers.

Selectmen Brian Shea supported the measure but believes it will take time for the town to enjoy the full benefits of this since he believes many who visit the town’s restaurants also work in the town as well.

“I think it’s going to be a long time before businesses fully ramp up,” he said.

Shea further said he believes some businesses might opt to stay remote even after COVID. The advisory committee voted to support the meal tax at Town Meeting. The Board of Selectmen will be discussing all warrant articles at a separate meeting later this month.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Selectman urges mandate for hybrid police cruisers

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

sible” purchase hybrid vehicles.

The narrative describing the article then says that hybrid vehicles are more expensive but have features that will result in $3,506 fuel savings and a 22,560-pound reduction in CO2 emissions per year.

Welch said that it is important to get more cars in the fleet to meet Green Communities initiatives and to support the town’s Climate Action Plan.

He didn’t understand any reluctance to have a strong policy

Shrewsbury Council on Aging extends van transportation hours

By Laura Hayes Contributing Writer

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Council of Aging (COA) will be expanding its van transportation program outside of its scheduled business hours.

Now, van transportation will include early mornings, nights and weekends through Dec. 31.

“We are excited to be able to offer transportation to seniors and individuals with disabilities within the boundaries of Yellow Cab and Safeway Luxury Transportation,” COA A Shrewsbury Senior Office Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator ChrisCenter van tine Moriarty said. sits waiting In addition to funding from MassDevelopto pick up ment, the Council of Aging received a $40,000 its next grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Coun- passengers. cil to pay for these services.

“Seniors and those with disabilities have lives outside of our work hours, and we are so happy to tion services. However, fares on the vans will be able to provide them the necessary transportaresume beginning July 1. tion to get to and from work and appointments, Moriarty noted that all of the costs for these even if the center is closed, at no cost to them,” new extended hours will be covered in full by the Moriarty said.

Area Planning Council grant.

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WESTBOROUGH – Selectman Patrick Welch said this month that he thinks Westborough should reassess its policy about purchasing police vehicles to make them all hybrid going forward.

The discussion occurred during the April 13 Board of Selectmen’s meeting as members began reviewing warrant articles for Town Meeting on

Saturday, May 15.

One article seeks $130,000 from free cash to purchase two police cruisers to replace older ones in the fleet. Town Manager Kristi Williams said the purchase is part of a town plan to keep the fleet of police vehicles and related equipment on a replacement schedule to ensure that all cruisers are safe and reliable.

The wording in the warrant article mentions that the department will “when pos-

Westborough Police cruisers sit in their lot in town.

with a mandate to accomplish that goal.

“I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t do anything we can to be a leading community in this area,” Welch said. “I’m hopeful Westborough can lead the charge with our vehicles and move toward more of these green cars.”

Responding to Welch, Williams explained that there is a police cruiser currently on order that Town Meeting approved last fall. Because the vehicle has yet to be delivered, the wording in this Town Meeting article allows some leeway.

She said it often takes several months from the time the order is made to the time a cruiser is delivered.

Selectmen Chairman Allen Edinberg said that he is against establishing a “cut and dry rule,” requiring the town only buy hybrid vehicles going forward because there are “extenuating circumstances” that arise. Flexibility is needed, he said.

For example, a cruiser may have to be replaced immediately if there is a safety issue and the

police department becomes short a vehicle. He said that in this case, if a hybrid isn’t immediately available, the town could purchase a cruiser with an eco-boost or flex-fuel that meets Green Communities criteria.

“That’s actually kind of shocking,” Welch said of the long wait time for delivery.

He asked how the town is pursuing speeding the process along, adding that since the town typically waits for a delivery that long, he thinks it could wait for a hybrid vehicle to become available too.

Selectman Ian Johnson pointed out that the cruiser on order is hybrid.

Williams said that the town already has a policy in place, and the article adheres to it.

She said that she is concerned about making any changes without the police chief and capital expenditures committee involved.

“It’s probably the policy that has to be changed rather than just the wording” in the article, Selectman Sean Keogh added.

Board members agreed to look it over and bring the issue back at the next meeting.

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

PEOPLE

Hudson man reconnects with birth mom decades after adoption HUDSON - Phil Knutel has three adopted children. Halfway across the country, Maggie Byrnes briefly helped families like Phil’s navigate the adoption process.

Roughly three years ago, a chance DNA test brought these two together with one truth – Byrnes is Knutel’s birth mother.

After having to give Knutel up for adoption herself, Byrnes delved into a life of social work.

Knutel grew up and began raising children the same way his adoptive parents had raised him.

Now, a mother and her son have reconnected.

Growing up in Michigan Byrnes lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan. But her strictly Catholic family was not pleased when she got pregnant part-way through college. So, Byrnes paused her pursuit of an English degree and headed off to a “home for unwed mothers” in Cleveland, Ohio.

“It was this real hushhush kind of thing,” she said.

Living in that facility, Byrnes sent letters home weaving a fictional tale of world travels to keep

Phil Knutel stands with his birth mother Maggie Byrnes at the Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine.

her younger siblings from learning what was actually happening.

At one point, a family member told Byrnes she should simply marry the father of her child.

“He said no one else would want me,” Byrnes recalled.

For the trauma of that time, though, Byrnes eventually gave birth to Phil.

She said she “sorrowfully” put him up for adoption and moved forward with a life now reshaped by her experience.

No longer was she

studying English. Instead, as Byrnes went to grad school, she dove into a career in social work.

One particularly kind nun back at the home in Cleveland had inspired her.

Byrnes got her Masters of Social Work, moved to Colorado and, at one point, helped screen families seeking to adopt children through the US government’s “Operation Babylift” in thefinaldaysoftheVietnamWar. Searching for each other As he and his mother both grew up, Knutel settled into his own life, adopted from Cleveland by parents who happened

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 13

PEOPLE

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“I remember sort of looking around for my mother, looking at people’s faces in a city of a million,” Knutel said.

Knutel knew he had Phil Knutel (right) stands with his two biological brothers been born in who he reconnected with after meeting his birth mother, Cleveland. So, Maggie he started looking while living to live only an hour from Kain the city for a year in college. lamazoo.

Byrnes, meanwhile, knew His adoptive parents took Knutel had been adopted in care of him.

Kalamazoo and, therefore, did Due in part to strict and similar looking there. harsh words from a state trooper who warned a young Knutel not Meeting thanks to to look for his mother, though, modern technology it took until Knutel’s late teen Not immediately connecting, years to consider reconnecting.

Knutel and Byrnes continued on At that point, he engaged in divergent but somehow similar an unknowing act of kinship paths. with Byrnes.

Byrnes eventually got mar-

ried and had two sons in Colorado.

Knutel got married as well, relocating to Hudson and adopting three sons.

As they aged, Byrnes and Knutel both eventually sought DNA testing through the company 23andMe in part to identify any propensity for genetic diseases.

Neither found anything medically alarming. Instead, they found each other.

“I was astounded because he looked so much like me,” Byrnes said. “…And we have so much in common.”

The two first connected by messaging within the 23andMe service. They then jumped to phone calls. Then they met in person.

“It was just a surreal experience,” Knutel said of that first meeting. “It was something I never really thought would happen.”

Experiencing a larger system Knutel and Byrnes spent years wondering about each other. That, in some respects, is not unusual within parts of the adoption community.

For years, “closed adoptions” were the status quo across the US, NPR host Steve Inskeep wrote in a recent New York Times op-ed.

However, that caused problems even after modern adoption systems introduced reforms, Inskeep elaborated.

There is now a growing wave of writing, activism and legislation to further change the adoption system to make it easier for biological parents and their children to connect if all parties consent to such a relationship.

Discussing new questions That decision to connect is personal, Inskeep notes.

For Knutel specifically, all this has posed unique questions – his youngest son started talking about wanting to meet his birth mom when he was just four years old.

“I don’t think I was really prepared for that,” he noted.

Knutel says he’s wary about setting up false expectations but has engaged in conversations about identity, family and ancestry, conversations he’s uniquely qualified to handle.

At the end of it all, as he navigated a life quietly underpinned by his story of adoption, Knutel pulls a prominent lesson from his new relationship with his mother.

“Maybe you do [meet your mother],” he tells his sons.

“Maybe you don’t. If you do, that’s fine. If you don’t, that’s fine. A family is what you make it, based on love, not on biology.”

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PEOPLE

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Shari Fox – a chronicler of life using art

By Peg Lopata Contributing Writer

Art Education Fox has been an art teacher at Shrewsbury High School for 25 years. She followed the advice of one of her favorite

PHOTO/AARON FOX

SHREWSBURY - Family, faith and art is the personal trinity of support for Shari Fox. A Shrewsbury resident for sixteen years, Fox, 48, has a fulfilling family and work life.

While there are artists that inspire her creative endeavors, her family does as well. “They are all supportive and loving.

My parents encouraged me to pursue art. My husband, a blacksmith and graphic designer, inspires me with his own drive to create things,” said Fox.

Shari Fox

high school teachers who told her to make her avocation her vocation.

“Teaching combines the two things I love doing most: art and working with kids,”

“

“Who am I?”

I consider myself a life-long learner. I will never stop taking classes to learn new techniques, be around other artists and be part of an artistic community.

Shari Fox explained Fox. Her academic credentials are impressive: she has a bachelor’s degree and post-baccalaureate in studio art from Brandeis University, as well as a master of arts in teaching from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design.

But her education is not over.

“I consider myself a life-long learner,” she said. “I will never stop taking classes to learn new techniques, be around other artists and be part of an artistic community.”

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Mixed media techniques Fox has been making art since she was a young child.

She describes herself as a mixed media artist because her works combine drawing, painting and collage. “I usually start with a layer of writing, whether it is printed or handwritten text. I add layers of drawing, painting and collage on top of the writing, making connections between the imagery and the text,” explained Fox. She also works in encaustic, a method of painting that uses wax instead of paint.

Art as therapy While writers use words in a journal to explore their inner life, Fox chronicles her life through her artwork. “I use my art, especially my sketchbook, to express emotions and process what is going on in my life and the world around me. I do art because it is therapeutic.” This approach to art Shari Fox | 15

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 15

PEOPLE

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Stephen Church youth fill buckets for Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Shari Fox – a chronicler of life using art

“I think” Shari Fox | from page 14

helps her find her voice. “That voice,” she states, “continues to evolve as my life changes.”

She also hopes that others can relate to the art that she creates.

seen at Gaston Art and Frame, Shrewsbury and Elsie Kaye Glassworks, Westboro and on her website: sharifox.com; on Instagram: ShariFoxArt, and on Facebook: ShariFoxArt.

MARLBOROUGH - The youth of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marlborough recently formed a “bucket brigade,” collecting and filling 40 buckets with essential cleaning supplies for the clients of the Hudson-based Fresh Start Furniture Bank.

Not only the youth and their families, but also other parishioners of St. Stephen Lutheran Church chipped in and dropped off cash donations, along with supplies including paper towels, all-surface cleaner, toilet brushes and cleaners, dishwasher soap, glass cleaner and disinfectant wipes.

Pleased to be able to gather, though distanced and masked, a dozen teens put together the buckets of cleaning supplies over two recent Saturdays.

The full buckets will be given as housewarming gifts to the Fresh Start clients.

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Inspiration Not surprisingly, Fox is inspired by artists who make personally symbolic work, such as Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter famous for, among other subject matters, her self-portraits. Conceptionally, Fox’s works are her self-portraits. “Kahlo,” Fox explained, “made work about her injuries, illness, and divorce.” Fox has expressed many of her life’s significant moments in her artwork as well, such as her wedding, pregnancies, illnesses and deaths of those she loved. Recently, Fox has made artwork about the pandemic.

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Pandemic effects on work The pandemic has hit close to home for Fox. Her mother-in-law died of COVID-19 and Fox’s recent diagnosis of diabetes has made her more concerned about getting COVID-19 herself. Her classes are now done remotely, which is especially challenging for teaching art. But Fox is not the gloom-and-doom type. “I like to find the silver lining and appreciate what I have,” she said. “When everything was shut down during the spring, everyone in the family was 1 hour New Client cooking more, evenSpecial my kids, and we had home-cooked family meals almost every night,” she said. “I do appreciate the fact that the pandemic made us slow down and spend PRICE $109 moreREGULAR time together.”

Prints of Fox’s works can be

Ben Vartabedian, Brendan Coyne, Mike Napoleone, Emily Haley, Zach Gogan, Caitlyn Gogan gather during a recent bucket brigade at St. Stephen Church.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

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By Melanie Petrucci Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY – Nothing Bundt Cakes’ credo is perfection. Perfect ingredients - “real eggs, butter and cream cheese; nothing was too good to achieve the perfect bite that sparks joy.”

Owner Alan Gulachenski said, “It’s about joy and happiness, I don’t know how you can go wrong with trying to spread joy and happiness.”

Family owned Nothing Bundt Cakes is a franchise and is one of four in the commonwealth. The Shrewsbury location is the only one in Central Massachusetts. The bakery is bright, inviting and the aroma is amazing. The cakes and signature frosting are handcrafted

on premises.

Alan and Liz, his wife and business partner, opened their doors in December of 2019, just before the coronavirus pandemic began.

In that time, they have immersed themselves in the community by spreading kindness with their delicious Bundt cakes.

He said, “one of the things that happened that I didn’t expect (I was donating cake before COVID); people started calling the bakery to say that they wanted to get involved.”

People wanted to do something to help those on the front lines so they would call the bakery and would purchase treats to be anonymously delivered to first responders and healthcare providers.

Al Gulachenski at his Shrewsbury bakery

PHOTO/MELANIE PETRUCCI

“Sometimes they would say bring it to anyone who you think needs it,” he reflected.

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some of them, notably local nonprofit The Kindness Coalition.

When asked about what was new for his customers to enjoy this year, Gulachenski was excited to share that they have new cake decorations that recently came out for doctors and nurses’ appreciation days.

He also pointed out their festive Cinco de Mayo cake topper, which he believes is going to be very popular. Additionally, Mother’s Day and graduation season are just around the corner. He advises people to order early for these occasions.

He said that Mother’s Day is going to be especially busy.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 17

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During these trying times Gulachenski humbly acknowledged the support he has received from the community.

“The community itself, it’s been mutual.” Gulachenski remarked. “Not only has the community helped me spread joy but the community has spread joy back to us – by supporting us.”

Lastly, he said he wouldn’t

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This designation is a graduate level and multi-disciplinary specialization in estate planning that is obtained in addition to specific professional credentials Toni Brogna within the estate planning industry.

NAEPC awards AEP recognition to estate planning professionals that meet specific requirements of experience, knowledge, education, professional reputation and character.

A designee, like Brogna, embraces the team concept of estate planning, adheres to the NAEPC Code of Ethics and participates in an annual renewal and recertification process.

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In addition to developing her knowledge of special needs planning, she has over two decades of experience in estate planning, estate and trust administration, foundation administration and charitable planning.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY SERVICE Southborough, Shrewsbury municipal candidates make case to voters REGION - Area towns are gearing up for 2021 municipal elections. As voters get set to head to the polls, the Community Advocate has zeroed in on contested races for prominent bodies like Board of Selectmen and School Committee.

This week previews focus on contested races in Southborough and Shrewsbury.

Candidates all filed paperwork to appear on their community’s ballot. The Community Advocate then asked them answer questions and to provide brief biographies of themselves.

See biographies here and read extended question and answers online…

Southborough Scan QR code to read expanded candidate bios for each town.

BOARD OF SELECTMAN 1 SEAT AVAILABLE

Andrew Dennington “I have the right type of experience to hit the ground running. I served on our Zoning Board of Appeals for five

years, with two years as Chair.

I currently serve on our Advisory Committee (our finance committee). In total, I have seven years of relevant experience. But I still bring the fresh perspective of a relative newcomer, having moved to Southborough with my wife eight years ago.”

“I also understand the challenges faced by young families.

We have two children, ages 5 and 3. Our daughter is a kindergartener at the Finn School.”

Michael Weishan Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I attended Harvard on full s ch ol ar ship. I am a 30-year resident of Southborough.

I own a landscape architecture firm in Southborough and have had a substantial career in the national press, NPR and PBS as host and commentator.

I am currently the chair of the Southborough Historical Commission. During this time, I authored the Demolition Delay & Adaptive Reuse Bylaws; and saved the restored barn now going up at Chestnut Hill Farm. Additionally, I led the rescue of the Southborough Historical Society after a flood, restoring both building and finances, and currently serve as SHS president.

NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE (NORTHBOROUGH CANDIDATE) - 2 SEATS AVAILABLE

Kathleen Howland “At the women’s march 4 years ago, I heard the call to be engaged. As a college professor, school committee was an easy choice. I run again to have a voice in the quality of the educational experience, especially beyond grades. How are we preparing the next generation to be logical thinkers, to be people who can solve complex problems, to be people who have developed high levels of empathy to contribute to society and to be good to themselves. I am a wife, mother of a present junior and Education Director for the Soular Jazz Festival with my husband.”

Karen Ares “ M y name i K a re n Ares, candidate for Regional School Committee. I have been serving on this committee since June 2020, and have a wealth of knowledge in public education, having been a high school teacher for 7 years and a district administrator in a regional school district for 5 years. As a district administrator, I regularly attended School Committee meetings and presented curriculum and budget updates. I am the parent of two Algonquin students, and familiar with issues that teachers face in the classroom today. I am passionate about creating learning opportunities that are equitable for all children.”

Mariam Ibrahimi “I grew up in Northborough and graduated ARHS in 2019. Currently the Vice Chair of the Northborough Diversity and Inclusion Committee, I collaborate on solutions to foster a more welcoming community.”

“With 1⁄4 of ARHS students identifying as people of color, the Regional School Committee does not adequately represent the experiences of diverse students. I’m running because we must do better by our community. I’ve crafted my priorities with input from parents, teachers, local elected officials, community members, and most importantly, students. It’s time for a young, diverse voice on the School Committee and I hope to earn your support.”

Shrewsbury Scan QR code to read expanded candidate bios for each town.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1 SEAT AVAILABLE

Johnathan Wensky “I’m a lifelong re s i d e n t of Shrewsbury and h a v e served as an elected member of the School Committee for the last 6 years. I’m a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. For the last 18 years, I have been employed with Staples, Inc. in Framingham holding various leadership positions in Sales Operations and eCommerce. Preparing for a post-pandemic return

to school comes with many challenges and unknowns.

I believe Shrewsbury needs tested, experienced leadership in this position. Our work during this difficult time is just beginning and that’s why I am running for reelection.”

Andrei Kapoustine “Andrei Kapoustine has been living in S h re w s bury for 10 years with his wife Mila and two twin sons.

Bachelor’s Degree Holder in International Finance and Master’s degree holder from the French Insurance and Actuarial School Andrei has 20 years of experience in various finance roles with increasing responsibilities in the UK, Eastern Europe and US. Currently Andrei is working as a supplier relationship manager with Takeda Pharmaceutical in Lexington (MA). Andrei remains connected to the Shrewsbury Public Schools System through his sons who started their education in the old Beal school and currently attending fourth grade classes in Floral School.”

Sanam Zaer “I live here in S h re w s bury with my husband and three children. I am running for School Committee because I have always been passionate about education. I have a Master’s degree in education, classroom experience, and have been very active in our schools as a PTO member, School Council representative, and as a parent representative on multiple committees. As an educator, a local advocate, and as the parent of children with varying needs, I offer the School Committee a unique perspective and a direct connection to diverse communities across Shrewsbury.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 19

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Open Wed. - Sun. 10 AM to 5 PM

WHS reigns supreme in battle of unbeaten volleyball teams HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD

By Chris Wilson Contributing Writer PHOTO/KELLY BURNESON

REGION – This past week saw the conclusion of the Fall II season.

The biggest game on the schedule took place on Thursday, April 22 when Algonquin and Westborough volleyball squads faced off in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Westborough came out on top by a score of 3-2. The match, though, came down to the final serve. Leading 14-13 in their fifth set, Westborough needed just one more point to reach the 15-point threshold with the two-point margin necessary to win. The Rangers aced the shot to win the set 15-13.

“Everyone on the team worked all year long to make each other better in practice,” Westborough Head Coach Roger Anderson told the Community Advocate after the win.

Anderson went on to say that the win was, “a complete team effort.”

Westborough finished its season with a perfect 11-0 record, snapping Algonquin’s similar previously undefeated record with this final victory.

Reflecting on his squad’s play, Anderson credited team success to his players’, “commitment early on… that, no matter what, we would take care of each other.”

He went on to say that this camaraderie was critical to the program’s success in 2021.

Westborough volleyball player Taylor Chelak dives to the ground for a save during a game against Wachusett.

“Great season, T-Hawks,” Algonquin Athletic Director Michael Mocerino tweeted following his team’s loss.

In other volleyball action, Shrewsbury picked up a pair of wins over AMSA on April 20 and April 22.

On the gridiron, area schools celebrated “Thanksgiving in April.” As the fall 2020 football season was cancelled due to COVID-19, local football fans specifically mourned the loss of traditional Thanksgiving games.

In the final weeks of the season, though, school administrators and officials at the MIAA rolled out sudden plans to revive old rivalries with Thursday night games, April 22.

In Shrewsbury, the Colonials lined up against Wachusett. The Mountaineers took the 34-14 victory, finishing off their own undefeated season.

In Marlborough, the Panthers blanked the Hudson Hawks 28-0 behind two touchdowns from running back Jay Jay Jarmann.

Algonquin, meanwhile, ended its season on a high note,

defeating Westborough by a score of 30-14.

Grafton finished its season earlier this month. So the school’s teams had no games on their schedules.

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Gratitude Garden fundraiser to benefit innovative educational programs

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – A Gratitude Garden will “bloom” at each of Westborough’s six schools to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7.

The gardens, planted with colorful pinwheels, are an effort launched by the Westborough Education Founda-

tion (WEF) to honor teachers and school staff for “going above and beyond” during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic according to WEF President Maureen Johnson.

Johnson noted that it’s important to recognize how educators had to change their ways of doing things as schools adapted to remote and hybrid models of learning. She ap-

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plauded parents and students as well for their “patience and persistence” over the past year.

The WEF is inviting parents, students and the community at large to show their appreciation by buying a pinwheel flower for $5 each in a teacher’s name. The WEF will notify the teacher when he/she is acknowledged and by whom.

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wheel or many pinwheels is at the end of April. See www. westborougheducationfoundation.com to fill out the online form for the tax-deductible purchase and for more information.

Johnson said the foundation has a goal of selling 3,000 pinwheels, as board members envision each garden comprised of 500 “flowers.”

Each garden will add color and a festive splash to the school grounds and remain planted for at least a week, Johnson said.

“As teachers and students are returning to school, we thought it would be a nice, cheerful way to welcome everyone back,” she said.

Westborough High school student volunteers, led by Julia

French and Derek Lu, WEF student liaisons, helped to build the pinwheel flowers and will assist with planting in May. The Gratitude Garden project is a change from the foundation’s traditional spring CARE (Celebrate and Appreciate Remarkable Educators) fundraiser, where donors contribute to fund teacher grants for “innovative programs that will enhance learning,” according to Johnson.

The programs, partnerships and enrichment activities are outside the funding normally provided in the school budget, she said. Over the years, several of the WEF grant-funded initiatives were incorporated into the regular curriculum.

“The Gratitude Garden is just a fun way to show appreciation for our teachers while raising money at the same time to support our grants,” Johnson said And, she reminded, donations for the grants are accepted year-round.

“There is no set time to thank a teacher or staff,” she said.

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Families have mixed views on travel restrictions, Westborough Schools superintendent says

“

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH – The reopening of schools in Westborough concluded April 26, with high school students returning following spring break.

Through this process, travel has emerged as a “hot topic” according to Superintendent Amber Bock, who discussed the state coronavirus travel advisory and other issues related to in-person learning at an April 7 School Committee meeting.

After traveling out of state for more than 24 hours, the Westborough Public Schools continue to require a PCR COVID-19 test or a 10-day quarantine before students can return to school. Children younger than 10 need to follow what the adult they are traveling with is doing.

Exempt are fully vaccinated travelers who received their doses 14 days prior and don’t have virus symptoms. They can return to school without a

The Westborough High School parking lot sits empty just a matter of days before reopening for full-time in-person learning.

quarantine or test.

Acknowledging that some families are upset about testing, Bock said that it is “appropriate” and for the safety of students and faculty.

In addition, she said, there can be a quick turnaround of a couple of days between the time the person arrives home, takes the COVID-19 test, engages in remote learning, and then gets negative results and can return to school.

Although some parents are upset about the testing requirement, there is also concern by people feeling worried about other families who are traveling and afterward may come in contact with their children.

“A bell curve exists for every decision we make,” Bock said.

She noted even though routines had to change to reopen schools five days per week, the transition was “seamless”

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Good planning is invisible, the absence of errors. I feel very confident the schools are running smoothly.

Amber Bock Superintendent

thanks to thoughtful preparations.

“Good planning is invisible, the absence of errors. I feel very confident the schools are running smoothly,” she said.

On a different matter, the superintendent said that the state has “very rigid” restrictions on gatherings like proms.

Administrators are working on ways to “create a heavily modified experience that feels celebratory,” as a result, she said.

More information will be forthcoming.

Finally, the Westborough School Committee voted to name Friday, June 18, as the last full day of school.

Originally, the date was the following Monday as a half day.

But committee members agreed the change made more sense.

School Committee Chair Kristen Vincent pointed out that the state is requiring 170 school days this year (instead of the usual 180), so June 18 puts the district at 171 days.

Student Representative Kyla Kamugu said that last year, the sixth period on the last day of school was devoted to mental health activities like mindfulness and yoga where students could “check in with themselves.” She wondered if that practice would be repeated this year.

Teachers will have the discretion whether or not to incorporate those activities, Bock replied.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 23

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Algonquin and Westborough provide normalcy for athletes with Thanksgiving game Football | from page 1

earmarked Week Six for a rivalry meeting early in the season.

But the chance to continue the tradition was not a guarantee as COVID-19 could have altered plans at any moment.

If Westborough, Algonquin or

any of their opponents ran into issues with the virus, forcing a postponed regular season game, this game would not have taken place.

“Every day we played or practiced in the season was a small miracle,” DiCarlo said.

PHOTO/JESSE KUCEWICZ

A Shrewsbury unified basketball player dribbles up the court April 16.

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Unified Basketball program held a team scrimmage April 16 as the Fall II season neared its conclusion.

This marked the third and final such scrimmage this spring, as players navigated an awkward season of abbreviated practices and scrimmages.

Unified Basketball is an adaptive high school sports program run through the MIAA and Special Olympics Massachusetts. According to the Special Olympics, it pairs players with “intellectual disabilities” with other athletes without

such disabilities.

After quickly proliferating through the region in recent years, though, Unified Basketball programs at schools like Shrewsbury and Marlborough have had to change course during the pandemic.

Some practices are shorter or more infrequent. Some players have not been able to participate, and opportunities for interscholastic play are few and far between.

Regardless, coaches and athletic directors are happy.

“Anything to get the kids together is a win,” Marlborough Athletic Director Jeff Rudzinski told the Community Advocate earlier this spring.

PHOTO/JEFF SLOVIN

Shrewsbury athletes take the court for unified basketball

“...We never knew what each day would hold for us.”

The Rangers/Tomahawks rivalry game would not be announced until April 15.

That was a calculated choice, according to Mocerino.

“We waited to announce the match-up until we knew that we both had this week open to schedule the game,” he said.

Ultimately, Mocerino and DiCarlo noted the game was a win for both teams.

“Providing this opportunity for all the student-athletes involved represents some sort of normalcy for students,” Mocerino said.

DiCarlo expanded on the importance of the game.

“We always love competing against Algonquin,” she said.

“So, the fact that we can get this game in for the kids and the communities is special.”

In the game itself, both defenses stood tall out of the gate.

Algonquin scored though in the second quarter. It then traded touchdowns with the

Westborough senior Ashton Worstell tries to break away from Algonquin senior Mike McEvoy

Rangers in the third quarter, before then dominating the fourth quarter by a score of 16-7.

The Tomahawks won the game 30-14. This first win of the season was also the first win of Coach Mark Allen’s head coaching career in town.

“Great game, and great win for our team,” the official Algonquin football Twitter account posted following the

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Only family members of players as well as members of the press were allowed to attend the game. The game was livestreamed, however, with commentary from Andrew and Ken Roberts and can be viewed in full by going to the Northborough Cable YouTube channel looking for the ARHS April 22 Football game.

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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 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.

Westborough

Wednesday, April 14 8:16 p.m. Homestead Blvd.

Trespassing.

Thursday, April 15 4:06 a.m. South St. Burglary/ breaking & entering.

4:58 p.m. Milk St. Larceny.

Friday, April 16 12:07 p.m. West Park Dr. Disturbance (general).

7:37 p.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Threats made.

Saturday, April 17 12:31 a.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

6:36 p.m. Arrested, Santiago E. Talavera, 41, of 165 Turnpike Rd., Apt. 1, Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, unlicensed operation of MV. 11:34 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Sunday, April 18

“GEE, THANKS!”

1:37 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Threats made.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, April 15 9:18 a.m. Main St./Maple Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/ debris.

11:00 a.m. Main St./Westmont Rd. Road hazard – trees/wires/ debris.

1:00 p.m. High St. Identity theft.

1:48 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

4:56 p.m. Pineland Ave. Identity theft.

Friday, April 16 1:28 a.m. Main St. Larceny.

2:21 a.m. Boston Tpke. Dispute.

2:10 p.m. Boston Tpke. Accident with injury.

6:25 p.m. Boston Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

10;40 p.m. Arbor Dr. Disturbance.

Saturday, April 17 9:58 a.m. Main St. Disturbance.

11:18 a.m. Arrested, Carlos A. Gonzalez, 51, of 68 Mason St., Apt. 3, Worcester, on warrant.

Sunday, April 18 1:55 a.m. Boston/Hartford Tpkes. Road hazard – trees/ wires/debris.

2:03 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Larceny.

6:49 a.m. Boston Tpke. Disturbance.

Monday, April 19 7:44 p.m. Boston Tpke. Identity

theft.

9:42 p.m. Williamsburg Crt. Disturbance.

Tuesday, April 20 3:24 a.m. North Quinsigamond/First Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

9:50 a.m. Bow/Holden Sts. Road hazard – trees/wires/ debris.

10:30 a.m. Deerfield Rd. Identity theft.

2:27 p.m. South St. B&E residential.

2:58 p.m. Birch brush Rd. Identity theft.

3:32 p.m. Cherry St. Larceny.

3:34 p.m. Maple Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

5:43 p.m. Main St. Vandalism.

Wednesday, April 21 12:17 p.m. Manor Rd. Identity theft.

1:08 p.m. Colonial Dr. Dispute.

1:23 p.m. Grove St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Thursday, April 22 2:49 a.m. Holden/Bow Sts. Illegal dumping.

Saturday, April 17 1:46 p.m. Brigham St. Keep the peace.

2:59 p.m. Avalon Dr. Disturbance.

3:13 p.m. Belmont/Lawrence Sts. Accident: P.D. 6:37 p.m. West Main St. Larceny.

Sunday, April 18 1:20 a.m. Southwest Cutoff.

Disturbance.

1:46 p.m. West Main St. Dog complaint.

6:10 p.m. Shops Way. Disturbance.

Monday, April 19 12:31 p.m. Southwest Cutoff/ Belmont St. Disturbance.

Tuesday, April 20 3:58 a.m. Southwest Cutoff.

Disturbance.

9:35 a.m. South St. Dog complaint.

10:20 a.m. Whitney St. Fraud.

2:18 p.m. Belmont St. Disturbance.

2:38 p.m. Bartlett St. Disturbance.

5:34 p.m. Main St. Fraud.

Northborough

Southborough

Friday, April 16 1:33 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan Ray Chalifoux, 27, of 206 Union St., Leominster, for operate MV with license revoked as HTO, warrant.

6:07 p.m. Green St. Vandalism.

11:49 p.m. Davis St. Disturbance.

Monday, April 12 2:58 p.m. Waterview Ter. Larceny/forgery/fraud.

Wednesday, April 14 3:24 p.m. Cordaville/Turnpike Rds. Road hazard.

Saturday, April 17 12:41 p.m. Joslin Ln. Larceny/

forgery/fraud.

11:41 p.m. Arrested, Geronimo J. DeCastro, of Hartford Street, Framingham, for oper MV with license suspended for OUI, unlicensed operation of MV, possess Class B drug.

Sunday, April 18 5:48 p.m. Arrested, Caroline Bouvier, of Chestnut Street, Marlborough, for operate MV with license revoked as HTO, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.

8:28 p.m. Arrested, Nardy A. Resto, of Berry St., Framingham, for op MV with license suspended, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle.

Monday, April 19 6:19 a.m. School St. Road hazard.

11:09 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance.

5:04 p.m. Arrested, Fouad E. Aoude, of Main Street, Medway, for trespass.

Tuesday, April 20 1:41 a.m. Arrested, Janilet J. Vera, of Sigel Street, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, warrant.

10:57 a.m. Boston Rd./Firmin Ave. Motor vehicle accident.

7:56 p.m. Constitution Dr. Disturbance.

SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers to puzzle located on p. 21

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021 • 25

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 Henning, Raymond of Marlborough Mackowiak, Joan of Grafton Santos, David of Hudson Tonelli, Dorothy of Shrewsbury Wilder, Paul of Marlborough Curtis, Alan formerly of Westborough Valarioti, Joseph of Marlborough Vollink, Doris of Hudson De Oliveira, Sergio of Marlborough McGoldrick, June of Westborough Clasby, Mary of Westborough Ripley, Lynne of Hudson Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.

Joseph A. Valarioti, 92 MARLBOROUGH - Joseph “Joe V” A. Valarioti, 92, of Marlborough, died on April 17, 2021 at Reservoir Center for Health & Rehab. Joe V was born in Worcester, the son of the late Domenic and Nancy (Scerra) Valarioti.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Jennie (Murgo) Valarioti, who died in June 2012.

He owned and operated Central Auto Rebuilders in Marlborough for over 50 years which he started in 1957, retiring in 2012 when his son Domenic carried on the family business. He was an Appointed Member and Vice-Chair Commonwealth of Massachusetts Automobile Damage Appraiser Licensing Board; Director of Statewide Towing Assoc; Director of Central MA Auto Rebuilders Assoc. and a Corporator of Marlborough Savings Bank.

Joe V was a great man and father who devoted his time to the community and the Auto collision industry in many appointed and elected positions, he was not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and doing the work that needed to be done.

His accomplishments include Elected City of Marlborough Representative to Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Committee, Member City of Marlborough License Board, City of Marlborough Sealer of Weights and Measures, Commissioner and Chair Marlborough Recreation Commission, Trustee City of Marlborough Cable Trust, Member Marlborough Office of Cultural Affairs, Director Marlborough Community Development Authority, Recipient City of Marlborough Humanitarian Award and Senior of the Year Award.

He was a member of Rotary International, Marlborough Chapter President, Director and Fine Master, Paul Harris Fellow, Star of Rotary Shows and Charitable Events. President and Director Marlborough Boys Club received National Award for Board Leadership, Boys Clubs of America, Houston, TX, Sponsor of Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit the Boy’s Club, He sponsored numerous youth sports teams and received Algonquin Council Boy Scouts of America Award for Exemplary Service.

He was Vice-Chair Board of Directors Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and received Business Person of the Year Award, Small Business Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

He was a member of Italian American Veteran’s Post 45, Sons of Italy Lodge 240 and received the Man of the Year Award.

Joe V is survived by his two sons, Domenic Valarioti and his wife Cyrilla of Marlborough and Richard Valarioti and his wife Elizabeth of Southborough; three granddaughters, Patricia Candito and her husband Nicholas of California, Christine Valarioti of S. Boston, and Margaret Valarioti of Newton; two grandsons, Michael Valarioti and his wife Samantha of Marlborough and John Valarioti of Southborough; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte, James, and Camila; two sisters, Catherine Danzilio

June D. McGoldrick, 97 WESTBOROUGH - June Davies McGoldrick, 97, passed away peacefully at home with family on April 16, 2021. She had recently celebrated a festive and joy-filled birthday with friends and family.

June leaves behind her daughter, Linda McGoldrick of Newport, R.I., and grandson Ryan McGoldrick of Wethersfield, Conn. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Robert P. McGoldrick, daughter Julia ( Jill) McGoldrick, son Lawrence J. (Larry) McGoldrick, and sister Dorothy D. Vanderbilt.

Dorothy K. Tonelli, 93 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” James 1:17 SHREWSBURY - Dorothy K. (Ankstutis) Tonelli, adored wife, mother, grandmother, g r e a t grandmothe r, s i s t e r, aunt, and friend, died on April 8, 2021.

Dorothy was the fifth of five children born to Lithuanian immigrants, Eva and Bernard Ankstutis, in Worcester. She was born on May 1, 1927, and died, in the midst of the bustle, adoration, and love of her children and a full and happy family home.

Her husband, Ed, died on Dec. 26, 2020. One hundred and three days later, they were together again in Heaven. Dorothy leaves behind her daughter, Judith TonelliBrown and her husband, Matthew Brown; her daughter, Dr. Jodie Chapin and her husband, Todd Chapin; her daughter, Jill Tonelli; and her son, Dr. Edward Tonelli, Jr. She leaves her adoring grandchildren: Trevor Brown and his wife, Meghan Brown;

Tobin Brown and his fiancée, Vanessa Colombi; Juliet Chapin; and Augustus Chapin. She also leaves her great-granddaughter, Amelia Brown; her nephew, Thomas Shilale; and many other nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Edward P. Tonelli, Sr.; her two sisters, her beloved Tillie Shilale and Ruth Ankstutis; and her two brothers, Albert Ankstutis and John Andrews.

Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

Joan M. Mackowiak, 88 GRAFTON - Joan M. (Blanchard) Mackowiak, 88, passed away on April 12, 2021 at Webster Manor after a lengthy illness. Her husband of 56 years, Lee Mackowiak, passed away in 2010 and her son, Daniel Mackowiak, also predeceased her in 2018.

Joan leaves her grandchildren, Trevor and Angela; her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Mackowiak, Sue Federici, who was in many ways like a daughter to Joan; and many dear friends.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Alan R. Curtis, Ph.D., 84 MANCHESTER, N.H. - Alan R. Curtis, Ph.D. of Manchester, N.H., formerly of Westborough, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on April 18, 2021 at home, surrounded by family. He was born on Aug. 27, 1936 in Westborough to the late Robert L. Curtis and Dorothy (Bailey) Curtis.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Merlene (Gilks) Curtis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Curtis of Florida, and a number of aunts and

uncles. Also, he leaves behind a son, Donald Curtis, MD and his wife Martha of Courtney, British Columbia, Canada; a daughter, Deborah (Curtis) Young and her husband Scott of York, Maine; and a daughter, Linda (Curtis) Gordon and her husband Chris of Center Moriches, N.Y. Also, he leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Joshua, Brian and his wife, Alyssa; Benjamin, Jacob, Lucian and Lollie Young of York, Maine; Jessica, Jeffrey, Rebecca and Matthew Curtis of British Columbia, Canada; and Shelby Leigh Gordon of Center Moriches, N.Y. Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory in Manchester, N.H., assisted with arrangements.

Mary M. Clasby, 94 WESTBOROUGH - Mary Margaret (Garrahan) Clasby, inspirational mother, teacher, businesswoman, and community volunteer known by those who loved her as Mom, Momma, Nana, Nana Donut, and Mary, died peacefully on April 18, 2021 at 11:11 a.m.

Beloved wife of 67 years to Edward M. Clasby. Devoted mother of Maryanne Bombaugh and her husband Keith, Edward Michael and his wife Deborah, Elisabeth Eyster and her husband Louis, Shaun and his wife Theresa, and Ann-Marie Sullivan and her husband Michael. Loving grandmother to Louis, Andrew, Dana, Shauna, Sarah, Thomas, Shaun, Ariel, Keith, Maria, Teddy, Samuel, Rachel, Daniel, and Audrey, and greatgrandmother to fourteen beautiful great grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her mother and father, Sarah and Christopher Garrahan, and her brothers, Christopher and John Garrahan.

Her funeral Mass will be Monday, May 3, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, April 30, 2021

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Rice Homestead reflects Marlborough’s history for over 300 years The Peter Rice Homestead has been the home of the Marlborough Historical Society since 1968.

By Brett Peruzzi Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH - The Peter Rice homestead on Elm Street in Marlborough, one of the city’s oldest and most storied residences, is a natural home for the Marlborough Historical Society.

The homestead, which is on a hillside overlooking Mount Wachusett to the wes t, is believed to date back to 1688, when Peter Rice married Rebecca Howe and brought her to the 17-acre site, bequeathed to him by his father. The first dwelling was likely a much simpler affair, a one or two room house, compared to the expansive twostory building of today. As the family grew, so did the house, as the couple would go on to have 11 children.

Previously a family home for generations The home remained in the Rice family for six generations – nearly two hundred years. In 1894, it was sold to the Fitch family, who grew numerous vegetable and fruit crops on

COURTESY OF MARLBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

the property. The Labelle family was the next owner, beginning in 1939, and because of the housing shortage during World War II, the house was divided up into several apartments. In 1967 it was purchased by the Honeywell corporation, who a year later gifted it to the Marlborough Historical Society through a long-term lease. The society was started in 1965 and was in search of a permanent location when it moved to the Rice Homestead, where it has been headquartered ever since.

When the society moved into the property in 1968, extensive renovations were necessary, many of which were completed

over the next several years by some of the members.

Historic meeting place The first floor has a large room that is used by the society for meetings, and includes a fireplace that was built over an earlier kitchen fireplace with both a bake oven and ash pit.

The present kitchen contains another large antique fireplace and bake oven, while the more modern furnishings are used for preparing baked goods for the society’s events and fundraisers.

Another notable first floor room is known as the West Parlor, which has gone through various changes as the building

evolved over the centuries. The fireplace in this room had undergone at least three incarnations before the most recent one, believed to have been installed in the 1940s, was removed to reveal an earlier one.

On the second floor, the room on the left is the John Frye Memorial Room, named after the founder of the shoe factory that bore his name. It is used to display changing exhibits of items from the society’s collection. The display cases are both functional and historic, as they were once used to display playbills outside the Marlborough Theater on Main Street, which was built in the 1920s and razed in the 1970s. A room now used as the curator’s office is where items donated to the society are processed and stored, and where paper items such as maps, manuscripts, and photos are archived, and the society’s library of books is maintained.

An adjoining room is furnished like an old-fashioned schoolroom, with student desks and a teacher’s podium.

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When children’s groups visit the homestead, they are seated here to learn about what schools were like during the Rice family era. The room was originally a wide open space used for a variety of purposes over the years, including additional sleeping quarters, storage, and as an entrance to the attic. Another room contains other Marlborough memorabilia, including a mantle and chair from the Williams Tavern, which operated in various forms from the late 1600s until the early twentieth century.

Available for public use The Peter Rice Homestead was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The homestead is typically open to the public for monthly programs and special events, and for research and tours with at least 10 days notice; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced restrictions.

For more information about visiting, contact the Marlborough Historical Society by visiting historicmarlborough.org.

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