Tornado touches down in Marlborough, NWS confirms
Shrewsbury Planning Board approves Centech development
region | 3
news | 5
77-year-old powerlifter marks major milestone
sports| 17
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Vol. 47 | No. 35 | August 27, 2021
Adaptive water-ski event making waves on Lake Quinsigamond
Southborough to consider regional public safety dispatch services
By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
The Southborough Police Station is located on Cordaville Road.
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
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Above: Reanna Kuzdzal and Siddharth Suratwale enjoy time water-skiing on Lake Quinsigamond.
PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES
SOUTHBOROUGH - Selectmen recently advised Town Administrator Mark Purple to work with Southborough’s police and fire chiefs to gather more information about the possibility of pursuing a regional dispatch center to handle emergency management needs. At the August 17 meeting, board members emphasized that they are at the start of the process, so they can weigh the pros and cons of the option before making a commitment to go further.
SHREWSBURY - About 25 kids and adults with disabilities spent Aug. 17 water-skiing on Lake Quinsigamond. “It’s just a feel-good situation where we can get these kids [who may not] have the means to get out on the lake and certainly don’t have the means to participate in a sport like this,” said Linda Candela. The event, which had the theme of “Any Disability, Any Age,” was held in two sessions, which means that the participants had the chance to water-ski multiple times. The event was sponsored by the Webster Water Ski Collective, which is a 501 (c)(3) that operates out of Webster Lake. Candela is one of the collective’s directors and serves as its treasurer. Last year, Webster Water Ski Collective held an adaptive event in Webster. Some of the people who attended were members of a water-skiing club in Shrewsbury. The group loved the Webster event and asked if they could host one in Shrewsbury, Candela said. “Our mission is to teach waterSiddharth Suratwale was one of the people who went waterskiing on Lake Quinsigamond on Aug. 17.
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
A PAT I E N T U P D AT E O N O U R C O M M I T M E N T T O A C C E S S I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 3
Tornado touches down in Marlborough, NWS confirms
OVER TOP
THE
A funnel cloud spun over Downtown Hudson after a tornado briefly touched down in Marlborough, Aug. 23. PHOTO/COURTESY NIKKI GILLES
By Dakota Antelman, Managing Editor
PHOTO/TAMI WHITE
Oak Island boat ramp reopens SHREWSBURY - Drone photography recently captured the sight of the Oak Island Boat Ramp in Shrewsbury. Closed earlier this year due to high levels of E-Coli, the boat ramp has reassumed its familiar place as a destination for those seeking to enjoy time on the waters of Lake Quinsigamond.
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REGION - A tornado briefly spun a three-quarter-mile path through part of Marlborough, Monday according to a preliminary damage report released by the National Weather Service. No one was injured as the EF-0 tornado gathered winds estimated at 65 miles per hour, the damage report said. Weather officials say the tornado first touched down in a cluster of trees behind commercial properties off Cedar Hill St. It then traveled north over a number of those buildings before crossing Cedar Hill St. itself. Funnel clouds were spotted throughout the region as additional tornados touched down in nearby Stow and Bolton. This all came as remnants of Tropical Storm Henri moved back through the area after the storm first struck on Aug. 22.
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t can be intimidating to buy a bottle of French wine, especially if you don’t understand France’s complex, multi-tiered wine classification system. But with some basic knowledge, you will soon be on your way. The AOC, or Appel lation d ’Origine Controlee system, was created in 1935 to define strict, specific appellation characteristics to help guide the consumer, promote minimum levels of quality, and energize growers into producing better wines. The Vin de Pays, or “country wine” category, focuses more on geographical origin rather than tradition and style and was introduced in the 1970s. The most basic quality tier and the least regulated and used is Vin de France, which replaced the Vin de Table category in 2010. At JULIO’S LIQUORS we cater to all levels of experience and take pleasure in encouraging all Julio’s customers to learn more about wine and feel excited about their purchases. We host multiple seminars, formal tastings and wine festivals throughout the month which cater to every level of wine consumer. We feature an extensive selection of wines from all over the globe. For more information, please 508-366-1942 or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East HINT: The French wine classification correlates with the European Union’s PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), which protects all kinds of regional food.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS ‘At what point do you say Northborough has enough?’ Planning Board talks warehouse moratorium By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter PHOTO BY/LAURA HAYES
NORTHBOROUGH - Planning Board Chair Kerri Martinek recently suggested a moratorium for warehousing, trucking and distribution in Northborough “until we get a better grasp of what’s going on in town and what the impact is.” Martinek offered this suggestion during an Aug. 17 meeting about potential zoning bylaws to be presented at Town Meeting. “I think that can be a doubleedged sword, but I think it might be worth looking into just to see what we can be better prepared for,” said board member Millie Milton following Martinek’s comments. Martinek said there may be other tools to address concerns besides a moratorium.
An A. Duie Pyle truck drives past the Amazon warehouse on Bartlett Street in Northborough.
Vice Chair Amy Poretsky, meanwhile, called the moratorium “important,” saying surrounding towns are just starting to get Amazon facilities. “We have Amazon, FedEx, A. Duie Pyle,” she said. “At what point do you say Northborough has enough? Are we the only town with three trucking distribution centers?” Earlier in the meeting, Martinek said the board had received “continued concerns”
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about trucks not turning the right way or turning around in neighborhoods. “There are a couple of different areas where the trucks are stopping for sort of impromptu truck stops,” she said. Additionally, Martinek said there were questions regarding whether FedEx is bound to the conditions of a common driveway special permit for its driveway. According to Town Plan-
ner Kathy Joubert, FedEx was already in its current location when special permit applications were filed for the two Bartlett St. buildings that Amazon now occupies. It’s more about looking at the big picture than saying distribution and warehouses, Planning Board member Michelle Gillespie said. She suggested examining the definition of a distribution center and a warehouse, considering whether they’re branching out into facilities called “product centers.” E-commerce has matured, she said. So, she suggested looking at the facilities as product centers to house products that businesses know will be distributed within a 12-month timeframe, which she said isn’t a bad use for the area. “I think it’s a little more com-
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plicated than just saying we have three warehouses,” Gillespie said. She added, “I think we might be missing an opportunity to have product centers there that could actually bring in good revenue, but you’re not going to have the same amount of volume of traffic.” Board discusses violation enforcement During Town Meeting in May, members approved an article that outlined the penalties for zoning bylaw violations. Those penalties included $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second and $300 for the third and subsequent violation. Previously, the bylaw said a violator would be fined a sum not to exceed $300 for each violation. “Is that something that’s actually happening when conditions are not followed?” Martinek asked. Joubert said the town hadn’t received word that the bylaw was approved by the Attorney General. She said there’s a 90-day window from when it’s approved by Town Meeting to when the Attorney General needs to send a letter to Northborough, adding that sometimes the Attorney General asks for an extension. Fines have been applied in the past, Joubert said. “For anything, it’s always been a last resort to fine somebody,” she said. Joubert said the town’s philosophy has been to try to work the issue out. Additionally, there have been cases where fines weren’t paid, she said. The cost to bring the violator to court “far exceeds” the fine, Joubert said. “It’s very concerning that we don’t issue fines, and then when we do, they’re not paid,” Poretsky said. “It really makes me second-guess, do you approve something with conditions if they know the conditions mean nothing?” Joubert said there have been “years” of decisions from the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals in which applicants followed conditions put in place.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Shrewsbury Planning Board approves Centech development By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter
Resident David Singer addresses the Planning Board.
PHOTO BY/LAURA HAYES
SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Planning Board approved plans for a project at the town’s Centech Park North site during their Aug. 19 meeting. The project’s developer, NorthBridge Partners, plans to build a campus consisting of an office building, a 102,000-square-foot warehouse and a 197,000-squarefoot warehouse near the corner of Route 20 and South Street. There would be an entrance on Route 20, which vehicles will only be able to turn right in and out of, and a car-only entrance on South Street. During the Aug. 19 meeting, NorthBridge presented small changes to the plans, including signs that would prohibit trucks from using the South Street entrance. They also detailed how the driveway onto Route 20 would be configured to encourage right turns in and out of the site. One of the Planning Board’s
conditions for approving the plan was for NorthBridge to study the noise levels both when the project is built and again after a certificate of occupancy is issued for the two warehouses. This vote came after the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen recently voted to send a letter of support for the project during their last meeting. Selectman Maurice DePalo further voiced his support during the Planning Board’s meeting. DePalo was a selectman when the town purchased the land in 2002 and spoke to its long term history. “This land was always proposed to be developed,” he said. “The concept of buying this land was to preserve it as a piece of commercial industrial property because we have limited amounts of that in town.” He said Shrewsbury has spent time and resources to prepare for the site being developed, including extending water and sewer services and
creating a master plan for the site. DePalo encouraged the Planning Board to allow NorthBridge to proceed with the project. He also specifically asked that the Planning Board allow the operation “to go 24/7 as other logistics operators do in Shrewsbury now.” “To limit this project to not be able to operate on the full 24-hour cycle, if they deem it important, is going to place
this proposal at an economic disadvantage, at a competitive disadvantage and more than likely result in this not happening,” he said. The board and developers have been sensitive to neighbors’ concerns, DePalo said. He noted there was a 200 foot no build, no touch zone on the property’s border with Thomas Farm Circle. As the discussion progressed, Aug. 19, however, several residents who live nearby raised
concerns, including about blasting, which the board said was under the scope of the fire department. “Please, listen to the people who have lived in the neighborhoods,” said neighbor Wendy Bradley, who lives on Thomas Farm Circle. “I really think that the town is overbuilding industrial parks, especially too close to neighborhoods like my own.” Neighbor David Singer raised concerns about the ability of trucks to turn right onto South Street, ice on South Street as it approaches Route 20, the project’s lack of tenants, hours of operation and the project’s impacts on surrounding streets. “If this was a court of law, and not a so-to-speak court of bylaw, and to deny this project was equal to a guilty verdict, there has certainly been more than enough evidence presented to this board to find this proposal guilty, and therefore this proposal must be denied,” Singer said.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough woman channels breast cancer experience into massage therapy career Peg Lopata Contributing writer WESTBOROUGH - A woman who knows how to take care of herself is a good bet for someone who knows how to take care of others. So, not so surprisingly, Paula Kirk, 58, is a massage therapist. “I like helping people with their health and wellness,”
she said in an interview earlier this year. She likes taking care of herself too. “I do a lot to take care of myself,” she explained. “I get massages, acupuncture and chiropractic [work] and I see a therapist for mental health counseling.” She also likes to birdwatch, walk, take day trips to gar-
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dens and the beach. And she likes hiking, being with family, eating out, relaxing at home, watching movies and dancing. Recently she’s been going to the YMCA for strength training and stretching. Cancer changes everything Some may not think of these many avenues to choose from to keep the mind and body healthy, but Kirk’s brush with cancer and her mother’s death from cancer has greatly influenced her life. “My mother’s illness and death greatly influenced my decision to learn more about holistic health and eventually become a Reiki master and licensed massage therapist,” she said. “My work doesn’t cure cancer, of course, but I can help people feel more relaxed and healthy in general.” “I do integrated ‘bodywork,’” she continued, “which means a mix of techniques to help release patterns of chronic tension and stress, promoting relaxation, pain relief and greater ease of movement.” Motivated to help to find answers to why Kirk’s family’s women have unfortunately seen many cases of breast cancer. Three generations have had breast cancer diagnoses, including a niece only 23 years old. All this has happened without a clear genetic link, according to Kirk. Kirk herself was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer at 46. Both she and her niece are healthy now. Kirk thought about herself and all these women in her family having breast cancer and wanted to support work that funded research asking
cancer. “My experience, and those of my family members and friends, has made me more conscious of all the different types of cancers, treatments, side-effects and lasting physical and emotional Paula Kirk is a Licensed Massage Therapist and effects of treatReiki Master Practitioner at Westborough Massage. ments any client may be having,” why breast cancer is found she said. “People where there’s no genetic link. who have a cancer history will That led her into contributing have lasting changes in their to the efforts of the Massachubodies, minds, and spirits.” setts Breast Cancer Coalition Though the physicality of (MBCC). her work is demanding, Kirk is “I agree with MBCC’s asserhappy to continue giving mastion that cancer is big business sages. She considers getting into and breast cancer ‘awareness’ this occupation her greatest acis promoted by corporations complishment so far in her life. that sell products that may Indeed, Kirk started her new cause breast and other cancers,” career more than 20 years ago, Kirk said. “I support MBCC’s moving on from a 12-year, ninemission to fund research into to-five gig as an inside sales environmental causes of breast representative at a Worcestercancer because they are focusbased industrial company. ing on prevention and everyday It’s not easy to take such a actions we all can take, such leap. But Kirk is not one to take as choosing safer household, things easy. She wants to conlawn care [and] bath and body tinue learning and, in fact, said products. she may be looking to train in “They also advocate for poloncology massage. icy changes such as eliminating PFAS [manmade chemicals] in A changed life food packaging,” she continued. Having breast cancer herself “These chemicals are linked to has been truly a life-changbreast cancer, but also other ing experience for Kirk. She’s illnesses.” learned that it’s survivable and, in many cases, preventable. The understanding “I’ve gained awareness that massage therapist many people have survived In her work as a massage many different cancers and it therapist, Kirk carries her own has affected their bodies, minds experience with cancer into the and spirits,” she said. “And, massage treatment room. That there are lots of actions we can experience includes a lumpectake to stay healthy.” tomy and five years of TamoxiLearn more about the MBCC fen, a drug for early-stage breast at: mbcc.org.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Southborough to consider regional public safety dispatch services Public safety | from page 1
Fire Chief Steven Achilles said the state has earmarked $22 million for projects as a result of its “very strong interest” in locating regional dispatch centers in the Metrowest area. Regardless of whether Southborough participates or not, Achilles said the town is facing upgrades of technology at its communication center that will come with a “hefty price tag.” Southborough could end up competing for state funds against regional centers, so it’s a good time to explore the alternative, he said. Achilles noted that Westborough, Marlborough and Grafton have expressed an interest in regional dispatch. If such a center was created to include Southborough, it would house eight departments—fire and police—from each of those communities. The fire chief emphasized a dispatch center is more than “just a room.” It involves a lot of infrastructure technology-wise throughout the town, so part of the process will involve investigating costs, he said. Selectman Sam Stivers asked if Southborough has the space to host such a regional center. Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus said “no” explaining that a regional center is a “big operation” with its own needs and infrastructure that is staffed well beyond what exists now. Purple said a regional center would likely be a “standalone facility” located outside of town. Before he committed to exploring anything, he wanted to be certain the selectmen were on board with that possibility. “Once you make the commitment to go into a regional [center], you can’t go back,” Purple said. Paulhus said that he needs to gather more information before deciding whether he’s in favor of the idea. “It’s becoming the wave of the future,” he said. “There are problems with it, but I want to hear what they have to say… It’s evolving. My ears are open.” The police chief said Southborough’s current dispatch operation needs to expand “sooner rather than later.” He noted that the town’s system has been operating with one dispatcher per shift. It does not cover the 24-hour model. The town has been employ-
ing our hat in the ring” but spoke about putting together a working group or committee to study the matter. “We need to put something more robust together so residents understand the pros and cons, given [that] we built a new public safety building,” she said. Purple said the town needs
ing part-time employees and paying overtime to fill in the gaps. It needs to hire at least one full-time additional dispatcher and possibly a supervisor, Chief Paulhus said, in order to handle the needs of both the police and fire departments. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Chelsea Marie Malinowski said she is in favor of “throw-
to decide whether it will hire a consultant to look at the needs and issues and have participation in a larger group effort versus a smaller, local process. But Purple emphasized he doesn’t want to get ahead of the preliminaries. “We need to put our foot in the door first,” Purple said. “I intend to commit only to the
point of getting information and an understanding and then the Board of Selectmen can decide what the next steps will be.” Chair Lisa Braccio said there is a lot of studying to take place as well as public involvement and participation. “This is a starting point,” she added.
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
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Catching the theater bug An 8-year-old Telepman made his stage debut in the musical “Honk” at Boylston’s Calliope Productions. While attending Algonquin Regional High School, he kept active in school shows as well as other theatrical endeavors. During his junior year, Telepman co-founded Black Box Productions. The Northborough-based community theater group was specifically geared for high school and college students. He directed
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NORTHBOROUGH - Producer, director and actor Josh Telepman secured a unique venue to present a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The stage is prominently placed at a fairly new outdoor Northborough landmark. Telepman is directing “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, produced by the independent theater company Yorick Ensemble. Free performances are scheduled for Thursday to Saturday, Sept. 2 to 4, at 7 p.m., at the downtown Northborough Town Common. “When I first saw the Town Common, I immediately felt that I wanted to do a play there,” he recounted. “It’s a beautiful space with a big, circular walkway that I immediately thought looked like a stage. I love outdoor theater, so I’d been looking for a way to make this happen locally.”
the freedom to put up a show when it feels right.” He directed Yorick’s first s h o w, “ T h e Pirates of Penzance” at The Rockwell in Somerville in January of last year. Then the pandemic Producer, director and actor Josh Telepman is preparing hit, halting live for Yorick Ensemble’s free, outdoor production of “Our theater producTown” at the Northborough Town Common. tions. Yorick began producing shows virtually. “ We d i d a bunch of play readings under the banner of Quarantine Theater,” Telepman said. “That started because their presentations of the I got lonely reading plays by musical comedies “The 25th myself.” Annual Putnam County SpellYorick also produced the ing Bee” in 2012 and “Comlarger-scale, virtual “35mm: pany” in 2013. a Musical Exhibition.” Video “By the nature of us all auditions were accepted from going off to college around nearly 400 performers nathe same time, that company tionwide. lasted for only those two “35mm” earned two Disshows,” he noted. tinguished Achievement SpeA 2013 Algonquin graducial Honors from the Eastern ate, Telepman received a BFA Massachusetts Association of in Theatre and Performance Community Theatres. from Emerson College in When pandemic restric2017. tions were lifted, Telepman prepared for Yorick to proFounding Yorick Ensemble duce “Our Town.” While the Telepman founded Yorick play is set in the early-1900s, Ensemble in 2019. he feels that its theme is still “We don’t run on a traditimely now. tional season model,” he said “I revisited ‘Our Town’ of the company. “We have during the shutdown and it really resonated with me,” he noted. “It’s about what we miss in our everyday life and finding beauty in the mundane.” is Ready to Help!
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Working double duty Telepman is also portraying the stage manager character in “Our Town.” He previously worked double duty as director and actor with “The Pirates of Penzance.” Assistant directing “Our Town” is Michael Jay, who is also portraying a role in the play. “Having another set of eyes is always helpful to me as a director,” Telepman exPlay | 9
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
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PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
A car drives past a fallen tree branch on Westborough Rd. in Grafton
By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - Area communities braced for the effects of Hurricane Henri, Aug. 22, but were largely spared from the worst of the storm as it weakened and tracked to the west of its previously predicted path. The strongest parts of Henri’s core steered clear of area towns. But rain still fell and gusty weather still caused problems. Scattered power outages hit communities, with close to 300 residents in Marlborough alone remaining in the dark as of 6 p.m. on Aug. 22 according to National Grid’s outage map. On the waters of Lake Quinsigamond, meanwhile,
a boat had to be towed back to shore after it flipped onto its side. In Marlborough, on Aug. 23, remnants of Henri spawned a tornado that briefly blew 65 mile per hour winds over Cedar Hill St. Still, especially in conversations on Aug. 22, many community members chalked up Henri as far less impactful than initially feared. At 2 p.m. on Aug. 22, during what had been predicted to be the worst part of Henri, two individuals casually jogged laps around the otherwise empty Shrewsbury High School parking lot. “It’s all headwind,” one of the joggers joked as she ran into the steady breeze.
Free stage play to be presented at Northborough Town Common Play | from page 8
plained. “That’s especially so when I’m also in the cast.” Performing alongside them are John Alzapeidi, Vanessa Bennett, Mike Buck, Patrick Conaway, Francine Davis, Kevin Jay, Curtis Keene, Becca Mayersohn, Maggie Montville, Lorna Nogueira, Sonya Richards, Jacey Rutledge, Jason Rutledge, Steve Straight and Jack Tzianabos. Yorick’s gift to the community The performances are free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required.
“We’re hoping if people like the show, maybe they’ll make a donation – but we’re not expecting anything,” Telepman said. “After what we ’ ve co lle cti ve l y b e e n through, I’m thinking of this show as a gift to our community. I’m so desperate to create something and a lot of people are desperate to see live theater.” Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Learn more about Yorick Ensemble at yorickensemble. com and facebook.com/yorickensemble.
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
COMMUNITY BUSINESS Phelps Painting & Carpentry offers home improvement services with integrity By Vicki Greene Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Darren Phelps, owner of Westborough-based Phelps Painting & Carpentry, isn’t slowing down after more than 30 years in the residential home improvement business. After working on dozens of projects across the region with other companies, this month marks the two-year anniversary of his decision to form his own company with his name on the proverbial sign.
Phelps Painting & Carpentry is dedicated to completing home improvement jobs efficiently and with attention to detail.
services from exterior and inand won’t hesitate to redo or terior painting, siding, roofing, rework a project no matter what deck construction to detailed costs his company incurs. Honesty and integrity interior carpentry. guaranteed for every The latter is a specialty Efficient, cost-effective customer Phelps has honed over the work top priorities Phelps Painting & Carpenyears. Phelps has high standards. try is a team of five who have It’s all about integrity, acThat is evident given his choice expertise in all areas of home cording to Phelps, starting with to have his team focus on one improvement. They work tofree customer consultations on or two jobs at a time. Each cusgether seamlessly to ensure plans and budgets. If he’s not tomer receives on-site guidState of-the-art Treatments customers are satisfied. satisfied with any aspect of a ance and, given the size of his patients, he same The company offers a wideAccepting finishednew job, meanwhile, said day team, he is able to always be canabe arranged. range of home improvementappointments he’s admittedly perfectionist available to answer customer Open M-F 8am-4:30pm
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questions. Efficiency is critical, Phelps told the Community Advocate. Detailed prep work at the start of a project leads to an on-budget, high-quality final product, leaving customers pleased. In many cases, this results in customers asking Phelps to take on additional projects. In addition, his company’s versatility and decades of experience give Phelps the ability to implement creative problemsolving for his clients. Every project is looked at through an artistic and creative lens Phelps is an artist at his core. His entire team brings that artistry to every job. He has been painting since he graduated from Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School. He said he was always meant to work with his hands and started in painting
and carpentry jobs following high school graduation. He worked for several area home improvement and painting companies and often tried to figure out when the “right time” would come for him to lead his own company. Following his decision two years ago to take that leap with Phelps Painting & Carpentry, he received support from many friends and colleagues. When he’s not on a job site, Phelps enjoys music and attending concerts. He recently took his crew to a concert to thank them for their continuous hard work and support. Individuals can reach Phelps Painting & Carpentry at 508395-8831 or through the Phelps Painting Facebook page. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 11
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Couple aims to build a client-focused business as YourWay Construction Management
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By Jeff Theodore Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH - After more than two decades in the construction business, William Johnson has heard his fair share of nightmare stories from dissatisfied homeowners speaking about building projects gone awry. The biggest takeaway Johnson says he’s learned through the years is to always keep the lines of communication – between contractors, carpenters, lay workers, clients and others – wide open. “The ultimate goal is to be truthful,” Johnson says. “If there are delays, make sure the client knows. Everybody is much happier if they know what’s going on.” Johnson believes so fervently in customer satisfaction that he has named his business YourWay Construction Management Inc. Established in January of this year, the new company seeks to have construction projects done “the customer’s way.” “It’s not about our way,” says Laura Johnson, who coowns YourWay Construction with her husband of 14 years. Laura handles the business’ administrative affairs. Vowing that YourWay can save customers both money and time, William says he had been preparing for several years to strike out on his own. “I found a way to pay for insurance and licensing and to have all my certifications,” he says. Typically, that isn’t the case for many construction-related businesses, according to his wife. “There are so many people out there who are not licensed or insured, and because of that, they’re able to do the work for far less money,” Laura said. “But that also means they can’t be held accountable if an accident were to happen.” “When you hire someone who isn’t insured, you can’t make claims,” she said. “My husband, who has all his licenses and [went above and beyond to be] trained by the Army Corps of Engineers, wanted to make sure people have something to fall back on in case something happens.” Homeowners also can’t file an insurance claim against a
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There are people whom Billy worked with eons ago reaching out to him now because they’re thrilled with his abilities, so that’s saying something right there.
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Laura Johnson Co-owner contractor who does not fulfil their duties, walks off the job or doesn’t show for a job unless that contractor is both licensed and insured. William also tells each new client that he can take care of just about everything above ground. He notes, however, that he has no control over what may lurk down below. “When you start excavating, there’s no idea what you may happen upon because of foundations, etc.,” he says. In a somewhat similar vein, when William and his wife founded YourWay amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they had no idea what would happen. “Because of COVID, it was a little bit of a struggle starting out,” he said. “Material prices were through the roof... Additionally, the availability of materials was a challenge because factories were shut down.” Recently, however, the couple says that lumber prices, in particular, have started to decline by as much as 20 percent within the last month. As such, they’ve reached out to clients to reset the potential costs of renovation projects. While COVID may have slowed the start of his business, William says he thinks the pandemic has opened homeowners’ eyes to consider enhancing their homes rather than selling them. “In this market, putting money into your house, in the long run, is going to be more valuable than selling your house,” he says. “It’s more cost-effective to use the equity in the house to update it and since people are spending
more time at home than ever before, their wish list has gone up quite a bit.” Depending upon the size of renovation projects, William says he aims to have them completed within four months. “With that being said, some items such as decking and railings that used to take two weeks to receive now require a four-to-six-week turnaround,” he says. “And with the weather we’ve had this summer, many contractors are behind, so it’s slow to get pricing or nail down dates to put on their schedule.” Nonetheless, the Johnsons believe that the future of their construction management business is bright. Within the next year, William says he intends to hire a lead carpenter to be present on every job site and to serve as an envoy between him and clients. In the meantime, Laura says she’s heard her husband’s reputation precedes itself on the popular mobile app Next Door, where prospective patrons look for people who do carpentry work. “There are people whom Billy worked with eons ago reaching out to him now because they’re thrilled with his abilities, so that’s saying something right there,” she says. Individuals can contact YourWay Construction Management at office@YourWaycm.com or by phone at 774- 245-3629. Learn more at YourWaycm.com. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
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Adaptive water-ski event making waves on Lake Quinsigamond Waterskiing | from page 1
skiing, and to teach lake preservation, good sportsmanship and boating safety,” she continued. “Safety always being of the utmost importance.” She said the collective was started several years ago. They partnered with the Connecticut-based Leaps of Faith Adaptive Skiers, which is another nonprofit that has been providing adaptive skiing opportunities for decades. “There’s no other club in Massachusetts that does it,” Candela said. “There’s only four in New England that do it.” As she sees it, this is the collective’s way of picking up that torch. It’s an additional example of outreach of their mission statement to teach water-skiing. “Now we can say that we
The American Heritage Museum presents:
Museum Open Wed. - Sun. 10 AM to 5 PM
People on jet skis ride alongside a boat operated by the Webster Water Ski Collective.
“
It’s just a feel-good situation where we can get these kids [who may not] have the means to get out on the lake … Linda Candela
People help Siddharth Suratwale into the lake.
can teach any age and any disability,” Candela said. She estimated that the Collective needed a jet ski, a boat and eight people to help put individuals on their adaptive water skis. All that
amounts to about $3,500 in equipment costs. The collective operates through donations. This event was free for participants. Learn more at https:// www.websterwaterski.org/.
Race of the Century September 11th & 12th Tickets on sale now!
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 13
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Westborough students to wear masks for return to school By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Westborough Schools superintendent Amber Bock outlined school reopening plans at a meeting with the School Committee, Aug. 17. The meeting also saw school officials clarify previous Community Advocate reporting that had inadvertently misrepresented a vote by the Board of Health earlier this month. The board had voted to require masks through Sept. 17. At that point, school officials would consult with the Board of Health to determine whether the district should move to a more flexible masking protocol. On Aug. 24, though, the state passed its own mask mandate, requiring masking through at least Oct. 1. Those under the age of five will be exempt from this mandate. Exceptions will also be made for those who cannot wear a mask due to medical conditions or behavioral needs. Bock had discussed masking and reopening at a meeting with the Board of Health on Aug. 10. A Community Advocate article published online on Aug. 16 incorrectly stated that the Board of Health had approved a recommendation that Westborough students and teachers in pre-K through sixth grade classrooms wear masks. That was a reporting error. While the topic was discussed, the Board of Health’s vote did not formalize that recommendation. “That was not what the superintendent was recommending at the Board of Health meeting and that is not the guidance that we received from the Board of Health,” Vincent said at the Aug. 17 School Committee meeting. “It was part of our discussion in terms of we hope to have some flexible guidance if we have good numbers or we hope that those who are vaccinated can have times where they’re wearing their mask in school less,” she continued. “But that was not a decision that we came from.” “We did recommend the adoption to the Department of Public Health’s guidelines which will allow for flexible masking, but not until after we receive Board of Health approval and
also until we move through the first three weeks,” Bock said of the discussions with the Board of Health. According to state guidelines, masks will now be required through Oct. 1, at which point the state may re-evaluate the need. This comes thanks to a 9-1 vote by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Aug. 24. In a memo released with this decision, Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said he would provide more specific guidance to districts in the coming week. “I want to be clear that we are hopeful that this will be a shortterm measure, and we continue to work with the health and medical community on off ramps for masking,” he said during the board’s meeting according to Boston.com. Back in Westborough, outside of masking, Bock explained that a number of other protocols will
be evolving as students enter a third school year impacted by COVID-19. “Westborough public school classrooms will return to a much more normal set-up,” she said, noting that students will be able to resume a more typical style of group work when applicable, among other things. Assigned seating will continue in classrooms and at lunch to aid in contact tracing. This requirement will no longer be in place on buses, however. The district will continue its air filtration, sanitization and hand hygiene protocols while also maintaining physical distancing when possible. Schools will implement a new testing option, moving away from pool testing programs that were popular in some area districts last year. A new “test and stay” model will allow for rapid testing of asymptomatic close contacts
via a shallow nasal swab administered by school nurses with parent permission. These close contacts would be tested daily over a seven-day period to monitor for COVID-19. “When your numbers are so low, the effectiveness of pool testing is negligible,” Bock said. The district is looking to resume in person events, such as concerts and other gatherings. Likewise, it is anticipating a full return of athletics activities. Masking will be required for students in music classes playing instruments indoors. This requirement will be waived, however, for students playing outdoors. Remote learning is not an option this year, as dictated by state guidance. High School students, meanwhile, will see their normal lunch schedules resume after disruption last year. The School Committee ap-
proved these plans, greenlighting a document to be shared with the community on Aug. 19 that details answers to frequently asked questions regarding reopening. Unanimous in their decision, School Committee officials noted the gravity of this return to school planning. “I don’t want anyone to think that we’re making this decision lightly,” school committee member Lisa Edinberg noted. EDITOR’S NOTE: Reporting published in last week’s edition of the Community Advocate erroneously misstated an aspect of the Board of Health’s Aug. 6 recommendation on the return to school in Westborough. That article has been corrected as it appears online. The print edition containing that article had already been finalized and sent to press by the time this error was noted, however. The Community Advocate regrets confusion caused by this error.
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
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The YWCA in Westborough is looking for volunteers to help paint part of its facility.
WESTBOROUGH - Volunteers are needed to help paint the YWCA Central Massachusetts’ Early Education and Learning Center at 15 Grove St. in Westborough. For over 30 years the YWCA has provided early childhood care and education for children, infants and toddlers at the Westborough site. The YWCA is hoping to get a team of 10 to 12 people together on Thursday, Nov. 11, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Their work will include painting the center’s outdoor handicap ramp as well as its main entrance, hall and two classrooms. Supplies will be provided. Volunteers should wear old clothes and comfortable shoes. Anyone who wants to volunteer should email events@ywcacm.org by Friday, Nov. 5.
Seniors
by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care
One of the most significant issues for retired seniors, especially those who do not have a spouse living with them, is mobility. Modern conveniences, such as computers, video streaming services, and video games, have made it easy for people to go from hard-working individuals to couch potatoes, putting their health in danger. Staying physically active improves mental and cardiovascular health, keeps weight manageable, and may even help keep a social life going. But one of the most important benefits of consistent mobility is enhanced flexibility and stability. Falls are among the most frequent reasons seniors end up in the emergency room. Increased daily mobility can help prevent a broken hip or worse. For many seniors, quality of life includes participating in hobbies, maintaining independence and getting out into the world. Mobility issues can physically prevent someone from spending their time doing activities they enjoy and can lead to social isolation, depression and declining health. Please call NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER at (508) 852-3011 to learn more about our long-term care center at 559 Plantation Street. P.S. Simple things like the ability to stand from a seated position or use stairs safely can help seniors maintain independent lifestyles and stay in their own homes longer without the expense of nursing care.
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
Frank Borawski Jr. is the new CFO and Senior Vice President of Finance at St. Mary’s Credit Union.
MARLBOROUGH - St. Mary’s Credit Union has a new CFO and Senior Vice President of Finance. Frank C. Borawski Jr., CFA, of Norfolk, is looking forward to bringing his passion for financial success to the MetroWest community. Borawski received his bachelor’s in business administration from Boston University with a focus in finance and operations and technology management. Additionally, he’s a CFA Charterholder and has a Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Before joining St. Mary’s, Borawski was the Vice President and Lead Finance Officer at State Street Bank. Borawski will also help develop and implement St. Mary’s strategic plan.
YWCA looking for volunteers to paint facility
Worried About Losing Your Home to the Costs of Long-Term Care? By Elder Law Attorney Mary F. Proulx, Fletcher Tilton PC
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hen faced with the need for long-term care in a nursing home, many fear losing their home to the exorbitant costs of such care. An individual can qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care while owning a home in his or her own name; however, MassHealth (the State Medicaid agency) is usually entitled to receive reimbursement after the Medicaid recipient’s death. Options exist to protect the home and other assets if proper planning is done at least five years prior to applying for MassHealth. In limited circumstances, even without advance planning, the home may be transferred to specific individuals without penalty. The MassHealth regulations permit the nursing home resident to transfer his or her
home that is used as a principal residence to the following individuals: • A spouse • A child who is under 21 years old, or who is blind or totally disabled • A “c a r e t a k e r c h i l d ” w h o MassHealth determines has lived in the parent’s home for at least two years immediately prior to the parent’s admission to a nursing home and because of the care provided, enabled the parent to remain at home rather than in a nursing home. • A sibling who has a legal interest in the home and was living there for at least one year immediately before the nursing home resident was admitted to the nursing home An experienced elder law attorney can guide you with long-term care planning advice specific to your own situation. Worcester, Framingham and six additional locations
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 15
Back to Sch
l
Committee hears options for new Algonquin mascot By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - From the Eagles to the Coyotes, a committee recently heard several options for a new Algonquin Regional High School mascot. The high school launched a survey last month asking people what should replace the recently retired “Tomahawk.” That survey came after the Northborough Southborough Regional School Committee voted to retire the mascot in April. The Mascot Renaming Study Group recently met and reviewed the mascot suggestions, according to an update provided to the community by Assistant Superintendent of Operations Keith Lavoie. According to Lavoie’s up-
“
date, Jake Messier of HEARD Strategy and Storytelling analyzed and summarized the results of the renaming survey. Meeting minutes further indicate that 680 people — including current and former students, parents, alumni and teachers — responded to the survey. The data analysis, which was provided in the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough’s update, indicated that the top suggested mascot was to keep the Tomahawk, with 99 votes. The next highest mascot was the Thunderhawk with 67 votes. “Hawks” received 44 votes. “Eagles” saw 40. “Coyotes” had 15 while “Bobcats” had 13. “Wolves” had 11, with “Foxes” getting 10. Other options — like “the
Keith Lavoie Assistant Superintendent of Operations Bears” and “Flames” — received single-digit vote totals. “[Messier] shared his opinions on each of the top-ranking mascot options, including which were the most appropriate and suitable,” Lavoie wrote in his update. “This does not eliminate any option, but gives the group reasons to consider,” the meeting minutes note. Messier asked the group to take time until their next meeting in September to review the data and draw their own
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conclusions. “I am thankful for the hard work and dedication of the working group,” Lavoie said. “[ARHS Principal Sean Bevan] and I are optimistic that their thoughtfulness and dedication to our school’s past and future will result in the development of exciting mascot options this fall.” According to Lavoie, the Mascot Renaming Study Group has the charge to undergo the process of coming up with two to three options for a new
ARHS mascot. The options will be taken under consideration by the Regional School Committee before the student body makes the final vote. Lavoie said the committee agreed that the mascot should meet several criteria, including that it should represent the ARHS community and/or the environment, specifically represent both Northborough and Southborough, be easily identifiable and unique to the region, reflect ARHS’s school colors, project a positive image and be able to be applied for all activities and not appropriate any cultures. The committee also wanted the mascot to reflect either one or more of several attributes, including unity, strength, courage and dignity.
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
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Universal masking for Shrewsbury students while indoors By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter
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came from district leaders, was unanimously approved by the Shrewsbury School Committee during their Aug. 18 meeting. “To me, this is a decision about student safety and student health,” said School Committee member Jason Palitsch. “This is not a political decision. I intend to listen to the experts. It is clear to me that the risk is higher than we would like.” The state added its own mask mandate for schools on Aug. 24, voting to require masks for almost all students and staff through at least Oct. 1. One resident spoke in favor of universal masking during the meeting. “The only way to protect our children and our school community is to institute universal masking, regardless of vaccination status,” said Nandana Kansra, who is also a practicing physician.
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury Public School (SPS) students, staff and visitors will wear
masks inside when the school year starts next month. Additionally, remote learning will not be an option for Shrewsbury families. The recommendation, which
Parent Nandana Kansra speaks during an Aug. 18 School Committee meeting.
Mitigation efforts in place Superintendent Joseph Sawyer and Director of Nursing Noelle Freeman laid out Shrewsbury’s various mitigation efforts. According to Sawyer, the goal is to provide full-time, in-person learning for students with minimal disruptions. Every public health, medical and educational organization
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has said that in-person learning is important, Sawyer said, adding that he and district leaders agree. Additionally, Sawyer said the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has made it “abundantly clear” that remote learning will not count toward compulsory attendance in public schools this year. If a student does need to miss school because they need to quarantine or have a short-term illness, Sawyer said the students will have options to keep up with or make up school, which happens in a typical year. The district is requiring masks to be worn at all schools and at all age levels while inside buildings at the start of the school year. Sawyer said the district is “committed” to monitoring data and reviewing guidance to determine if and when the masking can be relaxed. Windows will be opened where possible. HVAC will run several hours before school starts and during and after school to circulate air. Surveillance testing and hand sanitizing will continue. Tables will be cleaned between lunches. Students to see partial ‘return to normalcy’ Shrewsbury will maintain three feet of social distancing where possible, but Sawyer said as part of returning to normal classroom instruction, there are times when that may not be possible, like small group work and a typical lunch experience. Volunteers in the classrooms will likely restart in the fall while events will return to Shrewsbury with indoor masking. Sawyer noted, however, that large events may be modified. Classes like band, chorus and orchestra will be held with modifications, such as wearing masks and putting bells on brass instruments. “We’re going to make sure that, first and foremost, we’re making sure kids feel comfortable, kids feel safe, kids feel accepted, and they feel a very strong sense of belonging and, again, more of a return to normalcy around their socialization…,” Sawyer said.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 17
COMMUNITY SPORTS
77-year-old powerlifter marks major milestone By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Westborough resident Harmesh Sharma is 77 years old and a power lifting champion. Indeed, Sharma recently won his age division in the 2021 Massachusetts/Rhode Island USA Power Lifting Championship, deadlifting more than twice his own weight for what was his personal record (PR). A milestone for any athlete, that achievement carries extra weight for Sharma. “At my age, it’s not just linear,” he said in a recent interview. “The effort needed [to maintain a level of performance] is tenfold.” Career intertwines with distance running, weight lifting story Sharma led a long career in biochemistry before retiring in 2018. That included nearly a
Harmesh Sharma stands near downtown Westborough wearing his powerlifting medals.
decade spent on the faculty of SUNY Buffalo as well as time with the companies Bayer and Genzyme. “I’ve always been a hard worker whether it was in my work as a scientist or in my fitness. I want to work hard and earn everything I have,” he said in a previous conversation with the Fifty Plus Advocate in 2019. Championship marks return to competition after COVID-19 Over the years, Sharma spent decades in the world of distance running, completing marathons and tracking his progress towards a goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. He eventually changed course, however, joining a gym to improve his weight lifting chops. Sharma connected with established powerlifter and mentor Mark Knowles, who recognized a unique intensity
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
and helped Sharma optimize his training regime for maximum growth. Such work paid dividends as Sharma earned a ticket to the national powerlifting championships back in 2019. Success in that competition then had Sharma destined for the international championships in South Africa before COVID-19 disrupted plans. There were no state championships in 2020 due to the
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pandemic, making Sharma’s recent performance a return to form of sorts. “There were not many people competing in my [age] class,” Sharma said. Sharma deadlifted 260 pounds, setting his PR. He recorded a 121.3 pound lift on the bench press and topped off the showing with a 182 pound squat. All this came after scheduling confusion led Sharma to miss
Harmesh Sharma has attained power lifting success in his 70s. Along the way, he’s kept meticulous notes on everything from the amount of weight he lifts, to the foods he eats.
his first lift of the day. “That had me rattled,” he said. Weightlifter looks to continue inspiring others Sharma is pushing forward, wearing his powerlifting medals with pride as he eyes future success. Along the way, he’s meticulously tracking everything from Weight lifter | 18
18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Northborough Minutemen Red grab championship in walk-off victory By Kevin Perrington-Turner Contributing Writer
per game, so when we lost Nick, that really put a lot on the shoulders of our two remaining 14 year olds, Boudreau and Freve,” Jones said. “They both came through for us though.”
NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Minutemen Red baseball team fought back to win their Babe Ruth summer league championship over Framingham with a 7-6 walkoff victory earlier this month. The Minutemen Red wore down a 5-0 early deficit to
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Members of Northborough’s Minuteman Red Babe Ruth summer league team pose after winning a championship over Framingham earlier this month.
complete the comeback in dramatic fashion. “You’re never out of it as long as you play hard and never quit,” Northborough coach Matthew Jones said in a recent interview. “Seeing the kids fight and never give up is all you can ever ask for as a coach,” he continued.
Northborough completes comeback Strong pitching from player Thomas Boudreau helped Northborough keep pace as they wrestled the score to 6-5 going into the bottom of the seventh inning, Jones explained. Cole Jones then drove a two-out, two-strike pitch into
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left center field for a double. He stole third base as teammate Owen Cacciatore walked and stole second base to put the game’s winning run in scoring position. Northborough’s Ethan MacGillivery hit a ground ball to second base. “[He] forced an overthrow with his speed,” Jones said. “Two runs scored and the game was over. Seeing the kids celebrating the walk-off win for the championship was awesome.” Victory caps challenging season Though jubilant at the end of their season, the Minutemen Red team had its share of pitfalls this summer. On top of restrictions and some limitations for the whole team due to COVID-19, star 14-year-old pitcher Nick Gallivan fractured his elbow in the last regular season game of the year. “Pitching rules in the Minuteman League limit the use of 15 year olds to only four innings
Coaches proud of team’s growth The championship was but the finished product after what Jones and fellow coach Neil Rice said was a season of development. “Every player on the team got better this season,” Jones said. “Jeremy Keene and Rocco Postizzi really came alive at the plate.” Brennan Rice led the squad with a .609 batting average while seven other players racked up batting averages over .400. Coaches were also impressed by how the team’s players grew to be new leaders of new students of the game. Including players between the ages of 13 and 17, some of the high school students ended up happily teaching middle schoolers and underclassmen. “We’ve seen this group develop tremendously as baseball players and young men over the last several years,” Jones said. “It’s great to see them mentoring the younger kids and showing them the nuances of the game.” Through it all, players and coaches also shared gratitude for the support fans and families have given them throughout the season. “Without the fans and families, we wouldn’t be able to do any of this,” Jones said. “We always had a great turnout at games, and I know I speak for the entire team when I say it always helps to have people there cheering for you.”
77-year-old powerlifter marks major milestone Weight lifter | from page 17
his food and drink to his blood pressure and lifts. He etches that information into a well worn composition notebook which he carries with him, cracking open its ink-stained pages to reveal precise handwritten notes on every line. His current notebook dates back to 2017. Ever the scientist, though, he said he’s always been doing this. Sharma has note-
books in his possession full of data from his college days. Sharma is honored and driven by the way his personal fitness inspires those close to him. He does not plan on stopping soon. “The competitions are wonderful,” he said in 2019. “But my ultimate goal is to inspire others to reach for their fitness goals. If someone sees that an athlete of my size and age can reach their goals, then they should know it’s possible for them as well.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 19
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i n d u s t r y a re re m a i n i n g constant; r ates are stil l below 3% for the most part and inventory and prices are still holding their own. After several consecutive weeks of declining closed transactions, this is starting to look —more like a trend
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than a fluke. Economists and investors believe these prices and inventory will continue on this path for several more months and at least until rates start their ascent. W hat does that mean for you if you’ve been thinking of selling but haven’t gone to market yet? At this point you’ll need to weigh your options, list this Fall and possibly take advantage of the last few months of this crazy sellers market or wait until Spring and see if things have held steady. It’s definitely a risk and you should base your decision on why you’re selling. If you need to sell in the next couple years, now is the time; if you’re selling to take advantage of this market, I suggest taking a good look at where you’re going and what you’re options are. Inventory isn’t conducive to being particular and rentals are at an all time scarcity as well. If you can make a detailed plan for where and what your next home will be and solidify it before you list, this will put you in a much better position. Too many sellers jumped into the market and accepted over list price offers quickly and then had nowhere to go, leaving both the buyer and seller feeling homeless, not a position a nyon e w a n t s t o b e i n . Basically having a discussion with a reputable Realtor and possibly accountant or other professional before deciding to sell so that you can make an educated decision is always your best bet! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all or even want to discuss o p t i o n s ; t w o h e a d s a re better than one and advice is free—take advantage of it. L i s a S h a w, R E / MAX Executive Realt y, lisasells@remaxexec.com
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 21
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 Bartlett, Helen of Westborough Beauchaine, Roland of Marlborough Chestnut, Diann formerly of Marlborough Cramer, Natalie of Shrewsbury Foti, Lawrence of Hudson formerly of Marlborough Johnson, Cecile of Grafton Kochanski Jr., Walter of Hudson Leblanc, Guy of Westborough Officer, Michael formerly of Shrewsbury Pasquale, Vincent of Shrewsbury Robinson, Patricia of Marlborough Ryan, Francis of Westborough Schwaner, Nellie of Shrewsbury Souza, Irene of Hudson Vincequere Sr., Paul of Worcester
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
Gabriel A. Leblanc, 94 WESTBOROUGH - Gabriel A. Leblanc, 94, of Westborough, passed away on Aug. 17, 2021 at Care One Millbury. He was born in Montreal, PQ, Canada on June 24, 1927 to the late Alberic and Agnes (Laflamme) Leblanc. He was the beloved husband of Katherine (Scheffley) Leblanc. He is survived by his loving daughter, Genevieve Benton and her husband Mark; his adored twin granddaughters, Emily and Julia; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was the brother of the late Moril Leblanc and Joseph Leblanc. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Paul F. Vincequere Sr., 75 WORCESTER - Paul Frances Vincequere Sr., 75, passed away on Aug. 13, 2021 at his residence. Born April 26, 1946 in Worcester, he was a son of the late Anthony M. and Alphonsa
Alicandro Vincequere. Paul was a firefighter with Westborough Mass. Fire Department and an instructor with Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. He loved antiques and firefighting memorabilia. He also enjoyed scuba diving and target shooting. Mr. Vincequere is survived by his wife, Donna Romano Vincequere; son, Paul Vincequere Jr.; siblings, Anthony Vincequere, Timothy Vincequere and Steven Vincequere; grandchildren, Heather Vincequere and Paige Livernois; and many other family and friends who will miss him. Services will be held at a later date.
Shrewsbury, and Steven M. Pasquale and his wife Julie of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren, Arielle Zadora of Killingly, Conn., Nathan Pasquale of Vail, Colo., and Nicholas and Alex Pasquale of Shrewsbury; a great-granddaughter, Phoebe; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Lorenzo DePasquale, and two sisters, Lucille Piccarelli and Mary Simone. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Helen E. Bartlett, 87
SHREWSBURY - Vincent “Teddy” Pasquale, 89, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2021, in Care One at Millbury surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 54 years, Barbara M. (Brewer) Pasquale, died on April 1, 2013. Vincent is survived by his three sons, Anthony E. Pasquale and his wife Karen of Millbury, Michael V. Pasquale of
WESTBOROUGH - Helen E. Bartlett, 87, of Westborough, passed away on Aug. 14, 2021 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Pelt) Dodge. Helen is survived by two children, Elizabeth A. Bartlett of Mountain View, Ark. and Andrew C. Bartlett and his wife Joan of Westborough; one brother, John Dodge of St. Louis; one sister, Mary Ann Carter of Ogden, Utah; and three grandchildren, Samuel, Rebecca and
4:56 p.m. Abby Ln. B&E motor vehicle. 5:14 p.m. Hillside Dr. B&E motor vehicle. 9:08 p.m. Sheryl Dr. B&E motor vehicle. Wednesday, Aug. 11 11:30 a.m. Boston Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 3:43 p.m. Boston Tpke./Bailey Rd. Illegal dumping. 5:06 p.m. Rice St. Larceny. 7:03 p.m. Oak St. B&E motor vehicle. Thursday, Aug. 12 4:04 p.m. Commons Dr. Threats. 8:55 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Illegal dumping. Friday, Aug. 13 2:33 p.m. Holden St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 3:50 p.m. Oak St. Animal complaint. 7:35 p.m. Old Mill Rd. Animal complaint. Saturday, Aug. 14 10:05 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 12:21 p.m. Old Faith Rd. Animal complaint. 6:32 p.m. Commons Dr. Harassment. Sunday, Aug. 15 12:20 a.m. South Quinsigamond/Old Faith Rd. Animal complaint. 8:04 p.m. Boston Tpke./South St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 9:54 p.m. Lake St./Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. Monday, Aug. 16 6:50 a.m. Old Mill Rd. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 8:21 a.m. Janet Cir. Animal complaint.
8:21 a.m. Memorial Dr. Animal complaint. 10:20 a.m. Old Faith Rd. Animal complaint. 11:16 p.m. Memorial Dr. Vandalism. Tuesday, Aug. 17 6:24 a.m. Oak St. Animal complaint. 10:59 a.m. Crescent St. Animal complaint. 1:20 p.m. South St. Illegal dumping. 1:26 p.m. Lakewood Dr. Harassment. 2:22 p.m. Boston Tpke./South St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 3:13 p.m. Bruce Ave. Assaults. 10:05 p.m. Arrested, Brianna M. Mannering, 27, of 12 Elm Ave., Apt. A, Quincy, for MV lights violation, unlicensed operation of MV, warrant. Wednesday, Aug. 18 8:17 a.m. Bumblebee Cir. Animal complaint. 11:09 a.m. Boston Tpke. Identity theft. 1:26 p.m. Adams Rd. Animal complaint. 2:25 p.m. Prospect St. Animal complaint. 6:39 p.m. Mallard Cir. Identity theft. Thursday, Aug. 19 10:55 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 10:58 a.m. Maple Ave./Boston Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 1:05 p.m. Meadow Hill Rd. Harassment. 1:58 p.m. Raymond Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris. 3:57 p.m. South/Floral Sts. Road rage. 6:43 p.m. Florence St. Animal complaint.
Vincent Pasquale, 89
Benjamin Bartlett. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Natalie Cramer, 94 SHREWSBURY - Natalie Broder Cramer, 94, died peacefully at home on Aug. 15, 2021. Natalie was an intelligent, beautiful woman who enjoyed life and her family. Her husband, Allen, died in 2020. Natalie is survived by her sons, Michael Cramer and his wife Marsha and Zak Cramer and his wife Susan; grandchildren, Melanie Cramer, and Matthew Cramer and his wife Kaylee; great-grandchildren, April Cryan and Logan Cramer; and her brothers, Everett Broder and his wife Lois, Sheldon Broder, and Seymour Broder and his wife Lisa. The family would like to thank everyone at The Residence at Orchard Grove, OMAMA Home Health Care, and Salmon Hospice for providing care and comfort to Natalie in her last days. Miles Funeral Home of Holden assisted with arrangements.
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.
2:44 p.m. Green/Ball Sts. Animal calls. Saturday, Aug. 14 11:43 a.m. Davis St. Threats. 5:21 p.m. Main St. Assault. Sunday, Aug. 15 1:01 a.m. Arrested, Kimara Marie Marin, 21, of 75 Irving St., Apt. 303, Framingham, for speeding in viol special regulation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, marked lanes violation.
Shrewsbury Westborough
Thursday, Aug. 12 4:47 p.m. Milk St./Powder Hill Way. Accident property damage. Friday, Aug. 13 7:43 a.m. Flanders Rd./E Main St. Accident property damage. 12:35 p.m. Otis St. Threats made. Saturday, Aug. 14 11:47 a.m. Pinecrest Dr. Larceny. 4:36 p.m. Union St. Larceny. Sunday, Aug. 15 11:50 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage. 4:21 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.
Northborough
Thursday, Aug. 12 2:29 a.m. Belmont St. Vandalism. 11:50 a.m. Reservoir St. Dog complaint.
Monday, Aug. 9 11:31 a.m. Bay View Dr. Animal complaint. 3:22 p.m. South Quinsigamond. Larceny attempt. 4:47 p.m. Worthington Ave. Animal complaint. Tuesday, Aug. 10 6:25 a.m. Oak St. B&E motor vehicle. 7:02 a.m. Hemingway St. B&E motor vehicle. 7:15 a.m. Sycamore Rd. B&E motor vehicle. 9:30 a.m. Atwood Ln. B&E motor vehicle. 10:53 a.m. Elliot Cir. B&E motor vehicle. 11:52 a.m. Sycamore Rd. B&E motor vehicle. 12:33 p.m. Harrington Ave. B&E motor vehicle. 1:12 p.m. Hillside Dr. B&E motor vehicle. 4:05 p.m. Stoneland Rd. B&E motor vehicle.
9:19 p.m. Westmont Cir. Larceny. EDITOR’S NOTE: Southborough and Grafton police logs were not available as of press time. Police logs will be posted online at CommunityAdvocate.com as they become available.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Answers to SuperCrossword Puzzle on page 23
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021 • 23
24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, August 27, 2021
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Northborough - Well maintained 3 BR/3 bath w/gardens, Marlborough - Four BR updated cape style home located in Shrewsbury -Beautiful Colonial in sought after neighborhood, w/ landscaped lawns, located in sought-after neighborhood. Foyer sought after cul-de-sac neighborhood. This home has 4 BRs & 2 in walking distance to Floral Street School. Updated three BR & baths. FEATURED Colonial w/new HW stairs• Northborough leads to LR w/bay window. Remodeled kitchfull bath. Living and dining room. Kitchen & dining area. French Living room w/fireplace and HW floors. Updated kitchen w/granite on a private 6-acre setting, just minutes&from traingas station and plenty shopping. Featuring 12 rooms en w/located gas cooking, ss appliances, granite counters HWmajor floors.highways, doors open to family room. Two 1st floor BRs with updated bath. counters, cooking, of cabinets, pantry closet, HW floors Dining room w/new slider to deck for the option of indoor 2nd floor w/master BR & large bonus room for home office or and dining area. 1st floor laundry and half bath. Dining room w/HW lower level), back overlooking woods, central air and more. Visit: www.438howardst.com. & outdoor dining.multi-level The master BRdeck w/closet & private updated media room. 2nd floor BR w/walk-in closet. Finished basement w/ floors. Master BR w/walk-in closet, private bath, recessed lighting bath. Two Northborough BRs w/closets. Main bath remodeled w/dual sinks, fireplace. Improvements and new floors. 2nd floor with two BRs both with closets and new Colonial Northborough Colonialinclude: New Central Air, New Heating Northborough – Two Family tub & shower. Lower level w/home office, bathroom w/shower System, Energy Saver HWsetting Tank, New Patio Door, New Bay floors. Finished basement with two rooms home office with closet Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in Located in neighborhood this sprawling Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms. and family room. Backyard with gazebo and shed. Windows, Back yard Pergola w/gorgeous landscaped back yard andExcellent family room. Private,within good sized backyard. Towntowater and sewer.Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathlocation walking distance town $574,900 / Sold for $625,000 - $50,000 over asking with shed. $550,000 / Sold for $628,000 - $78,000 over asking $525,000 / Sold for $579,000 - $54,000 over asking rooms. Many updates throughout this home. center and close to major highways for commuting.
S OL D $ 4
90,000
Northborough Colonial Stunning, updated 4 bedroom Colonial in
S OL D $ 4 Northborough – Two Family Great investment property. 2 units with 2 bedrooms. Excellent location within walking distance to town center and close to major highways for commuting.
10,000
S OL D $ 5
50,000
Northborough Colonial Located in neighborhood setting this sprawling Colonial with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Many updates throughout this home.
Northborough - Well maintained town home located in scenic, private Northborough - Four bedrooms total with two full bathrooms. Northborough - Sought after over 55+ Birchwood Community. setting. With the 9ft ceilings you can relax in the comfort of your modern Large living room with fireplace, hardwood floors and built-ins. This 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Ranch in neighborhood setting. Open living room. Open floor plan with gas fireplace in the dining room. Kitchen Kitchen with new dishwasher and stove, access to dining room with concept floor plan with cathedral ceilings in living room. Kitchen with –cherry kitchen cabinets, tile floor, pantry and access to deck. Master hardwood floors. Three generous size bedrooms, all with closets, withClinton wood floor and dining area. Two full bathrooms with tub/ Berlin Land Northborough Condo – Condo with vaulted andonfullcountry private bathroom. Second Floor with loft two with hardwoods and onewithin with new carpet. distance Fourth bedroom shower, vanity and tile floor. Master bedroom with walk-in closet and TwoSuite buildable lots ceiling located road in Berlin. Condo located walking to downarea for a home office. Two additional bedrooms with full bathroom. Full could be used as a Northborough home office. Finished Level with family private master bathroom. Other bedrooms include closet and wall to One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres town with Lower 2 bedrooms, 2 bath5 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Land Condo utility room, storage, workshop Clinton – Condo finished walkout basemen. Two car attached garage. Natural Gas Heat & roomNorthborough with stone fireplace, area and wall carpet. Good sizeBerlin deck–overlooking back yard. Garage with room rooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. Two buildable lots located on country road in Berlin. Condo located within walking distance to downCentral Air. Town Sewer & Town Water. 3rd garage. New frontwith walkway and2exterior patio.5 rooms, Large2oversized for storage. One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres town Northborough 2 bedrooms, bathbedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Listed for $499,000 / Sold for $550,000 - $55,000 over asking rooms, living room, diningporch room and two car garage. Screened andkitchen. breezeway. Landscaped lot with Listed for $399,000 / Sold for $410,000 - $11,000 over asking perennial beds. $475,000 / Sold for $490,000 - $15,000 over asking
114 Turnpike Rd, Suite 201 Westborough, MA 01581
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*2020 MLS Sales for Northborough