Community Advocate 9/10/21

Northborough dedicates Purple Heart Town signs

Shrewsbury’s new Beal school officially welcomes students

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Vol. 47 | No. 37 | September 10, 2021

Experts share warnings after scattered sightings of invasive Lanternfly

PHOTO/WALTHERY, USED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

Adult Spotted Lanternflies are gray and approximately one inch long, with black spots and red underwings

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter REGION – There is not an active infestation of the Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts.

But state officials are still warning community members to “be on the lookout” for the invasive insect known for devastating certain agricultural crops in Pennsylvania in particular.

“It’s just the time of year when [a] Spotted Lanternfly has reached the adult stage, and we’re starting to see reports come in of them hitchhiking into the state from other infested states,” Lanternfly | 11

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Community celebrates during the Shrewsbury Summer Festival

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - It was a warm and sunny day — perfect for a festival. So, Shrewsbury residents flocked to the SAC Park on Lake Street for the Shrewsbury Summer Festival on Sept. 4.

“Honestly, it’s far exceeded our expectations,” said organizer Andrea Castinetti. “[With] Labor Day weekend, you never know.”

The festival was originally going to be held on Aug. 22.

But it got pushed to Labor Day weekend due to the threat of Tropical Storm Henri.

“We were trying rain or shine, but with a hurricane, tornado, whatever it was, we just knew that it wasn’t going to bring the people out,” Castinetti said. “So, we lucked out.

We took a chance on Labor Day weekend. I’ve never hosted an event on Labor Day.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Castinetti ran a Facebook group that raised funds to collect PPE and supplies for hospitals, jails and the National Guard.

Castinetti promised the group that once it was safe to do so, she would throw a party.

Summer Festival | 11

Orion Coffin tosses a ring around a cone.

Priya Narayanan puts henna on Rohini Patel’s hand.

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

ANNUA 7 2021 L th

I am extremely grateful and honored that the 7th Annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic was a tremendous success! We had a beautiful day for our tournament with a strong sense of camaraderie among our golfers. I am very thankful to all the generous individuals and businesses who contributed to our efforts to raise funds for three hard-working human service organizations in our community: St. Anne’s Human Services, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and Westborough Food Pantry.

I am also extremely grateful for all of the volunteers, the host committee, the golf participants, the sponsors and those who donated auction items, as well as the staff at the Haven Country Club, for their role in making the tournament a success.

Thanks to this strong team effort, we were able to donate $60,000, which will allow our three beneficiary organizations to support more people in our community who need a helping hand. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication!

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Selectman Theresa Flynn Sheriff Lew Evangelidis Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen Shrewsbury Police Patrol Officers NEPBA 191 Shrewsbury Republican Town Committee Ski Ward SPECTRUM ENTERPRISES— Lesa & Frank DeMaria Sterling Concrete Steve and Gayle Vigeant Struck Catering Thrive Real Estate Specialists— Maribeth Lynch WBDC Webster Five Bank Weston & Sampson Westboro Athletic & Social Association Westborough Food Pantry in memory of Al Mosher, Bob DeArmond and June McGoldrick Westborough Republican Town Committee Westboro Toyota Worcester State University

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 3

Library offers exhibit on history of child welfare in Westborough

OVER TOP

THE

By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator

PHOTO/COURTESY WESTBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY

WESTBOROUGH - A current exhibit at the Westborough Public Library is focusing on illuminating the differences in the culture and practice of child welfare throughout history.

Titled “Changing Pictures of Childhood: A Comparative History of Child Welfare in Westborough,” the Boys gather around a teacher at the Lyman School for Boys. exhibit particularly showcases a donation of photos from the Lyman School for Boys.

Local History Librarian Anthony Vaver knew that the collection deserved to be exhibited, and he remembered another collection of servitude contracts he had cataloged.

Those contracts alone didn’t provide enough visual impact. But, in a discussion with Library Director Maureen Amyot, the idea to combine the collections to compare and contrast the child welfare system through history came to life.

“I was going to do a small exhibit at the Westborough Center, but Maureen pointed to the big wall in the main library and told me to take it, too,” Vaver recalled.

Vaver thought about the model for an ideal childhood as we perceive it now. He then wanted to show how concepts change over time.

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church MARLBOROUGH - Drone photography showed the shining gold dome and temporary tents of the Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church and its annual Greek Festival on Sept. 5 in Marlborough. The festival returned this year after it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Census data documents population growth in Shrewsbury Town may add voting precinct

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Census data from 2020 indicates that Shrewsbury has become more diverse since 2010.

Tow n Manager Kev in Mizikar presented data during an Aug. 24 Board of Selectmen meeting.

“Very strikingly and exciting to share that the diversity in the community has increased over the last 10 years quite substantially,” Mizikar said.

The largest racial subgroup that saw an increase since 2010 was the number of residents who identify as Asian.

According to Mizikar’s presentation, that group increased by 61 percent and now represents 24.6 percent of Shrewsbury’s population.

Additionally, people who identify as Hispanic or Latino increased by 56 percent, while people who identify as two or

“

Very strikingly and exciting to share that the diversity in the community has increased over the last 10 years quite substantially.

Kevin Mizikar Town Manager

more races grew by 63 percent.

The amount of residents who identify as Black or African American increased by 14 percent.

The number of people who identify as some other race decreased by 38 percent.

The number of residents who identify as white alone has decreased by 17 percent since 2010, though Mizikar said it is still Shrewsbury’s largest racial group at 63.3 percent of residents.

According to Mizikar’s presentation, Shrewsbury’s popu-

lation grew by just under 3,000 people over the past 10 years to a total population of 38,325.

He said the town’s growth was average within Massachusetts.

As the town comes close to a population of 40,000, Mizikar said Shrewsbury may need to add an additional voting precinct.

Vice Chair John LeBeaux said the increase may affect Shrewsbury’s representation in the state.

“That’s a whole new wrinkle that we’ve never had to deal

with before,” LeBeaux said.

The selectmen recently penned a letter, advocating for the town to stay represented by one senator and one representative.

The town has received some breakdown of the population change data by age group.

Mizikar’s presentation reported that the number of people 65 and older has grown by 24 percent since 2010.

However, the number of people under the age of 18 has decreased by 10 percent. Further, the amount of people under the age of five has dropped by 17 percent.

Selectman Maurice DePalo said it was interesting that the population under five decreased. He said the school population stayed even over this period of time.

“So, how is that even possible?” DePalo asked.

Mizikar suggested that it could be attributed to respons-

es, adding that he thought Shrewsbury’s population would have grown more.

“It’s only as good as the data submitted. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to respond,” Mizikar said.

Chair John Samia said it would be interesting to see data of the migration of certain age groups out of town, particularly as the town discusses its strategic plan, housing and efforts to provide opportunities for Shrewsbury community members.

He asked that the selectmen receive additional reports as the data is released and “sliced and diced.”

Residents join Shrewsbury Affordable Housing Board of Trustees

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

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SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury officially has its resident members of the newly-formed Affordable Housing Board of Trustees.

The selectmen appointed Hector Cruz to a two-year term and both Stephen Trotto and Beth Shea Bryant to oneyear terms.

The selectmen spoke in favor of Cruz, who is also a Town Meeting member, in part because of his experience living in affordable housing.

“Obviously, having somebody with a housing background, particularly dealing with subsidized housing or public housing, I think is really important,” said Selectman Maurice DePalo.

The board, which was formed after an article was approved during May’s Town Meeting, will be rounded out by a designee from the selectmen and either the Town Manager or the Assistant Town Manager.

Additionally, the selectmen appointed Barbara Luby to the Shrewsbury Cultural Council to fill a term that expires in Feb. 2024. They further appointed Ann Refolo to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Library offers exhibit on history of child welfare in Westborough Library | from page 3

“History shows us how we look at things differently in different times, and this exhibit was a means to explore the history of childhood and child welfare,” he continued.

Child welfare evolved over centuries In the late 1700s and into the 19th century, children who were orphaned or taken from their homes because of poverty, abuse, or neglect became a ward of the town. As such, they were made into “pauper apprentices.”

They were thought of as tiny adults rather than as children.

Contracts were signed with expectations for education and work for both the contract owners and the children. Girls were usually under contract until they turned twenty-one, while boys were generally on their own at eighteen.

The education required from their “masters” focused on teaching children various trades. This was to the family’s benefit as the more labor the child could do, the more successful the family could become,

whether it was through farming, sewing, weaving, or other trades.

The culture, however, began to shift to a more protective mode for children near the middle of the 19th century.

Rather than being thought of as another hired hand, children were beginning to be seen as individuals with potential.

Childhood was a time to prepare

them for adulthood. Those children unfortunate enough to be homeless, for whatever reason, were institutionalized.

In 1848, Westborough became home to the first publicly financed reform school for boys in the country.

The State Reform School for Boys was situated near Lake Chauncey until 1884, when the “Westborough Insane Hospital”

took that site and the school moved to Powder Hill. There, it was renamed “the Lyman School for Boys,” remaining open until 1971.

At the school, the boys were still required to work on the school farm and do other chores.

But academic classes were now a part of each day’s schedule.

Unfortunately, overcrowding was inevitable, and boys were

grouped with no deference to their circumstances or whether they were dangerous or not.

Exhibit to remain open through September The new library exhibit shares many photos from these periods in time and concludes with a narrated film made for the Lyman School’s fiftieth anLibrary | 20

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Shrewsbury patrols to focus on impaired driving SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Police Department will run patrols focused on impaired driving through September as part of a national enforcement campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

“We strive to keep our community and our roadways safe for everyone,” the department wrote in a press release. “We encourage everyone to be responsible when celebrating and arrange for sober rides when necessary.”

The campaign kicked off recently.

As part of the campaign, Shrewsbury officers will be assigned to OUI and impaired driving patrols. These patrols will augment the work of other officers who are already on patrol.

The department had previously received a grant to increase the number of these patrols from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research.

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury leaders break ground on the new police station

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

very long tradition of supporting public safety,” she said.

Chief Kevin Anderson said there would be two memorials at the new station.

One will memorialize Shrewsbury Police Officer James Lonchiadis, who was Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito addresses the killed in the line audience during the groundbreaking. of duty in 1975.

The other will be for those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Altogether, policing has changed since the original station was built in 1971, AnCrews have been working derson said. since the end of July to clear “Today, how good of a pothe site for the new station. lice officer you are is defined Although the building will on how well you serve the be state-of-the-art, Polito said community,” he said. “The it’s more than a building. community is the foundation “Shrewsbury has had a of this new building.”

SHREWSBURY - With a dig of a shovel in dirt, the town officially broke ground on the new Shrewsbury Police Station.

The station will be located behind the old station on the town’s Maple Street campus.

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“On behalf of our administration, on behalf of Gov. [Charlie] Baker and our entire team, I say thank you,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “As your native daughter, I want to tell you how proud I am of all of you.”

Speakers thanked Shrewsbury voters, who approved a

$42 million debt exclusion last fall to fund the station.

“This building, conceptualized, designed and soon to be constructed will meet the needs of 21st century policing for at least the next 50 years,” said Patrick Pitney, who is the chair of the Police Station Building Committee.

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SHREWSBURY - A 77-year-old man was injured in an accident on Route 9 in Shrewsbury on Aug. 27.

The accident is still under investigation according to Shrewsbury Police spokesperson Nick Perna.

Perna told the Community Advocate that the victim was a 77-year-old man who was on a motorized scooter.

Shrewsbury officers, firefighters and Worcester EMS responded near the 400 block of Route 9 east just after 11 a.m.

on Aug. 27.

According to Perna, the man was transported to UMass hospital for the treatment of his injuries.

That morning, the police closed a portion of Route 9 near Oak Street down to one lane of traffic as the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council traffic reconstruction team conducted an investigation.

The Shrewsbury Police Department advised drivers to seek other routes and use caution while driving in the area.

By noon, the road was reopened.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hudson studying improvements to problematic intersection

By Justin Roshak Contributing Writer

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

HUDSON - The intersection at Cox Street, Old Bolton Road, and Old Stow Road in Hudson is being studied by the town’s traffic consultant to determine what, if any, changes might make it safer.

The issue was discussed at an Aug. 27 meeting of the Internal Traffic Committee, which asked

the consultant to examine possible alterations.

The core issue with the Cox/ Old Bolton/Old Stow intersection is its complexity, which makes it challenging to drivers who are not familiar with it Director of Planning and Community Development Kristina Johnson recently told the Community Advocate.

She predicted that possible solutions will fall into one of two

A car passes through the intersection of Cox Street, Old Bolton Road, and Old Stow Road in Hudson.

‘Sara’ndipity

regarding the number and cause of accidents in and around the intersection.

But Johnson cautioned that not all causes of collisions can be addressed by the Town. For example, phone related collisions might not be fully addressed by signage.

The issue was raised by a citizen complaint to the Select Board early last month. It was then forwarded to the ITC.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Police Department has a new police officer and lieutenant.

The Board of Selectmen appointed Brian Griffin as a lieutenant and Spencer Fuller as an officer during their Aug. 23 meeting.

Police Chief William Lyver said it’s been over a year since the department has had a lieutenant following the retirement of Joseph Galvin.

Lyver said Griffin, who was detective sergeant, has functioned in “almost every” position in the department. Griffin’s appointment was effective Aug. 24.

Griffin thanked Lyver, the other officers and dispatchers.

“When I was watching Spencer get sworn in, I kind of saw myself 22 years ago, how excited he was,” Griffin said.

“I’m excited about this new position.”

He said he was looking forward to working with younger officers and helping Lyver lead the department.

Fuller thanked the selectmen for the opportunity.

“I’m going to give the Town of Northborough and the Northborough Police Department 110 percent of what I have every day, every shift, every second, every minute. … There’s nowhere I’d rather be working than in Northborough,” Fuller said.

According to Lyver, Fuller is originally from Framingham.

He said Fuller is in a six-year program at Framingham State University that results in a bachelor’s of criminal justice, a master’s degree and progresses them into the police academy.

“It was a great find for us, a great guy,” Lyver said.

His appointment was effective Aug. 30.

Westborough Office Space

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Luke Soccorso has been appointed as a full-time probationary police officer for the Southborough Police Department.

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTHBOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Luke Soccorso appointed as full-time Southborough police officer SOUTHBOROUGH - Luke Soccorso was appointed a fulltime probationary police officer effective Aug. 19 following a Board of Selectmen’s vote on August 17.

Board members welcomed Soccorso to the town and commended him for his desire to serve as a role model for local youth.

While addressing selectmen, Soccorso noted that he grew up with and is living with a learning disability. That’s an area where he believes he can impact kids experiencing similar challenges.

On that issue, Chair Lisa Braccio replied, “You know what? You’re a role model to kids who may struggle in different areas,” adding that his appointment would serve as an inspiration.

Soccorso also said he is interested in community outreach and hopes to help out with youth sports.

“I’m looking forward to

spending many years here involved with the community,” he said.

Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus said Soccorso was selected from a pool of 27 candidates.

When a search like this gets down to the last two finalists, the chief said he always thinks about who is the best fit for the community.

Paulhus recalled saying, “We found our one,” to a lieutenant following an interview with Soccorso, who was most recently a campus police officer at Framingham State

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Soccorso earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College and is a 2018 graduate of the MPTC Special State Police Officer Academy in New Braintree.

Soccorso grew up in Foxboro and now lives in Worcester. His parents were in attendance at the meeting and took photos with the chief and board in celebration of the appointment.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Community celebrates during the Shrewsbury Summer Festival Summer Festival | from page 1

“

Festival attendees brought schools supplies, which were lined up against a school bus.

Honestly, it’s far exceeded our expectations.

Andrea Castinetti

This was that party.

The festival featured a magician, henna, lawn games and a dunk tank.

Organizers also planned a raffle with proceeds going toward Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services.

“We really just tried to help out those around us that could use some extra funds,” Castinetti said.

She asked people and vendors, in lieu of a vendor fee, to bring school supplies to donate to Shrewsbury schools.

Castinetti said there were over 30 vendors and businesses at the festival.

“My biggest thing in planning this was we really wanted to promote local businesses,” Castinetti said. “Everyone’s been really hit hard during COVID.” Organizers have already started planning next year’s festival.

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Experts share warnings after scattered sightings of invasive Lanternfly Lanternfly | from page 1

said Jennifer Forman Orth, an environmental biologist for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in a recent interview with the Community Advocate.

State documents lanternfly sightings Lanternflies have drawn attention in the region and in Northborough in particular.

In May, the Department of Agricultural Resources said that it was “investigating the possible presence” of lanternflies in and around Northborough.

Statewide, Forman Orth said the department has received two reports about potential lanternflies so far in this year’s growing season.

“But it’s just the beginning of when they start to move around,” she said. “So, we’re expecting more.”

Last year an individual lanternfly was found in Northborough after it hitch-

hiked on lawn furniture from Pennsylvania.

“There really isn’t a huge concern for us at this time,” Northborough Garden Club President Joyce Digregorio said.

All of the insects found so far in Massachusetts have been what the department classifies as “hitchhikers,” according to Forman Orth.

Lanternfly poses agricultural threat, experts say The spotted lanternfly is an insect native primarily to Southeast Asia. It was found in Pennsylvania, however, in 2014.

Since then, the lanternfly had wreaked havoc on certain communities, prompting a variety of responses from municipal and county leaders, including increasingly strong warnings from officials.

“Join the battle. Beat the bug” read one graphic on the US Department of Agricul-

ture’s website on Sept. 2. “[They have] the potential to impact a really broad range of agricultural commodities,” Forman Orth said.

Those commodities could range from grapes to wine to hops to maple trees to apple and peach orchards, she said.

State asks residents to report Lanternfly sightings According to a Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources press release, an adult Spotted Lanternfly is gray and approximately one inch long, with black spots and red underwings.

The younger nymphs are black with white spots, while the older nymphs are red with black and white spots.

Anyone who thinks they see a Spotted Lanternfly should either take a photo or collect a specimen and contact the department through https://massnrc.org/pests/ pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html.

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Eldridge speaks in support of HERO bill at Westborough Select Board meeting

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) spoke in favor of the Housing and Environment Revenue Opportunities (HERO) bill at an Aug. 24 Westborough Select Board meeting.

Ifpassed,theHERObill,which Eldridge is the senate sponsor of, would double the deeds excise fee on home purchases from $4.56 per $1,000 of assessed value to $9.12 per $1,000.

Even portions of the estimated $300 million raised by this program each year would go to the Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Money would then be awarded as grants to towns and cities throughout the state.

“At the end of the day, if we are really serious about affordable housing, if we are really serious about climate resiliency and climate change, the state needs to provide a dedicated revenue source for cities and

State Senator Jamie Eldridge spoke in favor of the Housing and Environment Revenue Opportunities bill during an Aug. 24 Westborough Select Board meeting.

towns,” Eldridge said.

Eldridge said that the goal of the bill was to create that dedicated revenue source.

Select Board member Shelby Marshall raised concerns about the timing of the bill, which comes at a time when the state has received $2.5 billion to address emergency needs due to COVID-19.

“I am also concerned that

the bill itself does not address the mechanisms through which determination of fees would be allocated back to municipalities,” Marshall said. “This bill at least does not share with me how those monies would be allocated back to Westborough.”

Eldridge said that, because it is a statewide bill, it is not guaranteed that any municipality, including Westborough, would receive funding. He said, however, that Westborough would be in a good position to receive funding because it has already done a lot of work in the areas of affordable housing and climate resiliency.

Select Board Vice Chair Ian Johnson concurred with Marshall that the timing of the bill was a concern as the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing.

Select Board member Patrick Welch said he was initially concerned when he saw the bill, due to the impact of the excise fee on home affordability.

He then voiced support, however.

“It does address two pressing

Vermont and New Hampshire.

Ultimately the Select Board did not take a vote on whether to support the bill, with members opting to do further research on it before making a decision at a later date. The bill was still in committee within the state legislature as of Aug. 25.

issues in our town and in our state, and specifically the affordable housing issue,” Welch said.

Select Board Chair Allen Edinberg added that, even with the doubled excise fee, Massachusetts would still have a lower rate than many neighboring states, including New York,

Shrewsbury COA plans ‘REquipment’ demo SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Council on Aging is inviting community members to learn more about a unique way to get needed durable medical equipment individuals might not otherwise be able to afford.

A press release from the Council on Aging noted that many struggle to get equipment they need when such equipment isn’t covered by insurance or carries exorbitant out-of-pocket costs.

The program “REquipment” seeks to solve that problem.

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Medical equipment ranges from walkers to electric wheelchairs.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 13

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Shrewsbury’s new Beal school officially welcomes students

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Applause and cheers filled the entrance of the new Maj. Howard W. Beal Elementary School as school buses made their longawaited arrival.

Passersby have spent more than two years watching as crews built and then put the final touches on the school, which is located at 214 Lake St. On Sept. 1, the school finally opened.

“We’re so excited,” said Beal Principal Chris Girardi.

“We have 180 days of really exciting school, and we’re kicking it off today.”

Construction of the new school began in June 2019 after Shrewsbury voters approved a debt exclusion to replace the old Beal building.

On Sept. 1, teachers, staff and even Superintendent Jo-

A staff member helps direct students to their classrooms.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

seph Sawyer helped lead the students to their new classrooms.

“They’re starting to learn, which is the most important thing about building this beautiful new school is really

giving our students a great place to learn,” said Girardi.

As Sawyer walked through the new school, he pointed out the facility’s features. Some elements mirrored the old Beal, like a butterfly garden in

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the middle of a courtyard and a replica of the mural on the second floor.

The mural was done by author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds in 2005, who had also done work at the Floral

Street School.

“Our architects, Lamoureux Pagano Associates, were able to make a very highquality digital reproduction that they were then able to install here in the new Beal School, which also inspired some of the color palette that they used in designing the different spaces in the school,” Sawyer said. “We’re very fortunate. It’s a wonderful job by the architect to be able to do that.”

Reynolds has other work displayed throughout the new school, in places like the entrance and library.

Sawyer popped into the classrooms and asked the kids what they liked about the new school. “The two playgrounds,” one said.

“The gym,” said another.

“This looks like a place where we can be heroes,” one student told Sawyer.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 15

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Northborough schools talk COVID-19 testing

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

NORTHBOROUGH - Though school started Sept. 1 for the Public Schools of Northborough Southborough, COVID-19 is still here, officials noted at a Sept. 1 Northborough School Committee meeting.

As such, District Wellness Coordinator Mary Ellen Duggan gave the School Committee an update on the district’s protocols.

“We were hoping that we would be in a little bit of a different place this time of year,” said Superintendent Gregory Martineau. “However, COVID is very unpredictable.”

He continued, “I will say, from one year ago to today, we are in a much better place.”

Duggan said the district has applied for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s testing and screening program.

“The hope is to get it up and running by the end of September for all students and staff,”

she said.

Meanwhile, Northborough is offering weekly pool screening for staff, she said.

Duggan said the district continues to optimize ventilation, cleaning and disinfection, promoting hand hygiene, providing PPE and offering testing and screening.

She said the rest of the community needs to commit to help mitigate the virus by taking measures like staying home when they’re sick and monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.

“I implore everybody, I cannot say how important this is for us all to stay safe,” Duggan said.

Duggan said, at the moment, only staff are being tested weekly under the district’s existing testing program. Students are not being tested.

It would be confusing for people who hadn’t previously signed up for testing to sign up now and then need to sign up again for a new testing program in several weeks when the state program gets operational in town, she said.

Proctor Elementary School is located on Jefferson Road in Northborough.

“I think the best thing to get the most participation is just to wait and start with one program and continue with that one program throughout the year,” Duggan said.

School Committee member Erin Tagliaferri asked why the district was changing to state testing. She said the district had previously been hesitant because there wasn’t an option to take tests home.

There is a take home test op-

tion, Duggan said.

“It’s free,” Duggan said.

She added that the state has guaranteed to send the district the support it needs to make it work, including people and PPE. The state had provided testing options last year. It has continued that program, with some changes, this year.

The program is available to all K-12 districts or schools including public, private and parochial schools.

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Under the program, districts can get access to free routine pooled testing while also accessing diagnostic testing for students who present COVID-19 symptoms. Diagnostic testing is further available as a means to enable a “test and stay” approach to contact tracing, according to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website.

With that option, districts can identify close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals and use rapid tests to monitor those close contacts for COVID-19 infection over a five-day testing schedule.

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“I think with the state program, the way that it’s set up, it’s going to keep our kids in school,” Duggan said.

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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Grafton football looks to build momentum after spring season

By Kevin J. Stone Contributing Writer GRAFTON - Head coach Chris McMahon is entering his eighth year at the helm of the Grafton football program. But he can’t remember a time that there’s ever been this much anticipation and excitement surrounding a season.

“Last year, not having the offseason programs, not having the ability to come together as a team, the guys missed that,” McMahon said in a recent phone interview. “To have the opportunity after Fall II last season to get back in the weight room and work with the kids all summer, it’s created a tremendous sense of anticipation and

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excitement for this season that I’m not sure has been matched in a long time, that’s for sure.”

The Gators went 3-2 during their abbreviated schedule earlier this year. But it’s the lessons taken from that strange slate of games that McMahon is happiest about.

“That Fall II season was like a passing league but better,” he said. “When we started working out together as a team after April vacation [this year] and we worked out all summer, honestly I said to one of my coaches yesterday, ‘even though we’ve only been out here a couple of weeks, we’re a lot further ahead than we were in years past, so that schedule definitely helped.’”

“I don’t know if it’s a function of doing this in the spring or the kids are just getting things

A Grafton player lunges for a tackle.

quicker, but that Fall II season was definitely helpful heading into this year,” he continued.

Of course, COVID-19 isn’t completely gone and the Gators are remaining careful.

“You always have to be cautious of it,” added McMahon.

“We tell the kids all the time, ‘It’s still out there and a major concern. It only takes one incident for us to be potentially paused Football | 17

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 17

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Grafton football looks to build momentum A Grafton coach talks with a player during a recent practice.

Football | from page 16

until it’s resolved.’”

“When we’re in the weight room, we’re wearing masks; we still aren’t using locker rooms and we spent the summer working out outside, so it’s definitely not being brushed aside by any means,” he said.

As for returning guys that McMahon and the staff are relying on, there are quite a few.

Senior quarterback, captain and three-year starter Tyler Dimond is the biggest name returning after he had a fantastic Fall II campaign. Classmate and captain Doug Landry will line up at fullback and linebacker.

Captain Charlie McMahon will anchor the offensive and defensive lines alongside Ricky Leach and Nick Flores. Captain Matt Bittel will play wide receiver and running back. Adam Hillerstrom and Wayne Donagher will take on wide receiver and defensive back duties. Cooper Berube at middle linebacker/guard, John Himawi at defensive end and freshman Tyson Thomas are all also turning heads.

“Those are just some of the guys that we’re excited about,” McMahon said.

Grafton has established itself for years now as a perennial league title contender. McMahon expects nothing different this year, although a new state format for the playoffs will make things more interesting.

“We always try to be competitive,” he said. “We talk about our goals as a team and we need to win games within our division. This year we’re fortunate enough to have several competitive games with Marlborough, Tantasqua, Nashoba and those are big games for us.”

“We understand the importance of every game with the new statewide format, so all games have added significance to them this season,” he continued. “We know we’ve got to win league games to eventually try to get where we want to be.”

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Westborough Library continues 1,000 book program for young kids WESTBOROUGH - Can your child read 1,000 books before they enter kindergarten?

The Kids’ Department at the Westborough Public Library is continuing its ongoing program, “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” this school year.

Children and their parents or guardians can complete the program at their own pace.

“1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” encourages families to read to their children, which helps de-

velop their cognitive and social-emotional skills and ultimately sets them up for success at school.

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Kids will earn a free book for every 100 books they read.

Anyone with questions can contact Children’s Librarian Hannah Gavalis at 508-366-3050.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Retirements, resignations prompt hiring push at Westborough Schools

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Public Schools had hired more than 90 people over the summer in preparation for the upcoming school year as of Aug. 30.

Assistant Superintendent Daniel Mayer said at a School Committee meeting, that day, that the school system had many positions to fill due to retirements and several late resignations in August, which he said was rather unusual for Westborough.

“I feel very good about the paras, the teachers, the tutors we’ve been able to onboard,” Mayer said. “We always do well in terms of being able to attract people. People move from other districts to come here.”

Sun shines over Gibbons Middle School in Westborough.

“

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

I feel very good about the paras, the teachers, the tutors we’ve been able to onboard.

Daniel Mayer Assistant Superintendent

Superintendent Amber Bock said that an additional 15 positions still needed to be filled as of Aug. 30 in addition to the hires to date.

Bock also said that there were around four people who signed contracts with West-

borough Public Schools and then reneged to take other jobs. That was unprecedented for the district, she said.

“It’s happening in a lot of districts, and it will happen more,” Bock said. “If we’ve got 15, 17 positions to fill, we might be getting people that leave other jobs, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Bock said that the district had added three, one-year classroom positions, one each at the Mill Pond, Fales and Hastings Elementary Schools to keep class sizes smaller.

Bock also said the district added two tutors and additional noon aids, who come into schools at mid-day to supervise students at lunch and recess. Those individuals will help spread students out to comply with COVID-19 precautions.

Westborough Public Schools to seek funding for new ELL, payroll specialist positions

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - The School Committee is hoping voters pass an article adding over $120,000 to the district budget at Westborough’s upcoming Oct. 18 Special Town Meeting.

The School Committee reviewed warrant articles at an Aug. 30 meeting, speaking with district officials about the need for this article in particular.

That money would go toward hiring two people, one of whom would be an English Language Learner (ELL) instructor at Mill Pond School.

Assistant Superintendent Daniel Mayer said that the students periodically enter the district with both a low level of English language proficiency and several missed years of education.

“As you can imagine, catching them up is a difficult task,” Mayer said. “You cannot take a ten-year-old and put them in a kindergarten or first or second grade classroom. We keep them with their peers.”

Mayer added that students who have missed multiple years of education require more intensive staffing, smaller class sizes and a larger amount of time with with an ELL staff member.

Mayer said that an ELL instructor had previously been splitting their time between Mill Pond and the Westborough High School. As that became unfeasible, though, the district put money on a grant to hire an additional instructor.

Mayer said that the district has filled that position. Now, he hopes the warrant passes so the money can be taken off of the grant.

Superintendent Amber Bock said that the two positions on the warrant represented a need that she did not want to see unfilled until the spring.

“If you have a student who’s needing to cover high school

content and they have no English, you’ve got a double need that requires a lot of intensive intervention,” she said.

Bock said that Westborough has a very successful rate of helping students learn new language skills quickly.

Bock added that the school system is concerned there might be a need for more ELL coverage as there is a possibility that it will receive people from Afghanistan.

“You’ve got trauma, you’ve got transition in schooling, and very little language, so the staffing allows us to be prepared,” Bock said.

In addition to an ELL in-

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structor, the passage of this warrant article would let the district hire a payroll specialist.

District Director of Finance and Administration David Gordon said the Westborough Public Schools have approximately 700 staff and added that the business office is currently understaffed for the amount of work that it is receiving.

Gordon said that the amount of work is so great that it is actually being outsourced to staff in the school system outside of the business office. A new payroll specialist would be necessary to prevent this, he said.

“Not only will it reduce potential errors, but it frees up opportunities for the staff that are supporting the business office to do more work that they are dedicated to,” Gordon said.

The other warrant article would change zoning regulations at Fales Elementary School to allow the addition of a shed.

The special town meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Westborough High School Auditorium.

Though the warrant had not been finalized as of Aug. 30, the School Committee’s two articles were included on a draft attached to the School Committee’s agenda.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 19

REGION Hudson opens registration for fall e-sports league

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter HUDSON - Do you love playing video games like Fortnite and Madden 21?

Hudson Recreation has officially opened its registration for its fall e-sports league.

“Every town offers your baseball, your basketball, your soccer programs, but there is a subset of kids who may not be drawn to those sports, but they are drawn to video games,” Assistant Director of Recreation Daniel Hannon said in a recent interview.

The league lets those kids have a bigger group to play against. It also helps them make friends with other kids who have similar interests, Hannon added.

“E-sports themselves are kind of universal,” Hannon said.

E-sports offer a ‘level playing field’ Whereas sports like baseball require hand-eye coordination to throw the ball or swing the bat, most kids can play e-sports, Hannon said.

“It allows those two subsets of kids to actually compete against one another on a level playing field,” he continued.

Hannon said this idea coalesced as the department was trying to get creative with its programing during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Most of the programming that we did shut down March, April of last year,” Hannon said.

E-sports was an up-andcoming trend. People were setting up gaming centers.

Hudson, meanwhile, had been considering e-sports for some time.

“We had the interest, but we didn’t have the capabilities,” Hannon said. “We don’t have a

Hudson’s popular e-sports league is hosted through GG Leauges, a Chicago organization with experience setting up and administering online e-sports competitions.

rec center in town, so to speak, with a computer room or something like that.”

Then, though, the town was approached by an organization based in Chicago called GGLeagues. That group, Hannon said, organizes and runs competitive gaming for recreation departments, municipalities, schools and boys and girls clubs.

They have the capability to run these leagues online.

“So, we didn’t need a rec center,” Hannon said. “All we needed was an individual place to play.”

The Central Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Associa-

tion E-Sports League — which is also made up of Grafton, Leominster, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sterling, Upton and Westborough — was born.

“It was very well-received in town,” Hannon said.

Organizers initially guessed a dozen players would play. But they ended up with roughly 60 individuals participating.

“I think the timing was right,” Hannon said. “…Online gaming, competing against friends is kind of what [kids] were doing anyways. So, this broadened that and allowed them to play against other kids with similar interests from local communities.”

Towns handled registrations for their respective players.

GGLeagues then created the leagues, ran the program and provided the online supervision, rules and schedules.

Fall league registration now open This fall, the gaming schedule includes Madden 21, Fortnite, which is both 1v1 and 2v2, Rocket League, which is also 1v1 and 3v3 and Super Smash Bros.

Leagues start during the week of Oct. 4 with the youth division for ages eight to 12 starting at 7 p.m., the teen division for ages 13 to 18 beginning play at 8 p.m. The adult league for people over the age of 18 begins at 9 p.m.

For more information on how to register, visit https://hudsonrecreation.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=27720.

Registration closes on Sept.

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

REGION

Children’s book authors bring joy of reading to those in need

By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Kristen Wixted and Heather Kelly are passionate about all kids having access to books.

Knowing the disparity of book access for so many families, they have formed a nonprofit, Little Book Locker.

Wixted is a Northborough Select Board member and children’s book author. Kelly is also a children’s book author.

Similar to the concept of Little Free Libraries, Little Book Locker offers free, new and gently used books. Unlike the libraries, though, Little Book Lockers are specifically placed in areas of vulnerability, containing books specifically geared to children in those areas.

Each site is monitored so books can be replenished as needed.

Pandemic highlights need Wixted and Kelly feel the gap between those “who have and who have not” increased during the pandemic.

“A lot of people are struggling financially and have access for help with other things, but books for their kids are a low priority,” Wixted said.

As their non-profit has expanded, finding locations to set up the book lockers has been a challenge.

“We see a need and we want to fill it, and we have the resources to do it,” said Kelly.

“It’s a matter of getting the word out and raising awareness. Our purpose is to get books into the hands of vulnerable kids.”

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Kristen Wixted and Heather Kelly are the founders of Little Book Locker.

A Little Book Locker sits ready for kids to select books.

locker itself. But the bigger expense is the cost of the actual books, with picture books and graphic novels being the most expensive.

Organizers focus on diversity in book selection Both authors are a part of The Writer’s Loft, a group of local writers and illustrators who support one another and independent booksellers.

Kelly said that half of Little Book Locker books are donated. The other half is purchased either from independent bookstores or from First Book, another non-profit which provides lower-cost children’s books. A variety of books are chosen for each locker.

Kelly and Wixted try to offer books with specific subject matter and a diverse representation of characters, such as LGBTQ characters or characters of color.

They also search for authors and illustrators who are as diverse as the readers of the books may be.

Books that are published in

Organizers seek new Book Locker sites The majority of the book lockers will be located within Massachusetts.

Locations to date include a

Library offers exhibit on history of child welfare in Westborough Library | from page 5

niversary.

Amyot has seen people going through the exhibit and pausing to read cards accompanying the photos.

“They are taking their time and contemplating it and that’s what you want to see,” she said.

“If you enter from the library, read the labels for the photos and contracts, but to go deeper, use the QR codes provided,

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different languages that can be geared to bilingual communities are important to include in the lockers.

Revere daycare, a Dorchester medical clinic, a family practice clinic in Gardner and the Merrimack Valley YMCA in Lawrence. Main Street Pastries and More in Northborough hosts a book locker for families participating in the Hope Bread program, a program that offers bread to families in need.

Over 2,000 books have been donated since the first book locker was set up in December 2020. The support of the communities where the lockers are placed has made that possible, Kelly and Wixted note.

Kelly and Wixted have partnered with Raising a ReaderMA, which has been an important resource to connect with site contacts.

“It’s a balance of patience and organization,” said Wixted. “I have boxes of books waiting to go to kids, but need a place to put them.”

Information on how to host or sponsor a book locker, or to make an online donation can be found at www.littlebooklocker.org. Questions can be emailed to kpwixted+lbl@ gmail.com

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which take you immediately to the online version,” urged Vaver. “There are also handouts available. I have included some open-ended questions to help patrons think more like historians, asking about what the photographer is trying to say with each photo.”

As boys were housed at the Lyman School for Boys, the Community Advocate learned that girls were housed at the

Lancaster Industrial School for Girls, which opened in 1856 as the first reform school for girls in the country.

The library exhibit on the history of child welfare will continue through the end of September. It is free to the public during regular library hours. An online version can be seen at https://www.westboroughcenter.org/westborough-historyconnections/child-welfare/.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 21

Puzzle on page 22

22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

Answers to puzzle located on . 21

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 23

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 Breecher, Carolyn of Grafton/ Northborough Brodeur, Paul of Marlborough Coccari, Elaine of Northborough Fillmore, Richard formerly of Marlborough and Hudson Fisher, Dorothy formerly of Hudson Fryer, Nellie of Westborough Gigliotti, Angelo of Hudson Gow, David of Shrewsbury Grandpre, Rita of Northborough Harrington, Joseph of Northborough MacKenzie, Malcolm of Shrewsbury O’Connor, Virginia of Hudson Osik, Stephen of Shrewsbury Scovil, Jeanine of Shrewsbury Simone, George of Shrewsbury Vessella, Irene formerly of Shrewsbury White, Edward of Northborough

Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.

Joseph M. Patten, 86 WESTBOROUGH - Joseph Martin Patten, 86, passed away peacefully early on the morning of Aug. 7, 2021 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center from complications related to Alzheimer’s Disease.

In addition to his parents, Henry and Alice (Burke) Patten, Joe was predeceased by his brother, Henry and wife Patricia (Broderick) Patten of Ledyard, Conn. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and son, Adam; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Placzek) Dauge of Marblehead; and nieces and nephews, Kathy (Paul) Thaller of So. Windsor, Conn., Bob (Jill) Patten of Waterford, Conn., Steve (Sue) Patten of Cromwell, Conn., Jim (Karyn) Walsh of Swampscott, Debbie

(Frank) Monahan of Marblehead, John (Bonnie) Placzek of Granby, Sue Mann of Springfield, and Patricia Higgins of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Rita M. Grandpre, 91 NORTHBOROUGH - Rita M. Grandpre passed away peacefully in her beloved home of 51 years on Aug. 27, 2021. She was 91 years old. At the time of her passing, Rita was surrounded by the comfort of her family. Rita was the devoted wife of 47 years to Roland J. Grandpre Sr. until his own death in 2002.

Rita, who was affectionately referred to as Riri by her family, is survived by her four children, Diane Simoneau and partner Robert Murphy of Northborough, Paula

Grandpre-Wood and her husband Michael Wood of Barre, RJ Grandpre and his wife Maribeth of Northborough, and Elaine Perkins and her husband Edward of Buzzard’s Bay. She also leaves her six grandchildren, Brenna Hernandez and husband Emilio, Meagan Simoneau and fiancé Ben Martin, Olivia Perkins, EJ Perkins, Maeve Grandpre, and Ryan Grandpre, and two great-granddaughters, Grace and Tess Hernandez; all whom she loved so much.

They in turn will forever keep Riri close to them in their hearts.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

David G. Gow, 72 SHREWSBURY - The weights ran down and the pendulum stopped for David Gordon Gow, Clock-

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.

Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.

Westborough

Wednesday, Aug. 25 1:40 p.m. Arrested, Curtis Dwayne Payne, 41, 537 School St., Apt. 2, Athol, on warrant, and Ryan Beth Moores, 40, of 537 School St., Apt. 4, Athol, on warrant.

5:16 p.m. Milk St. Accident – hit & run.

Friday, Aug. 27 2:49 p.m. Connector Rd. Road/ tree.

Saturday, Aug. 28 1:45 a.m. Arrested, Abdi Hussein

Ibrahim, 21, of 38 Stebbins St., Apt. 2, Worcester, on warrant.

5:08 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident – personal injury.

Sunday, Aug. 29 2:37 a.m. Arrested, Tommy Nguyen Le, 28, of 2 Kingsbury St., Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, possess Class B drug (cocaine), distribute cocaine.

Grafton

Monday, Aug. 23 10:26 a.m. Worcester St. Wires down.

3:26 p.m. Millstone Dr. Scam/attempted scam.

8:09 p.m. Leland Hill Rd./Messier St. Road hazard.

9:09 p.m. Bruce St. Fire – gas odor.

Wednesday, Aug. 25 12:28 p.m. Worcester St. Accident – no injuries.

12:39 p.m. Perry St. Assault.

1:11 p.m. Grafton Com. Accident – personal injury.

3:21 p.m. Mass Pike W. Fire – motor vehicle.

8:09 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Accident – no injuries.

Thursday, Aug. 26 12:09 p.m. Mass Pike E. Fire –

motor vehicle.

Friday, Aug. 27 7:11 a.m. Worcester St. Accident – hit & run.

Saturday, Aug. 28 8:54 p.m. Main St. Fireworks.

Northborough

Friday, Aug. 26 3:46 p.m. Rice Ave. Fraud.

Saturday, Aug. 27 11:02 a.m. Brigham St. Fraud.

Sunday, Aug. 28 1:58 p.m. Meadow Rd. Threats.

Tuesday, Aug. 30 2:41 p.m. Arrested, Veronica Cristina Negron, 24, of 45 Grand St., Apt. 223, Worcester, for A&B with dangerous weapon, unarmed robbery, disorderly conduct.

Southborough

Saturday, Aug. 14 4:04 a.m. Birchwood Dr. Burglary from an MV. Sunday, Aug. 15 6:53 p.m. Arrested, Julio Enrique Valencia, of Dexter St., Lynn, on warrant.

8:15 p.m. Arrested, Richard E. Manning, Pleasant St., Framingham, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle,

speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.

Saturday, Aug. 28 1:02 a.m. Arrested, Jose L. Collazo Jr., of Bellevue St., Worcester, for warrant, op MV with license suspended (criminal), number plate violation to conceal ID, possess open container of alcohol in MV, larceny of motor vehicle.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, Aug. 26 11:08 a.m. Hapgood Way. B&E residential.

Friday, Aug. 27 2:02 p.m. Main St. Accident with injury.

Saturday, Aug. 28 5:19 p.m. Arrested, Amable Diaz Ferrand, 40, of 30 Plainfield Ave., Bsmnt, Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Sunday, Aug. 29 8:56 a.m. Arbor Dr. Identity theft.

Monday, Aug. 30 4:05 p.m. Boston Tpke. Assaults.

9:29 p.m. Arrested, Marcel A. Cooley, 33, of 99 Burrill Ave., Orange, on warrant.

Tuesday, Aug. 31 4:56 p.m. Elm St. Threats.

Wednesday, Sept. 1 10:50 a.m. Boston Tpke. Accident with injury.

maker, 72, of Shrewsbury. He died on July 3, 2021 - a short time after being diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis.

David was born in West Hills, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on Nov 4, 1948, the son of the late David and Mary Jean (Munro) Gow and younger brother to the late Neil M Gow. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara Anne (Bedwell) Gow; two sons, Callum Gow and his wife Kelly Kulsrud and Burgess Gow and his wife Jeanine; and his three grandchildren, Kay, Farryn, and Finlay. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Hanna Solska; his two nephews, Neil S. Gow and his wife Joan Beth and David M Gow and his wife Renee; his niece, Susan Ferguson; and many other in-laws, nephews, and nieces.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton with the arrangements.

Joseph E. Harrington, 79 NORTHBOROUGH - Joseph E. Harrington, 79, passed away at home on Aug. 30, 2021, after a long and hard battle of 17 years with Parkinson’s.

Joe was born in Whitinsville and raised in North Grafton, one of three sons to the late Edson B. and Elise H. (Pouppeville) Harrington.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Marsha H. (Carey) Harrington; three children, Kevin J. Harrington of Northborough, Jeffrey E. Harrington and his wife Sara of Douglas, and Robin L. Harrington, also of Northborough. Joe leaves three grandchildren, Aliyah, Jeffrey Jr, and Nikolas Harrington; two brothers, Edson Harrington Jr. of Columbus, Ga. and George Harrington of North Grafton; and nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Dahlia.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

COMMUNITY BUSINESS E.L. Harvey & Sons acquired by Waste Connections

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - North American company Waste Connections has acquired Westborough-based E.L. Harvey & Sons Inc., according to a Waste Connections statement on Sept. 1.

Family-owned for its entire 110-year history, Harvey’s has long been a prominent fixture in the Westborough community.

“The Harvey family has established one of the most respected companies in our industry, and we are honored to welcome Harvey to the Waste Connections family,” Waste Connections CEO Worthing F. Jackman said in that company statement. “Together with their continuing leadership team, we look forward to carrying on the Harvey name and further expanding its market position, as well as enhancing

Trucks pull into E.L. Harvey & Sons on Hopkinton Road in Westborough.

its strong culture of support for its employees, customers and communities.”

Harvey’s provides a variety of waste hauling, transfer and recycling services to customers across Central and Eastern Massachusetts. It also reaches some customers in Southern New Hampshire.

Waste Connections has headquarters in Texas and Ontario, Canada. It’s a publicly traded company with

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

its Ontario location listed as its primary headquarters on documentation in its 2020 Annual Report.

It provides a variety of waste management services in the US and Canada, also branching out into oilfield waste management in the US and the freight rail industry in the Pacific Northwest, according to its website. It pulled in $5.446 billion in revenue last year.

Shrewsbury native publishes first book, a guide to Anti-Aging for Baby Boomers SHREWSBURY - Town native Dr. Sean T. Lordan, DPT, owner of Concierge Physical Therapy, has published his first book titled: “11 Winning Secrets - Stop Aging in Its Tracks.”

This book is focused on practical tips and anecdotes designed to help readers form and streamline healthy habits.

Dr. Lordan is a leading physical therapist whose focus is on delivering excellence in medicine and personalized care, treating patients from pediatrics to professional and Olympic athletes.

He is Specialty Certified in Orthopedics by the American Physical Therapy Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (OCS) and is recognized Dr. Sean T. Lordan’s first book, entitled 11 as a Certified Strength Winning Secrets - Stop Aging in Its Tracks, and Conditioning Speis out now. cialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is additionally certified in Spinal Manipulation and Dry Needling.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 25

PLACES

Michael and Susan Abladian reflect on 55 years of marriage

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

WESTBOROUGH -There were several chances of Michael and Susan Abladian meeting and not meeting.

But, after decades, the couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Aug. 16.

“She was my partner,” Michael said in a recent interview.

“That was it. We took our vows pretty seriously.”

The Abladians met while Michael, who was an electrical engineer, was working in California.

His company had developed a new high-altitude reconnaissance system, but they were having trouble putting it into fighter jets.

Michael had learned that one of his friends that he grew up with had been living in St. Louis.

He made several trips, inadvertently meeting Susan, who had moved to St. Louis for work, on a couple of occasions.

But then, Michael’s company told him that they needed

Michael and Susan Abladian celebrated 55 years of marriage last month.

“

She said, ‘Well then, you’re going to have to take care of me.’ In a sense, she proposed to me, sort of.

Michael Abladian

a representative in St. Louis.

They made Michael an offer he couldn’t turn down and he was heading back to Missouri.

At first, they didn’t connect,

but when Michael would visit his friend, Susan was there.

As Michael described it, they never really dated — Susan lived in an apartment house with

other young people their age and they got together as a group.

Then, however, Michael got the call to go to Vietnam.

“My boss called, and he says, ‘Pack up your stuff, you’re going to Vietnam. And you can’t tell anyone because it’s classified,’” he recalled.

Susan asked Michael where he was going.

“I said, ‘Back to the office for a visit,’ never intending to come back. I felt kind of bad because by then we sort of made a connection,” Michael said.

When he got on the plane, the stewardess told Michael he had a phone call. It was his boss. Michael’s mission had changed and he didn’t have to go to Vietnam.

After that, he and Susan began getting closer.

A year later, they were dating when Michael was assigned to go to France and Germany for a pair of two-year trips.

“I said, ‘What do I do now?’

Marriage was not on my horizon at all,” Michael said.

He had to break up with

Susan.

One day, they were sitting on the floor, and Michael was helping Susan balance her checkbook. Michael said when Susan would run out of money, she would call her father.

He caught Susan looking at him.

Finally, he asked her how she would make out in life when her parents passed.

“She said, ‘Well then, you’re going to have to take care of me,’” Michael recalled. “In a sense, she proposed to me, sort of.”

Eventually, the couple moved to Massachusetts. They had two children. Susan was elected to the Westborough Board of Selectmen.

The pair traveled the world picking up mementos along the way that now fill the front room of their house. There are pictures from Egypt, a vase from Moreno and Lladró figurines from Spain.

“We worked on our problems and said to ourselves, we never went to bed angry,” Michael said. “We worked it all out.”

Northborough dedicates Purple Heart Town signs

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

NORTHBOROUGH - Residents gathered under the American Flag in Ellsworth McAfee Park on Aug. 31 as the town dedicated signs that designate Northborough as a Purple Heart Town.

“As someone who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times, it always felt like home when I came to Northborough,” said former State Representative Harold Naughton.

In an interview with the Community Advocate, Commander of the American Legion Post 234 Rick Currier noted that the dedication was held in a place named after two Northborough veterans who were killed in action. Neil Ellsworth and David McAfee both died during the Vietnam War. “I’m so proud to be a Purple Heart Town because, when vets come through, they see

Former State Representative Harold Naughton presents a flag to Leslie and Dan Arsenault.

that [we] care,” Currier said.

During the dedication, Veterans’ Agent Justin Sousa said the Purple Heart dates back to George Washington. It was the first medal that was authorized for wounded members of the Continental Army.

It was then reconstituted in the early 20th century, he said.

“It used to be an award for

valor, and now it’s an award if you get wounded in combat,” Sousa said.

Northborough was designated as a Purple Heart Town by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Sousa said this added Northborough as a stop on the nationwide trail.

Eight signs will be posted on main routes throughout

Veterans’ Agent Justin Sousa talks during the dedication.

town.

The Aug. 31 event featured Purple Heart recipient Major Denny Drewry of Westborough and Leslie and Dan Arsenault, the parents of Army Spc. Brian Arsenault, who died in Afghanistan in 2014. Reps. Meghan Kilcoyne (D-Northborough) and Danielle Gregoire (DMarlborough) were also in attendance alongside a number of town officials.

“I would often say of all the

towns that I represented in my 26 years in the House, there’s always such a tremendous turnout on Memorial Day and Veterans Day events in the town,” Naughton said.

He congratulated Northborough for becoming a Purple Heart town and “continuing to recognize the sacrifice of those service members with us and gone.”

Naughton, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, opted not to seek reelection to the House in 2020. He was replaced by Kilcoyne earlier this year.

When he was closing out his offices, Naughton found a box he had packed away when he returned from his last deployment in 2015. In that box was a flag that had flown in the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.

Naughton presented the flag to the Arsenaults.

“Sorry it’s so late, but it still means as much as it did at the time,” Naughton said.

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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

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Northborough-area 2021 real estate trends, so far

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E’VE ALL HEARD ABOUT HOW THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC has affected the national housing market, but what’s happening in the real estate market closer to Northborough?

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“That’s the crash coming, right?”

I’m seeing no indication of a 2008-type slow down. The 2007–2008 issues were caused by lending practices giving away to the subprime mortgage crisis.

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I’m not a fan of market timing and continue to tell sellers the best time to put their home on the market is the day they do so. We are entering a period when you may not have 75 people standing in line for an open house, and you may only get 2 offers rather than 20. As a seller you need to know it is still a sellers’ market and appropriately priced properties are still selling. Looking at the house down the street selling for an astronomical price and adding an astronomical number to it is not going to be a successful pricing strategy. You need to examine comparable homes, what’s on the market and understand what pricing bands are showing activity to price your home. A

There’s a sense the eviction bands being removed are going to prompt many foreclosures and create a down draft in the market. Inevitably some property owners will find themselves in trouble and have to liquidate their assets. We still have more demand than inventory, and I’m not seeing a major sell off creating great swaths of distressed property. Obviously, a global or local calamity could impact this. That said, if someone told me pre-COVID we’d have a robust real estate market with a pandemic, I would shake my head thinking people would stay isolated. People are still upsizing, downsizing, having kids, deciding not to live together, deciding to live together, etc.

“So, we are going back to normal?”

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WORCESTER COUNTY HOME AND CONDO PRICES ARE SURGING The median sales price of a Worcester County home in June 2021 was $405,000, up 23.3% from the same time last year. Year to date, the median sales price is $375,000, compared to $316,050 in 2020.

Condo prices are also on the rise, though not as much. The median sales price for a condo in June was $285,500, so far this year versus $273,000 last year.

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My sense is we are heading to a more rationalized real estate market in a smooth manner, with everyone generally coming out fine.

Nothing wrong with that!

Stay sanitized!

Here is free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www.homesnap. com/Gary-Kelley.

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If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508-733-6005.

Compared to the rest of the state, Worcester County remains affordable, with home prices statewide hovering around $578,500 - that’s an all-time high.

WORCESTER COUNTY SELLERS ARE GETTING BETTER-THAN-EXPECTED OFFERS

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Single-family properties in June sold for 105.9% of the original list price, up 6.6% from last year. So far in 2021, homes have sold for 103.7% of the original list price.

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Worcester County condos are also netting a bit more than their original asking prices as well.

HOUSING INVENTORY IS PLUMMETING ACROSS THE AREA There were only 619 single-family homes and 134 condos for sale in all of Worcester County in June, both down about 50% from the same month last year. That means housing inventory will only last 0.9 months under the current market conditions.

John Kreiss is a real estate agent who has lived in Northborough for more than 25 years. He helps home buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their residential real estate goals.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021 • 27

HOMES

&MORE

Mr. Handyman offers home repair with integrity

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - Michael Campbell isn’t the type of boss who meets his employees over the bed of a pick-up truck to hand out the day’s assignments.

Instead, Mr. Handyman Central MetroWest operates out of their newly expanded headquarters. That reality reflects Campbell’s larger business philosophy.

“We don’t run our business from the hip,” he said in a recent interview.

Experience, customer service and savings build reputation Mr. Handyman provides a variety of professional home repair services across the region.

Campbell, in turn, brings decades of experience and appreciation for customer service to the job.

“We have a defined Code of Values that we follow,” Campbell said. “Focused on Customers, Respect and Integrity, we strive for customer satisfaction. We provide flexible estimates, not inflated quotes, encouraging customer involvement with freedom to make changes.”

Quite often, projects come in under budget, saving customers money.

“We encourage customer involvement and detail any changes or unforeseen situations.” Campbell said.

‘Aging in place’ services keep customers in their homes From personal experiences, Campbell and his team recognized the importance of “Aging in Place” and became NAHB certified (CAPS) contractors.

These projects focus on customers’ desire for independence and comfort in a familiar environment. They focus on adding value, as they add things like banister rails, walkin showers and other products and services for people with specific injuries or needs.

“We don’t want to turn people’s homes into an industrial environment,” Campbell said.

“We improve in a way that will add value.”

Aging in place is focused not only on the elderly population, but on helping individuals with specific needs whether temporary or permanent.

“

Focused on customers, respect and integrity, we strive for customer satisfaction.

participation in their Simple IRA plan, which he matches.

Additionally, employees get education, cell phone and tool reimbursement plans.

Technicians take home company vehicles with all gas and service costs covered. Paid holidays and vacation time are also standard.

When asked, Campbell re-

sponded, “Of course it’s expensive, but employees are appreciative, and it demonstrates we’re invested in our people,” he said.

Learn more by visiting the Mr. Handyman Central MetroWest website at https:// www.mrhandyman.com/central-metrowest/ or call 508366-3690.

Michael Campbell Campbell noted that many projects, such as temporary ramps, help individuals with short term conditions. These measures allow people to stay where they’re most comfortable and can avoid the costly bills associated with hospitals and assisted living facilities.

Mr. Handyman offers generous benefits Mr. Handyman is looking for qualified individuals to help continue this mission.

“I’m not looking for anyone that can simply swing a ham-

mer,” Campbell said. “We want good people as well.”

Mr. Handyman thoroughly background checks each employee.

“I wouldn’t send someone into a customer’s home that I wouldn’t put in my own,” Campbell continued. “People don’t realize until it’s too late.”

Campbell rewards his employees with an industry leading benefits package. For example, he offers health insurance covering employees and families. Accident insurance is standard and he encourages

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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 10, 2021

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