Community Advocate Sep17

Neary Elementary reflects on 9/11 anniversary with group photo

Animals and their humans flock to 23rd annual Pet Rock Festival in Grafton

Events | 16

events | 17

Power brothers redefined success as quarterbacks in Westborough

sports | 25

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Vol. 47 | No. 38 | September 17, 2021

Westborough Planning Board hears presentation on master plan final draft

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Members of the Westborough Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) presented a final draft of the town’s master plan at a Planning Board meeting on Sept. 9.

The final draft is the product of input from the 25-member Advisory Committee, made up of residents, department heads and elected officials, as well as feedback from community members over a two-year process.

It considers Westborough’s future growth and development while identifying long-term goals and policies for the community.

“I think Westborough has produced quite an extraordinary document,” Master Plan Committee Chair Lester Hensley said.

State law requires communities to make a master plan including a number of elements focused around long term goals.

In Westborough, though, Hensley said, the master plan adds two new elements that are not required by state law. These are the additions of chapters devoted to public health, as well as sustainability and climate change.

The master plan suggests examining the feasibility of hiring a public health nurse educator, conducting a comprehensive community health and wellness survey, and planning for food security in Westborough alongside a larger goal to

Region marks 20 years since 9/11 REGION - The region paused to recognize the 20th anniversary of the September 11th Attacks in ways both big and small this past weekend.

Two decades removed from that tragedy, the message remained clear across those events — “never forget.”

In Westborough, church bells rang over a ceremony, marking the precise times when hijacked airliners struck both of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

Southborough, Shrewsbury, Northborough and Grafton community members all also gathered for their own ceremonies, reflecting on the decades since 9/11.

Still other communities marked the anniversary with their own events and reflections.

See coverage inside...

Above: First responders addressed attendees of a ceremony in Westborough to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11th Attacks, this past weekend.

Master Plan | 7

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 3

Scarecrows headed back to Shrewsbury’s Town Common OVER TOP

THE

By Laura Hayes, Senior Community Reporter

PHOTOS/MELANIE PETRUCCI

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Shrewsbury’s First Congregational Church SHREWSBURY - Drone photography showed sun shining on the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury earlier this year. The First Congregational Church is located at 19 Church Rd. in Shrewsbury.

letters to the editor

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SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury Garden Club’s “Scarecrows on the Common” is back.

“What I enjoy the most is seeing the families and the kids coming to the common and enjoying the scarecrows,” said Garden Club member Gail Aslanian of this familiar tradition. “They’re so creative.”

The tradition of scarecrows in the Town Common dates back 17 years. The Spirit of Shrewsbury used to be held on the Common in those days before it outgrew the space and eventually moved to Oak Middle School.

Aslanian was on the festival’s committee at the time as the comScarecrows from last year’s “Scarecrows on the mittee brainstormed Common” delighted community members amid ways to bring attenlingering COVID-19 shutdowns. tion to the Common.

The garden club suggested they hold a scarecrow contest.

This year, scarecrows can be set up during the week of Sept. 20.

The name of the club, group, business or person responsible for the scarecrow must be visible.

No perishable goods are allowed. Scarecrows can’t be attached to the bandstand, memorial, newly-planted trees or lampposts.

Scarecrows must remain on the Common through Oct. 15. Any remaining scarecrows after Oct. 17 will then be discarded at the owner’s expense.

After a scarecrow is installed, individuals should call 508-8452630 or email hymedomaid@yahoo.com to register their contact information.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

VIEWPOINT Dear Editor, We, here at St. Anne’s, are most grateful for the donation of $20,000 from the Hannah Kane Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 16 at the Haven in Boylston.

The turnout was tremendous.

Hannah has a dedicated group of volunteers who make this event a huge success.

We have kept our Food Pantry open the whole time of the pandemic, using safety methods in ensure both workers and those in need. Food was also delivered to Shrewsbury residents who were isolated with Covid.

This a team effort and with all hands on deck we achieve our goal.

The other worthy organizations, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and Westboro Food Pantry, were also honored

letters to the editor

with the same donation as us.

Our gratitude to all.

Sincerely, Elaine LeBlanc Director St. Anne’s Human Services 130 Boston Tpke.

Shrewsbury

Dear Editor, As a voter and home owner of Westborough, I strongly favor MGB providing health services in Westborough.

The reasons are somewhat obvious: 1) Closer physical services save time and money to clients.

2) Provides competition to allow providers to sharpen their services benefiting both MGB and clients.

3) As our population ages these services are required to lessen the burden on existing resources like U.Mass Marlborough.

Choice is Lifestyle...

4) It will create more jobs for all. The needs will only grow due to an improving economy.

It is a false logic to say it will hurt the poorer people of our society. In fact the opposite will be true because it will improve the operating efficiency of all services.

It is a no brainer to favor this facility and I see nothing but pluses for all people rich or poor.

Respectfully Stephen Faris

To Whom It May Concern (Citizens of Northborough) I am writing to express how disappointed I am to recently learn that Tom Reardon is no longer a member of the Design Review Committee (DRC) of Northborough. It is especially disheartening to learn that this decision is not of his choosing.

Tom has been a member

Residents work with our Engagement Director to craft programming that celebrates lifelong learning, arts and culture, holistic wellness and fun!

of the DRC for 20 years. He is an architect by trade and has been for 40 years. He has lived in Northborough for 35 years and since that time has served on the DRC, the White Cliffs Committee and the master plan committee and is about to be interviewed by the Board of Selectmen to serve on the Historic District Committee.

Tom has contributed to the town of Northborough by designing over a dozen buildings in the various commercial districts. He is committed to the beauty and functionality of the town and to the well-being of its citizenry. It is a great loss to the town to no longer have Tom serve on the DRC. This decision is baffling to me and I would think it would be baffling to most citizens of Northborough.

I wonder why someone with his skills, knowledge and commitment would be asked to leave the DRC. Why someone with his experience wouldn’t be sought after to serve on such a committee

for as long as he is willing, is curious. He understands architecture, how buildings are designed and built, and he understands the building code inside and out.

The DRC has a history of having members who have experience with design and construction, understanding of the building code, and of town regulations. They have worked well together through the years, using their skill, experience and history to guide those with new building projects through the town processes, all the while keeping the best interest of the town and its citizenry in mind. Why the membership of this efficient and highly functional committee would be disrupted is beyond me.

It is important that we understand the governing structure of our town, how it operates and who serves on our committees and boards.

Debra Grollman Northborough

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS Changes to outdoor dining process could be on Shrewsbury Town Meeting warrant

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Voters may soon decide whether to allow outdoor dining in more Shrewsbury zoning districts as town officials continue to consider articles for next month’s Special Town Meeting.

The Shrewsbury Planning Board held a public hearing Sept. 2 on proposed changes to four zoning bylaws that could go before Town Meeting.

The town is proposing to allow outdoor and indoor service to restaurants in the Limited Business, Commercial Business and Limited Commercial Business districts by right.

There would be a new license for outdoor dining, said Town Planner Bernard Cahill.

“During that time of COVID, we’ve seen an absolute explosion across all the Com-

Marlborough

An outdoor dining area sits outside of Burton’s Grill and Bar in Shrewsbury.

monwealth, if not the country, with outdoor dining,” Cahill said.

Before the pandemic, outdoor dining required a special permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals in specific

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

zoning districts in town.

These changes would remove some of the town boards from the approval process, as Cahill said the process would go “fist-in-glove” with the alcohol licensing amendment

process.

“These are the types of burdens and barriers we’re trying to lower and take advantage of this newfound love for outdoor dining,” Cahill said.

Cahill said the town is working on finalizing and formalizing the review process, which would have applications go before himself and the planning department as well as the fire and police department and the engineering and building departments.

Selectmen could then sign off to give a business its license, Cahill said.

“The idea is that you come back in every year, and if nothing’s changed, it goes pretty fast after that,” Cahill said.

In addition to this discussion, the Planning Board reviewed other proposed articles on Sept. 2.

One of the articles would add the new Town Center

District to an inclusionary housing subsection of the zoning bylaw.

One would amend Shrewsbury’s zoning map by changing the boundaries of its Residential B-1 Zoning District to now encompass a sliver of Lake Street near the new Maj. Howard W. Beal Elementary School.

Another would align Shrewsbury’s definition of wireless telecommunication towers and facilities with the Federal Communications Commission’s definition and add a definition for small wireless facilities.

Additionally, under the changes, the Planning Board will be the authority to grant special permits for wireless telecommunications towers and facilities.

Town Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, Oct. 18.

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Rotary Club seeks donations to help fund winter lights upgrade

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

Below: Existing light bulbs hang from the prominent evergreen tree in the Westborough Rotary.

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Rotary Club is seeking donations to help fund a new seasonal display of festive winter lighting, which will go up in the downtown area on Sunday, Nov. 28.

The Rotary Club has installed winter lights with the help of the Westborough Department of Public Works (DPW) for the last fifty years.

This year, though, it has decided to hire a professional decorating company, Christmas Décor, to help revamp and rework the lighting tradition.

“A happy smile, hopefully, will be put on especially the children’s faces,” Rotary Club Lighting Committee Chair Jim O’Connor recently told the Community Advocate. “People will be proud of downtown Westborough, and it couldn’t come at a better time when we’re still struggling with COVID and other issues.”

“Hopefully, it will be a

Left: Cars passed through the Westborough Rotary earlier this year. The Westborough Rotary Club is looking to transform the downtown winter landscape with a revitalized and reworked version of its annual winter lights display.

cheerful note going into the holiday season,” he continued.

O’Connor outlined much of the Rotary Club’s current plan back in March in a presentation to the Select Board. A few months later in June, the Rotary Club announced a competition to design a new logo for the Winter Lights display. Now the Rotary Club is beginning its fundraising push to support this new effort.

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“We are counting on the good graces and the good nature of the citizenry in Westborough and I think they’ll come through full-square,” O’Connor said.

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Additionally, the large pine tree in the Westborough rotary will be decorated with more than 400 lights. Three deciduous trees in the rotary will have white lights wrapped around their trunks.

The decision to adopt a new light installation, O’Connor said, was due to visible deterioration of the installations over the last few years. O’Connor said that some of the lights

began to fail as trees grew so big that extension ladders were required to reach them. A number of strings and lights on the trees became inconsistent as more of them failed.

The turning point, O’Connor said, came when hundreds of residents criticized the deteriorated installations, saying they thought the display did not look as good as it used to.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Planning Board hears presentation on master plan final draft Master Plan | from page 1

prioritize community health in Westborough.

“I think these are appropriate additions to a master plan, particularly as we have experienced and are managing the global pandemic, but also as we continue to face a changing climate and its impact on our infrastructure and our lives,” Hensley said.

The master plan has chapters encouraging land use and development plans that revitalize the downtown Westborough area and maintain a New England village feel for the town.

It recommends the adoption of a policy promoting the conversion of vacant properties into uses needed or wanted by the community, as well as a review of town bylaws to ensure the town is wellpositioned to attract office and industrial development.

The master plan also recommends that Westborough seek the passage and adoption of

the Community Preservation Act and evaluate a potential Scenic Roads Bylaw to help preserve trees and aesthetic characteristics in the Westborough public right-of-way.

Donny Goris-Kolb, a consultant for the project from VHB, presented the master plan draft, mentioning how the plan was the result of a fivestep process carried out, in part, by subcommittees of the Advisory Committee focused on different areas of the mas-

ter plan.

“It was imperative at the very beginning of the process that the MPAC support a broad and inclusive outreach program, and to that point, we created a community outreach database,” Goris-Kolb said.

“That database included all of the different groups, with emphasis on those groups that are typically not included or do not

voluntarily participate in town decision-making.”

Goris-Kolb said that the Advisory Committee established ambassadors in the MPAC to reach out to those groups during key milestones for the plan.

The next public event in the master plan draft process will be a joint meeting between the Planning Board and the Select Board on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

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NORTHBOROUGH - Funds from the annual Rock & Walk for Babies, which honors families who have lost a baby, will go toward the Massachusetts Center for Child Loss in Northborough.

The Center, which provides education and resources for bereavement and wellness, is located at 300 West Main St. The sixth annual Rock & Walk for Babies is hosted by the Massachusetts chapter of the TEARS Foundation.

This year, the walk will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough residents air concerns about speeding, other traffic issues

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Many residents on Oak Hill Road in Southborough say they are fed up with motorists speeding.

Accidents are increasing, they note. And loud truck sounds are disrupting sleep.

So, Andrew Pfaff and Eric Fernandez brought residents’ safety concerns and requests for improvements to the Board of Selectmen on Sept. 8.

Pfaff and Fernandez said residents want to see permanent radar speed signs installed. They asked for the reduction of the speed limit to 25 miles per hour as well as placement of a “No Jake Braking” or similar sign on the downslope towards Route 9. They further requested the addition of sidewalks per the Complete Streets Funding Program Project Prioritization Plan.

In addition, Pfaff noted that neighbors would like to see crosswalks restored where they were previously removed. He

Vehicles pass on Route 9 near the intersection of Route 9 and Oak Hill Road.

also asked that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) adjust the delay between traffic lights at Route 9 and, if adopted as legislation, place red-light cameras on those lights.

Pfaff said that many vehicles run the red light on Route 9, making for an extremely dangerous intersection.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

He said that more than half of the neighbors in the Oak Hill Road area supported his plans to bring these matters before the selectmen.

Several residents’ vehicles have been hit backing out of their driveways. The frequent sound of trucks braking while going downhill has also been disturbing sleep, Pfaff said.

Selectman Sam Stivers said the requests are reasonable and that it is a “significant problem we certainly should address.”

He said a start would be to get some of the smaller measures done — like radar speed signs.

Chair Lisa Braccio said that things like sidewalks and speed are town-wide problems. She said that the board hears from people in multiple areas looking for solutions.

She questioned what would happen if trucks could not brake and how violations would be enforced. She also said that if the town had a truck exclusion, Ashland would have to agree to it.

Fernandez said that they recognize that Oak Hill Road is not the only road having these problems. But he noted that demographics are changing, and there are more children out and about. He said he worries for their safety.

He said that he spoke with neighbors who had lived on

that road for more than 30 years, and they mentioned this was not the first time the problems were brought to the selectmen’s attention. “ The neighborhood is changing, so any small concessions that can be done short-term would be appreciated,” Fernandez said.

Selectman Vice Chair Chelsea Malinowski noted that whatever actions the board takes, they need to be fair and balance the requests that come in from all over town.

During a public comment period, resident Roger Challen, who has lived on Oak Hill Road since 1974, said that he hoped other problems elsewhere in town would not deter the board from looking into this area’s situation.

Braccio assured him that no one there “is intending to pay any form of lip service.”

She noted they would seek input from the police chief and DPW superintendent to help find a path forward and identify solutions.

The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is coming back!

Service resumes on October 4, 2021

The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the “Marlborough Hills” business park located on Forest Street.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough recognizes 9/11 anniversary with ceremony

By Jesse Kucewicz Contributing Writer

PHOTOS/JESSE KUCEWICZ

SOUTHBOROUGH - The Southborough Fire and Police Departments gathered with the community this weekend to recognize the sacrifices of those killed in the September 11 attacks.

The ceremony on this 20th anniversary of 9/11 featured a few words of recognition from Southborough Fire Department Fire Chief Steven Achilles, a short prayer, and the ringing of a special memorial bell.

“It’s a simple ceremony to remember those that were lost 20 years ago today, their families, and those still struggling with the aftermath of that day,” Achilles said to a crowd surrounding the half-mast flag in front of the Southborough Fire and Police buildings. “It was important for us to keep the same tempo that we’ve done in the past so that we don’t minimize the previous years.”

Following the ceremony, people gathered and shared their memories of that day. Achilles specifically remembered how the communities looked upon firefighters and law enforcement for support.

“People expected us as firefighters and police officers not affected immediately to do something, and to give that sense of security, and that sense of safety,” Achilles said. “I know that we went to work that day in our community, and I think a lot of communities did, to make people feel safer.”

Members of the Southborough Fire Department stand together at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

Top: Southborough firefighter Justin McCallum rings a ceremonial bell.

Bottom: Attendees bow their heads during a ceremony in Southborough to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

“

It’s a simple ceremony to remember those that were lost 20 years ago today.

Steven Achilles Southborough Fire Department Fire Chief

10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Church bells punctuate 9/11 Anniversary ceremony in Westborough

By Jesse Kucewicz Contributing Writer

PHOTOS/JESSE KUCEWICZ

WESTBOROUGH - Community members gathered as church bells rang in unison across Westborough Sept. 11, recognizing the moments that hijacked airliners struck each of the twin towers at the World Trade Center in New York exactly 20 years prior.

Near Westborough’s 9/11 Memorial at the intersection of Milk Street and Grove Street, representatives and first responders spoke about their experiences immediately following the attacks. They also reflected on the ways that life has changed in the years since the attacks.

“I mourn and think about how fear can prevent understanding and even peace,” said Allen Edinberg, Chair of the Westborough Select Board. “At the same time, as I mourn, I think about the lessons learned, or maybe the lessons not yet learned from 9/11.”

“The first thing that comes

Attendees gather at the corner of Milk Street and Grove Street in Westborough for a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

A bagpipe player is viewed through a crowd of first responders at Westborough’s ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

to mind is resilience, in individuals and the community,” he continued. “How we have adapted, moved on, and in many ways rebuilt, is a testament to individual resilience.”

As the events of that day impacted communities across the nation and the world, Westborough specifically lost two of its own on Sept. 11, 2001.

Robin Kaplan, 33, and Linda George, 27, were both on American Airlines flight 11 with colleagues from TJX Companies when that plane was hijacked and crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Their names are now inscribed on a marble stone as part of the 9/11 Memorial.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Landscaping worker killed while trimming trees in Northborough

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The man who died after he came into contact with a power line while trimming trees on South Street in Northborough on Sept. 8 has been identified.

Worcester County District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Communications Lindsay Corcoran confirmed the victim is Joel Andrew Boulay, Jr., 25, of Cherry Valley.

According to Northborough Lt. Brian Griffin, a person called 911 at about 9:30 a.m., saying that his friend was trimming trees on a lift when he came into contact with a high power line.

The victim was deceased by the time Northborough officers arrived, Griffin said.

“At this time, it appears to be a tragic accident,” Griffin said.

According to Boulay’s obituary, he was born in Worcester and graduated from Leicester High School in 2014. He enjoyed kayaking and snowmobiling.

Boulay worked as a landscape contractor for Darryl Henry Arborist for the past five years.

Police believe there were three people working with the company at the time of the incident.

“They were hired by two different homeowners who lived across the street from each other,” Griffin said.

Griffin said the police are not sure how the worker came into contact with the line itself. It appears that he was killed immediately, he said.

National Grid turned off power. When Griffin spoke at about 2 p.m., he estimated that power would return in approximately two hours.

Northborough police were working with the Northborough Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police assigned to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s office, National Grid and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as of Sept. 8.

According to a press release from the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH), there have been 11 workers killed while working with trees from 2018 to 2020.

“We are very sad to hear that a young man has needlessly lost his life to a well-known hazard in his industry,” said MassCOSH Executive Director

Jodi Sugerman-Brozan. “This tragic fatality makes it clear that we are not prepared for climate change and its impact on workers. To effectively honor his life, we should ensure all those who work in this very dangerous industry receive the live-saving training needed to recognize hazards to stay safe on the job.”

The scene on South Street is

about a block away from Ellsworth McAfee Park.

“There were a lot of people out walking today on a beautiful day who were unfortunately in the area when this tragic accident happened,” Griffin said. “They were able to provide us with some assistance as to what they saw or heard.

Absolutely, what they saw was very tragic.”

Westborough Rotary Club seeks donations to help fund winter lights upgrade Rotary Club | from page 6

“We said ‘This is one of our signature, very visible opportunities to show the town of Westborough how highly we regard them. We need to fix this,’” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said that the Rotary Club connected with Christmas Decor after learning about a design they did in the Shrewsbury town center.

The Rotary Club and Christmas Décor then agreed to a three-year deal wherein, after

this first year, they can add to the scope of the project.

O’Connor said that Christmas Decor would purchase, install and store all of the materials for the display while the Rotary Club retains ownership.

In order to pay for the installation, O’Connor said that the Rotary Club is using club funding and donations, which they are currently campaigning for.

O’Connor added that the Rotary Club has asked the Westborough business com-

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough discusses fight against human trafficking at webinar

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough Chief of Police William Lyver got a wakeup call to the problem of human trafficking several years ago.

The Northborough Police Department was working with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. A task force of Northborough, Worcester and Fitchburg officers were targeting human trafficking in motels.

The police set up a sting operation, advertising underage girls.

“I think throughout the course of the night, there were 18 arrests,” Lyver said during a webinar on Sept. 9. “Most of them were Northborough. The alarm bells went off.”

The webinar was called “Hidden in Plain Sight: Human Trafficking in Massachusetts.” It was hosted by the Northborough Junior Women’s Club and the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women.

Lyver was joined by Sena-

“

A recent webinar featured discussion of human trafficking and efforts to fight it in and around Northborough.

tor Harriette Chandler, whose district includes part of Northborough, and Rachel Matos of Voices Against Violence in Framingham. Nikki Bell, the founder and CEO of Living in Freedom Together, also joined the event.

White men predominantly are the ones who buy victims of sexual exploitation, Bell said.

Often, perpetrators earn over $100,000 a year and are married, she said.

In terms of who is being bought, Bell said it’s predominantly women and girls. People of color and LGBTQIA+ youth who are aging out of systems are often particularly vulnerable.

Bell said she spent most of her teen and adult life in systems of prostitution.

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She said that the response she experienced was more often to place her hands behind her back and get in the back of the police car.

“More often than not, the buyers were told to go home,” Bell said.

Northborough police now primarily work to detect and disrupt trafficking.

If police believe trafficking is occurring in either a home or a motel, Lyver said, police start by making a more obvious presence in the area.

“Make the area uncomfortable,” he said.

The police have also reached out to businesses surrounding motels with information on indicators of trafficking.

Lyver said the department has shifted from a traditional police role of targeting prostitution to one that attacks the demand side and arrests the customers.

The idea, he said, is to then get survivors in contact with services.

In some cases, Lyver said the victims are dropped off in a motel room and left with little.

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In those cases, the officers make arrests.

“Basically, trying to make it so that word gets around that this is not the place that you want to do this,” Lyver said.

“It’s not stopping it,” he noted. “It’s kind of kicking the can down the road to another town.”

But that’s what happened to Northborough after cities like Worcester and Framingham began cracking down, he said.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough Post Office honors Food Pantry with ‘Thank You’ stamp

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Food Pantry was recently honored by the Northborough Post Office for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Post Office specifically presented them with a framed piece of artwork of a stamp.

Last August, the USPS issued a Forever Stamp that says “Thank You” in an elegant gold script. The stamp was created

by Dana Tanamachi.

“There is a renewed awareness of the need for gratitude and these elegant and joyful stamps add visual appeal to notes, cards, acts of kindness and a job well done,” Postmaster Mark Stone said during the presentation.

He continued, “The Northborough Food Pantry is deserving of a thank you for a job well done. You were there for Northborough when you were needed most.”

Stone told the Community

NALC Steward Matt Servideo, Postmaster Mark Stone and Post Office Operations Manager Joshua Balcunas stand with Northborough Food Pantry’s Marjorie Femia and Vicki Killeen.

Advocate that these stamps are available for purchase at the Northborough Post Office at 235 West Main St. Stone said the Postal Service came up with the idea in August to find local community organizations that served their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I chose the Northborough Food Pantry just because food insecurity is a big thing, especially throughout the pandemic,” he said. “There were people who lost their jobs. People who didn’t have income. It was a critical service to people in need.”

Consultant to help town manage ARPA, other grants

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Marlborough-based Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) will assist Southborough in obtaining and managing state and federal funds, including those made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

On Sept. 8, the Southborough Board of Selectmen spoke with Jennifer Thompson from CSS, who will serve as project manager. She will work closely with Town Manager Mark Purple, Town Accountant Carla McAuliffe, TreasurerCollector Brian Ballantine, as well as with the board itself.

The town’s contract with CSS is “at will” and for up to $49,600 of work.

Thompson explained that she has 24 years experience working in municipal government in administration/ financial roles, including serving as assistant town manager in Framingham and as chief financial officer for the Barnstable County sheriff’s office.

In addition to ARPA and other COVID-related funds,

Thompson said that she would help the town identify grants from agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for infrastructure projects related to pandemic economic recovery.

CSS will provide guidance on the types of projects ARPA is looking to fund and “what is the best bang for the buck,” Thompson said. However, selectmen (and/or possibly Town Meeting) will ultimately decide which projects to pursue.

Purple said his interactions so far with the project manager are “hitting all the right buttons.” Down the line, it will be a matter of determining whether to focus on one major project or tackle a number of smaller ones.

Creation of a formal working group and public outreach are other important steps, said Thompson.

“Outside of the box is not only okay,” Selectman Martin Healey said, “it’s welcome in terms of how we might attack these funding sources and make use of them.”

This isn’t the first time the Post Office has worked with the food pantry.

Typically, in May, the National Association of Letter Carriers holds a food drive.

Northborough carriers donate the food they collect to the food pantry.

Stone learned that the Northborough Food Pantry served up to 75 families a week

throughout the pandemic.

“They have an amazing staff,” Stone said.

He specifically named Karen Scopetski, Vicki Killeen and Marjorie Femia, thanking them for their efforts.

“These ladies do amazing work,” Stone said.

The Food Pantry is located at 37 Pierce St. and is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Man dead after fire in Northborough One man was killed when a fire tore through a multiunit residence in Northborough last week.

control when Parenti spoke with the Community Advocate just after 9 a.m., was a second alarm. A second alarm means Northborough receives additional coverage from neighboring fire departments.

Parenti said the Southbor-

ough firefighter was taken to the hospital out of precaution.

“He seems to be doing O.K.,” Parenti said.

The Massachusetts State Police and Worcester County District Attorney’s Office were also on scene.

Northborough Helping Hands receives $3,000 grant

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - A man was killed in a fire in a residence at 129 Maple Street on Sept. 10.

Additionally, one Southborough firefighter was transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion.

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Northborough Fire Chief David Parenti said the department received a report of a building fire at about 4:20 a.m.

He said the firefighters were advised that there was “heavy fire” from the second floor.

Firefighters could only get so far into the room that was on

fire because of how heavy the fire was, Parenti said.

“We made three attempts to search the room. Finally got the fire knocked down. We were able to get into that room and we did find a victim in that room,” Parenti said.

The residence is a multifamily unit that housed seven people.

The fire, which was under

NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Helping Hands Association, Inc. recently received a grant to help their holiday outreach.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Assabet Park construction to begin this month

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Construction on upgrades to Assabet Park will begin on Sept. 20.

Northborough Director of Public Works Scott Charpentier announced that news during a Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on Sept.

7, saying that the construction contract had been awarded.

“After Sept. 20, the playground will be closed,” Charpentier said. “It will be under the control of the contractor.”

The Assabet Park playground is over 20 years old, Recreation Director Allison Lane noted in an email to the Community Advocate.

“It is not ADA accessible, and we decided that we need to have one put in that is userfriendly for everyone,” Lane said.

Between Community Preservation Committee allocations and town funding, Northborough raised money to build a new playground.

The project will soon begin with site work, which Charpentier said will include grading and demolition. Then, the new play equipment will be installed. The town already has this equipment and has it stored in the DPW’s facilities.

After the equipment is installed, a safe, rubberized play surface will be poured.

Charpentier hopes that the rubberized play surface will be poured this year, though he added that’s dependent on the weather.

Pickleball court moves forward Beyond Assabet Park, Northborough is also moving forward with work on six new pickleball courts at Ellsworth McAfee Park.

Town Meeting voters supported an article earlier this year to use Community Preservation Act funds to build the pickleball courts.

Charpentier said the funds became available July 1.

Since then, the town has used a landscape architect to survey the land. Charpentier said that process has since been completed.

“We’re now in the conceptual layout phase,” he said.

According to draft plans that Lane shared with the Community Advocate, the six pickleball courts would be located southwest of the park’s parking lot along South Street.

Lane told the Community Advocate that local pickleball players have been playing outside of Northborough for years.

“We’ve been trying to find a location and money in order to build some outdoor courts,” Lane said.

Charpentier said some things still need to be examined, such as the sizing of the facility and its positioning to make sure that the courts are ADA accessible. The town will also work with landscape architects to help maintain existing vegetation in the area.

Charpentier said the town has also needed to help localize

the work on the courts “so that, while the construction occurs next spring, it does not impede on the use of the facility.”

According to Charpentier, the goal is to move forward with the design of the courts this fall, bid the project over the

winter, and begin construction in the spring.

“Both Scott and I are very excited for both projects,” Lane said. “We are very invested in Northborough and are committed to making the parks the best in the area.”

Shrewsbury Cultural Council seeking grant applicants SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury Cultural Council will distribute its largest amount of grant funding in its history this year, sending $18,768 into the community.

Before it does that, though, the council is seeking grant proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs.

Proposals are due by Friday, Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m.

In the past, the Shrewsbury Cultural Council has funded projects like the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Arts on the Green, Bad News Jazz & Blues Orchestra and EcoTarium Days.

The council has said the funds could support projects and activities, such as exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies and school performances.

For more information about the Local Cultural Council Program and application forms, visit https://www.mass-culture.org/.

Contact the council at scc@shrewsburyma.gov for local guidelines.

16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY EVENTS Spirit of Shrewsbury headed to Oak Middle School Sept. 25

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTOS/MELANIE PETRUCCI

SHREWSBURY - After a virtual festival last year, a hybrid Spirit of Shrewsbury will be both in person and virtual this year.

This year also marks the festival’s 25th anniversary.

“I’m looking forward to offering something to our community to try and kick start them and get them back together and not have everybody be so fearful,” said President Maria Smith. “Our whole goal and focus is to offer something fun and light and uplifting through all that we’ve been through and give people a ray of sunshine.

“We’ll make it through this,” she continued. “We’re persevering.”

In-person festivities kick off on Friday, Sept. 24 with the Miss Shrewsbury Pageant at the First Congregational Church.

Some residents still weren’t comfortable being around other people due to new COVID-19 variants, despite the event being held outside.

“Others are just dying to be able Noelle Sowden and Nithya Sudharshan The Shrewsbury High School Robotics to safely attend posed for a photo at the Spirit of Team demonstrated some of their tech at events,” Smith said.

Shrewsbury Expo in 2019. The expo is the Spirit of Shrewsbury Expo in 2019.

Spirit of Shrewsback, this year, scheduled for Saturday, bury will be held Sept. 25. rain or shine.

The main event, includOrganizers ultimately did Besides the expo and craft ing the Town Expo and craft proceed with planning Spirit fair, scarecrows will be disfair, will be held on Saturday, of Shrewsbury with caution. played on the Town Common.

Sept. 25.

This year, the festival will be People will have a chance to Smith said they were forced a hybrid of normal festivities, eat at food trucks and get their not to hold any live Spirit of Smith said, with some of the faces painted. The Shrewsbury Shrewsbury events last year, events in person and others High School Robotics Team though they did hold a couple being virtual. and Gymnastics Learning Cenof events virtually.

“Not knowing whether it ter will do a demonstration.

Organizers labored over was going to be well-attended, Some of the traditional the question of whether they I tried polling the community events, like the talent show, should move forward with the basically to see what their feelwill be held virtually. festival this year. ing was,” Smith said.

“It was well-received last

year,” Smith said. “So, we are duplicating that effort this year by offering the talent show virtually.”

The parade will also be virtual.

“I must admit, I’m interested to see how that happens,” Smith said.

Organizers asked people to submit clips of them walking down the road as if they were walking in a parade.

This year, the Grand Marshal of the parade is Robert “Chief Joseph” Terkanian.

“I’m excited because he is absolutely the most deserving person ever to be honored as a grand marshal,” Smith said.

Smith has wanted to name him as grand marshal several times in the past.

“The only reason why he accepted this year, with much arm twisting, I must admit, is because there is no fanfare,” Smith said.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 17

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Animals and their humans flock to 23rd annual Pet Rock Festival in Grafton

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer

PHOTOS/ED KARVOSKI JR.

GRAFTON - Lots of animals and their humans flocked to the grounds of Wyman-Gordon in North Grafton for the 23rd annual Pet Rock Festival on Sept.

12. Attendees also included music fans.

“Due to the pandemic that shut down the world in 2020, Pet Rock Fest was held as a virtual event,” a press release noted. “But like a stuffed animal compared to a real dog, nothing beats the real thing.”

2021 marked the festival’s fourth year in North Grafton after previously taking place in Shrewsbury, Worcester and Sturbridge. Once again, proceeds go to local animal charities.

The five-hour event balanced fun activities with education on animal issues. Representatives from numerous animal organizations provided information about their causes. Only vegetarian food was available.

An amateur dog show awarded medals, trophies and

Kaitlyn Gillis and Kelly Edmonton of the foster-based rescue No Mutts Left Behind guide participants in the adoptable pet parade.

prizes for the best ears, ownerdog look-alike, “waggiest” tail, best vocalist and sweetest face.

Judges of an adoptable pet parade unanimously chose the foster-based rescue No Mutts Left Behind to win $500.

On the field, a police search was demonstrated by Grafton’s Officer Joe Coggans and K-9 Zita. Also, the Southboroughbased Pups in the Air offered multiple Frisbee-fetching presentations.

Meanwhile, NBC-TV’s “The Voice” finalist Billy Gilman headlined on the music stage.

Gilman is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest singer to reach #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Album charts.

Learn more about the Pet Rock Festival, its fundraising and animal welfare efforts at petrockfest.org and facebook. com/petrockfest. For more photos, visit communityadvocate. com.

Britney Wilder accepts the Best Ears trophy on behalf of her dog Bashful during the amateur dog show.

A four-legged star of Pups in the Air named Limit catches a Frisbee at the Pet Rock Festival.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

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BATH & SHOWER: It’s not too often you hear someone complaining about a bathtub being too large, and that’s because there’s nothing better than coming home from a hard day’s work and relaxing in a big, soothing tub. By putting in a new tub and creating a spa-like atmosphere, you will have buyers imagining themselves washing their cares away.

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LIGHTING: Add more lighting options around the room, especially around the vanity, to reduce shadows and glaring. This is something that isn’t too expensive and can really highlight the positive features of a bathroom. Mood lighting around the tub area is also increasing in popularity.

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of bathroom windows is relatively small. Another fix that is both decorative and energy-efficient is the addition of natural stone flooring, which helps the bathroom stay cool during the summer and warmer during the winter.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 19

&MORE

HOMES

Northborough Planning Board talks sober homes, other potential zoning bylaws

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - From sober homes, to the number of company vehicles residents can have at their homes, the Northborough Planning Board discussed topics to be addressed by several potential zoning bylaws during their meeting on Sept. 7.

Planning Board member Millie Milton proposed zoning for sober homes.

She said one of the goals was to find the appropriate accommodation areas for these facilities.

“Right now, there are none,” Milton said. “I think that’s something a town would want to have a better handle on. Any home can be one right now.

They’re very loose.”

She believed sober homes fall under the state’s definition of “protected housing.”

“I just think there are ways to manage it that we don’t have in place,” Milton said.

Milton said the board opted to table sober homes last year

“

Your home could be opened up as a sober home, and you would not necessarily have to meet fire codes or the same building codes that you would have to meet in a rehab or a step-down care unit …

Millie Milton Planning Board member

because the state was working on how to define them to help municipalities like Northborough determine how to appropriately zone for them.

Milton said town staff were talking with other towns on how they were managing this type of housing.

Ideally, the town wants a way to manage safety, she said.

“Right now, they can go anywhere. Your home could be opened up as a sober home, and you would not necessarily have to meet fire codes or the same building codes that you would have to meet, let’s say, in a rehab or a step-down care unit, which

I think involves the safety of people,” Milton said.

Board members suggested reaching out to the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and examining other towns that have implemented sober home zoning to learn more about their experience.

Other suggestions address breweries, company cars A number of other potential future zoning bylaws could address breweries and opportunities to allow for more uses of the town’s industrial zones.

Vice Chair Amy Poretsky said

she agreed with board member Anthony Ziton’s suggestion for more creative uses in industrial zones.

“I think we can open up the industrial to more commercial uses,” Poretsky said. “Maybe have a commercial overlay like we do down in the Wegmans area. Put that on one of the industrial zones so there’s more of a list for applicants to choose from when they’re coming to town and deciding to build.”

The board also suggested reviewing definitions in the industrial zone and adding other definitions, like “product centers.”

This topic was discussed as Chair Kerri Martinek has previously suggested a moratorium on warehouses.

Additionally, a developer has suggested an overlay district that would allow them to increase the size of a development on Ridge Road.

Town Planner Kathy Joubert said that some residents have additionally asked the building department how many company vehicles they can keep at their homes.

Joubert said the only limit in town bylaws is for two company vehicles for home occupations.

“There are other residences or residents that aren’t running a business out of their house, but they may have more than one company vehicle,” Joubert said.

Any action that adds, removes or otherwise changes a community’s zoning map must pass at Town Meeting and get approved by the Attorney General’s office, according to a “frequently asked questions” sheet on the state’s website.

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Shrewsbury notes COVID-19 cases in schools

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SHREWSBURY - There have been 17 cases of COVID-19 among Shrewsbury Public Schools staff and students since the start of the school year, Superintendent Joseph Sawyer wrote in a Superintendent’s Update on Sept. 10.

That marked an increase from Sept. 8 when Sawyer presented the cases to the Shrewsbury School Committee. At that point, there were eight cases among Shrewsbury students.

“We’re trending very proportionally with the number of cases in town,” Sawyer said Shrewsbury students filed into the new Beal School on the first day of classes earlier this month. oncepts during that meeting. tal Group The most recent data provided by the town as of Sept. approximately 6,070 stuten thousandths of one perof over 6,000,” Sawyer said.

10 indicated that there had dents in the Shrewsbury Pubcent to 13 thousandths of one “So, I think that it’s important Revised been 57 cases since Sept. 3. lic Schools. percent in terms of the positivto keep that in context.”

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“We will be re-evaluating those things as we get guidance from state and federal authorities and watching all the statistics on what’s going on in Shrewsbury,” Freeman said.

Freeman reviewed the COVID-19 symptom list and various mitigation measures the district is taking.

This year, there are exemptions to people who have to quarantine, such as for fully vaccinated individuals, people who are masked and three or more feet away, people on the bus and individuals who have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days. “[That] is a good thing because we’re having to quarantine less people, but it does make it a little more complicated,” Freeman said.

Those exemptions have affected contact tracing in the schools.

Freeman said, in one case, a person at Oak Middle School tested positive. Lunch and six classrooms were contact traced, and 21 contacts were identified.

Three had to quarantine because they were less than the three feet distance or within six feet without masks.

One of those people, who was unvaccinated, had contact at lunch.

Ten were exempt because they were masked and over three feet away, while another eight were exempt from quarantine because they were vaccinated.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 21

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury bus ridership down compared to pre-pandemic rates

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Nearly 4,000 students are riding the school bus in Shrewsbury this year.

That’s an increase of almost 500 students since an initial June 30 deadline for registrations passed, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Finance Patrick Collins reported during a Sept. 8 School Committee meeting.

A total of 3,997 students are registered to ride the bus.

However, Collins noted that it’s about five percent below pre-pandemic rates. “[That] is actually higher than I expected,” Collins said.

“That’s, I think, a really good thing because we have pressure at all of our schools, with some more than others, with traffic problems.”

There are also 212 students who either attend private schools or Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.

Shrewsbury has a contract with A.A. Transportation

through 2022-2023, operating 246 bus routes daily.

Collins said Shrewsbury got a late start on its bus registration because of uncertainty about Shrewsbury’s operational override vote, which passed in this year’s town election on May 4.

“We weren’t quite sure about funding for lots of things, including the opening of the new school and redistricting and all of those things,” Collins said. “We couldn’t really ask people to sign up for busing until that event occurred.”

Late registration causes what Collins called a “perennial problem,” forcing the district to add extra bus stops or extend bus routes.

It also causes changes for other students on the bus.

“Overall, I would say that the performance and execution of the plan was well-done by our contractor,” Collins said.

No bus driver shortage for Shrewsbury Families were asked to register their children and pay

Neary Elementary reflects on 9/11 anniversary with group photo

Beal School students arrive on the bus for the first day of school earlier this year.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

relevant fees prior to June 30 to guarantee space on a bus.

Though that deadline has passed, bus registration is still open, and Shrewsbury still has capacity on its buses.

Districts across Massachusetts and nationwide have reported a shortage of bus drivers.

“We’ve been very fortunate in Shrewsbury where our provider A.A. Transportation has been able to maintain their drivers and monitor staffing at very high levels,” Collins said.

There was only one open permanent driver position at the beginning of the school

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year, he said. Collins said A.A. Transportation is working to fill it, including advertising on billboards and on the radio.

“So, we’re in a very, very good position with our staffing through our contractor for school bus drivers,” Collins said.

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This marked the first time in 18 months that the entire school was together as a group.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, students wore color-coordinated outfits and were arranged in the shape of the American Flag. Throughout the day, students were taught about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001.

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

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 Cahill, William formerly of Grafton de Oliveira, Jose of Hudson Dell’Erba, Matteo of Shrewsbury Duffin, Barbara of Hudson Edral, Sylvia of Hudson Gronberg, Margaret and Karl formerly of Grafton Holden, Helen of Northborough Kavanaugh Sr., Anthony of Grafton Krikorian, Edward of Marlborough Letendre, Michael of Marlborough Manning, John of Hudson Markert, Margaret of Southborough Mungeam, Alan of Hudson O’Donoghue, Therese of Westborough Price, Ann formerly of Marlborough Ricciuti, Paul of Marlborough Sauta, Richard formerly of Hudson Scouras, June formerly of Northborough

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

Anthony F. Kavanaugh Sr., 88 GRAFTON - Anthony F. “Tony” Kavanaugh Sr., 88, passed away quietly on Sept. 2, 2021, at The Oasis at Dodge Park, Worcester., from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Gwenyth Ruth (Adams) Kavanaugh in 2000; his son, Anthony F. Kavanaugh Jr. in 2017; and his grandson, Anthony F. Kavanaugh III in 2021.

He leaves behind two daughters, Karen Luby Bell and her husband Bruce of North Oxford and Jean Houde and her husband Joel of North Grafton. He also leaves a son, Michael Kavanaugh of North Grafton, and loving companion Diane Noe of Upton, as well as seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Margaret and Karl Gronberg GRAFTON - Margaret “Peg” (Clark) and Karl Gronberg were

inseparable in life and will be lovingly remembered together as their souls are reunited once again. Peg passed away on Sept. 1, 2021, at Cape Cod Hospital following an illness, while Karl passed on March 24, 2020, at Sterling Village.

They leave behind their loving children, Karl Gronberg, Kerri Higgins and her husband Dave, Kathryn Leofanti and her husband John, and Erik Gronberg, and their grandchildren, Ty and Brynn Gronberg and Conor Higgins. Peg also leaves her brothers, Kevin and John Clark, and was predeceased by her brother, Robert Clark, while Karl is survived by his brother, Mark Gronberg.

Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Margaret Markert, 84 SOUTHBOROUGH - Margaret ‘Peg’ (Hellrigel) Markert, 84, of Southborough, returned to God peacefully on Sept. 2, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham. Peg was the beloved wife and dance partner of her “True Love” Richard M. Markert for over 61 years.

Besides her loving husband, she leaves her son, Michael Markert of Southborough; her daughter, Susan Markert Parabicoli, and her granddaughter, Meg Markert Parabicoli, both of Marlborough; her niece, Caryl Chancey of Freeport, N.Y.; and her Goddaughter, Theresa Lawrence of East Hampton, N.Y. The Morris Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Helen R. Holden, 100 NORTHBOROUGH - Helen Ruth (Arnold) Holden, 100, of Northborough, died on Sept.

1, 2021, in the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association nursing facility in Chestnut Hill.

She was the wife of Timothy G. Holden, who died in 2001, and was resident in Northborough since 2009.

Among those whom Helen is survived by are a son, Gary H. Holden of Lincoln; a daughter, Alison S. DesRoche and her husband Scott; and one grandson, Zachery Todd DesRoche, all of Northborough. Helen also leaves behind her sister, Evelyn S. Wolf and her husband Ar-

nold of Newport News, Va., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hays Funeral home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

Ann M. Price, 75 MEDWAY - Ann M. Price, 75, of Medway, passed away on Sept.

2, 2021 at the Marlborough Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Marlborough, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Doris (Dufault) Gebhart. She was raised and educated in Marlborough and was a 1964 graduate of Marlborough High School.

Ann was employed as a Senior Clerk for the Probation Department at the Marlborough District Court prior to her retirement.

She is survived by one son, Michael D. Price of Worcester; one sister, Susan J. Mohran of Marlborough; her longtime companion, Peter Soumoulis; and several cousins. She was predeceased by her former husband, James M. Price.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home 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.

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

Northborough

Saturday, Sept. 4 5:17 p.m. Southwest Cutoff. Larceny.

7:09 p.m. Arrested, Rita Mae Crossman, 53, of 171 Whitney St., Northborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV, OUI-liquor or .08% & serious injury, marked lanes violation.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 8:40 p.m. Arrested, David W. McLean, 34, of 31 Delmont St., Presque, Maine, for improper Turn, op MV with license suspended, warrant.

Shrewsbury

Thursday, Sept. 2 3:01 p.m. Westwood Rd. Larceny.

3:49 p.m. Arrested, Abilio L. Vasconcelos, 50, of 41 Burncoat St., Apt. 4, Worcester, on warrant.

Friday, Sept. 3 4:44 p.m. Arrowwood Dr. Larceny.

5:20 p.m. Arrested, Carlos M. Saez, 19, of 49 Chestnut St., Spencer, for registration not in possession, marked lanes violation, number plate violation, MV operator refuse identify self, resisting the arrest, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct.

Saturday, Sept. 4 1:59 a.m. Arrested, Alexis M. Beam, 22, of 30 Gover Rd., Millbury, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, red light violation.

Sunday, Sept. 5 10:50 p.m. Arrested, Timothy Paul Pedjoe, 59, of 21 Cypress Ave., Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Monday, Sept. 6 9:07 p.m. Brookway Dr. Larceny.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 8:36 p.m. Arrested, Clifton Mark Dempsey, 61, of 36 North Quinsigamond, Apt. 704, Shrewsbury, for fugitive from justice on court warrant, warrant.

Westborough

Tuesday, Aug. 31 1:52 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

Thursday, Sept. 2 1:53 p.m. W Main St. Accident – hit & run.

Friday, Sept. 3 1:49 a.m. Arrested, Gia Marie Graciale, 39, of 136 Endicott St., Apt. 1, Worcester, on default warrant.

Saturday, Sept. 4 7:03 p.m. Arrested, Angel Calixto Davila, 24, of 61 Tracey Dr., Whitinsville, for op MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker, window obstructed/nontransparent, default warrant.

Sunday, Sept. 5 12:30 p.m. Arrested, Harvinder S. Dhillon, 57, of 17 Bailin Dr., Worcester, for A&B with dangerous weapon.

7:14 p.m. E Main St. Assault.

Monday, Sept. 6 10:42 a.m. Arrested, Benedict Griga-

liunas, 49, of 55 Main St., Northborough, for open and gross lewdness.

7:18 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Assault.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 2:14 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Weapons violation.

9:52 p.m. Arrested, Jesse Ray Martinez, 29, homeless, malicious destruction of property +$1200, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace.

Wednesday, Sept. 8 9:24 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Burglary/ breaking & entering.

Grafton

Monday, Aug. 30 1:41 a.m. Arrested, Brandon Felipe Shepard, 19, of 61 Frank St., Worcester, for op MV with license suspended, fail to stop for police, negligent operation of motor vehicle, MV lights violation, number plate violation to conceal ID, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit.

Tuesday, Aug. 31 1:02 p.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Larceny/ theft.

Wednesday, Sept. 1 3:28 p.m. N Main St. Accident – personal injury.

Thursday, Sept. 2 8:44 a.m. Main St. Fire – flooding.

1:01 p.m. Worcester St. Fire – flooding.

Saturday, Sept. 4 5:59 a.m. Mass Pike W. Accident personal injury.

1:08 p.m. Main St. Larceny/theft.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Southborough’s police log was not available as of press time.

Answers to Super Crossword Puzzle on page 28

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 23

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Northborough-based chorus ‘still singing together’ in 50th year

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough Area Community Chorus (NACC) members began meeting in 1972 to rehearse for annual spring and Christmas concerts. Pandemic restrictions, however, prompted them to find different ways to continue their musical endeavors.

Now, NACC is back to running in-person open rehearsals.

Mary Sullivan, an active member for nearly 30 of NACC’s 50 years, serves as a board member and publicity chair. She’s among the NACC members who are adapting to recent challenges.

“This past year and a half was a very unique experience,” Sullivan acknowledged. “If something positive comes out of this, it’s the fact that we’re still together. Whereas, some other groups had just gone on hiatus.”

Marking their 50th season of choral performances, NACC appropriately named their new virtual program “Still Singing Together.”

This program is currently available on NACC’s Facebook page as well as on YouTube at “Northborough Area Community Chorus – Still Singing Together.” It’s also airing on public-access cable stations in Northborough, Marlborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough and Westborough.

Making music for 50 years NACC was founded in 1972

by Anthony Volpe of Westborough.

Volpe had worked as a music director in several school districts before joining the staff at Algonquin Regional High School.

Among his responsibilities at Algonquin was teaching an adult music education class.

His adult students became NACC’s charter members.

“He enjoyed such a broad range of music,” Sullivan said of Volpe. “Several members of his family sang with the chorus.”

Volpe served as NACC’s artistic director until his re-

tirement in May 2018. He died in April 2020. In lieu of flowers, his family suggested that mourners donate to NACC. Elinor Armsby has been NACC’s artistic director since 2018. She also serves as music director for the First Church in Marlborough.

NACC is supported in part by grants from the Cultural Councils of Northborough, Marlborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury and Westborough.

“At one point in time, we had members from at least 15 different communities,” Sullivan noted, Facing recent challenges NACC’s most recent inperson, full-scale performance was their 48th annual Christmas concert titled “Sounds of the Season” in December 2019 at Algonquin.

The chorus had started rehearsing for their spring 2020 concert. Then, when the pandemic hit, rehearsals moved online and outdoors.

“We decided to do Zoom rehearsals and create a virtual program,” Sullivan explained.

“The outdoor practices were easier for people who didn’t want to deal with the internet. We were very conscious of seating people six feet apart outside.”

Originally scheduled for spring 2020, this concert was ultimately presented virtually in December 2020. They titled their first virtual program “Stronger Together.”

Online rehearsals continued for NACC’s second virtual program, “Still Singing Together.”

These virtual programs were produced by Armsby along with NACC member Kathy Horelik.

Chorus welcomes new members NACC resumed in-person rehearsals on Sept. 14 and welcomes new members ages 16 and up. No prior experience or audition is required.

Potential members are invited to attend open rehearsals on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. through mid-October.

The location remained to be determined as of press time.

The chorus wants the public

Mary Sewell sings a solo in a past concert of the Northborough Area Community Chorus.

to know that the pandemic hasn’t stopped them or their music.

“We’re still alive as a group,” Sullivan declared. “Those of

us who are still performing virtually really look forward to continuing in-person.”

For more information and updates, call 571-331-0214,

email nacc.sings@gmail.com, or visit nacc.net and facebook. com/northboroughareacommunitychorus.

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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY SPORTS Grafton dominates as fall sports return

By Chris Wilson, Contributing Writer

ALGONQUIN

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 8 Algonquin – 1, Wachusett – 1 BOYS GOLF – SEPTEMBER 9 Algonquin – 40, Westborough – 32 VOLLEYBALL – SEPTEMBER 9 Algonquin – 2, Lincoln-Sudbury – 3 FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 10 Algonquin – 0, Sutton – 1 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 10 Algonquin – 3, Nashoba – 1 FOOTBALL – SEPTEMBER 10 Algonquin – 23, Doherty – 14 BOYS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 11 Algonquin – 0, St. John’s – 1

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 11 Algonquin – 4. Acton-Boxborough – 5

GRAFTON

BOYS GOLF – SEPTEMBER 7 Grafton – 162, Leicester – 217 VOLLEYBALL – SEPTEMBER 7 Grafton – 0, Nashoba – 3 BOYS GOLF – SEPTEMBER 8 Grafton – 170, David Prouty – 239 GIRLS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 8 Grafton – 5, David Prouty – 0 BOYS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 8 Grafton – 1, David Prouty – 1

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GOLF – SEPTEMBER 7 Shrewsbury – 169, Nipmuc – 189 BOYS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 7 Shrewsbury – 1, Nashoba – 1 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPTEMBER 7 Shrewsbury – 3, Minnechaug – 0 BOYS GOLF – SEPTEMBER 8 Shrewsbury – 195, St. John’s – 232 GIRLS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 8 Shrewsbury – 2, Ludlow – 4 FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 8 Shrewsbury – 2, Nashoba – 3

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REGION - Regional schools returned to action last week. Quickly, Grafton led the way with an 11-1-1 record across six different sports.

The varsity football squad particularly delighted fans with a 41HIGH SCHOOL 21 victory over Nashoba.

Outside of Grafton, the entire SCOREBOARD region celebrated as football and girls volleyball played their first fall games since 2019. Those teams saw their 2020 seasons postponed to the abbreviated Fall II schedule, which ran earlier this year, due to COVID-19.

See complete scores...

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 8 Grafton – 1, Marlborough – 0 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 8 Grafton – 3, Tantasqua – 1 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – SEPTEMBER 8 Grafton – 18, Auburn – 45 FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 10 Grafton – 6, Leicester – 0 GIRLS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 10 Grafton – 5, Leicester – 0 BOYS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 10 Grafton – 3, Leicester – 0 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPTEMBER 10 Grafton – 3, Notre Dame – 0 FOOTBALL – SEPTEMBER 10 Grafton – 41, Nashoba – 21

Grafton football linemen line up during a game in Grafton’s Fall II season earlier this year.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 9 Shrewsbury – 0, Westborough – 3 BOYS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 9 Shrewsbury – 1, Framingham – 2 FOOTBALL – SEPTEMBER 10 Shrewsbury – 42, Andover – 49

BOYS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 9 Westborough – 3, Wachusett – 0 FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 10 Westborough – 2, Shepherd Hill – 0 FOOTBALL – SEPTEMBER 10 Westborough – 6, Shepherd Hill – 53

WESTBOROUGH

ST. JOHN’S

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 8 Westborough – 8, Auburn – 0 FIELD HOCKEY – SEPTEMBER 8 Westborough – 1, Quabbin – 0 GIRLS SOCCER – SEPTEMBER 9 Westborough – 0, Wachusett – 0

CROSS COUNTRY – SEPTEMBER 7 St. John’s – 50, Doherty – 15 SOCCCER – SEPTEMBER 7 St. John’s – 1, Leominster – 2 FOOTBALL – SEPTEMBER 10 St. John’s – 20, Mansfield – 28

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 25

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Power brothers redefined success as quarterbacks in Westborough and beyond Mike and Tom Power stand side-by-side outside of Westborough High School.

in ’81.

“It was very, very bittersweet,” Mike said. “It was Tommy’s turn. His getting a scholarship and going the I-AA college route went out the window.”

NICK ABRAMO ON SPORTS

WESTBOROUGH - Fate rained on the Power boys of Westborough High in 1981. But out of that mini-maelstrom was born a heartwarming tale of brotherly love, lessons learned and quarterback success.

Tom Power was a third-year senior starter that season, ready to guide the Rangers football team for coach Jan Gebo, who was foreseeing big things in the passing game.

Back then, passing offenses were nothing like they are today.

But Gebo was one of the few coaches in the rugged Midland League who thought Westborough could succeed through the air.

“We had a great combination with Tom and Dave Morel, who had the best hands I’d ever seen,” Gebo recently recalled.

“Tom would think of audibles in his head and could be very innovative. His play-action pass was really wonderful.”

But during a defensive practice drill while playing safety, Tom broke his shoulder and was lost for the season.

His replacement? Gangly freshman brother Mike Power, who Gebo estimates was 5 feet 11 inches tall and 127 pounds.

“I could throw, but I was as skinny as a rail, and my brother was my idol,” said Mike.

“It was during hell week and I think he jinxed himself when he whispered to me, ‘You’re going to be my backup,’” Mike continued. “My God, I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be playing with my brother’s friends, the guys who were giving me wedgies. Then, he’s got the worst shoulder injury you can have.

Jan Gebo tells me, ‘You’re the guy.’ So there I am in the huddle with this senior-laden team, all big bears and I don’t think I’d hit puberty yet and only know about six plays of the offense.”

Yet, in that year, Mike threw for more than 1,000 yards, 10 TDs, and only four interceptions. Westborough went 6-4

PHOTO/COURTESY TOM POWER

By Nick Abramo Sports Columnist

Power brothers dominate Westborough sports From ’79 to ‘84, there was always a Power starring for the Rangers in football, basketball and baseball. Tom was part of Westborough’s incredible run to the Division II baseball state championship as a sophomore in the spring of ’81.

Mike, meanwhile, went over the 1,000-point mark in his basketball career.

Of course, skinny Mike began to get a bit heftier and developed a rare creative ability to make things happen in his progression as the Rangers’ starting quarterback. He eventually closed out his senior year by spearheading a huge 30-19 Thanksgiving Day victory over Algonquin, and then following that with a dominant 25-7 win over Fitchburg in the Central Mass. Division I Super Bowl.

At that time, the talk around metropolitan Beantown was that Mike was the heir apparent to Doug Flutie at Boston College, having already accepted a scholarship offer from Eagles coach Jack Bicknell.

Tom took a more unconventional path. He journeyed to play at Bridgeton Academy in Maine, and then at American International College in Springfield before transferring to UMass Amherst.

After leaving the college football scene, Tom connected with the Marlboro Shamrocks semipro team and became their starting quarterback for three seasons in the mid-’80s.

One time, famous Boston Globe sportswriter Will McDonough picked up Tom when he was hitchhiking from UMass to get to a game in Marlborough. McDonough, according to a newspaper clipping, had a big laugh with Tom, saying he heard the Shamrocks were part of an overweight, out-of-shape beer league.

Regardless, Tom found the real love of his life while playing in a Shamrocks game.

“We’re in the huddle and the players are looking at a blonde photographer on the sidelines,” Tom said. “I told them to knock it off. Fourth quarter, big lead, I’m on the sideline talking with her. I invite her back to the

Prospector East Saloon and ask her on a date. I married Shannon McHugh, and we have two kids. We’re still married and she’s my best friend. That’s my highlight.”

In ‘86, Tom and the rest of the Shamrocks made a trip to Ireland to play an All-Star team.

“We stayed up all night before game day,” he said. “It

turned out they weren’t that good, but they were glad to be out there. When I got sacked, it was the highlight of the game for them. Four deep on the sideline, the fans all just started screaming that they got the American, and they probably didn’t know what it meant. We all gave away our pads and mouthpieces to the kids. It was hilarious. We

were like the Beatles over there.

A great moment.”

Quarterback battle at BC For Mike, the pull of the Eagles was strong, partly because an uncle was an assistant basketball coach on the Chestnut Hill campus for 30 years.

“After my sophomore year Power brothers | 26

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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Power brothers redefined success as quarterbacks in Westborough and beyond Power brothers | from page 25

when we went 2-8, I was undecided about playing football and thinking of concentrating on basketball,” he said. “I was getting beaten up out there.”

“At a BC camp, Jack Bicknell pulls me aside and says, ‘I wouldn’t be talking to you if I didn’t think you could be playing on this field,’” Mike continued. “‘You can be here.’”

But then things got a little crazy, with Flutie leading the Eagles to mega success and winning a Heisman Trophy.

“My dad was smart,” Mike said. “In November of 1984, BC had just lost to Penn State, and they were something like 6-2. He says, ‘They believe in you.’ We went in and accepted to go to Boston College. Didn’t take any visits anywhere else.

Holy Cross was coming at me hard, and Syracuse was calling.

I didn’t want to tease anybody.

I committed early. They were happy, saying, ‘He’s our guy.’”

Two weeks later, Flutie threw what turned out to be the incredibly famous Hail Mary to beat Miami.

MOVAL

Cincinnati, among others. That move completely clouded the school’s future QB situation in such a manner that the sun never really returned.

‘It was a tough career’ As freshmen, both Kamphaus and Power redshirted with Shawn Halloran taking the QB reins. The next year, in ’86, Halloran won the job. But, when he was briefly injured, it was Power who got a chance to start instead of Kamphaus.

All the way through their last

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“Now, in a one-month span, BC was not being confused with BU anymore and was all of a sudden on the map,” Mike said.

“And back then, really, only BC, Miami and BYU were throwing the ball. Then, in early January, BC wins the Cotton Bowl, and you see there’s a list of 20 names of quarterbacks who want to play there. The pressure was there for me to de-commit.”

But he didn’t do that, even though the Eagles signed bluechip recruit Mark Kamphaus of powerful Moeller High in

this day holds a huge place in Mike’s heart. Those Rangers, who finished 10-1, made it into the big game despite an early season loss to Milford.

“We just had a blast,” Mike said. “We thought we might go 8-2 or 9-1, but we didn’t expect to win it all. All of a sudden, we gained momentum after that loss. Sure enough, Milford tied somebody, and then Algonquin upset them.

We knew we could get in if we won our last two. We smoked a Worcester Voke team before the Thanksgiving win clinched it. No one understood how to defend our passing game.”

Added Gebo, “In that Algonquin game, Mike was unbelievable. He was like 10 of 14 for 240 yards and two TDs. I’m sure kids who played against him thought he was a cocky bastard, but sometimes you have to have a little of that.

He was a leader. He proved he could go to BC, and I’m still convinced he would have rewritten the record books if he went to Holy Cross.”

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Mike Power prepares to throw a pass during a Westborough High School game.

season in ’89, Mike continued to fight hard against Kamphaus for that starting spot with mixed results.

“It was a tough career for the two of us,” Mike said. “In ’87, I beat him out and started to play well, but I was always looking over my shoulder. He would get his time, and I was always wondering if I was going to get pulled. In ’88, I won the job and didn’t do well and he went in. It was a lesson to learn. It’s hard to platoon quarterbacks.”

“Still, I have some great memories, including a really good game against Pitt, but my greatest memory was having this whole Boston clan — the Power family is huge — coming to every game,” Mike continued.

“There were tailgate parties, win or lose, with 100-plus there and a lot of others from Westborough, too.”

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You, Marco Gerena Labron, are required to serve upon Janise Santiago or attorney for plaintiff(s) whose address is 450 Boston Post Road A505, Marlborough, MA 01752 your answer on or before 5th day of October 2021.

If You fail to do so, the court will proceed to hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer in the office of this Court at 370 Jackson St. Lowell, MA 01852.

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PRODUCT MANAGER Contrive Solutions Inc. is looking for a Product Manager to work in Northborough, MA and various anticipated locations throughout the U.S. Must possess a Master’s degree in Engineering Management or related field and 12 months exp. in OpenID connect, OAuth, SSO, SAML, EC2, S3, RD5, ELB, EBS, VPC, Route53, Introscope, Python, Jenkins, Chef, Shell scripting, QRadar, Puppet, WebSphere, Splunk. Position May Require Travel.

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A Powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit - Holy Spirit you who solve all problems who light all roads so I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me, in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish you in eternal glory, thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult.

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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 29

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough Selectmen discuss pitch to add non-voting members to Trails Committee

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - Selectmen recently said they feel it would be appropriate to propose changing the Southborough Trails Committee from an ad hoc board to a permanent one at Southborough’s spring Town Meeting.

They are also on board with a proposal to extend the Aqueduct Trail.

However, they did not make a decision on a recent pitch to add two non-voting “associate” members to the Trails Committee, asking to first receive more information.

Committee Chair pitches trail extension Trails Committee Chair Kathryn McKee spoke about these matters during a Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Sept. 8.

She talked about a plan to construct a 572.1- foot extension from the existing Bay Circuit/ Boroughs Loop/Aqueduct Trail to the Weston Aqueduct on Pine Hill Road. The construction would require clearance of the path by removing the existing ground cover, small shrubs, branches, tree limbs and protruding rocks. Tread maintenance would also be needed.

McKee explained that Eagle Scout Nick McEvoy of Southborough Troop 92 would lead scouts and volunteers in the effort. The hope is that the work could be done this fall and be completed by December.

To make that happen, the existing permit must first be amended to include this parcel of land, an MWRA’s easement.

The trail’s boundaries must then be defined, she said.

McKee said that she would

The Sudbury Reservoir Trail/ Aqueduct Trail/ Boroughs Loop Trail runs from an entrance off of Ward Road.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

reach out to neighbors to ensure they are comfortable with the process and that there is no encroaching on the property.

Selectmen discuss promoting Trails Committee from ‘ad-hoc’ status During this presentation, some selectmen expressed surprise that the Trails Committee remains an ad-hoc committee instead of being a permanent board since it was established in 2013.

Chair Lisa Braccio said that it would be appropriate for the Board of Selectmen to sponsor a Town Meeting article next spring to make the status change.

Pitch to add associate members to Trails Committee prompts discussion Beyond that discussion, the Sept. 8 Board of Selectmen meeting mostly focused on a pitch by the Trails Committee to add two associate non-voting members.

The addition would not af-

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fect the board’s quorum and would be done primarily to take advantage of the talent and interest of individuals in town, McKee said. It would also broaden the experience level of the committee, she continued.

The idea is to include volunteers who may not be able to attend every meeting but who could still help out with activities and maintenance of trails, for example.

McKee said two individuals are ready to serve in this capacity, including a person on the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee who could bring that perspective to the board.

She noted that towns and cities like Westborough and Foxborough have non-voting associate members who serve on committees.

Selectman Andrew Dennington said that he couldn’t see

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downsides to this arrangement, while Braccio asked if having a “Friends of Trails” active group was a better alternative.

Both Braccio and Selectman Vice Chair Chelsea Malinowski expressed concerns about issues with the open meeting law and setting a precedent.

Selectman Sam Stivers said he couldn’t remember other towns with associates having problems and said that each case could be taken on its own merits if something came up.

McKee added that associate members would make the board more “inclusive.” The designation would give individuals more incentive to continue to attend meetings and participate.

“To belong to a group means something…There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,” she said.

Selectmen will re-visit the topic at a later date.

In the meantime, McKee said she would do more research on other communities and their experiences with associate members.

30 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

COMMUNITY BUSINESS Gymnastics Learning Center, God’s Little Children Preschool and Kindergarten offer kids a place to have fun while learning

By Peg Lopata Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY - The Gymnastics Learning Center (GLC) and God‘s Little Children Preschool and Kindergarten are all about doing what’s best for children.

They’ve been doing this for some 38 years, so they know how to do this right.

“To see that parents want their children to have the same positive experience at GLC that they had as children is a multigenerational blessing and the highest form of compliment I could receive,” said owner Marianne Simone Frongillo in a recent interview. “It’s been a privilege to be able to pass on that love of gymnastics to the next generation.”

GLC focuses on fun and safety GLC runs a variety of gymnastics programs with the general goal of helping students “’build the pride inside’ by putting self-esteem above all else,” according to the GLC website.

God’s Little Children Preschool and Kindergarten operates with a focus on “learning by doing” and an individualized curriculum centered around the principles of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

Over the years, the preschool and kindergarten became the first schools in Shrewsbury to earn national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. GLC, meanwhile, was voted first

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A Gymnastics Learning Center staff member guides a student.

place in MetroWest’s Best of the Best Gymnastics Schools in 2020.

Helping lead this success, Frongillo is not only a former competitive gymnast but has a college degree in physical education and health and is also teacher-certified for grades kindergarten through grade twelve.

Her competitive coaching staff are also highly accomplished professionals with decades of experience.

Gymnastics program fosters self confidence Gymnastics is a great sport for kids of all ages, Frongillo noted.

“Even tiny tots and toddlers 18 months and over can enjoy this sport,” she continued.

For older gymnasts, GLC offers weekly gymnastics classes

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and competitive girls teams.

For anyone who takes to the floor, balance beam, bars or vault, gymnastics makes you strong and flexible while improving balance and concentration. She also has an inground trampoline and tumble track as well as an in-ground foam landing pit for additional safety.

“The self-esteem our gymnasts gain as they learn new skills, I believe, positively impacts their lives both on and off the gymnastics floor,” explained Frongillo. “We are true to our mission statement of ‘building the pride inside’ for each student that walks through our door.”

Programs emphasize mental health GLC is also committed to making sure everyone stays

healthy, not just physically, but also mentally.

This has been a topic of global conversation, particularly after superstar gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from a handful of competitions during the recent Summer Olympics in Toyko, Japan, due to mental health concerns.

However, at GLC, this attention to mental health is not a new thing.

“The issue of our gymnast’s mental well-being has been a priority at GLC for many years,” Frongillo said. “Our coaches have been extensively trained to provide support to our gymnasts not only with respect to athletic achievement but with mental readiness, as well.”

Preschool seeks to nourish ‘a sense of wonder’ Back in the God‘s Little Children Preschool and Kindergarten, they considers a child’s first entry into education significant for their development.

The school, therefore, has age-appropriate education and socialization. Children further learn to respect and care for one another one another.

Their primary goal is that every child is nourished with a sense of wonder and love of learning.

Learn more about the preschool, kindergarten and gym at www.gymnasticslearningcenter.org.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021 • 31

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

Gaudette Insurance merges with Daniels Insurance Agency Gaudette also announces partnership with Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union REGION - Gaudette Insurance Agency, Inc. has merged with the Daniels Insurance Agency and established a partnership with Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union.

“Over the course of our 95 years in business, we are proud of the strong relationships and connections we have built in the Blackstone Valley and beyond — and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our local services to those in Shrewsbury and Westborough,” said Gaudette Insurance President Lee Gaudette in a press release.

Gaudette Insurance was founded in 1916 and serves as a local leader in personal and business insurance. It currently has three locations in Whitinsville, Grafton, and Southborough.

The Daniels Agency spent three generations as a family-owned business in Westborough.

“Our team believes in the importance of personal connections and we truly go above and beyond for our clients,” Gaudette said. “At our agency, our clients are not just a policy number, we take the time to get to know them, their families, and their businesses.”

“Over the next few weeks, we look forward to welcoming clients of the Daniels Agency to our family,” he continued.

Except for the retirement of owners, Bob and Traci Daniels, clients of the Daniels Agency will experience a smooth transition with minimal disruptions. All three offices will be fully operational with the same friendly Dan-

iels team working in those same offices. The same policy numbers and carriers will all remain in place.

Clients may also, however, take advantage of new resources including visiting any of Gaudette’s locations, accessing the advice of a larger team of experienced insurance pro-

fessionals, and learning more about the many other carriers that Gaudette represents.

During this time, Gaudette Insurance will also carry on a partnership with Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union.

All SFCU members will keep the opportunity to receive special auto insurance

discounts from Arbella and Mapfre.

Lee Gaudette encourages community members to stop by one of the six office locations now brought together by this merger. Community members can also call (508) 234-6333 to learn more about this news.

Fletcher Tilton attorneys earn national recognition REGION - A number of attorneys from Fletcher Tilton Attorneys At Law recently earned recognition from their peers and the industry publication Best Lawyers in America.

In total, six attorneys were listed in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers. Those included Richard C. Barry, Jr., Mark L. Donahue, Dennis F. Gorman, Frederick M. Misilo, Jr., Phillips S. Davis and Anthony J. Salvidio II. Donahue, Gorman and Davis earned further “Lawyer of the Year” honors.

“For over 40 years, Best Lawyers has been regarded – by both the profession and the public —

as the most credible measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. As such, recognition by Best Lawyers symbolizes excellence in practice,” read a press release from Fletcher Tilton.

These recognitions are awarded based on peer review utilizing “a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services,” that press release explained.

“Congratulations to the following attorneys recognized for their high caliber of legal service,” it continued.

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32 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, September 17, 2021

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