CA 211001 corrected

Westborough Civic Club reels in 2021 Fishing Challenge

Locally owned and operated since 1974

Steris Corp. appeals Northborough Planning Board’s permit denial

Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Ride marks final year

Vol. 47 | No. 40 | October 1, 2021

Westborough Planning Board unanimously adopts master plan

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Planning Board voted unanimously to adopt the final draft of the town’s master plan at a meeting on Sept. 21.

The plan passed after a presentation by Master Plan Advisory Committee Chairman Lester Hensley and Donny Goris-Kolb, a consultant for the project from VHB.

“I think we have got a very solid foundation which we will be able to use for many years to improve the quality of life in our community for everyone,” said Planning Board member Hazel Nourse.

Consultant discusses changes made to master plan

The Master Plan Advisory Committee first met in Dec. 2019. The master plan itself was then recently a topic of discussion on Sept. 9 when the Advisory Committee presented a draft of the plan to the Planning Board.

Speaking on Sept. 21, Goris-Kolb noted changes made to the master plan since that public hearing.

References to “bicycle facilities” were changed to “micro-mobility facilities” to accommodate other types of small vehicles like scooters. Those

Master Plan | 5

Cause for Celebration

Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival back and in-person

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Despite a forecast of rain, it was all sunny skies for Spirit of Shrewsbury’s Town Expo and craft fair.

“I’m really excited that we got a good day because it wasn’t in the forecast,” said President Maria Smith.

The festival was held this past weekend. Some of the festivities, like the expo and craft fair along with the Miss Shrewsbury Pageant, were held in person. Other activities, including the talent show and parade, were held virtually.

That parade featured the Grand Marshal Robert “Chief Joseph” Terkanian, a photo of whom rode in the front seat of Smith’s car.

“He is an amazing individual,” Smith said of Terkanian. “He is such a giver. He is such a community person. He donates and donates and has for years and years, but is such a humble person.”

It was a difficult year for the festival, Smith said. There weren’t any live Spirit of Shrewsbury events last year. This year also marked the festival’s 25th anniversary.

business.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Assabet Park

NORTHBOROUGH - Drone photography showed the empty playground, basketball court and splash pad at Assabet Park in Northborough over this past weekend. Northborough Director of Public Works Scott Charpentier told the Parks and Recreation Commission last month that the park would be closed starting Sept. 20 as a contractor began work on upgrades to the more than 20-year old facility.

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Westborough Civic Club reels in 2021 Fishing Challenge

By Laura Hayes, Senior Community Reporter

WESTBOROUGHAnglers of all ages headed to Minute Man Park in Westborough for the 13th Annual Fishing Challenge, Sept. 25.

The challenge was hosted by the Westborough Civic Club.

“It’s well attended, and people are still showing up mid-day,” said Bill Kohler. “It’s going well.”

Kohler, who is the commissioner for the Civic Club’s Board of the Fishing Challenge, estimated that there were about 150 participants. Saturday marked the return of the event after the club was unable to host its previously scheduled events this May and in May of last year.

The Fishing Challenge was free for attendees.

The participants competed in the challenge, which was split into three categories for different age groups, to catch the biggest fish at Sandra Pond.

For Kohler, his favorite part about the Fishing Challenge is the people.

“There’s an example of what I like about it — a little girl with perhaps her dad holding a fishing pole and some tackle,” Kohler said as he looked out at the crowd lining the shore. “Look at the little kids, just out here with their families. That’s what it’s about.”

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Andrew Ferrante shows fellow fishing challenge participant James how to cast off.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

EDITOR’S NOTE: Aaron Hutchins is the son of former Northborough Police Chief Kenneth Hutchins. Aaron shared the following comments with the Community Advocate after his father, who passed away earlier this year, was named as an honorary grand marshal for this year’s Northborough Applefest festivities.

As I’ve thought about what I might say to help you understand who my father was, and what he did for this town, it occurred to me that probably the vast majority of you never knew him, and maybe didn’t live in town before he retired in 2003. While he was Police Chief for 23 years, he:

• Rewrote department policies and procedures (including when Anthrax became a threat)

• Merged Northborough with an award winning regional drug task force

• T aught classes at police academies, and then created and ran his own civilian police academy

• Brought the DARE program into schools. During his

weeks long training for that, he was the only chief at the training. All other departments sent patrolmen or sergeants.

• He volunteered for dances at the high school so the school didn’t have to spend money to hire a police officer.

• Held innumerable meetings and school assemblies with administrators and students to address rising violence in the school systems. (guns, stabbing, a live grenade, hazing, etc.)

• A ttended and graduated the FBI academy, bringing that training back to the department

• Lobbied the town for funds to design/build 211 Main Street, and then moved the

police department from town hall

• Made NPD one of the first small town police departments to achieve national accreditation in 1988: basically a week’s worth of 14 hour days of intensive examination by visiting officials to come up with written proofs of compliance to over

900 standards

• Ground floor effort to bring same accreditation system to the state of Massachusetts, as the chair of the Accreditation committee for the State Association of Chiefs of Police, and later one of its first commissioners. That said, it wasn’t the standards, tests, or compliances that ultimately proved that NPD had reached legitimate police status. No; it wasn’t until Dunkin Donuts came to Northborough that my Dad said, “Well, we’re finally a legitimate police force. There’s a Dunkin Donuts on Main Street.”

• Attended all board of selectmen and annual town meetings, continually arguing to increase the budget for more policemen, and better salaries for the department.

• Counseled members of his own department as well as members of the community

• Participated in a law enforcement exchange program with Russian state police

• Ser ved as both Police and Fire Chief during a 6-month period when the town was looking for a replacement fire chief.

My father could not have given more to this town or its inhabitants over 23 years than what he gave to ensure safety, education, commerce and liberty.

If you know the movie “Gladiator,” then you’ll maybe recognize that I’ve borrowed and modified some of the movie’s closing dialog when I say to you:

Is Northborough worth one good man’s life? We believed it once. And because of him, we believe it again. My father was a soldier in the United States Navy, a dedicated husband, a beloved father, and the greatest law enforcement executive this town has ever known. Tonight, we honor him.

Kenneth Hutchins served as Northborough’s police chief during a period of growth for the department. He retired in 2003 and passed away earlier this year.

Westborough Planning Board unanimously adopts master plan

Master Plan | from page 1 changes came alongside other terminology changes in discussions about accessibility in town. Mentions of “improved walkability,” for example, were changed to note goals for “improved walkability and bikeability.”

A separate new addition discussed updating site plan review regulations to help drive implementation of bike, pedestrian and electric vehiclefriendly facilities.

Additional changes added language to a master plan section about building sidewalks to connect neighborhood.

The new language specifically mentions large multi-family developments as a focus for this interconnectivity.

The plan now also includes a section about investigating opportunities to encourage purchase of electric vehicles. New language in that section refers to rental vehicles as well as purchased ones.

‘I learned an awful lot about a town’ Massachusetts municipalities are required by state law to create a master plan for their future. These master plans are generally produced in 10 to 15year intervals, Goris-Kolb said. Hensley thanked everyone who contributed to the master plan process, particularly thanking the residents of Westborough.

He said that the town could be proud of the committee’s dedicated work on the master plan despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“I learned an awful lot about a town that I thought I knew well, having done my schooling career here and raised my children here,” Hensley said. “It’s incredibly rich, and it’s really rich because of all the participation and the extraordinary amount of volunteer hours, not to mention the professionalism and commitment, of all of our staff and town officials.”

‘It’s a guide for us, it’s not the Ten Commandments’ Goris-Kolb outlined the details of the master plan, particularly noting the inclusion of chapters dedicated to sustainability and climate change, and public health.

“I think we have got a very solid foundation which we will be able to use for many years to improve the quality of life in our community for everyone.

Hazel Nourse Planning Board

He described the process of creating the master plan, which involved identifying challenges that Westborough faces and creating a community outreach database to seek the input of groups traditionally uninvolved in planning processes.

Planning Board Chair Mark Silverberg applauded the master plan and described it as adaptable as town officials make decisions going forward.

“It’s a guide for us, it’s not the Ten Commandments,” Silverberg said.

Westborough Selectmen, Board of Health discuss long-term COVID-19 response

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - Westborough Health Director Jennifer Sullivan gave updated statistics on the COVID-19 pandemic at a joint meeting of the town’s Board of Health and Select Board on Sept. 21.

That same meeting then saw discussion and some disagreement between Board of Health and Select Board members on the town’s future strategy and goals relating to the pandemic.

Cases decrease despite congregate care COVID-19 deaths

There had been 68 COVID-19 cases through September as of Sept. 21, Sullivan said. Of those cases, 46 impacted unvaccinated individuals. Four of those individuals, in turn, were ineligible for the vaccine.

That case rate of roughly 3.2 cases per day, while higher than rates seen at other points in the pandemic, was down compared to data included on town coronavirus reports in August.

The town recorded an average of just under 6.6 COVID-19 cases per day in the week of Aug. 26.

“The shape of that curve seemed like we had gone from the summer where it was actually really low, to an increase and then a plateau, and now potentially it’s dropping,” said Board of Health member Nathan Walsh.

However, Select Board member Patrick Welch pointed out that there have been four COVID-19 deaths in congregate care in Westborough over the last few weeks, marking a

significant increase after the number of COVID-related deaths in Westborough had plateaued at 62 for a long period of time.

Board of Health Chair Alan Ehrlich described the deaths as unfortunate and mentioned that the people who had died were at higher risk due to advanced age.

Selectmen, Board of Health members discuss long-term pandemic strategy

Ehrlich said that he thinks it is important to focus on the number of people who are hospitalized or who have died from COVID-19 as opposed to focusing on the total number of cases.

There will be breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals that will not likely cause them to become extremely sick, he said.

“I don’t know that focusing strictly on the case count is the best measure of how the disease is impacting the community,” Ehrlich said.

Ehrlich also said that, in order to prevent deaths from COVID-19, he wanted to take measures that are most likely to make a difference, rather than taking what he described as easy actions that might not have a real impact.

Welch responded by saying that, while he echoed many of Ehrlich’s points, he considers one case to be too many in Westborough.

“We need to do our best to eradicate this completely, just as we did with smallpox over the years, get rid of it,” Welch said.

Ehrlich disagreed with the point of one case being too many, saying that it prioritizes

one aspect of healthcare over all other aspects of everyday life. Ehrlich said that instead of trying to prevent any cases, it should be a priority to mitigate the impacts of the disease.

Board of Health member Melissa Mahr argued that decreasing case numbers was the only way to decrease hospitalizations. Getting more people vaccinated should remain a priority, she said.

“I think the number [of new vaccinations] that we had re-

ported at the last meeting was much higher than the number we’re getting now, so there are definitely people who could still get vaccinated, which will decrease your chance of having hospitalized people and decrease the total [case] number,” Mahr said.

Sullivan said that the total complete vaccination rate was 71 percent, including people ineligible for vaccination. The rate climbed to 79 percent when only considering eli -

gible people.

Sullivan added that, between Aug. 29 and Sep. 11, there were 2,458 tests with a positivity rate of 2.2 percent. There had been a total of two positive cases for unvaccinated individuals since the Board of Health’s last report on Sep. 17, Sullivan said.

There had been zero cases transmitted through the school system or municipal buildings.

Westborough Select Board approves payment in lieu of taxes agreement with Mass General Brigham

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH - Mass General Brigham (MGB) took a step forward in its efforts to open a new ambulatory care clinic in Westborough when the Select Board approved a community service agreement in lieu of taxes on Sept. 14.

The agreement, in part, sets out a 20-year plan of payments to the town from Mass General Brigham, which as a non-profit, does not need to pay taxes.

“It means a lot to MGB and MGB integrated care in particular,” Mass General Brigham Director of Real Estate Robin Berry said of the agreement in comments to the Select Board.

Site plans approved back in July envision a three-story outpatient center sitting on 9.4 acres of land in the Westborough Office Park. The facility would offer day surgery, primary care, behavioral health, orthopedics, neurology, diagnostic imaging and other specialty care.

As Select Board members reviewed those plans back in April, officials also noted that negotiations were in progress regarding a payment in lieu of taxes agreement.

On Sept. 14, that agreement came before the board, which approved it unanimously.

“I think we all feel that we reached a place that is right for the project and, more importantly, for Westborough,” Berry said.

The agreement will send money directly into the town’s general fund.

Agreement is first of its kind in Westborough

This is Westborough’s first such agreement. As such, Westborough’s Chief Assessor Jonathan Steinberg said the town examined similar agreements in other communities.

They also reviewed taxes on similarly sized properties to determine a fair rate for MGB.

“This is a very unique property for Westborough,” he said. “We don’t have anything like it. So, in terms of looking at what it would prospectively be valued, it’s a little bit more of a challenge.”

The agreement calls for renegotiation as it reaches the end of its 20-year term, Town Manager Kristi Williams said on Sept. 14. It also includes terms to carry through the term of the agreement if ownership of the property in question is ever transferred to another nonprofit.

“It was important that the town be protected going forward in the event of the sale of the property as well as as this term expires,” Steinberg said of

those parts of the agreement. “I think we were successful in doing that.”

MGB proposal sparks discussion, debate in region MGB’s Westborough plans have sparked conversation throughout the region through much of this year.

In April, the Select Board lent its support in the form of a letter filed as MGB navigates state approval processes.

MGB Integrated Health Care President John Fernandez also laid out his case for the clinic in comments to the Select Board and in a letter to the editor published in the Community Advocate on July 8.

He said more than 40,000 Mass General Brigham patients live within 20 minutes of Westborough, arguing that the proposed facility would decrease care costs and improve accessibility.

“It’s clear these services are needed and wanted,” he wrote in his July 8 letter.

Before any of that, though, officials in Marlborough raised concerns, taking their own action after officials at UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital said the MGB proposal could spell major financial problems for their institution.

“[MGB] has the highest costs in the state,” UMass Memorial Health Care Vice President James Leary told the City Council on March 8. “[That] will drive up costs at Marlborough and UMass Memorial Worcester, which have the lowest costs.”

The city registered to participate in a Department of Public Health hearing on this matter

Shrewsbury holds dedication for new Beal School

kanian, also spoke.

“What an honor it is for me to walk into this brand new school, and to be a part of this school,” Reynolds said. “I got to illustrate a school. How cool is that?”

The school is named for Major Howard W. Beal, an area physician who was killed in 1918 while serving with the Army Medical Corps in World War I.

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Speaking during the dedication, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito called Sept. 24 a “very special day” as she helped

dedicate Shrewsbury’s new Maj. Howard W. Beal Elementary School alongside school officials and others involved in the construction of the new Beal School. She said she hoped that the students would find a way to

Grafton gears up for Gazebo-Palooza, Small Stones Festival

GRAFTON - The Small Stones Festival of the Arts is returning to Grafton.

Small Stones is scheduled to open on Friday, Oct. 15 with a reception in the Great Hall in One Grafton Common to announce the winners of the festival’s juried fine art and photography exhibit.

The festival will then run through Sunday, Oct. 24, taking place in three locations — the Great Hall, the Congregational church of Grafton and Grafton Public Library.

This year’s Small Stones festival will feature several new programs.

Members of the Shakespeare Club of Grafton and Radio Active Theatre actors will perform excerpts from “Spoon River Anthology,” which is based on the poems of Edgar Lee Masters on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 2 and 7 p.m. at the library.

Author Nicholas Basbanes and his daughter Barbara Basbanes Richter, who is an educator and journalist, will discuss their recent books on Friday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in the library. The two are both Grafton residents.

Assumption University Professor Daniel Mahoney will lead a discussion entitled, “‘A Boot Stamping on a Human Face — Forever:’ Orwell on Truth, Tyranny and Human Nature” on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. at the library. His talk will focus mainly on George Orwell’s “1984.”

For a full schedule of this year’s events, visit https://smallstonesfestival.org/year-2021.

Prior to the festival itself, a number of area restaurants will provide sample food at Gazebo-Palooza, a “benefit bash” to benefit the Small Stones Festival.

That event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 12 to 6 p.m. behind the Old Town House at One Grafton Common in town.

Father and son team Josh and Nate Briggs will emcee. Live music will play all day on the Old Town House rear patio, where guests can sample food, enjoy a beverage, and stroll silent auction items donated by a number of local businesses.

“Be sure to brush up on your Grafton trivia because more than $1,000 in gift cards donated by our restaurant partners will be given away,” a press release noted.

Admission is $15 a person. Children 10 and under are free with an adult.

Organizers thanked sponsors Anytime Fitness, Gaudette Insurance Agency, Highfields Golf and Country Club, Homefield Credit Union, JCSI, Jubilee Chocolate, Roney Funeral Home, Mathieu Newton Sotheby’s International Realty, Theroux Dentistry Associates, Touchstone Crystal, and The Town House Tavern in their press release.

remember the day.

“Any day here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts when we can celebrate education and officially open a new school, it’s a great day,” Polito said.

Superintendent Joseph Sawyer reflected on the journey to opening the new school.

Peter H. Reynolds, a writer and illustrator who painted a mural in the new Beal lobby with help from Shrewsbury’s Robert “Chief Joseph” Ter -

Students walk past Peter H. Reynolds’ mural on the first day of school.

Chloe Huang and Hannah Bartel lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the dedication of the new Beal school.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - After more than a year of quarantines and social distancing, many people are excited to put the pandemic behind them and return to normal.

Yet, just as COVID-19 itself continues to linger through new variants, Westborough Youth

social

and Family Services (WYFS) Director Cara Presley emphasizes that the impact of the pandemic on mental health and emotional wellness has not gone away.

“The pandemic is this whole new thing that hasn’t happened in 100 years,” Presley said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate. “Most of us haven’t experienced a long-term chronic stressor to the extent

Yoong Tong

that the pandemic is, and our brains are on overload.”

Mental health symptoms can take on many forms, experts warn

WYFS aims “to provide counseling and social services to Westborough residents” with the goal of promoting “behavioral health and wellness for the entire community,” according to its mission statement.

Addressing pandemic mental health concerns in particular, Presley explained that, because we are not sure when the pandemic will be over, our brains cannot decide whether to stay in survival mode or return to functioning as they normally would. As a result, she said, many people are having negative mental health symptoms that are new for them. These are lasting for long periods of time, she said.

Presley said that while some people could develop PostTraumatic Stress Disorder as a result of these stresses, most people whose mental health is affected will experience these impacts in more subtle ways.

Additionally, she said that, for some people, quarantine has served as a kind of relief from more everyday social and psychological stresses. A return to normal could be intimidating, she said.

“What I’m striving for is to help people pay attention to themselves and their loved ones and recognize the toll that all of this is taking,” Presley said.

WYFS Director notes CDC data on mental health during pandemic

Presley wants to emphasize that these feelings are normal. In a letter to the community in May, she referred to Center for Disease Control reports that the rate of negative behavioral health conditions among adults had increased since the start of the pandemic. Psychiatric hospital emergency room visits for children aged 12 to 17 had risen by more than 30 percent.

Presley also wants to emphasize that resources exist to help people feel better. She said that WYFS offers free, anonymous, and online mental health screening for anyone over 18. She also said that WYFS offers free counseling and resource and referral services for Westborough residents of all ages. They additionally offer a onetime clinical consultation to

help make a plan to address mental health concerns.

Presley further described the work of Reach Out Westborough, a collaboration she said WYFS is doing with Westborough Connects to provide short, simple and virtual training for community members at the highest risk for COVID-related mental stress.

“That includes young adults, it includes essential workers, unpaid caregivers of all kind, and Black and Latinx folk,” Presley said. “If folks fall into one of those categories, we are providing virtual trainings that help people to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health distress.”

Presley said the trainings include concrete skills to help people manage stress and support others.

Community organizations work to promote mental health

WYFS is but one of many organizations in the area looking to address mental health issues at a community and individual level.

“The pandemic will likely cause a spike in youth mental health problems, with longterm psychological fallout,” Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS) wrote in a recent Facebook post.

SYFS, which works as a “private, non-profit counseling and social services agency,” provides a variety of services and programs to individuals in and around Shrewsbury who are struggling with mental health issues.

Northborough has its own youth and family services program, which offers a variety of counseling and crisis intervention services, among other services.

Northborough Family and

Youth Services specifically released a video and informational pamphlet earlier this year detailing possible coping mechanisms to handle stress brought on by the pandemic. That pamphlet also offered ways to give back to the community, crisis resources and notes on how to talk to children about the pandemic.

In Hudson, meanwhile, the Health Department created a new full-time Community Social worker position earlier this year to provide guidance to any residents on a variety of issues, including social and emotional concerns.

Various other area health departments, mental health professionals and non-profits continue similar work throughout the region.

‘We have an opportunity now’

In general, Presley at WYFS suggested people practice activities and behaviors that help adapt to current stressors. Some of these activities could include meditation, exercise or getting fresh air, she said.

Presley encouraged people to talk about these issues with those they are close to and to listen to other people’s struggles without judgment.

“We have an opportunity now because this is something that is so universal, to really start to chip away at the stigma by talking about it,” Presley said about conversations relating to mental health.

While COVID-19 has not ended, Presley said that many people are being expected to act like society has returned to normal.

She appealed specifically to employers to be attentive to how their staff is doing and to proactively offer support and resources for them.

Westborough Select Board approves payment in lieu of taxes agreement with MGB

MGB | from page 6

earlier this year.

The city also sent a resolution to the state calling for an independent cost analysis studying the impacts MGB’s facility would have on care costs.

MGB continues to seek state approval of proposal

The Department of Public Health held its hearing on the

MGB proposal on April 6.

As of Sept. 14, though, MGB remained in the process of securing necessary state approval through the state’s “determination of need” process according to Berry.

“They’re taking longer than we imagined,” she told the Westborough Select Board. “So we sincerely appreciate your support.”

Steris Corp. appeals Northborough Planning Board’s permit denial

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH - Steris

Corp. has filed an appeal after the Northborough Planning Board denied its site plan and groundwater special permit in June.

Steris has properties at 435 and 425 Whitney St. in Northborough. It offers contract sterilization and laboratory testing and wanted to construct two additions to its building at 425 Whitney St.

Attorneys for Steris noted in their complaint that discussions with the Planning Board stretched over 20 public hearings for over a year-and-a-half between Oct. 2019 and May 2021.

“Notwithstanding the absence of any evidence in the record that would support its denials, the Planning Board applied the wrong criteria to STERIS’ application contrary to detailed legal memoranda from Town Counsel, and manufactured purported findings of fact to deny STERIS’ application with gross negligence, in bad faith and with malice against STERIS,” the attorneys wrote.

The company has asked state Land Court to reverse their denial and award them damages, costs and attorney’s fees.

Steris files appeal

Steris received approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission and Groundwater Advisory Committee prior to the Planning Board’s denial.

Additionally, a peer reviewer didn’t find any deficiencies in the project or note a part of

the site plan review or groundwater special permit that the company didn’t meet, Steris wrote.

Steris’ additions would have added about 23,000 square feet to its 44,000-square-foot building.

The purpose of the project is to install an x-ray pallet system to sterilize medical devices, equipment and consumer products, the appeal said.

That pallet would be located within a concrete-enclosed room called a shield that “is designed for containment of the highest output of power to be created by the x-ray system,” the appeal said.

According to the appeal, the x-ray system is designed and operated in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health requirements. The department has “exclusive” jurisdiction over the technology, the lawyers wrote.

“At many of the sessions, the Board expressed confusion as to the scope of its jurisdiction and review, and the appropriate criteria for the site plan review and the groundwater special permit requested in the Application,” the complaint said.

Steris argued that the Planning Board exceeded its authority and applied the in -

correct standards, “… despite being repeatedly advised of the proper criteria and standards by Town Counsel and STERIS.”

Steris alleged that the board refused to accept the limited scope of its review of its application. It also alleged that the board refused to accept the reports and testimony of Steris’ consultants as well as the board’s peer reviewers.

Planning Board members raised concerns over Steris proposal

The Planning Board denied Steris’ plans during their meeting on June 1.

All of the board members expressed concerns about a variety of topics, including a proposed concrete plant on site during construction, noise, lighting, stockpiles of materials and a series of reports filed with the town.

Chair Kerri Martinek said there wasn’t information about the automatic shut down of on-site chillers. She said there wasn’t information on the technical design of an emergency shut down system, just as she said there was no information on any protocol or plan for an emergency shutdown.

“I think evaluating safety is part of our responsibility, and I think part of what we did is to figure out ‘Is this a safe proj-

ect?’” Martinek said. She said questions were asked about alarms, emergency planning and the life expectancy of the concrete which would house sterilization equipment in the new addition.

“Some of that data, we didn’t get,” she said.

“I see this as kind of two components — the concrete plant being one and their normal operation being the second,” said Planning Board member Anthony Ziton.

He expressed concern about the size and scope of the concrete plant in addition to the number of trucks coming in and out of the site. He was also concerned about an initially proposed 3 a.m. start time for construction work.

“I think it’s going to be very upsetting for the folks living over there, and they’re certainly going to be impacted by noise and dust and other things,” Ziton said.

Serving on the Groundwater Advisory Committee, Ziton said it would be “very difficult” to put in control measures, adding that groundwater would have to be constantly monitored.

Planning Board member Michelle Gillespie said the board talked with Steris about having its concrete prepared offsite.

“That was an option,” Gillespie said. “We actually gave the applicant the opportunity to come back, which the applicant chose not to, which is disappointing.”

During previous meetings, Steris representatives had said the company wanted to have the concrete plant onsite to control the quality of the concrete. By having crews start to use

the concrete machine at 3 a.m., Steris could maximize the cooler hours of the day, which would help preserve the quality of the concrete, representatives said.

Some of those same representatives also, however, said they were open to starting at 7 a.m. after hearing board members’ concerns.

In general, Ziton said he didn’t agree with a use determination that classified the project as “light manufacturing.” The definition of light manufacturing, he said, dictates that a process must not involve radiation.

The operation is classified as radiation machine, he said, referencing equipment that would be in use inside Steris’ proposed addition.

“This is major equipment running here,” Ziton said. “This isn’t like some small operation.”

Steris’ attorneys filed their appeal on Aug. 31.

Docket information indicated that the case had been assigned to Judge Jennifer Roberts on Sept. 9.

Steris Corp. owns properties at 435 and 425 Whitney St. in Northborough.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Sponsored by Chief Joseph Robert J. Terkanian, P.O. Box 808 • Northborough, MA 01532

This is the lawI am here to serve the earth. The earth is not here for me to misuse and abuse.

Oh, Great Spirit, Allow me the insight and knowledge of how to live in harmony and balance with my surroundings.

Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Ride marks final year

By Jesse Kucewicz Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH - Hundreds of motorcycles thundered through Northborough and its surrounding communities Sept. 26 for this year’s Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Ride.

Brian Arsenault’s parents had said prior to the event that this would be the final ride.

“This event has brought so much joy to the Arsenault family over the years and we hope that the last one is the best one yet!” read the description on the ride’s Facebook event page.

The ride, which started and ended at the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 in Northborough, raised an estimated $10,000 for the Brian Arsenault Memorial Fund, according to Daniel Arsenault, Spc. Arsenault’s father.

“The turnout is great, the turnout is always great,” Daniel said. “There are a lot of big-hearted people in this community. It’s hard to walk away from something like this because we’ve got such a great following.”

Money raised for the fund goes towards an annual scholarship awarded to graduating seniors from Algonquin Regional High School, where Spc. Arsenault graduated in 2004. Additionally, the fund helps support different veterans’ organizations.

Spc. Arsenault was 28-years-old when he was killed while serving in Ghazni, Afganistan in September of 2014.

The first memorial ride took place the following year.

Westborough’s Arts in Common to take place Oct. 2

WESTBOROUGH - From live music to community art activities, Arts in Common is back at the Bay State Common in Westborough on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Arts in Common has been sponsored by the Westborough Cultural Council since 2009.

“We are thrilled to be able to host Arts in Common again this year,” said Cultural Council Chair Holly Kenny in a press release. “It is a wonderful event that will bring the community back together to celebrate and support the arts.”

Funds raised through the festival help support the Westborough Cultural Council’s grants.

The event will feature over 45 juried artists, food trucks, live bands and performers and community arts activities. In the past, attendees made a mural out of recycled bottle caps.

“I have always enjoyed being a part of art groups and col-

laborative projects and feel it’s really important to support the arts and bring art to our communities,” said AIC Committee Member Tracy Spadafora. Spadafora has several art activities planned to help engage attendees of all ages.

There will also be demonstrations by Henry the Juggler and cartoonist Don Landgren Jr., as well as henna by Shrenika Singhvi.

For more information, visit https://www.artsincommon. net/.

Westborough’s Arts in Common event will take place at the Bay State Common in Westborough.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Riders line up to begin the final Spc. Brian K. Arsenault Memorial Ride.

PHOTOS/JESSE KUCEWICZ

Shrewsbury schools launch COVID-19 test and stay program COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

SHREWSBURY - A test and stay program to slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools is now up and running in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury Public Schools

Director of Nursing Noelle

Freeman told the School Committee Sept. 22 that a temporary testing site was set up at the former Maj. Howard W. Beal School.

Test and stay is optional, school officials note.

“It’s a way for close contacts who are identified to cases at school to avoid the need to stay home and quarantine,” Freeman said.

‘The primary goal is to keep kids in school and keep them learning’

As of the Sept. 22 School

Committee meeting, the program had been up and running for eight days. Eighty-nine people have participated, with 153 tests administered. There had been one positive test, Freeman said.

Freeman said the testing site, which is drive-through, is open every morning on school days.

As Freeman explained it, if the person tests negative and is asymptomatic, they can proceed to school for the day.

This is not an effort unique to Shrewsbury. It’s part of a larger state program offering diagnostic and pooled testing to districts. Westborough school officials specifically discussed their participation. Hudson officials talked about test and stay protocols on Sept. 21, though they noted the state’s provider of tests had been experiencing delays.

Southborough will study if district can take on extended day program

School officials optimistic about current case rate Shrewsbury Schools Superintendent Joseph Sawyer noted that Massachusetts has one of the country’s lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates at just 2.08 percent.

“I know there were some concerns that when students went back to school, we would see this potential explosion of cases among young people,” Sawyer said. “We’re not really seeing that. We’re certainly seeing an uptick, but it’s not

something that is of the concern some people were worried about.”

The town reported an additional 31 positive cases since Sept. 17. In his report, Sawyer reported seven positive cases so far that week. Sawyer said six of those people were in school during their infectious period. One of the cases was traced to a possible exposure in school.

Speaking on Sept. 22, School Committee member Lynsey Heffernan praised the work of the nursing and health services department, recalling calls that she’s received from the nurses office in the first couple of weeks of school.

“This is really complicated and is not straightforward, and is ever-evolving. I want to thank all of the staff who work with you,” she said.

SEDP operates an after-school program at

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough Public Schools will be studying the feasibility of the district taking on an inhouse before and after school program.

“We contract out for a lot of different services, transportation being one,” Superintendent Gregory Martineau said during a Sept. 9 Southborough School Committee meeting. “[The] before and after school extended day program is the only service that we contract out that directly provides a service to our students.”

Finn Elementary School.

Southborough students are served by the Southborough Extended Day Program (SEDP), which was founded by parents approximately 35 years ago.

Martineau said the district has created a one-year licensing agreement with SEDP, which will be in place for the entire school year.

“Parents are really grateful that we had an extended day program that started off in September,” said Vice Chair Kamali O’Meally. “I just wanted to relay that, and I think that situation has gone well.”

SEDP’s contract was slated to end in August. Martineau

Extended Day | 12

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Shrewsbury Public Schools officials are excited to get underway with a new test and stay program at the old Beal school in town.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - Westborough Superintendent Amber

Bock gave an update about vaccination rates in the Westborough school system at a School Committee meeting on Sept. 22.

Bock said that the Westborough school faculty had a 96.6 percent vaccination rate, with 2.7 percent unvaccinated and 0.5 percent partially vaccinated. A single person was medically exempt.

“I feel very, very good, I think this gives us one of our absolute best benchmark districts in terms of vaccination and health benchmarks,” Bock said.

Eighty-seven percent of high school students, Bock said, are fully or partially-vaccinated. That metric sits at 83 percent among students at Gibbons Middle School. She said the bulk of these are fully vaccinated.

Twenty students in sixth grade have been vaccinated, accounting for a smaller portion of their grade compared to higher grades. That, Bock said, is because those students mostly have not reached the age

of eligibility to receive vaccines.

Bock said that the student vaccination rates are based on the online SNAP database that school nurses have access to. This, she said, can be inexhaustive because some vaccination sites do not upload data into SNAP. Students who move to a new town might also not have their data put in SNAP immediately.

“Those are also incredibly good numbers, and again, probably low in the estimates,” Bock said.

Bock said that there had been ten COVID-19 cases among faculty members and students since the start of this school year. She said that three of those cases had been in school and required contact tracing.

Bock said that test and stay diagnostic COVID-19 testing options were used in all three cases. Contact tracing came back negative for each one, with no additional coronavirus infections identified.

“It’s exceptionally good data for us,” Bock said. “Since the opening of school, the test and stay model has been wellreceived by people, utilized and on-the-ground for the con -

tact tracing that was required, worked effectively and all came back negative.”

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced on Sept. 27 that the mask mandate in schools would remain in effect through Nov. 1.

“The mask requirement is an important additional measure to keep students safe in school at this time,” read a statement.

Previously set to expire on Oct. 1, the mandate will now run through the end of October. Schools with vaccination rates over 80 percent, though, may have the option to let vaccinated students remove their masks on Oct. 15 under the current plan.

Prior to that announcement from the state, Bock said that Westborough Public Schools would stay the course and await further recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She added that any potential updates to the Westborough Public Schools COVID-19 protocol would be brought to School Committee for discussion.

Extended Day | from page 11 previously told the Community Advocate that districts are required to follow a procurement process when the contract ends.

SEDP was one of four providers who submitted requests for proposals (RFP).

Over the summer, the district scheduled a listening session after parents learned the district planned to recommend a new provider to the School Committee.

“This is my eighth year in the district. I’ve been a part of many conversations around extended day programs, and specifically the question whether or not to contract out or actually for the district to take on a before and after school program,” Martineau said.

Over the summer, the district engaged in another RFP process. Martineau said through that process, one of the conversations was that the district felt it wanted to study the feasibility of taking on the program.

“Through the conversations with the central office team, we feel that the resources we have within the district, knowing our students, that we can really develop an outstanding before and after school program for our community and also capitalize

on the expertise that we have as a school district,” Martineau said.

He said the district has decided to reject all of the RFPs received. All of the bidders have offered to partner and assist in the process, he said.

If the results of the feasibility study indicate that it’s feasible for the district to take on the program and it makes sense, Martineau said that’s the option the district will pursue. It would be in place for the 20222023 school year.

When asked by School Committee member Jennifer Primack, Martineau said such a program would be staffed by a combination of internal and external hires.

O’Meally asked that the School Committee hear feedback from the review early on.

Martineau said the feasibility study will conclude in early December.

“That is to provide us enough time to plan and prepare, but also communicate with the current provider and families so that they can have assurity of what they can expect come the fall and summer in terms of extended day programs,” Martineau said.

Answers

Southborough extended day program

COMMUNITY SPORTS

St. John’s football eyes remaining schedule following victory over Shrewsbury

By Kevin J Stone

Contributing Writer

SHREWSBURY - A win in September is always a good momentum builder for a high school football team, but a win over your rival in one of the

most historic matchups in all of Massachusetts? Well, that just means more.

The St. John’s football team moved to 1-1 on Sept. 17 with a 35-0 victory over Shrewsbury.

Bobby Rodolakis had a whopping 233 rushing yards

and three touchdowns in the win. On defense, the Pioneers gave up less than 70 yards of total offense against Shrewsbury’s starters. Brett Jolley had a fumble recovery in the end zone. Ben Wing also snagged a 13-yard fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown.

Head coach John Andreoli is in his 18th season at the helm of the Pioneer program. He knows how much a win over Shrewsbury means.

“It was just a great environment,” said Andreoli. “It’s a physical, emotional game. We executed our game plan in all three phases, we executed on defense…they have some really good skill players we were able

to keep in check, and I thought we tackled as well as we have any time we’ve played.”

“It was important for us to come back after losing a tough one to Mansfield a week ago,” he continued. “…To get that early win and get that momentum behind us getting into Catholic Conference play in October is really important.”

St. John’s couldn’t ride the momentum into its Sept. 24 matchup with powerhouse Central Catholic, falling 31-7.

Prior to the game, though, Andreoli addressed the MIAA’s new playoff format, which is based on a new power-rating format.

“I’ve always been of the

opinion that it’s a very complicated math problem for people other than me to figure out who are a lot smarter than me,” Andreoli said with a laugh. “I know, the most important thing for us is to play a tough schedule and win games. We’ll let everything else take care of itself, but I think we’re playing where we should be playing right now with arguably one of the most challenging schedules in the state.”

“I think that’s where we want to be and we need to learn to prepare for one week at a time, and hopefully, it gets us to a point where we get to jump into the playoffs and take the same approach,” he continued.

Shrewsbury football beats Acton-Boxborough, secures first win of year

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury High School football team notched its first win of the season, Sept. 25, with a 18-7 victory over Acton Boxborough at home.

Acton-Boxborough opened the scoring in the first quarter. But Shrewsbury quickly answered with Thomas Welch rushing in a touchdown from 34 yards out. The Colonials then tacked on two more touchdowns before halftime with Brady Soldo snagging a 46-yard touchdown reception and Owen Keeley darting in for a 6-yard rushing score.

Concluding their Septem-

ber schedule with a Saturday evening game, the Colonials managed to get into the win column with their victory,

moving to a win-loss record of 1-2 after losses to Andover and St. John’s to start the season.

Shrewsbury players charge onto the field before a home crowd on Sept. 25.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Grafton soccer begins league play

By Chris Wilson, Contributing Writer

REGION - A sense of normalcy has returned to high school sports with COVID-19 restrictions lifted for this fall season.

As every team has welcomed that look at post-pandemic life, Grafton boys soccer coach Dave Mitchell recently noted how his team, in particular, has moved forward with their season.

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD

“Restrictions last year definitely made the game a lot more difficult,” he told the Community Advocate.

Most of Grafton’s games through last week had been against out-of-league opponents. The team did kick off their league play, though, with a 1-0 victory over Oxford.

Grafton boys soccer was one of many teams in action last week. See complete scores...

ALGONQUIN

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPT. 20

Algonquin – 1, Nashoba – 6

BOYS GOLF – SEPT. 21

Algonquin – 43.5, Groton-Dunstable – 28.5

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – SEPT. 21

Algonquin – 30, Shepherd Hill – 29

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – SEPT. 21

Algonquin – 34, Shepherd Hill – 21

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPT. 21

Algonquin – 4, Shrewsbury – 2

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 21

Algonquin – 3, Wachusett – 1

BOYS GOLF – SEPT. 22

Algonquin – 30.5, Wachusett – 41.5

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 23

Algonquin – 3, Acton-Boxborough – 0

BOYS SOCCER – SEPT. 23

Algonquin – 0, Westborough – 0

GRAFTON

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPT. 20

Grafton – 3, Sutton – 0

BOYS SOCCER – SEPT. 20

Grafton – 0, Sutton – 2

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 20

Grafton – 3, Oxford – 0

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPT. 22

Grafton – 11, Oxford – 0

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPT. 22

Grafton – 9, Oxford – 0

BOYS SOCCER – SEPT. 22

Grafton – 1, Oxford – 0

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 22

Grafton – 3, Bartlett – 0

SHREWSBURY

BOYS GOLF – SEPT. 20

Shrewsbury – 235, Minnechaug

– 212

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPT. 20

Shrewsbury – 4, Oakmont – 0

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – SEPT. 21

Shrewsbury – 21, Westborough

– 38

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – SEPT. 21

Shrewsbury – 17, Westborough

– 45

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 21

Shrewsbury – 3, Nashoba – 2

BOYS GOLF – SEPT. 22

Shrewsbury – 19.5, Westborough

20.5

BOYS GOLF – SEPT. 22

Shrewsbury – 20, Leominster – 20

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 22

Shrewsbury – 0, Hopkinton – 3

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPT. 22

Shrewsbury – 2, Algonquin – 0

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPT. 23

Shrewsbury – 0, Nashoba – 0

ST. JOHN’S

GOLF – SEPT. 20

St. John’s – 227, Malden Catholic – 251

SOCCER – SEPT. 21

St. John’s – 6, Malden Catholic – 0

CROSS COUNTRY – SEPT. 21

St. John’s – 46, St. John’s Prep – 15

GOLF – SEPT. 22

St. John’s – 153, Longmeadow – 166

GOLF – SEPT. 23

St. John’s – 220, Xaverian – 224

WESTBOROUGH

BOYS GOLF – SEPT. 20

Westborough – 36, Hopkinton – 36

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPT. 20

Westborough – 1, Groton-Dunstable – 0

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPT. 20

Westborough – 2, St. Paul Dioc -

esan – 1

BOYS SOCCER – SEPT. 20

Westborough – 1, Nipmuc – 2

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 21

Westborough – 3, Shepherd Hill – 0

FIELD HOCKEY – SEPT. 22

Westborough – 1, Leominster – 2

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – SEPT. 22

Westborough – 3, Frontier – 0

BOYS GOLF – SEPT 23

Westborough – 36.5, Groton-Dunstable – 35.5

GIRLS SOCCER – SEPT. 23

Westborough – 0, Algonquin – 0

The Grafton boys soccer program is embracing a return to normalcy in a fall season, this year, without the COVID-19 restrictions that limited last year’s games.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

HOMES MORE&

Is it time to move on to a new home?

If you’ve been in your home for longer than five years, you’re not alone. According to recent data from First American, homeowners are staying put much longer than historical averages (see graph below):

As the graph shows, before 2008, homeowners sold their houses after an average of just five years. Today, that number has more than doubled to over 10 years. The housing industry refers to this as your tenure.

To really explore tenure, it’s important to understand what drives people to make a move. An article from The Balance explores some of the primary reasons individuals choose to sell their houses. It says:

“People who move for home-related reasons might need a larger home or a house that better fits their needs . . . Financial reasons for moving include wanting a nicer home, moving to a newer home to avoid making repairs on the old one, or cashing in on existing equity.”

If you’ve been in your home for longer than the norm, chances are you’re putting off addressing one, if not several, of the reasons other individuals choose to move. If this sounds like you, here are a few things to consider: If your needs have changed, it may be time to re-evaluate your home.

As the past year has shown, our needs can change rapidly. That means the longer you’ve been in your home, the more likely it is your needs have evolved. The Balance notes several personal factors that

could lead to your home no longer meeting your needs, including relationship and job changes.

For example, many workers recently found out they’ll be working remotely indefinitely. If that’s the case for you, you may need more space for a dedicated home office. Other homeowners choose to sell because the number of people living under their roof changes. Now more than ever, we’re spending more and more time at home. As you do, consider if your home really delivers on what you need moving forward.

It’s often financially beneficial to sell your house and move.

One of the biggest benefits of homeownership is the equity your home builds over time. If you’ve been in your house for several years, you may not realize how much equity you have. According to the latest Homeowner Equity Report from CoreLogic, homeowners gained an average of $33,400 in equity over the past year.

That equity, plus today’s low mortgage rates, can fuel a major upgrade when you sell your home and purchase a new one. Or, if you’re looking to downsize, your equity can help provide a larger down payment and lower your monthly payments over the life of your next loan. No matter what, there are significant financial benefits to selling in today’s market.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been in your home for 5-10 years or more, now might be the time to explore your options. Today’s low rates and your built-up equity could provide you with the opportunity to address your evolving needs.

Call me today. 508-7355161. My extensive knowledge and expert guidance will enable you to achieve all of your real estate goals. Elaine.Quigley@commonmoves.com.

HOME your

5 Tips for Remodeling in Today’s Market

Family Features

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown, labor shortages and access to certain products affects numerous industries, including remodeling. Even so, after extra time at home and delays caused by the pandemic, there is high demand for home renovation projects.

If you’re planning a home remodel or construction project, consider these tips from professional remodelers to avoid frustration and ensure your vision comes to life.

Do Research and Plan Ahead

Mapping out your project early and thoroughly can help you avoid delays. This is especially important when it comes to materials, said John Brown of Bliffert Lumber and Hardware.

“The quicker a homeowner can make selections, the sooner we can get it on order and get it in,” Bliffert said.

If you’re planning a home remodel or construction project, consider these tips from professional remodelers to avoid frustration and ensure your vision comes to life.

Ways to Use Brick & Stone

to Enhance Your Home

Family Features

Choosing the right materials is an essential step in planning a home remodel or renovation. Options like brick and stone can add style, comfort and beauty to homes.

With a diverse array of colors, textures and sizes to choose from, there are options to suit practically any design aesthetic, whether it’s traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between. Because brick and stone materials provide strength, permanence, sustainability and beauty, it’s possible to balance function with appearance.

Before choosing your brick or stone material, it’s a good idea to explore the vast color options, varying textures and sizes. You might even consider combining different materials to create

accents that add interest and support the design of your home.

If you like the idea of incorporating brick or stone into your design but are not sure where it fits, consider these popular choices:

ACCENT WALLS: If you’re concerned about overpowering a room, an accent wall is a simple way to add the appealing look of brick or stone in moderation. The wall can add character and dimension that either stands out or blends into the overall design, depending on the colors and textures you choose.

KITCHENS: From flooring to island accents, backsplashes and beyond, the options are plentiful for introducing brick or stone into kitchen design. Whether you’re going for a modern look or something more traditional, quality is a top priority in high-use areas like the kitchen. Choose materials from a reliable source like Glen-Gery, which offers more than 600 brick and stone products in a vast variety of sizes, textures and colors.

BAR SURROUNDS: This feature tends to be a focal point in its own right but adding brick

or stone can make your bar area a real showstopper while capturing the color tones of the rest of the room.

ARCHWAYS: Defining the transition from one space to the next adds an architectural design element that can either

Unbeatable Benefits of Brick

RESILIENCE: Brick is incredibly resilient. It’s weather and storm proof. As a result, it’s better able to withstand the diverse weather conditions across North America from natural disasters to extreme heat in fire prone regions. Brick is also termite resistant.

LOW MAINTENANCE: Brick does not require any painting, coating or varnishing in order to maintain its aesthetic and durability.

FIREPROOF: Brick is non-combustible and doesn’t assist the spread of fire, making it ideal for building in wildfire-prone areas. Clay bricks normally don’t suffer any structural damage after a fire and can be re-used, even as load bearing walls.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY: Brick comes in styles to suit any building project and is a popular material choice among architects and designers because of its design flexibility, strong structural capabilities and intricate detailing.

NOISE CANCELLING: Whether between rooms within a home or from outside noise, brick provides sound insulation.

DURABLE: Brick is long-lasting. Unlike other man-made materials, brick doesn’t get tired, so your brick home remains weather- and age-proof over time.

carry your design theme from one room of the house to the next or signal a transition toward a new motif, depending on the material you choose.

Find more ideas for a home upgrade using brick or stone at glengery.com.

ENERGY EFFICIENT: Brick is a high-density material, meaning it can effectively absorb and store heat energy to help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Its ability to average temperature extremes can make a noticeable difference in comfort while also reducing energy bills.

NATURAL: Brick is manufactured from naturally occurring materials and does not emit volatile organic compounds as many lightweight products do. With virtually no emissions and high thermal mass, brick is also a good choice for health-conscious homeowners with acute allergies or sensitivities to weather.

Source: Glen-Gery

5 Tips for Remodeling in Today’s Market

Some contractors are adjusting the way they approach planning to offset delays. For example, selecting materials and finishes at the outset, instead of as you progress through the project like you normally would, may mean the materials are available when you need them.

“The design process has really changed,” said Robi Kirsic of TimeLine Renovation and Design. “We’re still designing based on homeowners’ wishes and dreams, but we’re also modifying by providing options based on what’s available.”

Know Where You’re Willing to Compromise

Whether you’re able or willing to compromise often comes down to why you’re doing the renovation in the first place.

“Some homeowners are specific about what they want,” Kirsic

“

If you have your heart set on a certain bathtub, it might be a 6- or 8-month wait, but another one might be available sooner.

said. “They’ve been waiting for a long time to do this project and they’re not doing it to compromise. Others have a time constraint for one reason or another; they don’t have the luxury of waiting.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by others, who caution that you may be able to get an item you have your heart set on, but you may need to be willing to wait.

“If you have your heart set on a certain bathtub, it might be a 6- or 8-month wait, but another one might be available sooner,” said Jason Hensler of Marvin Windows and Doors.

Avoid Making Changes

Once your plans are set and your materials have been ordered, avoid unnecessary delays by changing your project scope or material selection. In this environment, project timelines are extremely tight and even minor changes can create significant disruptions, especially if there’s a delay in obtaining different materials or your new ideas require a different crew that wasn’t already scheduled for your job.

Choose a Trustworthy Partner

While these are unusual times, having a reliable contractor can make the project run more smoothly and help you feel more comfortable as the project progresses.

“Use someone you trust, someone who is part of a reputable group like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry,” Brown said.

That way, if you encounter unexpected bumps along the way, you can be confident they will be handled professionally and appropriately. Brown encourages his teams to communicate early and often, which helps homeowners understand and trust they’re doing everything possible to keep the job on track.

Be Patient

Above all, understanding these are unusual times can go a long way toward a more successful project.

“Patience will help it go a lot smoother,” Hensler said. “That may mean accepting longer wait times than you anticipated and a later completion date than you hoped.”

The sooner you get your project started, the sooner your contractor can start mapping out a project timeline. Find contractors in your area at RemodelingDoneRight.com.

Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Modern Upgrades for

Modernizing your spaces isn’t just about the aesthetic, although that is a major advantage, especially when it comes to resale value. Updating your kitchen and bath is also an opportunity to introduce new technology and enhancements that improve the function of these high-traffic rooms. Modern styles simplify everyday living and can make contemporary entertaining more enjoyable. The sleek lines of modern design lend themselves to a clean look, which is supported by hidden features that make organization easier.

Smart Technology

Upgrades

happen for all kinds of reasons, but one of the most common purposes of a home renovation is to make essential spaces like kitchens and bathrooms more modern.

Although the idea of a connected home isn’t new, technology is steadily improving. This means smart features are now often more affordable, easily integrated into the rest of your home and available to help manage a wider range of household items.

In the kitchen, you can add smart technology in numerous ways, from appliances and climate control to lighting and window treatments. For example, touch-to-open and push-to-open doors and drawers create a sleek, modern design while opening and closing with either a push or touch of a button for convenience.

Similar diversity is available in the bathroom, where you can incorporate connected health and fitness monitors, touchless toilets, mirrors that double as information centers, towel warmers and even showers that automatically adjust to your preferred temperature.

Paint

Changing the colors in a space is one of the most effective ways to transform the decor, but the walls aren’t the only place where paint can make a big impact, especially in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, where the cabinetry can make a bold statement.

Black is a hallmark of modern design and installing cabinetry with a black finish can instantly upgrade a room. To create visual interest, consider incorporating accent cabinets in a coordinating finish. For example, you could pair Wellborn Cabinet’s Midtown wall cabinets finished in Matte Ebony with upper center cabinets finished in Putty Oak. An island in Bel-Air can incorporate both dark and light tones for a cohesive look.

Decorative Range Hoods

An exposed range hood is a trendy look that can add sophistication to your kitchen. Treating this functional element as a statement piece gives you another place to showcase your style and create a sleek and modern look. If your hood is covered, consider making the cabinet door a focal point with a material such as backpainted glass.

Multi-Purpose Sinks

While your sink has some obvious functions, you can upgrade the space for even more practical use. Some of the latest sink design innovations include built-in features such as cutting boards, colanders, bowls, drying racks and compost areas. In addition, motion activated wastebaskets with

separate compost or recycling containers provide hands-free access to reduce unwanted messes.

Touchless Faucets

Public restrooms aren’t the only places you can benefit from a touchless faucet. At home, the feature may come in handy when your hands are full or filthy. An automatic water flow is convenient and

Changing the colors in a space is one of the most effective ways to transform the decor, but the walls aren’t the only place where paint can make a big impact, especially in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, where the cabinetry can make a bold statement.

“

In the kitchen, you can add smart technology in numerous ways, from appliances and climate control to lighting and window treatments.

7

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

Consider

1.

how far your budget will go.

items from “must haves” to “nice but not necessary.” Find a contractor who will work with you to determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home.

2. Decide how to handle budget overages.

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

3. Make material selections you can afford.

Every project will have a set of required materials, but there are options when it comes to variety, style and quality.

* Cabinets: Subtle changes like forgoing custom rustic cherry cabinets with plywood cabinet sides for regular cherry cabinets with furniture board sides can achieve the same look at a lower cost.

* Countertops: Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular, but advances in the design options for lower-cost countertop materials have rejuvenated their popularity, too. With the proper usage and protection, nearly all countertop materials can support your everyday needs.

* Millwork: Painted millwork has dominated the market for many years and solid maple is the preferred choice because the tight grain allows for a beautiful, smooth surface. However, the cost is multiple times that of vinyl and equally appealing when finished properly.

* Flooring: Advances in synthetic materials make them difficult to distinguish from natural products. Synthetics generally come with lower cost and more durability, making them a simple substitute for natural products like stone, wood, brick and marble.

4. Pay attention to project details.

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

5. Ask how you can help reduce costs.

Talk to your contractor about tasks or materials you can provide that would reduce the project cost without affecting its schedule. This might include jobsite clean-up or obtaining certain materials the contractor would otherwise spend considerable time securing.

6. Plan ahead for project timing.

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

7. Know how you’ll resolve disputes.

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

Find more money-saving advice for your next remodeling project at remodelingdoneright.com.

Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Kitchen & Bath Upgrades

Kitchen & Bath | from page 23

can help keep germs and grime under control. For the most on-trend, modern look, coordinate your faucets with other bathroom elements finished in gold hues, such as a laminate veneer vanity in a high-gloss gold finish.

Cabinetry

Collectively, cabinets are the biggest component of most kitchens. Since kitchens tend to be the hub of the home, it’s important to maintain a homey feel while adding the luxury of modern features. Using warm colors, gold-toned hardware and sleek door styles can deliver a glamorous yet welcoming design.

For example, Wellborn

Cabinet’s Aspire Full Access

Frameless line features flat moulding and flush lines to create a thoughtfully integrated flow throughout the kitchen. A Morristown door in the Smokey Walnut finish and Serenity metal doors in Sand Gloss Glass marry heirloom quality and contemporary finishes for a beautiful and functional space.

Free-Standing Tubs

A luxurious soaking tub is a top demand for many homeowners, and trends are moving toward free-standing options that create a focal point in an oasis-like bathroom. You may be envisioning an oldfashioned claw-foot style, but there are numerous modern

takes on the traditional version that can fit seamlessly into your modern design scheme.

Wood-Look Flooring

Natural wood floors were once the gold standard, but thanks to improvements in the quality and appearance of laminate and vinyl products, you can find alternative flooring in even high-end homes. Laminate and vinyl planks give the same look as wood (or stone, if you prefer) to complement a modern aesthetic, usually at a lower price point and with greater durability over time.

Find more ideas to modernize your living space at wellborn.com.

Source: Wellborn Cabinet

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

Award-Winning

Outdoor Space

Inspiration

Renovating your home’s outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic but can also provide a host of recreational benefits. Taking a look at award-winning projects can help many homeowners draw inspiration while also identifying capable, reputable contractors to take on the project.

For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty, these 2021 National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading your outdoor spaces. Find the complete list at nari.org/cotywinners.

The clients wanted to upgrade a poorly draining, impractical backyard into an attractive, functional outdoor entertainment space that flowed from the renovated basement. The project included an outdoor area for entertaining, outdoor kitchen, spacious patio with a custom concrete fire pit, oversized ceiling fans, ample storage and landscaping complete with native plants around the perimeter.

“By working on this project, we learned how important it is to take a holistic look at what clients are trying to accomplish with their renovations,” said Thomas Boyce, president of Boyce Design & Contracting.

“Often with outdoor living projects, designers and contractors look at the exterior of the home in isolation. We learned to look at how the in-

terior and exterior of the home connect to each other to make sure the features and floor plan flow and work well together. By taking this approach, we were able to achieve a better finished product that is more functional and attractive for our clients.”

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living

$100,000-$250,000

A young, active family was looking to create a distinct outdoor living space with mul-

tiple entertainment spaces that tied in with the existing aesthetic and elevated the home amongst its neighbors. The low-maintenance backyard now features an outdoor dining area, sunken living room, entertainment area and additional storage space built with the home’s current architectural features while also maintaining a large enough yard for the kids and their friends to play.

“The aesthetic of the outdoor areas was designed not only for function but also to reflect the interiors and keep the inside-outside living feeling continuous,” said Tim Johnson,

owner and founder of Livit Site + Structure. “For example, the shiplap used on the fire table is the same shiplap featured inside the home. Likewise, the Douglas fir timbers used on the pergola are the same as the interior ceiling beams.”

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living Over

$250,000

A 4,000-square-foot project

built at four different elevations, this client wanted to include a safe way to move from the upper level to the backyard without coming through the house, a structure for shade and protection from mosquitoes and a pool with features that reflected the home. Adding a covered screen room with individually controlled wall panels, see-through fireplace, fountain, pool with sheer descent waterfalls, recycled rock walls and staircase from the upper elevation while enclosing it all within a stone wall

met those expectations. “A sound piece of advice for anyone building anything in the backyard: get a plan,” said Ken DePratt, owner of KD Poolscapes, Ltd. “Have it match your expectations list. Then, and only then, will you know if it matches your budget. We would recommend doing your research when taking on a pool project of any size. It’s hard to push that hole around once it’s dug.”

Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Shrewsbury Marble & Granite

Offering customers unmatched experience, selection, customer service

that allow customers to look at kitchen and bathroom projects and learn how all the colors and styles fit together.

The online “Kitchen Visualizer” allows people to select and see how a particular countertop looks with a backsplash, cabinet color and flooring.

Similarly, the site’s “Bathroom Visualizer” allows customers, designers, or contractors to mix and match choices for the ideal bathroom.

By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer

SHREWSBURY - With more than three decades in the business, Shrewsbury Marble & Granite uses experience to provide top notch quality and design.

Located for the past 14 years on Route 9 East in Shrewsbury, the company has the largest selection of natural stone and quartz in New England, with 300 colors of natural stone in slabs in stock for viewing.

Majid and his team have developed strong relationships with homeowners, designers, and contractors as Majid stresses that “no job is too small.” Shrewsbury Marble & Granite offers quartz, granite, marble, and soapstone.

A one-stop shop

As the business owner, Majid is personally involved in every project. He also visits the largest and highest quality distributors of quartz and natural stone to choose the slabs his company carries.

As a civil engineer, Majid has worked as an estimator for commercial projects, including hotels and offices. He has a passion, though, for working with the public, designing kitchens, bathrooms, floors, fireplace surrounds and more.

Craftsmanship is a top pri-

ority. Shrewsbury Marble & Granite does not only curate the stone slabs they stock. They also have professional fabricators and installers on site that provide attention to every detail from product choice to installation.

The experienced team is sensitive to project timelines, given that their clients often need work on a kitchen or bathroom to be done especially well and efficiently.

The experts at Shrewsbury Marble & Granite walk customers through every step of the project process, including selecting the material, scheduling the template, measuring, laying out and cutting the slab, safe delivery, and installation. The final step involves explaining what needs to be done to maintain the quality of the purchase.

In addition, there is an “Edge Visualizer,” something many homeowners may not think of, that allows site visitors to preview 12 of the most popular countertop edges to choose from.

Customer service-centric

Majid and his team take pride in their workmanship and customer service.

The company works diligently to ensure the final product is something everyone is “proud to showcase.”

Much of their business consists of repeat customers and referrals. They also have an “A-plus” rating from the Better Business Bureau.

In addition, Shrewsbury Marble & Granite is accredited by – and received a “Letter of Appreciation” from - the Marble Institute of America. Shrewsbury Marble & Granite is located in a large blue building at 620 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, 1/4 of a mile east of Home Depot.

For more information on selection, a consultation or a free estimate, call 508-842-9800 or visit shrewsburymarbleandgranite.com.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Majid Goharzadeh is the owner of Shrewsbury Marble and Granite.

Help Wanted Legal

Associate Attorney

Sudbury, MA. Draft & file applications. Communicate w/ clients re: intakes, case processing & procedural issues. Manage various projects & deadlines.

Req. JD or LLM Deg. from ABA accredited school, active bar license in good standing.

Send resume to Law Office of Vugar Jafarov, 327 Boston Post Rd., Unit E, Sudbury, MA 01776

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

A medium size central Massachusetts wholesale bakery is seeking a full time, experienced Maintenance Technician. Hours 6:30am-3:00pm. Preferred candidates must have strong mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting skills. Drivers license and tools required. Email Johnny@dimitriadelights.com to set up an interview.

The U.S. Army Base Realignment and Closure Division (BRAC) announces completion of the fifth Five-Year Review (FYR) of remedial cleanup actions taken at the former Fort Devens Sudbury Training Annex Superfund Site, located in the towns of Hudson, Stow, Maynard, and Sudbury, Massachusetts. The purpose of the Five-Year Review is to evaluate whether the cleanup methods put in place at the site are working as designed and continue to remain protective of human health and the environment, as required by Superfund law. The fifth FYR report was prepared following US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and was completed and signed by the Army on September 17, 2021.

Pursuant to CERCLA, the Annex was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990 because of environmental contamination associated with historic underground storage tanks, ammunition demolition areas, fire training areas, and disposal of various laboratory waste. Since its placement on the NPL, remedial activities were completed at contaminated sites, and long-term remedial activities undertaken where necessary to ensure protectiveness. The Annex was deleted from the NPL in 2002. Continuing activities include operation, maintenance, and monitoring at a landfill site (Area of Concern A7) and evaluation of land use controls. In 2005, ownership of most of the site transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services as the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge.

The FYR addresses the Area of Concern A7 operation unit. The FYR includes a review of environmental data collected since the last FYR that was completed in 2016, site inspections and interviews with key personnel knowledgeable of site conditions, and remedy implementation. The FYR concluded that the remedy is protective of human health and the environment as the remedial action objectives (RAOs) stated in the Record of Decision (ROD) are being met. Although the FYR did not identify any issues affecting the current protectiveness of the remedy, EPA and Army have identified that the perimeter fence requires repair to assure future protectiveness of the remedy.

The fifth FYR Report is available to the public at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects-Topics/

Former-Fort-Devens-Environmental-Cleanup/ or by contacting the BRAC office at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens, 30 Quebec Street, Unit 100 , Devens, Mass 01434-4479. Point of contact is Mr. Robert J. Simeone; Office: 978-615-6090; email: robert.j.simeone.civ@mail.mil. The next FYR will be submitted in September 2026 and will cover the review period of 2021 through 2026.

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. seeks Sr. SAP Supply Chain Analyst in Westborough, MA to manage the process design, configuration and requirement gathering for SAP Retail Merchandising and Supply Chain area. Master’s degree plus 2 yrs. exp., SAP MM, SD, IM; exp., with at least 3 full cycles SAP implementation projects with hand-on project experience designing, testing and implementing MM, SD, IM processes/modules; exp, with IS Retail, WM integration, EDI, CAR UDF, and various O2C cycles, P2P cycles, IM and Replenishment and Allocation.

Qualified Applicants send resume via mail only to: Chris Rouleau, 25 Research Dr., Westborough, MA 01581. An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

HELP WANTED

Flaherty Physical Therapy is searching for well-qualified, customer service oriented, reliable front desk staff for both their Northborough & Hudson offices. Strong computer skills, a caring nature, courteous and kind attributes are a must! Experience in customer service, with electronic medical records, and checking insurance benefits is a definite plus! This is full time, permanent position with hours based on the needs of the clinic. The starting salary is $13.50 per hour with the ability to earn a bonus based on performance.

Full time benefits are also available. Contact Kim Cournoyer at kimc@flahertyphysicaltherapy.com.

Advertising Submission Deadline is Friday at noon, one week prior to publication.

PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED, FOR SALE OR SERVICE ADS

1”x 1” & UP WE CAN DESIGN IT FOR YOU!

Prayers

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. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. Only your initials shall appear on the bottom. - F.R.

Prayers

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

Spirit of Shrewsbury festival back and in-person COMMUNITY EVENTS

Spirit of Shrewsbury | from page 1

“We really had delusions of grandeur, except for COVID hitting, that we had to scale everything back, and we had to let everyone know that at a moment’s notice if something changes within the Commonwealth and it’s not safe, we may have to pull the plug at the 11th hour,” Smith said.

There were some changes from past festivals. Instead of a large tent covering the front lawn of Oak Middle School, vendors had their own tents. Plus, people had to wear masks if they went into the school to use the restroom, for example.

Still, people flocked to the middle school to enjoy the festival.

Smith thanked everyone who volunteered.

“Frankly, this would not even happen if it were not for all of the volunteers,” Smith said.

Bradley - owner

Roma Khanna and Chinmay Rann dressed up for the costume parade at this year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury festival.

People wander through the booths at this year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury festivities.

Barb Trudel of Days for Girls, talks with Vishakha Khamandkar and Sakshi Guvao.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

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

Bausch, Robert of Hudson

Brazeau, Arthur of Marlborough

Coda, Mary Ann of Shrewsbury

Houston, Richard of Southborough

Jackson, Carolyn formerly of Southborough

Knipe Sr., John of Shrewsbury

Laptewicz, Viola of Shrewsbury

Lauzon, William of Shrewsbury

Lehan, Brenda formerly of Westborough

Mullin, Brian of Westborough

Nelson, Denise of Marlborough

Peralta, Maureen of Shrewsbury

Prachniak, Ronald formerly of Shrewsbury

Roy, Gerald formerly of Grafton

Roy, Lawrence of Marlborough

Sobol, Ruth of Marlborough

Spinner, Marjorie of Southborough

Sugarman, Sarah Jane of Hudson

Wyskoczka, William of Marlborough

Viola Laptewicz, 99

SHREWSBURY - Viola (Bigelow) Laptewicz, 99, of Shrewsbury and formerly a longtime resident of Southborough passed away on September 15, at Shrewsbury Nursing Home after a period of declining health.

She was the beloved wife of John Laptewicz and a graduate of the former Peters High School in Southborough.

The Morris Funeral Home of Southborough assisted with arrangements.

Brian J. Mullin, Esq., 54

WESTBOROUGH - Brian Joseph Mullin, Esq., 54, of Westborough, passed away of natural causes unexpectedly on Sept. 19, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Jessica A. (Wright) Mullin and the devoted father to three sons, Samuel A. Mullin, Matthew W. Mullin and Jacob W. Mullin. Born in Warwick, RI, he was the son of Elizabeth A.

(Harson) Mullin of Bellingham, MA and the late John J. Mullin, Jr. of West Barnstable, MA, the brother of Col. Christopher J. Mullin, USMC (Ret.) of Bernhards Bay, NY; LtCol. John A. Mullin, USMC (Ret.) of Rocklin, CA and the late Sgt. Stephen J. Mullin, USMCR of Huntington Beach, CA.

The Pickering & Son Funeral Home of Westborough assisted with arrangements.

Marjorie A. Spinner, 90

SOUTHBOROUGH - Marjorie A. Spinner, 90, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the Oasis at Dodge Park. She was the wife of the late Franklin H. Spinner.

Marjorie is survived by three children, Eric H. Spinner and his wife, Kathie, of Franklin, David A. Spinner and his wife, Ann, of Charlton and Joy S. Messick and her husband, Robert, of Shrewsbury; one brother, William Arndt and his wife Joan of S. Carolina; sis-

ters-in-law Joyce and her husband Harley Holsinger, Judy and her husband Tom Monto, Barbara and her husband Bernie Jones all of Michigan, many nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Gerald Roy, 79

CANAL WINCHESTER, OHIO

- Gerald “Frenchie” Roy, 79, of Canal Winchester, OH, formerly of Sainte-Marie-De-Kent, New Brunswick, Leominster and Grafton, MA passed away on Sunday September 12, 2021.

He leaves behind a son, Paul Roy and his wife Sarah of Canal Winchester, Ohio and a daughter Brenda Markowski and her husband Mark of Grafton, MA, four grandchildren, Julia Markowski and Grace Markowski of Grafton, MA and Sophia Roy and Zachary Roy of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two brothers Georges and his wife Susan of Windham, NH and Alderice Roy of Sainte-Marie-De-Kent, New Brunswick, along with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Yolande (Bernard) Roy. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Ronald P. Prachniak, 80

WOODSTOCK, CONN. - Ronald P. “Ron” Prachniak, 80, of Woodstock, CT and formerly of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

He leaves his loving wife

of almost 58 years, Patricia M. (Manion) Prachniak; their daughters, Jacqueline A. Schold and her husband Gary, of Millbury, Jodi A. Olivier and her companion Laurent, of Somers, CT, and Jennifer A. Prachniak, of Dudley; two grandchildren, Tianna and Tyler Schold, of Millbury; and his special friends and extended family.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

John F. Knipe Sr., 90

SHREWSBURY - John F. Knipe Sr., 90, lifelong Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, September 20, 2021, surrounded by his devoted family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years and high school sweetheart, Marguerite C. (Stolpe) Knipe; their son, Steven P. Knipe; and his parents, John E. and Marie G. (Judson) Knipe.

John leaves his loving children, John F. Knipe, Jr. and his wife Cindy, of Shrewsbury; Cathi O’Toole, of Tampa, FL; Donna Rhaney and her husband Lorin, of Ruther Glen, VA; Robert Knipe, of Tampa, FL; Susan Kelley and her husband Steven, of Merrimack, NH; and Margie Hertz and her companion Ron Weaver, of Portland, OR; 15 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Edgar, Margie, June, Eleanor, and Betty.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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

Dr. Eric Bryan

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.

Southborough

Thursday, Sept. 16

6:00 a.m. Turnpike Rd. MVA property damage only.

5:31 p.m. Turnpike/Breakneck Hill Rds. MVA property damage only.

11:58 p.m. Turnpike Rd. MVA property damage only.

Friday, Sept. 17

10:37 p.m. Cordaville Rd. MVA property damage only.

Sunday, Sept. 19

6:08 a.m. Marlboro Rd. MVA property damage only.

Tuesday, Sept. 21

7:40 a.m. Middle Rd. Animal complaint.

Wednesday, Sept. 22

3:51 p.m. East Main St. MVA property damage only.

Westborough

60, of 33 O’Neil Dr., Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

Wednesday, Sept. 15

6:16 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Otis St. Accident property damage.

7:41 p.m. Oak St. Assault.

Thursday, Sept. 16

11:17 a.m. Arrested, Emanuel Jan Duda, 22, of 630 South St., Shrewsbury, for disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, disturb public assembly.

5:04 p.m. Arrested, Melvin Giovanni Fernandez, 33, of 18 Steven Rd., Westborough, for intimidate witness/ juror/police/court official, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, A&B.

5:53 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

Saturday, Sept. 18

3:03 a.m. Lyman/Haskell Sts. Accident property damage.

3:16 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Trespassing.

Sunday, Sept. 19 12:31 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

Grafton

Monday, Sept. 13 9:13 a.m. Main/Cross Sts. Road hazard.

12:44 p.m. Providence Rd. Accident

Tuesday, Sept. 14

7:40 a.m. Mass Pike e. Accident –personal injury.

11:51 a.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Larceny/ theft.

2:14 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

4:39 p.m. Worcester St. Road rage.

10:07 p.m. George Hill Rd. Animal complaint.

Wednesday, Sept. 15

10:20 a.m. Mass Pike E. Accident –personal injury.

1:48 p.m. Providence Rd. Scam/attempted scam.

Thursday, Sept. 16

10:32 a.m. Logan Rd. Larceny/theft.

11:30 a.m. Worcester St. Larceny/ theft.

Shrewsbury

Friday, Sept. 17

9:38 a.m. Grace Ave. Animal complaint.

11:52 a.m. Arrested, Benjamin Kurekbale, 24, of 469 Boston Tpke., Apt. 12, Shrewsbury, on warrant.

2:34 p.m. Water St./Westborough –Animal complaint.

5:26 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

7:22 p.m. Arrested, Douglas Kendrick McGay, 63, of 440 Evergreen Dr., Oldsmar, Fla., for OUI drugs, negligent operation of motor vehicle, oper MV with license suspended/revoked.

11:17 p.m. Arrested, Marie Mulbah, 46, of 57 Loxwood St., Worcester, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

11:48 p.m. Heywood St. Vandalism.

Saturday, Sept. 18

7:00 a.m. Cranbrook Rd. Harassment.

9:54 a.m. Oak St. Identity theft.

5:41 p.m. Grafton St. Animal complaint.

Sunday, Sept. 19

11:17 a.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Monday, Sept. 20

5:55 a.m. 290E. Accident with injury.

12:05 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Vandalism.

12:05 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Vandalism.

Tuesday, Sept. 21

8:55 a.m. Francis Gardens Ct. Trespassing.

1:38 p.m. Boston Tpke./Oak St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

2:18 p.m. Hill St. Animal complaint.

4:11 p.m. Commonwealth Ave. Animal complaint.

6:05 p.m. Bridle Path. Road rage.

7:49 p.m. Notch Brook Rd. B&E residential.

11:29 p.m. Afra dr. Animal complaint.

Wednesday, Sept. 22

1:30 a.m. Arrested, Dennis S. Frazier, 35, of 107 Jay Rd., Merrimack, N.H., for oper MV with license suspended/ revoked, marked lanes violation.

8:58 a.m. Francis Gardens Crt. Trespassing.

11:17 a.m. North St. Road hazard –

trees/wires/debris.

12:11 p.m. Hartford Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

1:40 p.m. Boston Tpke. Vandalism.

Northborough

Wednesday, Sept. 15

11:14 a.m. East Main St. Fraud.

5:56 p.m. Shops Way/Southwest

Cutoff. Accident: P.D.

Thursday, Sept. 16

9:05 a.m. Whitney St. Animal calls.

Friday, Sept. 17

3:14 p.m. Reservoir/Crawford Sts. Animal calls.

3:50 p.m. Arrested, Heidi A. Provost, 44, of 18 Crystal St., Worcester, for distribute Class B drug.

Saturday, Sept. 18

12:02 p.m. Shops Way. Dog complaint.

4:42 p.m. West Main St. Accident: P.I.

Sunday, Sept. 19

9:56 a.m. Smith Rd. Dog complaint.

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

PHYSICAL THERAPY

JOIN US FOR OUR FREE IN-PERSON BALANCE AND DIZZINESS WORKSHOP

Thursday, October 14 at 12 noon at our Hudson Office

Saturday, October 16 at 11a.m. at our Northborough Office

Presented by Kevin Flaherty, PT

Dr. Mikhail Novikov

Collings Foundation to host Battle for the Airfield, Veterans roundtable

Burns Bridge shines for Shrewsbury Class of 1970

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

SHREWSBURY -

The Kenneth Burns Memorial Bridge shone in blue and gold on Sept. 24 in honor of the Shrewsbury High School Class of 1970.

HUDSON - The Collings Foundation and the American Heritage Museum will host their Battle for the Airfield World War II reenactment on four occasions between Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10. The weekend will also include a World War II Veterans roundtable discussion.

There will be two battles per day at 11:00 a.m. and again at 3:00 p.m. The Veterans roundtable discussion will start at 1:00 p.m. The American Heritage Museum and Historic Aircraft Hangar will be open to the public through the weekend.

The American Heritage Museum is located at 568 Main Street in Hudson. Admission costs $35 for adults and $30 for seniors and veterans. Children under 12 can get into the event for $20. Discount rates are available through online ticket purchase at www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org

“I just wanted to commemorate the Class of 1970,” said Shrewsbury alum Mike Lodowski, who helped coordinate the lighting with the state.

The class had scheduled their 50th reunion to take place last year. That celebration, however, had to be canceled due to COVID-19.

So, in this 51st year since he and his classmates graduated, Lodowski said he reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and asked if Burns Bridge could shine blue and gold.

in bright colors.

It is periodically lit to mark other holidays, celebrations, events and somber occasions.

“I’m a true Shrewsbury Colonial,” Lodowski said.

Westborough Cultural Council accepting grant applications

WESTBOROUGH - Do you have a performance or workshop in need of grant funding?

The Westborough Cultural Council (WCC) is accepting grant applications for individuals, schools and organizations for funds to support community cultural activities.

The WCC awarded over $12,000 in 2021, including grants to Westborough Public Library programs, the Westborough Historical Society, Westborough Connects and the Assabet Valley Mastersingers.

Any applications must be completed by Friday, Oct. 15, and only applications submitted online will be considered.

For more information on the grant application, visit https:// www.town.westborough. ma.us/cultural-council and https://massculturalcouncil. org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/.

Anyone with questions can contact Maureen Johnson at 508-366-6326 or maureenj1@ verizon.net or Holly Kenny at elsiekayeglassstudio@gmail. com.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

The bridge stretches between Shrewsbury and Worcester and is regularly lit up at night

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

Britney’s Cafe thrives as beloved breakfast, lunch destination in Northborough

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - Britney’s Cafe in Northborough has, for more than two decades, acted as a friendly, bustling hub of good eats and socialization for customers from far and wide.

After a year-and-a-half of pandemic life that tested and challenged all sorts of communities, the owners and staff at Britney’s are grateful to their customers and excited about their future.

“It’s amazing,” said Britney’s owner Judy Bartkiewicz in a recent interview.

Cafe seeks to offer cozy neighborhood environment in Northborough

Judy opened Britney’s with her husband, David, 22 years ago when they found themselves wishing for a local breakfast destination after dropping off their daughter, Britney, at St. Bernadette’s School in town.

Coupled with a trip to Seattle where Judy saw a cluster of homey cafes and coffee shops, the pair dove head first into opening a cafe bearing their daughter’s name.

Now, Britney’s offers a variety of menu options, including their famous pancakes and omelets, other common breakfast staples, and a variety of sandwiches and burgers for lunch.

Community welcomed cafe ‘with open arms’

The whole family pitched in as Britney’s Cafe got off the ground.

That included Britney’s

“Grampy” Gerald Porcaro, as well as Britney herself, who was just six when the cafe opened.

“He held our hand throughout the whole opening and all the way up until when he got sick, he was there right by our side,” Judy said of Porcaro, who has since passed away.

Judy’s sister Annette has also lent a hand, continually helping support the cafe over the years.

“We work together with an awesome crew to make the cafe special,” Judy said.

As the family worked, the community welcomed their new business with open arms.

“They supported us and cared about us,” she said. “It’s been that way forever since we started.”

Cafe gives back during pandemic

The atmosphere inside Britney’s Cafe is one full of friendly energy and joy, Judy noted.

There are loyal regulars, large groups and families stopping by for a meal. One family from Rhode Island goes out of their way on an annual trip to New Hampshire to visit the cafe.

That energy continued during COVID-19, when Britney’s cut prices by 20 percent in recognition of the economic hardship many were facing.

In turn, Judy said, the community continued its support.

“This was all we knew, so they helped walk us through the pandemic,” she said. “It was amazing. I could never imagine how to pay all these people back.”

‘We eat, sleep and dream the cafe’

Britney’s Cafe remains a neighborhood destination for a hearty breakfast and a sense of connection in Northborough. Eyeing a post-pandemic future, the family business is

continuing efforts to embrace and care for all customers who are able to stop by.

“We eat, sleep and dream the cafe,” Judy said. “But it’s worth it.”

Britney’s Cafe is located at 291 Main St. in Northborough.

Learn more at www.britneyscafe.net.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

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a Must have 2 years driving experience. CCA AND TTO POSITIONS

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Gino, the nephew to Britney’s Cafe owners Judy and David Bartkiewicz, enjoy one of the cafe’s giant pancakes.

Britney’s Cafe is named for Judy and David Bartkiewicz’s daughter, Britney.

To our over 42,000 patients in the Westborough area, we say “welcome home.”

You have spoken.

You want your Mass General Brigham primary care, nationally recognized leaders in behavioral health— and many services you come to Boston for— but you want them close to home. Health care centers are living proof of our commitment to base every decision we make on what’s best for our patients, including more than 42,000 of our patients who live in the Westborough area. The right care in the right place at the right cost. Welcome home.

Learn more at MassGeneralBrighamIntegratedCare.org.