Community Advocate October 15, 2021

Shrewsbury family hosts a haunt for a cause

Area runners lace up for Boston Marathon

news | 12

Algonquin boys soccer beats Tantasqua on Senior Night

region | 15

sports | 24

Locally owned and operated since 1974

Your community. Your news. Your paper.

Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton

Vol. 47 | No. 42 | October 15, 2021

Northborough Planning Board discusses role, future of Groundwater Advisory Committee

Shrewsbury paraprofessionals union expresses frustration with contract negotiations

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough Planning Board member Amy Poretsky recently expressed concern about advisory committees voting on specific projects, Oct. 5, after previously suggesting the town dissolve its Groundwater Advisory Committee, in particular.

“I do think advisory committees should not be voting because they’re only supposed to be providing recommendations or advice,” Poretsky said.

“It’s a legal liability if two boards are voting on the same thing.”

This conversation arose out of a discussion of future zoning bylaws for Town Meeting. Poretsky had suggested on a different date that the town should eliminate its groundwater subcommittee, citing her own research of 90 Massachusetts municipalities when she said only Sherborn had such a committee.

The way the memos are written and the way that votes are taken could cause an issue, Poretsky said.

Poretsky said she has an example illustrating why she’s brought this forward. She said, however, that said example would have to be discussed in executive session due to litigation.

Although she didn’t cite a specific case in public discussion, the Planning Board has recently faced appeals in state land court after denying permit applications by Steris Corp and the Gutierrez Company despite votes by the Groundwater Committee to recommend approval.

SHREWSBURY - Standing shoulderto-shoulder at a recent School Committee Meeting, members of the Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association expressed frustration with the negotiation progress for their new contract.

“We urge you to invest in paraprofessionals by negotiating a fair contract with significant wage increases for the good of our students, our families and our community,” said President of the Shrewsbury Paraprofessional Association (SPA) Noreen Christie during the Oct. 6 meeting.

Christie told the Community Advocate that the paraprofessionals’ contract expired Aug. 26. Paraprofessionals have since been working under their old contract.

Prior to the meeting, the School Committee issued a statement that said negotiations are headed toward mediation.

“The School Committee has had open, honest and transparent discussions with the SPA negotiating team based on accurate information and facts,” it said. “We value our relationship with this important team and are disappointed that we have not been able to reach a contract agreement during negotiation discussions.”

Groundwater | 11

buy

believe dvocate CommunityA

Doing our part to support local business.

An attendee holds a sign during a recent Shrewsbury School Committee meeting.

School Committee | 6

• Private Apartments • Homecooked Meals • New Friendships • Dedicated Staff • One Phone Call Away…

AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

99 Pleasant Street • Marlborough, MA 01752 • 508-281-8001

www.christopherheights.com

Southborough’s Heritage Day celebration returns for 47th year

events | 14 Apply Online LIMITE Today!

D

AVAILA BILITY

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

Wine your way • Curbside pick-up • Shipping within MA • Home delivery available • Visit us for the most amazing wine selection you’ve ever seen with over 3,000 wines to choose from.

In fact, you can taste dozens of select wines using our Angel Share Tasting Machine.

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon-Sat: 9 am - 9 pm Sun: 10 am - 7 pm

Download Our App

Shop In-store, Online, Delivery, or Pick-up!

140 Turnpike Rd., Westborough, Route 9 at Lyman St., 508-366-1942 | juliosliquors.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 3

Dear Shrewsbury Community Members,

THE

OVER TOP

The Paraprofessionals of Shrewsbury Public Schools are here daily to provide essential support to a broad spectrum of students. We are here because we care. We care by assisting students in their efforts as they meet IEP objectives and prepare for state assessments. We care by promoting student self-advocacy and wellbeing (while during the pandemic, risking ours). We champion for each student to reach their full academic and personal potential.

It is amongst our goals to work with the district to create opportunities for a better future; not solely for the students we support, but for ourselves as well. While we strive to model the district’s commitment to community service and leadership, it has been difficult at times to feel community belonging. We are disappointed that the wages proposed by the School Committee do not bring a sense of security to our basic financial needs. As full-time employees, with a current starting hourly rate of $14.95, most Paraprofessionals are compensated less than $22,000 per year. In comparison, the average annual living wage for Worcester County is $31,262. Increasing pay to a more livable wage would not only bring modest assurance to Paraprofessional employees, but also assist in attracting more competitive candidates to fill the district’s staffing needs.

Our hope is for the School Committee to meet our attempts at reaching a fair and equitable contract. We humbly request your support in our effort to bring the earnings of Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals to a living wage, so that we may effectively continue the work we love. Thank you for your care and attention to our matter.

letters to the editor

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge SHREWSBURY - Drone photography recently captured cars traveling between Worcester and Shrewsbury on the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge. Shrewsbury joined its larger neighbor to the west, last week, in enacting a revamped indoor mask mandate. See full coverage on page 10.

letters to the editor

Fall is Here!

All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters can be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor for suitability. Letters that are deemed slanderous, libelous or attacking a person or organization will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor are not necessarily the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

obituaries ................20 police log ...................20 classifieds ..............21

David Bagdon

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022 ADVERTISING DEPT: Diane Sabatini | 508.523.6462

Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | ext. 17

Barbara Clifford | 508-769-6259 CLASSIFIED MANAGER: Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | ext. 17

crossword ...............21 sports..................23 homes & more ...........26

Ryan Maloney, owner

Scan QR code to visit us on your mobile device.

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

Periodicals postage is paid at Westborough, MA 01581 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

32 South Street • Westborough, MA 01581 MANAGING EDITOR: Dakota Antelman SENIOR REPORTER: Laura Hayes EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Debra Roberts

(508) 366-5500 • FAX (508) 366-2812

www.communityadvocate.com TWITTER: @CommunityAdNews

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tina Berthiaume GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Lynne Fountain

Ellen Bishop OFFICE MANAGER: BILLING INQUIRIES:

Sincerely, Ryan Capuzziello on behalf of the Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association Worcester

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

news ........................4 business ..................17 schools ......................18

PUBLISHER/EDITOR:

Tracy Nickerson Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19

FACEBOOK.COM/CommunityAdvocateNewspaper EMAIL FOR SUBMITTING CAMERA-READY ADS: ads@communityadvocate.com EMAIL FOR NEWS-RELATED MATERIALS: news@communityadvocate.com EMAIL FOR CLASSIFIED ADS: classified@communityadvocate.com EMAIL FOR CALENDAR ITEMS: calendar@communityadvocate.com

T

Time to enjoy …

A New Zealand Favorite

he cool maritime climate of New Zealand has proven to be ideal for raising quality Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Marlborough, on the South Island, is the country’s largest wine region and is well-known for its production and exportation of Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Even when vineyards and wineries are within walking distance of one another other, wines from different vintners all have unique characteristic herbaceous aromas, palate-cleansing acidity, and delicious overtones of kiwi, passion fruit, and/or grapefruit. Wines are generally unoaked and aged in stainless steel tanks. In recent years, winemakers have been appealing to different palates by aging wines in oak barrels or blending with Semillon grapes to create softer more complex versions of these white wines.

JULIO’S LIQUORS has an extensive selection of wines from all over the globe!

We cater to all levels of experience and take pleasure in encouraging all Julio’s customers to learn more about wine and feel excited about their purchases. With a wide variety of fine wines, spirits, beer, and tobacco, we have many unique items that set us apart from the average liquor store. For more information, please call 508-366-1942 or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East.

HINT: Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc wines are meant to be consumed within a few years of bottling, whereas oaked versions can be cellared.

YUM!

DON’T MISS OUR AD ON PAGE 2

140 Turnpike Road, Rt. 9E, Westborough 508-366-1942 • www.JuliosLiquors.com

HOURS: MON-SAT 9am-9pm • SUN 10am-7pm

4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough Fire Department proposes town meeting warrant articles

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

Contract would fund removal of outdated fire alarm cables The first article relates to fire alarm infrastructure, which Fire Chief Patrick Purcell said currently operates through radio boxes that transmit radio waves. A receiver at the Fire Station then decodes those radio waves.

Prior to 2006, however, the fire alarm infrastructure was based on what Purcell called dirty copper wiring. That wiring has not been fully removed

Accepting new patients!

A Multi-Specialty Family Dental Practice Dr. Mehdi Karimipour, Cosmetic Dentist/Prosthodontist Dr. Katerina Kostagianni, Cosmetic Dentist/Prosthodontist Dr. Jenn Wei, Endodontist

Fire department seeks to update computer software The other warrant article would pay for an upgrade to fire department computer software.

Deputy Chief Jason Ferschke said that, since 2016, the Fire Department has been using a program called IMC as part of a joint dispatch with the Westborough Police Department.

Town meeting to take place next month This year’s special town meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Westborough High School Auditorium.

The Select Board voted to close the Town Meeting warrant on Sept. 28. Both articles directly impacting the fire department were included on the final warrant.

Voters will decide on a pair of town meeting warrant articles impacting the Fire Department at town meeting on Oct. 18.

a l l o c a t e a p p rox i m a t e l y $30,000 to hire an aerial crew from FiberTech Services, Inc. to remove the old cables and dispose of them in a dumpster.

Purcell said the fire department was still trying to get additional quotes assessing how much the project would cost

We are providers for most insurances.

Same-day crowns 3D-imaging Implants

508-842-8838

State of-the-art Treatments

307 GRAFTON STREET • SUITE 203 •new SHREWSBURY Accepting patients, same day WWW.SHREWSBURYDENTIST.COM appointments can be arranged.

Call today!

Open M-F 8am-4:30pm

Now in Westborough!

Leaders in Foot and Ankle Treatment State of-the-art Treatments Ultrasound, X-ray, Shock wave, Gait analysis Accepting new patients, same day appointments can be arranged. Open M-F 8am-4:30pm

Call for availability (508) 757-4003 www.centralmasspodiatry.com 24 Lyman Street, Ste. 180, Westborough Office: 508-757-4003; Fax: 508-755-7592

as of Sept. 14.

It should not be significantly more than $19,000, though, he said.

“The reason we are asking for $30,000 is we’re required to provide a dumpster and disposal, and also police details,” Purcell continued.

Select Board member Shelby Marshall noted that the Town of Westborough had been asked by the National Grid to take down the wiring as it is interfering with replacement of poles.

Despite their efforts, Ferschke said that the software has not worked well for the Fire Department.

“It is really designed for law enforcement,” he said. “It is not designed for the fire service.”

Ferschke said that the Fire Department wants to adopt a new piece of software, First Due, that is designed for use by fire services. The new software, he said, would help the fire department with pre-planning, fire prevention, emergency response and a number of other areas.

The system is cloud-based and not server-based, Ferschke added, which will make it more difficult to hack into.

“This is pretty much considered the gold standard,” Ferschke said. “This is a comprehensive program and it’s one that is appealing.”

Ferschke said the upgraded software for the fire department would have no impact on the use of IMC for Westborough Police.

An explanation attached to this town meeting article estimated that maintenance of this software would cost roughly $29,000 per year.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH - Two town meeting warrant articles will ask voters to approve projects addressing fire alarm infrastructure and fire department computer software, department officials explained in a presentation to the Westborough Select Board on Sept. 14.

from Westborough’s poles.

“We have been piecemealing since I have become the chief because we have double poles in town,” Purcell said.

“We have some where they have cut the pole up high and left it. That is pretty much our fault.”

Purcell said that the fire department had started to take the wire down themselves, purchasing a bucket truck for that purpose. However, he said that the Fire Department is not really suited to this task.

“We have no business in that space,” Purcell said.

“We’re asking for problems, nor are we certified by OSHA to be working in a bucket truck.”

Purcell said that there is an estimated 94,000 feet of cable still left out on poles in town. The fire department has taken down between 10 and 15 percent of the cable that was initially on poles.

The warrant article would

Scan code for virtual tour of our new office.

299 Lincoln Street Ste. 202, Worcester Office: 508-757-4003; Fax: 508-755-7592

Assabet Valley Mastersingers will perform at St. John’s Oct. 30 SHREWSBURY - The Assabet Valley Mastersingers will kick off their 2021-2022 concert series at St. John’s High School on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.

The Mastersingers will present “Songs of Unity,” which include performances of “Unity in Diversity” by Cynthia Wong, “LUX: The Dawn from On High” by Dan Forrest and “We Exist” by Oliver Caplan.

“Unity in Diversity” was commissioned by AVM from Wong, who is a Northborough native, in honor of its 40th anniversary.

Tickets cost $25, or $20 for seniors and students. They can be purchased online at https://www.avmsingers.org/ or at the venue on the day of the concert.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Contractor proposes support yard on Northborough’s Bartlett Street because we’re going to be here a long time,” Gates said.

new techniques in welding and digging.

NORTHBOROUGH - A utility contractor that installs natural gas lines wants to open a support yard at 200 Bartlett St. in Northborough.

The company, R.J. Devereaux, appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 28.

Devereaux installs natural gas lines for National Grid and Eversource.

“This facility will basically be a support yard for all the crews,” said project manager Rick Gates.

He estimated that they had 24 crews in the area. All the equipment they use needs to be maintained periodically, which would be taken care of on this site.

‘They don’t do heavy maintenance’ Devereaux plans to use all of the existing buildings on the site. The company will upgrade two of the buildings to use as their administrative and maintenance buildings. A small storage building on the site will be demolished.

R.J. Devereaux would only maintain their own fleet, which Project Architect Dario DiMare estimated at 27 vehicles. “ They don’t do heavy maintenance,” DiMare noted.

“They’re not changing transmissions or engines.”

He estimated that, at any point, there may be around a half dozen people total on site.

“If these guys are on site, it means they aren’t working, and if they’re not working, the Devereauxes aren’t making money,” DiMare said.

The administrative building would be used for training, such as showing Devereaux workers

Board member seeks more information on chemicals Board members asked questions about drainage and the chemicals.

Board member Suzanne Ciselica asked who would check up on chemical usage once business starts, if the list of chemicals is approved. The town’s inspector of buildings and zoning enforcement office would do that work, town staff said.

All of Devereaux’s chemicals would be stored in the maintenance building.

Board member Brad Blanchette said he wanted to see a list of such chemicals.

“I want to know exactly what’s going on, and I want our town engineer to know what’s happening, what’s going on on that property before we make a decision,” Blanchette said.

The board continued the hearing until its Oct. 26 meeting.

Company seeks variance to open site in Groundwater district R.J. Devereaux sought a variance. Attorney Paula Devereaux said it’s for automotive repair,

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

Lamy’s Automotive sits on Bartlett Street in Northborough.

which is a prohibited use in the groundwater district.

The site is in both the Groundwater 1 and 3 Districts.

“This is a property that has been vacant for many years,” Devereaux said. “We believe that the work that we’re going to be doing at the property will actually be much better for Groundwater District because, currently, right now, there’s not a whole lot that gets treated on

the property.”

Lamy Automotive is on the site and would continue to operate with Devereaux as a neighbor.

Devereaux said the company has a purchase and sale agreement with the landowners, which is conditioned on receiving the needed approvals the company needs to operate its business on site.

“We’re going to do this right

COMPASSIONATE CARE for more than a half-century Peace of mind… is

our policy.

HOMEOWNER • AUTOMOBILE • BUSINESS

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE INSURANCE QUOTE!

Getting the best insurance rates in Massachusetts is No Accident

New! View our 360o Virtual Tour on our website!

We Specialize in Personal Insurance including Coastal Locations and Prestige Programs for High Value Homes.

At Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we

understand the importance of family because we’ve proudly been family-owned for 52 years. Your values are our values, and our welcoming, intimate setting feels like home. From exceptional short-term rehabilitation to compassionate long-term care to secure reminiscence care to renowned outpatient therapy, our entire team is focused on providing each resident with the highest level of individualized attention. Because here, the most important people in your family will always be the most important people in ours.

For more information or to arrange a visit, please visit ShrewsburyNursing.com or call us at 508-845-6786.

Northeast INsuraNce ageNcy

ShrewsburyNursing.com 40 Julio Drive Shrewsbury Massachusetts 01545-3054

Colonial Plaza 45 East Main Street

WESTBOROUGH

508-898-2902

Heritage Mall 567 Southbridge Street

AUBURN

508-832-0404

WWW.NEINSURE.COM

6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury paraprofessionals union expresses frustration with contract negotiations Attendees filled the Shrewsbury School Committee meeting held on Oct. 6.

School Committee | from page 1

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

are extremely low,” Christie said. “As wages rise at jobs all around us, there will never be a more opportune time to bridge the gap to a living wage.”

School Committee ‘optimistic’ about mediation process The current contract calls for a two percent increase in addition to regularly scheduled step increases every year for paraprofessionals, excluding Applied Behavioral Analysis Technicians and Media Aides.

“Our goal entering negotia-

“I have lost over 30 pounds and 9.5% body fat.”

Our unique combination is scientifically proven to work.

Our Purpose: To Empower Women Through Body Transformation

The Southborough Senior Center is located at 9 Cordaville Rd.

Offering Personalized Service for Over 40 Years Suzanne Barnes, Age 53 Hopkinton client Information Technology

After

$100.00 Off The Purchase Of Any Package!

New Clients Only.

Offer Expires 10/29/21

For Career and Franchise Opportunities, visit

Westborough (508) 329-1406

SOUTHBOROUGH - The Town of Southborough will be hosting four clinics in which eligible residents can get COVID-19 Pfizer booster vaccinations over the next few weeks.

The four clinics will be hosted at the Southborough Senior Center on Oct. 15, 22 and 25 and on Nov. 5. Each clinic will run from 12 to 2:30 p.m.

The booster is currently available to people over the age of 65 who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer shot and who received their second dose of the vaccine over six months ago.

To register for the clinic, visit https://tinyurl.com/3rts5t2p.

Anyone who needs assistance can call the Board of Health at 508-281-8983.

Your Hometown Grocer

Free Week Trial!

CALL NOW FOR A FREE WEEK TRIAL

Southborough Senior Center to host COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics

Before

Fall Special

® Small Group Personal Training

tions was to put money into the pockets of all SPA members,” the School Committee said.

The committee said that, in their most recent proposal, year one and three costs of living increases were greater than that two percent mark. Between cost of living and step increases in year two, the district said its proposal saw between a four and a 10 percent wage increase.

The committee said it “actively assesses” the labor market to see what other districts are paying for similar positions.

After it reached an impasse in negotiations with the Paraprofessionals Association, the committee said they were “optimistic” mediation would help them reach an agreement on a contract as soon as possible.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Paraprofessionals call for higher pay Christie read a petition to the School Committee on Oct. 6 signed by 226 paraprofessionals, some of whom she said left to work for other districts.

Christie said she lived in Shrewsbury for 41 years before moving to Worcester because she couldn’t afford to live in town.

“We love our jobs, our colleagues, our families, and we are essential to the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of the students in the district,” Christie said.

She continued, “We want to stay here in Shrewsbury, but not at wages that are [a] detriment to our families.”

Shrewsbury voters approved a Proposition 2 1/2 budget override in May. Christie said the district is receiving increased federal and state funding.

“The School Committee’s bargaining team has not taken this opportunity to right a longstanding wrong — the wages of Shrewsbury paraprofessionals

www.getinshapeforwomen.com

Now taking orders for Native Turkeys from Bob’s Turkey Farm in Lancaster OUR HOLIDAY SPECIALTIES: • Prime Rib • Boneless Prime Rib • Leg of Lamb • Budaball Hams • Boars Head Sweet Slice Ham • Prepared, Stuffed Pork Roasts • Duck, Pheasant, Goose

NORTHBOROUGH SHOPPING PLAZA

Featuring…

Hood Milk 1%

255 West Main Street • Northborough • 508-393-6594

$

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9am - 7pm • Sunday: 7am - 2 pm

479

gallon

I Can Take the Confusion Out of Medicare!

Turning 65? Retiring? Unhappy with your existing coverage?

I can answer your questions, review your options and help you find — and enroll — in a Medicare insurance plan that best meets your needs.

• When can I enroll?

• What’s the difference between Medicare Part A, B, C, & D? • Am I eligible for vision, dental, hearing and other benefits?

custom kitchens • flooring • baths & more!

• • • •

Family Owned and Operated Celebrating 50 Years of Service Residential and Commercial Discounts on all Stock Materials

SCAN QR CODE TO SEE ALL WE OFFER! Visit our showroom at 417 Bolton Rd, Lancaster • 978-365-5426 www.creightonflooring.com • email: creightonfloor@comcast.net

Call today to schedule a

NO-COST, NO-OBLIGATION Medicare Benefits Review

508-366-9298

Beth Evans

Medicare Benefits Specialist*

Your Local, Licensed Medicare Benefits Specialist

beth@abacus-ins.com • www.abacus-ins.com

*Not affiliated with Medicare

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Planning Board supports warrant article amending alcohol bylaws

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Planning Board voted 5-0 at a meeting on Oct. 5 to support a warrant article for the upcoming Oct. 18 town meeting that would amend town bylaws regarding alcoholic beverages.

The warrant article would create exceptions to the town’s bylaws prohibiting consumption of alcohol in town buildings and property as well as in public ways and public parks. It would then give the Select Board the ability to authorize permits allowing for alcohol consumption in these contexts.

Members of the Planning Board described the article as particularly important because it encourages outdoor dining by allowing restaurants to obtain permits to serve alcohol outside.

“I think it’s important to support this because I think

“

So, anything like this that can help these businesses stay afloat, I think it’s important.

Peter Bouchard Planning Board member

the margins on owning a restaurant are very minimal and, during COVID, it’s been difficult for these kinds of businesses,” said Planning Board member Peter Bouchard. “So, anything like this that can help these businesses stay afloat, I think it’s important.”

Town Planner Jim Robbins added that the article supports the goals of the recently approved town master plan, which encourages outdoor dining as well as storefront displays and sales of products.

MRCC announces tri-chamber event to honor, celebrate veterans REGION - The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, together with the Worcester Regional and MetroWest Chambers of Commerce, recently announced a joint event to honor and celebrate veterans.

Entitled “21 Gun Tri-Salute” to our Troops, the event will take place on Nov. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. Andrew Biggio, a United States Marine Veteran and the author of “The

Westborough Office Space

on off-premise digital billboards, be referred back to the Planning Board from the town meeting for further study.

The board voted to do so after Planning Board Chairman Mark Silverberg read a letter written by attorney Joseph R. Jenkins, representing Clear Channel Outdoor, a media advertising company.

JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH

New Hours 8-2 291 Main St. Northborough

508-393-4433 24 Lyman Street

OFFICE SPACE 2462 Usable Sq. Ft.

Rifle,” will deliver a keynote address.

“We are proud to continue our annual Tri-Chamber efforts to honor the men and women who have served our military throughout America’s history,” President and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber, Robert Schlacter said in a press release.

For more information, visit https://marlboroughchamber. org/event/tri-chamber-veterans-event/.

“Alcohol served outside the premises also requires approval from the Board of Selectmen, so this warrant article gives the Board of Selectmen that authority,” Robbins said. “Currently, they do not have that authority.”

The Planning Board also recommended that Article 20, part of which allows for and imposes requirements

Conference room, kitchen, 5 offices, reception area, storage

CONVENIENT TO ROUTES 9, 495 AND THE MASS PIKE Office tenants may select from a variety of floor plans and rental options in and adjacent to the Westborough Shopping Center.

Consignment Gallery at

56

MEDICAL OFFICE 6,000 +/- Sq. Ft. - Will subdivide

Fully Built Out

FITNESS/ HEALTH SPACE 2870 Usable Sq. Ft.

33 Lyman Street - Single Offices Available.

For leasing information call Dona Colangelo, RPA

Progressive Realty Consultants 508.366.4163 • westboroughshoppingcenter.com

When your pain is great or your pathway is darkened, instead of asking the Lord

“Why are you putting me through this?”

Consider asking Him

“What are you showing me through this?” ~ God’s Wisdom for Today, May 8

Located in a renovated mill space offering quality home furnishings on consignment.

Bring this ad in for 10% off any single purchase.

978-365-6456

www.gallery56.com Open Daily 10 am -5 pm 56 Sterling Street • Clinton, MA

NEED PAINTING & WOOD STAINING? Do it right the first time!

E.W. GEmmE & SonS Co. InC. “Gemme Painting since 1907”

BOOK NOW for INTERIOR PAINTING and WOOD STAINING 508-839-4775

Visit Our Website: www.ewgemmeandsons.com

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

MA HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LIC 125150 FULLY INSURED

8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough family thanks community after support following fire

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - After a groundswell of support from the community following a deadly fire last month, one woman directly impacted by that fire wants to share her thanks.

“My heart is exploded with everybody’s donations and

www.yoongtongthainorthborough.com

508.393.7714

outlets.

As Lisa described it, she wasn’t thinking. She was just acting.

“It’s like my body just did the stuff,” she said. “It knew what to do, and it did it. I think I haven’t come out of that mode yet. I’ve cried here and there, but I don’t think it’s really hit me, knowing that it was that serious that, if Michael didn’t wake up, none of us would be there.”

A car had driven by. The driver laid on their horn. Lisa said that, if they hadn’t already been awake, the horn would’ve woken them up.

the fire after being with her sister. Lights were out in her home by 10:30 p.m.

Hours later, though, she heard her partner, Michael, say, “What’s that smell? Did you put your cigarette out?”

Lisa ran into the kitchen.

There weren’t any cigarettes in the ashtray and she hadn’t smoked for hours.

She walked past their front door to the hall, she said, and smelled something.

“When I came back from the kitchen, I opened our front door and it was nothing but smoke and a smell you’ve never smelled before,” Lisa said.

In a loud voice, she said, “This isn’t just smoke. This is fire.”

Michael got her son out of the house. She banged on the door of her neighbor Kevin Hunt. Lisa tried his back door, which was unlocked.

“I turned the doorknob, and the door opened and it was just full of smoke,” Lisa said.

Other neighbors later credited Lisa for waking them up in comments to the Community Advocate and other media

Fire victim remembered, mourned Firefighters responded and authorities later said that Hunt died in the fire. A father of two, he was remembered as “a gentle, thoughtful, and loving man who was kind to everyone he met” in his obituary.

Hunt, 40, was a hockey star in his youth and remained an active hockey and golf player into adulthood.

He worked in medical sales and was an “avid Boston sports fan.”

“Kevin’s true passion was his incredible love and devotion to his two children,” his obituary read. “They were the love of his life and he was theirs. He was a truly devoted and loving father to his children.”

Woman displaced by fire reflects on Northborough Lisa, who grew up in Northborough, wore a pink scarf bearing the town’s name as she met with the Community Advocate late last month.

Yoong Tong

“Who i wants Th?a” tonight JUST SCAN QR CODE! or visit

Leelan and Lisa pose with Leelan’s cat, Rosie.

A firefighter retrieved Leelan’s cat following the fire that tore through their building at 129 Maple St. in Northborough last month.

‘What can we do,’ ‘If there’s anything I can do, call me’ — their help,” said Lisa Renaud.

FUSION FUSION

10% Off Your Order

THAI

RESTAURANT RESTAURANT & & SUSHI SUSHI BAR BAR

(With this ad)

Catering/Take-Out/Delivery

Follow us on Social Media @YoongTongThai

CA-10

278 Main St./Rt.20 Northborough

GRAY’S CARPET CENTER, INC. “Serving You Since 1943”

SUPERIOR CARPET CLEANING AND FLOORING

Compare our service and bottom line to the ‘big box home centers’… you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

60 Main Street, Northboro (508) 393-2659 A full-service law firm including individual client services

PHOTO/COURTESY OF LISA RENAUD

Growing up in Northborough was comfortable, she said.

“It’s homey and friendly,” she said. “If you say ‘hello’ to your neighbors, they say it back.”

She’s not scared to walk down the street, she said.

After moving out of town, she later came back, moving into an apartment on Maple Street after a divorce. She had lived there for the past five years prior to the fire that ripped through that home on Sept. 10. “[I] don’t want to leave again,” Lisa said. “I love the town. My son loves the school system.”

The Northborough Public Schools have helped out, Lisa said.

Peaslee Elementary School gave the family gift certificates and Lisa said her son’s teachers at Melican Middle School have been a source of support.

“I can’t thank everybody in this area enough,” she said.

‘A smell you’ve never smelled before’ Lisa had got home to her apartment at 129 Maple St. around 10 p.m. the night before

Firefighter saves cat A couple of hours after she escaped from the home, Lisa called her daughter, Alicia, saying her house was on fire.

“I said, ‘There’s really nothing you can do. You don’t need to come here because what are you going to do?’” Lisa recalled.

We Keep You Comfortable All Year • Heating System Upgrades • Automatic Oil Delivery • 24 Hr. Emergency Service

PERSONAL INJURY Edward C. Bassett, Jr.

• Diesel Fuel

800.922.8337

• Convenient Payment Plans

BUSINESS CREDITOR’S RIGHTS, BANKRUPTCY AND REORGANIZATION ELDER LAW FAMILY LAW AND DIVORCE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LABOR, EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW LITIGATION PERSONAL INJURY PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL LAW TRUSTS AND ESTATES

WORCESTER | WESTBOROUGH | BOSTON

www.mirickoconnell.com

Fire | 9

Family owned & operated for over 60 years

Northboro Oil Company, Inc. A full service fuel oil company 508-393-6200 | 247 West Main Street, Northborough | www.northborooil.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cuban posters on display in Westborough library

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Stephen Lewis was walking around Havana one day when he walked past a house whose doors to the foyer were open.

Lewis saw two posters — one featured Che Guevara and the other Fidel Castro.

He was looking at them when a woman came out and saw him. She pointed to them, and Lewis gave a thumbs up that he was looking at the posters.

The woman carefully removed the posters and handed them to Lewis.

“Keeping in mind that this was early in the revolution, and…Che and Fidel were gods to them, this was a big thing for her to give up…these two posters,” Lewis said. “But she gave them to me and I thought

that was really nice of her.”

Lewis still has those posters. Now, though, they’re part of his larger collection of Cuban posters.

The posters from Lewis’ collection are on display in a special exhibit at the Westborough Public Library that started on Oct. 4 and will remain open through Saturday, Oct. 30.

Lewis, who is a retired union leader, said he began collecting the posters by accident.

He was attending an international union conference in Moscow in 1990. People came to the conference from all over the world, bringing posters from their unions, organizations or countries.

“The posters really attracted me,” Lewis said.

He returned home with a number of posters and stored them in his attic.

Northborough family thanks community after support following fire Fire | from page 9

Alicia soon posted a call to action on a Facebook page for Northborough moms, though.

The group members ran with it.

Word spread quickly.

Donations were already being dropped off when Lisa talked to Alicia again at around 9:30 a.m.

“I’ve been overwhelmed because it’s still coming in,” Lisa later said.

Lisa thanked her daughters Alicia and Valerie, community members and members of both the Northborough Police Department and Northborough Fire Department. She particularly thanked a firefighter who

saved her son Leelan’s cat.

Michael had saved Lisa’s cat but couldn’t find Leelan’s cat, Rosie.

“Leelan was beside himself,” Lisa said.

Hours went by. But, then, Michael gasped. That firefighter was carrying Rosie, alive. She had been hiding in a set of bunk beds.

Ways to help out Lisa said any donations can be sent through Alicia’s Venmo @Alicia-Renaud.

Any gift cards can be sent to the Embassy Suites at 123 Boston Post Rd. West in Marlborough.

Tom & Sean’s Excellent Adventure

$

Some of the posters are on display near the computers in the Westborough Public Library.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Lewis then kept collecting posters.

Lewis said a lot of their posters depict the struggles going on in their countries.

Their messages are in multiple languages, “so it would be more open to people in other countries that didn’t necessarily speak English or Spanish,” Lewis said.

He realized, though, that no one was seeing the posters while they were in his attic.

So, Lewis identified libraries that might exhibit the posters. He framed them, gathered materials, and made schedules for those libraries.

“The posters are either posters that were created in Cuba by various organizations or they were posters from other countries about Cuba,” Lewis said.

Some of them feature figures like Guevara — one of which has the slogan “Chénge

VISIT OUR HUGE PICK & PULL YARD!

SMITH

PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR JUNK CARS

978-368-8788 smithautorecycling.com 686 High Street • Clinton, MA

and while you are there…

20 Nixon Road, Framingham

508-877-3058

Studio Hours By Appointment Only Sheila@nufacekitchens.com

BOARDING FOR BIRDS & SMALL CAGED ANIMALS

An Exciting Family Adventure!

HANSON’S FARM

298 Boston Tpke., Suite #5, Shrewsbury 508.842.6677 | nufacekitchens.com

• Tropical Fish • Birds • Reptiles • Small Animals

with this ad

Open Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 9-5:30

CATION

UDIO LO

NEW ST

FREE PICKUP

Per Person

Book Your Birthday Party & Group Tours at Hanson’s Farm

NEW CABINETS, COUNTERS, CABINET PAINTING, REFACING...

AUTO RECYCLING

1 Off*

U-PICK Pumpkin Patches APPLE CIDER DONUTS –Weekends Only PICNIC in our tent or just...

RELAX and enjoy our beautiful farm!

SHOP for your fall decorations PICK UP apples, corn, peaches, cider and more in our farmstand

the World” above a picture of Guevara.

Lewis estimates that he has about 9,200 posters in his overall collection. He said there are about 125 in this specific collection.

Lewis’ posters have been displayed all over the state, including recently at the Boyden Library in Foxborough.

They’ve previously been showcased in Westborough.

One of the posters now on display in the Westborough exhibit comments specifically on current events.

“Time to end the blockade, Joe,” it says in reference to President Joe Biden and ongoing sanctions against Cuba.

Lewis’ current exhibit continues at the Westborough Public Library, located at 55 West Main St. in town. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Remodeling, Garages & Additions www.yourwaycm.com yourwayconstructionmanagement@yahoo.com Marlborough, MA Follow us on HIC#200337

GROOMING IS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL ANIMALS & BIRDS CALL FOR DETAILS

MAYO’S PETS & MORE WWW.MAYOSPETS.COM 508-393-7077 175 W. MAIN ST. (RT.20), NORTHBORO

Mon-Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5

10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Police to seek Town Meeting support for new Administrative Lieutenant position

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Police Department is asking voters to approve an article at this month’s Town Meeting to create a new Administrative Lieutenant position for the town.

Discussing the effort at a Sept. 14 Select Board meeting, Police Chief Jeffery Lourie detailed the long list of tasks that would be assigned to this individual.

“Basically, it is going to be an extremely busy position,” Lourie said.

Lieutenant would work on variety of tasks The Administrative Lieutenant would serve as Westborough’s public records officer, while also completing administrative tasks associated with the town’s new body worn camera program and the firearms licensing process.

They would handle solicitor permits, processing of court discovery motions and holding

Office Westborough Includes:

Office Equipment, Kitchenette, Daily Sanitation, Security System.

Conference Room Rental

99.95

$

Per Day!

Hourly rates also available

Zachary Kelley Kelley Commercial 33 Lyman St., Ste.205 Westborough 774.275.4294 • MyOfficeMA.com

cell inspections in addition to a host of new duties associated with the state’s newly created Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed Massachusetts’ police reform bill into law late last year, in part creating the POST commission.

The commission will operate a number of accountability measures, holding independent authority to discipline officers in Massachusetts. The commission will conduct its own investigations of alleged misconduct while maintaining databases of various police records.

The POST commission and the larger reform bill that created it will likely translate to an increase in administrative tasks for local departments like Westborough’s, Lourie said.

That, in turn, underscores the need for a new Administrative Lieutenant, Lourie

continued.

“I’m hoping that the community supports us on this endeavor,” he said.

The new position would aim to have an individual start work on Nov. 1, representing a new cost of $79,726 through the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2022.

The position would then cost $120,909 for (FY) 2023.

Police consider electric vehicle purchase If the Administrative Lieutenant position is approved at town meeting, the Westborough Police would also purchase a new vehicle.

Lourie recommended the Mustang Mach-E, a fully electric compact SUV. Lourie said the total cost for the vehicle, electrical work and its vehicle charger would be $70,881.20.

Lourie said the alternative, a hybrid Ford Explorer XLT,

would, among other things, cost less initially. The XLT, however, would have more longterm costs due to increased expenses for mileage and maintenance.

“We think it’s going to be cost effective in the long run to go with an electric vehicle for administrators and detectives,” Lourie said.

An added benefit, he noted, is the decreased climate impact from an electric vehicle like the Mach-E. State benchmarks have called for an eventual shift away from gas powered vehicles.

Locally, a number of groups like Sustainable Westborough, the town’s Climate Action Plan Task Force and the Westborough Rotary Club have all worked to promote electric vehicles, holding an electric vehicle information session in August.

“We would like to be an example in town,” Lourie said of the opportunity to “go green” with a new vehicle purchase.

“These vehicles can do the job.”

Proposal comes as police face staffing shortages Lourie’s presentation on the Administrative Lieutenant position came during a larger presentation with Deputy Chief Todd Minardi on staffing shortages within the Westborough Police Department.

Separate from their Town Meeting plans, the department has prepared a proposal to use American Rescue Plan Act funding to fund the hiring of three new patrol officers in an effort to get closer to a 2019 recommendation calling for 15 new patrol officers by 2024.

The department has, so far, added five new positions since that recommendation.

Shrewsbury enacts indoor mask mandate

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Face coverings will be once again required indoors in Shrewsbury following a vote by the Shrewsbury Board of Health during a special meeting on Oct. 5.

Specifically, the order requires face coverings in all indoor private common spaces in the workplace and in indoor private spaces open to the public in town.

This includes restaurants, bars, houses of worship and fitness establishments, except when a person is alone in a workplace, alone with a closed door or socially distanced from other people.

This order went into effect on Oct. 12, alongside an order requiring employers to report positive COVID-19 cases in the workplace. There’s also a mandate requiring facial coverings in all schools.

Regional memo prompts mandate Board Chair Stephen Vigeant said the Oct. 5 special meeting was called after the Worcester Division of Public Health sent a memo to all of the communities in the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA), advising them to adopt emergency orders.

In addition to Worcester and Shrewsbury, the alliance includes Grafton, Millbury and

West Boylston.

The Shrewsbury Board of Health had already strongly encouraged people to wear masks in indoor spaces. Worcester Medical Director Michael Hirsh said, though, that they wanted to see masking as a policy instead of just being a recommendation.

Experts detail reasoning for mandate Hirsh said that some people may be wondering why Shrewsbury is masking up while COVID-19 infection numbers are going down.

Hirsh and Worcester Commissioner of Health and Human Services Matilde Castiel recalled the end of emergency orders and

subsequent reopening earlier this year.

“We underestimated what [the] Delta [variant] was going to do over the summer,” Hirsh said.

Looking at numbers from India and the United Kingdom, where the Delta variant has hit hard, experts say Delta-driven infection spikes have a propensity to fizzle out after three to four months. But Hirsh said they still don’t know if any of the many other COVID-19 variants currently circulating around the world will take over.

“We are in a situation where there’s going to be a lot of family gatherings, whether it’s over the Columbus Day holiday, the mask mandate | 15

Accidents Happen And Our Team is Ready to Help!

Fabulous Fall Fun! Jewelry & Craft Classes

• Sat 11am November

Wed & Thur 6-8pm Thur Thur Sat Wed Thur Sat

11/4 11/11 11/13 11/17 11/18 11/27

Versatility Necklace Create Your Own Disney Ears Resin Art (w/ Kim Coale) Coastal Window Gobble, Jingle, Pop! SHOP SMALL Day!!

Please call 978-562-7756 www.serendipityinhudson.com 63 Main Street, Hudson

Prompt Pickup (Towing Available) Professional Staff Work Directly With Insurance Certified Technicians Rental Service Send Us Your EST : Precisionautobody@live.com

Call 508.481.5979 492 South Street (off Rt. 85), Marlboro fax 508-481-9164 C O M P L E T E C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R | P r e c i s i o n A u t o S p e c i a l t i e s . c o m

Over

40

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough Planning Board discusses role, future of Groundwater Advisory Committee Groundwater | from page 1

Outside of the groundwater committee, other advisory committees in question under Poretsky’s suggestion include the Design Review Committee, which Planning Board member Michelle Gillespie used to chair.

“They were always advisory,” Gillespie said. “They always knew. I don’t understand the comments you’re making. I think they’re false.”

Planning Board Chair Kerri Martinek recalled an application where the Design Review Committee recommended using stone and the Planning Board later recommended mulch.

“There was confusion by the applicant that it was already approved by Design Review,” she said.

Town Planner Kathy Joubert said it is made “very clear” that the advisory boards are advisory. The committees have to vote to advance any individual project, she said.

She estimated that half of

her time is spent meeting with applicants, explaining the process of meeting with advisory boards.

“It’s every day, folks,” Joubert said. “I just think this is a big discussion about nothing.”

Discussion follows suggestion to dissolve groundwater committee Poretsky, who used to serve on the groundwater committee, originally suggested dissolving the committee during an Aug. 17 Planning Board meeting.

As it currently operates, the committee gets a memo from Town Engineer Fred Litchfield regarding a given project. Litchfield checks off what’s been covered in terms of the town’s groundwater bylaw.

The committee, she said, then tells the applicant whether or not they meet requirements as reported in the memo. In some cases, Poretsky said the committee voted not to read operation and maintenance manuals or stormwater reports.

The groundwater committee isn’t doing deeper research other than looking at Litchfield’s memo, however, Poretsky said.

“I don’t think it’s anything that the Planning Board or the [Zoning Board of Appeals] as a special permit granting authority couldn’t do,” Poretsky said.

At that time, Planning Board member Millie Milton expressed concern about putting

ASSABET

D E N TA L G R O U P

the task of reading such reports and surveys onto another committee.

It’s not being done at all, responded board member Anthony Ziton.

Gillespie suggested expressing these concerns to the committee.

Speaking on Oct. 5, Poretsky said that if the Planning Board wanted to keep the commit-

tee, the board could list what it hopes to get in terms of recommendations.

“After thinking about it, I do think the groundwater committee adds a lot by reviewing the applications before they come to the boards,” she said.

While it may not be a bylaw change, Poretsky said that the board could send a memo to the committee.

The Dentist MetroWest Residents Trust

Featured Employee: Kathy, our Office Manager, has worked at Assabet Dental for over 30 years. Her expertise in the dental field and her compassionate personality creates a connection with our patients, providing a positive and pleasant visit!

Our Dental Services include: Kathy Leonard Office Manager

• Bonding • Crowns

• Bridges • Cosmetic fillings

• CEREC • Invisalign

• Zoom • Veneers

A healthy, beautiful smile is a phone call away!

120 West Main Street • Marlborough • 508-481-5010 • www.assabetdentalgroup.com Near Routes 20 & 495

Westborough holds public input session on possibly opting into CPA

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Community Preservation Act Exploratory Committee (CPAEC) Chair Jenn Doherty presented the benefits and costs of Westborough joining the Community Preservation Act (CPA) at a public meeting at the Westborough Fire Station on Oct. 7.

Doherty, who is also the chair of the Westborough Historic Commission, said that the CPA allows communities that opt into it to apply up to a three percent surcharge on their real estate tax amount, which the state supplements with a varying amount of matching funds.

The money raised is then dedicated to projects related to affordable housing, open space and recreation, and historic preservation, Doherty said.

“CPA really supports those projects that benefit a community that are desired but often under-funded,” Doherty said.

Doherty noted that the state match is generated by a fee collected at the Registry of Deeds, which Doherty said every com-

munity pays into regardless of whether they have adopted the CPA. “So, Westborough has been paying this fee for the past twenty years, but hasn’t received anything back,” Doherty said.

Doherty said that the CPAEC will make a recommendation to the Select Board about whether to place an article asking to approve a ballot question regarding the CPA. If that ballot question were to then pass, Westborough would adopt the CPA. The meeting was sparsely attended. Most of the people present were members of the CPAEC. One of the two attendees who was not a member, Leigh Emery, was formerly a member.

The other of those two, Ted Gilbert, offered his thoughts.

Gilbert said that the CPA seemed useful for preserving the aesthetics and environment of Westborough and said that he would vote to approve it at town meeting and/or on the ballot.

“Per person, it really isn’t that much to pay for some obvious benefits for preserving the downtown,” Gilbert said.

Welcomes Richard Bergin, Mortgage Consultant, to the UniBank team in Shrewsbury!

Richard Bergin

Mortgage Consultant Richard.Bergin@unibank.com 508.244.1441 NMLS #2190780

Contact Richard for competitive rates on conventional, construction, and jumbo mortgages today!

Connecting all offices: 1.800.578.4270 • www.unibank.com UniBank NMLS #583135 • Member FDIC/Member DIF

12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury family hosts a haunt for a cause

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - When Derek Shimer was a kid, he would spend hours rearranging the Halloween decorations in front of the house.

Now, Derek, 14, spends hours annually constructing a haunted house in his family’s garage.

“You would think when he was little, he would be scared of stuff,” said his mother, Jennifer. “But he loved it.”

Haunt starts a Halloween party skit The Shimer family holds a Halloween Haunt for their neighborhood every year.

This year’s haunt officially opened on Oct. 11 and will remain open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3 Meadow Hill Rd. in Shrewsbury.

The Halloween Haunt began several years ago when the Shimers held a Halloween party at their home. Derek, his dad Cory and his brother

Derek Shimer adjusts decorations before the Halloween Haunt opens.

A day at the park

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

NORTHBOROUGH - Xyla Berry was pictured enjoying a day at Assabet Park in Northborough last month.

The park has since been closed for renovations.

Constructed more than 20 years ago, according to Recreation Director Allison Lane, the old facility was not compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

“We decided that we need to have one put in that is user-friendly for everyone,” Lane said in an email to the Community Advocate.

did a mad scientist-themed skit.

“The reaction was really good, so we decided to keep doing it year after year and it kept getting better every year,” Derek said.

Family brings back haunt after COVID-19 hiatus The Shimers had to cancel last year’s haunt due to the pandemic. But, this year, Der-

Get Paid Up To Two Days Early With St. Mary’s!

ek said they hoped to come back with the best showing they’ve ever had.

The Shimers bought more decorations and animatronics. Over half of the decorations now in the haunt are new, Derek estimated.

One of Derek’s favorite decorations is an animatronic skeleton dressed as a pirate that they recently acquired.

“When Derek was little, he loved pirates,” Jennifer said. “He used to dress up as a pirate.”

He loved Davy Jones from the “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

“It was never not the scary one,” Jennifer said. “It was always the scary one.”

Preparation spans months Derek spends about two months planning and setting up the haunt each year.

Even once it’s set up, Derek then spends time making adjustments before Halloween.

“I love how he’s like, ‘What can we use that we have in a different way.’ It’s a fun family thing to do together, but it’s nice to give back to our neighborhood and everyone who wants to come,” Jennifer said.

Make your home energy efficient with a 0% Mass Save HEAT Loan!

The Mass Save HEAT Loan Program provides you with the opportunity to apply for a

0% interest loan from St. Mary's Credit Union to assist with the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements in your home.

Learn more at stmaryscu.org/personal-loans today!

508.490.8000

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

Open an account at stmaryscu.org today!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

MARLBOROUGH • HUDSON • WESTBOROUGH • NORTHBOROUGH • FRAMINGHAM

Halloween Haunt raises funds for charity In past years, the family has only held the haunt on Halloween. But they decided to open it early this year to raise money for Spirit Halloween’s fundraiser, Spirit of Children.

Derek said the fundraiser collects money to pay for therapy and entertainment, like Halloween parties, for children in hospitals.

Individuals will be able to donate when they visit the haunt.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 13

If you wish Medicare Advantage plans were easier to understand, you’re going to love your Mass Advantage Member Navigator.

ADVANTAGE YOU.

Every Mass Advantage member has access to Member Navigators to answer questions, solve problems and help you make great decisions. It’s all part of our personal approach to helping you have the best experience possible. And you’re going to love it.

Benefits at a glance Access to Member Navigators • Comprehensive medical Prescription drugs • Dental care • Vision and eyewear Hearing and hearing aids • Fitness and wellness services A cash allowance for over-the-counter expenses

Contact Us 844.514.0680 TTY: 711 8 am – 8 pm, 7 days a week massadvantage.com/learnmore

Mass Advantage is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO and PPO plans. Enrollment in Mass Advantage depends on contract renewal. Other providers and physicians are available in our network.

H7670_RT22003_M Accepted H9904_RT22004_M Accepted

14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough’s Heritage Day celebration returns for 47th year

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer

Southborough Kindergroup participants of all ages march and stroll in the Southborough Heritage Day parade.

festivalgoers browsed among vendors including artisans, nonprofit organizations and businesses as well as food and dessert booths and trucks.

The Knights of Columbus Council 119 sponsored a kids’ soccer challenge. Meanwhile, Boy Scout Troop 1 provided a rope bridge.

Nearby, the Friends of the Southborough Library held the return of its annual book and

Choice is Lifestyle...

bake sale fundraiser.

Participants’ health and safety needs were overseen by the Southborough Community Emergency Response Team and Medical Reserve Corp.

Find information about Southborough Recreation’s upcoming activities at southboroughma.myrec.com and facebook.com/southboroughrec.

For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.

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

...it’s Senior Living your way!

Ask about our Fall Incentives and lock in your exclusive rate.

258 Walnut Street, Shrewsbury 508-882-7390 residenceorchardgrove.com All about choice: Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Living An LCB Senior Living Community: Over 25 Years of Excellence

PHOTOS/ED KARVOSKI JR.

SOUTHBOROUGH - Columbus Day is a particularly special occasion in Southborough.

That’s when fans of parades and pumpkins gather with supporters of local artisans, community organizations and businesses.

After last year’s hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, the downtown once again bustled with activities Oct. 11 for Southborough Recreation’s 47th Heritage Day. Over 100 decorated jack-olanterns were displayed along Common Street from the previous evening when Southborough Rotary Club presented its 22nd Pumpkin Stroll.

Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus led the parade with a color guard consisting of the town’s military veterans. Following them were elected officials, Scout troops and community organizations.

The parade concluded with a caravan of town trucks.

Festivities continued at St. Mark’s School field. There,

Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus salutes as he leads the Southborough Heritage Day parade.

Gray Moore, 2, shops for a souvenir umbrella during the post-parade celebration at St. Mark’s School field.

Calendar raffle planned at St. James Parish GRAFTON - After their signature Harvest Fair event was canceled for a second year due to COVID-19 concerns, St. James Parish in Grafton is holding a November Calendar Raffle.

Throughout November, a winning ticket will be randomly selected every day. The winning ticket will win the corresponding prize on the calendar for that day.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES Most of the prizes St. James Parish is located are worth between at 89 Main St. in Grafton. $100 and $350. The total slate of prizes is worth over $5,000.

Tickets are on sale for the raffle after each mass at St. James Parish, which is located at 89 Main St. in Grafton.

Individuals can also purchase raffle tickets online at https:// stjamesgrafton.com/online-giving.

Individuals can buy one ticket for $10, or they can get six tickets for $50.

Breakfast Sat/Sun - Open 9 AM Fish ‘n Chips Special

$

9.95

Fridays only

HARRY’S RESTAURANT 508-366-8302

www.harrysrestaurant.com 149 Turnpike Rd. (Route 9W) • Westborough MON-THURS 11am-8pm FRI 11am-9pm SAT 9am-9pm SUN 9am-8pm weather FULL SERVICE INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING permitting

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Area runners lace up for Boston Marathon

Shrewsbury enacts indoor mask mandate mask mandate | from page 10

Halloween holiday and then, of course, the big one is Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Hirsh said.

Last year, there was a surge of cases after the holiday season, he said.

“I think we just have to keep our foot on the pedal and not let up our guard yet,” Hirsh said.

A marathon spectator watches runners pass through Newton.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

REGION - The Boston Marathon returned this week for the first time since the spring of 2019.

Upwards of three dozen area residents were registered to make the short trip to Hopkinton on Monday, lining up for a personal challenge and, in many cases, a fundraising cause.

The weather stayed largely clear as runners navigated their way to the race finish line on Boylston St. in Boston.

As crowds still lined the course, the ever-sprawling mass of marathon runners was smaller than usual this year due to limitations placed by the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon.

See additional photos and finish times online at CommunityAdvocate.com.

‘This virus doesn’t respect … the boundaries that we write’ As the Board of Health voted to mandate masks, Castiel said Shrewsbury was doing “fabulously” in terms of its vaccination numbers. Her presentation indicated that 76 percent of residents had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 70 percent of residents were fully vaccinated.

“The thought process is to continue being able to mask, even though numbers are good for Shrewsbury, thinking that how we should handle a pandemic shouldn’t be by neighborhood by neighborhood or by town by town,” Castiel said. “It truly should be a statewide issue

until numbers are doing better throughout the state.”

That’s how pandemics should be handled in the future, she added.

“This virus doesn’t respect the Burns Bridge and the boundaries that we write for where Shrewsbury is and where Worcester is,” Hirsh said.

The entirety of Worcester County reported a rolling average of just six COVID-19 cases on June 26 according to New York Times visualizations sourced from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. By Sept.

16, though, that number had spiked to 276 cases. The number has since remained high, only dipping to 222 cases on Oct. 7.

Worcester implemented its own mask mandate last month, establishing similar rules as those recently enacted in Shrewsbury.

The orders do not have a specific end date.

Hirsh said that officials may revisit the orders in December or January if data indicates that COVID-19 spread is diminished and if case numbers are low.

Antiques Vintage Collectibles New items every day!

A collaboration of local artists, makers and collectors APR = annual percentage rate. The annual percentage rate (APR) quoted is for model year 2018 - 2022 cars, vans, SUVs and light trucks with adequate vehicle value, reflects an automatic loan payment, is accurate as of August 27, 2021, subject to change, subject to credit approval and may be withdrawn at any time Equal opportunity lender without notice. The APR you receive is based on your credit score. Adequate vehicle insurance required. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit rtn.org or contact Member Services at 781-736-9900 or info@rtn.org for current offers. Federally insured by NCUA Loan example: 1.99% APR loan for 36 months has a monthly payment of $28.64 per $1,000 borrowed.

rtn

Holidays are around the corner…

TIME TO GET BACK IN SHAPE! • A Premier Private Personal Training Facility • Customized programs specifically for you to reach maximum results • Results based on the individual

508-393-1660 www.luxfitnessandwellnessclub.com/contact-us 411 West Main St. Suite 2, Northborough

10% Off

ENTIRE PURCHASE With Coupon - Exp. 11/7/21

Hours: Tues/Weds 10-5, Thurs 11-7, Fri/Sat 10-5 and Sunday 10-4

The Landing At Hudson Mills 43 Broad St, 2nd Floor, Hudson 978-737-3737 • Knotty-Pine-Design.com

Come to the Orchard for Fresh Fruit, Fresh Air and Family Fun! CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR AVAILABILITY & HOURS

Let’s go…

APPLE PICKING! PUMPKINS TOO!

Check our website for picking information • Fresh Picked Apples 234 BALL STREET • NORTHBORO 508-393-6406 • WWW.TOUGASFAMILYFARM.COM • Apple Pie Picking Hours: 9 am to 4 pm • Store Hours: 9 am to 5:00 pm • Apple Crisp Closed on non-holiday Mondays • Cider Donuts • Ice Cream and More!

From Rt. 20 (Main St.), take Church St. for 2.3 miles. Ball St. is just north of the I-290 interchange. The farm is 1.5 miles up the hill. From Worcester area, take I-290 east • Children’s Playground to Exit 27 (Church St.), turn towards Boylston and follow signs. & Barnyard Animals • Weekend Wagon Rides

TOUGAS FAMILY FARM

16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough Boards continue to disagree about specifics of downtown district bylaw proposal

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH – Trying to reach a consensus on a proposed downtown district bylaw is proving to be a challenge for the Southborough Board of Selectmen, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the Planning Board.

During an Oct. 5 Board of Selectmen meeting, EDC members outlined their ongoing concerns about changes made to the proposed bylaw, which is slated to go before Special Town Meeting on Monday, Nov. 1.

It will need a two-thirds vote for approval.

EDC member Julie Connelly said the initial ask of the Planning Board two years ago was to have “by right” mixed-use development in town. The idea was to allow residential units over commercial space, a concept contemplated in the 2008 master plan and many other reports over the last decade, she said.

“We literally brought one line,” Connelly said.

The EDC objects to three areas in the most recent Planning Board version of the proposal.

Those include a mixed-use restriction that residential units

make up no more than 40 percent of a building, a limitation to three residential units permitted in a mixed-use development (down from eight in a previous version) and the reduction of the floor area ratio requirement to .30 from the previously agreed upon .35.

Connelly said the 40 percent restriction “undermines the entire premise” of allowing mixed-use development in town.

Selectboard Chair Lisa Braccio said the bylaw should be looked at as a whole, recognizing that there currently is “no by right, no mixeduse” allowed. This bylaw, she said, would allow uses in downtown that aren’t possible now.

She said it is a “great starting point.”

Braccio mentioned several times the goal of the bylaw is to “revitalize” downtown and bring small businesses in, such as a bakery, coffee shop, microbrewery or child care center.

However, Selectman Martin Healey said the 40 percent restriction “says something very unfortunate about the town of Southborough,” and its commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity of housing.

“Do we walk the walk or just talk the talk?” he asked. “It’s really

important for Southborough to put up or shut up about this sort of stuff.”

Although Healey said he agreed with a lot of measures in the proposal, he said, “we’re kidding ourselves if using traffic concerns, preservation and unusual algorithms to keep out housing. We’re kidding ourselves about what is really going on.”

The bylaw calls for everything “street facing” to be commercial on its first floor.

Connelly and EDC member John Wood spoke about wanting

Stivers said modifications could be made down the road but said it is important to get something in the voters’ hands to consider at Town Meeting.

Braccio said otherwise, the town will have to wait three years before trying again.

EDC chair Rob Anderson said, “The simple act of getting zoning through should not be enough to say it is a success.”

The Planning Board has left its public meeting open and will discuss the issue again on Monday, October 18.

Town Seal Review Committee discusses Eli Whitney, cotton gin with local historian

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH – Local History Librarian Anthony Vaver talked about the history of the Westborough town seal, as well as Eli Whitney’s life, during a Westborough Town Seal Review Committee meeting on Sept. 23.

The Confidence

to have a social hour

Benchmark continues to proactively implement COVID-19 health and safety protocols so you can feel confident this is home.

With support from our informed team of experts and associates, residents are continuing their normal routines and connecting with others with confidence.

Together, new and existing residents are experiencing all Benchmark has to offer and staying active in community life. Discover how we continue to create meaningful and fulfilling experiences for our residents.

Schedule a tour today to see what makes The Branches of Marlboro home.

Assisted Living | Mind & Memory Care

the option of a handicapped-accessible unit on a first floor and being in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, though.

Connelly said she thought there was “camaraderie” among the three groups, initially working toward both bringing in businesses and diversity in housing.

“I’m surprised to see pushback,” she said. “I’m sort of surprised by accusations we’re making a housing bylaw.”

Selectman Sam Stivers agreed with Healey’s suggestion that the voters should ultimately decide.

421 Bolton Street | Marlboro 508.449.0762 | BranchesMarlboro.com

The Town Seal Review Committee was formed in response to concern over the town seal, which depicts a cotton gin. The cotton gin on the seal represents a nod to its inventor Eli Whitney, who was born in Westborough.

But the symbol remains controversial due to its role in the expansion of slavery in the United States.

Vaver said that there are many contradictory perspectives on this issue because the controversy is over a symbol that can have multiple meanings.

“My question is, going forward, are we comfortable with these two symbolic readings being present on our town seal?”

Vaver asked. “If we want one symbolic reading, we have to have the other. We can’t choose one and arbitrarily say that the other reading does not apply.”

Vaver described the history of Whitney, who was born in Westborough in 1765, before leaving town at the age of 23 to attend Yale College. Vaver said Whitney received a patent for the cotton gin in 1794 after moving to Georgia Vaver mentioned how the particular cotton that grew in the American South had tightly attached fibers which pre-existing Indian cotton gins were unable to separate. Whitney’s cotton gin increased cotton production by more than 4,000 percent, in turn increasing slavery, Vaver said.

“In my research, I have not

come across any information that indicates one way or another that Eli Whitney was a racist, although some people have come to me in town and claimed that that is what is being argued,” Vaver said. “But I’ve come across references that diminish his stature as an inventor, including the ingenuity behind his cotton gin.”

Vaver referred to the existence of cotton gins in India for hundreds of years and references to enslaved people in the United States who had invented cotton gins. Vaver also said that, in this time period, many inventors did not actually create new technology. Instead, some were known as inventors of certain products because they were the ones to obtain patents.

Vaver further discussed the history of the town seal, which was designed through a contest in 1967 to commemorate the town’s 250th anniversary. The Anniversary Committee ended up selecting four drawings by art students in the Westborough High School to create a composite seal.

“I’m here to say that I’m here to make your jobs more complicated,” Vaver said, “But I hope that it will help you think about the issue with more precision and with more nuance.”

“If there’s one thing I would like you to take away from tonight, it’s that we strive for precision when we talk about this issue,” he continued.

Vaver also mentioned the symbol that he likes the best as a symbol of Westborough – the town’s rotary. This, he said, represents the different roads that come through Westborough and that have shaped the town’s history.

“People grumble about it,” he said. “I think it’s great because I see so many acts of kindness with people going in and allowing people to come into it.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 17

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

Haul Away Junk Removal thrives in Marlborough and beyond

By Jeff Theodore Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH - It initially started out as a side hustle for William Shomphe. But Haul Away Junk Removal has since taken over as Shomphe’s chief career focus, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When COVID happened, I was laid off from Ford Motors, where I was a collision technician. I had been doing collision work, painting cars for about 15 years,” Shomphe said in a recent interview.

“Because I didn’t want to collect unemployment, I sold a couple of cars, [a] boat and a motorcycle to buy two trucks to start this junk removal business. And, to my surprise, it’s been successful.”

Shomphe has decided not to return to Ford, instead opting to focus on his two-yearold junk removal business full time.

The word is out in the community about the quality of the services that Haul Away offers. Just ask Marlborough resident Lina Lofrumento.

“They were very professional, kind and friendly, and stuck with the price they quoted,” said Lofrumento, who contacted the company to remove a treadmill, table, couches and a couple of bags of rubbish. “I’d definitely recommend them to anybody.”

Haul Away, which is licensed and insured, offers basement, attic and storage

room cleanouts in addition to mattress, appliance and snow removal. Haul Away also conducts demolition work.

Shomphe said he has established strong ties with residential and commercial clients, developing good civic relations with the City of Marlborough as well.

He’s donated his time and services to help the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce with their junk day program where customers can drop off junk they want removed and disposed of.

St. Mary’s new President and CEO starts position MARLBOROUGH - Larissa Thurston, the new President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary’s Credit Union, has begun serving in her new position.

The credit union announced her appointment in April. Thurston was appointed to succeed James C. Garvey.

“Leading an organization that has been serving our family, friends and neighbors Larissa Thurston is for more than 100 years is a the new President and CEO of St. Mary’s true honor,” said Thurston in a press release. “I’m exCredit Union.

cited to continue the traditions and legacy of those leaders who came before me and to grow the credit union with high-tech access and convenience for our members while also supporting our communities as responsible corporate citizens.”

A Bolton resident, Thurston will be the first woman to lead the credit union in its history.

Locally, Thurston is on the board of directors of Boys & Girls Club of Metrowest and United Way of Tri-County. She’s also a Read to a Child student mentor at Raymond C. Richer Elementary.

Thurston joined St. Mary’s as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2014 and recently also served as its Chief Operating Officer in addition to her role as CFO.

The Coffee Loft 406 Lincoln St. Marlborough MA

Hours

Monday - closed Tues.-Fri - 7am-4pm Sat.-Sun - 8am-4pm @_thecoffeeloft_ www.coffee-loft.com Coffee Loft, Marlborough MA

The average cost of Haul Away’s junk removal services varies between $280 and $350. Haul Away’s biggest job-to-date was clearing out a Marlborough motel, which called for the emptying of 75 units, including as many as 250 mattresses.

As it relates to mattresses, Shomphe is eyeing recycling them as a potential way his business can grow.

Such a move would coincide with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s proposal to add mattresses to its list of banned disposal materials in landfills.

“Mattresses are 90 percent recyclable,” Shomphe says.

“We’re trying to facilitate a means to take care of that, especially since there are only about one or two other places in the area that cater to that.”

Shomphe would also like to ramp up the dumpster rental

side of his business, which would allow clients time to dispose of junk in their spaces at a leisurely pace before Haul Away removes it.

For all that Haul Away removes, one thing the business won’t remove is the 10 percent discount it offers to senior citizens, military veterans and first-responders.

“We’re respectful of the elderly and appreciate the service of the military,” Shomphe said. “All of them deserve a break.”

Consequently, Shomphe is grateful that he’s gotten his big break.

“I knew the business would do OK,” he said. “But I didn’t know it would do so well so fast.”

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

ASSOCIATED FOOT SPECIALISTS YO U R TOTA L F O OT C A R E S O LU T I O N Visit Our New Office at 1 Cabot Road, Suite 280, Hudson, MA

For All Podiatric & Lower Extremity Wound Care Needs Seniors, Adults & Pediatrics

• Diabetic Footcare • Ulcers & Non-healing Wounds • Arthritis We welcome n Dr. Steven Qua to the practice!

• • • • • • • •

Tendonitis Fractures Fungus Bunions/Corns Calluses/Warts Sports Injuries Gout Structural/Functional Issues

Most insurance accepted

978-562-2155 • www.masspodiatrists.com

18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Westborough schools will have snow days in case of inclement weather this winter

By Stuart Foster Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Public Schools will have snow days in the event of inclement weather this winter, district Record Access Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Mayer told the School Committee late last month.

The announcement comes after an atypical winter last year where the district called at least one remote learning day in addition to one traditional snow day, according to School Committee Chair Kristen Vincent.

“The superintendent could make the decision based on the circumstances,” Vincent wrote in an email to the Community Advocate.

Superintendent Amber Bock had that option, thanks to a

“

A fisherman floats on Lake Chauncy during a past winter storm. Westborough students will have snow days of their own this winter after virtual learning due to COVID-19 partially eliminated such days last year, district officials recently said.

If the roads are not passable, we will have snow days.

Daniel Mayer Record Access Officer

PHOTO/CHERYL ARSENAULT

decision at the state level to allow virtual learning in cases of school closures. Many schools across the state were still operating in either a fully virtual

or hybrid learning format due to the COVID-19 pandemic as winter weather rolled through the region last winter.

Things will be different this

HomeGoods

Marshalls

winter, though, as the state has not updated its initial memo limiting the virtual learning decision to the 20202021 school year.

“If the roads are not passable, we will have snow days,” Mayer said at the School Committee meeting, which took place on Sept. 22.

Westborough Shopping Center

Drive by traffic of 90,000 cars per day!

CONVENIENT TO ROUTES 9, 495 AND THE MASS PIKE Office tenants may select from a variety of floor plans and rental options in and adjacent to the Westborough Shopping Center.

Stop & Shop

Subway

THE N ATE O I C T O N V E D M NITY A 0 OFF U M M CO VE $5 ASE. I E C E AND R EXT PURC0Hin value.

N jects over $70 r offer) YOUaR ro the lid on p h any o (offer v ined wit e comb b o t t o N

Staples

Three Gorges & Mayuri Mandarin

NOW LEASING

Mexicali Cantina Grill

MIXED USE OFFICE

1,695 - 13,383 SF available

Tatnuck Bookseller & Café

For leasing information call Dona Colangelo, RPA

Progressive Realty Consultants Julio’s Liquors

Single offices short or long term

508.366.4163 • westboroughshoppingcenter.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 19

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Redevelopment of former Beal School moves forward following School Committee vote

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury School Committee has officially declared the former Beal Early Childhood Center no longer necessary for school purposes.

This action formally hands the building over to the town for general use, according to Board of Selectmen Chair John Samia, just as the town has been negotiating with potential developers eyeing the property.

“It’s been a thoughtful, constructive and collaborative pro-

“

The old Beal School in Shrewsbury will no longer be used for school purposes now that its replacement has opened.

John Samia Board of Selectmen Chair

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

cess to date,” said Board of Selectmen Chair John Samia during a Sept. 28 meeting. “We’re taking time to make sure that we’re going in the direction we

believe it should be.”

Selectmen said during a roundtable meeting earlier this summer that they expected a public hearing would be held

Area schools react to MCAS score reports

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter REGION - While some local school districts saw their Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores dip this year compared to their pre-pandemic levels, other districts celebrated growth following the recent release of 2021 MCAS data.

The MCAS returned for the 2020-2021 school year after the test requirements were waived in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Statewide, 46 percent of students in third through eighth grade either met or exceeded expectations on the ELA exam. Forty-two percent met that benchmark on the science MCAS, while 33 percent met or exceeded expectations on the math test.

“Overall, there were lower scores across the state,” Shrewsbury superintendent Joseph Sawyer said. “Although not to the same extent, our school district followed that trend.”

Shrewsbury scores outpace state but fall compared to pre-pandemic data In 2021, 65 percent of Shrewsbury students in third through eighth grade either met or exceeded expectations on their ELA MCAS. Sixty percent earned such marks on their math as well as their science MCAS tests.

That is a decrease compared to 2019, which saw 72 percent of students meet or exceed expectations on the ELA exam.

Seventy-one percent reached the same benchmark on math while 63 percent did so on science.

“

It’s been a thoughtful, constructive and collaborative process to date.

Overall, there were lower scores across the state.

‘I’m very pleased overall with how we did’ The percentage of Westborough sophomores who scored exceeded expectations on their math MCAS grew from 31 percent in 2019 to 43 percent in 2021.

“I’m very pleased overall with how we did,” said Westborough Superintendent Amber Bock during an Oct. 6 School Committee meeting. “I’d say there were no surprises there.”

Southborough excels, while Hudson, Marlborough fall behind state averages In Hudson, 42 percent of students in third through eighth grade met or exceeded expectations on their ELA test while 35 percent earned such marks on science. Twenty-five of percent met or exceeded expectations on their math exams.

Thirty-three percent of such Marlborough students met or exceeded expectations on ELA. Thirty-two percent did so on science, while 21 percent did so on math.

In Northborough, 50 percent of third through eighth grade students met or exceeded expectations on math. Fifty-nine percent reached that level on their ELA test, while 60 percent did so on science.

Southborough boasted the region’s highest scores with 72 percent on math, 73 percent on ELA and 74 percent on science.

Joseph Sawyer Shrewsbury Superintendent

on the redevelopment of the old Beal school in September.

Samia said residents will have a “meaningful opportunity” to provide feedback once the project is tangible.

The developer, Civico and Greenly Development, had pitched a redevelopment of the school into a mixed-use development called “Beal Commons” in May. At that time, the developers proposed two buildings with a mix of apartments and businesses on the ground floor.

Additionally, over the summer, the selectmen entered into an agreement with Landwise LLC to help them in their negotiations with Civico and Greenly.

Shrewsbury’s term sheet

was submitted to Civico and Greenly Development on Sept.

1. The town then later met with the developers.

“We expect as an outcome from that that Civico will refine their cost analysis and get back to the town no later than the first full week of October,” Samia said.

As this plays out, the School Committee’s recent vote “technically...put[s] the building back into general municipal purposes or accounts” for the town according to Samia.

The former Beal Early Childhood Center opened in 1922 and had hosted kindergarten and first-grade classes prior to the opening of the new Maj. Howard W. Beal School on Lake Street in town.

There’s nothing scarier than being left out in the cold!

Stay safe and informed with Al’s Oil! Still Locally Owned & Serving Worcester County for Over 60 Years!

Because We Care.

Join our ! family

We accept most major credit cards

LOWEST PRICES • FULL-SERVICE • 24-HR EXPERT BURNER SERVICE

508-753-7221 • ALSOILSERVICE.com

Celebrating 40 Years of Family Dentistry B RYAN D ENTAL A SSOCIATES Dedicated Staff, Modern Facility, Convenient Location, Easy Parking

Dr. Eric Bryan

We accept most insurance & major credit cards FULL SERVICE FAMILY DENTISTRY • PATIENTS AGES 3 YEARS TO SENIORS

Accepting New Patients

48 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury . 508.842.0941 www.BryanDental.net

Mon - Thurs 7:30-6:00

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows) at no charge as a courtesy to our readers. Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).

DEATHS Chamberlain, Matthew of Shrewsbury Cherry, Marie of Marlborough Falco, Anne of Northborough Fleming, Marjorie of Northborough Gerardi, Mark of Shrewsbury Hill, Joan of Northborough LeBlanc, William of Marlborough Levesque, Mary of Marlborough Lincoln Jr., Walter of Northborough Mabie, Mary of Marlborough Mahan, Donald of Westborough Mollenhauer, Shirley of Northborough Noborini Jr., Louis of Marlborough Perdikomatis, Andreas formerly of Marlborough Pitkin, Marion of Westborough Plotczyk, Jeffrey of Grafton and New Bedford Provost, Arlene of Grafton Steeves, Robert of Westborough and formerly of Marlborough Trischuk, Ronald of Northborough

Matthew R. Chamberlain, 47 SHREWSBURY - Matthew R. Chamberlain, 47, passed away peacefully on October 4th surrounded by his loving family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Lowell, son of Robert Chamberlain and the late Marcia (Pestana) Chamberlain of Westford, MA. He is survived by his wife of 16 years Jana Anastas of Shrewsbury, along with his three children Benjamin and Jackson Chamberlain of Shrewsbury and Erica Paquette of Waltham. He also leaves behind his sister Sarah (Chamberlain) Kinghorn and husband Grant of Littleton along with his nephews Ewan and Andy.

Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Marion E. Pitkin, 84 May 13, 1937 ~ Oct. 1, 2021

WESTBOROUGH - Marion was

born in the Bronx, NY on May 13th 1937 to the late Max and Anna (Liff) Cobert.

She is survived by her daughters, Lauren Smith (Bradford) of Westborough MA and Barbara Crooke (Robert) of Underwood WA, her grandchildren Joshua Smith (Tiffany), Johanna Smith, Rachael Crooke (Emiliano) and Alyssa Crooke (Robert), sister-in-law Florence Pitkin, and a niece and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Stanley Pitkin, she was predeceased by her sister Phyllis Fogel.

Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Donald L. Mahan, 91

Elsie (Wright) Mahan and was educated in the Clinton Public Schools.

Donald was blessed to have found love twice in his life, having remarried at age 86.

He is survived by this special angel, Judith F (Coldwell) Mahan. Don is also survived by four children, Donna Brooks of Canaan, NH, Cheryl Dion and husband John of Sutton, MA, Michael Mahan and wife Betsy of Millbury, MA, Brian Mahan of Randolph, VT, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 65 years, Barbara (Mainville) Mahan, his brother C. Stanley Mahan and his son in law Richard R. Brooks.

Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

WESTBOROUGH - Donald Lawson Mahan 91, of Westboro, MA, slipped away to be with the Lord on Sunday September 26, 2021. Born in Clinton Massachusetts, he was the son of Clarence and

Ronald W. Trischuk, 80

12:57 p.m. West Main St. Accident: P.D. 1:09 p.m. West Main St. Vandalism.

Thursday, Sept. 30 2:41 p.m. Little Pond Rd./East Main St. Dog complaint.

4:30 p.m. Thayer St. Dog complaint.

7:45 p.m. Arrested, Bradford J. Gorrie, 46, of 71 Cherlyn Dr., Northborough, for fail to yield at intersection, leave scene of property damage, OUI-liquor or .08%.

10:25 p.m. Main St. Assault.

Friday, Oct. 1 6:26 a.m. Hudson St. Accident: P.D. 12:12 p.m. Mulberry Ln. Threats.

1:28 p.m. Northgate Rd. Dog complaint.

8:11 p.m. Beechwood Cir. Fraud.

Sunday, Oct. 3 7:12 a.m. Brigham St. Vandalism.

11:51 a.m. Main St. Accident: P.D. 12:49 p.m. Pleasant St. Dog complaint.

2:36 p.m. Shops Way. Accident: PED/BIC. 5:32 p.m. Church St./I290. Accident: P.I. Monday, Oct. 4 8:14 a.m. Solomon Pond Rd./Route 290. Accident: P.I.

Soares, 31, of 51 Alden St., Apt. 1, New Bedford, on default warrant.

9:10 p.m. South/Baxter Sts. Accident – hit & run.

Friday, Oct. 1 1:40 a.m. High Street Ext. Burglary/ breaking & entering.

3:12 p.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.

5:29 p.m. Milk St. Road/tree.

Sunday, Oct. 3 10:29 a.m. Harvest Way. Accident property damage.

4:46 p.m. West St. Larceny.

Monday, Oct. 4 9:38 a.m. Computer Dr. Vandalism.

3:01 p.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.

NORTHBOROUGH - Ronald (Ron) W. Trischuk, age 80, of Northborough passed away

peacefully on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Clare (Gilbert), the loving father to Stephen Trischuk and his wife Beckie of Clinton, and Christine Romeo and her husband Jeff of Boxborough. He was the proud grandfather of two grandsons, Owen and Drew Romeo. In addition, Ron is survived by siblings, Ernie Trischuk and Janet Crane; his nephews, William, Ken and David Trischuk; his nieces, Jodie Lehmann and Andrea Nicoll. They will all miss his quick wit and sense of humor.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.

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

POLICE LOG The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area.

Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.

Shrewsbury

Friday, Oct. 1 9:12 a.m. Grafton St. Larceny.

2:57 p.m. Holden St. Assaults.

Saturday, Oct. 2 9:53 a.m. Oak St. Vandalism.

10:07 p.m. Arrested, Timothy Martin McCarthy, 27, of 54 Lamplighter Dr., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

Sunday, Oct. 3 2:11 a.m. Arrested, Jawon Singleton, 33, of 41 Clinton St., Clinton, for OUI liquor 2nd offense, marked lanes violation, speeding, drink alcohol from open container in MV. 1:58 p.m. Arbor Dr. Larceny.

2:58 p.m. Boston Tpke. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

6:40 p.m. Arrested, David P. Caracciolo, 65, of 11 St. James Rd., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor.

Monday, Oct. 4 3:53 p.m. Stoney Hill Rd. Road rage.

7:56 p.m. Arrested, Wilson Jose Ortiz Roman, 45, of 845 Hartford Tpke., Apt. 104, Shrewsbury, on warrant.

9:17 p.m. Rt. 140/I290. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

Tuesday, Oct. 5 1:11 a.m. Tr 140/I290. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

9:35 a.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

10:51 a.m. Boston Tpke. Trespassing.

3:09 p.m. Holden St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

4:26 p.m. Fairlawn Cir. Identity theft.

Wednesday, Oct. 6 4:32 p.m. Ryan Rd. Larceny.

5:35 p.m. Boston Tpke. Harassment.

Thursday, Oct. 7 10:06 a.m. Harlow Rd. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

10;54 a.m. Memorial Dr./Adams Farm Rd. Road hazard – trees/ wires/debris.

11:44 a.m. Janet Cir. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

4:00 p.m. Fairlawn Cir. Identity theft.

Northborough

Tuesday, Sept. 28 12:53 p.m. Hitching Post Ln./Southwest Cutoff. Accident: P.D. 1:23 p.m. Cedar Hill Rd. Fraud.

6:36 a.m. Sunset Dr. Trespass.

Wednesday, Sept. 29 9:25 a.m. Davis Ave. Larceny.

Westborough

Thursday, Sept. 30 4:50 p.m. W Main St. Vandalism.

5:14 p.m. Arrested, Gary Paul

Grafton

Sunday, Sept. 26 4:02 p.m. Worcester/Bridge Sts. Accident – hit & run.

Monday, Sept. 27 4:09 p.m. Mill St. Accident – hit & run.

7:52 p.m. Cherry Ln. Harassment.

Tuesday, Sept. 28 8:42 a.m. Providence Rd. Vandalism.

9:53 a.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

4:31 p.m. Millbury St./Providence Rd. Accident – no injuries.

Wednesday, Sept. 29 8:51 a.m. Worcester St. Forgery/ counterfeit.

11:15 a.m. Mass Pike E. Accident – personal injury.

6:25 p.m. Mass Pike W. Accident – personal injury.

Thursday, Sept. 30 10:15 a.m. Worcester St. Threatening.

12:04 p.m. Lordvale Blvd. Fraud/ identity theft.

6:53 p.m. Old Westboro Rd. Fire – chimney.

9:05 p.m. Providence Rd./Millbury St. Accident – personal injury.

Friday, Oct. 1 12:39 p.m. Providence Rd. Threatening.

8:14 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

11:35 p.m. N Main St. Fraud/identity theft.

Saturday, Oct. 12 12:59 p.m. N Main/Shrewsbury Sts. Accident – property damage.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Southborough’s police log was not available as of press time. Police logs will be shared at CommunityAdvocate.com as they become available.

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 21

Help Wanted Town of Northborough

Employment Opportunity

VAN DRIVER

The Town of Northborough seeks candidates for the part-time position of Van Driver with the Northborough Senior Center.

Interested applicants should send resume and letter of interest to townadmin@town.northborough.ma.us, or drop a hard copy at Northborough Town Hall, 63 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. Visit www.town.northborough. ma.us/human-resources for more information.

GET YOUR UP TO DATE LOCAL NEWS AT COMMUNITYADVOCATE.COM

REORDERING PARTS

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Legal

FORGET RIDESHARE

A medium size central Massachusetts wholesale bakery is seeking a full time, experienced Maintenance Technician.

Drive for top Metrowest Limo Co. Cash weekly.

Mentoring.

Hours 6:30am-3:00pm.

TEXT DAVID

Preferred candidates must have strong mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting skills.

Drivers license and tools required.

Email Johnny@dimitriadelights.com to set up an interview.

508.333.4153

YOUR AD

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. MI21P4556EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: June C. Oddy Also Known As: June C. Oddy Date of Death: 08/08/2021

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Donna M. Harrity of Clinton, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Donna M. Harrity of Clinton, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers to puzzle located on p. 22

Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com

22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

Prayers

For Sale & Services NO POOL TOO SMALL

POOL REMOVAL

by Tebo. com

• SPAS • ABOVE GROUND •LINER POOLS • GUNITE

W.E.S.

PLASTERING

Small Repairs Ceilings • Re-Skimming Bill Speckman

508-366-3785

TTRRY BEFORREE YYOU BUYY!!

Call Herb Tebo for Estimates

Cell: 508.328.3838 1.800.649.3095 508.476.3095

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING FREE ESTIMATES GREAT REFERENCES Call Sue! (508)756-9842

FULLER RV

EARN $100K

Convert Your Camcorder

Tapes to DVDs!

Transfer any format Including Movie Film & Audio Tape.

I also fix your broken tapes.

Please call Jeff

#1 METROWEST LIMO CO.

508-393-9440

FOR SALE

www.northboromedia.com

“ Tape is not forever! ”

CALL NOW!

FINANCING/TRAINING

jeffward@northboromedia.com

CALL DAVID 508.333.4153

RENTALS & SALES CLASS A, B + & C MOTORHOMES TRAILERS PARTS • PROPANE TRANSPORTATION Family Owned & Operated

Celebrating 37 Years in Business 150 Shrewsbury St. Boylston

1-800-338-2578 www.fullerrv.com

Find us at Community Advocate.com

JUNK REMOVAL CLEANOUTS

WE PAY CASH TO PICK UP YOUR JUNK VEHICLES

All Metal Appliances Taken for Free

(with every clean out job)

Trailer Dumpsters Available for On-site Rental

ATC SERVICES

774-462-2671

www.atcjunkremoval.com

J & J Junk Removal 123 Adams Rd, N. Grafton, MA

774-280-9356 ($400 and up for complete vehicles) We also sell Quality Used Auto Parts with a 90 DAY GUARANTEE Call Auto Parts line at 508-839-5934 www.jj-junk-car-removal.business.site

Need A Message Of Hope?

FOR SALE

24 Hours Everyday

(Will need to be picked up)

Almost new/from Jordan’s Furniture – Beautiful cherry wood dining room table, with 8 chairs.

Bought for $10,000.

Asking $2,000 or best offer.

Call Dial-A-Friend

Please call 774-509-3667

(508) 852-5242

Home Repair

FENCES INSTALLED Design, Repairs & Installation

Affordable Estate Fencing 16 years experience.

Locally Owned & Operated.

MOHAWK FENCE Mike O’Brien

508-614-5507

email: Mike@Mohawkfence.com

J&K

ROOFING

Perfecting the art of keeping your home dry!

New Roofs Re-Roofs GutteR CleaNiNG iCe Dam Removal 508-393-1868 Lic # 134804

SCOTTS

CARPENTRY Finish Carpentry • Wood Rot Repair • Handy Man Service Storm Doors • Painting Tile Installation • Small Jobs Veteran owned and operated since 1980.

Licensed & Insured / Shrewsbury, MA

scotts.carpentry@yahoo.com

774-275-0089

YOUR AD

Home Improvement Professionals

All Types of Home Repair & Remodeling Odd Jobs, Maintenance & Much More!

Licensed Bonded Insured

Proudly serving you since 1996

(508) 366-3690 www.mrhandyman.com MA HIC #146014 / MA CS #107504

QUICK REMOVAL SERVICE

C & S CONSTRUCTION

You Call John it Will Be Gone!

CLEAN OUT

Attics, Sheds, Garages, Basements, etc.

DEMOLITION SERVICES Senior Discounts • Fully Insured

call: 978-897-junk cell: 978-460-1192 Quickremovalservice.com AMERICAN EXPRESS ®

AMERICAN EXPRESS ®

®

MasterCard

SM

MasterCard

®

EVANGELOUS ROOFING

Owner on Every Job, No Subcontractors Lifetime warranty Most Jobs Completed in 1-2 Days Fully Licensed & Insured Call Ted Evangelous for a

FREE ESTIMATE

Office 508-485-ROOF Cell 508-400-0380 www.southbororoofing.com

advertising Submission deadline

SERVING SHREWSBURY AND NORTHBOROUGH AREA. 24 hour service/ 7 days a week

is Friday Noon, one week prior to publication.

Free Estimates

SM

®

®

Commercial-Residential Snow Plowing/Salting

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.

508-926-8798 or 508-450-0803 Get your chimney cleaned or Any 1 Flue Cleaned

99

for only $

$50 off Chimney Caps or Free Chimney Cleaning with any Masonry

• Chimney roof water leaks solved • Walkways • Perimeter drainage • Foundation Repairs

Quality Chimney 508-752-1003

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

Answers to Super Crossword (puzzle on page 21)

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and at Community Advocate.com

Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 23

COMMUNITY SPORTS WHS senior wins spot in Special Olympics USA Games School honored for Unified Sports programs

By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator WESTBOROUGH - Westborough High School senior Shinya Honji was recently selected to represent Massachusetts in the swimming portion of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games to be held in Orlando, Florida next summer.

As he and his school community celebrate this accomplishment, though, they’re also celebrating another major milestone, as Westborough High School (WHS) recently became one of only fifteen high schools in the country to be named both a Unified Champion School and a National Banner School.

That latter designation commends the school’s abil-

Shinya Honji is a senior at Westborough High School who was recently selected to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

PHOTO/CINDY ZOMAR

ity to bring together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities in team events and programs to foster leadership, respect and dignity.

“Westborough High School

Serving the Community since 1980.

Full Service Tree Removal Company Fast Free Estimates All Communication Done Remotely

Crane Service Available Expert Hand Climbing Crews Removals Pruning Stump Grinding Cabling Fully Insured Workman’s Comp 508-366-7693 / 508-839-5961 www.templemantree.com owner Steve Stratton

has continually provided a socially inclusive climate, one where there is whole school engagement,” said Patti Doherty, Vice President of Schools and Community Development for Special Olympics.

WHS unified sports program grows Catherine Caruso has been the unified sports coach for WHS since 2017.

The school initially partnered with Algonquin for its unified track and field program. It split to form its own program for the 2018-2019 year, though, Caruso said.

Westborough High launched an additional strength and conditioning program last year.

Caruso said she’s now hoping participation will pick up after a pilot year limited by pandemic restrictions.

WHS student named to 2022 USA Games team WHS Principal, Brian Callaghan, explained that while a typical student participat-

. x a l e R

Cabin Fever? Let Us Create Your Dream Outdoor Living Space, And......

508-842-7110 508-835-2020 mccarthyslandscaping.com

• Walls • Patios • Sidewalks • Fire Pits • Ponds • Walkways • Wood Fired Pizza Ovens

ing in sports may encounter some issues, a student with intellectual and developmental disabilities must overcome a whole different set of challenges.

That’s been the case for Shinya Honji as he has worked to earn his spot in the USA Games.

“Shinya just keeps overcoming obstacles,” Shinya’s mother, Beth said. “He was really sick a month after birth, resulting in a feeding tube for three years. In third grade he tore his ACL and was in a leg brace for years. Growth hormone shots caused scoliosis, forcing a back brace at night.

He didn’t walk until he was two, nor talk until he was five, and yet here he is, graduating Special Olympics | 24

It’s okay to look at the past… but don’t stare at it too long.

~Joyce Meyer

Brought to you as a community service by Robert J. Terkanian ~ ad design by Ellen Bishop, Community Advocate art dept.

GOLD SILVER Buy - Sell - Loan

• ELECTROLYSIS

2021 Silver Eagles are in!

• AESTHETICS

• LASER HAIR REMOVAL LAUREN DAVID, R.E. LOCATED INSIDE NORTHBOROUGH MEDICAL CENTER 112 MAIN ST · SUITE 101 · NORTHBOROUGH 508-393-2517 · LUXEELECTROLOGY.COM

VOTED #1 IN THE “2020 BEST OF CENTRAL MA” SPA CATEGORY”

TRADING Your Friendly Full Service Pawnbroker

9:30 - 3, Saturday to 2 109 Main St. Hudson 978.562.1068 hudsonpawnbrokers.com

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Algonquin Boys Soccer beats Tantasqua on Senior Night

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - A physical game ended in a flurry of scoring Oct. 9 as the Algonquin Boys Soccer team beat Tantasqua by a score of 3-1.

The win came on Algonquin’s senior night after players declared during their pregame huddle that they were playing

for injured teammate Brian Morrisette.

“It’s absolutely huge,” said Senior Striker Charlie Hynes after the game. “It’s an amazing feeling.”

Andrew Sedzia opened the scoring early to give Algonquin a 1-0 lead.

From there, though, the game’s physicality escalated, prompting outrage on the Algonquin sideline.

Teammates mob Senior Striker Charlie Hynes after Hynes scored a goal during Algonquin’s 3-1 win over Tantasqua last week.

Officials handed out two yellow cards to Tantasqua players in less than five minutes at one point.

Leading 1-0 at halftime, Algonquin doubled its lead early in the second half when Hynes capitalized on a free kick deep in Tantasqua territory.

Garrett Burns took the free kick and opted to pass wide to Hynes as Hynes darted around the wall of Tantasqua defenders

WHS senior wins spot in Special Olympics USA Games Special Olympics | from page 23

from WHS in June and two days later going to compete in the USA Games in Orlando.”

Beth went on to say that, while Shinya is small in stature, he has a big sense of humor and is a social butterfly.

“He even enjoys helping other special needs students, showing them what to do [and] demonstrating his leadership skills,” she added.

‘I love challenges’ Honji has competed in unified track and field, soccer, and basketball in addition to swimming.

In Orlando, he will swim his three favorite events, which include the freestyle, the breaststroke and the backstroke.

He said he is not nervous about competing at the national level.

“I have three gold medals already in those events from

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

States,” he said. “I enjoy it so much because it brings a lot more challenges and I love challenges. I think the other Special Olympics kids swimming also enjoy the challenges.”

When he’s not honing his athletic skills, Honji also spends time researching and visiting steam trains as well as collecting antiques. He is an avid reader and enjoys playing video games with his Buddy from the Best Buddies program at school.

set up in what would have been Burns’ lane to the goal.

Hynes said he had been speaking with his father prior to the game about taking more free kicks.

“It was a great pass by [Burns] and I was happy to get that goal,” Hynes said.

The physicality continued, but Algonquin managed to again spring Hynes on a scoring opportunity with just over 3:02 left on the unofficial game clock.

Hynes capitalized, scoring on the breakaway to establish the 3-0 lead.

Though Tantasqua answered with their own goal less than 10 seconds later, Algonquin held on for the victory.

Algonquin was scheduled to be back in action on Oct. 12 against Westborough. It was then scheduled to wrap up its regular season with games against Wachusett and Nipmuc on Oct. 14 and 16, as of Oct. 11.

Overnight Boarding

Openings Available • Facility Staffed 24 Hours

BEAT THE BURST! WINTERIZE FIRST!

Come pl Branding Concepts ay Family withDental Group

Dottie Jean’s

Nancy Bradley - owner

me at Dottie Jean’s!

Concept 2 | Revised 85 Chestnut St., Shrewsbury Main Logo:

Pet Resort & Daycare Center

508-944-8741 dottiejeanspetresort@gmail.com

HEALTHY, CHALLENGING, SOCIAL DISTANCING

$6

Qu

0

ali f 202 y for 2 T 75% urn O On FF

Family

DENTAL GROUP

CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR SYSTEMS LARGER THAN 10 ZONES OFFER APPLIES TO NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY, VALID UNTIL 11/08/2021

Family

We accept most insurance plans

DENTAL GROUP

No Insurance, no problem.

Ask about our smiles savers plan!

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOU. LET US HELP YOU cherish it.

318 Main St., Suite 180 | Northborough Location Specific Logos:

Now accepting MassHealth (in Northborough office only).

Dr. Nikhil Lavana BDS, DMD

Dr. Archana Karkhanis - Lavana BDS, DMD

NEW

508.466.7211 lavanafamilydental.com

*With purchase of regular cleaning at same visit.

NEW PATIENT EXAM &

Creating BITEWING X-RAYS PATIENT SPECIAL ONLY $1* Healthy Smiles DENTAL DENTAL DENTAL Call today for your FREE consultation Through GROUP GROUP 508.393.2444GROUP of PaxtonSINGLE $1,000 ZOOM WHITENING of GardnerScience and of Northborough 202 Brigham St. Northboro IMPLANT $ Artistry New Patient All Covid-19 precautions are OFF! www.juniperhillgc.com

Family

Juniper Hill Golf Course

1-800-5-ANTICO

Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry | Periodontics | Orthodontics | Dental Hygiene | Implants | Root Canals | Oral Surgery | Pediatric

Logo with Tagline:

36 Holes A New Grille Menu and Plenty of Outdoor Seating

9.0

THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE IN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AND SERVICE SINCE 1980

Submarks:

Family

taken for safety of the patients.

Family

Stylized Taglines:

Gentle FAMILY DETISTRY

Special

399!

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 25

COMMUNITY SPORTS

High School Scoreboard: Playoffs on the horizon

By Chris Wilson Contributing Writer

A Shrewsbury Boys Soccer player surveys the field during a game earlier this year.

ALGONQUIN

PHOTO/JESSE KUCEWICZ

REGION - Regional schools are now playing some of their last HIGH SCHOOL regular season games of the fall season.

SCOREBOARD sports Football will continue until the end of the month, but the rest of the fall sports will conclude in the next week.

Playoffs are just around the corner, so area schools are making the final push to boost their postseason positioning.

See full scores…

GRAFTON

BOYS GOLF – OCT. 5 Algonquin – 44, Shrewsbury – 28 BOYS SOCCER – OCT. 5 Algonquin – 2, Bromfield – 0 GIRLS SOCCER – OCT. 5 Algonquin – 3, Bromfield – 1 BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 6 Algonquin – 15, Leominster – 50 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 6 Algonquin – 24, Leominster – 42 FIELD HOCKEY – OCT. 6 Algonquin – 0, Marlborough – 1 BOYS SOCCER – OCT. 7 Algonquin – 3, Shrewsbury – 0 FIELD HOCKEY – OCT. 8 Algonquin – 1, Nashoba – 7 FOOTBALL – OCT. 8 Algonquin – 21, Shepherd Hill – 14

BOYS GOLF – OCT. 7 Grafton – 223, Algonquin – 214 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 8 Grafton – 167, Millbury – 191 BOYS SOCCER – OCT. 8 Grafton – 4, Assabet – 1 FOOTBALL – OCT. 8 Grafton – 28, Northbridge – 20

BOYS GOLF – OCT. 5 Grafton – 159, Oxford – 210 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 5 Grafton – 159, Quaboag – 210 FIELD HOCKEY – OCT. 6 Grafton – 3, Tantasqua – 1 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 6 Grafton – 269, Hopkinton – 238 GIRLS SOCCER – OCT. 6 Grafton – 4, Tantasqua – 1 BOYS SOCCER – OCT. 6 Grafton – 1, Tantasqua – 4 BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 7 Grafton – 28, Millbury – 30 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 7 Grafton – 15, Millbury – 50 FIELD HOCKEY – OCT. 7 Grafton – 2, Quaboag – 0

SHREWSBURY

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 5 Shrewsbury – 24, Shepherd Hill – 35 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 5 Shrewsbury – 33, Shepherd Hill – 22 GIRLS SOCCER – OCT. 5 Shrewsbury – 1, Wachusett – 1 BOYS SOCCER – OCT. 5 Shrewsbury – 0, Wachusett – 2

Hillside School www.hillsideschool.net

All Boys Grades 4-9 Day and Boarding Marlborough, MA

Open for In Person Learning Small Classes / Differentiated Instruction Individual Attention / Structured and Supportive

Scan For More Information

Now Accepting Applications for the 21-22 School Year

(508) 303-5709

Meet our Financial Advisors Specializing in pre and post-divorce financial planning • • • •

Empowering you to make smart money decisions Collaborate in understanding and evaluating settlement options Implementation of QDROs and Retirement Plans Compassionate and objective advice

Lars Lambrecht

CFP ® , CDFA ® , APMA ® , CLU ® , CLTC ® Financial Advisor

Oasis Financial Services A privatePrivate wealth Wealth advisoryAdvisory practicePractice Ameriprise of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Lars.Lambrecht@ampf.com

508.281.6000

63 South St. Hopkinton

www.OasisFinancialPlanning.com

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – OCT. 5 Shrewsbury – 1, Algonquin – 3 FIELD HOCKEY – OCT. 6 Shrewsbury – 1, Wachusett – 3 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 7 Shrewsbury – 30.5, Wachusett – 41.5 GIRLS SOCCER – OCT. 7 Shrewsbury – 0, Algonquin – 2 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 8 Shrewsbury – 178, Sutton – 223 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – OCT. 8 Shrewsbury – 3, Shepherd Hill – 0 FOOTBALL – OCT. 8 Shrewsbury – 30, Nashoba – 13

ST. JOHN’S GOLF – OCT. 5 St. John’s – 226, Wachusett – 235 SOCCER – OCT. 5 St. John’s – 1, St. John’s Prep – 1

CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 5 St. John’s – 20, Malden Catholic – 43 GOLF – OCT. 6 St. John’s – 188, Shrewsbury – 228 GOLF – OCT. 7 St. John’s – 233, Malden Catholic – 272 SOCCER – OCT. 8 St. John’s – 5, Doherty – 0 GOLF – OCT. 8 St. John’s – 219, St. John’s Prep – 228 FOOTBALL – OCT. 9 St. John’s – 0, Catholic Memorial – 44

WESTBOROUGH

BOYS GOLF – OCT. 5 Westborough – 23, Wellesley – 49 BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 5 Westborough – 32, Wachusett – 23 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – OCT. 5 Westborough – 47, Wachusett – 16 GIRLS SOCCER – OCT. 5 Westborough – 1, Nashoba – 0 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL – OCT. 5 Westborough – 3, Wachusett – 0 BOYS SOCCER – OCT. 5 Westborough – 0, Leominster – 2 FIELD HOCKEY – OCT. 6 Westborough – 0, Oakmont – 0 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 6 Westborough – 22, Nashoba – 50 BOYS GOLF – OCT. 7 Westborough – 35, Shrewsbury – 37

&

26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

HOMES This is a paid advertisement

MORE

I will warm your heart as a listing agent…

F

ireplaces warm homebuyers’ hearts, and with winter just around the corner, the fireplace takes on greater importance in the sale of a home. The warm glow of a fire on a cold winter night can be magical.

Michelle Gillespie REALTOR® MEGA AGENT Direct Line: 508-934-9818 michelle@michellegillespie.com www.michellegillespie.com 10 Main St, Northborough

One of the most popular requests from buyers purchasing a home is a fireplace. People love the ambiance that a blaze provides, while others rely on their fireplaces to keep them warm and cozy during chilly winter months. Many homes in New England have fireplaces, but for the ones that do not, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to install them. It is becoming a sought-after amenity and homes boasting this feature see its benefits when

Celebrating Veterans Day During this November, we will take the time to remember our Veterans for their service for our country. Veterans live within our neighborhoods and communities going about their daily lives without many of us knowing about their service and sacrifice for our country. As a founding member of Boros Cares For Troops, we started a quest to honor our veterans with the Hometown Heroes Program. Our mission is display banners of all our Veterans along our main streets, connecting one community to another. If you would like to donate to this very worthy project, please send your donation to Boros Cares For Troops Hometown Heroes, PO Box 304, Northborough, MA 01532 or visit www.bc4t.org for more information.

We truly appreciate your support.

SOLD IN 4 DAYS!

Northborough 4 bedroom , 2.5 bathroom Colonial

Call Michelle for a free market analysis!

selling a home.

Your fireplace is the focal point when people visit your home and should complement the rest of your home decor.

That is why it is important to ensure that the look of your fireplace has been updated and is working properly. Yearly cleanings are essential to maintaining a well-functioning fireplace or wood and pellet stove.

During your yearly cleaning, ask the company you hired to check out the exterior chimney.

All too often there is some type of repair needed, from loose bricks to repointing the chimney. Investing in this yearly maintenance will make a difference when you decide to sell your home.

An older-looking fireplace that looks like an eyesore can be easily updated. It doesn’t take much to enhance a fireplace before selling your home. To start, begin by looking at the rest of the room and see what statement you want to make with the fireplace. For example, if you have an older fireplace with red bricks, consider resurfacing over the bricks, or explore different painting techniques like faux finishes. For other fireplaces, it could be as simple as changing the mantel, adding a more decorative screen, or placing a beautiful piece of art above it.

Let’s talk about transforming your fireplace Transformative materials that are easy to work with are tile, manufactured stone, granite, marble, and wood. Lately, what has become extremely popular is painting over old, red brick, which will make a huge improvement on the look of the fireplace. A stone fireplace can set a home apart and significantly improve resale value.

Adding a mantel will frame and enhance the fireplace. There are a multitude of styles and designs for mantels, from modern and traditional to craftsman.

Keeping the mantel clean and uncluttered is also a must. You want the focal point to be the fireplace. It is fine to decorate with a few accessories but try not to detract from the fireplace itself.

Now, onto the popular gas fireplace I have been listing and selling homes for over 16 years. By far, one of the most popular requests is a gas fireplace, fueled either by natural or propane gas.

You see them more and more in homes and they are a popular request from buyers, as well as easy to use. Plus, they can be installed just about anywhere in the home. There is no need for a chimney, wood or even matches with this type of fireplace, and there is no mess to clean up either. Most recently, I listed a home with a gas fireplace. At first, because of the style, I thought it was a wood or pellet stove, but was pleasantly surprised it was a gas stove. The heat generated from the stove felt wonderful and the stove was a lovely added feature for the family room.

Another option to consider is an electric fireplace If you want to add a fireplace, consider an electric fireplace as it’s often the least expensive

option, reasonably easy to install and more advanced than earlier models. Technology has made them more beautiful than ever, and some can even be operated by remote control.

Users can turn on both the flame and heat, or just one. Another benefit is that they can operate year-round in any climate and are easy to clean and maintain.

Finally, regardless of the season, a fireplace should be kept clean and in good working order. You want the buyer feeling great about that room, knowing they can move in and sit in front of that wonderful fireplace.

There are very few things as warm and inviting as a fireplace.

In closing…

The inventory is exceptionally low, and as you know, buyers are out there looking for homes to purchase. I am meeting with sellers to list their home. If you want to sell your home this year or next year, please let me help you stage, prepare and sell your home while attracting the most buyers.

If you are thinking of selling your home, please call me, Michelle Gillespie, at 508-9349818 or email michelle@michellegillespie.com. Visit my website at www. michellegillespie.com for more information.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Keller Williams Pinnacle Metrowest 114 Turnpike Road, Suite 201 Westborough, MA 01581 All sales data is obtained from the MLS PIN

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021 • 27

HOMES

&MORE

Shrewsbury Police Chief proposes traffic enforcement unit amid discussion on traffic concerns

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

DPW Director notes possible reasons for high traffic volume Police Chief Kevin Anderson said traffic concerns are one of the most common complaints made by Shrewsbury residents.

“I think [to] most of the people, it’s a perception that vehicles are traveling faster than they actually are,” Director of Public Works Jeffery Howland added.

According to Anderson’s

Traffic calming efforts to focus on education, enforcement, engineering Traffic calming is a threepronged approach to address traffic in a community made up

cannot be assigned due to call volume or gets taken off the traffic assignment to answer calls for service in his or her sector,” Anderson said.

Anderson said Shrewsbury doesn’t have a traffic division because the department is at minimum staffing.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury leaders discussed a variety of traffic concerns and ways to respond to them during a Sept. 28 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Selectmen Chair John Samia said the board has recently heard complaints about various traffic issues like speeding and high traffic volume in school zones.

presentation, in 2020, the department responded to 747 motor vehicle accidents, 112 hit-and-runs, 451 disabled vehicles and 515 traffic complaints. An additional 67 formal traffic complaints were investigated.

He named several factors driving increased traffic volume in town, including the distance from Shrewsbury to both Boston and Worcester, highlyranked colleges and biotech firms nearby, new housing and commercial development in the area, as well as the presence of the four major highways that run through town.

Lake Quinsigamond attracts a large recreation population over the summer, he added.

A sign monitors vehicle speed on South Street in Shrewsbury.

of education, enforcement and engineering, officials noted.

Education, for example, includes radar signs. Anderson said the department intends to purchase three more in addition to the ones it currently has.

Enforcement, likewise, is effective, Anderson said.

“But it requires constant and continual presence in addition to being highly visible,”

he continued.

Drivers tend to slow down when they continually see police cruisers in a specific area, Anderson said. They then still tend to slow down even when the cruisers are gone, he continued.

Most communities of a similar size to Shrewsbury have a dedicated traffic unit, Anderson said.

“However, often, the officer

CARPETS FURNITURE AREA RUGS TILE & GROUT

AND LET US

Are you looking to sell your home?

Rich Allen, REALTOR® If so, contact me for a personal consult to Licensed in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island

508-686-0940 richallen@erakey.com

Call or Click Now 508-845-0229

To maximize your home value visit: www.realinsyghts.com/downloads

to get your free Home Staging Guide

joecleans.com

Committed to helping you sell or buy your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market.

SOUTHBOROUGH

discuss your home value, staging ideas and the best strategies for you!

Water Mitigation

Fire Restoration

Chief proposes traffic enforcement unit Anderson proposed creating a traffic enforcement unit in town to be made of officers from the department’s patrol unit.

Anderson also suggested exploring the establishment of a local traffic advisory committee, which would identify areas of concern.

Howland said that there was a traffic committee made up of a traffic officer, police chief, highway superintendent and the town engineer when he started working with the town just under nine years ago in that town engineer role.

Quality Work, Affordable Prices & Senior Discount

• Power Washing • Carpentry & Repairs • Roofing • EXTERIOR & Interior • Fully Insured

Phelps Painting & Carpentry

508-395-8831

Mold Remediation

WESTBOROUGH

JUST SOLD…YOUR HOME COULD BE NEXT !

Let Us Put Your Mind At Ease MARY G. WOOD

Boston Magazine Top Real Estate Producer 2020/2021 Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professional Remax Executive Realty #1 Agent 2020/2021

REMEDIATE, REPAIR, REBUILD*

Call for your complimentary Market Analysis Today

508-958-0225

mar yg woodrealtor@gmail.com | www.callmar ywood.com

*We work directly with your insurance provider

WESTBOROUGH, MA

24/7 Emergency Line- 508-366-2669 | Office- 508-366-4104

28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 15, 2021

(508)-234-6333 Custom Insurance with a Personalized Touch

Custom Insurance with a Personalized Touch HOME

Auto

Life

Business

Advantages to doing business with us!

HOME1. We’re locallyAuto Life Business owned. Our agents live in the communities wethe servecurrent -we treat you like family, not like Gaudette welcomes Daniels Insurance clients! a number.

2. We shop to get you best ratesbusiness based on the Advantages tothedoing with us! coverage you need.

1. We’re locally owned. Our agents live in the communities we serve — we treat you like family, not like a number.

3. We offer you hassle-free convenience services like

2. We shop to get you the best rates based onRMV. the coverage you need. running to the

3. We offer registry services (issuing and registrations) 4. Weplates can help yourenewing through the claim process.in our offices. Walk in … walk out with plates.

4. We can help you through the claim process.

Don’t take our word for it, see our customer testimonials at Don’t take our word for it, see our customer testimonials at www.gaudette-insurance.com www.gaudette-insurance.com

www.gaudette-insurance.com 3 Locations To Serve You: 6 Locations To Serve You: Westborough • Shrewsbury (2) • Grafton • Southborough • Whitinsville Grafton • Whitinsville • Southborough WM-0000447881-01

508-234-6333