Southborough official asks to halt Marlborough Road project
Southborough marks 15th annual Gobble Wobble run/walk
news | 5
Congregation B’nai Shalom lights new outdoor menorah
sports | 21
holiday | 25
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Vol. 47 | No. 49 | December 3, 2021
Westborough prepares for winter with stroll, parade, tree lighting
Shrewsbury eighth graders may no longer be admitted to Assabet Vocational High School, Superintendent says
By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer
By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury eighth-graders may no longer be able to enroll at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Schools Superintendent Joseph Sawyer recently told the Board of Selectmen. State policy has changed, Sawyer said, explaining that vocational technical high schools must give preference to students in their member communities. “Given the demand that they expect for the 300 seats that they will fill next year in their freshman class, which they’ll essentially have to do through a lottery, they expect that it’ll be unlikely that there will be any seats left over for communities like ourselves [and] Clinton,” Sawyer said. “It’s quite possible that zero current eighthgraders in Shrewsbury will be admitted to Assabet,” he said. “And, frankly, it’s probably the exact same story at any other vocational technical high school that they might want to apply to.” Assabet’s public relations team did not respond to a request for comment for this article prior to press time. Shrewsbury’s vocational enrollment Shrewsbury is one of well over 100 communities in Massachusetts that does not belong to a Assabet | 13
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WESTBOROUGH - Holiday shopping in Westborough officially began Nov. 28 when the Winter Stroll returned with over 45 businesses participating throughout the town. Businesses offered refreshments, activities and discounts. Shuttle buses were sponsored by realtor Gary Kelley. After last year’s hiatus due to the pandemic and 2019’s scaled-down version amid inclement weather, Westborough once again prepared for the winter season this year with a stroll, parade and tree lighting. This ever-evolving event is a collaborative effort of Westborough’s Rotary Club, Recreation Department, Public Library and Economic Development Committee. Food trucks were stationed outside the Fire Department. Shopping sprees were complimented with family-friendly activities at the library. There, Mrs. Claus read holiday stories along with seasonal crafts. After dusk, strollers viewed a light parade on West Main Street with decorated vehicles representing residents, nonprofits and businesses. The Westborough High School Marching Band brought music to the parade route. Santa Claus arrived in his sleigh atop a flatbed truck. The event culminated with the Rotarians’ long-running tree lighting at the rotary followed by kids meeting Santa. New this year, the lights display was professionally installed as phase one of a three-year plan. For more photos, visit CommunityAdvocate.com.
Sara Frank is amused by her daughter Luna DiPasquale, 3, sampling a purchase at the BORO Sugar Shack.
Santa Claus arrives in his sleigh atop a flatbed truck.
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 3
Northborough Turkey Trot raises money for Northborough Recreation THE
OVER TOP
PHOTOS/CHERYL ARSENAULT
Turkey Trot runners jog along the Northborough Turkey Trot course, Nov. 25.
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Cumberland Farms/EG Group headquarters WESTBOROUGH - Drone photography recently showed the Cumberland Farms/EG Group facility at 165 Flanders Road in Westborough. EG, which acquired Cumberland Farms in 2019, is looking to expand the parking lot at its Westborough facility. See coverage on page 8.
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NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough turned out, Nov. 25, for its annual Turkey Trot road race. The event raised money for Northborough Recreation, specifically helping support summer camp and other programming opportunities for families in need. This year’s event marked a return to tradition after the race ran virtually last fall due to COVID-19. Individual participants were able to choose between a 5K course and a 3K option, winding through residential streets around the Zeh School on Howard Street. Northborough’s Turkey Trot was one of several that took place both on Thanksgiving Day as well as on the days preceding it. Westborough ran its own Turkey Trot on Nov. 20. Shrewsbury and Southborough then also held Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving. See additional coverage beginning on page 8.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough sets new tax rate for FY22 By Dan Miller Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Westborough’s single tax rate will fall slightly for the 2022 fiscal year, dropping from $18.54 to $18.49 per $1,000 in assessed property value according to a presentation by the Town Assessor, Jonathan Steinberg, Nov. 23. That will still lead to an increase in the average single family tax bill, though, which will rise from $10,003 to $10,328 as property values increase, according to the assessor. The Select Board opted to move forward with that single tax rate, despite a push from Select Board member Patrick Welch to adopt a split rate. Select Board member proposes split tax rate Welch wanted to shift part of the tax burden from homeowners to commercial and industrial properties. He also pressed for changes to reduce taxes for eligible homeowners and small businesses. The board outvoted Welch 4-1 in
all three cases, with other members voicing concerns that now is not the time to add to businesses’ tax burden, especially as businesses emerge from the pandemic. This debate was part of Westborough’s tax classification hearing for Fiscal Year 2022. Welch argued in favor of shifting part of the residential levy to businesses by changing the single 1.0 percent rate to a split rate of 1.05. The average homeowner tax rate in Westborough has gone up in nine of the last 10 years, while the commercial tax rate has dropped in nine of the last 10 years, Welch said. “That’s just not sustainable for our community,” he said. Select Board Chair Allen Edinberg countered, saying that Milford had seen commercial property values drop after it adopted a split tax rate. “You could say it backfired,” he said. Select Board member Ian Johnson said the single tax rate has helped make Westborough “a favorable destination” for businesses. Changing the rate sends the
wrong message to businesses Westborough seeks to attract, Sean Keogh added. “There is a cost to being in a town like Westborough and for the services that we ask for and we vote for,” said Shelby Marshall. She pointed to ways the town can help residents with their taxes without increasing costs on businesses, such as through the town’s Senior/Disabled Taxation Aid Committee which funnels donations to low and fixed-income homeowners. Split tax rate debate plays out in neighboring towns The kind of discussion around Welch’s split tax rate proposal as well as the opposition to it has recently played out at other area tax classification hearings in Northborough and Southborough. Both those communities opted to stick with single tax rates this year, with opponents of a split rate citing many of the same arguments noted in Westborough on Nov. 23. See additional coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.
Man found dead in pond following multi-agency search SHREWSBURY A man was found in an area pond following an extensive search throughout the night of Nov. 24. According to a Shrewsbury Police Department Facebook post, officers A Department of Fire Services Command Center was received a report deployed and aided in the search for a missing man in at about 9:12 p.m. Shrewsbury last week. that a 30-year-old man had run off into a wooded area near 25 Lebeaux Dr. The caller told police the man may be in distress. Shrewsbury officers and firefighters, working with Worcester EMS, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, State Police and Westborough Police began searching for the man, using K-9 units, drones and a helicopter. “Personnel and assets were deployed for hours into the night, and the victim was unable to be located during the night,” Shrewsbury police wrote. The search was called off at 2:30 a.m. At about 9:53 a.m. Nov. 25, officers continued the search and tracked the man to a small pond. Shrewsbury and Worcester fire department dive teams found the man in the pond. “The victim was pronounced dead on scene, and was identified as the man who was reported missing,” officers wrote.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Southborough official asks to halt Marlborough Road project By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Work at the intersection of St. Marks Road and Marlborough Road in Southborough aims to make a number of improvements. But some in town have raised concerns about how the project has played out.
happening until trees started coming down. “To say that the Historical Commission endorsed in any way this level of desecration is pretty sacrilegious,” he said. He described the project as having “no oversight or consideration of relevant boards” that “threatens to unearth human remains” and is disrespectful to the Nipmuc tribe and Native Americans. Representatives from the Nipmuc tribe should have been consulted, he said. History possible walk back in plans Select Board member Andrew Dennington noted that the omission of the playground opened up an opportunity to restore the history walk in the plans. He also said there should be some sort of memorial or statue to recognize the Native American presence in Southborough. Dennington suggested they slow down the process to create the “best park we can.” He added that the
Historical Commission could be a great help to fill out the contents of the walk. Weishan initially balked at Dennington taking “credit” for the memorial idea. After more discussion, Chair Lisa Braccio said, “It’s not about who did what first. It’s about trying to do the right thing.” Weishan also raised objections to the current design of the park, saying it made no sense to have a park “in a garden surrounded by stinging insects.” Freddie Gillespie, chair of the Open Space Preservation Committee, said her group is focused on plantings that are part of an ecological effort to benefit pollinators including butterflies, bumblebees and birds. She said there would be signs at areas people should avoid if allergic to specific insects. She said it would be “short sighted,” to disregard hundreds of hours of volunteer work by kids from other towns and the science academy and
Several people also questioned the absence of a site plan going before the Planning Board. Select Board member Sam Stivers said the next step should be to put a group together to get input on how best to use the space. He said the group should be “inclusive of a variety of interests.”
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Old Burial Ground concerns aired Weishan said cutting of woodland has ruined the windbreak for trees in the Old Burial Ground. He said it elevates the risk of storm damage to historical markers and asked the Select Board to fund a professional tree survey of the Old Burial Ground. The Commission was initially excited about a proposed history walk, he said. Weishan expressed dismay over its removal from the plans. “The money shifted over for sidewalks, road improvements and God only knows what else,” he said. Weishan said the Commission was unaware of what was
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough’s Historical Commission chair called upon the Select Board on Nov. 16 to halt plans to relocate the intersection of St. Marks Street and Marlborough Road out of concern for potential disruptions to graves along the margins of the Old Burial Ground in the area, among other issues. In addition, Michael Weishan questioned what he said was the exclusion of both state and local Historical Commissions, as well as the Planning Board from the process to date. During discussions, the Select Board decided to form a group to discuss the issue further. A large portion of this Nov. 16 meeting focused on this project, which is designed to add sidewalks, fix drainage and create a sufficient radius for fire trucks and school buses to turn around. Creation of a “pocket park” was included as part of a $290,000 Shared Streets grant from the state, Department of Public Works Superintendent Karen Galligan said. Originally, plans called for a children’s playground in the area and creation of a history walk with paths leading to the Old Burial Ground, library and Town Common. However, the playground was scrapped for safety reasons and the walk idea was halted because of cost restrictions. The proposal still calls for a spot with curved benches and native plantings.
not include this component in the park. Weishan and other residents also questioned a reciprocal license agreement between the town and St. Marks School for easements. Acceptance of such easements are supposed to go through Town Meeting and need a twothirds vote to pass, he said.
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS
Northborough adopts $16.49 tax rate for 2022 By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter
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Town shares list of top taxpayers Overall, Coderre described Northborough’s tax base as “diversified” and “stable.” “Through the worst recession in 80 years from 2009 to
The average single family tax bill in Northborough will increase by $295 under a new FY 2022 tax rate adopted by the Board of Selectmen.
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a single tax rate of $16.49 for the 2022 fiscal year during its Nov. 22 meeting. This rate translates to an average single-family tax of $8,195, representing an increase of $295 from the average bill of $7,900 in the 2021 fiscal year. In Northborough, 80 percent of the town’s taxes come from real estate taxes, according to Town Administrator John Coderre. “The strength of our tax base is absolutely critical to our ability to continue to maintain the services that people have come to rely upon,” Coderre said. The 2022 fiscal year had seen $61.5 million in new growth, including $38.9 million in the industrial sector according to discussions in that Nov. 22 meeting. A bulk
of that growth came from completed projects, including the new Amazon distribution center in town. In upcoming years, Coderre said the town will need to assume new growth figures averaging $30 to $40 million. There is available land spread throughout town, Coderre said, but Northborough doesn’t have the kinds of large industrial tracts that were available a decade ago. “We are approaching build out, and so we aren’t going to see much more in the way of industrial development, commercial development,” Coderre said. There have been eight to nine new single family homes added to Northborough over the last two years, he said.
2010 to the latest pandemic, we continue to see that our tax base is strong,” he said. Coderre presented a list of the top 15 taxpayers in Northborough. The top payer was RPT Northborough LLC, whose major tenant is Northborough Crossing. Its tax under the 2022 $16.49 tax rate would be just under $1.67 million. Principal Assessor Julie
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Brownlee had presented three tax rate classification options when she addressed the Board of Selectmen. A dual tax rate and residential and small commercial exemptions were rejected by the selectmen. “It’s important to understand that none of these three options change the amount of money raised by the town,” Brownlee said before those votes. Instead of having one single tax rate, that split option would have offered a lower rate for residential properties and a higher rate for the commercial and industrial base. By shifting five percent of the tax burden, the residential tax rate would have decreased to $16.19, translating to an average tax bill of $8,046 for single family homes. For commercial and industrial properties, the rate would result in an average tax bill of $29,429 for commercial properties and $75,871 for industrial properties. According to their presentation, Berlin, Framingham, Marlborough and Worcester were the only area communities with comparable tax rates that had a dual rate. Under a small commercial exemption, commercial building owners whose property is valued at less that $1 million and who have 10 or fewer employees would receive a tax break, which would be shifted onto commercial properties with over $1 million in property. “It’s important to note that many business owners lease the spaces where their businesses are,” Brownlee said, though. “Shifting the tax burden to a bigger commercial property could mean that land-
lords are being highly taxed, and they in turn will probably raise their lease rates.” Selectmen Leslie Rutan and Kristen Wixted asked about the circumstances under which dual tax rates have been or could be adopted. “It comes down to what you’re trying to achieve as a community,” said Coderre. “Our long-term strategy for economic development has been able to attract and retain a diverse tax base, which has the effect of subsidizing or balancing out the residential impacts.” Discussion continues Nick Orlov, who owns property at 309 Main Street in Northborough, said a dual rate would have a “significantly unfair impact” on commercial property owners. “It would, in effect, drive down the values of the properties because their operating expenses would increase with the inability to recapture that. In the few properties where they could recapture that, they would then be taxing their tenants at a higher rate,” Orlov said. The Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce recently wrote a letter voicing its support to continue a single tax classification. That letter was signed by 34 Northborough business owners and residents. Under Northborough’s single tax classification, Northborough has prospered, leading to new jobs and tax revenue, said Chamber President and CEO Karen Chapman. A dual rate would lead to increased costs for local businesses, she said. “Due to the pandemic, business owners are under unprecedented stress, and the last thing that they need in this situation is an increased expenses in business,” Chapman said. She noted the work of local businesses, ranging from scholarships to sponsoring events like Applefest. Northborough residents also weighed in on a dual rate. “I don’t believe that we’re ever really going to change into a dual tax rate, but I am going to say that I feel that we talk about fair and equitable, and really, do we hear anybody representing the resident,” said resident Lisa Maselli.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Southborough adopts single tax rate of $16.28 By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - The average residential tax bill in Southborough will rise by $523, equivalent to 4.89 percent, following a vote by the Select Board last month. Principal Assessor Paul Cibelli walked board members through a presentation Nov. 16 recommending a single tax rate for the 2022 fiscal year of $16.28 per $1,000 in assessed property value. That rate is a 0.43 percent increase over last year’s amount, $16.21. It does not include Southborough’s Community Preservation Act surcharge — averaging $96.05 for a single-family home. Assessor details tax rate, total valuation The figures are higher than what was projected last spring at Town Meeting, but lower than what was stated at last month’s Special Town Meeting. Commercial, industrial and personal property owners will see an average $279 increase on their bills, translating to a 0.55 percent increase. Cibelli said the town’s total valuation increased by $103.53 million to $2.856 billion for fiscal year 2022. Cibelli noted that the tax increase was partially due to new growth being down by about 20 percent. Other factors for the valuation increase include a rising residential market and declining commercial and industrial markets, he said. The assessor explained that, although Southborough’s CIP (commercial, industrial and personal property) comprises 5.63 percent of the town’s taxable parcels, it generates 18.81 percent of the total tax revenue. He pointed out that local businesses are typically also contributors to town events, athletics and recreation programs. The Board of Assessors recommended keeping a single tax rate, with Cibelli noting that most communities with split rates are located along route 128 and in southeastern Massachusetts. Select Board discusses increase Select Board member Sam Stivers, acknowledging that he didn’t have support for his stance, said he thought federal
money from the American Rescue Plan Act should be used to decrease the impact on taxpayers. That plan would reduce the residents’ tax bill increase to around 4 percent. “The optics of a tax increase is not very attractive,” Stivers said. He also referred to a study that he said showed communi-
ties with split tax rates don’t necessarily discourage businesses from locating within their boundaries. Stivers said he would like to keep the idea of a split rate “on the table” for the future. Select Board member Andrew Dennington said although he is interested in Stivers’ data, it is a “uniquely bad time” to
consider whether to change to a split rate. “To change a longstanding policy without warning wouldn’t be the right approach,” he said. Chair Lisa Braccio noted that the communities with split rates are typically larger, like Framingham. They also often offer sewer, she said, something
Southborough does not. In addition, she said businesses, both large and small, are all hurting still as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. No members of the public elected to participate in the discussion, so the Select Board voted unanimously for the $16.28 rate, although Stivers said he did so “reluctantly.”
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough asks EG America to contribute to Shrewsbury holds Turkey traffic improvements during expansion project Trot for the Memory The Cumberland Farms facility at 165 Flanders Road now acts as the US Headquarters for the EG Group.
PHOTO/JESSE KUCEWICZ
By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Planning Board is hoping EG America will consider contributing to traffic improvement efforts at the intersection of Flanders Road and East Main Street as EG looks to add upwards of 95 parking spaces to its nearby headquarters. Plans to expand the parking lot of the Cumberland Farms/ EG Group facility at 165 Flanders Rd. went before the Westborough Planning Board on Nov. 16. The Planning Board requires a site plan approval any time a project adds six or more parking spaces, according to Town Planner Jim Robbins. The EG Group acquired Cumberland Farms in 2019 and now uses its sprawling Westborough facility as its United States headquarters. “Due to increased staffing as a result of the Euro Garage acquisition as well as a return to the office place as we hopefully emerge from the COVID-19 pan-
demic, there’s been a need for additional parking at that facility for a little while,” said Bohler Engineering’s Lucien DiStefano in a presentation on the parking lot expansion proposal. DiStefano told the Planning Board that he wanted to check the exact number of parking spaces, saying they lost one parking spot. “Worst case, it’s 96 new spots, and the best case, it’s 97,” DiStefano said.
Drivers are parking along the road into the site during some particularly busy hours, DiStefano said. Planning Board Chair Mark Silverberg asked if the board should ask for traffic improvements in the area, specifically at Flanders Road and East Main Street. Analysis has shown the intersection is failing, he said. “That residential road is already overtaxed, and any additional traffic on that road, I think, merits some consideration by this board,” Silverberg said. Silverberg said the town is short on the funds needed for a light. So, he asked DiStefano if EG would be interested in a “minor contribution” to a solution. DiStefano said he would have to run it by EG. “I think the added traffic that’s going to be generated by an additional 97-spot parking lot is minimal and it doesn’t really have an impact on Flanders Road or the surrounding roadway system,” DiStefano said.
Runners cross the starting line of this year’s Turkey Trot for the Memory in Shrewsbury.
PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY - More than 1,900 runners turned out, Nov. 25, for the return of Shrewsbury’s Turkey Trot for the Memory road race. This was the 10th running of the race, This year’s Turkey Trot for the Memory raised kicking off once again more than $40,000 for the Alzheimer’s after the disruption of Association. Traffic mitigation COVID-19 a year ago. There have been employees “It is very exciting and humof songs before the opening added since the acquisition. bling [to be back],” event orgahorn of this year’s Turkey Trot. But DiStefano said the change nizer and founder Jane Lizotte Brindisi grew up in Shrewshadn’t been significant. told the Community Advocate. bury and comforted her grandInstead, he said, scheduling More than $40,000 raised father by playing music for conflicts are causing problems through this year’s Turkey him in the final years of his life as some shifts end and others Trot will go to the Alzheimer’s before he passed away due to start. Association. Alzheimer’s. “Based on some of the new That cause is personal for “Have a great Turkey Trot,” employees and the fact that Lizotte, whose father, Francis Brindisi told the crowd as she there is a return to the office, P. O’Connor passed away due capped her performance this they’re finding some daytime to Alzheimer’s in 2007. Thanksgiving. hours and even some early eveThe same cause hit close Lizotte grew up with a ning hours where they need the to home for singer/songwritfamiliar tradition of physioverflow parking,” DiStefano er and music therapist Cara cal activity on Thanksgiving said. Brindisi, who performed a pair morning, as her father would encourage family members to get out and get fresh air before afternoon and evening gatherings. And Our Team is Ready to Help! What became the Turkey Trot began as a small tradition among friends seeking that Prompt Pickup (Towing Available) Professional Staff kind of Thanksgiving physical Work Directly With Insurance Certified Technicians activity. In time, that group grew Rental Service Send Us Your EST : Precisionautobody@live.com and began major fundraising efforts. More than a decade later, Call 508.481.5979 Lizotte said, she’s grateful to Over 492 South Street the community of runners, fel40 (off Rt. 85), Marlboro low organizers and neighbors who have turned out over the fax 508-481-9164 years. “It’s incredibly inspiring,” 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 she said.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 9
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY NEWS
Southborough Select Board continues to debate hiring fifth dispatcher By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH - A majority of Southborough Select Board members are not comfortable hiring a fifth full-time dispatcher mid-year as requested by Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus. Paulhus returned before the board on Nov. 16 after having presented members with written schedule sheets showing the amount of overtime spent under the current staffing circumstances. A fifth dispatcher would be the minimum required in order to fill shifts seven days a week, he said. The chief said it would cost roughly $18,000 to bring on a new full-time dispatcher for the rest of the year. He emphasized that it takes 400-500 hours of training to get the person certified and ready to perform the job solo. The process takes at least a couple of months, he said. Paulhus said that the prac-
tice of using part-time workers to fill in these gaps is no longer working. One reason is that he is unable to find parttimers willing to go through the training and take on up to 40 or 50 hours of work per week. “The whole employment market has changed in the last year and a half,” Paulhus said. “It’s tough.” Select Board member Martin Healey said that he is uncomfortable making an exception and hiring someone midyear. He said that, although public safety is a “heightened concern” for a municipality, it is not the only concern. When asked what would happen if he didn’t get a fifth dispatcher, Paulhus said the situation is at a point where regular police officers and firefighters would be taken off their regular jobs to cover EMT dispatching. He added that such a scenario would cause problems with unions. Select Board member Sam Stivers said that he was “on the
“
The whole employment market has changed in the last year and a half. It’s tough. Kenneth Paulhus Police Chief
other side of uncomfortable.” He said he would have preferred hearing about this situation before the budget process began. But he added that he supports the request. Stivers advised Paulhus to try to find other ways to fund the requested position, including using contributions from the fire department. Select Board member Chelsea Malinowski suggested hiring a temporary employee and then having Town Meeting vote on the matter next spring. Healey supported that idea, saying the town’s finances are tight and that “the budget is not going to be pretty.” (508)-234-6333 He also said voting on such
a proposal midyear would send a bad message to himself and others. “It sends a message that I can’t be disciplined and also sends a bad message to other town departments and the taxpayers,” Healey said. “They want us to be disciplined about this stuff.” If Town Meeting were to approve the position next spring, he said, “We have to live with it…but to have it embedded midyear, I’m not willing to go there.” Paulhus previously discussed this matter with the Select Board on Nov. 3. He faced questions at that meeting, though, over the
timing of his request, just two days after Southborough held its Special Town Meeting on Nov. 1. “The timing is less than ideal,” Healey said at the time. All this does also take place as Southborough considers regionalizing its dispatch services with a number of neighboring communities. Town officials and an outside consultant kicked off a study of that regionalization proposal in October. Paulhus noted on Nov. 3, though, that any regionalized system will take at least two years to set up, not resolving what he described as an “emergency” staffing situation. In the meantime, Braccio noted on Nov. 16 that she would be sitting in with dispatchers to gain perspective about operations. Paulhus invited other board members to also visit and gain a firsthand look. The issue was scheduled to be discussed again at the Select Board’s next meeting.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westborough discusses using ARPA funding for Otis St./Rt. 9 safety upgrade By Dan Miller Contributing Writer
Westborough to join new senate district Moore was at the Nov. 23 meeting primarily to introduce himself to the board, as Westborough will soon become part of Moore’s state senate district. The change is a result of redistricting following the 2020 census.
‘It’s a really unsafe intersection’ Moore said the federal infrastructure legislation is expected to pump up to $9 billion into Massachusetts, with up to another $4 billion coming in for “separate programming.” Moore said it’s not yet known what restrictions would be in place on the money, but he encouraged the Select Board to put together a list of infrastructure projects that need to be addressed in Westborough. The most pressing need, according to Select Board member Ian Johnson, is safety improvements at the Otis Street and Route 9 intersection.
traZeneca property in town. That facility now has up to 250 full-time jobs and is projected to add roughly 150 more such positions, Edinberg told Moore. PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
WESTBOROUGH - New funding made available by the recent passage of federal infrastructure legislation could help pay for proposed safety improvements at the intersection of Otis Street and Route 9 in Westborough, according to discussion during the Select Board’s Nov. 23 meeting. Massachusetts is expected to receive up to $13 billion in funds for infrastructure improvements as a result of the legislation, according to preliminary estimates presented to the board by state Sen. Michael Moore.
Westborough is currently part of Sen. Jamie Eldridge’s Middlesex and Worcester district. Come January the town will be part of Moore’s new state senate district, which Moore told the board will also include Auburn, Millbury, Grafton, Shrewsbury and up to about 40 percent of Worcester. Select Board Member Ian Johnson recently described the intersection of Otis Street and Route 9 as “unsafe.”
“That intersection is one that we have numerous accidents there,” Johnson said, noting the large Arrive apartment complex that overlooks the intersection. “We would love to give [residents] safe access to the other side of Route 9.” “Now we have them crossing where there is no crosswalk,” he continued. “It’s really an unsafe intersection.” Moore asked if the town has a project cost estimate, to which Johnson responded “a lot.” Board Chair Allen Edinberg noted that one option could in-
volve installing a median wide enough to protect pedestrians who cannot cross the street in one light cycle. Edinberg added that the discussed improvements aren’t just important for the apartment complex residents and those using roads feeding into the intersection. They’re also important to support continued commercial and industrial growth impacting the intersection, he said. He specifically mentioned the recently opened Amazon Robotics facility at the old As-
Developers pitch zoning bylaw changes to Northborough Planning Board By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Developers who want to build homes at 75 Ridge Road recently laid out proposed changes to Northborough’s zoning bylaws to help make their proposed project possible. The site spans roughly four acres and developer Damon Amato said there’s a large cleanup that needs to occur on the property. Developers outline plan The developers raised the idea of a zoning overlay district back in July. At the time, they discussed various plans for the site, including creating a public dock. In talking with town staff, Amato said he and his team learned that Northborough has a bylaw for open spaceresidential design (OSRD). They had utilized such bylaws previously in other communities, Amato said. According to Northborough’s bylaw, the purpose of OSRD is to protect open space
while also encouraging “creative” and “environmentally sensitive design” as a preferred form of residential design that consumes less open space while respecting the existing topography of a property. While OSRD has been a part of Northborough’s bylaws, Amato said no one has used it. “I guess we would be the first,” Amato said. “It’s something we know a lot about, and we think would fit great on this site.” This site on Ridge Road, however, is in Northborough’s Residential C zoning district. The OSRD bylaw only applies to the Residential A and B districts. So, developers want the Residential C zoning district to be added to the overlay. The developers presented potential additions to the bylaw, Nov. 16, to include Residential C. “What we’re trying to accomplish with that is not only for this site, but for the rest of the town [and] give the Planning Board a lot more options to be able to approve sites that otherwise wouldn’t have the
ability to be done,” Amato said. Under these changes, the developer would be able to fit as many as eight homes on their site. They’ve reduced that number to five, however. With five homes, all future residents would have “decent” yard space, Amato said. Town engineer weighs in Town Engineer Fred Litchfield said town staff weighed in on modifying the developers’ equation in their proposed bylaw changes. The minimum lot area in Residential C is 20,000 square feet compared to 80,000 in Residential A, which Litchfield said was a pretty significant reduction in size. He said the original OSRD bylaw was intended to get a maximum amount of open space, particularly in larger lots in the northern part of Northborough. “As they both have stated, it’s never been utilized,” Litchfield said, though. “So, clearly something needs to be done to entice people to take action with that, but still not overdevelop.”
ARPA discussions proceed in neighboring communities ARPA discussions continue outside of Westborough as local leaders weigh their options amid some continuing uncertainty about this federal funding. Shrewsbury selectmen broke down their options in a meeting last week. Hudson’s Executive Assistant, meanwhile, listed specific ARPA priorities in a Select Board meeting more than a month ago on Nov. 1. That list included funding bridge repairs, a planned wastewater treatment plant upgrade and office space for a set of new Health Department hires. Before either of those discussions, Southborough hired a consultant to guide its planning and utilization of ARPA funds.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Shrewsbury selectmen approve plan for ARPA funds By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services is located on Maple Ave. A portion of Shrewsbury’s federal funds will help SYFS hire three additional mental health clinicians.
SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury plans to use a portion of the funds it is receiving through the American Rescue Plan Act on mental health services. Tow n Manager Kevin Mizikar presented phase one of a list of projects to be funded during a Nov. 23 Board of Selectmen meeting. The list was unanimously approved. Proposal would support SYFS initiatives Mizikar proposed a fouryear commitment to increase the capacity at Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS) to overcome the “extreme increase” in mental health challenges and requests for services at SYFS. That investment would total $606,000 and help SYFS hire three additional mental health clinicians to provide services to Shrewsbury residents. Selectman Beth Casavant said she was “really glad” to see the commitment to SYFS. She asked what it would look like beyond the four years if the town wanted to maintain
PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES
the three clinicians. “I can’t imagine that we’re going to have less people who need mental health services,” Casavant sait. “I would think it’s either going to be steady or rise.” Mizikar said $202,000 is required annually for those support services. “This will provide us with a long onramp to consider and allocate ongoing resources through the budget process,” he said. The town is proposing spending $5,000 on collaboration between the Shrewsbury Public Schools, the Central
MA Regional Public Health Alliance and SYFS for mental health programming, support and education throughout the school district. “Mental health is just an issue now that seems to just permeate every discussion about our society,” Selectman Maurice DePalo said. “So, I’m glad that we were able to do that.”
regional technical high school district. According to Sawyer, a new state policy is requiring vocational technical high schools to change their admission processes to prevent them from being selective in who they admit. “There’s sort of a minimum standard that a student [is] progressing to the next grade, and they don’t have any really significant behavior, disciplinary history over the past year,” Sawyer said. He said the policy states a school must give preference to students from their member communities before they enroll outside students. Assabet’s district includes Berlin, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough, according to its website. Shrewsbury sent its students on a tuition basis.
According to a presentation to the School Committee earlier this month, there were 96 Shrewsbury students enrolled in a vocational technical high school in 2021. Sawyer said there are typically 30-35 Shrewsbury students joining the Assabet school community in a given year. This year Shrewsbury had 15 students enroll. ‘A complete loss’ Sawyer said the change leads to policy questions for the Shrewsbury Public Schools. It will also likely lead to increased enrollment at Shrewsbury High School. Although not at the same level as Assabet, Sawyer said students who still want some of the educational opportunities provided at vocational schools will be able to participate in hands-on programs like Project Lead the Way. Selectman Beth Casa-
create a communication strategy. This would emphasize communication with nonhomeowner residents, such as people who live in apartments, and their landlords. “We don’t have good insight into the needs of those residents,” Mizikar said. “Oftentimes, but not always, those residents are of lower income and were more significantly and disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.” The town is additionally planning to use $2.2 million to replace the Clinton Street water main, which Mizikar said is high on the list of improvements required in upcoming years. “I like what you’re proposing,” DePalo said after the public health portion of Mizikar’s presentation. “I think we could all make an argument for almost every one of them that more money could be used, but I think that this is a good place to start.”
Shrewsbury plans other uses for ARPA money Shrewsbury was allocated a total of $11.5 million under APRA’s Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.
Shrewsbury eighth graders may no longer be admitted to Assabet Vocational High School, Superintendent says Assabet | from page 1
So far, Shrewsbury has received just under $5.8 million. Mizikar’s recommended first phase of expenditures would total $4,749,680 on public health, revenue loss and infrastructure. Staff at Wo r c e s t e r ’ s Department of Public Health serves as Shrewsbury’s public health agents. So, $114,000 would support additional resources through Shrewsbury’s intermunicipal agreement with Worcester. Additional costs include everything from funds for town and school testing programs to a small business COVID-19 recovery grant program and a document digitization effort. Shrewsbury also wants to
vant, whose child graduated from Assabet last year, said she couldn’t imagine where Shrewsbury would start in replicating Assabet’s program. “That program, in and of itself, is masterful in taking kids for whom a traditional high school educational program that we offer at Shrewsbury High School is not the correct fit,” Casavant said. These students need the balance of academics and hands-on setting, focusing on the basis of a career, she said. “I just think that it’s a complete loss for the current eighth-graders to know that avenue of a high school education [is gone],” Casavant said. “And if it was my child and I heard this, I would be just devastated, just knowing the value of that education at Assabet and knowing that Shrewsbury did tuition and paid that tuition for my child to have that experience.”
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Shrewsbury student’s science fair project earns national recognition By Cindy Zomar Education Coordinator
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SHREWSBURY - Oak Middle School student Angad Singh Pannu turned curiosity about COVID-19 and immunity into an innovative science experiment earlier this year. In September, Pannu and his school community celebrated as that work earned national recognition. Pannu took advantage of Shrewsbury’s Oak Middle School Science Fair Club, doing research on his project, “Managing Antioxidant Levels: The Immunity Booster.” His diligence paid off when he was named to the Broadcom Masters 300 list, which recognizes 300 young “scientists, engineers and innovators” working “to solve the grand challenges of the 21st century,” according to a press release.
Angad Singh Pannu is a student at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury.
Student takes project to local science fairs Pannu chose his project after hearing about the benefits of antioxidants, particularly as they related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many different foods are rich in antioxidants, and build our immunity, which is really important now in particular,” he said in a recent interview with
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project itself alongside “a lot” of writing, according to Science Fair Club Advisor Jeremy Mularella. 300 award winners chosen out of 1,841 entrants The 300 students included on the Broadcom list were selected from 1,841 entrants. They come from 41 states, plus Guam, with 69 from California, 31 from Florida, and 22 from Texas. More than two thirds of students attend public school, with 59 students in private school and 15 in charter schools. The remaining students are in home, magnet or online schools according to that aforementioned press release. Beyond the distinction of joining the Broadcom Masters 300 group, Pannu will receive a t-shirt, a bumper sticker and a special edition booklet of Invention and Innovation articles, provided by The Lemelson Foundation. Oak Middle School Principal Ann Jones said she was happy to see Pannu represent the success of the school’s science curriculum and extracurricular offerings with this achievement. “All you need to do is provide the opportunity and encouragement and the kids take it from there and love it,” she said.
Shrewsbury Schools Superintendent decries hateful language incidents By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury Public Schools Superintendent Joe Sawyer addressed a pair of incidents involving “unacceptable” and “hurtful” language at Shrewsbury High School during a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen last week. His comments were part of a larger school department update in which Sawyer discussed challenges the district was facing. One of those challenges, he said, was a need to focus on equity and anti-racism. The Shrewsbury Public Schools already have goals for diversity, belonging, inclusion and equity work, Sawyer said.
“Unfortunately, we had [very] unfortunate and concerning ... incidents at Shrewsbury High School recently around hateful language related to race and students’ national origin that just reminds us that we need to continue to focus those efforts because we are not immune to these issues, obviously, in our community,” Sawyer said. In one of the incidents, staff members said they found “hateful” graffiti in two of the high school’s girls bathrooms, according to a letter sent to families on Nov. 19. In another incident, students on a bus allegedly wrote phrases on an iPad that were “demeaning to Brazilian students.” Students then showed
the iPad to Brazilian students in a car behind the bus, the letter to families said. The students were identified and staff said they will be held responsible. In the graffiti incident, school administrators conducted an investigation and identified a student who was responsible for some of the graffiti. They held that person accountable. Principal Todd Bazydlo denounced their language and behavior. He said the school “will redouble its efforts to educate students on the impact hate has upon our society and our fellow citizens, and provide structured opportunities for students and staff to work to combat hate.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 15
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Westborough talks school transportation as statewide busing woes continue By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - Students and families in Westborough continue to feel the impacts of a bus driver shortage, district officials acknowledged last month. That problem still affects some despite a new bus driver hire and the rollout of a bus tracking app entitled “Where is My Kid.” “For those that are still struggling with the bus driver shortage where it is causing an impact to your bus, we are sorry that that is still impacting you,” School Committee member Lisa Edinberg said at a School Committee meeting on Nov. 17. “It’s a terrible situation and it’s very frustrating and we agree that we must find solutions to that.” Driver shortages cause delays, disruptions Busing has been a concern in Westborough and across the state particularly since the start of this 2021-2022 school year. Students and their families have experienced delays and inconsistencies. Athletic directors, coaches and student athletes have felt the impacts as well, with busing companies deprioritizing sports transportation, particularly in the first few weeks of the school year, to focus on primary transportation to and from school. The state took action in September, with Gov. Charlie Baker mobilizing members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist in school transportation. As many as 240 members of the Guard eventually shuttled students in 13 districts to and from school over two months this fall.
NRT busses for the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough sit parked at the Solomon Pond Mall. NRT also provides transportation for the Westborough Public Schools and recently hired a new bus driver for Westborough. PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
That program came to an end on Nov. 8, according to the state, as those 13 districts were finally able to hire enough bus drivers to fill their needs. Westborough hires new bus driver Westborough was never part of the National Guard’s school transportation mission. But it’s still seeking new bus drivers, recently onboarding one such driver. “We do now have a new person that can back up the process,” Director of Finance and Administration David Gordon told the School Committee on Nov. 17. Gordon said the district and its not busing contractor, North Reading Transportation (NRT), were working to “re-communicate” their hiring effort. “We’re progressively looking,” he said of that process. “The state and NRT are still dealing with the driver shortage, but as a community, we’re putting our best foot forward,” he continued. District shares new bus tracking app These conversations play out as NRT and the Westborough schools have recently
promoted the launch of a new app allowing families to track their children as they travel on their buses.
The app, known as “Where is My Kid,” is operated by NRT. Edinberg said the app “works considerably better
than our last app,” though she acknowledged that it has had lingering issues for some users. We s t b o ro u g h fo l l ows the nearby Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough in sharing “Where’s my Kid” with families. Officials in that district spoke about the app on Nov. 8, generally celebrating its effectiveness. “For a new app, we did anticipate glitches, but overall I think the experience has been pretty good for our families that have chosen to participate,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Keith Lavoie.
SEPAC voices support for Shrewsbury paraprofessionals By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Members of the Shrewsbury Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) recently voiced their support for Shrewsbury Public Schools paraprofessionals, whose union is headed to mediation with the district. “As a parent of students with special needs, we know the vital role that paraprofessionals play in our schools,” said SEPAC President Colleen Corbett during a Nov. 17 School Committee meeting. Corbett, who has two children who have received special education services since elementary school, said she was disappointed that negotiations had ended and transitioned to mediation. The Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association’s (SPA) contract expired in August. The paraprofessionals have since been working under the terms of their old contract. “Their work benefits students, teachers and classrooms in ways that surpass description,” Corbett said. “They quite literally keep our schools functioning.” SEPAC board member Blake Poggi said the paraprofessionals struggle to cover basic necessities, choosing whether to leave Shrewsbury or take on second jobs. “Retaining experienced paras who are trusted
by students and valued by teachers is an investment that benefits our entire school community as it rewards dedication and fosters stability,” Poggi said. The school committee has said their most recent proposal called for cost of living increases were greater than the two percent mark in year one and three. Between cost of living and step increases in year two, the district’s proposal saw between a four and a 10 percent wage increase. The SPA said in a statement to the Community Advocate earlier this year, though, that a two percent increase at the contract’s top hourly pay rate of $18.84 amounted to just $0.38 in extra hourly pay. School Committee Chair Jon Wensky clarified that the district’s most recent offer to the Paraprofessionals Association included increases greater than two percent for all categories of the proposed contract, in addition to step increases. Wensky said on Nov. 17 that he was “optimistic” that mediation will allow the district and its paraprofessionals to reach an agreement. “The School Committee values its relationship with the Shrewsbury Paraprofessionals Association,” he continued. “Paraprofessionals, as you referenced, are critical to the success of our students.” See additional coverage online at CommunityAdvocate.com.
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Westborough seeks funding for pedestrian, bicyclist safety improvements near middle school By Dan Miller Contributing Writer
PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
WESTBOROUGH - Safety improvements for walkers and bicyclists could be coming to an area of Westborough near Gibbons Middle School, following the Select Board’s Nov. 23 decision to back a grant application to the state. The board voted 5-0 to send a letter of support for an application for up to $1.5 million in Safe Routes to School grant funding. Safe Routes to School is a program under the umbrella of the state Department of Transportation focused on safe ways for children to walk and bike in their communities. School Committee Member Sara Duella explained in a presentation to the Select Board that proposed improvements would focus on the Fisher Street and West Street areas. The plan envisions new sidewalk, curbing, crosswalks and signage along Fisher Street from Otis to West streets. The plan would also add cross-
Existing signage stands of Fisher Street in Westborough near the entrance to Gibbons Middle School.
walks and pedestrian signage on West Street at Grant Road. All sidewalk and curbing would comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The plan also calls for pedestrian and bicycle safety markings on roads. Officials additionally hope to use a portion of grant funds for other specific safety improvements in the area. That could involve replacing aging signs with solar-powered flashing beacons and installing speed reduction displays for vehicles.
A new grant application is looking to win money for improvements along Fisher Street between its intersections with Otis Street and West Street in Westborough.
The grant funds would cover design and construction of the proposed improvements. Under the grant funding timetable, planning for the project would begin in 2023 with work completed sometime in 2025, according to Duella’s presentation to the Select Board. The amount of money potentially available under the grant could range anywhere from $200,000 to $1.5 million. No local match would be required, meaning neither the town nor Westborough schools would have to contribute any funds to get this grant
money. The formal grant application was due Dec. 1. Westborough’s Department of Public Works is the primary
Northborough to study elementary school configuration By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The Northborough Public Schools will be forming a study group
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applicant, with the Westborough Public Schools’ Buildings and Grounds Department being the co-applicant. Westborough schools have already been participating in the state-funded Safe Routes to Schools program for the past five years, with an emphasis on encouraging students in grades kindergarten through 8 to bike and walk to schools. “It is in our best interest to encourage students and their parents to allow the kids to walk and bike to school, but this helps us ensure we can do it in a safe manner,” Select Board member Ian Johnson said.
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that will study the configuration of the town’s elementary schools. This group could eventually recommend changes in terms of where families in certain parts of town send their children for school. The Northborough School Committee voiced their support for the effort during their Nov. 3 meeting. “I love this,” said Committee Member Kelly Guenette. “I’ve been thinking about this for years and trying to figure out something, especially with the enrollment numbers the way they are and redistricting that has to happen.” Enrollment numbers Superintendent Gregory Martineau said at a Sept. 1 School Committee meeting that there were 1,541 students enrolled in Northborough schools. At that time, he said there were several classrooms at the cap under the district’s class size policy, which indicates that the target class range for kindergarten through second grade is between 16 to 20 students. The target range for third through fifth grade is between 16 to 22 students. For sixth through eighth grade, it is between 18 to 24 students. Over the summer, a firstgrade classroom was added at Peaslee Elementary School because all of the classrooms there were at the class size ceiling, Martineau said. Northborough | 17
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 17
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Shrewsbury school administrators break down 2021 enrollment data By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - This new school year saw changes for Shrewsbury Public Schools, including a new elementary school, new school zones and full-day kindergarten for all students for the first time. Superintendent Joe Sawyer laid out the district’s enrollment numbers during a Nov. 17 meeting. “This is a very good news story for the community because, really, these are the
fruits of the investments our community has made in our school district,” Sawyer said. Those investments, he said, included having enough teachers to meet class size targets as well as having enough space and programming opportunities. As of Oct. 1, there were 5,885 students enrolled in preschool through grade 12 in Shrewsbury. Full-day kindergarten This is the first year Shrewsbury has offered tuition-free,
full-day and in-person kindergarten, thanks to the town’s Proposition 2 1/2 override, which passed as a ballot question earlier this year. “Every single one of our kindergarten students gets to attend a full-day program in a K-4 elementary school,” Sawyer said. “We’re really excited that that became a reality for our school district.” There are 343 students enrolled in kindergarten this year, which is an increase from 287 in 2020. “We don’t have great data
Northborough to study elementary school configuration Northborough | from page 16
“That allows us more space for new enrollments in terms of first grade,” Martineau said. What is proposed Martineau initially raised the idea of a study group. “We have amazing elementary schools, and they’ve been organized by neighborhood schools for many years,” Martineau said. “Any good organization evaluates and assesses the advantages and disadvantages of current configurations.” School Committee member Erin Tagliaferri asked if the group would have a blank slate or whether Martineau had an idea of what the configuration should be. “I think we have some ideas, obviously, but I also want to keep an open mind. I want to look at all different opportunities. My prediction is that we’ll land on two potential scenarios,” Martineau said.
Northborough’s Lincoln Street School 67 Lincoln Street in Northborough. A new study group is looking at the configuration of all of Northborough’s elementary schools.
The group would examine those advantages and disadvantages, considering enrollment trends and grade level configuration to see if there are other opportunities to maximize Northborough schools and resources, he said. The group will hold its first meeting next month.
PHOTO/JESSE KUCEWICZ
Staff, families and the community will then be surveyed throughout the first couple of months of 2022, and an analysis will be conducted. The group will present a formal report to the School Committee next year. Martineau projected that such a meeting would occur in April.
Floral Street School kindergarten teacher Emily Rosenzweig works with Cassandra Lee SwensonAnsley.
PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES
Floral Street School kindergarten teacher Emily Rosenzweig talks with her students on the carpet. This is the first year kindergarten has been offered at Floral.
on this,” Sawyer said. “But, anecdotally, we know that there are some families who decided to keep their child back [and] not have them start kindergarten because of the situation with the pandemic.” First grade enrollment did see a drop from 407 students to 339 this year. With the new Beal Elementary School opening, Shrewsbury implemented new elementary zones to free up space in previously crowded schools. Floral Street School, for example, saw its lowest enrollment in its existence, according to Sawyer, with 508 students. That is a drop from 679 last year. Capacity at SHS There are 1,843 students enrolled at Shrewsbury High
School (SHS), which is a decrease from 1,875 last year. Principal Todd Bazydlo said that’s still the third highest mark in 10 years, though. Bazydlo said the school was only built to serve 1,475 students. Bazydlo said about 50 percent of SHS teachers move classrooms twice per day under these current enrollment circumstances. Between 30 and 40 percent of teachers move three times a day, he said. “There’s a lot of movement happening within the building,” he said. “So, no one has their own classroom.” Sawyer said the Beal committee will be undertaking a preschool through grade 12 space study that will, in part, consider this enrollment data.
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY BUSINESS Wright Jewelry & Design invites community members to shop ‘The Wright Way’
HUDSON - The staff at Wright Jewelry & Design Company in Hudson are thanking community members for their support while also inviting them to stop in and shop “The Wright Way” this holiday season. “As a small family-owned business, we pride ourselves in giving you the shopping experience of yesteryear, while delivering a selection of quality jewelry, both trendy and traditional,” owners Justin and Jenna Beit noted in a recent press release. Wright Jewelry is showcasing its largest assortment of product yet this season, highlighting jewelry designers both near and far,
“diamonds galore” and “amazingcolored gemstones” as well as both sterling and gold fashion and estate jewelry. “We are engagement ring specialists and custom design jewelry live and in person!” the Beits said. “Over the course of the past year and a half, during a time of great uncertainty, one thing is for sure,” they continued, “occasions are still celebrated! We have been so fortunate to receive the support of so many residents, families, and fellow businesses. We thank you!” “Wishing you and your families a Safe, Healthy & Happy Holiday Season,” they concluded.
Avidia Investment Services hires new financial advisor REGION -Avidia Investment Services is welcoming a new financial advisor to its team based in Framingham.
David Korff brings 33 years of David Korff financial services experience, a press release noted. He graduated from Northeastern
University with a B.S. in Business and has lived in the greater Boston area for his entire life. “We are excited to welcome David to our team,” said Executive Vice President of Consumer Banking Don Frost in that press release. “David’s commitment to client service and objective, personalized financial advice aligns with our firm’s values. We look forward to his contributions, allowing us to expand the depth of services that we can provide to our clients.”
St. Mary’s appoints Marlborough resident as new Junior Commercial Lending Officer MARLBOROUGH - St. Mary’s Credit Union recently announced the appointment of Erick Pereira to the role of Junior Commercial Lending Officer. A Marlborough Erick Pereira resident, Pereira will “cultivate new relationships to generate business loans while also servicing existing commercial relationships” according to a St. Mary’s press release. “With my experience in both
corporate and retail banking, taking on this role at St. Mary’s Credit Union is a perfect next step forward in my banking career,” said Pereira. “I take pride in building strong relationships and will continue to provide St. Mary’s Credit Union members the exceptional service they have come to expect from our team.” Pereira comes to St. Mary’s
Credit Union from Berkshire Bank, where he served as Assistant Vice President, Senior Branch Officer, and oversaw two branch locations. He also served as Assistant Branch Manager at Commerce Bank, a Division of Berkshire Bank, at locations in Boston, Shrewsbury and Worcester. Pereira previously held the role of Financial Service Representative.
Juniper Hill Golf Course celebrates success of Turkey Day fundraiser NORTHBOROUGH - Juniper Hill Golf Course recently raised $2,341 in cash, checks and supermarket gift cards to be donated to a variety of local charities. That was in addition to nearly 225 turkeys that the Golf Course also collected. This was all thanks to Juniper (l to r): Paul McAfee, Rich Griete, Fred T. Hill’s Turkey Day fundraiser Turkey, Al St. Jean, and Tom Bowser held late last month. Golfers and staff pulled together to support that effort. Veterans Inc. then distributed over 400 boxes of turkeys, dinner fixings and pies to families of Massachusetts veterans. “The staff of Juniper Hill Golf Course would like to whole-heartedly thank all of you who participated in our Turkey Day Event,” Juniper Hill said in a statement. Juniper Hill is located at 202 Brigham St. in Northborough. Learn more at juniperhillgc.com.
The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is back in service! REGISTER ONLINE TO RESERVE A SPOT The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the business park located at 200 Forest Street. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 19
COMMUNITY SPORTS Northborough-Southborough youth football players earn spots on all-star teams
Shamrocks to play for national championship Jan. 15
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
MARLBOROUGH - The Marlborough Shamrocks will head to Florida on Saturday, Jan. 15, to play the Brooklyn Seminoles for a national championship. That matchup Shamrocks quarterback Blake Rice steps back to was officially set throw during warm-ups before a late-season game last week, cirearlier this year. cling a new date on Shamrocks players’ calendars just over a second consecutive national month after the team secured a championship after they won league title in Manchester, New their United States Football AsHampshire with a 35-21 win sociation bowl game a year ago. over the Southern New England Marlborough took the 2020 Admirals. season off due to COVID-19, Brooklyn marched through meaning that 2021 would also the regular season, posting a mark their second national win-loss-tie record of 11-0-1. championship in as many seaThey beat the Philadelphia sons after they won in 2019. Red Raiders 28-0 on Nov. 7 to This year’s championship win their league championship game will take place at 7 p.m. and now enter their matchup at Lake Brantley High School with Marlborough seeking a Stadium in Orlando.
Fourth youth football players from Northborough and Southborough recently punched tickets to play all star football in Florida over the next week.
By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - Four area youth football players will soon head to Florida to compete in a national tournament there as members of their respective Central Massachusetts All-Star Teams. Victor Norman, Max Tolander, Caden Davis and Caleb Ferlo all earned this honor as members of the Northborough-Southborough Youth Football and Cheer association. They practiced with their all-star teams throughout
November and are now gearing up for all-star play in Kissimmee, Florida between Dec. 3 and Dec. 11. “The league is extremely proud of our players for their time, effort, and commitment they have put in this season,” wrote Football and Cheer Association Registrar Christine Pulsifer in a statement shared with the Community Advocate. “We wish Caden, Caleb, Victor, and Max the best of luck in Florida.” Davis and Ferlo are each playing their first season of tackle football this year. Norman is in
Grafton football dominates Milbury in season finale GRAFTON - The Grafton High School football team beat Milbury 35-7, Nov. 25, bouncing back a week after a difficult playoff loss to Scituate with a win on Thanksgiving. The Gators improved their winloss record for 2021 to 11-1, with their only loss coming in that semifinals matchup with Scituate. Quarterback Tyler Dimond led the way on offense, rushing for three of Grafton’s touchdowns in the win.
PHOTO/COURTESY NORTHBOROUGHSOUTHBOROUGH YOUTH FOOTBALL
his second year, while Tolander has played for five years. Team coaches initially selected players from their roster to try out for all-star spots. Hundreds of players from more than 30 area towns attended those tryouts, with 36 student athletes eventually being selected. Davis and Ferlo will play on the 10U team. Norman and Tolander will play in the 12U group. In addition to players, sixth grade football coach Doug Pulsifer has been asked to serve as an assistant 12U coach, Christine Pulsifer wrote.
Shrewsbury football snags narrow victory on Thanksgiving SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury High School football team pulled off a narrow 14-13 victory over Wachusett on Nov. 25, winning their traditional Thanksgiving game to put an exclamation point on the 2021 fall season. The teams headed to halftime tied 7-7. Shrewsbury pulled ahead in the third quarter only to see Wachusett claw back in the game’s final frame to nearly tie the contest. This marked the 12th meeting of Shrewsbury and Wachusett on Thanksgiving and improved Shrewsbury’s win-loss record for 2021 to 6-5. The Colonials had ranked 15th out of 28 teams in the MIAA’s Division I bracket this year and played a first round playoff game against St. John’s Prep on Nov. 5.
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Area teams take stock of COVID-19 guidelines as winter season starts Algonquin’s Todd Brogna wears a mask during a game in last year’s winter sports season. Student athletes across the region will be back in masks this winter in accordance with state guidance.
By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - Players, coaches and fans will be masked. But other familiar elements of the high school winter sports experience will return to normal this year as teams suit up for a second full season played during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re excited to allow spectators back in,” Westborough Athletic Director Johanna DiCarlo said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate. “But in order to allow folks to come to games, they’re going to have to follow the rules that we’re all living by.” Masking policies remain in place Indoor high school sports games this winter will allow spectators this winter in a way that contests did not a year ago. Everyone will need to remain masked though, according to guidance issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and recently reaffirmed by the MIAA. This will represent a change
PHOTO/JEFF SLOVIN
for some who might have recently been playing club games or pickup contests without masks. “[In] some other leagues they’re playing in, [masks] are not required,” Marlborough High School hockey coach Mike O’Brien recently said of some of his players. “But they went through it last year and were great with it.” ‘Nobody really wants to touch it’ Changes this year go beyond masks, DiCarlo noted.
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A year after playing under a strict set of state and federal guidelines, teams enter the 20212022 winter season with a different landscape in terms of perspectives and warnings on COVID-19. “You had a set of circumstanc-
es that we all lived by last year and there was a process in place to decipher that information,” DiCarlo said. “This year, we’re feeling as if, yeah, nobody really wants to touch it.” Westborough Schools Superintendent Amber Bock weighed in at a School Committee meeting last month, particularly noting a lack of masking guidance from the MIAA. “As of now, they’re kind of taking a knee on it, so we just have to wait and see,” she said. The MIAA has since issued a statement backing up an October memo from the state requiring masks at least through Jan. 15. Mask policies must be universal, AD says The MIAA indicated in its statement that it would consider a “transition to unmasking”
after Jan. 15. For DiCarlo, any change simply must be universal. “There was a real group effort to have a consistent approach to this,” she said of strategies a year ago. “I think now, there’s a feeling that that consistent approach is very difficult and that local communities should have the jurisdiction to do what they want. But you cannot have one high school come into a gym unmasked, playing against another high school that is forced to be masked. That’s just a competitive disadvantage. There does need to be consistency there.” Teams kicked off winter practices last week and will begin their regular season schedules this month. Additional reporting by Kevin Stone
Westborough hosts Algonquin in Thanksgiving Day football game WESTBOROUGH - The Algonquin Regional High School football team shut out the Westborough Rangers, Nov. 25, in this year’s Thanksgiving Day rivalry football game. Westborough hosted this football finale, ultimately falling on the wrong side of a 49-0 score after Algonquin jumped out to a decisive 35-0 lead in the first half. “Congratulations on a great season,” Algonquin Athletic Director Michael Mocerino wrote to his school’s team in a message on social media after the win. “You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments - thank you seniors!” Though they missed the playoffs under the MIAA’s new power ranking system, Algonquin finished their season with
Westborough football players warm up for their game against Algonquin on Thanksgiving Day last week.
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
an 8-3 record. Westborough went 1-9, with one of the high points of their season coming in a close 13-12 victory over North Middlesex on Sept. 17. Records aside, Westborough Athletic Director Johanna DiCarlo said in comments to the Community Advocate prior to this
game that the rivalry between Westborough and Algonquin would reliably make any meeting of the teams special. “It doesn’t matter what kind of season either team has been having, it’s still a fantastic opportunity for our kids and they love playing that morning,” she said.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 21
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Westborough athletic director honored with ‘State Award of Merit’ By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
WESTBOROUGH - Westborough High School Athletic Director Johanna DiCarlo earned special recognition last month as the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association’s State Award of Merit winner. Praise quickly poured in as community members and colleagues congratulated DiCarlo. “It’s super humbling,” she told the Community Advocate. “...So many athletic directors out there do tremendous jobs all year long. So, it’s certainly incredibly honoring to be recognized as an individual.” Continuing her comments, DiCarlo deferred praise to the individuals who make up the
Johanna DiCarlo has served as Westborough’s Athletic Director since 2007.
Westborough High School athletic department. “The community and the students and the staff here are really what makes us successful,” she said. DiCarlo has been Westborough’s athletic director since 2007, taking the job after pre-
viously serving as an assistant athletic director and head coach of field hockey and softball at Regis College in the early 2000s. DiCarlo left Regis in 2002 to coach field hockey and softball at Worcester Polytechnic Institute until her hiring in Westborough.
Southborough marks 15th annual Gobble Wobble By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH – After being held virtually last year, the 15th annual Gobble Wobble 5K race and two-mile walk returned to Southborough roads on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25. Starting and finishing at Trottier Middle School, this holiday tradition benefits the Friends of Southborough Recreation (FOSR). Most of the 913 registered supporters worked up their Thanksgiving Day appetites by running or walking the 5K or two-mile route. FOSR President Jolene Chapski presented medals to the 5K winners. Southborough residents achieved the two top honors. Grant Gattuso finished first overall in 16:13. Kathryn McCarthy was the first-place
Runners begin the Friends of Southborough Recreation’s 15th annual Gobble Wobble at Trottier Middle School.
same as any working relationship. You have your differences at times, but she’s a great AD to have.” “She’s very organized and she’s someone that represents Westborough well,” he continued. “If I ever need anything, she’s always there for me.” DiCarlo was on the sidelines this fall as several of Westborough’s fall teams made deep runs into the playoffs. Approaching a winter season that figures to pose unique challenges amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, DiCarlo said she appreciates the people she works with and the student athletes she helps lead. “It’s a really dedicated group of individuals that come together as teams to make really special things happen,” she said. “I’m really proud that our department has a really good set of core values that we try to live by, and I think, by doing that, and being consistent with our approach that we’re able to find some success in quite a few of our sports.”
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female finishing in 19:07. Medals were also presented to the first-place runners in six age categories. Proceeds go toward FOSR’s ongoing endeavors including scholarships for children’s summer camps. FOSR has also contributed funds for projects such as replacing playground equipment at Fayville Park,
Over more than a decade in her current role, DiCarlo has overseen major growth in the Westborough High School athletic department, notably helping lead the school’s “Rangers on Track” facilities upgrade project. “Our students are proud of their school and their facilities,” she said in 2018 as that work moved forward. “It was strategically planned, and it is great to see the community come together to celebrate it.” “This is tremendously difficult work,” she said in her comments following this recent award. “But it’s also extremely rewarding work. So when you get messages of encouragement or appreciation from your peers, it really is special.” Congratulated by fellow athletic directors, DiCarlo has also recently seen praise from Westborough’s coaches. “It’s been great working with her,” girls varsity soccer coach Paul Mumby said in a recent interview before news of DiCarlo’s award broke. “It’s the
resurfacing turf at 9/11 Memorial Field and installing lights at Choate Field. The nonprofit also helps fund the town’s Summer Nights and Summer Concert Series. Learn more about FOSR at friendsofsboro.com and facebook.com/friendsofsouthboro. For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.
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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
Holiday Guide 2021
‘Light Up Northborough’ will include town’s first menorah lighting By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter
The Kennedy Family & Staff wish you Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas
Kennedy’s Market
The Kennedy Family & Staff wish you & yours, Happy Holidays!
Conversations predate Diversity and Inclusion Committee The Community Affairs Committee (CAC) was approached by a resident before the COVID-19 pandemic, asking about a menorah. The town’s diversity com-
PHOTO/LAURA HAYNES
NORTHBOROUGH - A menorah will be lit during this year’s “Light Up Northborough” event on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. on Blake Street in town. It will be the first time that the event has featured a menorah lighting. Assistant Town Administrator Becca Meekins, who serves on Northborough’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, noted during a discussion at a recent Nov. 22 Board of Selectmen meeting that Hanukkah lined up with the already-planned tree lighting. “It felt like the right first step for us — the first of many steps,” Meekins said.
A menorah stands on Blake Street in Northborough. The menorah will be lit for the first time as part of annual “Light up Northborough” festivities this year.
mittee had not yet been formed at that time. Since then, Community Affairs Committee Chair Suzy Cieslica has both watched and attended Diversity and Inclusion Committee meetings alongside fellow Community Affairs Committee members. “We came back to the Community Affairs Committee, and we just said, ‘We have to look at everything with all new eyes
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and reevaluate everything that we do and how we go about things,’” Cieslica said on Nov. 22. “So, the first thing that came to mind was the menorah.” Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair Tim Kaelin said he, Cieslica and Selectman Leslie Rutan had several conversations. It’s about progress, not perfection, Kaelin and Meekins both said. Plan aligns with anticipated recommendation That aforementioned resident recently met with the Community Affairs Committee to further discuss the menorah. Cieslica’s children were at the meeting. They asked about the menorah on their way home. “It just further made me realize why we need to do this,” said Cieslica, who is Catholic. Kaelin said the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will soon be making recommendations to the selectmen. One of those recommendations, he said, will be to include more celebrations of holidays for different communities within Northborough. “I do think it’s a good idea to proceed with this,” Rutan said. “I like the whole point of progress versus perfection. “I think it’s a wonderful way to start, as long as every step of the way, we’re making it very clear to the entire community that this is a phased approach,” she said. Lighting set for Dec. 4 Snacks will be provided at the Dec. 4 event. The event will feature local singing groups. The menorah will then be lit, and the tree will be lit in honor of PFC Neil Ellsworth.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 25
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Congregation B’nai Shalom lights new outdoor menorah By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor
Shrewsbury library to hold holiday open house SHREWSBURY – Santa is coming to Shrewsbury Public Library. The Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library are hosting their annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The open house is free and open to the public. From crafts to activities and stories, the event will feature holiday fun for all ages. Santa will be in the building from noon to 1 p.m. Under order from the Shrewsbury Board of Health, individuals over the age of five will be required to wear face coverings. Those with medical or other eligible conditions are exempt from that requirement.
PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN
WESTBOROUGH - Community members packed the lawn outside Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough, Nov. 28, for a special menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah this year. The event marked the first lighting of B’nai Shalom’s new outdoor menorah, which community members rallied to build over the course of just five weeks this fall according to Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz. “This congregation has a long history of doing a lot itself,” Gurevitz told the Community Advocate of the decision to build the menorah. “...I knew that, rather than going
A new menorah stands outside Westborough’s Congregation B’nai Shalom.
online and buying something, with the right people, we could do something uniquely us.” Impacted by COVID-19, B’nai Shalom has adapted, notably holding drive-in Hanukkah observances a year ago. As Hanaukkah approached this year, Gurevitz said, she contacted a number of congregation members who she knew might be interested in building an outdoor menorah to serve as a focal point for in-person Hanukkah events amid the
lingering pandemic. That crew worked quickly, erecting the menorah which now overlooks East Main Street in Westborough. Gurevitz estimated that at least 200 individuals turned up, Nov. 28, to mingle, sing songs and more at the menorah lighting. She thanked those individuals who built the menorah and lauded their work. “I’m delighted with how it came out,” she said.
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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 27
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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 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 Bergeron, David of Marlborough Blazis, Mark of Grafton Bowser, Maureen formerly of Marlborough Cassinelli, Janet of Marlborough Chaves, Mario of Marlborough Cross, Ann of Marlborough Czuczor, Attila formerly of Marlborough and Hudson Fahey, Joan of Hudson Garabedian, Rose of South Grafton Garnett Sr., Paul of Marlborough Hamilton, Patricia of Marlborough LaPierre, Roberta of Northborough Lapponese, James formerly of Shrewsbury Patterson, Robert of Marlborough Silva, Maria of Hudson Troiano, John of Shrewsbury Warren, Joanne of Shrewsbury
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
John A. Troiano, 80 SHREWSBURY - John A. Troiano, 80, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 20, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Rose Marie (DiBenedetto) Troiano, in April 2012. John is survived by his two daughters, Danielle A. Sprague and her husband Steven of Leominster and Gianna M. Hoban and her husband Sean of Stow; four beloved grandchildren, Nicholas J. Hoban, Domenic A. Hoban, Sean A. Hoban, and Elena R. Hoban; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Troiano. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
Joanne Warren, 92
Jan. 30, 1929 – Nov. 19, 2021 SHREWSBURY - Joanne Scott Warren, 92, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving husband and family. She leaves her beloved husband of 69 years, Charles B. Warren; children Holly Heiden-
reich and her husband Ted of New Harbor, Maine, Scott Warren and his wife Catherine Plourde of Rockport, Maine, and Shelley Wieler and her husband James of Meredith, NH. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her daughter Cindy Pozotrigo. Joanne was tremendously proud of and enjoyed her time with her 9 grandchildren: Tedra Leonard and her husband Wayne, Gretta Kuebert and her husband Kevin, Giancarlo Pozotrigo and his wife Michelle, Sally Burbank and her husband Jake, Abby Warren, Grant Wieler and his wife Maura, Dr. Jane Wieler and her husband Dr. Peter Eyvazzadeh, Maesie Wieler-Reinhard, CCNP and her husband Alex Reinhard, and Scott Wieler. She leaves 5 adorable great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way. The Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.
Rose T. Garabedian, 96 SOUTH GRAFTON - Rose T. (Gigarjian) Garabedian, 96, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 14,2021 at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester Ma. Her husband Paul J. Garabedian passed away in 2000. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Rose leaves her son Vaughn Garabedian with whom she lived, her daughter Tammara Maynard of East Douglas MA. Her grandchildren Paul M. Maynard and his wife Heather of Millville MA. Robert C. Maynard and his fiance Emily Crozier of Blackstone MA. Amanda Maynard of Sutton MA. And the love of her life her great grandson Ryan. Rose also leaves behind her sister Mary Gigarjian of Northbridge, brother Harold Gigarjian and his wife Carol of New City New York. Her brothers in law Douglas Garabedian and his wife Rose of Worcester Ma. Richard Garabedian and his wife Marion of Henderson NV. And many nieces and nephews. Rose was predeceased by her brothers Archie Gigarjian, and George Gigarjian a sister Victoria Gigarjian and her grandson Johnathan Maynard. The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.
Mark M. Blazis, 74 GRAFTON - The world has lost an important voice for all things wild. World safari and tour leader, scientist, writer, sportsman and naturalist, Mark Mathew Blazis passed away suddenly on November 17, 2021, at home, with his adoring wife Helen by his side. Mark leaves his wife of 47 adventurous and loving years, Helen (Rawinski), his daughter Jessica (Blazis) Reese, her husband Stephen, and their children Cameron and Connor of Sutton; his son Mathew Blazis, his wife Angela, their children Michael and Ava of Sutton; his brother Gary Blazis and wife Nancy of Marston’s Mills and their son Scott Blazis and his wife Christine of Barnstable; his great-niece Alison
and great-nephew Gary; his great-nephew Nicholas Blazis of Barnstable; and his sisterin-law Helen Tasselar Blazis of Shrewsbury. He was predeceased by his parents Francis Charles and Maggie Evangeline (Mathewson) Blazis of Worcester, his brother Bruce Blazis of Shrewsbury, and his nephew Todd Blazis of Barnstable. The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.
Roberta P. LaPierre, 93 NORTHBOROUGH - On Thursday, November 18, 2021, Roberta P. (Kenward) LaPierre passed away peacefully at Beaumont of Northborough after a period of declining health; she was 93 years old. Born in
Worcester and raised in Spencer, Roberta was a daughter to the late Percy and Annie (Fairbrother) Kenward. Roberta was the devoted wife of 70 years to Joseph T. LaPierre until his own passing in 2017. Roberta is survived by her loving daughter, Corrie Martin and her husband Thomas of Boylston; her daughter-in-law, Nancy LaPierre of Shrewsbury; seven grandchildren, Karrie LaPierre Escoto, Robert LaPierre Jr, Melissa Martin Duquette, Daniel Martin, Katie Martin Wexler, Cody LaPierre and Sadie LaPierre; 9 greatgrandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Roberta was preceded in death by her three sons, Randall LaPierre, Robert LaPierre and Jody LaPierre. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.
POLICE LOG The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area.Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Northborough
Wednesday, Nov. 17 9:27 a.m. West Main St. Fraud. 1:12 p.m. Main St. Hit and run. 3:09 p.m. Main St. Fraud. Thursday, Nov. 18 1:09 p.m. Davis/Thayer Sts. Hit and run. Saturday, Nov. 20 11:06 a.m. Church St./I290. Accident: P.I. 7:52 p.m. Shops Way. Larceny. Monday, Nov. 22 12:42 p.m. Brewer St. Hit and run. 8:58 p.m. Shops Way. Larceny.
Southborough
Wednesday, Nov. 10 10:19 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Burglary from MV. Friday, Nov. 12 3:09 a.m. Arrested, Allisyn J. Brady, of Tower St., Hudson, for op MV with license suspended, op MV with reg-
istration suspended, uninsured motor vehicle, move over law. 9:07 a.m. Cordaville Rd. Larceny/ forgery/fraud. Saturday, Nov. 13 1:53 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Assault. 10:59 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Road hazard. 1:01 p.m. Arrested, Matthew T. Beland, of Bantry Rd., Southborough, for carry dangerous weapon, fail to stop/yield. Thursday, Nov. 18 12:41 a.m. Woodland Rd. Road hazard. 7:25 a.m. Arrested, Candice H. Byer, of Amory St., Manchester, N.H., on warrant. 6:26 p.m. Walnut Dr. Fraud/scam.
Shrewsbury
Friday, Nov. 19 7:21 a.m. North Quinsigamond. Accident with injury. 9:14 a.m. Main St. Vandalism. 3:26 p.m. Oak St. Identity theft. 7:47 p.m. Maple Ave. Larceny. Saturday, Nov. 20 1:18 a.m. Arrested, Marlon Campos, 27, of 8 Gates St., Framingham, for speeding in violation of special regulation, oper MV with license suspended/ revoked, OUI-liquor 2nd offense. 7:38 a.m. Boston Tpke. Threats. 6:05 p.m. Arrested, Kevin Will Monteiro, 49, of 31 Westminster St., Worcester, on warrant. Sunday, Nov. 21 4:06 p.m. Arrested, Ashley Marie Sousa, 36, of 14 Oread St., Worcester, for unlicensed operation of MV, unregistered vehicle, attach plate not assigned, marked lanes violation, warrant.
1:04 p.m. Boston Tpke./Bailey Rd. Threats. 3:12 p.m. East Ave. Assaults. 3:30 p.m. Browning Rd. Identity theft. Monday, Nov. 22 9:33 a.m. Brookdale Cir. Identity theft. 2:57 p.m. Grafton St. Larceny. 3:43 p.m. Old Brook Rd. Identity theft. Tuesday, Nov. 23 12:21 p.m. Blackthorn Rd. Larceny. 5:14 p.m. Prospect St. Vandalism. 9:57 p.m. Maple Ave. Harassment.
Westborough
Saturday, Nov. 20 2:16 a.m. Arrested, Alexander Ramos Felipe, 22, of 64 Hollis St. #6, Framingham, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of MV, marked lanes violation, speeding/ rate of speed greater than was reasonable and proper, unlicensed operation of MV. Sunday, Nov. 21 7:53 p.m. Arrested, Eric Joseph Cole, 48, of 180 E Main St., Apt. 213, Westborough, on straight warrant. Tuesday, Nov. 23 11:00 a.m. Arrested, Alec Nicholas St Laurent, 30, of 62 Russell St., Apt. 5A, Plymouth, on warrant. 12:50 p.m. Lyman St. Accident – hit & run. 7:44 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Lyman St. Accident – hit & run. EDITOR’S NOTE: Grafton police logs were not available as of press time. Police logs will be posted online at CommunityAdvocate.com as they become available.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 29
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Cell: (508) 735-5161 www.EQRE.com
Commonwealth Real Estate
he past year and a half brought about significant life changes for many of us. For some, it meant entering retirement earlier than expected. Recent data shows more people retired this year than anticipated. According to the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, 2021 saw a retirement boom:
ones, friends, or relatives. If you find yourself farther from your loved ones than you’d like to be, retirement and the equity you’ve built in your home may enable you to move closer to the people in your life who matter most.
“At least 1.7 million more older workers than expected retired due to the pandemic recession.” If you’ve recently retired, your home may not fit your new lifestyle. The good news is, you’ve likely built-up significant equity that can fuel your next move. According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic, homeowners gained more than $50,000 in equity over the past 12 months alone. That, plus today’s sellers’ market,
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You Can Move Closer to the Ones You Love The 2021 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides a look at the reasons people buy homes. For those reaching retirement age, the number one reason to buy is the opportunity to be closer to loved
Not only can your equity power a move to a new location, but it can also help you purchase the right size home. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says many homebuyers 55 and older choose to downsize – or buy a smaller home – when they make a purchase: “Clearly from the age patterns, young people want to
upsize, and the older generation is looking to downsize. . . .”
Bottom Line If you’ve recently retired and your needs are changing, you’re not alone. Let’s connect to talk through what’s happening in the housing market right now, where things are headed and what it means to you. Whatever your home goals are, as a trusted real estate advisor I can help you find the best option for your situation. My extensive knowledge and expert guidance will ensure that your real estate goals will be met as you move into the next phase of life. Call me today at 508-7355161 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.
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Home Improvement Professionals
All Types of Home Repair & Remodeling Odd Jobs, Maintenance & Much More!
• Chimney roof water leaks solved • Walkways • Perimeter drainage • Foundation Repairs
Quality Chimney 508-752-1003
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
Licensed Bonded Insured
Office 508-485-ROOF Cell 508-400-0380 www.southbororoofing.com
Proudly serving you since 1996
WELDING
(508) 366-3690 www.mrhandyman.com MA HIC #146014 / MA CS #107504
$50 off Chimney Caps or Free Chimney Cleaning with any Masonry
W.E.S.
PLASTERING
Small Repairs Ceilings • Re-Skimming Bill Speckman
508-366-3785
A L L M E TA L S
Aluminum, Stainless and Cast Iron. Small jobs while you wait. Northborough
-(508)-
393-6816
Snow Plowing/Sal ting Residential-Commercial SERVING SHREWSBURY AND NORTHBOROUGH AREA. 24 hour service/ 7 days a week Free Estimates Call Steve
508-926-8798 or 508-450-0803
Preferred Painting Preferred Painting
25 Years of Experience Interior/Exterior Free of Estimates 25 Years Experience Quality Workmanship Interior/Exterior Affordable Rates Free Estimates
Quality Workmanship Joseph Lucier Owner/Painter Affordable Rates
508-873-5930 Joseph Lucier
Josephlucier57yahoo.com Owner/Painter
508-873-5930
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NOTED PHRASES
Removal Services QUICK REMOVAL SERVICE
WE PAY CASH TO PICK UP YOUR JUNK VEHICLES
You Call John it Will Be Gone!
CLEAN OUT
Attics, Sheds, Garages, Basements, etc.
DEMOLITION SERVICES
J & J Junk Removal
Senior Discounts • Fully Insured
123 Adams Rd, N. Grafton, MA
774-280-9356
call: 978-897-junk cell: 978-460-1192 Quickremovalservice.com AMERICAN EXPRESS ®
AMERICAN EXPRESS ®
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MasterCard
SM
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SM
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($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
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Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021 • 31
Help Wanted
Legal
HELP WANTED TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH, MA Westborough Treatment Plant Board 238 Turnpike Road WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581 Tel: 508-366-7645 Fax: 508-836-4396
The Westborough Treatment Plant Board has amended its Bylaws and is scheduled to adopt the amended Bylaws at its regularly scheduled meeting on December 8, 2021. The amended Bylaws and amendment(s) thereto are available for inspection at the Westborough/Shrewsbury Wastewater Treatment Plant office. Jack Goodhall Engineer/Administrator
LEGAL NOTICES
Call today for a quote! 508.366.5500 For Sale
Patient Coordinator
Small Private Practice in Worcester • Full-time position – salary commensurate with experience • Must enjoy helping patients - Answering phones, data entry, appointment reminders - Database management & computer skills
NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN, CARPENTERS.
Part Time
Church Sexton (Custodian) Position
Established, National Home Improvement Company looking for permanent, career oriented people with home & construction skills. Some benefits include; BCBS Health, Supplemental dental, Accident and Life insurance. Take home vehicle, with gas and all expenses paid, uniforms & paid vacation!
First Church in Marlborough is seeking a person for a part time hourly position as church sexton. This job requires physical stamina and a great deal of time flexibility. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining the church premises (inside and outside), managing all work projects, preparing the church for services, interacting with church groups on event needs, etc. Must have transportation for occasional local errands. Qualified candidate will need to pass a CORI check.
Call us today! 508-366-3690
For further information contact the Church at office@firstchurchmarlborough.org.
Prayers
Media & Collectibles
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Cleaning
TTRRY BEFORREE YYOU BUY!! Find us on Facebook, Instagram and at Community Advocate. com
Mr. Handyman is
RESIDENTIAL CLEANING FREE ESTIMATES GREAT REFERENCES
Need A Message Of Hope?
Tapes to DVDs!
Transfer any format Including Movie Film & Audio Tape. I can fix your broken tapes.
Call Sue! (508)756-9842
FULLER RV
Convert Your Camcorder
Please call Jeff
RENTALS & SALES CLASS A, B, C & SUPER C MOTORHOMES TRAILERS PROPANE
!
YOUR AD HERE
Family Owned & Operated
Celebrating 37 Years in Business 150 Shrewsbury St. Boylston
1-800-338-2578 www.fullerrv.com
24 Hours Everyday
Call Dial-A-Friend
(508) 852-5242
Advertising Submission Deadline is Friday at noon, one week prior to publication. Find us on Facebook
508-393-9440 Family DVDs make
Great Gifts
We also convert to flash drives!
Answers to Super Crossword (puzzle on page 30)
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PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED, LEGAL, FOR SALE OR SERVICE ADS 1”x 1” & UP WE WILL DESIGN IT FOR YOU!
Call Mary Ellen at 508-366-5500 x17 or email classified@communityadvocate.com
32 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 3, 2021
Visit Our Beautiful Showroom, or Call for a Free Consultation at Your Home!
508-762-9095 www.spotlightkitchens.com
★★★★★
Give your room a fresh look
Kitchen & Bath Transform your kitchen with the best cabinetry, countertops and lighting! Best of
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86 SHREWSBURY STREET, WORCESTER
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