CA February 25 2022

Algonquin junior launches figure skating club

Algonquin boys basketball falls to Westford Academy

news | 6

Schools reevaluate mask mandates

sports | 12

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Vol. 48 | No. 8 | February 25, 2022

Shrewsbury’s Dale Magee reflects on School Committee career

Winter weather impacts area snow removal budgets

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

A snow plow navigates School Street in Hudson.

By Dakota Antelman and Laura Hayes REGION - Recent winter weather has posed a challenge for some area municipalities, straining snow removal budgets still with several weeks to go in the winter season.

Local Department of Public Works officials have provided updates on all this in recent days, offering a mixed outlook in public meetings and in conversations with the Community Advocate.

“Fingers crossed that we have a very gentle remainder of February,” Northborough Director of Public Works Scott Charpentier told his town’s Board of Selectmen back on Feb. 14.

Northborough DPW talks snow budget Northborough’s snow and ice budget is $437,000. The town previously had just under $60,000 remaining in the budget on Feb. 10, before the region’s latest round of major accumulatWinter weather | 8

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SHREWSBURY - After over a decade on the Shrewsbury School Committee, Dale Magee announced last month that he did not plan to run for re-election in the spring.

“Twelve years is a quite an amount of time, and I’m not one who believes that I should stay there because I can,” Magee recently told the Community Advocate.

There’s something to be said for hitting the refresh button and getting new people into elected offices like the School Committee, he said.

“I feel that 12 years is enough from my point of view, and that getting someone else in is going to bring a different perspective, different skill set and it may well benefit the organization,” Magee said. “Time will tell.”

Magee shared praise for his colleagues as he gets set to wrap up his School Committee tenure.

“I enjoy my time on the School Committee — I still do,” he said. “I have nothing but admiration for the people that I work with.”

Dale Magee stands in front of the Shrewsbury Town Hall.

back the blue rally People gathered at the Shrewsbury Town Common on Sunday for a rally to support the police.

Magee looks back on career Magee ran for School Committee in 2010 following the recommendation of Selectman John Lebeaux.

news | 4

Magee | 17

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Discussion continues on Westborough Indigenous Peoples’ Day petition

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Petitioners say a proposed Town Meeting article would seek to observe Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day side by side going forward.

“As a state holiday, it’s Columbus Day, but in Westborough it’s also called Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” petitioner Lisa Edinberg said during a Select Board meeting on Feb. 8.

“This petition is about the recognition of the existence, the importance and the role of the Indigenous people who inhabited this land before us — before colonization, before westward expansion — and the recognition that Indigenous peoples, their societies and their cultures had value and continue to have

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This petition is about the recognition of the existence, the importance and the role of the Indigenous people who inhabited this land before us.

Lisa Edinberg Petitioner

value despite fewer living here now,” Edinberg said.

It honors the perseverance of Indigenous people, she said.

“I believe it’s a way of honoring the Indigenous people whose land we sit upon as I speak,” Edinberg said.

This citizen’s petition, she said, is not about Columbus.

“Columbus Day is and will remain a federal and state holiday,” Edinberg said. “This petition doesn’t change that. It

doesn’t even address it because it’s not about Columbus and whether he’s worthy of celebration.”

She continued that there will “always” be people who believe and don’t believe Columbus is worthy of being celebrated.

Petition garners support The petition has been signed by nearly 100 registered voters in Westborough.

Indigenous | 3

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letters to the editor

Eric Waite Westborough

To The Community Advocate Editor:

Office tenants may select from a variety of floor plans and rental options in and adjacent to the Westborough Shopping Center.

The Boston Globe published an op- ed entitled Critics of Mass General Brigham expansion plan ignore key facts, 1/26/22.

This piece explained why the Mass General Brigham ambulatory care site in Westborough must advance and open as quickly as possible. Central Mass is seeing long waits in emergency rooms and even longer waits for appointments with a specialist. More people have moved into this region but the medical population has stayed the same. There just are not enough providers for the people who live in Westborough.

Further, there is a misconception that all medical care is the same. It is not. I recently had a procedure at Mass General; the professionalism, efficiency, and quality of medical care at MGB facilities is second to none. From the doctors to the nurses, the CNAs, the reception — everyone was just phenomenal. With this new site in Westborough, I will no longer need to travel to a full-service hospital in Boston; that expertise will be available in MetroWest-Central Mass at a lower cost.

I strongly support the MGB expansion plan as a way to increase access to high quality care at lower cost.

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Who has ever driven along a road or highway and thought to themselves, “Hmm, I wish I had 8 or 12 more huge light billboards distracting me from paying attention to the road and fouling up what little beauty of the natural world that is still visible along the roadside?” Please come to Town Meeting and stand with me against the horrible idea of allowing the billboards along 495 and the Mass Pike.

Those that can charge rent for these potential monstrosities knew when they purchased the land that the placement of billboards was not allowed; thus, the attempt to push for a rezoning warrant. We all know that more blight upon the landscape although it would enrich a tiny few via payments in rent and distant companies who change for the rotation (up to 12 every minute) in ads. Yet we also know they would add to light pollution, the emittance of carbon through the running of these eyesores 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we all know that potential natural habitats would be trampled and the amount of light pollution would be increased. What was not mentioned in the 2/11 Community Advocate article is why? Why build these?

If there is some justification it sure needs to be balanced out with the very real downsides mentioned here. Does anyone reading this article think that it is worth the ugliness to be told (probably for the 10th time that day) that Dunkin’s pumpkin latte is back?

Please speak up against scarring our landscape with billboards. Westborough is better off saying no to this idea and keeping our small piece of America as beautiful as we can.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 3

Discussion continues on Westborough Indigenous Peoples’ Day petition Indigenous | from page 2

OVER TOP

THE

It asks for the town to vote to recognize and refer to the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This comes after the Select Board voted 3-2 back in October against supporting a recommendation from the town’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The Select Board had several conversations about Columbus, the holiday and the process of this recommendation, Edinberg said.

The decision, she said, got mired down in the process.

“You don’t need a complicated process to do the right thing,” Edinberg said.

PHOTO/BEN DOMAINGUE

SHREWSBURY - Ice spread across Lake Quinsigamond between Shrewsbury and Worcester on Monday. Weather has swung wildly between warm temperatures and colder days in recent weeks. Temperatures this week were forecast to fall after a balmy start to the week, as of Feb. 21.

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The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

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

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Moving the article earlier As it stands, this article will be the 32nd item on the warrant.

Town Manager Kristi Williams said citizen’s petitions have historically been the last articles on such warrants.

Edinberg requested that the article be placed earlier though,

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anticipating that there will be people who want to speak both for and against Columbus and the holiday. She suggested that discussion could take place in the first two-thirds of the meeting.

Select Board members voiced a mix of support and hesitancy over the prospect of moving the item.

Ian Johnson said they would be opening a “can of worms” with such an action.

Shelby Marshall noted that Town Meeting could vote to move the article on the floor to take it out of order.

Select Board member Sean Keogh voiced his support for moving the article. He noted that young people might want to speak on the matter. In its current placement, they might have to wait until late into the night to be part of the conversation.

The Select Board did not take a vote on moving the article at this time.

Town meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 19 at Westborough High School.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Back the blue rally held at Shrewsbury Town Common

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - People gathered in the Shrewsbury Town Common this past Sunday for a rally to support police.

The rally was organized by Jeffrey Sossa-Paquette — a Shrewsbury resident running for Congress in the 2nd Massachusetts district — following a poem read at Shrewsbury High School during a Black history event.

“The purpose for today is to come out and support the police, but what I really wanted was for parents to come out and demonstrate to their children who their heroes are,” SossaPaquette told the Community Advocate.

Sossa-Paquette spoke at a Feb. 16 School Committee meeting, saying that the aforementioned poem portrayed police officers as “predators and murderers of Black children and parents.”

“Do we think it’s appropriate that her 16-year-old daughter

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would be taught that her mother is a predator or murderer?

What are we teaching in our schools?” said Sossa-Paquette, who was accompanied by a retired State Police sergeant.

Black history should be celebrated, he said.

“But when we cross the line and indoctrinate our children and teach our children that police are murderers — what is going on here? I cannot believe this is happening in Shrewsbury,” Sossa-Paquette continued.

Superintendent Joseph Sawyer, who attended the event at SHS where the poem was read, clarified that there was a Black history committee that created a “student-led” presentation at the high school. The presentation is an annual assembly, which marked its 21st year this year.

The students, Sawyer said, did a “wonderful job” performing musical performances and dances and presenting awards

police officers in a bad light.”

“In retrospect, in thinking about and listening to it, I could see how some might come to that conclusion, and that’s something obviously I doubt that was the intent of the student,” Sawyer said.

Sawyer said district policy gives students the “right” to study controversial issues in the district.

School Committee member Jason Palitsch thanked Sawyer and the district staff, noting that they heard things that were “specious” and “not true.”

“What we just saw was a rare, ugly, public outburst,” Palitsch said. “Unfortunately, I know that a lot of our staff have been subject to that sort of verbal abuse in recent times.

It is a very charged time in our culture and society.”

He continued, “While it doesn’t always happen on camera and doesn’t always get attention, we have a lot of people working for us, who are on the receiving end of disrespectful garbage like that.”

Palitsch thanked everyone “who tries to do the right thing and sometimes has to deal with things like that in the course of their day-to-day business.”

In a statement before the Back the Blue rally, Shrewsbury Police Department Chief Kevin Anderson said he was aware of the poem and its content.

“Our officers work hard every day to connect with our community, and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and our citizens, and encourage mutual respect and understanding amongst us all,” Anderson wrote.

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for a student writing contest regarding Black history and art.

“It’s something obviously that is concerning any time if someone perceives that the school has created something they find troubling,” Sawyer said. “As always, we are open to a dialogue with our parent community in order to make sure that we understand what peoples’ perceptions are and that we can respond regarding what is happening.”

The poem, which was written and performed by a SHS student, discussed the murder of George Floyd. Sawyer said he understood the poem as being focused on Derek Chauvin, who has since been convicted for Floyd’s murder.

Sawyer said there had been “some complaints” lodged with the school from parents who were concerned that their children, particularly those connected with law enforcement, “felt that the poem unfairly, with a broad brush, painted

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough looks ahead to next steps in MGB project

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Mass General Brigham leaders provided an update on a proposed expansion in Westborough to Select Board members in a meeting earlier this month.

Those Select Board members reiterated their support for the project and reacted to an analysis by the Health Policy Commission during their Feb.8 meeting.

The ambulatory care clinic is slated to open in the summer of 2023, according to Mass Eye and Ear President and MGB Integrated Care President John Fernandez’s presentation to the board.

In the meantime, MGB’s project is going through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Determination of Need process.

Under the law, proposed expansions of health care providers, like this project, are subject to a state process to decide whether the proposal is in the public’s best interest.

Last March, the program notified MGB that it was requiring an independent cost-analysis (or ICA).

Released in December, that analysis found that the MGB expansion would lead to a slight decrease in overall health care costs for services provided at the proposed Westborough clinic.

The Health Policy Commission, which is an independent state agency that monitors health care spending, also conducted its own analysis, though.

“The HPC’s analyses show that these proposals are likely to drive substantial patient volume and revenue to to the higher-cost MGB system — particularly commercially insured volume — resulting in increased health care spending, increased commercial insurance premiums, and a negative impact on the health care market functioning, including access and equity,” the HPC wrote in its public comment last month.

The HPC is estimating that the projects are likely to increase annual health insurance spending in the state by between $46 to $90.1 million, shifting “substantial” revenue to MGB and away from other providers.

The HPC is now requiring

MGB to develop a performance improvement plan that the commission said would result in “meaningful, costsaving reforms.”

Fernandez responded to criticism of this project, saying that comments that MGB isn’t taking care of lower-income patients are false.

“AtMGB,wetakecareofmore

Medicaid patients than anybody else in the state,” he said.

Critics note opposition Criticism of MGB’s efforts has abounded, at times, with officials in the UMass Memorial Health Care systems specifically saying this expansion could severely hurt them by drawing private insurance cli-

ents away from Marlborough Hospital.

Beyond the recent HPC report, elected officials including Sen. Jamie Eldridge have noted concerns about the project.

In municipal government, Marlborough and Worcester city officials have raised concerns of their own.

‘It’s egregious’ Select Board member Shelby Marshall said she read both the ICA and HPC analyses.

“There are two very different pictures painted,” Marshall said.

She said the HPC report “spoke all about cost and there was zero about quality.”

Fernandez said she was

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Algonquin junior launches figure skating club

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter

Lengthy process ends in club’s approval Medina found her love for skating when she was three

PHOTO/BEN DOMAINGUE

NORTHBOROUGH - After two years of waiting, an Algonquin Regional High School junior has pioneered its new figure skating club.

Sara Medina applied for the club her freshman year. But COVID-19 quickly derailed efforts. A couple of years later, the club has finally welcomed members.

“I knew there were a couple of people in my school who did it,” Medina recently told the Community Advocate.

Sara Medina skates along the rink in NorthStar Ice Sports.

years old, moving on to learn more advanced techniques when she was eight.

She has been a lifelong attendee of NorthStar Ice Sports,

taking skating lessons and honing her craft there over the years.

Though she briefly participated in a synchronized skating

team in middle school, Medina said she normally skates as an individual.

Medina reflected on the process of forming her new skating club, noting the administrative setbacks she faced when applying for the club, including liability concerns with the school.

“This year we are able to talk to the principal again to get it approved,” she said. “They had to check with their lawyers and stuff because it’s considered a sport.”

‘Hopefully they’ll be able to continue this’ The club now practices nearly every day after school, much like other high school sports.

Some, like Medina, then participate in lessons after their

practice.

The club attended its inaugural competition on Cape Cod with other high schools across the state this month.

“It was really cool,” Medina said of that opportunity. “It was a really different experience than normal figure skating competitions because it was with other high schools.”

Medina said she hopes the club will continue in her absence as she looks towards participating in collegiate skating after she graduates.

She does have a fellow skater, a freshman, who helped found the club.

“Her mom is really involved in skating,” Medina said. “So, hopefully they’ll be able to continue this.”

Westborough Town Meeting to consider conservation area bridge replacement

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

ties Act (ADA) standards.

WESTBOROUGH - An “unsafe” bridge running over a tributary to Sandra Pond in Westborough may soon be replaced.

One of the articles on a recent draft warrant for this year’s upcoming Annual Town Meeting in March would transfer $14,000 in free cash to replace the bridge, which is located in the Bowman Conservation Area.

“It just has met its life expectancy,” Conservation Director Sheri Widdiss said during a Feb. 8 Select Board meeting. “...It’s really unsafe at this point.”

Widdiss said the bridge is “hard to walk across.” The bridge is also not compliant with Americans with Disabili-

Bridge is part of trail network The Bowman Conservation Area spans 157 acres. It was purchased by Westborough in the 1960s and currently features a large section of the Charm Bracelet Trail system, which also snakes through various other properties in Westborough.

There are three bridges located on the property, including the one proposed to be replaced.

Widdiss estimated that the bridge is over 40 years old and made out of telephone poles.

The bridge has been repaired several times.

Now, Widdiss is proposing to replace it altogether using a kit that would come with the necessary pieces of wood.

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Snow covers an existing bridge that needs to be replaced within the Bowman Conservation Area in Westborough.

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A contractor would set up the footing of the bridge before it would then be assembled by volunteers.

The new bridge will be 5 feet wide and 24 feet long with railings on both sides. It would be ADA-compliant.

There will be a stone dust path connecting one end of the bridge to a paved area that leads to a nearby parking lot where

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there is an ADA parking spot, Widdiss said.

Trail sections on the other side of the bridge are not ADA compliant, Widdess said.

“But, we have to do it in sections,” she continued.

Moving forward, as the paths are changed or altered, Widdiss said staff will work to make them meet any disability standards.

Town eyes grant As this project is estimated to cost $14,000, Widdiss has also applied for a MassTrails grant, which is run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

If Westborough receives the grant, the town would only have to contribute $3,100 for the project.

“I’m really, really hopeful that we get the grant,” Widdiss said.

Widdiss said grant winners will be announced in July.

Whether or not she waits until the grants are announced to place the order for the bridge kit may depend on any debate at Town Meeting.

Town Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 19.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury lifts indoor mask mandate

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury residents no longer need to wear face coverings in public places.

The Shrewsbury Board of Health unanimously voted to rescind its order during its meeting on Feb. 15.

“I think the time has come to give people a dividend, and especially in your town where they have been so compliant with vaccination,” said Worcester’s Medical Director Michael Hirsh who was in attendance at the meeting.

As the town mandate will lapse, masks will still be required in schools. The board plans to revisit that matter during its March 4 meeting, noting a potential for more cases following this month’s February vacation.

Shrewsbury joins other communities The Board of Health had approved its mask mandate in early October — a move that other local municipalities followed after a surge of COVID-19 cases.

Communities have been discussing lifting those mandates in recent days and weeks.

Among those, nearby Worcester has also lifted its mask mandate following a Board of Health vote last week.

Grafton, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough all voted to remove their mandates earlier this month.

Hirsh said Shrewsbury’s local case numbers were “steadily plummeting.”

At its peak, the town reported over 1,400 cases between Jan. 2 to Jan. 15. Just under a month later, the town reported 82 positive COVID-19 cases between Feb. 4 to Feb. 11.

Hirsh said that Shrewsbury has the highest vaccination rates among all of the municipalities in the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance — which also includes Worcester, Grafton, Millbury and West Boylston.

Hirsh’s presentation indicated that 79% of Shrewsbury residents are fully vaccinated.

Official talks impacts of mandate

Speaking on Feb. 15, Hirsh discussed the impacts of a lingering mandate on businesses and schools.

Businesses, he said, suffer when people go elsewhere to shop, dine or seek entertainment because of such requirements.

“The business concerns are not, obviously, my concern, I’m not a business person,” Hirsh said. “But I think that one of the things that I’ve learned about public health is you can’t take the public out of the public health.”

He also discussed mental health impacts of masks, noting that Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty’s mental health task force has found that students are feeling isolated, which has led to self harm, violence and struggles to advance academically.

Potential rise in cases next winter Hirsh said the Health Department will have to monitor several things, such as any future variants and any trends in the number of cases, particularly following recent de-

cisions to lift mask mandates.

“We also want to emphasize that the decision doesn’t mean we don’t want people to not wear masks,” Hirsh said.

People who are immunocompromised, over the age of 75 and anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask should be allowed to wear masks, he said.

People shouldn’t throw

away their masks, Hirsh added.

“I think that, come the winter, we will definitely — in the winter of 2022 to 2023 — probably see a rise again in cases,” he said.

Hirsh encouraged community members to get vaccinated and boosted as one of several tools to promote public health moving forward.

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Southborough lifts municipal building mask mandate

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter

Southborough’s municipal mask mandate had been in effect since Aug. 17.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

SOUTHBOROUGH - The Southborough Board of Selectmenvoted unanimously on Feb. 15 to rescind the town’s mask mandate for municipal buildings.

The Board of Health recommended this week that the selectmen lift the mandate, which had been in place since Aug. 17.

Town officials noted that employees or visitors to municipal facilities still have the option to wear masks.

“There may be employees who have immunocompromised folks at home or for whatever reason were not able to vaccinate themselves,” said Board of Health member Safdar Medina.

Massachusetts recently loosened its mask requirements for vaccinated individuals.

Selectman Andrew Dennington initially expressed concerns regarding lifting this mandate in Southborough.

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“I came into this thinking this is something that can wait a few more weeks,” he said. “This is an unscientific cautious sense to wait for rates to fall even further.”

According to Southborough Public Health Nurse Taylor West, local COVID-19 cases have dropped dramatically in recent weeks.

“I would say each week they half,” West said. “Last week we had 15 cases.”

That number of cases, she said, was roughly equal to the weekly cases seen before the recent case surge connected to the coronavirus’ omicron

variant.

Dennington ultimately voted in favor of lifting the mandate.

Public Health Director Heather Alker noted that the town has the ability to remain dynamic with the current public health outlook.

“We’ve shown that we’re nimble,” said Alker. “We put this one in the fall when rates started going up again. I think we’re noble in following what’s happening right now.”

The mandate transitioned to an advisory for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals effective on Feb. 17.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Winter weather impacts area snow removal budgets Winter weather | from page 1

ing snow on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14.

That storm dropped 7.5 inches of snow on Northborough, bleeding roughly $48,000 off the budget.

As a result, Northborough had just $12,000 for future use when Charpentier gave his presentation.

“That was an expensive snow event,” Charpentier said.

Initially forecast as a comparatively minor storm, this batch of snow dragged on for hours, piling on top of other recent events, including last month’s blizzard and a messy sleet/ice storm that followed just a matter of days later.

This past Saturday, sanding trucks and plows were out again in force as a brief but powerful snow squall rolled across the

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region creating white-out conditions and ushering in a “flash freeze” of moisture on roads.

“Long term snow events like that are very costly,” Charpentier said of previous events before the squall.

Back on Feb. 13, crews got to work at 6 a.m. and left at 10 a.m..

They then returned at 5 p.m. and left at 7 a.m. the next day. Crews subsequently worked from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Charpentier said.

“It was a long, long drawn out event,” he continued.

A total of 41.2 inches of snow had fallen in Northborough as of Feb. 14. That was below last year’s snow totals for this point in the year.

The DPW has had to deploy its machinery more often, though, for “salt-only events,” of which there had been 12, according to a memo from Charpentier to Town Administrator John Coderre.

Charpentier estimated that the town spends $7,000 every time they drive around Northborough and salt the roads.

“So, for a freezing rain event that takes the duration of the day, we could salt the roads four, five times. That’s a $35,000 afternoon,” Charpentier said.

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Southborough budget ‘is doing OK’ As Northborough hopes for lighter weeks ahead, and as Westborough anticipates a need for more money, Southborough’s DPW Superintendent Karen Galligan said last week that her department’s snow budget “so far, is doing OK.” The town had spent 56% of that budget as of Feb. 17, Galligan told the Community Advocate.

As Charpentier noted in Northborough, Galligan said this spending had largely been driven by overtime and salt line items.

“We aren’t out of the woods yet for snow and ice by any means,” she said.

Looking ahead, though, she circled the third week of March as a threshold for this year’s budget.

“At that point, if there is still a double digit percentage left in the budget, you’re likely to make it through without too much of a deficit,” she said.

Westborough anticipates need for additional funding Outside of Northborough, in Westborough, DPW Director Chris Payant said last week that he expects that “additional funds will be allocated by the town for the current snow fighting season.”

“Similar to other communities, we work very hard to stay within the snow operations budget provided by the town,” he told the Community Advocate. “Of course, we don’t

Budget concerns pile on already difficult winter Snow and ice events have

drained municipal budgets just as local DPW crews contend with worse-than-usual road conditions this winter.

Wild temperature swings have combined with heavy plowing activity to open potholes across area roads, officials have said.

“The potholes are everywhere,” the Marlborough DPW’s Assistant Commissioner of Operations Theodore Scott noted earlier this month.

“In past years, we usually have several locations that are problematic,” he continued.

“This year, [potholes] are forming in roads that are in better condition.”

Facing those pothole problems on top of tight snow removal budgets, DPW officials have thanked their staff while noting the difficulties of their jobs.

“We are fortunate to have a great team of dedicated DPW employees and supporting contract plow operators who take care of the town’s snow operations requirements,” Payant said. “Despite the warmer weather expected in the coming days, we’re not letting our guard down regarding snow operations.”

“We’re confident that we’ll have the resources necessary to provide the service the town expects for the remainder of the winter season,” he continued.

In Northborough, selectmen similarly thanked Charpentier and his department during their meeting.

“They do a fabulous job,” said Selectman Leslie Rutan.

DPW officials in Marlborough, Hudson and Shrewsbury were not available for comment for this article.

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control the weather, so long duration storms, such as those recently experienced, have cost implications related to material, equipment, and contract support.”

Payant cited rising material costs as an additional factor complicating this situation.

Westborough’s typical snow operations budget normally sits around $500,000, Payant said.

This year, he said, additional funds will help buy more road treatment material and maintain equipment, among other things.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Two candidates vie for Northborough selectmen seat

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - It appears that at least one race will be contested when Northborough voters head to the polls in May. Incumbent Leslie Rutan is running for re-election to

the Board of Selectmen. She’ll be challenged by Mitchell Cohen.

Both Rutan and Cohen have obtained and returned their nomination papers.

In other races, Joan Frank has pulled papers to run for re-election to the Regional School Committee. Freder-

ick George Jr. is seeking reelection as town moderator.

Incumbent Keith Lebel is not running for re-election to the Northborough School Committee. He’s made this decision just under six years after he was elected to the School Committee in 2016 as a write-in candidate.

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Goddard Homestead purchases Saint Peter-Marian High School for Future Senior Living Development WORCESTER, MA: On December 30, 2021 Goddard Homestead Inc. closed on the purchase of the 23.7 acre Saint Peter-Marian High School property located at 781 Grove Street in a transaction brokered

by Kelleher & Sadowsky. The site will be the future home of a new senior living campus that will stay true to Goddard Homestead’s mission of serving moderateincome seniors of Worcester.

Goddard Homestead is a non-profit senior living provider that has been serving the Worcester community for nearly 150 years.

Their mission is to provide housing and aging services to those who do not financially qualify for HUD housing and cannot afford more expensive senior living options (commonly referred to as the “Forgotten Middle”). The

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Jon Eric Lien has also pulled papers, although he had not returned them as of Feb. 18.

Candidates have until March 11 to pull papers.

The election will then be held on May 10.

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Of course, live animal visitations are not always possible for a variety of reasons, so many institutions are turning to robotic pets to fill the void. The “pets” can respond to sound and touch, as well as bark, purr, turn their heads, and lick their paws.

The mere act of petting them can calm anxiety and soothe stress and fear.

Bryce Adam MacKnight has pulled papers to run for Lebel’s now open seat.

One seat on the Northborough Planning Board is also up for election. The incumbent, Michelle Gillespie, has yet to obtain nomination papers for the election.

However, William Pierce

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 11

COMMUNITY SPORTS BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 19 Marlborough – 5, Algonquin – 3

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ALGONQUIN BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Algonquin – 45, Wachusett – 76 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Algonquin – 42, Shepherd Hill – 49 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Algonquin – 48, Leominster – 33 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Algonquin – 50, Shrewsbury – 68 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 16 Algonquin – 7, Wakefield – 0 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 18 Algonquin – 49, Oakmont – 16 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 19 Algonquin – 41, Westford – 55 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 19 Algonquin – 3, Marlborough – 5

AMSA BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 AMSA – 60, North Brookfield – 49 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 AMSA – 49, Main South – 34 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 AMSA – 43, Valley Tech – 52 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 AMSA – 33, Valley Tech – 34 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 18 AMSA – 71, Main South – 41

ASSABET BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Assabet – 58, Valley Tech – 56 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Assabet – 33, Valley Tech – 58 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Assabet – 54, Abby Kelley Foster – 42 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Assabet – 43, Abby Kelley Foster – 16 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 16 Assabet – 3, Greenfield – 2

15, 8-2 defeat of Westford Academy as their widest such margin of victory yet this winter.

Hudson’s girls basketball team won the Mid-Wach Class B championship last week.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 Assabet – 39, St. Paul – 75 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 18 Assabet – 55, Leicester – 49 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 18 Assabet – 33, Auburn – 57 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 19 Assabet – 1, Grafton - 7

GRAFTON GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Grafton – 65, Burncoat – 27 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 16 Grafton – 7, Leominster – 2 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 18 Grafton – 84, Oxford – 49 Grafton celebrated its seniors on a night that it dominated Oxford.

Ethan McInerny dropped 20 Points while teammate Kevin Rauktis notched a career-high 19 points.

The team improved its win-loss record to 13-6 with this win.

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 19 Grafton – 7, Assabet – 1

HUDSON BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Hudson – 68, Quabbin – 43 Jake Attaway scored 19 points as the Hawks beat Quabbin in their

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Mid Wach Tournament opener, this year.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Hudson – 58, Clinton – 24 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 Hudson – 44, Oakmont – 63 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 Hudson – 50, North-Middlesex – 25 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 19 Hudson – 44, Lunenburg – 34 The Hawks upset top-ranked Lunenburg to win the Mid-Wach Class B championship. The team nabbed this win, in part, by roaring out of the gate to take a 27-7 lead at halftime. Though Lunenburg rallied, the Hawks held on to take the victory.

MARLBOROUGH GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Marlborough – 26, Lunenburg – 53 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 15 Marlborough – 56, North Middlesex – 61 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 15 Marlborough – 7, Auburn – 2 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 Marlborough – 64, Lunenburg – 52 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 Marlborough – 33, Oakmont – 38

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Westborough – 33, Leominster – 66 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Westborough – 45, Leominster – 32 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Westborough – 64, Fitchburg – 90 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Westborough – 47, Shepherd Hill – 58 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 16 Westborough – 1, Wachusett – 1 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 18 Westborough – 54, North Middlesex – 61

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 St. John’s – 46, St. Paul – 51 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 15 St. John’s – 53, St. John’s Prep – 60 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 16 St. John’s – 2, Andover – 1 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 St. John’s – 41, Worcester North – 65

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GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 14 Shrewsbury – 39, Nashoba – 53 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 14 Shrewsbury – 0, Billerica/Chelmsford/Lowell – 1 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 15 Shrewsbury – 33, Shepherd Hill – 50 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Shrewsbury – 68, Algonquin – 50 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 16 Shrewsbury – 53, Fitchburg – 36 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 16 Shrewsbury – 0, Andover – 2 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 17 Shrewsbury – 68, Nashoba – 49 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 17 Shrewsbury – 2, Pope Francis – 3 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 18 Shrewsbury – 6, Masconomet/ Amesbury/Georgetown/Newburyport/Triton – 0 The co-op Shrewsbury/Westborough girls hockey team got back in the win-column last week, snapping a two-game losing streak. Their six-goal margin of victory tied a Jan.

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Algonquin boys basketball falls to Westford Academy

WHS runner sets long jump records

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH - Westborough High School’s Alan Nguyen set a school record in the long jump last week with a win at the MIAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championship.

Finishing with a result of 21-04.50, Nguyen took the win on a day that also saw him notch a third-place finish in the hurdles competition.

Nguyen was one of several athletes from Westborough and beyond competing in this meet, which took place on Feb. 16 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

Coach Matt Wilson shared his congratulation after the meet, lauding team members for their performance.

“Incredibly proud of our Westborough track athletes that competed this evening at the D3 Divisional meet,” he tweeted. “Lots of PRs and lots to be proud of.”

NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - The Algonquin boys basketball team traveled to Westford on Saturday, ultimately falling to the Ghosts by a 55-41 margin.

The game continued a difficult stretch for the Titans after a 4-1 start to their season. The team’s win-loss record now sits at 5-14.

Algonquin was back in action on Monday for a game against St. John’s.

Above: Algonquin players gather before their game against Westford.

Right: A Westford Academy player charges forward while being fouled by an Algonquin opponent.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 13

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Marcus Chrisafideis scores 100th point as Marlborough boys hockey beats Algonquin

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - Marlborough boys hockey star Marcus Chrisafideis scored his 100th career point on Feb. 19 in what was a 5-2 victory over Algonquin.

The win came in the semifinals of the Central Massachusetts tournament, putting the Panthers a step closer to another major tournament win in a continually dominant season.

Improving to 17-0-1 with this win, the Panthers have benefitted frequently from scoring

by Chrisafideis, among others.

This past weekend’s game continued that trend, with the senior snagging his milestone point on a goal just a few minutes into the first period.

Mark Evangelous then followed just a few minutes later to open a 2-0 lead.

Though Algonquin found ways to score as the game went on, Marlborough matched the pace to lock down the win.

This marks the fourth time Marlborough has beaten its area rivals this season, following tournament victories in the Boroughs Cup and the Daily News Cup back in December.

The Panthers then nabbed a 3-2 win over Algonquin on Feb. 2 before this matchup.

As Marlborough remained undefeated, Algonquin’s record dropped to 11-7.

Marcus Chrisafideis celebrates after scoring his 100th career point this past weekend.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Westborough schools discuss demand for early childhood education

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - With an increased demand for early childhood care, the Westborough Early Childhood Center (WECC) announced last month that it wants to open an eighth classroom.

“This is really the first year that we had such a significant increase in the number of people who have wanted full day,” Early Childhood Director Michele Palermo told the School Committee on Jan. 19.

According to Palermo, staff had received 225 applications for the program. More were coming on a daily basis.

There were 141 students enrolled in the program and 35 students active on the waiting list, as of that School Committee meeting.

“This is a year that we have had really a lot of applicants,

as I mentioned, and continue to have a good number on our waiting list who continue to reach out to us and ask if we have space,” Palermo said.

Students are added to the program as the school year goes on.

As such, Palermo estimated that they would end the school year with between 150 and 160 students.

While there is some movement in terms of space in the classrooms, Palermo said there isn’t a lot.

Speaking on Jan. 19, School Committee member Raghu Nandan asked what the criteria for selecting students were.

Palermo said it was first come, first serve, though parents could specify if they want full day care or just in the morning.

Fifty-four of the students attend the full-day program. This year, there were four full-day classrooms and three half-day

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— a total of seven classrooms.

“We have had a significant increase in the number of families who are looking for full day,” Palermo said.

She proposed to both Superintendent Amber Bock and Director of Student Services Sherrie Stevens that they open an eighth classroom, which is currently not being used, as a temporary addition to respond to this interest from Westborough families.

Palermo said they checked with the families on the waiting list.

“We probably have, right now, 15 families who said, ‘Yes, they would absolutely be interested in a full-day program,’”

she said.

The WECC plans to contract with a teacher and paraeducator through the end of the year.

The collected tuition would offset these costs, Palermo said.

As WECC rolls out the application process for next school year, staff will continue to assess interest in the community.

“We anticipate that we’re still going to have a lot of interest in enrolling in the program,” Palermo said.

WECC talks tuition increase Although the School Committee approved a WECC recommendation that tuition rates remain the same for next

school year, staff members are proposing an eventual review of the tuition.

Palermo said the last time the tuition was increased was in 2019 when the program expanded from four to five days per-week.

“We want to give people a window of opportunity,” Bock said of that plan. “We’ve got a lot of people suffering from inflation. We know there’s a lot still going on with COVID. We want to provide a long window for people planning preschool to know and understand that that cost isn’t stagnant.”

This matter may be presented to the School Committee next January.

Westborough elementary schools to implement flexible masking on Feb. 28

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Westborough elementary schools will soon join Gibbons Middle School and Westborough High School in flexible masking on Feb. 28.

Gibbons and the high school returned to flexible masking earlier this month after mandatory re-masking during the surge in COVID-19 cases earlier this year. As of a Feb. 16 School Committee meeting, before this week’s February vacation, the schools were in week two of the transition.

“I’m heading into vacation week thinking that we’re in a very good place,” Superintendent Amber Bock said. “I’m going to celebrate.”

“I feel very good,” she continued. “I feel very confident about where we are. I am thrilled to be moving to more flexible masking. I can hardly wait to see little kids’ smiling faces. The faculty of the elementary schools — many of them have been waiting to unmask.”

The School Committee also voted to update its face covering policy.

Chair Kristen Vincent said the new policy says that people who are vaccinated aren’t

required to wear a mask. Face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are still “strongly recommended” for unvaccinated people though.

Masks will also be required in health offices in the schools and buses, under a federal order.

Westborough was part of a handful of districts in the state that implemented flexible masking at Gibbons and the high school earlier this school year. The schools later returned to masking, though.

Between Feb. 14 and 18, the district reported a total of 10 student and three staff COVID-19 cases — a decrease from a total of 16 staff and student cases seen the week before.

Student representative expresses concern about unmasking Speaking on Feb. 16, student representative Andrew Chen shared that, with flexible masking being reintroduced, some students shared that they felt uncomfortable unmasking.

“There was some peer pressure in the hallways … from other students about masking because a majority of students at the high school remain masked,” Chen said. “So, some students don’t feel as comfort-

able with unmasking.”

Bock responded to Chen, saying there’s relationship work that needs to be done with students and faculty.

Superintendent notes medically-exempt classrooms The only places where masks will still be required are in the marked medicallyexempt classrooms, Bock said.

There are 12 faculty members at the middle and high school and between three to five at the elementary level with medical concerns where additional masking may be requested, according to Bock’s presentation.

At the elementary level, none of these situations would require a classroom to mask all day because the staff member may teach a special or go in and out of the room or do pull-out or small group work, Bock said.

Bock and the principals are working together to have “thoughtful” conversations.

“But it is important and necessary for all faculty to move forward and accept the flexibility that students have for their rights to not mask and for us to create a culture of comfort for both of those to live together,” Bock said.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 15

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Northborough, Southborough approve unmasking for elementary and middle schools

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH - Come Feb. 28, students at Trottier and Melican middle schools will be able to remove their masks.

However, students at the elementary schools in Northborough and Southborough will have to wait until March 14, following votes by both the Northborough and Southborough school committees.

“It’s been an interesting two years to be a School Committee member and have these decisions fall into our laps,” said Northborough Chair Lauren Bailey-Jones during a joint meeting Feb. 17.

Bailey-Jones praised the community’s outreach and the help of both the districts’ medical advisory team and medical professionals on the School Committee.

“I feel confident in the discussion that has taken place,” she said.

“I think that we have reviewed the data. We have listened to a lot of different opinions, as well as anecdotal stories as well.”

This decision comes after the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education opted to end its mandate in schools on Feb. 28.

The Regional School Committee

voted to no longer require masks at Algonquin Regional High School during its Feb. 16 meeting, effective Feb. 28.

The Northborough and Southborough School Committees convened in a joint meeting on Feb. 17.

Before they voted, Superintendent Greg Martineau said that many families and students may continue to wear masks if the mandate was lifted.

“I think it’s really important

that we continue to promote the choice, making sure that an individual’s choice to mask or not mask is respected by all,” Martineau said.

Unmasking explained Administrators have been discussing a number of metrics to inform decisions on unmasking.

They ultimately landed on using attendance as a key marker.

“Looking at average daily attendance as a metric, I think it does

have merit and it does provide a good window to what is happening in our schools,” Martineau said.

According to Martineau, the average daily attendance hovers between 95% and 97%.

Under this new face covering policy, the medical advisory team will reconvene to review data if average daily attendance falls below 92% over one week. Other “unforeseen circumstances” could also trigger a new meeting.

The team would consider whether to reinstate the face covering requirement until the School Committee reconvenes. The committee would then vote on a recommendation put forward by the team.

“It does not trigger making masks mandatory,” Martineau said of the attendance threshold.

“It triggers a conversation and a closer look at the data from our team of experts.”

Marlborough family announces scholarships

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter MARLBOROUGH - Marlborough’s Iannini family has designated $50,000 in total scholarships to be given to deserving Marlborough seniors this academic year.

George and David Iannini previously set up scholarships with their mother, Carmela Iannini, to be given in memory of Americo Iannini, Carmela’s husband and their father.

These scholarships were given to Marlborough High School seniors until 2009.

Recently, the family hosted

another scholarship in memory of Dr. Mark Iannini, the brother of George and David. This scholarship began in 2012 and was retired in 2021.

The family has now announced a $25,000 annual scholarship to be presented to a Marlborough High School senior seeking advanced education.

Students will be evaluated for their academic record, athletic achievements and charitable work.

Students are required to submit a curriculum vitae, transcript and a 500-word essay detailing why the committee should choose their

application by March 31. Applications will be sent to the Iannini brothers who will select a winner.

An additional five scholarships totalling $5,000 each will be awarded on five different criteria. Those include awards for a student continuing science and math education, a student who shows performance in leadership and persistence, and an award for a student who is a leader in community spirit.

One scholarship will be awarded to a “top female student” studying business, medicine or education, while another will be awarded to a student attending

Boston College.

“The Iannini family has given generous support throughout the years in appreciation of the education they received throughout the Marlborough school system, expressing their fond memories of being raised here and attribute the success in their personal endeavors towards this along with their ability to further continue their education,” a press release announcing all this recently noted.

Applicants applying for Iannini family scholarships should submit their completed applications to George Iannini at geomian51@ gmail.com.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day to remain combined on Shrewsbury school calendar

Shrewsbury School Committee may vote on lifting mask mandate in March

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury School Committee will decide in March whether to move forward with a transition to flexible masking in schools.

That, however, also depends on whether the Board of Health opts to lift its mask mandate for schools when it meets on March 4.

School Committee member Jason Palitsch spoke at a meeting on Wednesday, saying that current COVID-19 requirements are “stressful,” “depressing” and “getting in the way of the lives that we all want to lead.”

“I think we are approaching that time where we can not only give folks the option to unmask if they wish while still supporting those who wish to do so, but move toward a life that isn’t fully focused on the pandemic,” he said. “I think I would like to see us give families that ray of light, that hope.”

School Committee member Sandra Fryc suggested that the committee should vote on March 2, pending the Board of Health’s vote. If they vote to rescind at that point, masks could be removed March 7.

“That gives us some time to make sure that our feet are where they should be,” Fryc said. “We’re getting all the data that we need, and that we’re also giving a timeline to everyone involved in this because they deserve that as well.”

Board of Health vote The Board of Health voted to rescind the indoor mask mandate for most public places

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Shrewsbury School Committee member Jason Palitsch speaks during a meeting last week.

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SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury School Committee approved the district’s calendar for next year, which includes both Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day on Oct. 10.

This came despite the effort of over 100 community members who signed a petition asking the Shrewsbury School Committee to omit Columbus Day from the calendar and replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day outright.

Superintendent Joseph Sawyer recommended during the School Committee’s Feb. 16 meeting that the district continue to list the two holidays in a combined form on the calendar.

“The calendar listing holidays does not endorse a particular holiday or the origin or name of that holiday,” Sawyer said.

“I certainly understand that there are those who petitioned the School Committee that see that differently regarding that symbolic action, but again I don’t believe it’s coupled with what we do in the classroom, which of course we should do with great accuracy and care.”

This recent petition was the latest in a series of requests to change the name of Columbus Day on the school calendar over the past several years.

Last year, Shrewsbury resident Sanam Zaer asked for the change, noting similar actions in other schools. That move, she said, would “signal a commitment” to teach history in a more inclusive and accurate way.

Ultimately, the school combined Columbus Day and In-

digenous Peoples’ Day on the calendar.

“I think we took an inclusive approach last year for this year’s school calendar by acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ Day along with Columbus Day,” said Chair Jon Wensky on Feb. 16.

This petition specifically noted that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about “celebrating people.”

“By bringing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re bringing awareness that we’re not going to allow someone like Columbus to be glorified into a hero because of the hurt that he caused to Indigenous people of America,” the petition said.

Wensky said he respected the petitioners’ perspective.

“While I recognize this is a holiday on the school calendar that we’re talking about, I don’t believe that this is something for us to decide,” Wensky said, noting that Columbus Day is a state holiday and the reason there is no school on the second Monday in October, each year.

Wensky said the School Committee received about 15 emails about Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in days before this latest meeting.

“Ensuring that our schools are places where everyone feels like they belong is centrally important to me,” said School Committee member Lynsey Heffernan, who served on the town’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

She continued, “That said, I think what we teach in our buildings is not connected to what we put on a label on a calendar.”

during a meeting on Tuesday.

The board did not vote to remove the mask mandate for schools.

Board member George Abraham discussed this decision, citing trends in data that show a surge in cases “following every vacation week.”

He anticipated that there may be such a surge following this year’s upcoming February vacation, which runs from Feb. 22 to 25.

He asked that the board make its decision regarding schools on March 4.

Superintendent Joseph Sawyer echoed elements of Abraham’s argument on Feb. 16, presenting data of the number COVID-19 the week before, the week after and two weeks after past school vacations during the

pandemic.

For example, there were 45 COVID-19 cases in the week before this year’s holiday vacation. There were 445 cases and 361 cases respectively in the two weeks after the break during the coronavirus’ Omicron variant surge.

Sawyer said that there were 12 COVID-19 cases among students and staff members in the week before this latest meeting on Feb. 15. That represented a drop from 54 cases among students and staff the week prior.

Committee members reacted to this data, expressing interest in developing metrics to track to determine if masks would be required again in the future.

See expanded coverage online at CommunityAdvocate. com…

Regional School Committee lifts mask requirement for ARHS

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Algonquin Regional High School will no longer require masks starting Feb. 28.

This change comes following the recommendation of both Superintendent Greg Martineau and the district’s medical advisory team during the Feb. 16 Regional School Committee meeting.

Student representative Lindsey Stone said she’s had a couple of athletic competitions and practices in other towns where players could remove their masks.

“Just seeing everyone’s smiles and seeing a team that I’m probably with all the time together again after two years really brought so much joy that I haven’t had in so long,” Stone said. “I think that really changed my perspective

of how much masks really affected us when we really didn’t realize [it].”

Director of Wellness Mary Ellen Duggan said that cases have declined and, more recently, remained steady since the height of the recent COVID-19 case surge driven by the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

There were five cases at Algonquin between Feb. 10 and 16.

District discusses policy The School Committee unanimously accepted new language in its face coverings policy to allow for unmasking.

Throughout the pandemic, the district and committee have weighed different metrics that could lead to the off ramp of masks before eventually landing on using attendance as that metric.

Regional | 17

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 17

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury’s Dale Magee reflects on School Committee career Dale Magee speaks during a recent School Committee meeting

Magee | from page 1

“What drew me in that direction actually was an appreciation of how important education is in a community and for a child,” Magee said.

Magee and his wife are both the first in their families to graduate from college.

“We know what a difference it made in our lives,” he said.

Magee grew up in Niagara Falls, New York, when that community was a factory town. There, graduating from high school was an achievement, and most people didn’t go onto college, he said.

“It is sort of the poster child of what happens to a community when people don’t get a good education,” Magee said.

He went to college at the University of Buffalo with the help of scholarships. After three years of undergraduate, Magee attended medical school and became an OB-GYN. Magee later went into private practice in Shrewsbury until he retired in 2015.

Magee was a member of an infant mortality task force in Worcester when the city was experiencing high infant

improvement, always with an eye on how students who may be disadvantaged in some way can benefit from strong public schools,” Sawyer said. “He has been an outstanding public servant for our town.”

For Magee, following a career spent helping others and knowing the value of education, the Shrewsbury School Committee was an-

other way to give back to the community.

“The notion of running for School Committee and playing some role in trying to see how we can improve the school system primarily to address the needs of those for whom the school system will make the biggest difference was very appealing to me,” Magee said.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

mortality.

Magee reached the conclusion that it was “extremely unusual” to have a medical issue be the primary cause.

The people who experienced higher rates of infant mortality had low socioeconomic status, he said.

“To me, the lever that we as a community could approach and say, ‘How can we address this problem’ wasn’t necessarily increasing access to health care; it was identifying how to get people to perform to their max, to get to college and realize essentially the American Dream,” Magee said.

The economic vitality and health of those who followed

would improve if those key opportunities for upward mobility were made more accessible, he said.

Superintendent praises Magee Grateful to have been elected to the School Committee, Magee has similarly been lauded by district leaders.

Superintendent Joseph Sawyer told the Community Advocate earlier this month that Magee has made “significant contributions” to the district throughout his time on the committee.

“I have greatly appreciated his deep commitment to educational innovation and

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The policy includes language that calls on Martineau to reconvene the Medical Advisory Team to review data if the average student daily attendance falls below 92% over one week or other “unforeseen circumstances.” The team would consider whether to reinstate a face covering requirement until the School Committee reconvenes.

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The team would make a recommendation to the School Committee, which would then vote.

Duggan said that, as part of that process, the team would look at the causes of those absences. Outside of COVID-19, she noted, days immediately before a vacation could see increased absenteeism. Events like senior skip day could also

prompt data anomalies.

Attendance fell to 88% as COVID-19 kept many students home after winter break. That was below the district’s 92% threshold that can coincide with an uptick in cases.

“When that amount of students are missing from school, it’s impacting every single class — not just the kids who are missing,” Duggan said.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES Arthur A. Brazeau, 74 DIXMONT, MAINE/ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. - Arthur Brazeau (A.K.A Woodchuck) was born April 27, 1947, in Bridgeport, CT and passed away on January 22, 2022 in Florida. Predeceased by his mother and father Catherine

and Walter, and brother Denis.

He leaves behind his wife Carol PetersenBrazeau, five children: Mark and wife Kim, Arthur Jr, Karen, Cheryl, Brian and wife Sally, and 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild. Survived by his brother Eugene, Stephen and wife Nancy of MA, Dottie and husband Mike Badger of CA. He also leaves behind an extended family, Cliff Petersen and Colleen, Joann and Bernie Godin; 5 grandchil-

LEGAL NOTICES INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. W022P0399EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Division Estate of: Gertrude Hummel Date of Death: October 21, 2021 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner: Stephen F. Hummel of Westborough, MA a will has been admitted to informal probate. Stephen F. Hummel of Westborough, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

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

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester Division Docket # WO21P4190EA

Estate of: Earnest Thomas Date of Death: October 29, 2021 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Lajuane D. Harvey of Brockton, MA, Lajuane D. Harvey of Brockton, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be files with the Court, but interested parties are entitled t notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under formal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

140 MAIN STREET MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01752 TEL. (508) 460-3768 ZBA Case # Location: Applicant:

1485-2022 633 Pleasant St. John Kuettner

Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on March 8, 2022, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. – 3rd Floor Memorial Hall.

Petition: To demolish an existing deck and construct a new three season room at 633 Pleasant St., located in Zoning District A2 being Map 29, Parcel 2. The proposal does not conform to Chapter 650, Article 41, Table of Lot Area, Yards and Height of Structures of the City’s Code. The required minimum rear yard setback is 40 ft. vs. the proposed 31.0 ft.

For further assistance, please contact the Board at 508-460-3768. All interested persons are invited.

Applicant or representative must be present Ralph Loftin, Chairman Zoning Board of Appeals

Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.

TOWN OF HUDSON PLANNING BOARD 78 Main Street Hudson, Massachusetts 01749 TEL (978) 562-2989 FAX (978) 568-9641

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HUDSON PLANNING BOARD Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to the Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this meeting of the Hudson Planning Board will be conducted via remote participation. Instructions on accessing the meeting will be included on the meeting agenda when posted.

At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of CCS Realty Trust and Manuel R. Santos, Trustee, for Site Plan Approval to construct a commercial building with associated parking on the existing vacant lot. The subject property is located at 17A School Street within the C-1 Commercial Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 29, Parcel 320.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https:// www.townofhudson.org/planning-board, and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson. org.

Hudson Planning Board Robert D’Amelio, Chairman

TOWN OF HUDSON PLANNING BOARD 78 Main Street Hudson, Massachusetts 01749 TEL (978) 562-2989 FAX (978) 568-9641

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HUDSON PLANNING BOARD Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to the Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this meeting of the Hudson Planning Board will be conducted via remote participation. Instructions on accessing the meeting will be included on the meeting agenda when posted.

At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of CCS Realty Trust and Manuel R. Santos, Trustee, for Site Plan Approval for the conversion of an existing commercial/restaurant use to a residential use within the same footprint, in order to construct six (6) dwelling units, with the pre-existing off-street parking to remain. The subject property is located at 17 School Street within the C-2 Commercial Zoning District, Assessors’ Map 29, Parcel 255.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at https:// www.townofhudson.org/planning-board, and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org.

Hudson Planning Board Robert D’Amelio, Chairman

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

dren; 6 great grandchildren, and many more friends and family that he leaves behind.

Arthur grew up in Hudson, MA and graduated from Hudson High. He served 12 years in the United States Army and is a Vietnam Veteran as a tunnel rat. Half of his time in the military was spent in Germany. After his time in the Amy, he worked for the City of Lawrence Massachusetts, and drove a truck for many years.

He had a busy retired life and traveled between Maine and Florida.

He is a member of the Maine Troop Greeter’s, and his beaded flags are on display at the Bangor airport, Cole Museum, Pepperell VFW in MA, and other locations.

He belonged to VFW, PAV, DAV, American Legion, ELKS and Bobs Vet Group. He loved to dance, party, shopping, gardening and making beaded flags. He was an avid New England Patriots fan.

He loves Pow-Wows and was a Native guest drummer with Eddie Coffey Group.

Memorial services will be held in the Spring at a place and time to be announced.

To sign an online guest book and leave written condolences please visit www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.

Carol A. Bond, 80 WESTBOROUGH – Carol A. (Nase) Bond, 80 of Westborough, died Sunday, February 13, 2022 at UMass Memorial – University Campus.

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 Adams, Hubert of Shrewsbury Barry, Joseph former Marlborough Chief of Police Bergquist, George of Shrewsbury Boland, Ruth of Marlborough Bond, Carol of Westborough Bowser, William of Marlborough Brazeau, Arthur formerly of Hudson Britton, Frances of Marlborough Collette, Alan of East Dennis Dutter, Joanne of Marlborough Gariepy, Father Robert of Shrewsbury Grady, Robert of Westborough

She leaves two daughters, Lisa Ann (David) Emmons of Northwood, Iowa and Judy Marie (Jodi) Bond of Northborough, a son Kevin Donald Bond of New Smyrna Beach, FL; a brother G. Leonard Nase and sister-in-law Barbara Spence Nase of Derry, NH; 13 grandchildren, Gabrielle Emmons, Arianna Emmons, Natania Emmons, Annaliese Emmons and Micah Emmons, Marc Tambashi, Michael Harrington, Cheyenne Bond, Mikayla Bond Matilda Rowe-Bond, Matea Rowe-Bond, Landon Rowe-Bond, and Griffin Rowe-Bond. Carol leaves many nieces and nephews and a former daughter-in-law Lois Bond. She was predeceased by a brother, Harry Brunswick Nase.

She was born in Boston, daughter of George B. and Marguerite C. (Ganong) Nase.

Carol worked for the accounting firm Alexander Aronson Finning and Co. She previously worked in the insurance business after receiving a certificate in computer programming. She enjoyed playing cards, kayaking, going to the ocean, attending musical productions and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid New England sports fan and never missed a televised Red Sox game!

A Funeral service will be held Saturday March 5, 2022 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main St, Westborough, with a visitation from 10:30 – 11:00 am for those who cannot stay for the service. Following the service there will be a reception.

It will take place at the church.

Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Grahovec, Harrison of Hudson Haugen, Loretta formerly of Southborough Hunt, Norma formerly of Grafton Ladden, Paul of Marlborough Lake, Daniel formerly of Northborough Lane, Teresa of Northborough Maffioli, Doris of Marlborough March Sr., Robert of Marlborough McCormack, James of Grafton O’Brien, Gregory of Marlborough Paterson, Ann of Marlborough Rocheleau, Robert of Hudson Welch, Mark of Shrewsbury Whitman, James of Marlborough Wilson, Lori of Grafton

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 19

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES Ave, Worcester, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms N, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Roger M. Olson, 81 TAMWORTH, N.H. - Roger M. Olson of Tamworth, New Hampshire left this life on February 18, 2022 after a long period of declining health with his wife Pat by his side.

He was born on December 26, 1940 in Worcester, Massachusetts the fourth son of Swedish Emigrants Karl E. and Anna C. (Nyberg) Olson.

He was a 1959 graduate of North High School and 1961 from Worcester Junior College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Upon graduation he joined the Wyman-Gordon Company where he was employed for thirty-eight years until the company was bought and he was laid-off. He worked the next seven years for Astra-Zeneca in Westborough.

He met his future wife Patricia M. Harmon at choir rehearsal in the Church they both grew up in.

They were married there at Zion Lutheran Church on June 1, 1963 and happily married for 58 years.

In 1967 they moved to Shrewsbury where he was active in Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church as a choir member, served on the Church Council and was a youth advisor, Assistant-Scout Leader of Boy Scout Troop #114, Little League Baseball Coach. He was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Westborough. He volunteered for Camp Calumet Lutheran and the Green Mountain Conservation Group in N.H. He was a member of the Scandinavian Athletic Club of Shrewsbury and the Swedish Ancestral Research Association of Worcester.

Together they raised their three children, Mark R., Todd R. and Sheryl A. in Shrewsbury.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and two brothers, Roland E. and Irving W. Besides his three children he leaves three grandchildren: Taylor L., Erik C. and Jacob A. Olson, his brother Donald L. of Worcester, 5 nieces and cousins.

He also leaves behind two “Chosen Granddaughters” Nishka and Aarushi and their parents Pankaj and Mandy.

Pat would like to thank the VNA Hospice of Carroll County and Pastor Nathan Hall of Nativity Lutheran in North Conway.

She is also grateful for the support from neighbors and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Westborough in late Spring.

Burial will be in All Faiths Cemetery in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to either Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 West Main Street, Westborough, MA. 01581-3406 or Camp Calumet Lutheran, PO Box 236, West Ossipee, New Hampshire 03890-0236.

The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of New Hampshire is assisting the family with the arrangements.

nate to your local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Shanks, Jane formerly of Westborough

Mark R. Welch, 51 SHREWSBURY - How do you measure the years in a life? In Mark Welch’s fifty-one years we’re going to remember his fantastic sense of humor; his love for family and friends and being the best uncle to his five nieces and nephew; his passion for fishing in various places but most especially along the Cape Cod canal; his early days of learning how to ski at Ward Hill in Shrewsbury to later years in which he was a familiar ski instructor.

We will remember him as the friendly and

LEGAL NOTICES

Jane Shanks, 86 WESTBOROUGH - Jane (Shaw) Shanks, 86, passed away peacefully, January 20, 2022 at her home in Jupiter FL. Jane was born in Boston September 18, 1935 and graduated from Stoneham HS in 1953.

In 1955 Jane graduated from Lawrence Memorial School of Nursing and married the love of her life Robert K. Shanks on October 29.

Jane was a longtime resident of Westborough MA and spent her retirement years between Maine and Florida.

Jane was predeceased by her son Robert Stephen Shanks and brother Donald Shaw. Jane is survived by her husband Bob. She was deeply loved by her three sons and extended family: Robert Stephen (Karen) Shanks of North Grafton, MA, Richard (Deborah) Shanks Sr of Barre, MA, and David (Marie) Shanks of Williston, VT, her seven grandchildren -Lori ( Justin) Schroth, Emily Shanks (Igor Escaleira), Stephanie (Simon) Maznick, Richard (Colleen) Shanks Jr, and Sylvie, Samantha and Nate Shanks - eight great grandchildren - Max and Theo Schroth, Austin and Dalia Escaleira, Ryleigh and Oliver Maznick, Averie and Ellie Anna Shanks. Jane is also survived by her sister Elaine (Bob) Glass, Niece-Danielle Shanley, GreatNiece Eryn Shanley, NephewDavid Powers, and sister-in-law Evelyn (Shanks) Wyman.

Jane was loved by many. She was a kind and gracious woman who cultivated beautiful heartfelt friendships.

A family memorial will be held this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please do-

knowledgeable face at Strand’s Ski Shop in Worcester where for almost thirty years he was the sales manager and much loved and respected employee. He was a fixture at the local destination for Worcester County skiers, boarders and those who enjoy winter activities in search of new or used equipment and apparel.

He leaves his parents, Cardie and Margaret Welch of Shrewsbury; his siblings, Dion B. Welch (Amy) of Shrewsbury and Kadia D. Turner (Anton) of Louisville, Kentucky; his much-loved nieces and nephew, Kamaria, Nica, Xaniyah, Israel and Zuri; his longtime best friend, Lisa (Hunter) Legere and her family of Lancaster; also survived by an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

Arrangements by James & John Heald.

78 Main Street Hudson, Massachusetts 01749 Tel: (978) 562-9963 Fax: (978) 568-9641

HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749 (978) 562-2948

Legal Public Hearing Notice The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested

by Juan Pablo Onate. The owners of the property are Juan Pablo and Fernanda Onate. The work is located at 67 FORT MEADOW DRIVE (Map-Parcel 67-34). The proposed project is an addition to a house in Buffer Zone to Fort Meadow Reservoir. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on March 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson.org or 978-5622948.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

Legal Notice All Alcohol Retail License Available The Town of Hudson has been granted an additional Section 15 All Alcohol Retail License. The Select Board will be accepting letters of interest from March 1, 2022 until 4:00 PM on March 15, 2022.

Letters received after this date and time will not be reviewed or considered.

Letters of interest should include a business plan with all pertinent ownership information, (proposed) address, reason for seeking said license and any other information that will help the Select Board make a decision that will best serve the public need. The Board will meet on March 28, 2022 to review all letters of interest and invite one applicant to apply for the available license.

All interested parties can drop off or mail letter of interest to the Executive Assistant’s Office, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749.

Applicants are encouraged to email their letter of interest with business plan and/or questions to tvickery@townofhudson.org / 978-562-9963 Ext. 402.

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION ABBREVIATED NOTICE OF INTENT

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK MARLBOROUGH, MA 01752

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on March 3, 2022 at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor-Memorial Hall.

At a regular meeting of the Marlborough City Council held on Monday, February 14, 2022, the following proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Marlborough, having been read was ORDERED ADVERTISED as follows:

Petition: Scott Ferrecchia proposes to build a retaining wall along the shoreline of Ft. Meadow Reservoir at 74 & 82 Paquin Dr.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH THAT THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, AS AMENDED, BE FURTHER AMENDED BY AMENDING CHAPTER 125, ENTITLED “PERSONNEL,” AS FOLLOWS:

The Abbreviated Notice of Intent was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Commission office. All interested persons are invited to the public hearing.

Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman

I. By adding to the salary schedule referenced in Section 125-6, the following: Position

Rate

Parking Enforcement Officer

Not to Exceed $25 Per Hour.

II. This ordinance shall supersede and replace any existing rate for said position(s) in the current salary schedule.

Per Order of the City Council 22-1008512

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

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.

Thursday, Feb. 10 2:34 p.m. Providence Rd. Harassment.

5:35 p.m. Bernard Rd. Fire – ice rescue.

9:11 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

Saturday, Feb. 12 5:29 p.m. Worcester/N Main Sts. Traffic hazard.

Marlborough

Grafton

Sunday, Feb. 6 12:42 p.m. High/Perry Sts. Road hazard.

11:34 p.m. Providence/Pullard Rds. Road hazard.

Monday, Feb. 7 10:50 a.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

1:21 p.m. Worcester St. Abandoned auto.

Tuesday, Feb. 8 9:30 a.m. North St. Fire – gas odor.

1:43 p.m. North St. Wires down.

1:55 p.m. Worcester St. Accident – hit & run.

11:45 p.m. Prentice St. Road hazard.

Wednesday, Feb. 9 12:45 p.m. Main St. Accident – property damage.

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Thursday, Feb. 10 12:49 p.m. Framingham Rd. Fraud/ forgery.

1:23 p.m. Hyatt Place Hotel/Apex Dr. Larceny.

1:27 p.m. Main St. Larceny.

4:42 p.m. The Meadows at Marlborough/Broadmeadow Rd. Larceny.

Friday, Feb. 11 2:14 a.m. Arrested, Joshua I. Shea, 41, of 93 Uncatena Ave., Worcester, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, possess open container of alcohol in MV. 8:41 a.m. HBM/Bartlett St. MVA with injuries.

1:41 p.m. Washington St. Trespassing.

3:07 p.m. Arrested, Michael Rice, 30, of 375 Main St., Haverhill, on

warrant.

8:08 p.m. Valvoline/BPRE. Threats.

9:41 p.m. Arrested, McKenzie Frances Corcoran, 29, of 24 Lake St., Brighton, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

Saturday, Feb. 12 11:55 a.m. Arrested, Geoffrey Edward Corbeil, 33, of 65 Main St., Apt. 24, Hudson, for use MV without authority, possess Class A drug, possess Class B drug (2 cts).

7:32 p.m. Cullinane Dr. Fraud/ forgery.

9:44 p.m. Church St. Fraud/forgery.

Sunday, Feb. 13 12:09 p.m. Elm St. Larceny.

12:39 p.m. Vine St. Threats.

Monday, Feb. 14 3:56 a.m. Maple St. Harassment.

9:21 a.m. Academy Knoll/Broad St. Fraud/forgery.

12:22 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd.

Assault.

5:44 p.m. Olive Garden/Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Vandalism.

Tuesday, Feb. 15 1:10 p.m. Bigelow St. Fraud/ forgery.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 8:23 a.m. Whitcomb School/Union St. Assault.

12:48 p.m. Marlboro District Court/

Sunday, Feb. 6 7:26 p.m. Allen St. Threats.

Monday, Feb. 7 12:45 p.m. Bartlett St. Assault.

3:32 p.m. Shops Way. Threats.

2:39 p.m. Arrested, Yecenia Caso, 38, of 9A Mayberry Dr., Apt. 2, Westborough, for larceny over $1200, larceny under $1200.

Wednesday, Feb. 9 11:39 a.m. Bartlett St. Larceny.

Thursday, Feb. 10 8:42 a.m. Bartlett St. Larceny.

Friday, Feb. 11 2:00 a.m. Arrested, Joseph Rodriguez Jr., 35, of 3 Brookline St., Worcester, for fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.

10:28 a.m. Main St. Fraud.

10:35 a.m. Main St. Vandalism.

1:08 p.m. Pinehaven Dr. Fraud.

Saturday, Feb. 12 12:34 p.m. Main St. Breaking and entering.

7:52 p.m. Church St. Accident: P.I.

Friday, Feb. 11 12:45 p.m. Julio Dr. Accident no injury.

Saturday, Feb. 12 10:20 a.m. Oak St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

2:10 p.m. Oak St. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

2:43 p.m. Boston Tpke. Larceny.

5:26 p.m. Oval Dr. Larceny.

10:40 p.m. Arrested, Robert H. Coonan, 55, of 6 Meadow Ln., N Grafton, for possession Class E substance, number plate violation, op MV with license suspended, possession Class B substance, and Andre R. Williams, 46, of 94 Winfield St., Apt. 2, Worcester, for poss Class B substance, poss Class E substance.

Sunday, Feb. 13 10:12 a.m. Boston Tpke. Harassment.

2:17 p.m. Avalon Way. Identity theft.

Monday, Feb. 14 1:46 p.m. Dartmoor Dr. Identity theft.

3:44 p.m. Camelot Dr. Identity theft.

4:32 p.m. Arrested, Timothy Paul Pedjoe, 59, of 21 Cypress Ave., Police log | 21

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022 • 21

POLICE LOG Police log | from page 20

Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Tuesday, Feb. 15 5:37 p.m. Commons Dr. Identity theft.

6:48 p.m. Boston Tpke. Harassment.

8:27 p.m. Arrested, Samantha A. Neary, 27, of 557 SW Cutoff, Worcester, on warrant.

Southborough

Saturday, Feb. 5 9:11 a.m. Parkerville Rd. Harassment complaint.

Monday, Feb. 7 3:58 p.m. Arrested, Eduardo J. Vitorino, of Grove St., Westborough, for op MV with license suspended, fail to wear seat belt, speeding/ rate of speed exceeding posted limit, warrant.

Tuesday, Feb. 8 11;58 a.m. Lovers Ln. Road closed.

3:22 p.m. Framingham Rd. Road work.

Wednesday, Feb. 9 3:57 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Traffic lights inoperable.

10:45 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Attempted burglary.

Thursday, Feb. 10 2:26 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

Friday, Feb. 11 2:10 a.m. Boston Rd. Road hazard.

11:23 a.m. Cordaville Rd./Main St. Traffic lights inoperable.

Sunday, Feb. 13

“A DOSE OF REALITY”

Westborough looks ahead to next steps in MGB project 12:43 a.m. Arrested, William E. Castro-Guaman, of North Warren Ave., Brockton, for OUI-liquor or .08%.

Monday, Feb. 14 9:04 a.m. Turnpike/White Bagley Rds. Traffic lights inoperable.

3:50 p.m. Breakneck Hill Rd. Threats investigation.

Westborough

Sunday, Feb. 6 4:08 p.m. Milk/Fisher Sts. Road/ tree.

7:40 p.m. Lyman St. Larceny.

Monday, Feb. 7 12:02 p.m. W Main St. Larceny.

1:14 p.m. Computer Dr. Threats made.

1:24 p.m. Milk St. Road/tree.

4:56 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Threats made.

6:26 p.m. Milk St. Road/tree.

Tuesday, Feb. 8 1:14 a.m. Upton Rd. Road/tree.

8:16 a.m. Milk St. Larceny.

7:32 p.m. Nourse St. Road/tree.

Friday, Feb. 11 6:32 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident – hit & run.

10:08 a.m. W Main St. Larceny.

Saturday, Feb. 12 11:38 a.m. E Main St. Motor vehicle theft.

6:48 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident – hit & run.

8:55 p.m. E Main St. Accident – hit & run.

MGB | from page 5

correct, though he noted that HPC’s charge was to monitor statewide spending and medical expenses.

He also said that there have been capacity problems since before the pandemic.

“It was here before COVID — it’s just worse, way worse now that we’ve had COVID,” Fernandez said.

Chair Allen Edinberg also noted that HPC’s report indicated that they didn’t model commercial revenue loss by other providers, but that it was likely to decrease their revenue.

“So, they’re predicting a decrease in revenue to other providers without actually having modeled it and done the analysis to see if that would actually be the case,” Edinberg said.

Marshall said she made lists of the pros and cons of the project.

“It’s a lopsided seesaw to me on the pros,” Marshall said. “I think this project is good not only for Westborough, but for the communities that we’ve also identified in the catchment area.”

She noted a shortage of care among primary care physicians and specialists.

“This project absolutely

addresses unmet needs in our community,” Marshall said.

“To see it any other way and to see it as a grab from other hospital systems, it’s egregious.”

Next steps As of the Select Board meeting, Fernandez said MGB was waiting for a staff report from

the state Department of Public Health.

After that is filed, MGB will have to wait 20 business days for parties to comment on the recommendations.

On April 6, MGB plans to go before the Public Health Council for what it hopes will be approval of the project.

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22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, February 25, 2022

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114 Turnpike Rd, Suite 201 Westborough, MA 01581

Northborough - Location, location, this 4 BR colonial located in highly sought after neighborhood. Open concept updated kitchen w/granite counters, gas cooking, ss appliances & breakfast bar.

Large family room w/skylights, fireplace & sliders to deck. Dining room w/HWs & coffered ceiling. FF laundry & bath. MBR w/ double closets. Updated MBath w/dual sinks, tub/shower. Three additional BRs. Second Northborough – bath Twow/granite Family counters & tub/shower.

Newly updated LL w/bonus room, playroom, & bath.

Great investment property. 2 units with workshop 2 bedrooms.

Composite deck for outdoor dining.

Inground pooltow/large Excellent location within walking distance town backyard. Two car garage. Gas heat. Town water & sewer. $840,000 center and close to major highways for commuting.

Marlborough - Town house with 4 living levels and views of Lake Williams. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops, cabinets, SS appliances and dining area. LR with fireplace, HW floors. Master BR with HW floors, private bath and balcony.

2nd BR and bath. 3rd floor with HW floors, skylight & storage, great for a home office or additional living space. Finished lower level with FR, slider to patio. Lower level laundry room with Northborough Colonial front in load washer and dryer.

Updates: new interior painting, Located neighborhood setting this sprawling refinished floors,4BRs and kitchen, updated Colonial with HW 10 rooms, bedrooms and 3.5 bath- lighting, new deck and slider. $340,000 rooms. Many updates throughout this home.

Get your house ready for early spring market.

Call today – sellers are needed!

Northborough - Looking to build in Northborough. Single Family Lot for Sale. 3.5 acres within walking distance to shops, restaurants, elementary and middle school. Great commuting locaBerlin – Land – Condo tionClinton within driving distance to Rte 9, 290 and 495. $300,000 Two buildable lots located on country road in Berlin.

One lot is 5.97 acres and the other lot is 6.07 acres 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

Call for a FREE Market Analysis: 508-934-9818

*2020 MLS Sales for Northborough