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Vol. 48 | No. 9 | March 4, 2022

Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum

Official discusses next steps after Lake Quinsigamond sewage spill

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Sewage spilled off the Lake Avenue Pump Station property in Worcester on Feb. 6, running into Lake Quinsigamond.

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor SHREWSBURY - A Worcester pump station failure spilled nearly six million gallons of raw sewage into Lake Quinsigamond last month, prompting outrage and questions among many throughout the region.

It wasn’t the first time this happened.

Now, city officials say they’ve heard community frustration and are committed to an ongoing review of the pump station in question.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do to look at the station and really figure out ‘Why is this station problematic?’” Worcester Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Jay Fink told the Lake Quinsigamond Commission last week.

WESTBOROUGH - From Mass General Brigham’s (MGB) proposed expansion to efforts to build trust among community members, candidates for elected municipal offices in Westborough fielded questions on a number of topics in a virtual candidates forum on Sunday.

The forum was hosted by the Westborough Democratic Town Committee and moderated by Chair Kate Donaghue.

This year’s town election is set for March 8, though there are no contested races. Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Spill stems from pump failure The sewage spill kicked off early on Feb. 6, Fink said, at the Lake Avenue Pump Station in

Select Board incumbents answer questions Allen Edinberg and Patrick Welch are both running for re-election to the Select Board this year.

Welch, who was elected to a one-year term last year after former Selectman Leigh Emery stepped down, reflected on his time on the board to date.

“The team seems to be working very well, providing the executive oversight needed to work through issues and support the needs of our community,” he said.

While there have been challenges,

Quinsigamond | 16

Candidates | 6

Allen Edinberg is seen during this year’s budget summit in January.

Edinberg is running for re-election to the Select Board this year alongside Patrick Welch.

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

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Men charged after Shrewsbury police find cocaine in vehicle

OVER TOP

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Shrewsbury police arrested two individuals following a traffic stop last week.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

PHOTO/BEN DOMAINGUE

HUDSON - Drone photography shows work continuing at the old Tucks Service Center site in Hudson. The historic local business closed last year. Its land has since been the site of ongoing construction to build a new gas station.

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SHREWSBURY - Two men are facing drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop near Home Depot in Shrewsbury last week.

According to Shrewsbury police, an officer pulled over a vehicle at about 4 a.m. on Feb. 24 for defective equipment.

During the stop, officers reportedly found 20 grams of cocaine and seven grams of crack cocaine inside the vehicle.

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Both Abel Suarez-Sanchez, 20, of Boston, and Nelson Santiago, 30, Roslindale, were charged with trafficking a class B substance, conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of an open container of alcohol.

Santiago was also charged with defective equipment and firearm use in a felony after police learned that he had a Springfield XDS 9mm in his possession.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Westborough proposes using free cash, levy capacity to lower tax impact

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Westborough town staff have been working on lowering a projected increase to the average single family’s tax bill.

Initially forecasted to jump by $1,290 for the next fiscal year, recent figures now project a $1,087 increase if the town opts to use resources like free cash and its excess levy capacity to dampen effects.

The average tax bill for condominiums would increase by $680.

Staff present evolving projections Staff gave their $1,290 figure in December.

They’ve since regularly updated the Select Board on the projected tax impact and ways they plan to ease that impact. These include cuts to the town salary and wages line

item within the budget.

In late January, Town Manager Kristi Williams presented measures that would have lowered the increase to $1,107.

Since then, Williams told the Select Board on Feb. 22 that the school district has level-funded its transportation budget, removing a $132,000 increase. The town has also gone through the second quarter of the current fiscal year and was able to increase its estimated receipts by $230,000, she said.

This latest increase of $1,087 takes those changes into account.

It also factors in a plan to use $1.037 million in the excess levy capacity and $471,259 in free cash to offset costs.

Williams’ recommendation is that any savings realized by unknown budget items should be used to lower the use of free cash. The town has about $13.8 million in excess

levy capacity.

Select Board responds Select Board members have voiced concerns about the projected tax increase.

Patrick Welch spoke up in response to the projection when it was presented in January, noting concerns that it is too high.

“This is a difficult conversation,” he said.

Welch recognized the work that Williams’ team has put into the budget.

“There are people in this community who are facing difficult decisions,” Welch said, though. “We certainly don’t want to be forcing them to decide between a roof over their head [and] paying their taxes, prescriptions, those type of things.”

“I’m not trying to lay that blame on you, Kristi,” he continued, speaking directly to Williams. “It’s the way of the world. It’s taxes. We need to pay for our services. I totally recognize that.”

Select Board member Ian Johnson noted progress at the Select Board’s latest meeting n February.

“It’s creeping closer to getting that down to three digits,” he said.

Tax increase Assessors estimate that the average single family tax bill in Westborough for the cur-

rent fiscal year will be $10,328.

In 2022, the average bill increased by $325.

Tax bills in 2021, in turn, represented a $228 increase over 2020.

In comparison, the projected $1,087 spike for 2023 would be one of the largest individual increases in Westborough’s history.

Williams attributed that to budget increases and increases in property values.

Even if the town’s budget didn’t increase, Williams estimated in January that the average tax bill would still rise by $515 because the increase in the value of residential properties “far exceed” the values of commercial and industrial properties.

Her presentation last month showed how the value of commercial, industrial and personal property has fallen, which she said prompted this shift in the tax burden to residential property owners.

“We’re going from a 7030 [percent] split to a 72-28 [percent] split,” Williams said at the time, referring to the distribution of residential and commercial burdens.

Beyond those factors, the town’s health insurance costs are also helping drive up tax bill.

Westborough is estimating a nine percent increase in that health insurance budget, which covers town and school

staff and retirees, for 2023.

A nine percent increase translates to just over $1 million. That alone contributes $133 to the estimated increase to the average single family tax bill.

As far as managing the increase, Westborough has continued some of its COVID-19 budget cuts. All personnel requests — including new positions and increases of hours — have been deferred.

Those deferred positions include a community development assistant, whose duties would have included implementing Westborough’s Climate Action Plan, and a new fire captain.

Despite that, there are still some new personnel still in the budget that were added outside of the personnel request process. These include a grant administrator/chief procurement officer that was added in October.

This is also the first year Westborough will fund the cost of eight firefighters positions that were initially funded using grant money.

These included positions represent $153,657 of a total $213,209 in salary and wage increases.

While it includes those costs, the town’s budget does not include cost of living adjustments for four of its unions whose contracts will expire in June.

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By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - Westborough Connects is expanding, looking to hire a new part-time employee to oversee its volunteer network.

Westborough Connects, which organizes Westborough Kindness Week as one of its many outreach and engagement programs, relies on volunteers to maintain its community programming. The volunteer engagement coordinator would be responsible for training, cultivating and managing this volunteer network.

Announced in the organi-

zation’s email newsletter last week, the 13-hour per week role will maintain a database of volunteers, while also matching volunteers with opportunities that suit their skills and interests. The coordinator will also serve as an ambassador to the community, keeping volunteers engaged with Westborough Connects.

The role will report to Executive Director Kelley Petralia to support the overall philanthropic fundraising efforts of Westborough Connects, while leading and expanding the organization’s growing volunteer base.

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have a passion for kindness, service, diversity and inclusion.

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The role currently offers hybrid work, with some evening and weekend hours required.

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Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Petralia at kelleyconnects1@ gmail.com.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough rallies behind second ‘Night in the Cold’ fundraiser

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

WESTBOROUGH - The second year of the Night in the Cold fundraiser in Westborough had pulled in over $16,000 as of Monday afternoon. And donations were still rolling in, according to organizer and Westborough resident John Bogaert.

Bogaert and a group of volunteers spent all day on Feb. 26 in the parking lot at 45 Colonial Plaza on East Main Street in Westborough.

They then spent the night in the parking lot as part of this fundraiser.

The group has collected donations through a variety of means during their event and in the days around it, all raising money and awareness for people experiencing homelessness.

“When you are out there in the wet and the cold for twenty-four hours…you cannot help but to feel extremely saddened to think that this is someone’s everyday existence,” Bogaert told the Community Advocate earlier this year.

This was the second year of the fundraiser, which specifically collects donations for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homelessness.

Altogether, this effort in Westborough has now raised over $48,000 across its two years, Bogaert said.

Those interested in learning more about the Coalition for the Homeless can do so online at https://www.donate2homeless.org.

This year’s Night in the Cold fundraiser, meanwhile, is continuing to accept donations through the end of next week.

Those interested can donate online by visiting https:// www.donate2homeless.org.

Shrewsbury resident celebrates 100th birthday SHREWSBURY - Longtime Shrewsbury resident Gala Karoway celebrated her 100th birthday last month.

Born in Russia, Karoway has lived in town for the past 65 years.

She turned 100 on Feb. 12.

“Gala is a special lady who puts a smile on the face of everyone she meets,” Gala’s granddaughter, Natalia, wrote in a message to the Community Advocate last week.

Gala Karoway is a longtime Shrewsbury resident.

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum Patrick Welch, who is seen here talking during the January Budget Summit, is running for re-election to the Westborough Select Board.

Candidates | from page 1

Welch said that none of them were unexpected or without merit.

“I see these challenges more as opportunities to improve our community,” he said Edinberg, who was unable to attend the forum live due to work, submitted a recorded statement.

He noted various accomplishments, including his work on affordable housing and with the town’s Capital Planning Expenditure and Economic Development Committees.

“I enjoy the work,” Edinberg said. “I hope you agree with me that I’m making a positive difference and moving things in a positive way for the Town of Westborough and that you’ll continue to support me, the Select Board and those efforts.”

Welch was asked about the prospect of requiring masks for the March Town Meeting, a proposed digital billboard bylaw, the MGB project and how to make the town more

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friendly to small businesses.

When asked to identify the biggest challenge facing the town, Welch named the “significant financial stresses” of maintaining and potentially expanding the level of municipal services.

He said that will be a “tough conversation that the whole community should join in on.”

Welch specifically noted that the average Westborough single family tax bill is projected to increase by $1,087 for the 2023 fiscal year.

“Simply said, a dollar is not

the same to all in town, and we need to make sure that we consider our senior community and those with financial hardship as we spend,” he said.

School Committee Incumbent Stephen Doret said one of the reasons he would like to continue on the School Committee is to provide stability on the committee with the anticipation that fellow candidate Steven Bachelor wins the seat currently held by Sara Dullea who is not running for reelection.

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w o r k e d c o l l a b o ra t i v e l y throughout COVID-19.

“For sure, there are people on both sides of the question of wearing masks and not wearing masks, but the administration and the School Committee has been out front in terms of the process and understanding of the stresses that are on both the teachers and students and their parents as we move through this problem time where we believe we’re almost through it,” Doret said.

All Westborough schools have since moved to flexible masking as COVID-19 case rates fall.

Bachelor said these are “contentious” and “stressful times” that have polarized people. He said there has been a “breakdown in trust” during the pandemic and a need to rebuild it.

The best way to do it is by practicing transparency, Bachelor continued.

“It’s by being transparent about what your values are,

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Bachelor, who is an educator and chair of the Westborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council, is running for the School Committee this year.

Speaking on Sunday, Bachelor said he and his wife moved to Westborough because of its reputation for excellent schools and their “demonstrated commitment” to students with more complex learning needs.

“As a lifelong teacher and learner, I think I’ll bring to the committee empathy and strong listening and communication skills,” he said.

Doret and Bachelor faced questions about early childhood education and recent water damage issues at Fales, which required repairs after storm runoff leaked under the brand new school’s gym floor.

The candidates were asked about their role in building trust among everyone who works to educate students.

Doret said district leaders and staff members have

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury theater group invites audiences to ‘Exit Laughing’

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer

‘Girls’ night out The play’s synopsis asks, “When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the ‘girls,’ what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies?”

Answering the question, the synopsis continues, “If you’re Connie, Leona and Millie – three southern ladies from Birmingham – you do the most daring thing you’ve ever done. You ‘borrow’ the ashes from the funeral home for one last card

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SHREWSBURY - Following its debut last year, a Shrewsbury community theater group is inviting audiences to its second production. Afterward, it would like everyone to exit the theater still laughing.

Square One Players will present the comedy “Exit Laughing”

by Paul Elliott at the Flanagan Theater in Southgate at Shrewsbury at 30 Julio Dr. Gathered around an urn that represents a deceased character in Square One Players’ production of the comedy “Exit Laughing” are cast members (l to r) Anh Dao, Rose Gage, Ali Rei, Foley Herrmann and Collin Touchette.

game.”

Directing the show is Jeremy Woloski. He compares the actresses’ antics to those of classic ensemble sitcoms such as “The Golden Girls” and “Designing Women.”

“It’s great to see how the cast has grown their realistic characters in a very bizarre situation that feels almost believable,” he said.

Meet the cast Foley Herrmann plays Connie, a character who ultimately accepted a monotonous lifestyle until she’s reawakened.

“Foley is warm and bubbly, but also sarcastic and biting, which is appropriate for her character,” Woloski said.

Rose Gage portrays Leona, a role described by Woloski as “an angry drunk” who “didn’t have

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shows at the Flanagan Theater with the now-closed Regatta Players. He’s also set to direct Square One Players’ summer musical “Nunsense” at the Flanagan Theater.

In the meantime, he welcomes theater patrons to see “Exit Laughing.”

“The play has funny and touching moments,” Woloski said. “It’ll be nice for audiences to sit back and enjoy the interaction between the characters in a relatively straightforward story.”

The Square One Players have scheduled four performances of “Exit Laughing.” Evening shows are Saturdays, March 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are March 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is required for patrons over age 5. Masks must be worn.

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“Rose has a good way of softening up Leona’s mean lines,” he noted.

Woloski cast Ali Rei to play Millie, a character Woloski describes as “innocent, ditzy and caring.”

“Ali does a great job with the physical comedy that we’ve added,” he said.

Anh Dao portrays Connie’s daughter Rachel, a college student.

“Anh is making her character a nice yang to everybody else’s ying,” Woloski explained.

Rounding out the cast is Collin Touchette, playing a surprise guest at the women’s bridge night.

“Collin is the only man in the cast, and he holds his own on stage with all the women – especially during the more risqué moments,” Woloski said. “He puts on a good show.”

An onstage urn represents the deceased character.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shrewsbury’s Burns Bridge shines for Ukraine

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor

The Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge shone in blue and yellow to support Ukraine on Feb. 25.

SHREWSBURY - The Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge in Shrewsbury shone in blue and yellow on the night of Feb. 25 as a sign of support for Ukraine, where fighting has continued following Russia’s invasion last week.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced plans for the display just hours earlier, coordinating similar lightings elsewhere in the state.

Legislators condemn attack Russian troops moved into Ukraine on Feb. 24 following weeks of growing tensions coinciding with a military buildup on the country’s borders.

The attack quickly drew condemnation from federal, state and local figures. “[Russian President] Vladimir Putin’s actions are that of a rogue, power-hungry dictator,” US Rep. Lori Trahan wrote in a statement on Twitter on Friday. “He wants to resurrect the glory days of the Soviet Union – no matter the cost.”

Trahan, whose district includes Marlborough and Hudson said in a separate statement on Feb. 24 that

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“Putin and his enablers must pay a heavy price for their unjustified aggression.”

Trahan’s congressional colleague, Rep. Jim McGovern, said on Twitter that he was “praying for peace and for the safety of the Ukrainian people at this uncertain moment.”

“We and the world community must stand together, demand an end to violence and aggression, and prepare humanitarian relief efforts for the Ukrainian people and refugees,” McGovern said.

Local communities react Locally, community members

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have noted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in a variety of ways.

In Hudson, the Firefighters Local 1713 Facebook page shared photos of Ukrainian firefighters beating back flames in a badly-damaged residential building.

“Ukrainian firefighters still working in a war zone,” the group wrote.

In Westborough, at least one local business had hung a Ukrainian flag in its window as of Feb. 25.

Back in Shrewsbury, for at least one night, this lighting of the Burns Bridge spread those same Ukrainian colors across the water of Lake Quinsigamond.

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WESTBOROUGH - Starting in March, Westborough residents will be able to schedule a home pickup of clothing and household textiles.

The Health Department has partnered with HELPSY, which is a New York-based textile collection company that works with organizations and municipalities across 10 states, like Westborough.

According to HELPSY’s website, 95% of their collections are reused, upcycled or recycled. The company estimates that it has helped divert almost 30 million pounds of textiles from landfills last year through home pickups, clothing drives, thrift store partnerships and clothing receptacles.

Some of the items that HELPSY will accept include clothing and accessories — like shirts, pants, gloves, belts, ties and purses — and household items such as towels, bedding and throw rugs.

HELPSY will not accept breakable household items or glass, electronics, furniture, appliances, mattresses, scrap metal, building materials, encyclopedias, phone books or magazines.

The pickups will be available on a weekly basis.

Westborough residents can schedule their pickups online at https://www.helpsy.co/westboroughma.

Any clothing should be clean, dry, bagged and left by either the front door, driveway or by the mailbox before 7 a.m. on the morning of the pickup.

For more information about Westborough’s recycling programs, contact the Westborough Health Department at 508-366-3045.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

PHOTO/COURTESY WESTBOROUGH VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD

WESTBOROUGH - Westborough’s new Hometown Heroes banner program is taking shape as organizers continue their work to honor local veterans.

Already, positive community responses have prompted organizers to adapt their plans to maximize the number of banners that they’ll be able to display.

Banners honoring individual veterans will hang back to back on 40 available poles. This will allow the program to memorialize 80 veterans with this year’s display.

The program does plan to then expand with larger displays in future years.

The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board pitched this Hometown Heroes A draft design shows program last year. It then gained a green plans for Westborough’s light to install the banners beginning on Hometown Heroes Memorial Day. banners.

Banners will hang for eight weeks following that first installation. They’ll then be installed again for eight weeks beginning on Oct. 1 and running through Veterans Day. The board has sent letters and applications to the more than 550 veterans living in Westborough.

That “has produced good results,” according to Veterans Advisory Board member Jim Tepper.

In the meantime, the board welcomes donations to sponsor banners and support this project.

Sponsorship costs are $150 per banner.

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Fire hits Arcade Building in Westborough

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH - A two-alarm fire displaced a dozen Westborough residents and caused roughly $500,000 in damage on Sunday night, drawing fire crews into the Westborough rotary just after 6 p.m.

The blaze broke out in the historic Arcade Building at 5 West Main Street. Though no one required transportation to the hospital, three civilians were hurt, according to the Fire Department.

Firefighters initially arrived on scene to find fire on the second and third floor of the building.

Residents were in the process of evacuating as those firefighters began their attack, the Fire Department said.

Firefighters struck a second alarm “due to the size of the building and the volume of residential units.”

Though crews contained damage to two apartments, twelve residents were still displaced.

PHOTO/VIA WESTBOROUGH FIRE DEPARTMENT

Westborough Hometown Heroes banner program moves forward

A Westborough fire truck sits on scene outside the Arcade Building in Westborough on Sunday night.

Their property management company was working with the Red Cross to find new accommodations as of Monday

morning.

The Arcade Building is a fixture of downtown Westborough, dating back to 1890.

In addition to its residential tenants, the building houses a number of businesses on its first floor.

Firefighters did not know the cause of this fire as of Monday morning.

Crews from Southborough, Northborough, Hopkinton, Grafton and Worcester did provide aid on scene on Sunday night while the Upton Fire Department provided station coverage.

Westborough municipal candidates field questions in forum Candidates | from page 6

being explicit in expressing those values and considering multiple perspectives and moving forward in a transparent sort of way so that there aren’t decisions that are being made in back rooms and so that everyone is coming to the table, knowing where they stand on issues in a healthy,

constructive, collaborative way,” Bachelor said.

The full forum is available online It also featured Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees incumbents Kathleen Daly and Edward Baldwin and Julia O’Neil-Welch, who is running for Housing Authority.

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Northborough appoints new town planner

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough officially has a new town planner.

Laurie Connors will start in her new position at the helm of the Planning Department on March 7.

“I think we’re very lucky to secure such a qualified individual for that position,” Town Administrator John Coderre said during a Board of Selectmen meeting on Feb. 14. “There are very few experienced town planners out there, and I think we got a good match there. [We’re] looking forward to Laurie starting in a couple of weeks.”

New town planner brings experience Connors comes to Northborough after serving as the director of the Planning and Development Department in Millbury since 2004.

Connors worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, according to Coderre.

Connors received her master’s degree in regional planning from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

She’ll be filling the town planner job in Northborough that has sat vacant since the retirement of longtime Town Planner Kathy Joubert last year.

Joubert had worked for the town of Northborough for over 30 years.

Town staff excited about new town planner Coderre said that town staff

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are excited about Connors’ experience surrounding downtown revitalization.

He also cited her experience with grant writing and programs like the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Funding Program.

“If I had to lay it out, I’d say that the work that she is doing in her current community is about two or three years ahead of exactly what it is that we’re looking to do in Northborough,” Coderre said.

Northborough’s Master Plan Implementation Committee has recently been working through the town’s master plan, which was accepted in the spring of 2020.

Its recent work has included discussing the scope of a downtown master plan.

Connors will join that ongoing effort in her new role. “[I’m] really impressed with her experience and history, especially with master planning and grant writing,” said Planning Board Chair Kerri Martinek during the Board’s Feb. 15 meeting.

“I’m really excited for her to join.

I can’t wait. I look forward to that in a few weeks.”

New marker installed at Howard Street Burial Ground

By Normand Corbin History Columnist NORTHBOROUGH - The first burials at the “Howard Street Burial Ground” in Northborough were of children during the winter of 1749 and 1750.

Some sixty children died that winter from the “Throat Distemper Epidemic.” The burial ground was used until about 1837 when the Howard Street Cemetery was opened.

In 2001, Eagle Scout, Kyle Vander Poel, prepared the original marker for this Burial Ground. The marker contained the location and identification of all 215 gravestones along with providing additional details of several Northborough ancestors

buried there.

After surviving for twenty years, the wooden marker needed replacement. With the help of Kyle’s father, James, who was able to retrieve original documents from 2001, and with Northborough Community Preservation Act funding, the Historic District Commission ordered a replacement marker.

The new aluminum marker was installed last fall. Anyone interested in colonial Northborough history is encouraged to walk the burial ground and read the very interesting epitaphs on many of the gravestones.

The marker is dedicated to Brandon T. Santucci (1982-2001) a close friend of Kyle Vander Poel.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northborough’s St. Rose of Lima basketball team wins local championship

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - The high school boys basketball team at Northborough’s St. Rose of Lima Parish recently notched a welcome milestone with a win in its final game of the season.

The team secured the 2022 Diocese of Worcester Parish Basketball League Championship, beating St.George’s/St. Mary’s by a score of 69-59 earlier this month.

“The team, coaches and parents are very grateful to the diocese for providing such a well-run, competitive playing opportunity for our boys, many of whom are high school seniors and playing together for the last time,” Head Coach David Calabrese told the Community Advocate last week.

Calabrese praised the league, which aims to provide an additional competitive opportunity for students who opt out of varsity high school sports.

“The youth program offered

Members of Northborough’s St. Rose of Lima Parish high school boys basketball team pose for a photo with their trophy.

The Northborough’s St. Rose of Lima Parish high school boys basketball team recently won the 2022 Diocese of Worcester Parish Basketball League Championship.

them an opportunity to be with their friends and be able to compete,” Calabrese said.

Calabrese noted that the league, indeed, remains competitive.

“It’s a well-structured league,” he said. “It’s also a Catholic league, so you try to manage it in a way that aspires to Catholic values.”

“We hold a prayer before the game, so you can try to instill the right values of sportsman-

Calabrese praised his players for their growth and commitment to teamwork over his last four years spent coaching for the parish.

“As they’ve matured as individuals, they definitely have meshed together over that fouryear period of time,” he said.

Calabrese hopes that the values he worked to instill within his players will remain as they move on to postsecondary endeavors.

ship and teamwork,” he continued.

This season was special to Calabrese, marking his retirement from coaching. It was also the final season his son competed in high school level play.

“This was one last chance for me to coach my son who is a senior,” Calabrese said. “I’ve done it to spend more time with my son. For me, it was a culmination of that same experience and being able to share that.”

“The most powerful lessons are sportsmanship, teamwork, which will carry itself forward into their careers,” he said.

In the meantime, though he is stepping away for now, Calabrese is leaving the door open to future coaching opportunities for the parish should the need arise.

“If the parish was struggling to find coaches down the road, I may throw my hat in the ring,” he said.

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The proposed expansion of our health care center in Westwood and the two new centers we are working to build in Woburn and Westborough will serve more than 227,000 of our existing patients. These centers will bring primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health services closer to patients who already rely on us. These centers will allow us to deliver reliable, world-class care at a lower cost. It will make it easier for our patients to access what they need to live healthier lives. At Mass General Brigham, we believe that through care, research, education, and, most of all, innovation, we have the power to genuinely improve the health and lives of all. Our health care centers will deliver on that belief.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Southborough selectmen approve increases to Board of Health budget

By Ben Domaingue Community Reporter

SOUTHBOROUGH - Southborough’s public health spending has been increased by 53% following a vote by the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 15.

During the meeting, Southborough increased its Board of Health budget to $310,652 from $202,692 - a 53% increase from the previous year. This is part of a process to transition Public Health Director Heather Alker and Public Health Nurse Taylor West to full-time roles.

“I definitely believe you can look back and say ‘Wow, before COVID, we had budgeted only $31,000 for fulltime salaries for this department, that number is way too low,’” said Selectman Andrew Dennington. “I see now the need for at least a full-time public health director.”

Dennington did express his concerns with the price

The Southborough Health Department operates out of Cordaville Hall at 9 Cordaville Road.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

tag, noting potential reduced efficiency in regional partnerships while underscoring the long-term need for these roles.

“I’m just thinking long term on how we can be most efficient and regionalized as much as possible,” said Dennington. “We’re going to start to have some level of making this funding permanent and part of the tax base, just on a more gradual basis.”

Selectmen Martin Healey and Sam Stivers echoed Dennington while noting that

this funding should be the minimum Southborough invests in public health.

“Southborough dodged a bullet until 2020 or so,” Healey said. “I have been convinced for a while that the spending on the Board of Health by Southborough was penny-wise and foolish.”

“From a resource standpoint, I think this is a minimum the town needs to spend on the Board of Health,” Healey continued.

Even with the sharp increase in Southborough’s pub-

lic health budget, ARPA funds would serve to offset impacts to taxpayers and reduce Southborough’s direct expenditure for the near future.

“We thought it would be prudent of us to request for the additional funds for the full-time public health director to come from ARPA, so that would be $50,000,” said Board of Health Chair and Selectman Chelsea Malinowski.

“That gives the operating budget a two-year span to add one full-time employee at a time.”

The Board of Health will submit a lower budget to the Board of Selectmen in order to access potential ARPA funds. “ The correspondence we’re going to have with ARPA is that there was a request and the Board [of Selectmen] was supportive,” said Board of Selectmen Chair Lisa Braccio. “We’ll make sure ARPA is well aware that the board was supportive.”

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The Marlborough Commuter Shuttle is back in service!

REGISTER ONLINE TO RESERVE A SPOT The 12 -passenger handicap-accessible shuttle connects local commuters between three stops at the Southborough MBTA Commuter Rail, the Apex Center of New England, and the business park located at 200 Forest Street. This option provides free public transportation for those who take the train to and/or from Boston and Worcester.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

REGION State officials report crashes on area highways as snow slows travel

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor REGION - State officials reported multiple crashes on area roadways on the morning of Feb. 25 as heavy snow slowed travel and created widespread hazardous conditions.

In Marlborough, a tractor trailer crash blocked two lanes of traffic on the southbound side of I-495 near the 495/290 interchange.

The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) reported that incident just after 7 a.m., advising motorists to “expect delays.”

A separate crash in the eastbound lanes of I-290 prompted “moderate delays” near exit 27 in Northborough.

State Police troopers responded around 6:30 a.m., finding two vehicles with damage in the left lane and the breakdown lane respectively.

Troopers closed the left lane of

travel before clearing the scene around 7:15 a.m., according to a State Police spokesperson.

There were no apparent injuries, although the accident was still under investigation as of 10:45 a.m on Feb. 25.

State Police were not able to provide additional information on the Marlborough tractor trailer crash.

Snow lingers Snow overspread the region overnight on Feb. 25. It then lingered through the morning and into the afternoon and evening.

A winter storm warning remained in effect throughout much of the state, with freezing rain and sleet mixing in alongside some of the snow.

Locally, municipalities and other organizations announced widespread closures and cancellations as state and local emergency services asked residents to stay off roads, if

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Westborough’s highest reading maxed out at 8.5 inches while Grafton followed close

behind with 8.1.

Shrewsbury saw eight inches as of 4:53 p.m.

Northborough’s snow, meanwhile, was measured at 7.4 inches at 4 p.m.

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“If you do not need to leave your house, don’t have to go to work, or you can work from home, please stay home,” Hudson firefighters wrote in a message on social media. “The DPW is working hard to maintain clear roads but they are still hazardous.”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 15

REGION

Central One Federal Credit Union announces retirement of President/CEO REGION - Central One Federal Credit Union’s President and CEO David A. L’Ecuyer has announced his plans to retire in 2022.

The Central One Board of Directors, in turn, has hired D. Hilton Associates to conduct a nationwide search to find its next President and CEO. “The Board would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank David for his 32 years of service with Central One Federal Credit Union,” Board of Directors Chairperson Robert McLaren said in a press release last month. “David’s leadership, knowledge,

today.”

L’Ecuyer has been Central One’s top executive since 1994.

As only the second CEO in Central One’s 70-year history, L’Ecuyer began his career at Central One as an assistant manager in 1990. He was promoted to the role of manager of operations in 1991 and

subsequently named to his current position in 1994.

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of Public Works staff across the region.

Wild swings in temperature through the first two months of 2022 combined with heavy plowing activity to damage certain roads with worse-thanusual potholes.

Last week alone, area communities saw record temperatures approach 70 degrees before then plunging behind a cold front in the hours before the Feb. 25 winter blast.

As crews work to repair roads, that process of treating and clearing them in the event of winter weather is accruing a hefty bill, particularly as longduration, messy storms rack up overtime and ice-removal costs.

While communities like Southborough were “doing O.K” when contacted by the Community Advocate last

dence shown by the Board of Directors over the course of my tenure here.”

Central One Federal Credit Union is headquartered in Shrewsbury. Its branches include locations in Northborough and Westborough.

Learn more about David A. L’Ecuyer online at CommunityAdvocate.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Official discusses next steps after Lake Quinsigamond sewage spill Quinsigamond | from page 1

Worcester, just a few blocks south of the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge.

A pump sprung a leak that let water pool around the pump but didn’t trigger alarms since the pump was still working despite its leak.

In time, water pooled to such a height that it shorted out the pump’s electrical panel and controls, sending the larger pumping station into “full failure,” Fink said.

An operator saw alerts at 7:30 a.m. and called crews to the scene, beginning a roughly 36 hour effort to get the station back online, all while a stream of sewage spilled into the station parking lot, down a slight slope and into Lake Quinsigamond.

City adjusts spill volume estimates Crews managed to stop the spill.

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million gallons.

By Feb. 14, though, they had adjusted their figure, now estimating 5.75 million gallons spilled based on new calculations.

The city has since conducted testing of lake water leading to a decision last week to lift a health advisory that had asked residents to stay off the lake due to the spill.

In the meantime, Fink said City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. has toured the Lake Avenue site, vowing to find funding for any necessary steps to prevent future spills.

The city has installed a bypass pump system for emer-

gency use.

Fink said that, among other things, there will also be new alarm points added to fill blind spots like the one highlighted when this pump started leaking without immediately failing outright.

Other fixes may be coming, he added, saying “nothing is off the table.”

‘It’s just very problematic’ Those in attendance for Fink’s presentation to the Lake Quinsigamond Commission thanked him and the city for their communication throughout this situation.

They also reiterated con-

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cerns that have been shared among community members in recent weeks.

“It happens and it happens too often,” Shrewsbury citizen representative Michael Paika said, referencing past sewage spills.

Indeed, these spills have taken place before.

This is despite a major project to rebuild the Lake Avenue Pump Station and expand its capacity in 2015.

“Clearly with the track record of the station, there’s additional work that needs to be done,” Fink said.

“It’s just very problematic,” Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association president Barbara Kickham said.

Speaking before Fink’s presentation, Paika called for a backup system and a better alarm system at the Lake Ave. Pump Station.

Others noted other concerns, highlighting another pump station at Whitla Drive.

Where the Lake Avenue Pump Station’s failure caused

problems, a similar failure at Whitla Drive could have much more severe impacts, commission members said, due to the underwater topography of Lake Quinsigamond.

Water around the Lake Avenue station is relatively deep allowing any sewage spilled there to quickly get diluted in a way that wouldn’t be possible in the more shallow water around Whitla Drive.

The Whitla Drive station is of particular focus as it, too, was recently rebuilt, in part to prepare for increased sewage flow from developments in the Edgemere area of Shrewsbury, which will be pumped into Worcester’s system as they come online.

Fink said officials are reviewing emergency protocols within the pumping system, while considering redundancies and other measures available.

Worcester is working with a consultant to do this. A report is expected at some point in the next two months.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

Region mourns Grafton man killed in crash

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor GRAFTON - A GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $40,000 in memory of Grafton’s James Koshivos as of Monday morning.

Several donors had additionally shared memories and reflections just a matter of days after Koshivos, 21, died in a car crash at Menauhant Beach in Falmouth.

“James was a loving, friendly, and genuine man who has made an impact on the lives of so many,” a description attached to the GoFundMe page said.

“James was always there for you no matter what time of day or what problem you were facing,” added Ryan Simpson, who was one of the donors. “He was selfless, genuine, and real.”

‘As good a guy as they make them’ Koshivos graduated from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury and had been studying International Business at Bryant University, his obituary noted.

He was poised to graduate in May. Koshivos was also a brother in the Sigma Chi fraternity at Bryant, working to raise money through a number of philanthropic events.

“James was as good a guy as they make them,” the GoFundMe note continued. “He had a giving personality and would never shy away from lending a helping hand.”

James Koshivos was killed in a car accident in Falmouth last month.

Donations support Memorial Scholarship Fund Koshivos was involved in a fatal car accident on the evening of Feb 19, crashing into an embankment before passing over Menauhant Beach and landing upside-down in about five feet of water.

First responders were on scene the next morning.

Koshivos was then publicly identified as the victim in this accident the following day.

The ongoing GoFundMe fundraiser will contribute to the James A. Koshivos Memorial Scholarship Fund.

This will aim to “carry on the legacy that James left,” the GoFundMe description noted.

The fundraiser had brought in $44,879 as of 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

Those interested in donating to the Memorial Scholarship Fund can do so through GoFundMe at https://gofund. me/43750a0a.

Donations can also be sent to the James A. Koshivos Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o UniBank 89 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536.

Northborough lifts mask mandate in municipal buildings

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter NORTHBOROUGH - Masks are now no longer required in municipal buildings in Northborough.

The town announced this decision last week after the Northborough Board of Health voted on Feb. 8 to lift the town’s indoor mask mandate, effective Feb. 9.

This also follows a vote on Feb. 16 by the Regional School Committee to no longer require masks at Algonquin Regional High School starting on Feb. 28.

The next day both the Northborough and Southborough school committees decided that students at Trottier and Melican middle schools would also be

able to remove their masks starting Feb. 28.

“This decision was made with the most recent state advisory regarding face coverings in mind, as well as the school department’s decision to lift the mask requirement…,” the town said in a press release announcing the end of its municipal building mask mandate.

Though masks will soon be optional in these public spaces, they’ll remain mandatory in Northborough and Southborough elementary schools until March 14, per the decisions of the Northborough and Southborough School Committees.

Southborough did separately opt to lift its mask mandate for municipal buildings on Feb. 8.

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 19

PEOPLE

‘We’re back:’ Westborough library holds family bingo event

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter WESTBOROUGH - From the “Frozen” character Olaf to bingo, there was a lot to enjoy as the Westborough Public Library recently celebrated its first in-person event since the latest case surge in the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The event, called Frozen Flamingo Wingo BINGO, was held on Feb. 23 at the library.

“It’s our first post-pandemic event, and we wanted to make a big splash,” Assistant Library Director Lynne Soukup told the Community Advocate.

“We wanted to welcome our families back, especially during school vacation week.”

The bingo event, she said, was a perfect opportunity, indeed taking place during February vacation for local students.

Seventy-eight people signed up to play bingo. Soukup said the library team was “psyched” to have those people back in the library.

Teen Librarian Jen McGrath, whom Soukup called a “master of ceremonies,” led the bingo games with the help of teen volunteers from her Westborough Awesome Volunteer Experts (WAVE) group.

The kids played bingo, crossing out the names of cartoon characters that McGrath projected on the screen. In addition to bingo, they got extra prizes for singing Disney songs like the hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the movie

cancel,” Soukup said.

As those cancellations have been hard, it makes everyone happy to be back, Soukup said.

This event was filled within two days, and the library even

had a waitlist for it.

“We’re back,” Soukup said.

“We’re back in business. Inperson events are back at the library. You can see that people want it.”

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“Encanto.”

Soukup said library staff proposed a number of ideas for an event. They considered holding it with a snow theme outside. But then the weather turned cold.

The library wanted to hold an event as COVID-19 cases were trending down and as soon as the Westborough Board of Health said that people could begin to remove their

masks while indoors.

“So, Flamingo Wingo BINGO was born,” Soukup said.

They added in the Frozen theme because they had previously scheduled to have the Olaf character make an appearance for a Noon Year’s Eve event. That had to be canceled, though, due to the pandemic.

“It’s been heartbreaking to start planning things and then have to cancel, and plan and

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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES Carole A. Duquette, 82 NORTHBOROUGH – Carole Ann (Williams) Duquette, 82, passed into eternal peace on February 17, 2022 at The Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in North Providence, Rhode Island.

Carole is survived by her three children – Robin A. Duncan and her husband David of Portsmouth, RI; Lisa M. Fuller and her husband Brian of Attleboro, MA; and Michael L. Duquette and his wife Nanette of Shrewsbury, MA. She also leaves her eight grandchildren – Michael, DeAnne, Faith, and Bobby Duquette; Brian Fuller and his wife Angela; Meagan Barletta and her husband Ryan; Sean and Michael Duncan and his wife Elizabeth; and a greatgrandson, Winston Duncan.

Carole was born and raised in Rhode Island along with her five siblings; all children of the late Raymond and Isabelle (Crosby) Williams. She met the love of her life, Larry Duquette of Oakland Beach, RI whom she married in 1960. They settled and raised their family in Maynard, MA where they resided for 30 years, later relocating and retiring in Northborough, MA. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage until Larry’s passing in 2013. For the recent four years, Carole has been a resident and family member of The Branches of N. Attleboro Assisted Living Community.

Carole enjoyed many crafts including sewing, knitting, and writing. She had a keen command of written expression

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with a comical and poetic style.

But of all her artistic talents, her natural gift was a beautiful singing voice that she shared with her faith and community.

Whether singing in the church choir, serving as a cantor at Mass, serenading weddings and memorial services, Carole’s angelic and harmonious voice touched the hearts of many. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who cherished her husband and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The One Company Fund c/o Director Business Administration at the Branches of North Attleboro, 40 Robert F. Toner Blvd, Attleboro, MA 02763.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

James A. Harvey, 92 WESTBOROUGH - James A. Harvey, 92, of Westborough, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Janet L. (McGlory) Harvey, to whom he was married 73 ½ years.

Jim lived his entire life in Westborough. He was the son of the late Emory L. and Luta L. (Grimes) Harvey. He was a 1947 graduate of Westborough High School where he was captain of the football team. He then attended Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania but returned home to help his father with the family business.

Jim was the CEO of E. L. Harvey and Sons in Westborough. Jim’s courageous attitude and innovative spirit, combined with a strong sense of traditional values, resulted in a highly successful family business and nationwide reputation as a true entrepreneur.

He was loved and respected by his employees, customers, and business associates. He was a member of The Congregational Church of Westborough where he served as a deacon. He was a member of the Siloam Lodge AF & AM, Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and was the lead drummer for over 30 years for

the Aleppo Temple Oriental Band. Jim was a founding member of the Westborough Community Chorus, a member of the National Solid Waste Management Association, earning national recognition, a President of the Detachable Container Association, and former Chapter Chairman of the Massachusetts Solid Waste Management Association. Jim was inducted into the Waste and Recycling Association Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2006 Jim was honored with the Good Scout Award. He received numerous other local and national awards and accolades.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Lynda H. Walcott of Westborough, James E. Harvey of Westborough, Douglas H. Harvey and his wife, Sarah, of Hopkinton and Steven A. Harvey and his wife, Debora, of Hopkinton: 11 grandchildren, Meredyth, Mark, Joshua, Emily, Lauren, Lindsay, Olivia, Victoria, Paige, Julia and Tess, and 8 great-grandchildren, Jack, Allison, Adrian, Norman, Gianna, Colton, Ada, and Sophia.

Jim was predeceased by his siblings, Elizabeth Lasselle, Alma O’Neil, Robert Harvey, and Martha Smith.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Gregory R. Califano, 70

July 24, 1951 - Feb. 16, 2022 SHREWSBURY - “Vodka Martini, straight up, one olive… only one olive.” Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Gregory Robert Califano passed away on February 16, 2022, at the age of 70.

Greg was not only a state champion, successful cinematographer, and restaurateur, but a devoted husband to Elizabeth I. (Bartolotti) Califano; dedicated brother to Alfred Califano and his wife Nancy, Gary Califano and his wife Cindy; selfless father to his four children, Rebecca and her husband Lance Herbert, Gregory Jr. and his wife Jenny Califano, Emily Pincow Califano, and Alfred and his husband Jamie Mangan-Califano; and unconditionally loved

“Nonno” to his eight grandchildren, Ella, Renee, Landon, John, Madeleine, Giada, Asher, and Beatrice. Greg is now at peace with his parents Alfred and Suzanne Califano, his brother Arthur “Artie” Califano, and his sister Suzanne “Bunny” Holiday— a reunited party of martinis, scotch, Manhattans, and perfect rice pudding.

Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

Joseph G. DeMoranville, 53 GRAFTON - Joseph G. DeMoranville, 53, passed away at home February 15, 2022 following a brief illness.

He leaves his children Joseph DeMoranville, Jr., Lauren D e M o ra n ville and his wife Michelle (Girouard), his brother Robert DeMoranville and his wife Colleen, Cheryl Geremia and her husband Robert and Michael DeMoranville and his wife Laurie and several nieces and nephews.

Joe was born July 13, 1968 in Providence, Rhode Island, son of the late Joan (Curtis) and Robert DeMoranville. He was predeceased by his daughter Lindsey DeMoranville and grandson Justen Svendbye.

The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Albert D. Whitney Jr., 91 SHREWSBURY - Albert Daniel “Dan” Whitney, Jr., 91, beloved

The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). 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 Brady, Eugene of Shrewsbury Califano, Robert of Shrewsbury Davis, Madelyn of Westborough Duquette, Carole formerly of Northborough Farnham Jr., Alden formerly of Westborough Harding, Ashley of Hudson Harvey, James of Westborough Jones, Clark of North Grafton

husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born in Worcester MA on December 22, 1930, to Albert and Gladys (Lovely) Whitney Sr. Dan leaves behind four children, Deborah Schuetz, Jean (Rich) McPherson, David (Laurie)Whitney and Lin Whitney, and his nine grandchildren: Derek, Lillian, Jacob, Daniel, Almicar, Haydn, Katherine, Matthew, and Rebecca. Dan was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 60 years, Katherine L., his daughter Patricia, and his grandson Devin.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

James A. Koshivos, 21 GRAFTON - “Jake was always there”. If you knew James A. “Jake” Koshivos those words resonate as part of the big loving circle of family and friends he leaves behind as his bright life of kindness, warmth and service tragically was cut short after injuries sustained in a car accident on February 20, 2022.

Jake is survived by his loving parents Katrina (Melwiki) and John Koshivos, his sister Julia Koshivos, his grandmother Popy Koshivos and grandfather Frank Melwiki, his aunts and uncles Peter Koshivos, George and Lori Andrews, Kari Reese, Kelly (David) Cromell, and Marianthe Andrews along with many great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Koshivos, James of Grafton Muse, Genevieve of Marlborough Norton, Thomas of Northborough Renaud III, Gaston formerly of Marlborough Rocheleau, Robert of Hudson Roux-Cheetham, Marie of Marlborough Sieranski, Robert of Grafton Wall Sr., L. Carl of Hudson Whitney Jr., Albert of Shrewsbury

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 21

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

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

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

Grafton

Sunday, Feb. 13 12:21 p.m. Lincoln Ln. Scam/ attempted scam.

Monday, Feb. 14 1:14 p.m. Veterans Cir. Fire – public service.

2:01 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/theft.

6:11 p.m. Westboro Rd./Pine St. Accident – with animal.

Tuesday, Feb. 15 12:38 p.m. Providence Rd. Fire – confined space rescue.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 6:22 p.m. High Point Dr. Harassment.

Thursday, Feb. 17 7:00 a.m. White Birch Ln. Threatening.

10:58 a.m. Old Westboro Rd. Scam/attempted scam.

1:43 p.m. Providence Rd. Scam/ attempted scam.

Friday, Feb. 18 8:15 a.m. Pine St. Vandalism.

9:38 a.m. Second St. Fraud/ identity theft.

6:40 p.m. Creeper Hill Rd. Threatening.

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Saturday, Feb. 19 11:51 a.m. Providence Rd. Scam/attempted scam.

5:05 p.m. Worcester St./Carroll Rd. Disabled auto.

Northborough

Monday, Feb. 14 7:49 a.m. Church St. Hit and run.

3:31 p.m. Centre Dr. Larceny.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 9:00 p.m. Shops Way. Fraud.

Thursday, Feb. 17 7:41 p.m. Otis St. Larceny.

Friday, Feb. 18 5:51 p.m. Belmont St. Hit and run.

7:45 p.m. Shops Way. Larceny.

Saturday, Feb. 19 1:13 p.m. Hudson St. Fraud.

4:15 p.m. Longfellow Rd. Scams.

Shrewsbury

Wednesday, Feb. 16 8:28 a.m. Main St. Threats.

8:37 p.m. Arrested, Stephanie Anastasia Page, 44, of 52 High St., Apt. 400, Worcester, for attach plate not assigned, unregistered vehicle, warrant.

11:51 p.m. Cherry St. Accident with injury.

Thursday, Feb. 17 2:13 p.m. Prospect St. Larceny.

6:21 p.m. Arrested, Stephanie L. Eco, 50, of 36 Phillips Ave., Shrewsbury, for OUI-liquor 2nd offense, fail to stop for police, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, fail to stop/yield.

10:07 p.m. Arrested, Ashley Lynn Sousa, 27, of 5 Fay St., Apt. 1, Westborough, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

Friday, Feb. 18 2:56 p.m. Holden St. Harassment.

4:43 p.m. Spring St. Identity theft.

9:26 p.m. Arrested, Donna Lynn Baro, 59, of 45 Blanchard Rd., Boxborough, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation.

Saturday, Feb. 19 1:51 a.m. Pineland Ave. Vandalism.

3:59 p.m. Pineland Ave. Vandalism.

Sunday, Feb. 20 2:54 a.m. Arrested, Domingo D. Mendoza, 43, of 2 Mill Road Cir., Boylston, for OUI liquor.

10:09 a.m. Stoney Hill Rd. Threats.

11:42 a.m. Ridge Rd. Identity theft.

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

6:00 p.m. Arrested, Alan B. Rich Jr., 36, of 12 David Rd., Shrewsbury, for OUI drugs, carry dangerous weapon.

Monday, Feb. 21 10:45 a.m. Harvard Ave. Identity theft.

3:39 p.m. Aspen Rd. Identity theft.

8:22 p.m. North Quinsigamond.

Harassment.

9:16 p.m. Arrested, Christopher J. Gagne, 22, of 7 Prospect St., Apt. B, Westborough, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding.

10:19 p.m. Harrington Farms.

Identity theft.

10:55 p.m. Hapgood Way. Larceny.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 3:26 p.m. Williamsburg Crt. Identity theft.

Wednesday, Feb. 23 12:49 p.m. Grafton St. Identity theft.

2:17 p.m. Pond View Dr. Larceny by check.

3:19 p.m. Yorkshire Terr. Threats.

Thursday, Feb. 25 12:46 a.m. Arrested, Omarlyn Alexis Vasquez, 22, of 31 Queen St., Apt. B2, Worcester, on warrant.

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3:52 a.m. Arrested, Nelson Santiago, 29, of 99 Neponset St., Roslindale, for MV lights violation, firearm use in felony, trafficking in Class B substance, conspiracy, and Abel S. SuarezSanchez, 27, of 5 Woodside Ave., Apt. 1, Boston, for trafficking in Class B substance, conspiracy, possession of open container of alcohol in public.

Southborough

Tuesday, Feb. 15 12:15 p.m. Main St. Road rage.

1:07 p.m. Main St./Cordaville Rd. Disabled MV. Thursday, Feb. 17 10:41 a.m. Leeds Way. Threats.

Friday, Feb. 18 3:10 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disabled MV. 3:26 p.m. Newton St. Larceny/ forgery/fraud.

5:18 p.m. Turnpike/White Bagley Rds. Disabled MV. Sunday, Feb. 20 12:50 a.m. Turnpike/Cordaville Rds. Assist MSP. Monday, Feb. 21 8:40 a.m. Overlook Dr. Disabled

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Monday, Feb. 14 6:10 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Vandalism.

Tuesday, Feb. 15 5:58 p.m. Homestead Blvd.

Larceny.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 9:29 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

9:52 a.m. W Main St. Larceny.

Friday, Feb. 18 9:48 a.m. Flanders Rd. Road/ tree.

Saturday, Feb. 19 11:56 a.m. Adams St./Isaac Miller Rd. Road/tree.

5:02 p.m. Lyman St./Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 23

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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

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.

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Dawn M. Holland of Barre, 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.

24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

Camp & Activity Guide COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Westborough responds to water damage at new Fales School

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter

headed off “what might have been a very expensive disaster.”

WESTBOROUGH - Rain and snow in January recently led to water seeping under the gymnasium floor at Westborough’s new Fales Elementary School, according to School Committee member and School Building Committee chair Stephen Doret.

The issue prompted a challenge for crews working at Fales.

“It’s been an interesting effort in terms of construction management,” Doret said during a School Committee meeting on Feb. 16.

“Mother Nature has a tendency to test us,” Doret added.

He praised the district’s custodial staff, whom he said

Water damage seen following storms Students had their first official day of classes in the new Fales school on Nov. 15 after a lengthy construction project.

Demolition work continued at the nearby old Fales school following its closure.

The north side of the new building’s gymnasium, meanwhile, is against a slope on the back side of the property.

“The grading in the back of the slope is fairly steep, and as a result of frozen ground, of course the runoff that we get from heavy rain is quite substantial,” Doret said.

In late January, there was a heavy rain that was followed

by snow.

That “provided our first opportunity to find out how that grading in the back of the school would work,” according to Doret.

“And I have to say, it didn’t,” he continued.

Runoff led to water pooling on a handicap accessible slab outside a building entrance.

Water then went under the back doors.

“Initially, it didn’t seem to be a problem,” Doret said.

The next day, though, the district’s team held a construction meeting and found that the water had seeped under the floor.

The seepage spanned approximately half of the gym floor area. It then expanded following additional winter

weather.

“The issue was immediately [that] we understood that the floor was at risk,” Doret said.

District plans response Crews mobilized to deal with the issue. They hired M.A. Restoration, which is a remodeling and water and mold damage company based out of Westborough, and worked to dry out the floor and water below.

Doret said that crews were then due to refinish the floor near the door and replace the baseboards around the gym.

“We were very successful,” he said.

A claim has been filed with the district’s insurance company related to this incident.

Doret estimated that about

$14,000 was spent out of pocket for the restoration, and there will be an additional $4,000 to refinish the floor and replace the baseboards.

In the meantime, custodial staff had used sandbags as of Feb. 16 to temporarily block the path that let water into the building.

The district also asked its architect to use design solutions to address the issue. Those solutions include regrading the drainage path and creating a trench drain near the door.

“I just want to be reassuring to everybody that it’s under steady control and it will be resolved and that the quality of flooring that we were guaranteed will be in place, and it will move forward,” said Superintendent Amber Bock.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 25

Camp & Activity Guide COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Shrewsbury proposes $79.3 million school budget

By Laura Hayes Senior Community Reporter SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Sawyer recently presented an updated district budget that would restore positions and add resources.

A year after facing a multimillion dollar deficit and the prospect of cutting positions in the district’s last budget cycle, Sawyer celebrated this plan in comments to the School Committee Feb. 16.

“This is a really good news story,” he said. “At a really important time to be able to provide some additional supports, we will have the resources to do that.”

Override Last year, school officials were facing a $4.9 million deficit and recommendations that would have deferred the opening of the new Beal elementary school and eliminated 48.7 teaching positions.

Voters approved a $9.5 million Proposition 2 1/2 budget override last spring, though, helping address that deficit.

“What a difference a year makes,” Chair Jon Wensky said at this recent meeting.

“It was an awkward experience as a School Committee member, in a good way, to actually be talking about adding resources in critical areas, many of them in the mental health spaces we’ve been talking about,” he said of a recent budget workshop.

Typically, Sawyer would recommend a budget based on the

district’s needs.

Town Manager Kevin Mizikar then would file a balanced budget based on the resources available, Sawyer said.

There is normally a gap between those two budgets.

This year, though, there is no gap, Sawyer said.

That’s because of an agreement between the School Committee and Board of Selectmen that the Proposition 2 1/2 override last year was predicated upon.

The agreement limits the schools’ budget to increase to a maximum of between 4.25% to 4.75%. The budget can be increased by up to 4.75% if Mizikar projects that there will be additional revenue.

Both Sawyer and Mizikar are recommending a $79,318,971 budget — which is a 4.75% increase from last year.

Investments The district is proposing a number of investments this year.

As Sawyer described it, the investments are focused on three areas — increased needs for special education and English language education services, resources to address student mental health and provide proactive support for their well being, and the restoration of past cuts and barriers.

Specific investments range from eliminating activity fees to adding a number of positions.

Some of the positions, like a preschool teacher, preschool aide and two allied arts positions were among cuts in previous years.

“We’ve cut that back over the last few years,” Sawyer said of the allied arts cuts in particular. “Not all students get all experiences as a result.”

The district hopes to add a total 15.4 FTE positions. These could include an English language education teacher who would be shared between the Beal School and Coolidge Elementary School, a social worker, two adjustment counselors at the high school and one at the middle school level, as well as two clinical coordinators.

Additionally, Sawyer proposed adding a director of clinical counseling who would coordinate the district’s team of adjustment counselors, school psychologists and clinical coordinators. This person would be the primary district connection with outside mental health providers.

“I’m very grateful that we’re looking at mental health issues and putting more resources and professional resources in that area so we can become proactive instead of reactive, which we’ve had to do for many years,” School Committee member Sandra Fryc said. “I think that will help all students as we go forward.”

These new investments are estimated to cost just under $1.2 million. Currently, the district has $878,310 in available funds to make these investments. That leaves a difference of $316,690.

Sawyer said that over the next weeks and months before the School Committee votes on the budget before Town Meeting, the district hopes some of the cost projections “mature” and may

lead to room for the positions.

Moving forward, there will be a public hearing on the budget

on March 13 and the School Committee will vote on the budget on April 13.

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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD ALGONQUIN

Marlborough boys hockey players gather before a recent game.

Marlborough saw its undefeated streak snapped last week with a loss to Nashoba.

AMSA

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 AMSA – 47, Valley Tech – 71 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 AMSA – 26, Valley Tech – 38

ASSABET

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 21 Assabet – 5, Oakmont – 1 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 23 Assabet – 7, Northbridge – 0

PHOTOS/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 20 Algonquin – 53, Tantasqua – 36 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Algonquin – 46, St. John’s – 62 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 22 Algonquin – 46, Westborough – 39 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 23 Algonquin – 31, Medway – 53 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 23 Algonquin – 3, King Philip – 4

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Grafton – 57, Hudson – 65 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Grafton – 52, Quaboag – 26 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 21 Grafton – 7, Littleton – 0 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 22 Grafton – 6, Lunenburg – 1 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 23 Grafton – 52, Auburn – 44 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 23 Grafton – 2, Worcester – 1

Grafton secured a CMADA Class B Championship with a win over Worcester, capping a dramatic week that saw the co-op Grafton/ Blackstone Valley Technical High School squad outscore opponents 15-2 across three games.

The Gators extended a larger win streak to six games with this strong week, capping the month of February with an 7-1-1 record and transitioning into the MIAA state tournament on a high note.

HUDSON

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 20 Hudson – 0, Dedham – 8 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Hudson – 65, Grafton – 57 Hudson started strong against Grafton last week in the quarterfinals of the Central Massachusetts tournament, taking a 20-point lead at one point in the first half. The Gators narrowed the deficit to just three points by halftime. Hudson then held on though, securing a win against a Grafton squad that had beat them twice prior this winter.

Leading the way in this effort was Hudson’s Jackson O’Brien, who scored 19 points for the Hawks.

Brady Stuart followed behind him with 13 points.

An Algonquin boys basketball player searches for a lane to the basket during a game last month.

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 22 Hudson – 0, Hopkinton – 6 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 23 Hudson – 41, Northbridge – 54

MARLBOROUGH

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 21 Marlborough – 63, Fitchburg – 65 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 23 Marlborough – 3, Nashoba – 4 Jeremey LaCroix’s hat-trick goal late in the third period sent this game to overtime. Nashoba emerged victorious, though, with the sudden death game-winning goal.

This marked Marlborough’s first loss to date in an otherwise undefeated season.

SHREWSBURY

GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 23 Shrewsbury – 5, Norwell – 2 Shrewsbury girls’ hockey beat Norwell to claim their first of two tournament championships in as many days with a win in the Newburyport Bank Classic.

Kaci Ryder was presented with tournament MVP recognition after the game.

She scored in this defeat of Norwell, finding the back of the net alongside Katie Vona, Kate Louder, Blaire Fay and Holly Catarius.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 24 Shrewsbury – 38, Framingham – 61 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 24 Shrewsbury – 2, Boston Latin – 0

ST. JOHN’S

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 20 Shrewsbury – 2, Newburyport – 3 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Shrewsbury – 57, Milford – 46 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Shrewsbury – 39, Nashoba – 54 GIRLS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 21 Shrewsbury – 3, Newburyport – 1 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 22 Shrewsbury – 29, King Philip – 56 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 22 Shrewsbury – 1, St. John’s – 5 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 23 Shrewsbury – 55, Wellesley – 65

BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 20 St. John’s – 2, Andover – 3 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 St. John’s – 62, Algonquin – 46 BOYS’ HOCKEY – FEB. 22 St. John’s – 5, Shrewsbury – 1

WESTBOROUGH

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 20 Westborough – 60, St. Paul – 41 BOYS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 21 Westborough – 47, Shepherd Hill – 61 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – FEB. 22 Westborough – 39, Algonquin – 46

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022 • 27

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Shrewsbury girls hockey beats Boston Latin to win Giordano Christmas Classic

By Dakota Antelman Managing Editor SHREWSBURY - At least one Christmas tradition came late this year for the co-op Shrewsbury girls hockey team.

The team found victory, nonetheless, nabbing a 2-0 victory over Boston Latin on Feb. 24 to secure a win in the annual Giordano Christmas Classic at Murphy Rink in Boston.

Defenseman Aislinn Bennett opened the scoring for Colonials in the first period.

The teams played a scoreless second period before forward Kaci Ryder then tacked on an insurance goal to double her squad’s lead with just under 8:30 left in the game.

Maintaining the shutout, Shrewsbury goalie Risa Montoya was later honored with the tournament’s MVP recognition.

The Christmas Classic was originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 26 and 27. It was postponed amid then surging COVID-19 case rates throughout the region, though.

Moving forward this past

Shrewsbury’s Kate Louder skates with the puck while angling against a Boston Latin opponent.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

Shrewsbury girls basketball falls to Framingham

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Erin Bis charges toward Framingham Flyers defense.

PHOTOS/BEN DOMAINGUE

SHREWSBURY - The Shrewsbury girls basketball team took a tough loss to Framingham last week, falling by a score of 61-38.

The Flyers jumped out to an early lead and did not let up, holding a 32-12 advantage at halftime before expanding that lead in the third and fourth quarters.

Carrie Hess led her team in scoring in the loss, notching 10 points for Shrewsbury.

T h i s re s u l t d ro p p e d Shrewsbury’s win-loss record to 10-10.

The Colonials were next due to continue their season in the MIAA state tournament, though, with a preliminary round game set for Tuesday against Newton South.

That game took place after this edition of the Community Advocate went to press.

week, this new schedule set up a unique situation for the Colonials, who claimed their Christmas Classic title just over 24 hours after a win in the Newburyport Tournament on Feb. 23.

Shrewsbury was back in action on March 2 for the first round of MIAA state tournament play against Auburn.

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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 4, 2022

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