Police Chief

COMMUNITY NEWS Ryan Newell named Southborough Police Chief

Police Chief | from page 1

Newell becomes acting chief

Newell, who graduated from Stonehill College, has been a member of the Southborough Police Department for over 20 years.

“It’s a great department, a great town. I feel like I am part of this town even though I don’t live in town,” he said.

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Newell served as sergeant for 15 years before he was promoted to a lieutenant. He was named acting chief following the departure of former chief Kenneth Paulhus after he had been placed on leave.

The Select Board and Paulhus issued a statement describing a “mutual agreement that [Paulhus’] employment with the Town would not continue beyond May 31.”

Town leaders haven’t shared information on why he was put on leave or why he was departing.

During their interviews, the Select Board asked both Newell and McCarthy 15 questions, including their plans for their first 90 days on the job.

“When I came into the position, I didn’t want to be a place-

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holder,” Newell said. “I wanted to actively show the town what I wanted to do with this position.”

He said he began immediately establishing relationships with the town committees and community members, including serving lunch in the schools.

“Right off the bat, I wanted to let everybody know who I was and that this department was in good shape and that we have great officers that work with us,” Newell said.

He said he’s actively working with the schools and Senior Center and will be working on a policy for body-worn cameras.

Newell said he would hold a department meeting and hold individual meetings with the officers to discuss expectations and plans for the department.

Newell said his entire career has been preparing him for this job, though he noted there will be a learning curve for some of the other committees he hadn’t had access to in his previous role, such as the Capital Planning Committee.

“I have people I can rely on and I can go to if I need help with that,” Newell said.

Select Board deliberates

During their deliberation, the Select Board noted that they had two strong candidates, though they unanimously supported Newell.

“I think they are absolutely both good men, and we saw that,” said Chair Kathy Cook. “I’m very proud to say that they save on the Southborough police force.”

The members praised his answers to their questions and leadership experience.

“I think, for me, the leadership of being a lieutenant has prepared Acting Chief Newell for this position,” said member Lisa Braccio.

Politos named grand marshals of Spirit of Shrewsbury

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor SHREWSBURY - With Spirit of Shrewsbury right around the corner, Fran and Judy Polito have been named the grand marshals.

Although the Politos were initially hesitant when President Maria Smith called, Fran later agreed.

“I agreed because I thought maybe this is something the family wanted to remember,” Fran said. “But as for myself, I’m not one to be in any spotlight. I don’t like accolades. I just like to do my job and get along with people and make someone else’s life better.”

Judy said it was “quite an honor” for them.

“You live your life all these years, and it’s almost a culmination of what you’ve done … and where you’ve been,” Fran said. “I think it’s a privilege that the town would recognize us.”

A family legacy

Fran and Judy have been married 59 years. Generations of their family have lived and served the town.

Judy’s father served on the School Committee and with SELCO.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Fran and Judy Polito

Their daughter, Karyn, served as a Town Meeting Member, Selectman and Zoning Board of Appeals member before she joined the House of Representatives and is now Lt. Governor.

Judy and several other family members are also Town Meeting members. Their son, Kenny, is a member of the Lake Quinsigamond Commission and Conservation Commission.

Fran served on the Finance Committee.

“We had a great crew,” Fran said. “It was a privilege to understand all of the funding and every direction it was targeted to.”

He said Richard Carney was

COMMUNITY NEWS Fran and Judy Polito named grand marshals of Spirit of Shrewsbury

SOS | from page 10 “one of the finest” Town Managers someone could serve with during his time on the committee.

Now, their granddaughter, Lena, is a member of the Finance Committee.

“They, to me, just exemplify what community spirit is,” Smith said. “Where we are the Spirit of Shrewsbury fall festival, to me that’s what they are – they are the spirit of Shrewsbury.”

Looking back on their work in the town, Fran said he likes to ride around and look at some of the projects they have been involved with, knowing how and when they were built and that they will always be there.

That includes Quinsigamond Shores, Hills Farm Industrial Park where Fran’s business, J.A. Polito & Sons Inc., is located and homes on Coachman Ridge.

Judy was also on a committee to raise funds for the Senior Center, which they later placed a plaque on the wall for the room where the center holds its activities.

“That was something that I felt very strongly about,” she said.

Judy was also involved in the Spirit of Shrewsbury parade and was the voice of the parade as its commentator.

When asked what it was like to go from working on the parade to being grand marshal, Judy said, “I can’t believe that anybody wanted us to do that, but I’m very honored.”

Judy said she was looking forward to the residents coming together as a community to celebrate Shrewsbury.

“I think our community has gone through a major transition. We have all walks of life in this town now,” Fran said. “I think … a parade could be the catalyst to bring everyone together because we’re all equal. I think we need more camaraderie and more understanding of where we all stand because our town is more diverse today.”

The festival will be held Sept. 24 to 25 and marks its 26th anniversary.

This year, the festival will be back in full force and in person. The parade will be returning, and new this year will be a dog festival.

For more information, visit https://spiritofshrewsbury.org.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Shrewsbury resident Doris Paolini celebrates 102nd birthday

By Caroline Gordon Reporter SHREWSBURY - Doris Paolini recently celebrated 102 years of “living each day as it comes” surrounded by her family and friends at the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Paolini grew up in town and worked as a cook for the Shrewsbury Public Schools and then as a data processor for Massachusetts Electric in Westborough.

She raised three children and has many grandchildren.

Her daughter Nancy said, “She has joy in her heart and she has a positive attitude. I’ve always been confident that she would live this long.”

“Her motto in life is to take everything in stride and to have a lot of joy,” she added.

Dorothy Corcoran, who is a close friend of Paolini, said, “Doris is very friendly and she gets along so well with everybody. She loves to sing, she’s got a song in her heart.”

During the party Paolini sipped warm tea and mingled with family and friends.

“I don’t feel like 102. I feel younger, I don’t know why, but I do. I feel in my heart that I shouldn’t be this old,” Paolini said. “When I see all of my children around me, I can’t believe the age that I am.”

Activities Director at Shrewsbury Nursing and Reha-

Doris bilitation CenPaolini ter Gina Massmiles for a photo. trogiovanni said “it’s amazing” Paolini has lived until 102 years old. “ Y o u wouldn’t think she’s 102 years old,” Mastrogiovanni said. “Doris still PHOTO/CAROLINE GORDON plays bingo and word games and comes to all of the events. She also sings, as she used to be a singer in a choir. Doris reminisces a lot about the past.” She added, “Her family is unbelievable. They are so attentive to her needs and they are very supportive of her. They love their mother.” Paolini shared her secret to living until 102. “The only secret that I have for living this long is to live each day as it comes.”

Events on the horizon at Shrewsbury Senior Center

SHREWSBURY - The senior center is kicking off fall with plenty of events for residents to attend.

A health fair hosted by the senior center took place at the center, which is located at 98 Maple Ave. on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact rdargento@ shrewsburyma.gov.

In celebration of the 22nd year of the senior center, there will be a sit-down luncheon held on Tuesday, Sept.13, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the center.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be served to guests upon arrival. At 1 p.m. there will be welcome remarks and a special appearance from guest speakers, followed by a performance by Assabet Valley Chamber Singers.

Lunch will be served at 2 p.m. and guests will be served their choice of pot roast or pasta primavera.

Everyone over 50 is invited to Think Ahead, which is an event held at the senior center that includes SHINE counseling, financial planning, job training, healthy living, community assistance and empowerment, on Sept. 22, 6 to 9 p.m.

Shrewsbury Council on Aging will be hosting the NO Walk, Walk, which is a walk aimed to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s on Sunday, Oct. 2.

The council’s goal is to raise $1,500. If the group raises $5,000, it will host a free luncheon at the senior center.

If you have questions about these events, please call the Shrewsbury Senior Center at 508-841-8640.

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