CA 221209

Beal Commons goes before Planning Board

A festive time at Northborough’s Annual Tree Lighting

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - Northborough resi dents gathered downtown Dec. 3 for the Annual Tree Lighting to welcome the holiday season.

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - The Planning Board got a first look Dec. 1 at the proposed redevel opment at the former Beal school site on Maple Avenue.

Called Beal Commons, the developers, Civico Greenly, have proposed redevelop ing the school into a 75,839-square-foot

“We were very concerned about the wind and the rain,” said Community Af fairs Committee’s Suzy Cieslica. “We had decided not to postpone it because of all of the moving parts that go into it, and all the different players. We have held it in the pouring rain before, so we decided to chance it.”

The rain let up right as the tree lighting was kicking.

“It worked out well,” Cieslica said.

As part of the events, a menorah was lit and Board of Selectmen Chair Mitch Cohen addressed the audience.6

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH

During its Nov. 22 meeting, the Select

Board approved the use of the building at the south end of Hocomonco Pond for the center.

The building was erected in the 1980s when the pond was a hazardous waste site.

PHOTO/DAN HOLMES

Fifth grade students sing holiday songs during the tree lighting on Blake Street

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

COMMUNITY VIEWPOINT

Why having a Re-Vote on the Library is Questionable

Article 15, the Library Expan sion Project article at the Octo ber 17 Town Meeting, failed to gain the necessary votes to pass. Almost immediately, a group of Westborough residents began collecting signatures, using MGL Chapter 39 Section 10 as the means to call a Special Town Meet ing for a revote.

letters to the editor

Even though that section of law techni cally allows a Special Town Meeting to be called by collect ing 200 signatures, it appears that its original intent was to provide a way for a group of citizens to bring forward an issue that had no other way of being brought to Town Meeting in a timely manner. It is unclear that this statute was ever envi sioned to provide a means to allow for a re-vote for a single Article previously taken up at

a recently-held Town Meet ing, particularly when there are no meaningful changes of circumstance.

Regardless of whether a mechanism exists to call a Spe cial Town Meeting as long as the requisite number of signa tures are collected, does that mean it is the right thing to do under any circumstances?

Doing so under our current circumstances sets a bad prec edent, as it opens the door to future articles being re-voted multiple times, and does not honor the vote taken at the Town Meeting at which it was initially considered. What im pact will this have on partici pation — who would want to spend their time at a future Town Meeting if they know an issue decided at one meet ing can be changed at another quickly-called meeting?

Some would say the bad precedent that is being set is to pursue a Public project for a number of years at the repeated direction of the Town Meeting, but not following through. That

begs the questions, what point in the process is the point of no return for deciding to do a project, and what recourse does Town Meeting have if that point has passed yet there are sig nificant changes to the project, like cost escalating from $24M to $37M, as happened with the Library Expansion Project.

Steven Buttiglieri Westborough

To the Editor:

I am writing in regard to the current on-going debate in which some express the idea that the upcoming Special Town Meeting on December 10th to reconsider the Library Project sets a dangerous prec edent. I would argue that a more dangerous precedent would be for a Town Meeting to capriciously derail a multi million dollar municipal build ing project that is 10 years into a 14 or 15 year trajectory. Never before has our town meeting reversed an approved, public building project in-

process. The time for rejection is at the inception of a project. To reverse a project at this point would set a catastrophic precedent that any large mu nicipal building project can be jettisoned on the slim whim of a dozen residents, regardless of the project continuum. This would make future planning for a public entity untenable by discouraging contractors and volunteers from wanting anything to do with future endeavors.

The library’s need for either significant renovation or ma jor reconstruction has been presented at Town meetings 11 times between 2013 and 2021. The presentations were to inform voters, ask for any necessary further votes, and to update citizens on progress of this previously approved project. These presentations were specifically designed to keep the residents informed so there would be no surprises about the final agreements to reconstruct rather than just renovate, apply for and accept

a state grant of $9.4 million and the projected cost to carry out the construction.

For a small margin of voters, at 11pm, to irrevocably reject the project in motion without a complete understanding of the financial consequences of reverting to full renovation to meet current building and fire codes, the timeline to do so, the loss of state funding, and the net loss to the residents by sim ply maintaining the current capacity of the library is not in the best economic interest of tax payers.

Sincerely, Luanne Crosby Westborough

Dear Editor, I writing to urge Westborough residents to vote in favor of the Westborough Public Library Renovation Project at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. Every vote matters, and this Special Town Meeting is intentionally held at a time convenient for all.

The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with of fices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Westborough, MA 01581 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and

Our town library is in an antiquated building badly in need of more space, light, and infrastructure. Much more than a building to store books, a “Yes” vote for this project can transform the library’s central location into a community gathering place for people of all ages. Let’s think of the ex pansion and renovation as an investment in our town’s future and as worthwhile enhance ment to our community.

Each “Yes” vote brings the vi sion closer to reality. Let’s work together to make this happen.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Buttner Westborough

Dear Editor, I am writing in support of the Westborough Public Library Renovation Project that will be voted on at the Westbor ough Special Town Meeting on December 10. A Yes vote on Articles 1 and 2 will support the Westborough Public Library, one of our most important public institutions.

The roles of the library go far beyond lending books. The

library serves residents of all ages and income levels. The original building, built in 1908, is in disrepair, and does not have the physical, electrical or data infrastructure to meet the needs and demands of the community. The central loca tion of the library is the key to its function as a hub of the community. Students from Gibbons Middle School and Westborough High School can walk there after school to meet with their friends and class mates and study together. The library plays an important role in community events, such as the Winter Stroll that was held recently. In addition, the library preserves history relevant to the community.

As stated in the Library Reno vation/Expansion FAQ, “This project was designed to meet the community needs for decades to come, while preserving and restoring the beautiful historic building.” I will be supporting the community when I vote Yes on Articles 1 and 2 at the Westborough Special Town Meeting on December 10.

Sincerely, Julia Rissmiller Westborough

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Dear Editor,

The library is one of the most important places in a town and on Saturday, December 10th Westborough will hold a special town meeting on its library’s future. A citizen’s petition was brought forth by a group of vot ers (including me) who felt that the circumstances of the vote in October did not match the im portance of the decision being made. The vote was held after 10:30pm on a rainy Mon day evening when no childcare was provid ed. Many of our town’s older resi dents do not drive in the dark. Many residents old, young, and with early morning jobs were asleep by then. A state law requires towns with open town meetings to hold special town meetings when petitioned by 200 or more voters. Our peti tion gained 575 signatures in 5 days.

The upcoming special town meeting will be held on Satur

at 9am and childcare will be provided. While this does not ensure all interested voters are able to attend, these cir cumstances do allow for more involvement from more mem bers of our community, which is always a good thing.

I will be voting in favor of the library building project because the library is one of the town’s most important, welcoming, and accessible institutions. I want to support the work that the community and staff have put into the ten-year planning process, and to take advan tage of the $9 million the state is offering. The choice is not this project or no tax increase, because the library is badly in need of repairs and is not ADA compliant. The choice is be tween this library project and another project — or series of projects — that will address baseline repairs and code-com pliance, likely end up costing almost as much, and not result in the library that Westborough needs and deserves.

I look forward to seeing our town turn out for this impor tant vote, and I will be sup porting the community when I

vote Yes on Articles 1 and 2 at the Special Town Meeting on December 10.

Sincerely, Brittany Jacobs Westborough

Dear Northborough Community, I would like to extend my great est appreciation to all of those who registered and ran the Northborough Turkey Trot this year. All the proceeds are going towards the Northborough Recreation Department and helping to support families that cannot afford to register for our programs.. Last year we helped over 35 families. This race could not have gone off without the help of our very generous spon sors: Lexus of Northborough, Michael Durkin, Michelle Gil lespie, Lamy Automotive, We gmans, McMaster Law Offices, Curtis Septic, Hotworx, Core Connection, Northborough House of Pizza, Montis Pizza and Lowes Variety. I would also like to thank Veronica Hanley and Karen Mueller for being our first co-coordinators of the race. Your tireless effort

shows in the success of the race. As always Northborough and the surrounding communities amaze me with your efforts and your generosity to support the recreation department. Thank you and happy holidays.

Allie Lane Northborough Recreation, Director

The Peoples Forum

We strongly support the up coming Article for the reno vation of the Westborough Public Library at a special town meeting on December 10th.

Our reasons for support: (1) every community should have a functional and updated Public Library, (2) a public community library should never be over looked or shortchanged, (3) It provides computer access to the impoverished or handicapped, (4) it provides access to out side resources, other lending libraries, academic papers, (5) group access to events ( English as second language classes, educational presentations (6) intensive computer classes (7) Matching with schools, (8) Book sales, (9) access to latest

magazines and newspapers, (10) membership of take-out DVDS, (11) access to free WIF-I, (12) access to other Public Libraries (13) a local Library website for your use to assist you in whatever you want, and (14)numerous other benefits!

The 9-million-dollar state grant has been set aside by the state for Westborough if the Article passes. If the Article does not pass Westborough will lose the grant of 9-million dollars. It was earned by the extraordinary and tireless efforts of numer ous citizens who labored over several years for all citizens. They include library committee, library staff, architects, plan ners, contractors and volunteer citizens. Numerous hours were expended by them to earn the grant gift. In all likelihood, it will never be available again if the Article fails. Citizens of all ages deserve to have an updated library for themselves and all future generations. We urge you to attend special town meeting on December 10 at 9:00 AM, and vote in favor of the Library Article.

John and Suzanne McCann Westborough

Former Superfund site in Westborough may house regional dispatch center

Dispatch | from page 1

Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell said the build ing, which is in “pretty tough shape,” would be renovated using state 911 development grant funds. The site will include a new floor, lighting, a training room and kitch enette.

The dispatch center would include the communities of Westborough, Grafton and Hopkinton.

Purcell said that the old Center School in Hopkinton was considered for the dis patch center, but “Hocomonco was a much better choice.”

Select Board member Shel by Marshall, who sits on the Hocomonco Pond Re-Use Committee, said the commit tee voted to support Purcell’s proposal.

Status of the pond

According to the Notice of Activity Use and Limitation that was filed by the town in 2017, the pond has been closed off since the 1980s due to the discovery of hazard ous materials in the soil and groundwater.

From 1928 to 1946, the southern part of the pond, which is bordered by Otis Street and Smith Parkway, was used as a facility for treat ing wood products contain ing creosote, such as fence posts, railroad ties and pilings. Waste was discharged into a man-made lagoon, and as it filled, the waste was pumped into two depressions east of the facility near Otis Street.

The facility was converted to an asphalt mixing plant in the mid-1940s. Later on, the site was a cement plant from which dry cement was distrib uted in bulk.

In 1976, a storm drain with open joints was installed adjacent to the eastern limits of the former lagoon area. As a result, during periods of heavy rain, creosote-impacted stormwater passed through the open-jointed storm drain age system adjacent to the former lagoon area and was observed to discharge to Ho comonco Pond.

Otis Street was reconstruct ed in 1983. The work included excavating impacted soil ad jacent to the former Kettle Pond area and redistribution of the soil within the roadway embankment on the west side of Otis Street adjacent to the

former Kettle Pond area.

That July, the Environ mental Protection Agency (EPA) obtained water, soil and sludge samples from the Otis Street reconstruction area and identified constitu ents commonly associated with creosote and creosote byproducts. As a result, the EPA performed an evaluation

of the former wood-treating property and placed the site on the national priority list as a Superfund site.

In 2017, the EPA and the state Department of Environ mental Protection approved a plan to decommission the groundwater treatment sys tem.

In 2019, the site was cleared

of pipes, tanks and other equipment associated with the treatment system. The building was decontaminated and made available for future use.

The site, which is currently owned by the town, remains fenced off as the re-use com mittee decides on the next steps. Because of the con

tamination, use of the site is limited to passive recreation.

Future steps for the build ing to become the dispatch center will include creating the district, hiring an architect and, once the center is op erational, hiring an executive director to “take the burden off” local departments, said Purcell.

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SHREWSBURY THEN NOW

By Michael Perna Jr. History Columnist

SHREWSBURY - In these days when automobiles with all kinds of technology are the rage, we sometimes forget that there was a time not so long ago when they didn’t even exist. When the automobile did start appearing on local roads, some residents were not thrilled.

One, who used the pseud onym “Rube Howe” sent a letter to the local newspa per complaining. It seems a Worcester motorist, who must have been taken to task for driving too fast in Shrewsbury, wrote a letter threatening to have Shrewsbury wiped off the “AAA auto map,” as (appar ently) had been done with the town of Leicester.

The Shrewsbury writer

went on to say that this would mean “that the man or woman who owns a good colt or spirit ed horse could drive him on the road in comparative safety. It would mean that that we need not fear to take a quiet, restful drive on a pleasant summer afternoon. Not howling along 30 miles an hour through a cloud of dust and gas; wrapped up like Egyptian mummies and goggled like submarine divers; oblivious to everything but the sense of rushing through space, but jogging contentedly on over pleasant hillsides and down shady lanes; chatting,

For some in Shrewsbury, a horse was preferred over the first automobiles.

Beal Commons goes before Planning Board

Beal | from page 1

mixed-use project. They plan to build 55 units — seven of which would be affordable — and approximately 7,700 square feet of commercial space.

laughing, singing ― glad to be alive, although wiped off the automobile map.”

The writer concluded: “Old Dobbin will still hold down his job ― tilling the soil, taking us to meeting and to market, joyfully prancing to the church steps on our wedding day and demurely threading his way to the church yard, when he gives us our last ride.”

Considering the amount of traffic, how fast people drive, and how few horses remain in Shrewsbury today…it would appear that “Rube Howe” was vastly mistaken!

Residents and board mem bers asked questions and voiced concerns regarding the project, prompting the board to schedule further meetings regarding specific aspects of the site, such as traffic and parking.

For example, Julie Ross, who lives on Hascall Street, was concerned about the head lights from cars waking her up at night.

“Those headlights are com ing right into my bedroom windows… what mitigations are available to us so that we can try to keep my life from being a constant halogen, LED light blasting away all my hap piness out the door,” she said during the meeting.

What is proposed

This is the latest step after a years-long process regarding the future of this property.

The school closed in 2020 after the completion of the new Beal school on Lake Street. That summer, Town Meeting authorized the sale of the site.

Last month, Civico Greenly proposed increasing the num ber of parking spaces to 146. The total number of public parking spaces — 30 — would remain the same, and 10 of the spaces would be located on Hascall Street.

Planning Board member Stephan Rodolakis said he believed parking and traffic from within the site and traf fic generated downtown is the “most significant” aspect of the development.

Member Joseph Thomas agreed, adding that he would like to see Civico Greenly add more public parking spaces in the front of and to the left of the

Beal Commons project goes before Planning Board

Beal | from page 6 development.

“I think we all know the biggest problems in the center of town are parking and traffic, but realistically parking is the hardest thing we have to deal with here,” he said.

Civico’s Taylor Bearden presented a shared parking utilization graph, predicting the number of vehicles that

would occupy Beal Commons at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. He projected the peak uti lization of parking by residents would be late at night while the peak utilization for commercial would be near dinner time.

Bearden noted that the as sessment “assumes” a cafe, restaurant, or boutique based on interest from vendors.

“Since we don’t know spe

cifically what those uses are going to be and how those uses will change over the course of the lifetime of this building, we can’t specifically say with cer tainty what the exact parking allocation is going to be for a business that hasn’t yet signed the lease for the space,” he said.

The board also asked how the facade of Beal Commons would match the Town Center.

“This is our first project in the town center and we do have design standards that are there … we want to ensure that whatever the design comes out at, it is reviewed by a profes sional architect,” Chair Steven Boulay said.

According to engineer Joe Stromer, the front facades would reflect “traditional New England architecture.”

Stormer noted that the dif ferent articulations would compliment the “commercial feel” of Maple Avenue and the “residential feel” of Hascall Street.

Moving forward, the board will schedule additional public hearings that address specific site topics, such as traffic and parking. Updates will be on the town website.

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HOMES MORE&

Turn That Frown Upside Down

By Gary Kelley

spouses pass away.

The biggest stumbling block is often getting the home ready for showings. We’ve placed homes on the market in a mat ter of days when needed. It can be done!

“Buyers are not buying”

The real estate market isn’t crashing…and it is adjusting to a more normal market…call it cooling. Let’s take a closer look at this, dispel some false rumors and feel better as we move deeper into the holiday season.

If someone puts their home on the market in the depths of

winter, they are motivated to sell. It’s a great time to buy. While some 6 months ago may have listed their home at a crazy high price, “to test the market”, we are seeing more realism in pricing. No “Filenes Bargain Basement” pricing… just more realism.

People still need to sell. People still get divorced or need larger homes. Parents/

Affordability is a big is sue for buyers. Interest rates have gone up….and are soften ing. Not back to 2%, soften ing. (Like me) Mortgage loan originators don’t make money unless they sell mortgages. The mortgage industry is re sponding with new products and some dusted off products.

“Buy Down” programs are being talked up. A 2-1 or 3-2-1 program has the seller funding some interest payments for 2 or 3 years reducing the buyers monthly payment.

Adjustable rate mortgages

have been around for years… and have been modified to minimize some of the short comings of the products from the 1980s.

Of course, a buyer can al ways refinance if mortgage rates go down. I don’t like betting where mortgage rates are going….and I look at it as an opportunistic play.

Lamacchia Realty (where I’m affiliated) is looking into assumable mortgages. One of the things attractive about the last couple years was the low mortgage interest rates. Did you know FHA/USDA/VA loans are assumable? So you could buy a house and take over the lower interest rate payment?

Anthony Lamacchia believes there is an opportunity to help buyers and sellers using the assumability of the mortgage… and even setting up a business to process the paperwork? That’s innovation.

Hopefully this article dis pelled some of the false myths and endless negative chatter. We have a lot to be grateful for and to feel good about about as as a community. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Here is free app for your phone/tablet tied directly to the MLS https://www.home snap.com/Gary-Kelley

Gary is heard on WCRN AM 830 and/or seen on WMCTTV discussing “All Things Real Estate.”

If you need advice on selling your home or buying a new one, give us a call 508-7336005.

“Sellers aren’t selling”

We are in a joyous time of year. And it seems many people are just down in the dumps. The economy seems to be weighing on many. When it comes to houses, there is a sense sellers aren’t selling and buyers are not buying.

Planning Board sets deadline for Village Commons completion

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - Village Commons at 1 Gleason Street is close to completion.

The Planning Board wants to make sure the developer, Farooq Ansari, finishes the project, which will be made up of housing units and one com mercial building.

During its Nov. 15 meeting, board members gave Ansari until June 30, 2023, to complete all remaining items required in the last project approval. This includes paving, which will not be done until spring.

Also, the board reviewed the project’s security bond and found there was enough security to complete the resi dential portion of the project. The board released the final unit and gave its approval to the certificate of occupancy.

This means that the owner of the unit may move in. The owner said at a previous meet ing that they had been waiting more than a year to move in.

Oak Street project

Back in October, the Plan ning Board met with Ansari, who is also the applicant for the proposed Hana Place proj ect at 190-212 Oak Street.

Ansari was proposing to construct two separate build ings on the Oak Street site. There would be a total of 12 townhouse units, including six one-bedroom and six twobedroom; 27 off-street park ing spaces; utilities; a sep

tic system; a dumpster with enclosure and underground stormwater detention.

According to Planning Board Chairman Mark Sil verberg, Ansari can build two more commercial buildings at the Gleason Street site “by right.”

The board would like to have Ansari not develop the Oak Street site, and instead build additional units at Vil lage Commons.

At that time, Ansari said he’s willing to make the change, provided he could build 18 apartment units instead of the townhouses.

He said moving the town houses to Village Commons was “not going to work” be cause there would not be enough of a return on his in vestment. The 18 units “is a good mix” of one-bedroom and studio units, with four units set aside as affordable, Ansari said.

“I’m willing to work this out,” he said. “I’m willing to get this done.”

Board members favored the move to Gleason Street, but would like to see some updated plans.

Town Planner Jim Robbins

that the town is encouraging the move to Gleason Street because it’s a more suitable location for development than Oak Street.

“[The site at] Gleason Street is close to the T station,” he said.

Since, Ansari has been re vising the plans. Should the revisions be approved, the Oak Street parcel will remain as open space.

The revisions will require a public hearing, as well as board approval to amend the current plan and special permit for 1 Gleason Street.

That public hearing is scheduled to open at the board’s next meeting on Dec. 6 after the Community Advocate goes to press.

Village Commons stands on Gleason Street. The Planning Board is interested in moving a project planned for Oak Street to this site.

“

I’m willing to work this out. I’m willing to get this done.

Farooq Ansari Developer

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Frosty awaits visitors in front of the Grafton Country Store, one of the many “Frosty Stops” that comprised the annual “Grafton Celebrates the Holidays” on Dec. 4.

Shrewsbury ‘lights up the Common’ for the holiday season

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury

Common was filled with holi day spirit Dec. 3.

This marked Shrewsbury’s fourth annual Yuletide Market and Light the Common event.

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

GRAFTON - From one end of town to the other, it was a time to celebrate the holidays on Dec. 4.

From shopping discounts to the lighting of the Common, there was plenty to do and see.

The craft and vendor fair at the senior center proved a very popular spot. There, more than 40 vendors offered a variety of wares, from soaps to winter gear to pet products.

The Baptist Church near the

Common presented more than 150 nativity scenes. Many of these creches came from around the world, including Bethlehem and Tierra del Fuego.

At the opposite end of the Common, the Unitarian Univer salist Society of Grafton and Up ton held a holiday fair with live music from the handbell choir and The Three Kings of Swing.

The Grafton Public Library was the site for Girl Scout Troop 30222’s gingerbread house con test, as well as the Friends of the Library’s holiday sale.

While most events took place on Dec. 4, the Holiday Home and Decorating Contest is un derway; viewing and voting will take place until Dec. 18. A map may be found at tinyurl.com/ GraftonHolidayMap; voting in three categories may be done via tinyurl.com/GraftonHoli dayVote.

Winners will be announced on Dec. 20; they will receive a $50 Grafton Restaurant gift card.

“Grafton Celebrates the Holi days” is sponsored by Grafton Recreation. For updates on winter programs, visit https:// graftonma.recdesk.com/Com munity/Home.

“The community needed an event in our town center to bring people together and highlight our town center,” organizer Maribeth Lynch said.

This year, the Flynn family had the honor of flicking the massive switch that lit up the Town Common.

“We rely heavily on spon sors,” Lynch said. “The Flynn’s own Al’s Oil and Flynn’s Truck Stop and they were a major do nor, so we asked them to do the honor of flipping the switch.”

The event also featured the Yuletide Market. In one of the tents, residents browsed mit tens, hats and scarves made with Alpaca fur that were cre ated by Faith Mayer.

Mayer, who owns AlpacaLlips in Rutland, said she has been invited to the market “multiple times.”

“This is just one of our most successful fairs every year,” she said.

Shrewsbury High School junior Katelyn Henczel roamed around the market in search of crafts.

“I love seeing all the differ ent creations people make,” she said.

Sporting their very own Shrewsbury-themed winter gear and holding warm bever ages, Share the Warmth volun teers welcomed residents into

their tent.

Share the Warmth is a fund raiser organized by SELCO that aims to raise funds for residents who can’t afford heat and elec tricity by selling Shrewsburythemed items, including hats, scarfs and ornaments.

According to Marketing and Communications Manager of SELCO Rick Maksian, Share the Warmth has donated over $100,000 to the Shrewsbury

community since 2019.

Maksian added that the fundraiser has been going on for about 20 years.

He called the Yuletide Mar ket “a great place” to sell their products.

“That’s where people are in the mood for giving … where we have seen very generous donations happening. We like to go over there and help the community,” he said.

Lights wrap around trees lining the way to First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury’s Town Common. The lights were lit up during the annual Light the Common.

Carolers perform during the annual Light the Common and Yuletide Market.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

PHOTO/CAROLINE GORDON

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Inside Oak Middle School’s new American Sign Language Club

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer

SHREWSBURY - Just after 3 p.m. on any given Wednesday, a group of Oak Middle School students excitedly gather for the school’s new American Sign Language (ASL) Club.

The club has become a source of inspiration for stu dents. Many students decided to learn the language as part of an attempt to increase the sense of inclusivity.

“We try to support a com munity of inclusion,” student Cecilia Quintero Johnson said. “It helps us welcome members of the deaf community and to be able to communicate with a wider variety of people.”

“I joined because I have a deaf aunt … I want to learn ASL to communicate with her,” club member Priya Vohora said.

Starting the Club

The club, which had its inau gural meeting in October, was the result of months of planning by eighth grade social studies teacher Jason Ponticelli. With help from Oak Middle School Principal Hallie Burak and As sistant Superintendent of Op erations and Finance Patrick Collins, Ponticelli was able to secure funding to purchase ASL workbooks for students.

“I really wanted to offer [ASL] to our students,” Ponti celli said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn.”

Ponticelli runs the club alongside Sarah Powers, who is a seventh grade special edu cation teacher with experience in ASL, and Kathy Romeo, an ASL interpreter and advocate

as well as a member of the deaf community.

Aiming to provide students with with constant practice, Romeo joins the club biweekly to teach new vocabulary to the students while Ponticelli and Powers facilitate review sessions.

“What’s wonderful about Kathy Romeo is that she’s also teaching us about deaf culture; it’s not just from the book,” Ponticelli said.

Impact of the club

Students said they have found a sense of community in the club.

“[My favorite part of the club] is being able to meet with everyone and having a space where everyone can come to gether and learn,” club member Sophie Kunsc noted. “It’s nice to be with your friends and learn something without much pressure.”

“It’s a time to have fun and

do something that you like,” Quintero Johnson added.

All club members reported noticing significant growth in their ASL skills, and many look forward to continued improvement.

“I hope that in a few months or a year I can communicate with somebody and be able to help translate for somebody who may need help,” student Jose Delvalle said.

The club has also made an impact on the entire Oak school community.

There’s a display case in the main lobby dedicated to ASL, and the weekly morning announcements at Oak now feature an “ASL Word of the Week.”

Before Halloween, students learned words like “zombie” and “candy.” Ponticelli recalled walking to the cafeteria and no ticing students signing “pizza,” a word they had learned earlier that day.

Still, the club hopes to ex pand its reach in the coming months, including performing the National Anthem before the Unified Basketball games in the spring.

Ponticelli hopes the club will help people communicate

and spread knowledge of the language.

“If any of these students ever come back to me and say ‘I helped out, I was able to com municate with somebody that I couldn’t communicate with before,’ that’s a win,” he said.

Sophie Kunsc and Cecilia Quintero Johnson work on signing different objects.

PHOTO/EVAN WALSH

Tree

Cieslica also recognized the fifth grade Northborough cho rus, which performed, and its teachers Scott Arnold, Colleen Burns and Katrina Whalen; and Neil Ellsworth’s niece Mary Kate Pizzilo performed the National Anthem.

She also gave a shout out to the Department of Public Works for providing the lights and Darryl Hey, who provided sound.

The committee thanked the Northboro House of Pizza, which donated pizza for the event; Me trowest Painting for purchasing the hot chocolate and Wegmans for the cookies and candy canes.

Later this month, the committee will be host ing a community decorating contest called “Light up the Town.”

Cieslica noted that the committee is encour aging residents to not only enter their homes, but also their streets or neighborhoods.

The deadline to sign-up is currently Dec. 7. Vot ing kicks off on Dec. 12 and runs through Dec. 21.

For more information on how to sign up and for more holiday events, visit https://northbor oughcac.weebly.com/.

Top: Northborough fifth grade students performed during the tree lighting.

Left: The community gathered for the Annual Tree Lighting.

PHOTOS/DAN HOLMES

Westborough churches, historical society host holiday fairs

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - A rainy Sat urday — usually, it’s a day to stretch out on the couch and watch TV.

But on Dec. 3, it was a time to do some local holiday shop ping.

At three places – the Histor ical Society, the Congregation al Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church — visitors

could peruse and purchase a variety of holiday items, from greens to gingerbread.

At the Congregational Church, home of the 66th annual Evergreen Christmas Fair, there were hand-deco rated fresh balsam wreaths, along with lots of gingerbread, jewelry, knitted items and more available for purchase.

Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by for photos, and Grandma’s Attic was filled

with glassware, cookware and more, all for bargain prices.

There was also a silent auction.

Proceeds go to the missions of the church.

At St. Stephen’s, items for sale included hand-painted ornaments and angels made from choral books.

The Historical Society opened its first floor for an “indoor yard sale,” with each room containing items for sale

— ornaments, prints, antique items and more.

Other holiday events

The Civic Club has an nounced that it has secured delivery of another batch of balsam fir trees, wreaths, and roping from the Nova Scotia farm it has used for decades.

The sale takes place in front of Hastings school, and hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, and 3:30 to 8 p.m. weekdays.

The Westborough Wom en’s Club will conduct its an nual Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Five homes in town will be showcased.

Tickets are $30 each, and available the day of the tour at the Westborough Congre gational Church, 57 Main St., and prior to the tour at Town Hall.

For photos, visit commu nityadvocate.com.

Southborough Community House welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

SOUTHBOROUGH - It was too windy and damp for a helicop ter ride, but that didn’t stop Santa and Mrs. Claus from paying their annual visit to the Community House on Dec. 3.

The Southborough Fire Department drove Santa and the Mrs. to Main Street, where dozens of families were waiting.

After a quick round of

greeting, it was off to the much drier confines inside the Community House, where Santa listened to holi day wishes from young and old alike.

Santa has been stopping by the Community House “for at least 30 years,” according to Community House caretaker Bea Ginga.

Meanwhile, several volunteer elves kept the crowds moving, and SkyRise Theater provided face painting.

One of the elves wished for “a big hug with lots of love” for the holiday season.

Ginga hopes for “a lot more social events” for the new year, along for a wish for “everyone to be happy.”

The Community House, owned and operated by the Southborough Village Society Inc., is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The house offers space for events such as bridal show ers, reunions, graduations and anni versary parties, as well as fundraising events and art exhibits.

It is also the home for the BagleyFay Post 161 of the American Legion.

For information, visit www.south boroughcommunityhouse.org.

Santa Claus greets a visitor with a high five before heading into the Community House during his annual visit on Dec. 3.

PHOTO/MAUREEN

SULLIVAN

Hours

Monday - closed Tues-Fri - 7am-4pm Sat-Sun - 8am-4pm @_thecoffeeloft_ www.coffee-loft.com

Coffee Loft, Marlborough, MA

POLICE FIRE&

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.

complaint.

5:51 p.m. Providence Rd. Larceny/theft. Tuesday, Nov. 22

10:19 a.m. Prentice St. Parking viola tion.

4:50 p.m. Shrewsbury St. Keeping the peace.

5:43 p.m. Arrested, Joseph V. Cloutier Jr., 52, of 172 Pleasant St., Apt. C, Graf ton, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, stopping/failure to use care.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

8:39 a.m. Pleasant St. Scam/attempted scam.

10:28 a.m. Worcester St. Illegal dump ing.

10:51 p.m. Providence Rd. Fraud/ identity theft.

4:18 p.m. Providence Rd. Scam/at tempted scam.

Thursday, Nov. 24

Sunday, Nov. 20

1:37 p.m. Leland St./George Hill Rd. Traffic hazard.

1:51 p.m. Providence/Brigham Hill Rds. Traffic hazard.

4:27 p.m. East St. Erratic operator.

4:40 p.m. N Main St. Erratic operator.

Monday, Nov. 21

7:11 a.m. Worcester St. B&E – past.

9:28 a.m. Grafton Com. Motor vehicle lockout.

11:05 a.m. Worcester St. Road rage.

4:53 p.m. Pleasant St./Gary Cir. Animal

12:32 p.m. Millbury St. Disorderly person(s).

Friday, Nov. 25

12:44 a.m. Worcester St./Forest Ln. Motor vehicle stop.

Saturday, Nov. 26

3:12 a.m. Meadow Ln. Animal com plaint.

8:59 a.m. Millbury St./Crosby Rd. Motor vehicle stop.

5:47 p.m. Depot St. Motor vehicle stop.

10:53 p.m. Mass Pike W. Accident –personal injury.

Northborough

Sunday, Nov. 20

11:27 a.m. Whitney St. Animal calls. 2:51 p.m. Hudson/Allen Sts. Accident: P.D.

Monday, Nov. 21

4:03 p.m. Sunset Dr. Illegal dumping/ littering.

5:06 p.m. Shops Way/Southwest Cut (Main Entrance). Accident: P.I. 5:53 p.m. Main St./Marlboro. Animal calls.

7:50 p.m. Bartlett St. Accident: P.D. Tuesday, Nov. 22

5:27 p.m. Bartlett/Cedar Hill Sts. Ac cident: P.D.

Wednesday, Nov. 23

11:13 a.m. West Main St. Scams. 12:29 p.m. West Main St. Dog com plaint.

Thursday, Nov. 24

1:07 a.m. Arrested, Ryan A. Santella, 37, of 40 N Main St., Apt. 3, North Graf ton, for fail to yield at intersection, negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, distribute Class C drug, distribute Class D drug, possess Class B drug.

Friday, Nov. 25

6:24 p.m. Riley Rd. Accident: P.D. Saturday, Nov. 26

9:48 a.m. Southwest Cut. Fraud. 1:12 p.m. Belmont St. Keep the peace. 3:25 p.m. Crestwood Dr. Illegal dump ing/littering.

Thieves try to break into ATM at Southborough Cumberland Farms

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

SOUTHBOROUGH - The Cum berland Farms reported a breakin, according to the Southbor ough Police Department.

Around 3:50 a.m. on Nov. 28, police received a 911 call from an employee at the Cumberland Farms at 365 Turnpike Road reporting that a break-in took place overnight at the store.

The employee reported that it appeared the ATM had also been tampered with.

After reviewing security

Police shared this photo after thieves broke into Cumberland Farms.

footage from the business, it appears that two masked in dividuals entered the building around 2:42 a.m. after using a

crowbar to smash through a glass pane of the front door of the business. They attempted to break into the ATM, but they were unable to do so, police said.

According to the depart ment, both individuals fled the store on foot after being unable to enter the ATM.

Southborough’s Detective Division is currently investigat ing the break-in, and anyone with any information is asked to contact Det. Steve Neivert at 508-485-2121 or sneivert@ southboroughma.com.

Shrewsbury

Wednesday, Nov. 23

7:03 a.m. Flint Pond Cir. Trespassing. 9:02 a.m. Jacobson Dr. Animal com plaint.

11:23 a.m. Overlook Ave. Road hazard – trees/wires/debris.

12:39 p.m. Lake St. Preserve the peace. Thursday, Nov. 24

1:11 a.m. Arrested , Matthew John Power, 18, of 12 Bryant Ave., Shrews bury, for OUI liquor, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).

5:04 a.m. Arrested , Marcos Antonio Polanco, 22, of 12 Kosta St., Apt. 1, Worcester, on warrant.

9:16 a.m. Boston Tpke. Animal com plaint.

Friday, Nov. 25

5:15 a.m. Anglin Ln. Animal complaint. 10:47 a.m. Flint Pond Dr. Trespassing. 11:03 a.m. Jordan Rd. Larceny. 9:50 p.m. Arrested, Elario Luis Rivera, 19, of 45 Williamsburg Dr., Apt. 13, Worcester, for speeding, operation to endanger, red light violation, breakdown lane violation, fail to stop for police, marked lanes violation.

Saturday, Nov. 26

9:35 a.m. Walnut St. Road hazard –trees/wires/debris.

12:08 p.m. Boston Tpke./South St. Road rage.

6:25 p.m. North Quinsigamond. Ha rassment.

Sunday, Nov. 27

5:32 a.m. Arrested , Bryan James Favuzza, 33, of 31 Hillando Dr., Shrews bury, on warrant.

Monday, Nov. 28

4:02 a.m. Arrested, Jose Oliva Padilla, 32, of 15 Pal Dr., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, unlicensed operation of MV.

Westborough

Wednesday, Nov. 23

3:50 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

5:16 p.m. Ruggles St. Disabled auto.

6:48 p.m. Kay/W Main Sts. Traffic/mo tor vehicle.

8:21 p.m. Flanders Rd. Parking violation/ complaint.

10:19 p.m. Milk/Oak Sts. Traffic/motor vehicle.

Thursday, Nov. 24

4:22 p.m. Lyman St. Accident property damage.

Friday, Nov. 25

8:51 a.m. E Main St. Road/tree.

7:02 p.m. W Main St./Mill Rd. Traffic/ motor vehicle.

Saturday, Nov. 26

10:13 a.m. Hopkinton Rd. Erratic operator.

12:04 p.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.

5:37 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Annoying/ha rassing phone calls.

Sunday, Nov. 27

10:01 a.m. Charlestown Meadows Dr. Accident property damage.

Katelyn Dehey 508-329-6028

COMMUNITY OBITUARIES

The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communi tyadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).

DEATHS

Butler, Ray of Marlborough

Correia, Donna formerly of Hudson Davis, Judith of Hudson

Glazer, Zofia formerly of Shrewsbury Hanam, Francis of N. Grafton Husson, Elaine formerly of Shrewsbury Jusseaume, David of Northborough Lafford, Paul of Shrewsbury

McInerney, John of Worcester and Shrewsbury

McKinstry, Richard of Northborough and Hudson Moore, Colleen of Worcester/Grafton

Moraes, Richard formerly of Hudson Ott, Raymond of Southborough Sawyer, Karen of Hudson

He was the son of Ludgerio L. and Maria C. Edral Moraes, and attended Hudson schools, graduating from Hudson High School, where he excelled in sports. From his humble be ginnings, he earned a football scholarship to Bates College in Lewiston, played baseball there as well and graduated with a BS in Economics.

Upon graduating from Bates, he joined Raytheon, a company that he spent his entire work ing career with. It was through their mentorship and employ ee programs that he attend ed Northeastern University, where he earned his MBA. Over the course of his employment, Dick and his family not only lived in Hudson, Mass., and Bolton, Mass., but also Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which was his fa vorite assignment of all.

While residing in Hudson, Mass., he was an active mem ber of the Hudson Elks, serving twice as Exalted Ruler. Upon his retirement after more than 30 years, he moved to Ogun quit and then Kennebunk, where he became an active member of the Center, playing bridge every Tuesday.

bottle of wine in hand.

Survivors include his lov ing wife of 62 years, Jaqueline (Swift) Moraes, his daughter Deborah Cummings and her husband Keith, all of Ken nebunk, and a brother Robert L. Moraes of Hudson, Mass.

The Bibber Funeral Home of Kennebunk, Maine Assisted with arrangements.

Judith Davis, 82

HUDSON - Judith Ann (Simoes) Davis, 82, a lifelong resident of Hudson, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family, on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Marl borough Hospital, after a brief period of declining health. She is survived by her loving hus band of 59 years, George “Jer ry” A. Davis.

Judith was gifted to this world on Christmas Eve of 1939, the only child of the late Francis “Frank” and Irene (Rainha) Si moes. She was raised in Hud son, where she met her future husband in the 7th grade. They were married in 1963 spending the next 59 years together and raising their 2 sons in Hudson.

knew she was the most caring, loving & one of a kind. She was absolutely an amazing person. She had a smile that would light a room & always made you feel special.

In addition to her beloved husband, George “Jerry” A. Da vis, she is also survived by her 2 sons, Gerald “Jerry” M. Davis and his wife Maria of Hudson, and Michael G. Davis and his wife Linda also of Hudson; 3 grandchildren, Steven M. Da vis and his fiancé Jenny Hawes, Alex F. Davis and Ryan G. Davis and his girlfriend Jacqueline Fisher,  2 great grandchildren, Myla H. Davis and Kaia J. Davis.

The Tighe Hamilton Region al Funeral Home of Hudson as sisted with arrangements.

David E. Jusseaume, 62

Palaiama and her husband Tohm Palaima and his son Adam Jusseaume of Marlbor ough. His grandchildren Kai lynn Palaima, Rileigh Palaima, Cole Palaima and Chloe Jus seaume. He is also survived by his brothers, Dana Jusseaume and his wife Norma, Denis Jus seaume, Daniel Jusseaume, Dean Jusseaume and his wife Sandy. His sisters Donna Jus seaume, Darlene Bradley and her husband Peter, as well as many nieces and nephews.

David was a loving husband and outstanding father. He cherished his role as Papa to his grandchildren. The profound joy they brought to his life was undeniable.

KENNEBUNK, MAINE - Rich ard L. Moraes, 87, of Ken nebunk, formerly of Bolton, passed away Monday morn ing, Nov. 21, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dick, as he was known by friends and family, was born Oct. 16, 1935 in Hudson, Mass.

Dick never forgot his humble beginnings, and valued hard work, education and making connections with those he met. In his later years in Kennebunk, he was affectionately known as the “Ambassador of Admirals Way,” where he would often welcome new residents to the neighborhood, usually with a

LEGAL NOTICES

of Buildings), Subsection F(5) to read as follows (new text shown as underlined):

(5) (a) Nothing herein shall prevent the projection of cornices or eaves not ex ceeding 18 inches in width or of un covered steps, unroofed porches or windowsills into a required yard or other open space.

MARLBOROUGH

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK

MARLBOROUGH, MA 01752

LEGAL NOTICE

THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5 OF CHAPTER 40A OF THE GENERAL LAWS, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH THAT CHAPTER 650 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, AS MOST RECENTLY AMENDED, BE FURTHER AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

I. By amending Chapter 650 (Zoning), Section 650-40 (Location and Height

(b) For single-family and two-family dwellings, in all zoning districts: An at tached roof covering an entryway or porch may project into the required yard setback, subject to compliance with all of the following requirements:

[1] Attached roof is permitted to project up to sixty (60) inches into the required yard setback;

[2] Attached roof shall not exceed forty (40) square feet;

[3] Attached roof shall not exceed allow able height per §650-41, Table of Lot Area, Yards and Height of Structures;

[4] Entryway or porch may not be en closed nor living space or balconies erected above, excepting required ele ments such as railings;

Judith worked for several years as a bookkeeper at Thom as Taylor Company, but is most well known in Hudson along with her husband as owners and operators of PJ’s Pub on Apsley St. Judith most loved to spend her time with her family, she enjoyed grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Judy

[5] Space beneath the porch may not be occupied; and

[6] Minimum setback from any street or way for an attached roof authorized un der this subsection shall be five (5) feet.

II. The effective date of these amend ments shall be the date of passage.

APPROVED.

First Reading, suspended; Second Reading, adopted; Passage to Enroll, adopted;

Passage to Ordain; adopted. No ob jection to passage in one evening.

ADOPTED

In City Council Order No. 22-1008679B

November 21, 2022

Copies of the Zoning Ordinance may be examined and obtained at the Office of City Clerk.

Claims of invalidity by reason of any de fect in the procedure of adoption of the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance set forth in this summary may only be made within ninety (90) days after this second publication of this summary.

NORTHBOROUGH - David E. Jusseaume, 62, of Northbor ough, died Thursday Novem ber 17, 2022, at home with his family by his side. His passing came after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and a long-standing cardiac history, that ended his life but did not define his extraordinary and beautiful life.

He was the son of Alfred A. and Sandra A. (Heath) Jus seaume and Husband to Susan (Pratt) Jusseaume. He was pre deceased by his brother Alfred A. Jusseaume Jr., his sister Deb bie Vinal and his daughter in law Fernanda Jusseaume.

Besides his wife he is sur vived by his daughter Nicole

David was a dedicated po lice officer and detective for the Marlborough Police de partment for many years. After retiring from the police force, he continued to serve his com munity working at Marlboro Hudson ambulance company until recent years. He also vol unteered on the Montachusett Crisis team for first responders.

When he had free time he loved riding his Harley-David son motorcycle, skeet shooting at the gun club, watching foot ball on Sundays and tinkering with computers and ham ra dios. We often affectionately called him Inspector gadget for his love of all things electronic. He will be missed immensely.

The Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with ar rangements.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Hearing –Special Permit Applicant: Octo48, LLC Locus: 269 Mechanic Street Map 56, Parcel 125

Notice is given that the City Council of the City of Marlborough will hold a PUB LIC HEARING on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 8:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 2nd floor City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, on the Application for a Special Permit from Attorney Brian Falk, on behalf of Octo48, LLC d/b/a Action Precision Machining to convert a preexisting nonconforming warehouse use to a machine shop at 269 Mechanic Street.

The application materials and plans are available for viewing in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Telephone 508-460-3775. In addition, the plans and application will be available online

at www.marlborough-ma.gov/citycouncil under Public Hearing Notices.

Per Order of the City Council #22-1008741

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Hearing – Proposed Zoning Amendment to Chapter 650, Mixed Use and Affordable Housing.

Notice is hereby given that the City Coun cil of the City of Marlborough will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 8:00 PM in the City Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts to amend Chapter 650, to amend various sections relative to Mixed-Use and Af fordable Housing.

THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5 OF CHAPTER 40A OF THE GENERAL LAWS, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL

Richard L. Moraes, 87

LEGAL NOTICES

(d) Appearance. The exterior of the af fordable units shall be designed to be compatible with and as nearly indistin guishable from the market rate units as possible.

OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH THAT CHAPTER 650 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MARLBOROUGH, AS MOST RECENTLY AMENDED, BE FURTHER AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

I. By amending Chapter 650 (Zoning), Section 650-5 (Definitions; word usage), Subsection B, “Mixed Use” definition, by deleting the definition in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

MIXED USE

(1) A combination of permitted (Y) or spe cial permit (SP) residential/business uses as listed in § 650-17, Table of Use Regu lations, for a particular zoning district, located on the same lot and arranged vertically in multiple stories of a structure or horizontally adjacent to one another in one or more buildings.

(2) To achieve a mix of residential to busi ness uses, such as retail or restaurant, that is balanced and compatible, ground floors of buildings fronting streets or public accessways shall be restricted to nonresidential uses, except as specified below:

(a) Dwelling units shall be allowed on ground floors of a building that is set behind a mixed-use building that has business uses on the ground floor and residential on other floors so long as the building set behind does not face a public way.

II. By amending Chapter 650 (Zoning), Section 650-26 (Affordable Housing), to read as follows: (new text shown as underlined, deleted text shown as strik ethrough):

§ 650-26. Affordable housing.

A. All site plan approvals granted for multifamily dwellings as part of a mixeduse development, and all special permits granted to applicants to construct multi family dwellings thereby increasing the number or density of residential dwell ings to a number or level greater than that allowable as a matter of right under the zoning classification for the subject parcel shall require the following.

(1) Developments of 20 or more units.

(a) Number of affordable units. The devel opment shall i) provide that at least 15% of the dwelling units to be constructed for homeownership or rental purposes will be made available at affordable prices to home buyers or renters, or ii) if authorized by a majority of the City Council, provide a sum not less than $50,000 per afford able dwelling unit that would have been required in Item i) above to be deposited as directed by the City Council into the fund for economic development created by Chapter 126 of the Acts of 2011 or into another fund designated by the City Council.

(b) Local preference. The development plan shall provide that all legally permissi ble efforts shall be made to provide 70% of the affordable dwelling units to eligible residents of the City of Marlborough.

(c) Distribution of affordable units. Dwell ing units to be sold or rented at affordable prices shall be integrated into the overall development to prevent physical segre gation of such units.

(e) Minimum and maximum floor areas. Affordable housing units shall have a gross floor area not less than the mini mum required by the State Department of Housing and Community Development under the regulations created under the authority of MGL Chapter 40B.

(f) Period of affordability. Limitations and safeguards shall be imposed to ensure the continued availability of the desig nated affordable units for a minimum of 99 years or in perpetuity. Such limitations and safeguards may be in the form of deed restrictions, resale monitoring, re quirements for income verification of pur chasers and/or tenants, rent level controls and the like.

(g) Limitation on change in affordability. In no event shall any change in affordability occur if the minimum percentage of af fordable units required in the entire City under MGL Chapter 40B has either not been met at that time or such change in affordability would cause the City to fall below that percentage.

(h) Staging of affordable and market-rate units. No more than 50% of the building permits for the market-rate units shall be issued until construction has commenced on 30% of the affordable units. No more than 50% of the occupancy permits for the market-rate units shall be issued until 30% of the occupancy permits for the af fordable units have been issued. The City Council may modify this provision for de velopments under 50 units.

(i) Alternate site. The City Council may al low the developer to build some or all of the affordable housing required by Sub section A(1)(a) on an alternate site within the City, provided that the City Council determines that this is in the best inter est of the City and orders that this spe cific condition be attached to the special permit. The location of the alternate site shall either be specified at the time of ap proval for the special permit or selected within six months of said application and shall then be subject to approval by the Housing Partnership Committee or its successor, by the City Council if otherwise required by this Zoning Ordinance and by any other proper authority as may be required by law. The development of the alternate site shall comply with Subsec tion A(1)(b), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (j) of this section, and the staging of development on the alternate site shall be governed by Subsection A(1)(h) applied to all units on both the main and alternate sites.

(j) Guaranty of performance. The City Council shall require security in a form satisfactory to the City Council and City Solicitor to guarantee performance, in cluding preservation of affordability, un der this subsection, and no building per mit shall be issued until and unless said security has been provided.

(2) Developments of 19 or fewer units. All provisions of Subsection A(1) above ap plicable to 20 or more units may also be applied to developments of 19 or fewer units as the City Council finds practical.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a special permit for an existing retirement community or the expansion of an existing retirement community as governed by §§ 650-21 and 650-22, but shall apply to any new retirement com munity or expansion of an existing retire ment community. This subsection will be effective pursuant to the applicable provi

sions of Chapter 40A of the General Laws.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to projects which are granted special permits within the Marlborough Village District.

III. By amending Chapter 650 (Zoning), Section 650-37 (Special Provisions Ap plicable to the Wayside Zoning District), Subsection H(4)(A), entitled “Mixed Uses”, by inserting the following sentence at the end of the existing subsection: Floor us age in a mixed-use development shall conform to subsection (2) of the defini tion of “Mixed Use” set forth in Section 650-5(B).

IV. The effective date of these amend ments shall be the date of passage.

Per Order of the City Council #22-1008721

SHREWSBURY

INVITATION FOR BIDS WATER VALVE CLEANING AND EXERCISING TRAILER

The Town of Shrewsbury, acting through the Town Manager’s Office, will receive sealed, written bids in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30B at the Office of the Town Manager, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, to Furnish and Deliver One (1) Water Valve Cleaning and Exercising Trailer until 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January, 3rd, 2022, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Specifications and bid forms may be ex amined and/or obtained beginning on De cember 5th, 2022, by registering online to download bid documents at https://www. shrewsburyma.gov/bids.aspx.

The Bid shall be enclosed in a sealed en velope clearly marked with the bid item on the outside of the envelope and ad dressed to the Office of the Town Man ager, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

The Town of Shrewsbury, providing equal opportunity, encourages bids from minor ity and women owned businesses.

The Town of Shrewsbury reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to cancel this IFB or to accept any proposal deemed by them to be in the best interest of the Town of Shrewsbury.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY Kevin Mizikar Town Manager

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accor dance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Kelly Re alejo, Trustee, Route 20 Nominee Trust, Shrewsbury, 55 Cambridge Parkway, Suite 200, Cambridge, MA, 02142, has filed for an Amended Order of Conditions for the modification to portions of the ex isting drainage system at 180, 200, and 228 Hartford Turnpikeartford Turnpike Hart, Shrewsbury.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, December 20, 2022, in the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COM MISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Nicholas Soutter 36 Old Brook Road, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Notice of Intent for the construction of a retaining wall to stabilize and level the backyard lawn at 36 Old Brook Road.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, December 20, 2022, at the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COM MISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Phu Son Le, 54 Cherry Street, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Request for Determination of Applicabil ity for the removal of trees at 54 Cherry Street, Shrewsbury.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, December 20, 2022, in the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COM

MISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Hartford Realty Trust of Shrewsbury-Roderick St. Pierre, Tr, 291 Grafton Street, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the installation of a new sewer and associated site work at Hart ford Turnpike (Rte. 20) from Clews Street to Stoney Hill Road, Shrewsbury.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, December 20, 2022, in the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COM MISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L.

CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, that Kelly Sullivan and Dylan Woodring, 2 Pheasant Hill Drive, Shrews bury, MA, has filed a Notice of Intent for a proposed addition with associated site work, and drainage at 2 Pheasant Hill Drive.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, December 20, 2022, at the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COM MISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

NOTICE OF HEARING - G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, Robbin Ahlquist, 7-9 Park Street Place, Shrewsbury, MA, has filed a Notice of Intent for the reconstruc tion of an existing storage shed attached to the existing garage at 7-9 Park Street Place, Shrewsbury.

A public hearing will be held on the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, December 20, 2022, at the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

SHREWSBURY

CONSERVATION COM MISSION

John Ostrosky, Chairman

WORCESTER

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO22C0364CA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Worcester Division Probate and Family Court

A Petition to Change Name of Adult has been filed by Jose Elias Martinez of Worcester

Requesting that the court enter a Decree changing their name to: Maria Elias Martinez

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Any person may appear for purposes of objection to the petition by filing an ap pearance at:

Worcester Probate and Family Court before 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 12/12/2022.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appear ance if you object to this proceeding.

Flaherty Physical Therapy is a well-established, busy, continuously growing physical therapy clinic with locations in Northborough and Hudson and we are once again hiring for our dynamic team.

If you are well-qualified in customer service, comfortable speaking on the phone and interacting face to face with clients, are reliable and are interested in joining a friendly, energetic, caring front desk staff that emphasizes excellent patient care look no further! You must have strong computer skills, a meticulous attention to detail, and confidence in your skills. Experience in customer service, in a medical office, with electronic medical records, and checking insurance benefits is a definite plus!

As the Director of First Impressions, you will oftentimes be the first contact person representing Flaherty Physical Therapy. You will help create an exceptional experience for our clients when answering the phone, greeting clients, scheduling appointments, collecting patient payments, maintaining up to date medical records, and many other general office tasks. Assisting the physical therapists in the clinic as needed, handling the laundry and some light cleaning are also part of the fun. This is full time, permanent position in our Northborough location with hours based on the needs of the clinic. The starting salary is $16.00 per hour with the ability to earn a monthly bonus based on performance.

For more information visit https://www.flahertyphysicaltherapy.com/employment-opportunities/ or contact our Office Manager, Kim Cournoyer at (508) 393-9000

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

MARLBOROUGH - William Shomphe started Haul Away Junk Removal in 2020 after be ing hired to clean out a residen

tial basement. Since that time, he has expanded the compa ny’s services to include demoli tion, recycling, and bulk waste removal. He added dumpster rentals in 2022, which he deliv ers to customers’ yards.

“People can load their con tent themselves instead of paying our crew to do it. It helps them save money,” said Shomphe.

Much of Haul Away’s busi ness comes from word-ofmouth and referrals. Their expertise includes everything from small home clean-outs to hotel and apartment complex renovations to demolition of items such as sheds, pools, and hot tubs. Shomphe fre quently works with realtors who have clients who need to empty their homes, and prop erty managers at apartment complexes call Haul Away for cleanouts as well.

“Homeowners’ Associations and apartment complex es call us when renovations are needed and a dumpster is not allowed on-site,” said Shom

phe. “Our crew comes in and gets the job done cleanly.”

Shomphe added that they frequently get calls when trees fall on garages or sheds, or to dismantle children’s play scapes. Haul Away completes a lot of demolition work on large, unsafe structures.

“We subcontract for cranes and other larger equipment when we need to. Those types of jobs help us grow our skills and problem-solve. We learn about different insurance re quirements with those types of jobs, too,” said Shomphe.

Haul Away complies with state regulations for trash handling. They have a focus on recycling when possible and have incorporated the new textile recycling mandates by the state of Massachusetts.

“We offload everything we

can for recycling, instead of just taking items to the landfills,” said Shomphe. “Textiles now have to be recycled. That in cludes mattresses, box springs, clothing, couches - anything with fabric is 90% recyclable, and we’ll take care of it for our customers.”

Haul Away also sorts items that can be donated to second hand centers, such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and Savers.

“We donate as much as we can: bar stools, office furniture, tables,” said Shomphe. “We like the idea of items being reused by people in the com munity who need them.”

Haul Away Junk Removal strives for customer satisfac tion, and that shows in its Google Reviews; the company has over 100 5-Star Google reviews. For 2023, Shomphe plans to grow the company’s crew, and he wants to add more equipment and services such as storage units.

“Our team is available for small and large jobs. We’re more affordable than the larger junk removal franchises,” said Shomphe. “We are motivated to overcome problems so we can learn and adapt. That ultimately benefits our cus tomers.”

Visit Haul Away Junk Re moval at https://haulawayjunkremoval.com/ or call them at (508) 246-7411.

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

William Shomphe, who started Haul Away Junk Removal in 2020, poses for a photo.

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

HUDSON - Tequila’s Mexican Cantina opened in Hudson in the summer of 2022, and owner Eric Brambila has seen steady business since the first day.

“Our menu has been a hit since we opened,” said Brambila.”One of our most popular selections is the Torta. This is a Mexican sandwich that we stuff with pork and then cover in red sauce, so it is wet on the outside. And one of our specialties is the Birria Jalisco. This is a tortilla filled with beef and served with a dipping consomme made of the beef’s juice.”

Brambila grew up in Chi cago, and his wife is from California. Both of their par ents are from Jalisco, the state in Mexico where the tequila agave plant is grown. Their families’ love of cooking, and the history of tequila in Jalisco, inspired Brambila’s vision for his Tequila Mexican

Cantinas, of which there are now three.

In the making of tequila, only the tequila agave plant can be used. The bulb of the

plant is harvested, and the juice is then fermented in bar rels and distilled.

Brambila said, “My uncle has a tequila agave farm. You

can tell an authentic tequila, as the bottle will have the es tate label on it. By law, tequila agave can only be grown in Jalisco.”

At Brambila’s restaurant, he stocks 100 bottles of tequila of all different ages and types.

On the menu, a wide vari ety of tacos are offered. Dos Equis XX Tacos contain fish or shrimp cooked in a Dos Equis beer batter. Tokyo Tacos have an Asian flair and include strip steak, carrots, cabbage, soy, and scallions. Diego’s Tacos contain buttermilk chicken with cabbage.

“All of our tacos are unique,” said Brambila. “They truly are signature tacos. People love them. And then there are our fajitas, made with our se cret marinade. They sell like crazy.”

Rounding out the menu is a homemade Chocolate Abueli ta Cake, made from a Mexican powder that is typically used to make hot chocolate.

Tequila’s is decorated with symbols from the Mexican

Day of the Dead, a festival in which people honor those who have passed away.

“We make a big celebra tion of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. We have a fiesta with parades, and we visit the cemeteries,” said Brambila. “This year, we held a Day of the Dead celebration here at Tequila’s. We wanted to intro duce our customers to some of our Mexican traditions.”

Brambila talked of the up coming holidays, saying that the restaurant is booking holiday parties. Tequila’s is also open for brunch on Satur days and Sundays, serving an enticing menu that is gaining popularity.

Tequila’s Mexican Cantina is located at 167 Broad Street in Hudson. Visit Tequila’s website at tequilasmexican cantina.com.

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

Eric Brambila stands at the bar of Tequila’s Mexican Cantina in Hudson.

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

‘We’ll bounce back:’ Grafton Gators fall to Duxbury in Super Bowl

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

FOXBOROUGH - The Grafton Gators fell to the Duxbury Dragons in the MIAA Division Four Super Bowl at Gillette

Stadium Dec. 2 night 42-7. “We had a great season,” said Grafton Head Coach Chris McMahon. “It’s a learning experience. We still have a lot of guys coming back for next year.”

The Gators were undefeated entering the MIAA Division Four Super Bowl, defeating Falmouth (31-0), Marlborough (31-14) and finally Foxborough (21-12) to punch their ticket to the final.

Grafton was also seeded number two in the division. Duxbury, meanwhile, was seeded number one and beat Newburyport, Middleborough and Holliston before facing off against Grafton.

Grafton entered the second half down 21-7. The Gators’ lone touchdown was made by Captain Liam Donagher.

McMahon called Duxbury “one of the best teams in the state” with both playmakers and depth in their team.

“They played hard. They played well. Hats off to them,” he said.

McMahon said, “We’ll

bounce back. We’ll get back in the weight room next Tuesday, and we’ll start building for next year. But for our seniors — phenomenal season.”

Last year, the Gators made it to the semifinals before falling to Scituate.

McMahon said the Gators were in this position in the finals because of the seniors’ effort, calling them “phenomenal.”

“We’re not going to reflect back on the season and say it was a failure,” McMahon said. “It was a success. We got here. We played a really good team. They made plays when they had to. They made plays throughout the game. It’s some time how football goes. We’ll bounce back, and we’re going to start working next week.”

Liam Donagher jumps over a Duxbury player.

Quarterback Casey Jordan throws the ball

The Duxbury Dragons work to tackle a Grafton Gator.

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

ARHS Girls Varsity Hockey skates into the season

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH - As the Al gonquin Regional High School (ARHS) girls varsity hockey team lace up their skates for the season, they will be on the ice with new faces and a new head coach.

After serving as assistant coach for five years, this season is Tina Beauchemin’s first time taking on the role of head coach.

“Hockey has been part of my life for over 48 years. This is great and I love being able to help mentor the girls and try to give them a little bit of insight and knowledge that I have had over the years,” she said.

Beauchemin added that she is excited to “carry on the vision” former head coach Mi chael Hodge had for the team.

She noted that she is excited to coach alongside assistant coach Will Downs.

“Second year assistant coach Will Downs stepped in seamlessly last season and immediately bonded with the team and shared some fresh ideas,” Beauchemin said.

Coaches ‘very impressed’ after tryouts

This season is also bringing a new group of young talent, Beauchemin said.

Last season, Algonquin won the Division II State Champi onship game with a win over Canton.

Losing nine seniors from last season will be a learn ing experience for the team, Beauchemin said.

“The team was so close and they had so much chemistry and they wanted to play for

each other and that’s why we were so successful,” she said.

She and Downs left tryouts “very impressed” with the team, Beauchemin said.

“We are looking forward to

mentoring this young group of talent and providing different perspectives and insight for their development. Perhaps we are in a rebuilding year, but we are hoping that our work

ethic and determination will carry us deep into the playoffs,” Beauchemin said.

She said players to watch out for this season are Emily Johns, Bryn Domolky, Olivia Bower, Lauren O’Malley and Kaitlin Mathews.

Among Beauchemin’s goals for the season, she hopes to build chemistry “on and off the ice” and play as a team.

“Hopefully we will be as successful as we were last sea son,” Beauchemin added.

She said this season she is confident that the players will continue their work ethic, de termination and commitment to the sport.

“Not only are our players skilled, but dedicated and com mitted and share a team con cept. We really believe we have been successful because our team culture and attitude sets us apart,” Beauchemin said.

The team is currently play ing scrimmages, including against Lincoln-Sudbury on Dec. 10.

The Titans smile for a photo with the Division II State Championship trophy.

A Canton player charges up ice despite the defense of an Algonquin opponent during the championship game.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN