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Families gather for Santa’s trip through Northborough Cold Harbor plans brewery, restaurant A raptor tale with a happy ending northborough | 2 westborough | 23 shrewsbury | 4

Locally owned and operated since 1974

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - From housing to collaborative workspace and an event venue, Northborough has received three responses to its recent request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment and reuse of White Cliffs.

The town issued the RFP in October and accepted proposals through Dec. 8.

The White Cliffs Committee met on Dec. 21 to discuss the proposals after the Community Advocate went to press.

Intergenerational housing

Metro West Collaborative Development is proposing to construct 52 units of intergenerational rental housing.

“We believe that our acquisition of the historic White Cliffs estate will create a significant community benefit by

White Cliffs | 10

SHREWSBURY - Zoe Wolfus was a straight-A student, a soccer goalie, a human rights activist and an artist. She was a daughter, a sister and a friend — who died by suicide at 16 years old in August 2020.

She would have been 19 this month.

In an interview with the Community Advocate, her parents, Greg and Danielle Wolfus, described the impact their daughter continues to have on the world.

“Zoe was just an awesome kid who was becoming an awesome adult who really just loved people,” Greg said.

Danielle said her daughter was a “very focused perfectionist” who always worked to the best of her ability.

“She was friendly, outgoing and kind — really kind,” she added.

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - An anonymous complaint led to a $1,000 fine and a threeday license suspension for the Vape City Smoke Shop at 135 Turnpike Road.

According to the Board of Health, on Thursday, Nov. 17, Public Health Director

Jennifer Sullivan and Health Inspector Maria Goncalves, in collaboration with the Tobacco Control Coalition, conducted a compliance check at Vape City. This check was initiated as a result of the receipt of an anonymous complaint.

Zoe’s parents Greg and Danielle Wolfus hold a rock.

HOTO/CAROLINE GORDON

Vape

City | 8

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Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

Fine, three-day license suspension for Vape City

Santa comes to Northborough

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - It may not be Christmas yet, but Northborough kids had a chance to see Santa as he drove through town on Dec. 17.

“It makes us feel festive,” said Mary Rose Amato.

The visit was part of an annual event started by the Northborough Recreation and Fire departments during COVID-19 to share Santa and holiday cheer with the community, according to Recreation Director Allie Lane.

“Since then, the families have looked forward to Santa driving by their homes each year,” Lane said.

As part of the event, residents were encouraged to gather at schools, parks and even in their front yard to wave at the big man in red as he drove past in a fire truck.

Amato and her two children, Ronan and Cooper, came to watch Santa at the Marion E. Zeh Elementary School, which was the first official stop on Santa’s journey.

Top: Santa waves from a Northborough fire truck.

Right: Cooper Amato waves to Santa.

Also at Zeh anticipating the arrival of Santa were Anne and Aiden English.

“Aiden is afraid to sit on Santa’s lap, but he’s not afraid to wave,” Anne English said.

After he drove past the elementary school, Santa continued his journey throughout town, including to Melican Middle School, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Proctor Elementary School, the Town Common, Assabet Park, Ellsworth McAfee Park and Memorial and Casey Field.

By Ron Ayotte Contributing Writer

MARLBOROUGH - The Marlborough Fire Department has had a very busy year, already surpassing last year’s incident total the first week of December.

But over the weekend, there were three incidents that will be a little bit “different” than the usual fire calls, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and others. They will be providing “mutual aid” to Santa Claus, who will be parking the sleigh and reindeer and riding in a fire truck.

The Santa Run started during the pandemic when lockdowns prevented many children from seeing Santa. The Marlborough Fire Department decided to help the city’s children and took Santa around town. That year, the city was split into east and west along Route 85, which bisects the city from Hudson to Southborough.

For this year, the Marlborough Fire Department decided to do it a little differently by covering the city by fire district.

Firefighter Matthew Armour is the coordinator for the 2022 Santa Run.

“We went with the district format over three nights to allow more children to see

Santa,” said Armour.

The first ‘Santa Run” was in District 1 on Dec. 16. On Dec. 17, Santa visited District 2, and on Dec. 18, he came to District 3.

Santa’s motorcade was led by Marlborough Fire’s Car 6, with Santa riding in Rescue 1, followed by Marlborough’s newest rig, Squad 1.

“People have to realize that the units may be called out to emergencies,” Armour said.

This year, residents were able to track Santa’s stops using the Glympse app.

“We will try to cover as much area as we can and return to an area if at all possible,” Armour said. “We wish our residents a happy and safe holiday season.”

Santa waves from a Marlborough fire truck.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

PHOTOS/LAURA

HAYES

The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc.,

Paul Horrigan honored as ‘Veteran of the Year’

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - Veterans’ Advisory Board member Paul Horrigan has been named the 2022 Veteran of the Year.

The board presented the award to Horrigan during the Dec. 13 Select Board meeting.

A Vietnam War veteran, Horrigan has been advocating for veterans’ programs for decades. He remains active with the Veterans’ Advisory Board, as well as with the American Legion.

“It was not done alone,” said Horrigan when he received the award.

After he graduated from Boston College, Horrigan joined the U.S. Army. He was trained to be an interpreter in California before being sent to Vietnam in 1967 as an undercover intelligence officer.

He served with the 1st Cavalry Division. He also served in Germany and South Korea. He finished his service as a captain, and his honors include a Bronze Star.

Horrigan and his wife, Pat, have lived in Westborough for nearly four decades. They raised three children in Westborough.

“I feel very blessed by it,” he said.

In addition to the award, Horrigan received citations from the state House of Representatives and the state Senate, as well as the Select Board.

“You are always there helping your fellow veterans,” said Select Board Chair Ian Johnson.

Healthy Hearts

Many scientific studies have indicated that red wine may benefit heart health. Red grape skins which are in contact with the grape juice during winemaking contain the potent polyphenol resveratrol. The resveratrol is absorbed into the juice and becomes part of the wine itself. When it is consumed, resveratrol helps prevent blood clotting and stroke and is even attributed to lowering blood pressure. Rich, earthy red wines such as Pinot Noir, Malbec, Barbera, and Petite Sirah contain the most significant amounts of resveratrol, but other reds and even rosés offer some protection from heart disease. The recommended healthy amount of red wine to consume daily is a single pour for a woman and two pours for a man.

At JULIO’S LIQUORS we offer a wide variety of fine wines, spirits, beer, and tobacco. We also have many other unique items that set us apart from the average liquor store. Our wine department carries over 3,000 labels from 16 different countries. Our beer department contains one of the largest selections of microbrews, domestics, imports, Belgians and Trappist beers, totaling over 1,000 beers in stock! For more information, please call 508-366-1942. We are located at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East HINT: White wines rarely spend time with their grape skins during processing, so they do not contain much resveratrol.

Ryan Maloney, owner

at the Select Board meeting on

A raptor tale with a happy ending – owl rescued and released

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

SHREWSBURY - John and Audrey Dalli heard a big bang just outside their Jill Circle home late on Dec. 6.

They opened the sliding door, and John Dalli found something at the foot of the door.

“I saw this big thing splayed out … it looked like a possum,” he said. “Then Audrey came in and saw it was an owl.”

They called the town’s Animal Control, who in turn told them to contact Raptor Tales Rescue (RTR) of Shrewsbury, an organization dedicated to treating and releasing raptors such as hawks and owls.

Within 10 minutes, RTR President Jessica Zorge-Perna arrived.

“I responded to the owl still down on the deck unable to fly away. I quickly netted and contained the owl to be brought back for assessment,” she said.

The barred owl — a young male that was about a year old

— suffered from head trauma, but didn’t have any fractures, said Zorge-Perna.

After a couple of days of treatment — including fluids, pain medications and a hearty meal — the owl was flight tested and placed in an outdoor aviary.

Late in the afternoon of Dec. 8, Zorge-Perna returned to the

Dallis’ home with the owl. They went to the back yard, away from the sliding door. Pointing the owl to some nearby trees, Zorge-Perna released the owl. It perched in the branches not far from the home.

Zorge-Perna estimated that the owl will “hang around” for about an hour before flying off

into the night.

Lots of owls around

The barred owl was not the only raptor making its way to the rescue. The same night, Zorge-Perna took in another owl that had been struck by a vehicle in Worcester.

“It was a great breeding sea-

son for barred owls, and we are seeing increasing numbers injured this winter, mainly hit by vehicles,” she said.

Since its incorporation, RTR has received more than 200 raptors, and it has fielded thousands of calls from the public regarding injured and orphaned wildlife.

Zorge-Perna, who’s been rescuing raptors for more than 10 years, offered the following suggestions to keep down raptor injuries:

• Do not throw food items out of your car. It attracts small animals to roadways that owls then attempt to prey upon and get hit as a result.

• Slow down. Interactions with vehicles are occurring earlier as the nights are getting longer and owls are mainly nocturnal.

• Reduce the chance of raptors hitting windows by turning off lights at night and placing clings or stickers in windows to help birds safely navigate.

• Seek alternative methods for rodent control. Rodenticides often lead to painful death for unintended targets like raptors, other wildlife animals and even household pets.

• Raptors are injured or killed by shot, glue traps, sports net entanglements (remove when not in use), fishing line entanglements (always clean up your gear).

• Use cap chimneys to prevent unwanted visitors. RTR has received many calls of owls and other animals stuck.

Raptor Tales Rescue has a rescue hotline at 978-415-9363, and a Facebook page with more information www.facebook. com/raptortalesrescue

Jessica Zorge-Perna and her daughter, Harper, with the barred owl ready for release on Dec. 8.

Jessica Zorge-Perna shows the wing of the barred owl treated and released by Raptor Tales Rescue on Dec. 8.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN

SULLIVAN

Shrewsbury holds ARPA funding forum

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - From the Walnut Street sewer pump to public safety initiatives, residents got a first look at the proposed phase two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund allocations.

The town has about $8 million to spend before Dec. 31, 2024.

According to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar, the Select Board will vote to allocate the funds during its next meeting on Dec. 20 after the Community Advocate goes to press.

What has already been spent

The town has received approximately $11.5 million in ARPA funds. The first half of the funding was released in the summer of 2021 and the second half was released last fall.

Phase one of ARPA funds were spent on tax relief, water and sewer infrastructure, public health response to the pandemic and negative economic impacts of the pandemic. These efforts totaled $3,541,508.

What is proposed

Various town departments and residents came together to attend a forum regarding phase two of the funds on Dec. 13 where Mizikar presented the six categories of funding, which he said align with the town’s strategic plan.

According to Mizikar, this fall the Select Board requested that town departments submit project funding requests for phase two of the funds.

Among those requests are upgrades to the sewer infrastructure and public safety initiatives.

The most expensive project is upgrades to the sewer infrastructure. It would allocate approximately $1.5 million to upgrade the Walnut Street Sewer Pump Station and the Walnut Street Sewer Main.

According to Water and Sewer Superintendent Daniel Rowley, the pump station “sees quite a bit of flow” and has “struggled for many years.”

In July 2021, there was a sanitary sewer overflow, which occurred because the capacity of the station was exceeded and “it couldn’t keep up with the flow,” Rowley said.

Select Board member Michelle Conlin said that the project would relieve rate increases for residents who pay sewer bills.

The town is also proposing to allocate $888,000 to fund various public safety initiatives. This includes digital speed signs, ASHER (Active Shooter Hostile Event Response) training, safety and security in school buildings, a self-contained breathing apparatus compressor, two drones, a lake patrol jet ski

and funding for four new firefighters.

Police Chief Kevin Anderson detailed the importance of the ASHER training, which would cost $100,000. It is a townwide active shooting training program that would assist police officers, firefighters and EMS workers to create a plan to join forces if they needed to respond to a shooting.

“These things are happening. So far we have had 1.7 mass shootings per day. You never want that to happen, but you want to be prepared,” Anderson said.

The other requests include

utility assistance/social safety net programs, projects to improve quality of life, an initiative to enhance engagement and communications and staff recruitment, development and performance.

Residents weigh in During the meeting, a few residents voiced their support to allocate funds for the utility assistance/social safety net and quality-of-life funding initiatives.

Among the utility and social safety net programs, the town is proposing to spend $150,000 to partner with Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO) to provide households and businesses with energy efficiency loans and grants. In total, this category calls for $425,000 in ARPA funds.

Resident Gretchen SchultzEllison, who is part of the climate action organization Tipping Point 01545, said, “I’m really gratified that the town is

going to be offering an energy efficiency upgrade program to residents.”

However, Schultz-Ellison said that $425,000 total allocated toward utility assistance/ social safety net programs is not enough because financial assistance has increased.

In total, the town is interested in allocating $4.3 million in quality-of-life initiatives, including $2.3 million to improve parks.

Resident Michael Pellini, who is the vice president of Shrewsbury Little League Girls Softball, called the quality-oflife programs “the most important” out of the six funding categories.

“Making our recreation facilities better for our children should be a top priority of the town,” he said.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Office of the Select Board and Town Manager at manager@shrewsburyma.gov or at (508) 841- 8508.

Marlborough welcomes three new firefighters

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

MARLBOROUGH - The city’s Fire Department recently welcomed three new firefighters, and it announced promotions for two more.

During the City Council meeting on Nov. 21, Fire Chief Kevin Breen presented Jesus Murillo, James Cacciapaglia and Gus Franchi to the council. They were part of a class of 28 firefighters who had recently

graduated from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program in Springfield.

Franchi is a Marine Corps veteran; Cacciapaglia served as an Army Ranger and his brother is a member of the fire department; and Murillo is a graduate of Marlborough High School and a Marine Corps veteran. He is currently a platoon sergeant with the Marine Corps Reserves.

Breen also announced that Alexander Peckham has been

promoted to captain. He has been a firefighter for 31 years, starting as a dispatcher before becoming a firefighter and lieutenant. He is currently stationed at the department’s headquarters on Maple Street.

His son, Alex, is also with the fire department.

Danny Martins was promoted to lieutenant. He has been a member of the MFD since 2018, having come over from Southborough. He is stationed at Station 3 at Boston Post Road East.

Silent night, holy night; All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and child; Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in heavenly peace.

Fire Chief Jim Vuona and Police Chief Kevin Anderson attended an ARPA forum.

PHOTO/CAROLINE GORDON

Westborough was home for the Navy’s highest-ranking officer

Navy.

By Kristina Nilson Allen History Columnist

WESTBOROUGH - When off duty from 1947 to 1949, the Chief of Naval Operations and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff could be found tending a rose garden at 9 Charles Street in Westborough.

Adm. Louis Emil Denfeld was appointed by President Harry Truman to the highestranking officer in the U.S. Navy in December 1947.

Denfeld was born at 5 Fay Street in Westborough, on April 13, 1891. He attended Westborough grammar schools and formed a life-long admiration for his sixth-grade teacher Annie Fales.

After the death of his father, Denfeld spent his high school years in Minnesota. From there he entered the U.S. Naval Acad-

emy in 1908 and graduated in 1912.

Three years later he returned to Westborough to marry his childhood sweetheart, Rachel Metcalf, in the Evangelical Congregational Church. Although they traveled worldwide, the couple always considered the Metcalf family homestead at 9 Charles Street as their permanent home.

During World War I, Denfeld saw action in the Atlantic

on anti-submarine destroyers. In 1941 he rose to the post of Assistant Chief of Staff to the Commander of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He was charged with planning safe routes for escorting convoys across the Atlantic and received the Legion of Merit with Gold Star.

From 1942 to 1945, Denfeld served as Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He received the Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional leadership in expanding the

Navy to full fighting force.

As commander of Battleship Division Nine, Denfeld directed the fire of three ultramodern battleships during the Okinawa campaign. He also supervised the refinement of radar as an effective defense weapon.

After Japan’s surrender, Denfeld returned to Washington D.C. as Chief of the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He directed the demobilization and personnel plans for the postwar

In 1947, as a four-star admiral, Denfeld headed the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was confirmed by the Senate as the 11th Chief of Naval Operations on Nov. 2, 1947.

During his tenure, Denfeld greatly improved the lot of the enlisted sailors through pay raises, broader training, and increased opportunity to become officers.

After several years, Denfeld disagreed with the policy of Truman and the Secretaries of the Navy and Defense about the future role of the Navy and its aviation program. For his principled beliefs, Denfeld was relieved of his position in late 1949 and retired in 1950.

Adm. and Mrs. Denfeld returned to their home in Westborough in 1951. Denfeld served as an advisor to Sunoco from 1950 to 1971. He died on March 28, 1972 at age 80, leaving his wife and no children.

The admiral was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 30,Grave 433).

Westborough native Louis E. Denfeld rose through the ranks of the U.S Navy over his long career, eventually becoming the Chief of Naval Operations and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Although Adm. Denfeld and his wife Rachel traveled worldwide, they always considered the family homestead at 9 Charles St. as their permanent home.

PHOTO/KRISTINA

NILSON ALLEN

PHOTO/RESTORATION BY PHIL KITTREDGE

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer

SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury students may soon be able to hit “snooze” a few more times in the near future.

The Shrewsbury School Committee is currently considering a later start to the school day for next school year.

The Sleep Health Advisory Committee has been meeting regularly throughout the fall, and the committee presented its findings to the School Committee at three separate meetings in November and December.

The committee presented two different options.

“Option A,” as the advisory committee described, involves moving the high school start time to 7:55 a.m., the middle school start time to 8:35 a.m. and the elementary school start time to 9:15 a.m.

“Option B,” on the other hand, would send middle school students to school earlier in the morning. Middle school students would start school at

7:55 a.m., high school students would start at 8:35 a.m., while elementary school students would begin at 9:15 a.m.

Sleep Research Spring Street School psychologist Laura Braun-Lush and Michael Cerio, who works in the biotech field and has two daughters in Shrewsbury schools, led the committee’s Research Task Group.

According to Cerio, the group went through scientific literature to help the committee and Shrewsbury community to make an informed decision.

The group concluded that insufficient sleep, or “sleep debt,” can negatively impact high school students in various ways, including decreased mental well-being and an increased

risk of physical disease and behavioral disorders.

The task group also noted that lack of sleep leads to an increased risk of car accidents and declining grades.

One study the task group consulted tracked the sleep of a 30,000-student school district in Denver, Colo., suggested that later school start times did not necessarily mean that students would go to bed later at night.

“What we’ve heard anecdotally… is that if you move [school] start time later, kids will stay up that much later and get the same amount of sleep. What this study indicated very clearly is that students stay up a little later – about 14 or 15 minutes later – but they actually slept 45 minutes more on average each night,” Superintendent

Joe Sawyer said, referencing the Colorado study.

In November, the School Committee conducted a survey to students, parents, caretakers and staff. A total of 3,947 people participated in the survey.

Top-rated responses from students and parents indicated that they believed school start times should be changed.

“Teens will be more energized and ready to learn,” one anonymous student wrote, “it will open them up to get the most out of their education.”

The staff feedback was more mixed.

One comment pointed out how a later start and end to the school day could affect staff schedules.

Potential impact of start time change

However, any changes to the school start time poses logistical challenges, including changes to the bus schedule.

The committee took into consideration other districts who changed their time and

those who opted against it or reverted to their original hours. It also considered how the change would impact childcare, athletics and extracurriculars.

Based on a survey of local athletic directors performed by Director of Athletics Jay Costa, there’s “a correlation exists between shifting high school times later and the possibility and likelihood of encountering more conflicts and obstacles to success.”

Athletes could have to leave class early to travel for away games, and the later departure times may lead to higher traffic and longer commutes.

Changing school start times may also mean more practices and games would be held on weekends.

Though the advisory committee presented two plans, no recommendation was made.

According to Sawyer, the School Committee will hold a public hearing on Jan. 4.

The school committee hopes to vote on the matter in early February.

“

Students stay up a little later … but they actually slept 45 minutes more on average each night.

Superintendent Joe Sawyer

Library Building Committee discusses next steps

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - The windows and roof of the Westborough Public Library still need to be replaced.

As does the electrical system. The entrances, doors and ramps are not American with Disabilities Act compliant, and the elevator needs work.

The question — with the plans for expanding and renovating the library rejected at Special Town Meeting on Dec. 10, what will be the best way to get these fixed?

That was the big discussion among the members of the Library Building Committee when it met via Zoom on Dec. 13.

“The Library Building Committee will work with [Lamoureux Pagano Associ -

ates Architects or LPAA] to define the scope for a price proposal,” Library Director Maureen Amyot.

Westborough’s library project went before Town Meeting in the fall and failed to garner the needed twothirds majority. A citizen’s petition brought it back before a Special Town Meeting ear-

lier this month where it was defeated.

Amyot said the proposal would include the cost for engineering studies and a needs assessment as well as design work for the repairs, code work and ADA upgrades.

“It won’t include the work itself, just their cost for doing all the preconstruction stud-

ies,” she said.

Amyot continued, “We would bring that price proposal number to Town Meeting, and if approved, they would complete all the studies and assessments, do the design to a level that could be estimated for costs, and do a detailed cost estimate. We would bring the cost estimate to a future Town Meeting for approval to do the renovation work.”

During the meeting, committee members discussed possible options, such as reviving the bookmobile.

Although it’s a good idea, Amyot said a bookmobile is not part of the library’s current plans.

She also rejected the idea of a separate children’s library.

“We serve all the public,” she said. “The kids keep the library hopping.”

The main consensus among the committee — holding off on repairs is not an option.

“Critical needs are critical needs,” said Amyot.

She told the committee about one instance in which one of the front windows “worked its way open,” and a maintenance worker had to go outside with a ladder and tap the window shut.

“To do nothing is not appropriate,” said Sean Keogh, who is the Select Board’s liaison to the committee.

LPAA staff members said they could prepare a price proposal in about a month. That will give committee members time to discuss the proposal and prepare it for Town Meeting.

The committee will meet again Jan. 3 at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Fine, three-day license suspension for Vape City

Vape City | from page 1 be in violation of the state’s “An Act to Modernize Tobacco Control” and a code of Massachusetts regulations that outlines the minimum standards for the retail sale of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems, which include vape pens and electronic cigarettes.

During the compliance check, the establishment was found to be in violation of:

• Offering for sale a flavored tobacco product or tobacco product flavor enhancer.

• Failure of a non-age-restricted retail establishment to maintain a record of the documentation submitted

by the manufacturer or manufacturer’s agent certifying that an unflavored nicotine delivery product has a nicotine content of 35 milligrams per milliliter or less.

• Failure to maintain a record of the documentation submitted by the manufacturer or a manufacturer’s agent certifying that such tobacco product does not meet the definition of a flavored tobacco product or tobacco product flavor enhancer and that the product lacks any characterizing.

During this compliance check, approximately $40,000 worth of illegal product stored

in the back room was located.

The owner of the establishment, Asim Jamal, admitted to selling these products. He has been fined $1,000 and received a suspension of the tobacco license for three days. The amount of illegal product confiscated meets the criteria of criminal charges with the Department of Revenue.

The Health Department confiscated all illegal products and will be turning it over to the Department of Revenue.

Vape City opened its first store in 2013, and currently has five locations, Marlborough, Holliston, Walpole, Taunton and Westborough.

With expansion plans off the table, the Westborough Public Library’s Building Committee will work on a price proposal for spring Town Meeting.

Vape City is located at 135 Turnpike Road.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Saint John’s student appointed to Shrewsbury DEIB Committee

resa Flynn seconded Casavant’s nomination.

Flynn said she “really appreciated” his story of being born to immigrant parents and his desire to embrace diversity.

Select Board members John Samia and Michelle Conlin nominated Goel, who is a junior at Shrewsbury High School. Samia said he appreciated

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - The newlyestablished Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (DEIB) welcomed a student as a member Nov. 15.

Four junior high school students who are all residents of Shrewsbury applied for a spot on the committee, including Yaa Amponsah, Shivam Goel, George Hanna and Laura Lee.

During a Select Board meeting on Nov. 15, the board ultimately voted 3-2 for Hanna to join the committee.

Hanna, who is a junior at Saint John’s High School and a first generation U.S. citizen of Egyptian descent, said he is “incredibly grateful” to be elected and excited to “contribute as much as possible.”

“Being a contributor to the community has been a goal of mine for a long time, so now being on this committee, I can’t help but be eager to be a part of something larger than myself,” Hanna said.

The committee, which was approved by the Select Board Aug. 23, aims to foster an environment that embraces diversity. The committee will be made up of seven members, including one high school junior or senior.

Select Board member Beth Casavant said the decision to appoint one out of the four students was “very, very difficult.”

“I was blown away by the resumes, cover letters and the interest from the four high school students. I would love to appoint all four of them,” she said.

Casavant nominated Hanna.

Select Board member The -

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

George

Goel’s desire to “see all types of people from all walks of life.”

“We are really lucky to have had the interest we had here and to have these young people in our community,” Conlin said. “I wish we could appoint all four of them, but I hope this is not the last we see these names and I am really looking forward to seeing where they go.”

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Downeast

“I would love to appoint all four of them”

Saint John’s student George Hanna will be joining the town’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.

“

Being a contributor to the community has been a goal of mine for a long time … I can’t help but be eager to be a part of something larger than myself.

Hanna Saint John’s student

Apartments, event venue among proposals for White Cliffs

providing new 100% affordable rental housing units for Northborough, while at the same time preserving the landmark mansion for the enjoyment by future generations through a preservation restriction and application of historic tax credits,” the proposal said.

The first floor of White Cliffs

would be preserved and used for community gatherings, which could also be used by development residents as a secondary common area when they’re not occupied.

The second and third floor would become three or four residential units, “bringing the structure back to its intended use as a home,” the proposal said.

A new multifamily building, spanning 15,000 square feet and three stories, would be constructed in the back of the property.

Seventeen of the units would be one-bedroom, and there would be 20 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom.

Metro West is projecting that the development may bring between 12 to 28 school-age children to town.

According to proposal, the permitting for the project would typically be as a “friendly” 40B. Metro West said they would work with town staff and residents to generate support, though they noted that Northborough may consider zoning changes following the recent MBTA Community Zoning.

Collaborative workspace and venue

The proposal from Historic Artifact Preservation Organization would use the mansion as collaborative workspace and an event venue while also restoring the mansion and grounds for public use.

“The preservation and redevelopment of the White Cliffs Property for the public and community use and benefit is the underlying objective of our White Cliffs Downtown Collaborative Workspace and Venue Proposal,” it said.

The first floor of the mansion would be open to the public for gatherings, meeting spaces and education. The second and third floors would be used for private offices, collaborative workspaces and meeting rooms, and the basement would support the collaborative workspaces and venue.

The proposers also plan to

construct a “scaled down” replica of the original greenhouse that was on the property until the 1920s along with the installation of a public “grand country estate style” garden.

According to the proposal, the main aspect of the Downtown Collaborative Workspace are 15 sustainable accessory units that would be installed and come in five designs – four food service units, four makerspace units, four art studio units, two office units and one brewery unit.

The grounds would include public walking trails and flower gardens along with public parking, picnic area and a community pavilion and garden.

According to their proposal, money generated from the lease and use of the property and grounds would be used to fund preservation efforts and the site’s operating expenses.

Brewery, and apartments and condos

A third proposal is by Downeast Residential.

According to their proposal, Downeast Residential is seeking to construct between 110 to 160 apartments on the property, which would be a mix of rentals and condos for sale with

two, three and four bedrooms. About 10% of the units would be affordable.

“The exact number of units would not be known until much further along in the process, and depend on what engineers and architects are able to reasonably fit on the property considering parking, utility upgrades, and potentially a traffic light on Main Street,” the proposal said.

As part of their project, Downeast would seek a zoning waiver or overlay district to encompass the property to allow for more dense residential uses.

Downeast proposed to construct several amenities, including a fitness center, indoor pool and community space.

Further, the developer said there may be a “multitude of different commercial uses for the existing building,” though they intend to seek the operator of a brewery who may also want a restaurant. The second floor, they said, may be part of it or as a separate coffee shop.

Downeast would hire a landscape architect, who would present a plan to “bring the greenery back to life.” Further, they suggested a public biking system, which they said would be a way for people to bike from White Cliffs to downtown.

The White Cliffs mansion stands off Main Street in Northborough.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Developers make changes to proposed Hyundai dealership

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - The developers behind a proposed Hyundai dealership in Westborough presented the Planning Board with several changes to their plans.

TTHY Westborough LLC hopes to convert 180-182 Turnpike Road — which combined would be a total of a 9.34-acre site — into the dealership.

Many of the updates came in response to concerns by residents of The Villages at Walker Meadows, which is behind the site, who had voiced concerns regarding lighting, snow removal and noise.

“I’m pleased to see the effort made,” said Board of Trustees Chairperson Wayne Webster.

Among the changes, the developers will move the dumpster to the front of the site near Turnpike Road. Further, they would install screening around the fueling station and plant 18-foot-tall evergreens to screen light and noise.

Wayne Webster Villages at Walker Meadows Board of Trustees Chairperson

As part of their plans, the developers have proposed the construction of a 46,843-squarefoot building with a two-level parking deck. As part of the changes, the second floor of the parking deck will be fully enclosed and there will be a wall at the top of the deck.

Additionally, the light poles on the deck will be 13 feet and 6 inches with the headlamps turned away from Walker Meadow.

The developers will also reorient the carwash, have a total of six electric vehicle charging stations for public use and provide an easement for a half mile of the Boston Worcester Air

Line Trail.

“I’m happy to see that,” said Planning Board member Jon Pezzoni of the proposed changes.

To give Walker Meadows residents a chance to respond to the updates, the public hearing has been continued to Dec. 20 after the Community Advocate goes to press..

Stone Inc.

The Planning Board also held a public hearing on 80 Turnpike Road, where Stone Inc. intends to convert that building into a retail site for stone.

This would include stone cutting, which would take place inside the building. That

still drew a complaint from a resident of nearby Hundreds Road.

“I am extremely concerned about the noise and dust,” said James Sullivan. “I am opposed to [this kind of use] of this property.”

Building Commissioner Fred Lonardo said the building has been used for manufacturing in the past.

The public hearing has been continued to Dec. 20 so that officials can conduct a site visit.

Village Commons

Farooq Ansari, developer for Village Commons, presented preliminary plans to add 18 units to the site on Gleason Street.

The units, all condominiums, could be 18 townhouses or 15 units in one building, with three townhouses. There would be four affordable units.

While Planning Board Chairman Mark Silverberg called the early plans “adequate,” he was adamant about Ansari completing Village Commons before

starting the new units.

Several residents of Village Commons spoke about the incomplete Village Commons project, and how the prospect of two-three more years of construction “has scared us beyond belief.”

One resident said, “The community is still in flux. There’s a porta-potty in front of my house.”

Silverberg said that the plans were still “very preliminary,” and the board has “every intention of listening to the neighbors.”

The proposed addition to Village Commons is part of an exchange for another proposed development. Should the town approve plans for the additional units, Ansari would drop plans for developing 180-192 Oak St., and the site would go to the town.

Town Planner Jim Robbins has requested that Ansari provide a free and clear title to the Oak Street site.

The public hearing has been continued to Dec. 20.

Mass

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“

I’m pleased to see the effort made.

Zoe’s Rocks continue to make a difference PEOPLE PLACES&

Zoe enjoyed staying busy and was “always up for an adventure.” She even planned a trip to Iceland for her family a year before she died, according to her parents.

“Zoe loved to travel and loved new cultures. She always wanted to meet people,” Greg said.

brary, which was in view of her bedroom window, where she frequently watched neighbors grab books and rocks.

Zoe decorated her rocks with Black Lives Matter messages and used her newfound artistic outlet to “speak up for the voices that are not heard as much.”

“She put them [the rocks] in the library to spread a message about love,” Greg said.

tal health issues,” he said.

Alperson’s creative way of remembering Zoe motivated some of her other friends and residents of Shrewsbury to paint “Zoe’s Rocks” — starting a movement of delivering the rocks around the globe.

The Wolfuses still paint

“Zoe’s Rocks.” They leave the rocks at Prospect Park, where residents pick them up before they travel.

Among the many places residents have left “Zoe’s Rocks” are Morocco, Portugal and Mount Kilimanjaro, according to her parents.

“There’s even one at the bottom of the ocean in a coral reef. They are just everywhere at this point,” Danielle said.

Greg said, “Zoe wanted to go everywhere and see all of these places. When I see the rocks travel, I feel a little bit like she’s there.”

The pandemic was difficult for Zoe as she did not have as many activities to keep her busy. Her parents said she became isolated from the world.

However, Zoe took comfort in building a little free library, which she filled with her favorite books, as well as painting kindness rocks with her family.

Greg said that Zoe added her rocks to the little free li-

After Zoe died, Greg said her childhood best friend Brian Alperson began painting rocks in her honor and created a rock website in memory of her.

Alperson said Zoe’s death has impacted him “in a huge way.”

“She was not just a friend. She was a great friend, and the first one I ever made. I continue to share her story through Zoe’s Rocks as well as just trying to help people out with their men-

Westborough welcomes the arrival of Hanukkah

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - The Chabad Center and Congregation B’nai Shalom joined Jewish congregations around the world in marking the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The Chabad Center on South Street lit a menorah on the Rotary about one hour before sundown. They held a celebration afterward at the center.

At Congregation B’nai Shalom on East Main Street, about 200 people attended an outdoor celebration that included doughnuts, hot chocolate and fire pits.

There was also plenty of live music in front of the big menorah, including Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz who took part in a rap retelling of the Hanukkah story.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C., after the Maccabees drove out their Greek-Syrian oppressors. After the temple was

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John P. Ouano, D.M.D.

Wael Youseff, D.M.D.

Jennifer Frangos, D.D.S.

Mitchell Loo, D.M.D.

Monika Patel, D.D.S.

Elliot Honig, left, lights the first candles of the menorah to mark the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 18. Honig is a member of the Chabad Center, which erected a menorah at the Rotary.

cleansed after it had been used as a temple to the Greek god Zeus, and it was time to light the menorah, they found enough oil for only one night. The oil lasted eight nights — enough time to make a fresh supply of oil.

This year, Hanukkah (which means “dedication” in Hebrew) will be celebrated until the evening of Monday, Dec. 26.

The event included appearances from state Sen. Michael Moore and state Rep.-elect Kate Donaghue.

This marks just two of the Hanukkah celebrations taking place across the region this year. In Northborough, the Community Affairs Committee will be holding a menorah lighting on Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. on Blake Street.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

“I feel ... like she’s there”

Scout becomes first female Eagle Scout from ARHS

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH - An Eagle Scout ceremony in the fall marked a significant milestone — Ariella Zalev became the first female Eagle Scout from Algonquin Regional High School.

Her scouting career began before girls were allowed to become scouts, watching her brothers’ scouting journeys and joining them on trips and at events like the Pinewood Derby.

The Boy Scouts of America later announced that girls would be able to join the scouts starting in 2019, and Zalev joined Troop 823 shortly after.

She said that scouting allowed weekly time for her and her friends to become better people in some way, shape or form. Over her career, she held several leadership positions in Troop 823, including as scribe, quartermaster, assistant senior

patrol leader, senior patrol leader and junior assistant scoutmaster. She also joined the Order of the Arrow.

“I know it must be hard for new scouts to see yourself achieving the rank of Eagle Scout since all you hear is the chunk of requirements that you need to do to become it,” Zalev said.

She continued, “However, what they don’t tell you is that Eagle Scout is just a version of yourself waiting to get out and you only need some guidance and motivation.”

Eagle Scout project

The goal of Zalev’s Eagle Scout project was to stock the Southborough Food Pantry

with first aid and hygiene supplies. She was inspired to do the project after she realized how expensive these items are during a trip to the store.

During the ceremony, Dianne Simmons said the food pantry was “very grateful” to be the recipient of Zalev’s Eagle Scout project.

“The need for food pantries

across America has never been greater than it is here today in 2022,” Simmons said.

As part of her project, Zalev created flyers that were shared across Southborough Facebook groups and schools and through email. She worked with local companies to secure donations, and she held a car wash fundraiser to be able to both purchase supplies and donate money to the pantry.

Donations were dropped off at her house. Zalev then began to sort the donations before they were ultimately transported to the Southborough Food Pantry.

Simmons praised Zalev’s “energetic hard work” along with her communication and leadership skills and teamwork.

“She saw that more than just the food that they’re able to put on the table there were other needs — needs for first aid supplies, needs for personal care items, needs for health products,” Simmons said.

Our Taking Care program is designed to provide short-term stabilization and resolution to adults suffering from a crisis or exacerbation of their mental health disorder. Self-Care leads to a better quality of life and maintains well-being. Our program allows you to receive treatment while still maintaining an active lifestyle at school, work or in your community.

Ariella Zalev poses for a photo with her family after her Eagle Scout ceremony.

Ariella Zalev’s mother places a bolo tie around her neck.

PHOTOS/LAURA

HAYES

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – After tying the game in the third period and going into over time, the Shrewsbury boys hockey team fell against Andover High School.

“I thought we did well. We played really well,” said Coach Rich Grant. “We worked hard. [It’s] the second game of the season. Last year, that team beat us pretty good, and I thought we hung on there. I thought we played pretty well tonight.”

Andover and Shrewsbury went head-to-head on Dec. 17 at NorthStar Ice Sports in Westborough. The Colonials tied the game in the third, but ultimately fell 3-2.

In their first game of the season earlier that week, Shrewsbury beat Billerica 4-1.

When asked about the Colonials goals for the season, Grant

said the Colonials want to do well in the league.

In the short-term, Grant said Shrewsbury goal is to “stay in it,” while the team’s long-term goal is to make the playoffs and go as far as possible.

“We want to finish at the top. We want to make playoffs,” he said.

Additionally, Shrewsbury hopes to continue to grow its

hockey program. Grant noted that a lot of its players are young.

“We’ve got a good, fast, talented team,” he said.

After this loss against Andover, Grant hopes the Colonials take away that they can play against whoever is on their schedule.

“It’s a good team. They did well last year,” Grant said. “My hope is that we gain confidence

as the season goes on.”

He continued, “Halfway through the period, I’m like, we’re going to win more than we lose this year because it’s a good group of kids. They work

hard.”

The Colonials will be playing against Chelmsford on Dec. 21 at the Chelmsford Forum.

Chelmsford stands 1-1 on the season.

Shrewsbury and Andover hockey players race toward the puck. The teams faced off against each other on Dec. 17 at NorthStar Ice Sports.

Marlborough

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

MARLBOROUGH - The Marlborough boys varsity basketball team defeated Westborough 55-53 on their home court Dec. 16.

“We got the win, that’s what’s most important,” said Marlborough head coach Graham Asum.

The team came out strong in the first half, but Asum said the Panthers began to “feel the pressure” in the second half.

He noted that the team will work on handling the pressure and he will place players in their strongest positions.

Asum called Westborough “a good team” against whom the Panthers always “battle.”

While Asum was a student at Marlborough High School, he played against Westborough who was coached by the current head coach Brian Willard.

“Brian Willard is a great coach, he’s tremendous. He does a great job with the guys,

he gets them to play hard all of the time and it is always fun to play against him,” Asum said.

He added that “things have come full circle” because he played against Willard as an athlete and now as a coach.

“It’s funny because we will go and talk and it’s funny

how time flies. It’s fun to see it though. I think all of these coaches are happy to see me running the program now,” Asum said.

Willard reflected on Westborough’s loss, noting that “he doesn’t feel good about any losses.”

However, it was the first game of the season for the Rangers, who Willard said are a young group that “is still figuring out who they are as a team.”

“We showed a lot of good things. We were down early, but we made a very, very good

comeback, so that’s something I guess we can go by,” he said.

“We didn’t quit. We just fell a little bit short,” Willard added.

Marlborough senior captain Jason Knollenberg said his team “came out strong” in the first quarter, but “slacked on defense” toward the end.

“But, we executed and we got the win,” Knollenberg said.

Knollenberg believes this season will be successful for the Panthers because of the hard work they put into practice. He said the team will “take each day as it comes,” but the Panthers are aiming to qualify for the state championship.

However, Asum said, “That’s [the state championship] too far ahead. For me, it’s just about beating Nashoba on Tuesday.”

Senior Sean Deneen credited the win to team effort, noting that “everyone stepped up.”

“We did what we needed to do,” he added.

A Westborough player dribbles past a Marlborough player.

A Marlborough player gets ready to make a pass during the game against Westborough.

PHOTOS/CAROLINE GORDON

HOMES MORE&

Lisa Y. Shaw Broker Associate

Ring in the New Year!

With the holiday season wrapping up, what’s to be expected in 2023 for the housing market?

508-826-7661

lisasells@remaxexec.com www.lisashawsells.com

The NAR (National Association of Realtors) reported that interest rates doubled from the 3rd quarter of 2021 to the 3rd quarter of 2022, ringing the average rate for a 30 year fixed from 2.9 to 6%. That is forecasted to remain pretty consistent throughout 2023 fluctuating between 6-6.6 throughout the year and finishing 2023 right around 6%. While the buyer pool is still very strong, these rates of course have affected the number of homes sold throughout the year. This decline started just under 5% in Q1 and rose to almost 10% in Q2. The decline I number of homes sold per month is expected to be almost 25% once the year end numbers

are in. The good news is that the forecasted numbers are expected to improve over 2023 and the NAR suggests we will see a positive number by the end of 2023 with an almost 5% increase. New construction and multi family units sold are expected to follow a similar trend throughout 2023 as well.

How will this change affect home sale prices? Well yes as you may have guessed, likely in a similar pattern. While home sale prices have been increasing fairly drastically (20% in a lot of cases YOY) since 2019, the beginning of 2022 started with prices almost 15% over last years and as we closed out Q3 we were seeing prices that

were only about 8% more than last year. That percentage is forecasted to continue to drop throughout the year and we’re expected to see no more than a 2% price increase over last year as we finish out 2023.

That’s a lot of numbers to roll around in your head and unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future. I do think it will be a more balanced market and while prices will still remain at all-time highs, there will be more room for negotiation and contingencies and some of the pressure of the previous years will be reduced. If you’re thinking of selling it’s best to get the advice of a professional realtor and your accountant, having the right team is always the safest best having experts work on your behalf is absolutely in your best

interest. Cheers to an amazing 2023 ahead! For more market updates, feel free to reach out: email- lisasells@remaxexec. com Instagram @lisashawsells or call me 508 826-7661

Kelly Lizotte at Rhome Mortgage, 508 523-6409, kelly@ rhomemortgage.com or Brian Tankersley VP and Sales manager at Security First Mortgage Lending, 508 853-3000 x230, btank@securityfirstmf.com You can also check out the details online at www.mymasshome.org Bottom line is that’s it’s a new season in the real estate market and changes are happening. Nothing that will stop people from buying and selling just different ways to do it. Please feel free to email or call me with any questions you may have, lisasells@remaxexec.com 508 826-7661.

POLICE FIRE&

Police arrest Worcester man after foot chase

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - A suspect fleeing on foot resulted in Shrewsbury police arresting a Worcester man.

Jordan Nelson, 20, was arrested on two outstanding felony warrants and resisting arrest.

At approximately 1:42 p.m. on Dec. 13, Shrewsbury police received a 911 call from a resident who lives on Lake Street. In a

press release, police said that the call was disconnected before the dispatcher could learn what was the problem.

When officers arrived at the scene, they later reported that a man — allegedly Nelson — fled out of a side window when he saw police. Nelson then fled on foot, and Shrewsbury police said they learned his identity and discovered that he had “multiple” warrants out for his arrest.

Additional officers arrived

and began searching the area, and police requested K-9 units.

Police said an officer shortly spotted Nelson near the intersection of Route 140 and Melody Lane. When officers ordered him to stop, Nelson fled through several yards and over a fence, according to police.

Police apprehended Nelson near the intersection of Route 140 and Turning Leaf Circle, and he was taken into custody “after a brief struggle,” officers said.

Worcester sheriff warns about recent phone scams

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Reporter

REGION - Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis is warning residents about a recent phone scam in which the caller claims they are a sheriff’s office employee and tells victims that there is an arrest warrant in their name or the name of a loved one.

To avoid going to jail, the caller tells the individual that they need to pay a fine. Other popular phone scams involve claims of missed jury duty that also results in fines.

The sheriff’s office has now received numerous reports of phone scams.

POLICE LOG

In some cases, the scammer identifies himself as an officer of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and then asks for money to clear up a warrant. In some instances, the caller requests that payments be made in the form of gift certificates. The caller will then have the victim remain on the line the entire time until the victim purchases the gift certificates and relays specific financial information from the gift certificate to the caller.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office encourages people to be aware of calls like this and to never give personal or financial information over the phone to

anyone whom you didn’t call yourself.

“Our department does not contact residents and demand payment or ask for credit card information. Today’s scam artists are always testing new tactics. Residents need to beware of any unsolicited calls that ask for their personal or financial information,” said Evangelidis. “These callers can sound convincing, may be aggressive, and try to intimidate you with threats of jail time or steep fines. We encourage anyone who gets a suspicious call to hang up and contact their associated institutions directly to verify any requests.”

Police arrest two men after foot chase

By Caroline Gordon Reporter

SHREWSBURY - Two men have been arrested following a foot chase Dec. 15 in Shrewsbury.

Luis Santos, 56, of Worcester, was arrested and charged with failing to stop for police, operating with a suspended license (subsequent offense), possession of a Class B substance, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, conspiracy, resisting arrest and multiple civil motor vehicle violations.

Victor Delgado, 47, of Roxbury, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class B substance, conspiracy and resisting arrest.

At approximately 1:27 a.m., Shrewsbury police attempted to stop a blue 2006 Toyota Scion on Hartford Turnpike for operating with an expired registration. The vehicle failed to stop and attempted to flee,

according to a Shrewsbury police press release.

The vehicle allegedly fled from Hartford Turnpike onto 140 Northbound, then onto Main Street Westbound, onto I-290 West. The vehicle then exited I-290 onto Lincoln Street in Worcester, and proceeded onto Country Club Boulevard in Worcester.

Santos, who was reportedly operating the vehicle, and Delgado then jumped out of the vehicle, while it was still moving, and fled on foot.

Delgado was quickly taken into custody by Shrewsbury police. Officers chased Santos on foot through the yards of Lincoln Village Apartments and took him into custody as he attempted to enter an apartment.

This is the second arrest Shrewsbury police have made following a foot chase this week.

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

Shrewsbury

Saturday, Dec. 10

4:12 a.m. Arrested, Boniface Thuo Kibe, 40, of 43 Nutmeg Dr., Worcester, for OUI liquor, child endangerment while OUI.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

1:47 a.m. Arrested, Michael B. Cole, 29, of 21 Flagler Dr., Apt. A, Holden, for poss Class B w/intent to distribute (cocaine only).

Thursday, Dec. 15

1:27 a.m. Arrested, Victor Manuel Delgado, 47, of 291 Eustis St., Roxbury, for possession Class B substance, resisting arrest, conspiracy, and Luis M. Santos, 56, of 5 Clapp St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for resisting arrest, conspiracy, possession Class B substance, speeding in violation special regulation, marked lanes violation, unregistered vehicle, no inspection sticker, fail to stop/ yield, right on red prohib violation, improper operation of motor vehicle, op MV with license suspended, fail to stop for police, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger).

3:26 a.m. Arrested, Christina Cruz, 39, of 46 Richard St., Worcester, for possession Class B substance, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, and Kathleen A. Liberty, 52, of 1331 Main St., Worcester, for possession Class B substance, manufacture Class A substance, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, warrant (8 cts).

6:25 p.m. Arrested, William Scott McElhaney Jr., 38, of 3 Commonwealth Ave., Hopkinton, for vandalize

property.

Marlborough

Thursday, Dec. 8

11:02 a.m. Arrested, Kevyn Andrew Medeiros Ferreira, 19, of 54 River St., Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended, number plate missing. Monday, Dec. 12

6:39 a.m. Arrested, Jonathan Braga Monteiro, 44, of 11 Kirby St., Marlborough, for true warrant/warrant management system (3 cts), vandalize property.

Westborough

Thursday, Dec. 8

8:06 p.m. Arrested , Matthew J. Drasser, 40, of 1 Corning Fairbanks Way, Apt. 107, Westborough, for OUIliquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, use electronic device while operating MV 1st offense. Friday, Dec. 9

10:41 p.m. Arrested, Henry Timothy Arsenault, 66, of 227 North St., Leominster, for OUI-liquor or .08% 3rd offense, leave scene of property damage, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

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.

LEGAL NOTICES

HUDSON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petition

#2022-13

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, January 12, 2023 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Acts 2022 extending remote meeting provisions of Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, this meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board will be conducted fully-remote. Specific information for remote participation will be included on the agenda.

At this time the Board of Appeals will hear the request of C.C.S, Trust, Manuel Santos, Trustee to obtain a Special Permit pursuant to Sections 5.3.2.1 and 5.1.6.1, and a variance pursuant to Section 5.2.4 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws to convert the use of the premises to a six (6) multi-unit residential use at 17 School Street. 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, online at http:// go.boarddocs.com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CL6M72587B8F and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson. org.

Mauro, Clerk Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. M122P5041EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Middlesex North Division Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Carol G. Ferland

Date of Death: August 21. 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Mark A. Ferland of Franklin, MA

A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Mark A. Ferland of Franklin, 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 from 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.

MARLBOROUGH

PUBLIC NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

PROJECT: Wayside Crossing Shopping Plaza Improvements

LOCATION: 661 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA

PROPONENT: Aubuchon Realty Company, Inc. The undersigned is submitting an Environmental Notification Form (“ENF”) to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs on or before 12/5/2022

This will initiate review of the above project pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (“MEPA,” M.G.L. c. 30, ss. 61-62L).

Copies of the ENF may be obtained from: Bohler, Attn: Matt Bombaci, 352 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA, 508-480-9900, mbombaci@bohlereng.com

Electronic copies of the ENF are also being sent to the Conservation Commission and Planning Board of Marlborough.

The Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs will publish notice of the ENF in the Environmental Monitor, receive public comments on the project, and then decide if an Environmental Impact Report is required. A site visit and/or remote consultation session on the project may also be scheduled. All persons wishing to comment on the project, or to be notified of a site visit and/or remote consultation session, should email MEPA@mass.gov or the MEPA analyst listed in the Environmental Monitor. Requests for language translation or other accommodations should be directed to the same email address. Mail correspondence should be directed to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Attention: MEPA Office, referencing the above project.

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AVISO PÚBLICO DE REVISIÓN AMBIENTAL

PROYECTO: Mejoras de Wayside Crossing Shopping Plaza

UBICACIÓN: 661 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA

PROPONENTE: Aubuchon Realty Company, Inc. El abajo firmante presentará un formulario de notificación ambiental (“ENF”) al Secretario de Energía y Asuntos Ambientales el día 15 de diciembre de 2023.

Esto iniciará la revisión del proyecto anterior en conformidad con la Ley de Política Ambiental de Massachusetts (“MEPA”, Ley General de Massachusetts [M.G.L.], capítulo 30, secciones 61-62L). Se pueden obtener copias del ENF en: Bohler, Attn: Matt Bombaci, 352 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA, 508-480-9900, mbombaci@bohlereng.com

También se enviarán copias electrónicas del ENF a la Comisión de Conservación y la Junta de Planificación de Marlborough.

El Secretario de Energía y Asuntos Ambientales publicará un aviso del ENF en Environmental Monitor, recibirá comentarios públicos sobre el proyecto y luego decidirá si se requiere un informe de impacto ambiental. También se puede programar una visita al sitio o una sesión de consulta remota sobre el proyecto. Todas las personas que deseen hacer comentarios sobre el proyecto, o ser notificados de una visita al sitio o una sesión de consulta remota, deben enviar un correo electrónico a MEPA@ mass.gov o al analista de MEPA que figura en Environmental Monitor. Las solicitudes de traducción de idiomas u otras adaptaciones deben enviarse a la misma dirección de correo electrónico. La correspondencia por correo debe dirigirse a Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Attention: MEPA Office, haciendo referencia al proyecto anterior.

By Por

AVISO PÚBLICO DE REVISÃO AMBIENTAL

PROJETO: Melhorias no Wayside Crossing Shopping Plaza

LOCAL: 661 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA

PROPONENTE: Aubuchon Realty Company, Inc O(A) signatário(a) está enviando, pelo presente documento, um Formulário de notificação ambiental (“ENF”) a(o) Secretário(a) de Energy & Environmental Affairs (Questões Ambientais e de Energia) no dia 15/12/2023.

Isso iniciará a revisão do projeto mencionado acima de acordo com a Lei de Política Ambiental de Massachusetts (“MEPA”, L.G.M. c. 30, ss. 61-62L). Cópias do ENF podem ser obtidas com: Bohler, Attn: Matt Bombaci, 352 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA, 508-480-9900, mbombaci@bohlereng.com

Cópias eletrônicas do ENF também estão sendo enviadas à Comissão de Conservação e ao Conselho de Marlborough.

O(A) Secretário(a) de Energy & Environmental Affairs publicará o aviso do ENF no Monitor ambiental, receberá os comentários públicos sobre o projeto e, depois, decidirá se um Relatório de impacto ambiental é necessário.

Uma visita ao local e/ou sessão de consulta remota sobre o projeto também poderá ser agendada. Todas as pessoas que desejem comentar sobre o projeto, ou serem avisadas de uma visita ao local e/ou sessão de consulta remota, devem enviar um e-mail para: MEPA@ mass.gov ou para o(a) analista do MEPA listado(a) no Monitor ambiental. Solicitações de interpretação ou outras acomodações devem ser direcionadas para o mesmo endereço de e-mail. A correspondência postal deve ser direcionada para: Secretary of Energy & En-

vironmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Atenção: MEPA Office, referenciando o projeto acima.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

MARLBOROUGH BOARD OF HEALTH

The Marlborough Board of Health will conduct a public hearing regarding proposed Regulations for the Minimum Standards for Human Habitation, Food Establishments, and On-Site Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems. The hearing will occur on January 9, 2023, at 6:30 PM, at City Hall, 140 Main Street, Council Committee Meeting Room, 1st Floor, Marlborough, MA, 01752. Copies of the proposed regulation can be obtained from the Marlborough Board of Health office, City Hall, 140 Main Street, Lower level, Marlborough, MA 01752 during regular business hours or call 508.460.3751. Drafts of the proposed regulations are provided below for convenience.

Street, Map 52, Parcel 88, in the Residential C Zoning District and Groundwater Protection Overlay District Area 3. Applications and plans, prepared by Gale Associates, Inc., are on file at the Town Clerk’s office, Planning office and may be viewed on the Planning Department webpage at https://www.town.northborough. ma.us/planning-department/pages/projectsunder-review-planning-board

Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency, signed into law on June 16, 2021, as amended by Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022, this meeting will be conducted via remote participation.  No in-person attendance by members of the public will be permitted. To participate in the public comment portions of this meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, please click this URL to join: https://town-northborough-ma-us.zoom. us/j/82546102224 Passcode: 155770 Or Telephone: 301-715-8592 Webinar ID: 825 4610 2224 Passcode: 155770

SHREWSBURY

LEGAL NOTICE

ulators and Related for the Town of Shrewsbury Clerks Office, comparative judgments of technical factors, in addition to price, will be necessary. This proposal is being sought to insure that the best services available for Electronic Optical Scanning Vote Tabulators and Related are received by the Town of Shrewsbury and its employees at competitive costs.

Proposals are due no later than 2:00 P.M. on January 24, 2023

Kevin J. Mizikar, Town Manager Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building 100 Maple Ave Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Electronic Copy to: KMizikar@ShrewsburyMA.gov

Any questions or comments should be directed, by email, to Sharyn Thomas, Town Clerk, Town of Shrewsbury, at sthomas@shrewsburyma.gov no later than January 10, 2023, EOB (4:30 PM). Any communication received after this date will not be addressed.

WORCESTER

Regulations

for the Minimum Standards for Human Habitation, Food Establishments, and On-Site Sewage Treatment

& Disposal Systems

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, section 31 and any other enabling law, the Marlborough Board of Health adopts the following regulation. The purpose of this regulation is to protect residents, businesses, and public health within the City of Marlborough.

Article I: Minimum Standards for Human Habitation

105 CMR 410.000 MINIMUM STANDARDS OF FITNESS FOR HUMAN HABITATION (STATE SANITARY CODE, CHAPTER II), as may be amended, is hereby adopted by reference and shall apply.

Article II: Minimum Standards for Food Establishments

105 CMR 590.000 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS (STATE SANITARY CODE, CHAPTER X), as may be amended, is hereby adopted by reference and shall apply.

Article III: Minimum Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems

310 CMR 15.000 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUBSURFACE DISPOSAL OF SANITARY SEWAGE (STATE ENVIRONMENTAL CODE, TITLE V), as may be amended, is hereby adopted by reference and shall apply.

Article IV: Enforcement and Penalties

The provisions of the above-referenced regulations of the Commonwealth shall be enforceable by the Marlborough Board of Health and its agents as provided by law. A violation of said regulations may also be enforced as a violation of the above regulations of the Board of Health, and for purposes of non-criminal disposition pursuant to MGL c. 40, s. 21D, the enforcing agent shall be the Board of Health and its agents including the Director of Public Health, and the specific penalty amount shall be in accordance with the Code of the City of Marlborough Chapter 315-2 Noncriminal Disposition.

James Griffin, Chairman

NORTHBOROUGH

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NORTHBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD

In accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 40A, Section 9, the Northborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on January 3, 2023 at 6:00pm to consider the application for Site Plan Approval submitted by the Northborough & Southborough Public School District for the replacement of two existing athletic fields, a track, 9 tennis courts, spectator seating, lighting and construction of associated improvements at the athletic complex on the property located at 79 Bartlett

The Town of Shrewsbury has determined that in order to select the most advantageous proposal for the consolidation and improvement of a Primary Address Table (PAT) for the Town of Shrewsbury, comparative judgments of technical factors, in addition to price, will be necessary. This proposal is being sought to ensure that the best services available for the PAT and Related items are received by the Town of Shrewsbury and its employees at competitive costs.

Proposals are due no later than 2:00 P.M. on January 31, 2023

Kevin J. Mizikar, Town Manager Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building 100 Maple Ave Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Electronic Copy to KMizikar@ShrewsburyMA.gov

Any questions or comments should be directed, by email, to Ruth Anderson, Principal Assessor (randerson@shrewsburyma.gov) by ten (10) Business Days PRIOR TO DUE DATE ABOVE (January 17, 2023). Any communication received after this date will not be addressed.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE RFP

The Town of Shrewsbury has determined that in order to select the most advantageous proposal for Electronic Optical Scanning Vote Tab-

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

Docket No. WO22P4155EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court

Worcester Division

Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Susan Goellner

Date of Death: August 6, 2022

To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Michael W. Goellner of Marlborough, MA

A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Michael W. Goellner of Marlborough, 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 from 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.

Jason

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@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).

DEATHS

Anderson, Sandra formerly of Grafton

Cabral, Jose of Hudson

Cafarella, Michele of Hudson

Cangello, Ruth of Shrewsbury

Driscoll Jr., James of Westborough

Dunbar, Sandra formerly of Southborough

Gallagher, Martha of Shrewsbury

McGowan, Virginia formerly of Shrewsbury

McMenemy, Bessie of Northborough

Mendes, Natalice of Marlborough and Framingham

Muise Jr., William of Southborough

Patton, Susan of Hudson

Seymour, Jeannette of Marlborough

Tebbetts, Elizabeth of Southborough

Wagley, Helen formerly of Marlborough

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

PUTTING IN OVERTIME

James L. Driscoll Jr., 77

WESTBOROUGH - James L. Driscoll, Jr., 77, of Westborough, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022 at home from complications of heart failure surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Mary R. (Giuffrida) Driscoll to whom he was married for 54 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Michelle A. Driscoll of Worcester and James M. Driscoll of Sudbury.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Susan Patton, 78

HUDSON - Susan (Tidey) Patton, 78, a longtime resident of Hudson, MA, died on Friday, December 9, 2022 with her loving family by her side at the

Branches of Marlborough.

Susan is survived by her beloved high school sweetheart and husband of 55 years, Kenneth V. Patton Sr. of Hudson, MA. She also leaves her two children, Kenneth V. Patton Jr. and his wife Melissa of Worcester, MA, Lisa Schliker and her husband Chuck of Hudson, MA; her 3 grandchildren, Anthony C. Patton, Anthony M. Patton and Alexander Patton along with her two sisters, Nancy Williams, Barbara Anderson and other relatives and friends.

Susan was born in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late Harold C. and Mary C. (Fullerton) Tidey. She was raised in Stoneham, MA attending local schools and was a 1962 graduate of Stoneham H.S. She later attended Lesley University in Cambridge, MA receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She was a special education teacher within the Quincy Public School System and later began a career as a bookkeeper assisting her husband Kenneth with the daily operations of his business, Lakeside Exxon in Marlborough, MA for 25 years. She was also a bookkeeper with Shaw’s Super Markets

until her retirement.

Susan enjoyed the simple things in life, a cruise vacation to Bermuda or a day trip to local beaches so she could take in the wonderful scenery of the Ocean. She cherished caring for her Siamese cats and was very proud of her large selection of Siamese cat collectibles. Susan loved reading in her spare time and enjoyed spending time with her family. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren. The legacy of love she leaves behind will always be remembered by those who loved and knew her.

The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.

Ruth E. Cangello, 96

SHREWSBURY - Ruth E. (Simoncini) Cangello, 96, of Shrewsbury, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at The Christopher House in Worcester. She is reunited with her beloved husband, Leo Cangello, who predeceased her in

November 1999.

Ruth is survived by her children, Susan Farrington of Shrewsbury and Peter Cangello and his wife Karen (Belsito) of Worcester; four grandchildren, Nicholas Cangello, Michael Stanton and his wife Adreanna, Gianna Bushe and her husband Sean, and Alexa Stanton; two great grandchildren, Lennah Rose Bushe and Mila Elena Stanton; her sister, Janyce Safford of Shrewsbury; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister and four brothers, Geraldine Simoncini, Robert, Edward, Donald, and John Simoncini.

The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.

Michele Cafarella, 84

HUDSON - Michele (Shannon) Cafarella, 84, died peacefully in her home on December 9th with her husband and children at her side. Michele and her husband Joseph had just celebrated

SUPER CROSSWORD

Answers on page 19

their 65th Wedding Anniversary in November.

Michele was born in Plattsburgh NY, the daughter of the late David and Marguerite (Angier) Shannon. She spent her early childhood there before moving to Marlborough with her family when she was 12 years old. Michele graduated from Marlborough High School in 1956 and Burdett College in 1957.

Michele worked at Marlborough Hospital for many years, retiring in 2000 when she began to spend more time with her family and travel with friends. Michele especially loved being with her children and grandchildren. She and

Joe attended many sporting events, concerts, recitals and graduations and enjoyed many family vacations to Maine, North Carolina and Cape Cod, most centered around their grandchildren. Michele and Joe welcomed their first great grandchild in May of this year.

Michele leaves behind her family and many friends that will miss her presence in their lives. She is survived by her husband Joseph, her children and their spouses Beth and Ron, Steven and Tara, Michael and Milissa and James and Karen; her 10 grandchildren, Andrew and his wife Kate, Evan and his wife Payton, Daniel and his wife Leah, Aaron, Joseph, Matthew, Michael, Megan,

Caitlin and Scott; her great grandson Lukas and her sister Beth. Michele also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The Slattery Funeral Home Inc. of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Jeannette L. Seymour, 84

MARLBOROUGH - Jeannette L. (Walcott) Seymour, 84, of Marlborough, died Monday, December 12, 2022 at the Artisan at Hudson.

She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Lillian (Ledoux) Walcott and wife of the late Richard M. Seymour.

Jeannette was predeceased by her son, Rick Seymour, and daughter Paula Seymour, as well as her sisters, Fleurette Connelly and Doris Girouard.

Jeannette is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Seymour) Neale and her husband Bill of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and her sons, Peter Seymour and Christine of Hudson, Paul Seymour of Worcester, Philip Seymour and his wife Maria of Hudson, her daughter-in-law Cheryl Seymour and a loving friend Christopher Condardo. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Christopher,

Mathew, Richie, Nicole, Kasey, Kellie, Billie, Michael, Benjamin, Danielle, Justine and Ryan. As well as her 13 greatgrandchildren.

Jeannette was a lifelong resident of Marlborough. In her younger years, she enjoyed getting together with friends and family for Holidays, cookouts, special occasions and bowling nights, she loved to travel and had fond memories of her many trips.

She worked at the Wayside Inn as a hostess in Sudbury for many years and it was one of her favorite places.

We will miss her very much.

The Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.

Gain fitness

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH - America’s Best Defense studio has been providing the community with martial arts and self-defense training since 2018. For children, the studio offers a martial arts program designed to teach discipline, respect, and confidence. For adults, the focus is on Krav Maga, the self-defense program used by the Israeli Defense Foundation. Manager Jimmy Sheridan says that students in Krav Maga are taught how to defend themselves in the event of a dangerous situation.

“Krav Maga teaches students the best options for staying safe and on their feet in a number of scenarios, such as when an attacker pulls a weapon,” he said.

Going through martial arts and self-defense training pro-

confidence at America’s Best Defense martial arts center

and raised money to purchase Thanksgiving dinners for local churches to serve.

“We loaded the food in trucks and delivered it to churches,” said Sheridan. “We usually provide over 600 dinners each year.”

The instructors at America’s Best Defense are required to train at least twice a week, and guest speakers are frequently invited. Joel Manby, author of Love Works, recently talked to the instructors.

Home, work, and social places where they can be themselves.

“We always want to be a place that puts our students first, so everyone can feel that this is their place to be themselves,” said Sheridan.

That balance and level of belonging contribute to the confidence that students gain at the studio.

vides a foundation for building confidence in other areas of life.

“We get to see people’s confidence grow. Parents get to see it in their kids, and adults also

experience more confidence in life,” said Sheridan. “It’s the best feeling in the world, knowing that our work has that kind of impact on our students.”

America’s Best Defense also strives to adapt to its students’ needs and was able to serve its students through the pandemic.

“We had an opportunity to provide support to families during the pandemic,” said Sheridan. “For one-half hour a day, the kids enjoyed focus and structure through their self-defense lessons. It gave the parents a much-needed break too.”

Throughout the year, America’s Best Defense finds ways to help the local community. Every October, the studio raises funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In November, the studio held its Thanksgiving fundraiser

Mamby put forth the thought that serving others is how to do business best: “We achieve profits by doing the right thing for customers and employees; profits are not an end in themselves. Profits are a product of doing the right thing — over and over again.”

Sheridan believes in achieving balance in three places:

“Learning self-defense is kind of like wearing a seatbelt,” said Sheridan. “You don’t start the car hoping that you’ll need the seatbelt’s protection, but if an accident happens, you’ll be glad that you did use it.”

Learn more about America’s Best Defense at abdnorthborough.com.

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

Paul Nardizzi headlines New Years’ Eve comedy show at

Apex Entertainment

MARLBOROUGH - The hysterical Paul Nardizzi will say goodbye to 2023 with laughter.

Nardizzi will headline a New Year’s Eve comedy show on Dec. 31 at Apex Entertainment. Nardizzi has had multiple appearances on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” Comedy Central and Fox Sports’ “The Best Damn Sports Show Period.”

Presented by Apex Entertainment with Scamps Comedy Productions, the show will feature the three Boston come-

dians, including Dave Rattigan and Mike Karsok.

The doors open at 6 p.m. for a buffet dinner, and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $60 for dinner and show and $30 for only the show. Dinner and show tickets must be purchased by noon Dec. 30. Tickets will be available at the door for $35 cash if there are available seats.

There will be a cash bar.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.scampscomedy.com/newyearseve.

America’s Best Defense: Manager James Sheridan stands in the Northborough studio.

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

Nicholas Michaels Spa owners retire after 40 years

Cold Harbor plans brewery, restaurant plans to open this spring

A rendering of the Cold Harbor brewery and restaurant, scheduled to open in spring 2023.

NORTHBOROUGH - For more than 40 years, Nicholas Olivieri and Michael Abdella have been blessed to be in an industry that has allowed them to do what they loved most — offering their guests the most up-to-date salon and spa services in the MetroWest area.

“It’s harder to walk away from the relationships that we have built than it is to walk away from the business,” they said in a statement. “What makes it easy to walk away is knowing that we are leaving it in the hands of someone who we love and respect. Tecia Coetho will bring Nicholas Michaels Spa to even greater level with the support of the team and loyal clients. We are grateful to give her the opportunity that was once given to us.”

They decided to merge salons within the refurbished 18th century Northborough landmark property at 422 West Main Street in 1985.

Supporting the community around them was also important. After they experienced their own five-alarm fire, they gave back to the Northborough police and fire who saved their business.

Without missing a beat, Nicholas and Michael hosted a

two-day cut-a-thon fundraiser that allowed them and their spa family the ability to present the fire and police department with two large checks in appreciation for saving their building. The donation was used to purchase defibrillators for all the police cars.

Nicholas Michaels Spa is also a top fundraising salon/spa facility for the annual HAIRraising charitable initiative that brings the salon and spa industry together with bringing awareness to work being done at Boston Children’s Hospital.

By Maureen Sullivan Senior Writer

WESTBOROUGH - Something is brewing at 66 Otis St., yards away from Turnpike Road.

The walls and roof have been installed at the site that will be the home of Cold Harbor Brewery come this spring.

“It’s a phenomenal location,” said William Oliveira, managing partner for Cold Harbor. “We looked at some other properties, and it seemed like the place to be.”

The back 4,500 square feet

of the site will be the brewery, where small-batch IPAs and beers will be produced. The front 8,000 square feet will house a restaurant, a kitchen and bathrooms.

Cold Harbor plans to offer American fare such as pizzas, burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches, Oliveira said.

To accommodate the meals, the brewery will have its collection of New England-style IPAs, its popular “Juice Freak,” as well as its array of English ales.

In addition, the site will offer outdoor seating and about 80

spaces for parking.

Once things get going, Oliveira said there will be live music “on occasion.”

Along the front of the site, next to Otis Street, will be a 12-foot-wide multi-use path that is part of the Boston Worcester Air Line Trail network.

The current location at 108 Milk St. is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m.; Fridays from 2 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

For information, visit www. coldharborbrewing.com.

Nicholas Olivieri and Michael Abdella, who own Nicholas Michaels Spa, are retiring.