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Santa comes to Northborough Marlborough’s Fire Department holds annual Santa Run 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

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES PHOTO/LAURA HAYES Santa waves from a Marlborough fire truck. 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.”

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OVER THE TOP

HUDSON – The former Hudson Police Department station may soon become affordable housing units. The Baker-Polito administration approved $93.4 million in direct funding and $33 million in state and federal housing tax credits from the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop 790 housing units spanning 14 projects, including this project. Read more on Page 5 in the Marlborough Hudson edition.

PHOTO/TAMI WHITE

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Westborough’s 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.

2022 Veteran of the Year Paul M. Horrigan shows the plaque presented to him at the Select Board meeting on Dec. 13.

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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

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

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.

— 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

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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 season 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

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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.

PHOTO/CAROLINE GORDON Fire Chief Jim Vuona and Police Chief Kevin Anderson attended an ARPA forum.

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.

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

WESTBOROUGH THEN NOW

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 Academy 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

PHOTO/RESTORATION BY PHIL KITTREDGE

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

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 Navy.

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).

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Shrewsbury explores changes to school start time

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

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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-

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN 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.

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 earlier 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 studies,” 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

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN 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.

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Saint John’s student appointed to Shrewsbury DEIB Committee

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

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.

“I would love to appoint all four of them”

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 Theresa 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 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.”

“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.

George Hanna

Saint John’s student

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Apartments, event venue among proposals for White Cliffs

White Cliffs | from page 1 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.

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PHOTO/LAURA HAYES The White Cliffs mansion stands off Main Street in Northborough.

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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.

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.

“I’m pleased to see the effort made.

Wayne Webster

Villages at Walker Meadows Board of Trustees Chairperson

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, December 23, 2022 PEOPLE PLACES& Zoe’s Rocks continue to make a difference

Zoe’s Rocks | from page 1

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.

“I feel ... 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 library, 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.

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 mental 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.”

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

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.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN 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 eveHappy Holidays from RTN Federal Credit Union! ning of Monday, Dec. 26. The event included appearWe wish you a wonderful holiday and a healthy and prosperous new year. ances from state Sen. Michael Moore and state Rep.-elect Kate ♦ rtn.org Donaghue. This marks just two of the ♦ 781-736-9900 (24/7 Member Services) Hanukkah celebrations taking place across the region this year. rtn 451 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752 508-480-0500 In Northborough, the Community Affairs Committee will be holding a menorah lighting on Federally insured by NCUA Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. on Blake Street.

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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.

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

PHOTOS/LAURA HAYES

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

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