CA 230428

Planning Board approves Gutierrez warehouse plans

The next steps begin for former Civic Kitchen space

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – The pictures were still on the walls — photos of town landmarks such as the Westboro Speedway and Eli Whitney’s marker.

There was also a menu from 2019, along with some leather chairs.

These are a few of the reminders of the space that was once the Civic Kitchen & Drink restaurant. It closed in late January when the Select Board decided not to pursue a Request for Proposals to renew the lease. That decision came after an assessment from the Department of Public Works revealed that the building needed significant repairs.

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – After originally denying the plans and a Land Court judge remanding the decision, the Planning Board approved plans for a distribution center on Bartlett Street.

The plans returned before the Planning Board on Feb. 7.

The site at 0 and 301 Bartlett Street is about 66 acres. The developer, the Gutierrez Company, was proposing to build a 150,900-squarefoot distribution center and industrial warehouse on the site.

Access to the property will be off Bartlett Street.

The public hearing for the project was closed and the decision was made on April 18.

With the Civic gone, the new Golf Club Building Reuse Committee convened for the first time on Monday, April 24, at the club. Its purpose — to determine how best to utilize

Shrewsbury proposes cemetery expansion into Prospect Park

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – With Mountain View Cemetery running out of space, Shrewsbury unveiled plans during an April 5 meeting to expand the cemetery across the street into areas of Pros-

pect Park.

The plan, meant to serve Shrewsbury for the next 50 to 100 years, would use the southernmost 19 acres of Prospect Park closest to Merriam Avenue. The other 76.9 acres of Prospect Park would be preserved and remain

BANK WITH PEACE OF MIND.

Total Deposit

Months after it closed, the Civic sign can still be seen at the Westborough Golf Club. A new committee is looking into how best to use the building that formerly housed the restaurant.

Insurance SMCU is a member of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) which insures deposits up to $250,000. We are also members of the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC), which insures all deposits and interest not covered by the NCUA, without limit, without exception. You are guaranteed total protection of all deposit accounts.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

The Planning Board has approved plans for this Bartlett Street property.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Of the 61 municipalities I represent on the Governor’s Council, Shrewsbury’s town government stands out for its civil, pragmatic, and steady leadership. To continue that tradition, I urge voters to choose Carlos Garcia for the Selectboard in the May 2 election.

letters to the editor

Carlos Garcia is the perfect candidate to fill the Board’s upcoming loss of a 30-year member: Carlos Garcia has learned Shrewsbury’s government from the inside, putting in the work as an elected Town Meeting member and serving on the Finance Committee. Carlos will bring continuity and stability as Shrewsbury’s newest Selectboard member.

Carlos also represents the newest generation of Shrewsbury’s leadership, an important perspective as the town implements its 2030 Strategic Plan. Carlos will support

schools, be accessible and responsive to residents, and be a thoughtful addition to Shrewsbury’s Selectboard. I urge you to give one of your Selectboard votes to Carlos Garcia on May 2.

Paul DePalo Governor’s Councilor District 7

Dear Editor,

I wholeheartedly endorse Carlos Garcia’s campaign for Shrewsbury Select Board. Like many, I came to know Carlos through the many ways he is engaged in our community. Whether it be through town meeting, the finance committee, or various campaigns, I have seen Carlos consistently show up and be an agent of change — and by extension have a positive impact on the lives of many.

It is no secret that our country has deep divisions and this often leaves us frustrated with the state of our government. What I hear time and again from people is how one person

can’t make a difference, the obstacles are just too big and problems too complex. As a result, it’s easier to lean into anger and indifference when thinking about elections. I am certainly not immune from this thinking. But I am always reminded by people like Carlos that the true antidote to our problems is not to turn away from them but to meet them head on with compassion and competency, two qualities he fully embodies. He is motivated by an earnest desire to improve the lot of others.

Electing leaders like Carlos inspires us to rise above conflict and polarization because he shows us that good people with good intentions do actually want to serve their communities. His public service career has been defined by demonstrating that local government can be responsive, transparent, and work for the people of Shrewsbury. In turn, despite whatever feelings we may have about government, a bit of faith can be restored with

leaders like Carlos, who challenges us to rise to the ideals that have made Shrewsbury a place of destination and opportunity for so many. Because of this, I know that Carlos has already made a difference and will continue to do so on the Select Board.

Please vote for Carlos Garcia for Shrewsbury Select Board on May 2nd.

Max German Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member

Dear Editor, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about my candidate of choice, Raj Uppalapati, who is seeking a seat on the Shrewsbury Select Board. The most pressing issue in Shrewsbury is tax stability. In order to do this, modifications must be made to Shrewsbury’s present growth strategy.

One of Raj’s most interesting proposals for beginning to equalize the commercial to residential tax contribution,

which is currently 10% to 90%, would be to build a boardwalk to attract business and tourists. Northing was lost during the pandemic in cities where this was existing; in fact, business thrived.

Raj would try to limit the construction of new apartments, which would just add to the already overcrowded educational systems and traffic concerns. He feels that the current water situation, particularly in terms of quality and pressure should be corrected before new residential development is permitted, and that a moratorium should be imposed based on water supply and quality.

Raj works for larger community efforts, as evidenced by his work on a next generation security system for schools, which would reduce deaths due to gun violence that have plagued this country. Raj has demonstrated that he can be relied on to disagree with the established quo and will surely Letters

make his views heard through demonstration if required. This was evident in his stance on the Beal Deal.

We can count on Raj to be involved in sustaining Shrewsbury’s wonderful school system for all of the children, including his own lovely daughters.

I am convinced that a new point of view and perhaps new solutions are required. Raj is the type of person who can project his thoughts and then act on them.

Let’s vote for change and elect Rajesh Uppalapati on May 2nd for Select Board.

Sincerely,

Joan Hare Shrewsbury

Carlos Garcia is Shrewsbury’s past and future; he is a story of hardship, and hard work, personal success, and ensuring the success of others. His impressive collaboration style is based on strong listening skills, equal treatment of others and knowing when to take action. He will be a great addition to the Shrewsbury Select Board.

He grew up in Shrewsbury with his family, moving from an apartment complex to a single family home, working as an employee trainer at Target and being a full time college student while being actively involved in grassroots activism in Shrewsbury and Massachusetts. The thread running through Carlos’s life is his commitment to equal and fair access for all residents, making his hometown a place that everyone can feel welcome, safe, happy and thrive. Carlos gives back to Shrewsbury everyday by his constant devotion to community service with everything from working on numerous campaigns, helping to choose a new police chief, being on the Finance Committee, and demonstrating government transparency by his public town meeting voting record.

Carlos has no personal financial interest in keeping Shrewsbury a great place to live, he does it because he cares about the town and all residents. He looks at how Shrewsbury’s budget and other decisions impact the lives of everyone; the families with

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor

children, the small business owners, the elderly living on fixed incomes, the public employees who can’t afford to live here, and those with higher incomes who want more public services and amenities. He quietly listens, asks questions and thinks about how a decision will impact everyone, and how to compromise and find common ground. Carlos understands that the Select Board’s decisions, the needs and wants of Shrewsbury can impact the future and the world; and it must all work within a municipal budget. He understands local governments have a huge impact on the lives of the residents. Please vote for Carlos Garcia for Select Board on Tuesday, May 3, allow him to preserve Shrewsbury’s past and strengthen our future.

Missy Hollenback Shrewsbury

Dear Shrewsbury Voter,

It is a great honor and privilege to endorse Beth Casavant for reelection for the Select Board. As a former Finance Committee member for 10 years,

All letters should be 350 words or less. Letters should be emailed to news@communityadvocate.com and managingeditor@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor, Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. Letters must have the name, address and phone number of the person submitting it (only name and town will be printed.) Letters will be reviewed and printed at the discretion of the Editor as they are deemed suitable and as space allows. Letters that contain personal attacks will not be printed. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate or its advertisers.

I have witnessed firsthand Beth’s non-partisan, independent voice, and her advocacy for strategic planning for the town.

She has a proven track record of demonstrating incredibly strong leadership during her tenure on the Board as well as on many other volunteer boards and committees over the years. I have known Beth for 15 years and her unselfish commitment to improving the Town of Shrewsbury is unwavering.

Beth has the experience, is a solid and respected member of the Select Board. She has proven results and a positive, enthusiastic spirit that fuels her passion for Shrewsbury’s success. Beth is one of the hardest working people I know and she always makes herself available for discussion on the issues.

Kindly consider voting for Beth Casavant on May 2nd.

With Gratitude

Bretta M. Karp Former Shrewsbury Finance Committee Member

Dear Editor:

I enthusiastically support Beth Casavant’s candidacy for re-election to the Shrewsbury Select Board. Beth has consistently served as a thoughtful, caring, forthright, and courageous board member board, providing positive and effective policy direction during some extremely difficult times. While a board member, she has repeatedly demonstrated her effectiveness and value to the community through her open, inclusive, transparent approach to local government, and her quiet courage to stand up and clearly and calmly speak the truth above a din of mistruths. Shrewsbury’s residents and businesses will be very well-served by her reelection May 2nd.

John Lebeaux Shrewsbury

Win With Costello Weber!

It is my pleasure and honor to endorse and encourage you to place a Select Board vote for Siobhan Costello Weber on May 2nd!

COMMUNITY VOICES Letters | from page 2 Letters | 4

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It is worth remembering that a twelve ounce glass of beer, a five ounce pour of wine, and a one and a half ounce shot of liquor contain about the same amount of alcohol. Naturally there are exceptions as beers, wines, and spirits can vary significantly in alcohol by volume (ABV), which is expressed as a volume percent. Beers and wines can be marketed in “light” versions and some spirits contain more alcohol. Laws and standards are in place that require most alcoholic beverages to state somewhere on the beverage label the percent of alcohol of the contents so that consumers can be aware of the potency of the beverage. The higher the percentage, the boozier the beverage.

If

you like our Un-cork’d article every week, check out our radio show &

bury teacher and have lived in Shrewsbury for 70 years. Siobhan Costello Weber is a new face with new ideas! She is a listened, a creative problemsolver with a unique perspective to bridge understanding between all Boards and implement solutions for our Town’s benefit.

Your vote for Siobhan Costello Weber is a win for Shrewsbury!

Diane Lindberg Shrewsbury

I would like to express my support for Jim Brown as candidate for the Shrewsbury Select Board. He has been a long-time member of the Parks and Cemeteries Commission and is well -informed about most of the physical needs of the town, with the kind of practical, hands-on skills needed to get useful projects done. There is no substitute for that kind of personal attention. My husband, Dale Magee, joins me in this endorsement. Please cast a ballot for Jim Brown on Election Day, May 2.

Melanie Magee Shrewsbury

I am writing to express my strong support for Sandy Fryc for the Shrewsbury School Committee.

I have worked with Sandy on the School Committee for 12 years. There is no harder worker. She understands how to do what is best for the students and what is realistic for the town. She brings not only a strong work ethic, but skills in negotiating and communication that make her particularly well suited for this position. She also brings institutional memory that is vital during this election.

I and my wife, Melanie Magee, are voting for Sandy Fryc for Shrewsbury School Committee and we ask you to as well on May 2nd.

B. Dale Magee, MD Shrewsbury

We are pleased to support Beth Casavant for re-election to the Shrewsbury Select Board. Beth is a thoughtful, compassionate person who listens to

all perspectives. We can rely on her to always be informed about important issues in town and to base her decisions on extensive research and open communication with residents and businesses.

Many of you know Beth through her community service. She is always available to listen, lend a helping hand and give back to those in need. Beth understands that Shrewsbury is a diverse community with diverse needs. She’s proven that she can work cooperatively with others to provide fair and balanced programs and services.

Beth has the integrity, commitment, and experience we need for continued steady leadership that will benefit all people in our community. Please join us in voting for Beth Casavant on May 2nd.

Dick and Moira Miller Shrewsbury

I encourage voters in Shrewsbury to vote for Siobhan Costello Weber for Select Board on May 2. Siobhan is dedicated to improving our community and is exactly what Shrews-

bury needs at this critical time in our town’s history.

Siobhan brings to the role over 20 years of executive-level corporate experience overseeing multi-million dollar lines of business and developing strategic relationships for major corporations. She is a Shrewsbury homeowner and mother of 5 boys in the public school systems, thus well-versed in the vital need for quality education, reasonable tax rates and reliable municipal services. Her breadth of professional and personal life experiences are essential qualifications to fully perform in her role as primary policy maker for our Town.

Shrewsbury is currently feeling the strains of 15 plus years of steady growth. With 39,000 residents, we are the size of a small city. Cracks are showing in the foundation of our community. Municipal services are suffering, taxes are increasing, schools are again becoming overcrowded, and residents are feeling disenfranchised from town leadership.

Siobhan’s breath of experience as a strategic thinker and problem solver is exactly what our community needs. She possesses the confidence to ask the tough questions, challenge the answers and offer alternative solutions while respectfully soliciting input from others. As she rightfully states, the key to moving forward in any challenging situation is listening to all sides and recognizing the answer is most always somewhere in the middle. She is one of the most intelligent and capable woman I have had the pleasure of knowing in my 29 years living in Shrewsbury and is exactly what our town needs as our next Select Board member. Please vote Siobhan Costello Weber on May 2nd.

Dina Nichols Shrewsbury

I am writing to encourage my Shrewsbury neighbors to give Sandra Fryc one of your two votes for School Committee on May 2nd. I have served alongside Sandy on the School Committee for three terms. During that time, I have observed in Sandy a tenacious, dedicated advocate for our schools. Sandy engages thoughtfully on all matters that come before the committee, pushing for efficient use of resources and considering all angles to the district’s challenges. Sandy and I have not always agreed,

but she fights for what she believes is right, and would move mountains to benefit Shrewsbury students. She has earned my support for re-election, and her voice will continue to add tremendous value to the committee.

Sincerely,

Jason Palitsch Shrewsbury

Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Beth Casavant for Shrewsbury Select Board. I have known Beth for a little over ten years, and in that time, she has taken on many leadership roles within the Shrewsbury community, from PTO president all the way up to Select Board. Very memorably she successfully rallied our community in support of our public schools at a moment of crisis in 2014; it seemed like an impossible feat, but she did it. Beth has inspired countless people to run for Town Meeting, as well as many other town leadership positions. As a member of the Select Board, Beth engages with the community on social media and in person.

She is happy to meet or talk over the phone with anyone that has questions or concerns about any matter affecting Shrewsbury. Beth helped implement a public comment period before all Select Board meetings. Beth is straightforward and transparent, a true public servant. With Moe DePalo stepping down from the Select Board after 30 years of exemplary service, Beth is now our most senior Select Board member. She’s the linchpin that will ensure that our town keeps moving in the right direction. Please join me in voting for Beth Casavant for Shrewsbury Select Board.

Sincerely yours,

Lisa R. Powers Shrewsbury

I’m supporting the candidacy of Rajesh Velagapudi for Shrewsbury School Committee. As a School Committee member, I worked with Rajesh on the Beal Redistricting Committee. He was a dedicated, active participant. Rajesh is a strong supporter of our schools and is active on other town committees including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and the Community Preservation Committee. I appreciate his dedication to the betterment of our

residents are able to enjoy the things they love.

town and feel he would make a significant contribution toward the critical needs of our schools.

I respectfully ask for your support of Rajesh Velagapudi for Shrewsbury School Committee.

Jon Wensky Shrewsbury

I’m endorsing Sandy Fryc for re-election to Shrewsbury’s School Committee. Over the last 8 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sandy as a School Committee member. She is an effective, thoughtful advocate for Shrewsbury Public Schools.

In her 5 terms as School Committee member, Sandy has been a key contributor to ensuring our school district has the necessary financial resources that are critical to delivering outstanding results. This includes essential school building projects at the Elementary and Middle School levels that significantly relieved the overcrowding of classrooms and provided the necessary space our students & staff need. This was recently exemplified over the last 5 years of her contributions on the Beal School Building Committee. Additionally, in 2020, Sandy played a pivotal role in helping the district navigate through the pandemic, serving 2 consecutive years as Chair as a result of her depth of knowledge, experience, and steadfast approach to focusing on the health and well-being of staff, students, and families. Sandy has also served on numerous sub-committees. Over the last 6 years, I’ve had the privilege to serve with Sandy on the contract negotiating sub-committee. Her professional background is extremely valuable to the union negotiating process. She is skillful, articulate, and thorough in her approach to ensuring we fulfill our fiduciary responsibility as a School Committee while balancing the critical needs of our staff. The negotiating process takes a significant amount of time and Sandy goes above & beyond to make certain we reach a fair and balanced settlement for both parties.

Experience matters in local government and, with 15 years of experience on the Shrewsbury School Committee, Sandy’s expertise is an invaluable asset to our town. There is significant work to accomplish

over the next 3 years and it’s very important that Sandy Fryc continue to contribute to the success of Shrewsbury Public Schools.

I respectfully ask for your support of Sandy Fryc for the Shrewsbury School Committee.

Jon Wensky Shrewsbury

For me the personal attributes defining Carlos Garcia, and

essential traits to bring to the board, are his integrity, dependability, discipline, compassion, pragmatism and his fervent desire to facilitate community at all levels of living.

I believe Carlos developed compassion at the early age of 5 years old by observing his single mother with cancer being able to secure a Section 8 voucher and all of the sacrifices which that entailed. She has since gone on to have her own small business as a home

daycare provider!

Carlos acquired his pragmatism, in my opinion, by making the most of his Shrewsbury Public School education, by graduating from Assumption College, by being elected to Town Meeting as a Sophomore in college and by being appointed to the Finance Committee and now serving as Vice Chair.

In the interest of transparency and pragmatism, Carlos has posted his Town Meeting

voting record and he is the first and only one to do so!

I have worked closely with Carlos on practical endeavors for the town during which his dependability and discipline were on constant display. When Carlos said yes to participating, he showed up everytime!

My respect and admiration for Carlos’s work ethic and his quiet comprehensive listening, knows no bounds. Electing

Carlos will provide the Select Board with a member dedicated to creating an atmosphere of collaboration and community coupled with a background of knowing what it takes to do so.

Nancy L. Woron Shrewsbury

I enthusiastically endorse Rachel Sharifipour for election to the Shrewsbury School Committee and I hope you will vote for her as well. As the Beal PTO President, her unwavering support for improving our schools is on display weekly. I volunteer with Rachel at Maj. Howard W. Beal School and I’ve seen her dedication to the success of all our students.

In addition, it is fantastic working with Rachel. She is organized, thoughtful and thorough. Rachel displays an excellent grasp of the big picture yet she doesn’t lose sight of the details. At our PTO meetings, she leads nuanced discussions expertly and we are proud to have her represent our organization. She will bring these qualities to the Shrewsbury School Committee and be an

excellent resource to promote our children’s future.

Please join me in voting for Rachel Sharifipour for School Committee on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Parshall Beal PTO Co-Treasurer

Carlos Garcia is running for the Shrewsbury Select Board this coming May 2nd and has my wholehearted support. I have known Carlos for many years now and have witnessed his growth in both caliber and dedication to serve the town. As a fellow member of the Town’s Finance Committee, I have had the pleasure of seeing him at work as he painstakingly served the community in a selfless and passionate manner. His intelligence and deep-rooted knowledge of our towns government and budgetary process, makes him a stellar candidate for the Select Board. He also possesses a deep pool of energy which enables him to effectively have one-pointed concentration, as he addresses issues pertaining to his role on the committee.

Carlos represents a new gen-

Westborough Office Space

eration of committed individuals of diverse background and experience. He has paid his dues as a grassroots level volunteer on the forefront of community issues, who has grown into a leader who listens patiently to various viewpoints and perspectives, prior to making educated and well-informed decisions. As a Town Meeting Member, he has participated as a municipal legislator and has accumulated intrinsic knowledge of the process, which will help him deliver at the executive level.

Last of all, Carlos has a human story. His compassion and humility stems from his experiences as the son of a single mom, who moved to this town with a dream. Great leaders are forged in the fire of such struggles as they climb the ladder of self-introspection and community involvement. Carlos in one such leader. I am excited for Carlos and his continuing journey, on which he is just getting started. Please join me in voting for him on May 2nd, 2023. Our town needs leaders like Carlos on the forefront. All we need to do is enable him with the opportunity.

Best Regards

Vikram Chhabra Shrewsbury

I am writing to strongly support Carlos Garcia’s candidacy for Shrewsbury Select Board on May 2nd, 2023. I have known Carlos for many years now and have witnessed his sincere efforts towards the betterment of the Shrewsbury community in various capacities including taking an active role as an elected Town Meeting Member and an appointed Town Finance Committee Member. In any role he takes, he works carefully to develop a balanced

and mature perspective which he then executes with immense hard work.

Carlos has always struck me as extremely kind, patient and humble and these qualities have made an impact on me. He has grown up all his life in Shrewsbury and it’s very clear to me that his heart is in wanting to serve Shrewsbury. Carlos is an inclusive leader who will listen attentively to the varied viewpoints of all members of the Shrewsbury community.

Carlos has a deeply inspiring personal story growing up in Shrewsbury which has shaped him to be the thoughtful, compassionate and bright young leader he is today who is ready to serve our town. He strongly believes in the power of local government and public schools to shape lives in a community.I believe Carlos will strengthen the Select Board with a fresh and balanced perspective that Shrewsbury will benefit immensely from.

I encourage you to join me in voting for Carlos Garcia for the Shrewsbury Select Board on May 2nd, 2023.

Roop Jyot Kaur Shrewsbury

To the Editor:

I write to express my enthusiastic support of Rajesh Velagapudi for Shrewsbury School Committee.

I have had the privilege to serve on multiple committees with Rajesh and have found him to be a diligent student of the matters at hand, a thoughtful participant in discussions, and truly committed to positive, impactful, and responsible solutions for Shrewsbury. We need people with these qualities in leadership roles.

Rajesh is the father of two Shrewsbury Public School students. He is committed to supporting every child in our schools with opportunities for success in academics and life. Please join me in voting for Rajesh.

Sincerely,

Debra Page Mooney Shrewsbury

Vote YES for Hudson Town Warrant Article 35

I respectfully request that

you consider a YES vote for Article 35 at the Hudson May Town Meeting. During a recent proposal to build a warehouse in Hudson our neighborhood became aware of a number of deficiencies in our current town Zoning By-Laws.

E-commerce has greatly expanded the variety and function of what in the 20th century was known as a “warehouse”. When warehouses are not sized correctly for their location that becomes a liability for the Town. The Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) has established multiple designations called Land Use Codes (LUC) for these specialized warehouses. With Article 35 the following definitions will be added to the By-Laws: Cold Storage Warehouse (LUC-157), Parcel Hub (LUC-156), Fulfillment Center (LUC-155), Transload Warehouse (LUC-154) and Standard Warehouse (LUC-150). Also included are the definitions of Warehouse Crossdocking Types. These definitions are important because the ITC has also established guidelines for the traffic generated based upon the size of the facility. A warehouse known as a parcelhub will generate 2.6 times the traffic of “just a warehouse”. For a fulfillment center the traffic is 3.7 times as much. When developers are approved for “just a warehouse” they avoid the financial responsibility for wear and tear on our roads and traffic controls which are needed to moderate the congestion which accompanies these higher levels of traffic.

Article 35 will only define what would be built; it does NOT prevent a landowner from building what they wish on their land subject to the usual Planning Board approvals. The Article does not change the definition of “warehouse” because there is no definition in the ByLaws and it makes no change to the specific allowed uses in the By-Laws.

With the passing of Article 35 and the addition of these important definitions to the Zoning By-Laws; the Planning Board will have an important tool to use when doing Site Plan approvals in the future.

Michael McCormack Hudson

Realty

Northborough candidates share their platforms

NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough’s annual town election on May 9 is weeks away. The Community Advocate reached out to candidates in contested races with a series of questions.

There are contested races for town moderator and School Committee.

There are uncontested races for Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Regional School Committee.

Read their full responses at communityadvocate.com.

School Committee (Vote for 2)

Gigi Lisa Howell is also running for School Committee, but did not return a candidate statement by the deadline.

Joan Frank (Incumbent)

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

The strongest asset that I bring to the position as a Northborough K-8 School Commit-

tee member is 36 years of educational experience coupled with business spirit, organizational skills and a strong commitment to serve the community of Northborough - the residents, educators and students. As a school committee member I have served on the following subcommittees: operational and capital budget, strategic planning, policy, curriculum, technology, and liaisons to the NEF (Northborough Educational Foundation), Northborough’s Board of Selectmen and Northborough Senior Citizens. I am a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. Elementary Education and M.Ed. from Salem State University, as a member of Pi Lambda Theta. I am a retired educator with

30 years service, retiring as a Literacy Specialist for Hopkinton Schools. For seven years I served as an appointee to the MCAS Assessment Development Committee (ELA Grades 4 & 5) to assist in the review of reading passages, test questions and scoring rubrics.

Why are you running?

As the candidate for reelection to the Northborough K-8 School Committee, I am asking for the continued support in my quest to further teamwork and collaboration among educators and community members to assure the best educational “rate of return” for each tax dollar invested for the education of our students PreK through eighth grade; address pandemic-era learning loss and its outcomes; to support social and emotional learning (SEL) so that students develop

and enhance their social and emotional skills to succeed in school and life; to maintain and advocate for small class sizes and staff to support social and emotional learning; to make sure that both proficient students and those who may have difficulty in learning are provided with the most educational rewarding and challenging experiences; and, to work toward a common vision of educational excellence that delivers the appropriate services to all students through policy implementation and budget development.

Kristen Willems-Tietjen

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I grew up in Northborough

and am a proud alum of Proctor, Melican (Northborough back then)

Middle School and Algonquin. After earning a bachelor’s degree and meeting the love of my life Michael Tietjen at Rutgers University, I returned to Massachusetts to earn a PhD in Biomedical Science at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. When it was time to buy our first house we chose to settle in Northborough and have loved the past 9 years as parents in this community.

As an Associate Professor in the STEM department at Regis College, I teach numerous sciences courses, advise and mentor a diverse student popula-

tion, serve as the pre -medical/ dental/optometry/veterinary program director and develop curriculum, degree programs and academic content and delivery in courses.

I have attended Northborough School committee meetings for years taking an active interest in the proceedings and important topics coming before the committee.

Why are you running?

As a proud alum of the great Northborough schools which prepared me to pursue my dreams and the parent of 4 young kids, 3 of whom are in the school system now, I am deeply invested in ensuring that our schools provide every student with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their dreams.

I know Northborough and our schools. I grew up here,

house

“Faith is the key that unlocks the store

of God’s resources.”

Northborough candidates share their platforms

Northborough | from page 7 was educated here and chose to raise my own kids here. Over the past 6 years I have been actively involved in issues before the school committee including the effort to bring free kindergarten to Northborough and joining the school model taskforce. I am already familiar with and have passion for the proceedings, purview and responsibilities of the school committee. If I earn the open seat on the I will work hard to keep the excellence, we all want from our schools.

Town Moderator (Vote for 1)

Frederick George (Incumbent)

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

The day is over, but here in my hands

I hold a glow, the happiness it brought to see me through the night.

I have been serving the Northborough community for over three decades. I have had the honor to serve on the Personnel Board for six years and the Board of Selectmen for ten years. Since being elected Town Moderator in 2003, I have held leadership positions with the Massachusetts Moderators Association, the most recent was president of that association.

I am the Founder and Principal of GeoSimms Consulting, a boutique practice that works collaboratively with organization leadership teams to optimize their human capital. My career has focused on leadership positions at the corporate level in Human Resources, Operations Management and Finance Management.

My education includes a Bachelors degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Education both from Alfred University (Alfred, NY). I was appointed to the Alfred University Board of Trustees in 2005 and continue to serve on multiple Board committees.

I am married to Virginia Simms George and we have a grown son, Frederick George, III, who attended Northborough schools.

Why are you running?

I am running for re-election to continue the process that is near to my heart. It is important to me that we honor the tradition of the Town Meeting, one of the purest forms of democracy. My record of being moderator includes being inclusive while welcoming those new to the process of Town Meeting. My style allows for a cadence that ensures all attendees of the meeting understand the presentations and discussions of each article.

Joanne Stocklin

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

As a Northborough resident for 24 years, many people know me first as a friend and neighbor. Additionally, being active in the Zeh School PTO, St. Rose’s Pre-School Co-op, the organized sports teams our sons played on as well as being Chair of the Newcomer’s Club has given me the opportunity to meet and become friends with many other people in Northborough.

Professionally, my career is in education, originally as a teacher, and for the most recent 19 years as a principal. I have a BS from the University of Maryland and an MS in Leadership and Management. My experience in attending, presenting, and chairing meetings has helped me realize the importance of a clear agenda and a culture of comfortability. I believe that citizens are our greatest resource and perhaps my interest in serving as your

moderator might encourage others to become more involved in local government.

It has been a while since a new face has come forward for this seat, may I have your vote?

Why are you running?

I am seeking the office of Moderator to serve Northborough in a capacity that allows me to provide a non-partisan lens to town governing. My highest priority will be to utilize my professional experience in management and leadership pairing it with my commitment to creating a positive and inclusive town meeting environment for all who participate.

My overarching goal is to ensure everyone has a clear understanding of the articles and an equal opportunity to fairly discuss them before making a decision.

Any appointments I grant while holding the office of the Moderator will be transparent, thoughtful, and equitable for all interested parties. Any citizen who seeks an appointment for finance or appropriations will be acknowledged and thanked for their interest in becoming involved in the betterment of the community. I also hope to encourage others to become more involved in local government.

White Cliffs developers to hold open house

NORTHBOROUGH – Community members are invited to an open house to meet the proposed developers of White Cliffs.

Metro West Collaborative Development and Davis Square Architects will be in the gym at Town Hall May 3

from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.

The community is invited to learn more about their proposed preservation and redevelopment of the White Cliffs mansion. The developers are proposing 52 units of intergenerational affordable housing.

The White Cliffs mansion stands on Main Street.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

Southborough candidates weigh in ahead of election

SOUTHBOROUGH – Southborough voters are gearing up for the annual election May 9. The Community Advocate has reached out to candidates in contested races with a series of questions.

There are contested races for Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board and Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds.

There are uncontested races for town moderator, the Vocational District School Committee, Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Town Clerk, Board of Trustees Library, Regional School Committee and for a one-year term on the School Committee.

For their full responses, visit communityadvocate.com

Select Board

Vote for 2)

Alfred Hamilton

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I have lived in Southborough for 27 years. I attended Cornell and Michigan where I earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in economics. I am a former Scout Leader, Basketball Coach and Soccer Coach. My children all attended our schools. I have 2 grandchildren, a grandniece and 2 grandnephews in our school system. I spent 40 years in consulting and technology. I founded a specialized wireless company and grew it to profitability and then sold it. I am currently retired.

I have been a past member and chair of the Capital Budget Committee, Advisory Committee, Town Administrator By-Law Committee, and the Public Safety Building Study Committee, as well as authoring several by-laws.

Recently I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and am President of the Pine Hill Meadow Trust which manages of open space in the Pine Hill Road neighborhood. With my wife I founded the Pine

Hill Meadow Garden, a neighborhood garden devoted to growing fresh produce for food pantries and shelters including the Southborough Food Pantry.

Why are you running?

My goal for the Select Board is to get us back to a normal, reasonable, and respected municipal government. I will respect Town Meeting as an effective and thoughtful partner in how we govern ourselves. I will resist attempts to diminish Tow Meeting’s authority. I also will explore barriers to residents’ attendance at Town Meeting in order to broaden access.

I will make expanding our sidewalk network a priority. Particularly in areas of town that have historically been overlooked. I also want to focus on making progress in meeting our affordable housing goals.

I want to focus on the basics of fixing potholes, plowing the roads, and making sure we have high-quality, cost-effective services. While Southborough is on average a well-off town, some portion of every dollar we spend comes from an individual or family of modest means that will struggle to pay their tax bill. I want to be able to look those folks in the eye and say we have spent their tax dollars carefully.

Marguerite Landry

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I’ve lived in Southborough for 28 years, and my son graduated from Algonquin. I am a tenured professor at Fitchburg State University (retired), and I also taught at Hunter College and New York University. My experience in Southborough government is: Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, and trustee for 11 years. Chair of the St. Mark’s Street Park Working Group, which resolved the difficult situation with the downtown area cooperatively, and came up with a plan that will make Southborough’s downtown greener and better looking. I also am a member of Southborough Youth Com-

mission, which supports the important work of Youth and Family Services. I am also on the Southborough Public Accessibility Committee, which works to bring Southborough in to compliance with state and federal disability standards. I also was on the Board of Directors of a non-profit nursing home in Worcester for 6 years, where I chaired the Investment Committee managing a $12,000,000 endowment. I have a B.S. and Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Why are you running?

I think our self government can work in a fair and equitable way. I’d like to use the good will of residents to work transparently and in good faith to make sure all residents are heard, and decisions are made clearly and transparently. In particular, I would like to see better, more active communication from all town boards and departments to residents.

David Parry

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

David Parry has lived in India, London, New York, Buffalo, and Boston.

Resident of Southborough for 40 years. University degrees from Cambridge, Harvard and Columbia.

Profession: Architect, Urban Designer and City Planner. Projects include the following –New York City – Development of Roosevelt Island (new town on island).

Buffalo – Plan for restoration of 15 blocks of historic “Theater District”. Boston – Capital Planning. Manager of State Building Design & Construction. Marlborough – Director of City Planning – 1985 to 1994.

Why are you running?

I was elected to the Southborough Planning Board in 1985 and 1993, and to the Select Board for 3 terms from 1994 to 2003. The current Select Board needs help, and I believe I can assist meaningfully, because of my long experience. We need more leadership, more effective management, lower property taxes, more long range planning and higher objectives. I can assist effectively by using my city planning skills. I always seek openness and maximum participation.

Brett Peters

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I’ve lived here in Southborough for 19 years now, raised my family here, Southborough | 10

Southborough candidates weigh in ahead of election

and we have been very happy to make Southborough our home. In recent years, I’ve worked to become a bigger part of the town, tried to increase my involvement, and tried to have a more positive impact on the town we all love. From scouting, through work with SOLF (Southborough Open Land Foundation) and the Town Stewardship Committee, I’ve seen the differences that so many individuals here in town have made through their hard work and dedication, and I’d love to continue to be a part of that.

Why are you running?

I’m running to help contribute to the town that my family and I have been a part of for so long. I want to give back, and contribute in the way I’ve seen so many others in town contribute with their time, efforts, and care. I believe my experience professionally and through work I’ve done locally have set me up to take the next step, and contribute the best of my ability as part of the Select Board.

Albena Phillipo

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

My name is Albena (Bena) Phillipo, I am running for one of the two open Select Board seats.

I grew up in Southborough,

went to school here. When I was a child, this town was mostly farms and open spaces. I went to college in Boston at New England School of Photography and did advertising photography in Boston and New York.

Moved to Northern California, managed an office in the Hazardous Waste industry for Rollins Environmental and cleaned up military bases all over the state. Lived in Silicon Valley working for different software companies, a small startup called Sun Microsystems, Farallon Computing and Netopia.

Moved back to Southborough in 1996, continued to work in the software industry as Director of Customer Service and Technical Support, built and supported many teams in Technical Sales, Technical Support and Customer Service, I worked with small startups and Fortune 500 companies. I left the industry in 2004 and started my own business as a Massage Therapist and Reiki Master.

Why are you running?

I grew up in Southborough, lived here most of my life, when I was child, this town was mostly farms and open spaces. As I grew up, so did Southborough. I have seen open spaces disappear, industry move in, and housing become unaffordable to the average person. It’s time we turn out focus back on its citizens and not growth and industry.

School Committee (Vote for 2) Zhi Li

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I’m an Associate Director at a large pharmaceutical company. I lead a group of 20 scientists and engineers to support the manufacturing of life-saving medicines. Outside of that, my third grader Emma keeps me busy. I’m passionate about learning with her and also serving the community. I’ve served on her school council and coached her softball team for 2 years, in both Shrewsbury and Southborough. I substituted at the Shrewsbury schools using my vacation time when the schools faced a shortage. I immigrated to the US 17 years ago. I’ve studied and worked in Illinois and New York before moving to Massachusetts. Last year my family “immigrated” from Shrewsbury to Southborough and we have all enjoyed the new town very much.

Why are you running?

I’m always looking for opportunities to serve the community. Education is one opportunity that best uses my strengths. I spend a lot of time with Emma and I’m interested in all the things happening in her school. My experience on school council, substitute teacher, and softball coaching in two towns are great “warm-ups” for me. I started doing all these in

Shrewsbury, and when I moved to Southborough I wanted to do more. The first month I moved in I talked to the Town Clerk’s office and the Advisory Board to ask how I can help. We identified the School Committee to be a great opportunity for me to serve the town. I have been looking forward to this Town Election since then. I’m excited about this volunteer opportunity that perfectly blends my education background and passion in serving the community.

Chelsea Malinowski

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

My husband, Jason, and I moved to Southborough in 2013. Finding a community with an excellent school system and a strong sense of community were very important to us. We both went through public school systems and hoped the same for our own children. Ten years later, we have three kids (seven, six, and four) that will all be in the Southborough public schools next year. I have been fortunate to get involved in various aspects of our community through coaching, Kindergroup, volunteering in the schools, and town boards and committees.

Why are you running?

For the past five years I have served our town in various roles: Select Board, Advisory Committee, and Board of Health. It has been rewarding to serve the residents and make a positive impact. The School Committee is losing two very tenured members and I believe that my experience of serving the town would be an asset. I understand Open Meeting Law and following processes to have an open and transparent government. Some of the most important parts of being an elected official is to have an open mind, listen to others, and come to best decision based on all the facts. The last five years I have listened to the schools’ needs, challenges, and wish lists and been supportive of their asks. We are very fortunate to have amazing teachers, school administration, and support staff educating our

children. We need to continue to support them and make sure they have what they need to have a successful district. There is always room for improvement, and I hope to work collaboratively to identify those opportunities and execute.

Johanna Sheyner

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

My name is Johanna Sheyner and I am running for Southborough School Committee. I have lived in Southborough for 8 years with my husband and two daughters. I have a 9 year old in 4th grade at Neary Elementary and a 12 year old in 7th grade who attends Fay School. I have collaborated with the district in multiple roles over the years; from volunteering for SOS, being a room parent, to my positions in leading the NSPAC Board, participating on the Superintendent’s monthly Advisory Committee, and participating as a member of Neary School Council. My professional background is in IT Program Management where for 15 years, I managed complex global programs. In my corporate career, I was responsible for communications across all levels of management, fostering a spirit of collaboration on my teams, and a penchant for out of the box thinking and problem solving. My diverse personal experience, ongoing school involvement, and professional experience would allow me to serve all families in our community as a Southborough School Committee member.

Why are you running?

All students deserve access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their future endeavors. I am committed to promoting equity and inclusion practices in our schools, providing opportunities for all students to thrive regardless of their background or circumstance. I believe in collaborating with administrators, educators, and parents to create policies that prioritize student wellbeing and achievement, teacher professional develop-

Southborough | from page 9 Southborough |

ment, and school safety. I will advocate for increased attention to our children’s social — emotional health, well-being, and curriculum. I will be guided by three tenets in my school committee work: Inclusion for all children, Transparency in decision making, and Accountability for follow up and follow through with respect to decision making by the School Committee. Learn more about me and why I am running at www.johannaforschoolcommittee.org. I look forward to contributing my skills and experience towards ensuring a quality education for all students in the Southborough community.

Planning Board (Vote for 1)

Lisa Braccio

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

I am a wife and mother, I have lived in Southborough for 22 years. Volunteering is very important to our Family, we are all very fortunate to live in such a wonderful Town. I have served Southborough continuously for the last 18 years including on the Select Board, Open Space Preservation Committee (OSPC), St. Marks Golf Course Master Plan Committee, Southborough Emergency Planning Committee (SEPC), Southborough Housing Opportunity Partnership Committee (SHOPC), Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee (AHTFC), Capital Planning Committee, Neary School Building Committee, and the Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC). I have served on the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) Board of Directors, Mass Select Board Association District 5 representing Worcester County, Local Governance Advisory Council appointed by the Governor.

Why are you running?

I want to continue to serve the Town but on a more process and focus driven Board. The Town will be facing some planning challenges in the coming years and my track record of bringing people together to work toward achieving a singu-

lar goal will greatly benefit the Planning Board and the Town in facing those challenges. In addition my knowledge of Southborough’s zoning bylaw and subdivision plan review, gained during the 12 years I served on the Southborough Open Space Preservation Commission, will enable me to immediately be a contributing Planning Board member

Michael Weishan

Please provide a brief biographical background on yourself. What should voters know about you?

Born: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Education: Harvard College; Southborough resident for 31 years. Occupation: principal of the landscape architecture firm, Michael Weishan and Associates; former host of “The Victory Garden” on PBS; contributor to numerous national TV shows as well as NPR. Author of three books on landscape design: The New Traditional Garden (1999); From a Victorian Garden (2004); and The Victory Garden Companion (2006), as well as two books on the history of Southborough, Lost Southborough (2019) and Tales of Old Southborough (2021). President, Southborough Historical Society.

Why are you running?

The Planning Board is the guardian of the quality of life in our town, and to be effective, it requires people with design and planning expertise who know how to get projects done efficiently and effectively.

If elected, I would bring both those qualities to the table. I have run a nationally known landscape architecture firm for over 35 years, during which time we have designed everything from single family homes to public memorials and commercial developments. I work daily with engineers, architects, builders and developers. I speak their language, which means that I know how to work together to produce beneficial outcomes — as well as how not to be fooled by schemes that seek to enrich individuals at public expense. I understand the technicalities of urban planning, and I am completely at home with complicated plan sets and design concepts. In short, I can do this job.

Plant a Gratitude Garden for your favorite teacher

WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Education Foundation will celebrate “Teacher Appreciation Week” by growing a Gratitude Garden.

The foundation invites you to show your appreciation for the talents and efforts of Westborough educators by purchasing a pinwheel flower in their name.

The pinwheel garden will be planted by WEF volunteers at each school during “Teacher Appreciation Week” from May 8-12.

To plant a pinwheel flower in your teacher’s name, visit https://www.westborougheducationfoundation.com/ and make a donation of $5 per pinwheel. You will be asked to name your teacher and school. You may also print (from the emailed receipt) a notecard to personalize and give to your teacher.

WEF will send each teacher honored an acknowledgment of the flowers planted for them

along with who purchased them.

You may purchase as many pinwheels as you would like. Pinwheel flowers may be purchased up to May 5. They will be planted and growing from May 7 through 13.

Your tax-deductible dona-

tion to the Westborough Education Foundation will fund grants to teachers and other educators for the implementation of innovative educational programs, partnerships and enrichment activities which are outside the funding normally provided in the school budget.

The 2020 Gratitude Garden included a display outside of the Hastings School in Westborough.

Associate

What in the heck is going on in real estate this spring

Themarket has already begun to spring into action and as of mid-April, things are both hot and cold.

The number of homes that went on deposit last week is the lowest number we’ve seen in the past 20 years as well as a 53% decrease in the YOY number of homes that went under agreement the same week last year. Not only is this significant but it could also indicate a concern that there may be a lack of buyer demand. However, if you take a closer look, inventory is still extremely low and that’s part of the cause of this unusual market activity. The percentage of listings that went under agreement was 32.7% for last week. And yes while this is low compared

to the previous 2 years, it is actually a very solid number for mid-April. As a comparison to the sellers’ market, we were experiencing pre-pandemic during 2017-2019 the percentage of homes that went under agreement was in the mid 20%. So… looking at the big picture, the statistics imply this is going to be a very strong Spring market. The buyer demand is still at a good level and the lack of inventory is more to blame for the low number of homes that went under agreement last week.

The solution is we need more homes, more homes

built and more homeowners to sell. One critical factor that has affected inventory is the fact that by this time more Baby Boomers were expected to be selling and downsizing or headed to warmer weather areas, however it’s a catch 22, those baby Boomers are not only sitting on 2-3% or no mortgages they also don’t have inventory to choose from.

The MBTA Communities Act is one law that’s been put in place to lessen the low inventory impact on the market. We need more programs and towns should be looking at what they have for affordable housing and working with local builders to develop wherever they can.

Another factor coming into play is that bank assets have been down for 3 consecutive

quarters and are now lower than they’ve seen in more than 2 years. This will likely have an affect on interest rates and affordable loans. For now though rates seem to have settled and buyers are slowly gaining confidence back. In California, a new $300 billion special lending program the government made available following the failures of Silicone valley and Signature Bank has since helped slow the outflow.

The bottom line is still if you’re thinking of selling, you have not missed the “sellers’ market” it is still here and looks like it will be for most of this Spring and Summer at the least. Talk to a Realtor, your financial planner and an accountant and get a good 5-year plan in place, you may be surprised what that looks like and how soon it would suggest selling.

As always, If you’re thinking of buying or selling it’s best to get the advice of a professional realtor with the right team and having experts work on your behalf is absolutely in your best interest. For more market updates, feel free to reach out: email- lisasells@remaxexec. com Instagram @lisashawsells or call me 508 826-7661

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Shrewsbury town manager pleased with Beal Commons approval

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – After the Planning Board approved plans for the Beal Commons project at the site of the former Beal school earlier this month, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar said he was pleased with the decision.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into developing a project plan with the community,” Mizikar told the Community Advocate. “I was definitely pleased to see that result and for the opportunity for the project to move forward and get developed.”

Although the Planning Board approved the project, the vote was not unanimous. Planning Board member Timothy Jarry

voted against the proposal.

Mizikar did not seem surprised by the lack of consensus.

“I certainly respect all Planning Board members’ perspectives on it. I wasn’t surprised — I knew that this was one of the more talked about projects in town and certainly [there are] some changes coming to the town center associated with it. I respect the planning board members’ individual decisions,” he said.

After the Planning Board’s approval, the developer has the go-ahead to start to develop a financing plan and secure the funding to develop the project. From there, the town permitting process begins. Developers would need permits to demolish the existing Maj. Howard W.

Beal School building and for additional site work throughout the project.

Civico Greenly has also started to look for tenants for the project’s 7,000 square feet of retail space. Mizikar predicted that the group would be able to make more progress finding a tenant with the Planning Board’s approval.

“They will be able to move more succinctly forward with trying to get individual tenants for the retail spaces since they have the project approval,” he said.

The Planning Board’s decision could also be appealed.

“Certainly, with every project like this, there’s a 20-day appeal period once the decision is filed,” Mizikar said. “There’s

always a potential for appeal on a project that goes through the Planning Board process.”

Mizikar predicted that at this time the town is likely at least 24 months away from the

building’s retail space opening. The potential opening date could be extended depending on how long the developer takes to gather financing and permits.

Community invited to annual town clean up

NORTHBOROUGH – The Community Affairs Committee is inviting community members to participate in the Louise Houle Annual Town Clean Up on April 29.

The cleanup will kick off in the pavilion at Ellsworth McAfee Park. From 7:30 to 10 a.m. there will be registration and a breakfast courtesy of Wegmans and Dunkin.

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Fidelity Investments plans to move to a new Shrewsbury location.

During their April 13 meeting, the Planning Board unanimously approved plans for a new office building in the plaza at 571 Boston Turnpike.

Located on the corner of Route 9 and Grafton Street, the plaza is the location of Work ’N Gear, Staples, and home decor superstore At Home. The proposed building would be constructed in the southeast corner of the existing parking lot.

Fidelity Investments has outgrown its current site in the adjacent 551 Boston Turnpike plaza. It would occupy the new

building and locate approximately 35 employees there.

The plans call for a onestory, 8,400-square-foot brick building. The existing parking lot, which currently has 565 spaces, would be reduced to 476 spaces. Both proponents of the project and members of the Planning Board acknowledged that the building would make use of an otherwise underutilized parking lot.

During an April 6 meeting, Joshua Lee Smith, a partner at Bowditch & Dewey LLP who represents the applicant in this case, called the existing lot a “sea of parking spaces.”

“The addition of this project will add to the aesthetic appeal of the site,” Smith said. “It will also break up the monotony of all the parking.”

“I think it’s a great use for that site… it’s a very bland site right now, and this [project] definitely enhances the look of it,” Planning Board member Joseph Thomas said.

The surrounding landscape would also receive improvements. Trees and other vegetation would be added around both the building and Route 9. Smith noted that there would be little to no light, noise, or traffic impact in building the new structure. At peak hours, the building would draw between 15 and 19 vehicles, and there would be no new access points to the existing plaza.

As part of the approval process, the Planning Board granted a waiver regarding pavement thickness.

At this time, residents will be provided their cleanup supplies, though their designated area can be cleaned any time over the weekend. The committee will be collecting items to

donate to the Northborough Free Pantry.

The Department of Public Works will pick up the bags on Monday.

If you want to clean ahead of the weekend, bags and gloves will be available in bins at 6 Mohican Avenue and 213 Indian Meadow Drive starting April 27.

People are encouraged to sign up ahead of the weekend at https://signup.com/ go/fnXCrKH

The cleanup is co-sponsored by Be Well Northborough and the Northboro Junior Woman’s Club.

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Contact: adopt@baypathhumane.org

Westborough dedicates monument to Revolutionary War veterans

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – They are now all present and accounted for.

On Saturday, April 15, at Minuteman Park, a monument was formerly dedicated to honor the 55 men from town who mustered in response to the alarm in Lexington and Concord.

The monument, which was installed in November 2022, complements the one dedicated by the town’s Bicentennial Committee in 1975; that monument honors 46 men who served in the Revolution.

Leigh Emery, the master of ceremonies and a descendent of Joseph Belknap, credited David Nourse for his “unrelenting efforts” in making the monument a reality.

In his remarks, Nourse said he wanted to set the record straight; the older monument contained “flaws” such as names spelled incorrectly or missing altogether, including

his own ancestor, Daniel Nurse. Nourse said the names for the original monument came from a muster roll published in an 1891 report. Thanks to online research, especially payroll records from the state archives, he was able to find the names of the other men from Westborough who served.

“It is fitting that all 101 men are represented,” said Nourse. “They deserved to be remembered, they deserved to be honored.”

He added that the Westborough contingent was part of nearly 20,000 from around the Massachusetts colony who bottled up the British in Boston until they evacuated in March 1776. Of the 101 who mustered, 24 joined the Continental Army.

“My brother had done a lot of work” on the monument, said Nourse’s brother, Jonathan. “It’s nice to have the record corrected.”

Descendants of Daniel Nurse attended, as did descendants of Belknap and others.

Select Board Chair Ian John-

son, a member of the Trustees of Soldiers Monuments, thanked the Civic Club, the Historical Society and the Rotary Club for their financial assistance. He also thanked the Department of Public Works for moving the boulder from the Nourse Farm to the site at Minuteman Park.

Members of Westborough High School’s choral union performed the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” The Westborough Garden Club provided the wreath, and Rev. Elizabeth Dorsi from the Congregational Church of Westborough provided the invocation.

State Rep. Kate Donaghue and state Sen. Michael Moore spoke at the dedication and presented citations from the State House.

British favorites on program of WCC show

WESTBOROUGH – British music is heading to Westborough.

The Westborough Community Chorus will be performing “British Beats” at Gibbons Middle School May 6 at 7:30 p.m. and May 7 at 2 p.m.

This show will include performances of British music ranging from songs from The Beatles to Adele to the musical “Oliver!”

“We’re excited to showcase both classics and modern pieces from British artists this year,” said Chairwoman Beverly Remillard. “The group is working hard, and we’re sure there is something for everyone.”

NicknamesLouise & Loulie

Favorite FriendsAudrey, Molly, & Benny

Favorite Things:Toys, nibbling Audrey’s ear & cuddles

The spring show will also highlight the recipients of the chorus’ music scholarships —

Anastasia Isabel Gravely (violin), Mahika Macharla (voice) and James Jaeggli (drums). In a press release, the chorus said the students had expressed a great love of music and their

discipline. They were invited to perform after the first act of the 2024 spring show. For more information, visit www.westboroughcommunitychorus.com.

Descendants of Daniel Nurse, one of the 101 men from Westborough who responded to the Lexington alarm in April 1775, stand in front of the monument after dedication ceremonies on Saturday, April 15.

PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Members

the building, which was built around 1910 as a private residence.

The committee chose Ian Johnson, the Select Board’s representative, as chairman; Maura Shunney as vice chair; and Jen Kirkland, director of the Recreation Department, as secretary.

After a discussion of the committee’s goals, golf pro and committee member Matt Griffith led the group on a tour of the building.

He showed places where restaurant equipment once stood, the bar, the stoves, the offices. The group then went onto the outdoor deck, where diners once enjoyed summer

Shrewsbury proposes cemetery expansion into Prospect Park

Cemetary | from page 1

Golf Club | from page 1 unchanged.

The area is within walking distance of the center of town. The project calls for an nontraditional-style cemetery.

“Going back as early as 2019, we wanted a cemetery that was different than Mountain View [Cemetery], and after quite a few discussions, we’ve come up with a design,” Director of Public Works Jeffrey Howland said.

Ricardo Austrich, a manager at BSC Group who designed the project, said that the project design mixes elements of cemeteries and parks.

“[We’re] creating a place that doesn’t look like Mountain View [Cemetery], but something that looks quite different that is responsive to nature and the environment. It’s a place where… people [will] go to commemorate their loved ones [and] also for families to go to enjoy nature for bird walks. The focus is a natural setting that also happens to have landscape and monuments and memorialization,” he said.

Plans call for a “cremation garden” and a “remembrance garden,” which are areas meant to feel more healing and sacred than the average cemetery. The town hopes other additions, like gazebos and water features, will make people feel welcome to frequent the area

for both visitation and general use.

Austrich noted the proposed cemetery would be well equipped to accommodate people’s burial preferences. People could have creative memorials at the new site, including communal monuments and engraved stone walls.

“The goal of the plan is to make it flexible so that it serves a variety of different people’s needs,” Austrich said.

Preserving nature was another top priority.

The Davey Tree company surveyed over 2,300 trees in the area to determine the most eco-friendly layout for the project, ultimately reaching what Austrich called a “design that puts the trees first.”

Bill Stendrup, a certified arborist for Davey Tree, said, “Nature and the built environment can coexist for the benefit of people and their communities… so when we were tasked with assessing these trees, we took it quite seriously.”

“We’re trying to make a sustainable cemetery. We’re trying to save as much of nature as possible and as many trees as possible,” Shrewsbury Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Baldinger said.

The town presented only preliminary plans during the meeting, but officials indicated that construction could start as soon as next summer.

evenings under the lights.

After the tour, the committee discussed possible next steps.

“We’re a very, very busy nine-hole course,” said Griffith. “We would benefit from a

functional clubhouse” that could host meetings, functions and more.

Because of his background in helping to build two clubhouses “from scratch,” Griffith said he could come up with some ideas for the next meeting.

Members also suggested creating a survey that could be sent to residents.

The committee will meet

on May 10 and 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall. For updates, visit https://www.town.westborough.ma.us/golf-clubbuilding-use-committee

Although the restaurant portion has closed, the golf course and pro shop remain open.

For information about the Westborough Golf Club, visit https://www.westboroughgolfclub.com/

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Chairs still surround a fireplace that was once part of the Civic’s dining area.

Members of the Golf Club Building Use Committee tour the deck on Monday, April 24.

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN

The board and the developer have been discussing conditions of approval for several recent meetings.

“We’ve spent a lot of time together getting to this point of these draft conditions, and the board is owed a lot of credit for all of the effort it’s put in listening of community members in that regard,” said Gutierrez’s attorney Mark Donahue.

He said the conditions contained compromises from both sides.

At the start of the meeting and before the board voted,

Donahue said if the Planning Board wanted to continue to examine revisions, “but at some point there needs to be a recognition that this is a balancing to reach some level of consensus that, frankly, I thought we had reached in the effort that [Planning Director Laurie Connors and Town Counsel David Doneski] and I had taken from all of the sessions we had with you, hearing the concerns and trying to come up with something that will work for everyone.”

Chair Kerri Martinek said it was a “good collaboration” on both sides.

“From what I saw in the draft that had some suggestions, I don’t think there are any material changes overall,” Martinek said. “I hope we don’t have any issues. I think it still reflects the intent of what we have been discussing overall.”

During the meeting, the board further discussed the conditions, such as adding language to reference images in the plans.

One of the originally proposed conditions did not allow deliveries, coupling or decoupling of tractor trailers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. However, it

allowed tractor trailers to park on site in the event they arrived early. It also includes language in which the planning director could authorize an exception or temporary waiver for the time limitation for good cause if notified at least 48 hours ahead.

Connors noted comments about trucks parked on Bartlett Street.

“It was my understanding from our prior conversations that we wanted them to make accommodations for trucks that arrived early,” she said. “When we were doing our discussion, they agreed that they

would be willing to do that.”

This would solve concerns regarding trucks parking in properties that aren’t their destination, she said.

While some Planning Board members voiced concerns that the language would open it up to trucks coming at all hours of the night, others felt that this would prevent the trucks from parking on Bartlett or in residential neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the Planning Board unanimously voted to approve the site plans for the project and a groundwater protection overlay special permit.

Northborough Town Meeting approves ARHS athletic complex

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – Night one of Northborough’s annual Town Meeting concluded April 24, and voters approved numerous articles, including the Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) athletic complex project.

Specifically, Article 25 asked whether voters will authorize $7.96 million in borrowing that has been approved by the Regional School Committee.

“The current facility has served the communities well over the years. However, it is beyond its useful life, and there are safety issues as a result,” said Superintendent Greg Martineau.

Among the issues, Martineau said the stadium field’s soil is heavily compacted, as is the multipurpose field. Additionally, the tennis courts’ base layer have significant cracking and failure.

He said the base layer of the track has failed, and the top surface can’t be repaired.

“As a result, the track is unsafe and unusable for track meets,” Martineau said.

The complex is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the lighting doesn’t meet the new

safety standards, he said.

The district is proposing to create an ADA-compliant complex, including a reconstructed track, replacing both the stadium and multipurpose fields with turf, replacing the grand stand with ADAcompliant seating and press box, replacing the stadium lights and add lights to the multipurpose field. The amenities building will be made ADA-compliant, and an amphitheater and lacrosse wall will be added.

Additionally, the tennis courts will be reconstructed, and three pickleball courts and a basketball court.

Algonquin senior Jack Gamache, who is the captain of two athletic teams and participates in a third, advocated for the project, saying it’s important for the track to be safe.

“I spend a lot of time at the fields, and I see how much they’re used by not only students, but people in the community,” said Gamache.

He also recalled attending games and seeing some people have to sit on the track or not be able to use the restrooms.

“It’s very important that ADA-compliance, [that] we meet those standards to meet the safety of our students and those that are coming to watch the game as well,” said Gamache.

By Michael Perna Jr. History Columnist

SHREWSBURY - From 1905 until it closed in 1960, the White City Amusement Park was a very popular destination for people throughout New England. One of the many rides that the park featured was the “Custer Cars.” These, as can be seen in the photograph, were small contraptions that went around a track. Just when this ride was in operation was unknown until recent times.

Due to the discovery of a set of blueprints printed in 1930 (when the “new” Route 9 was due to be constructed), we can see that the Custer Car ride was located just about where the current Route 9 entrance to White City Plaza is today.

In the photograph, taken in the late 1940s, we have Beatrice Tebo sitting on one of the cars. The photo was taken by Jesse McKee ― the two were enjoying an outing at the park. They met while he was in the Army, stationed at Fort Devens. They later married and ended up living

on South Quinsigamond Avenue, close by the park.

The Custer Cars themselves must have been removed during a 1950s renovation when a Kiddie Land took over the spot in the park. The name Custer Cars, it turns out, was due to the creator of the vehicles, a young man named Levitt Custer, who actually had a patent for an airplane component in 1912 at the age of 24! He invented the Custer Cars a few years later and they became a huge hit for amusement parks.

A multitude of visitors enjoyed the Custer Cars ride at White City Amusement Park in Shrewsbury until the 1950s.

Susan Howards to come speak in Northborough

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – In 2020, the Northborough Police Department responded to 60 calls for domestic abuse.

That’s according to NOW SAVE, which is short for Northboro Organizes With Safety Against Violence Eduction.

The group is now getting ready for a presentation by Susan Howards, who is a criminal defense attorney focusing on family violence.

“She’s absolutely captivating,” said NOW SAVE’s Jeri Baily.

Prior to NOW SAVE, there wasn’t anything offered, according to Baily. NOW SAVE is striving to become one of the ways to provide information on domestic violenceto community members.

A committee under the Northboro Junior Woman’s Club, since it was formed, NOW SAVE has created several pieces of literature to help victims of domestic violence.

This includes a business cards with the phone number for resources like the Northborough Police Department and Family and Youth Services, and a pamphlet with information on the definition of abuse and how to obtain a restraining order.

According to Baily, the business card and pamphlet have gone to churches and local businesses where they could hopefully be picked up. The Northborough Police Department also keep the cards in their squad cars.

“We feel based on everything we’ve read and information from Northborough police that there sadly is a need,” said

Baily.

Baily and Sue Savage worked together to now bring Howards to Northborough.

Baily had heard her speak during a past state Junior Woman’s meeting.

One of her takeaways from hearing Howards speak is that there needs to be more information and knowledge about

what abuse is.

“And that there’s help out there,” Baily added. “No one should put up [with abuse], and often it’s a difficult situation. There’s often a cycle. It’s all about education as far as we’re concerned.”

The presentation will take place at 2 p.m. May 6 at the Northborough Free Library.

Remillard, Hollander named historical society volunteers of the year

GRAFTON – The Grafton Historical Society have named the recipients of their volunteer of the year awards.

The winners are Pam Hollander and Kristen Remillard. They will be honored during the society’s Annual Dinner Meeting and Awards on May 5.

“Both Pam and ‘Kricky’ are dedicated to our mission of making history relevant to today and future generations,” the society wrote in a press release.

Remillard serves on the board of directors. The society noted that she is a “wiz” with social media and has taken on a variety of roles. Remillard helped with the Third Grade History Days and introduced the students to the history of the buildings on the Common.

The society also mentioned her work with the First Friday Teas, Grafton Celebrates the Holidays, Community Reading Program and writing for the Community Advocate.

“From the early days of Kristen’s service for the Grafton Historical Society, I could see

a young woman who wanted her volunteer time to have an impact,” the society wrote.

The society said that Hollander helped pack up the artifacts, documents, maps and books for their 2018 move to 71 Main Street.

As the coordinator for the society’s monthly programs, Hollander introduced new and innovative events. She worked with the high school Cultural Club on the proper way to display items in a museum.

Kristen “Kricky” Remillard, who writes for the Community Advocate and is on the Board of Directors of the Grafton Historical Society, was named one of the volunteers of the year.

The Grafton Historical Society’s Annual Dinner Meeting and Awards will be at the Post Office Pub beginning with drinks and socializing at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

To attend the celebration, call 508-839-000 and email graftonmahistory@gmail. com with the names of the attendees. Mail a check to the Grafton Historical Society P.O. Box 218, Grafton, MA, 01519 for $50 a person.

Celebrating 40 Years of Family Dentistry

Dr. Eric Bryan

“

No one should put up [with abuse], and often it’s a difficult situation. There’s often a cycle. It’s all about education as far as we’re concerned.

Jeri Baily NOW SAVE

Fuller RV enters 40th year as region’s hub for recreational living vehicles

By Kathryn Acciari

Contributing Writer

BOYLSTON – In August of 2023, Fuller RV will start its 40th season of recreational living. Owners Bobby and Sheri Fuller are well-seasoned in the RV world.

“We purchased the business in August of 1984, after managing it for six months,“ said Sheri Fuller. “We’ve gone through recessions, gas crises, and of course the pandemic. Other RV shops are starting to close their doors. We aim to be here for a good long time.”

Each season brings changing trends, and this year, Fuller is seeing an increase in RV sales

over rentals.

“The trend has switched from rentals to sales, more than in previous years,” said Fuller. “People are selling their homes to fulfill their dream of traveling the country full-time, and having an RV means they can bring their home with them.”

On the rental end, Fuller has seen customers use RVs for numerous purposes.

Don Patron opens at site of former Halfway Cafe in Marlborough

“We have a customer who does not like to fly, so he rents an RV from us when he needs to travel, and we provide a great alternative for temporary housing. One customer rented for several months while his home was being repaired after frozen pipes burst. Still another customer kept one of our RVs on site while waiting for the final certificate of occupancy on their new house,” said Fuller. “We often have bands rent our campers while they are touring. And sometimes the electric companies call us for units

to house their staff during storms and outages.”

Fuller RV’s services also extend to the medical community. They have three trailers on-site in Fitchburg.

“Our trailers house the EMTs and other staff while the Medflight is being constructed,” said Fuller. “We also work with businesses who want to house employees while they are traveling or during facility construction. It’s a comfortable way for people to work and live temporarily.”

She and husband Bobby open their showroom in Boylston to customers seven

days a week.

“This is unusual for an RV company,” said Fuller. “But we want to be here for our customers. They’re like family to us.”

Fuller RV has strong roots in the community. Bobby grew up in this area, and he particularly enjoys giving back.

“We like helping the schools and charities in Boylston. We also often place a Touch Truck at events for kids to enjoy, and we help out with Halo’s Wish,” said Fuller. “The Moose Lodge likes to see us participate too, and we help with school fundraisers.”

Fuller RV is located at 150 Shrewsbury Street (Route 140) in Boylston. Stop in or call (508) 869-2905, and check out the fleet of 67 RV’s at usamotorhomerentals.com.

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

By Maureen Sullivan

Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – The site of the former Halfway Café opened on April 24 as a Mexican restaurant.

Don Patron Mexican Grill and Cantina at 820 Boston Post Road East will offer authentic Mexican cuisine, including burritos, enchiladas, tacos and fajitas.

Hours will be daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Based in New York state, this is the first Don Patron franchise

in Metrowest, according to manager Santiago Alonso.

The Halfway Café was open for 23 years, and it closed in 2021 after receiving an offer for the property.

Dollar Tree closes

The Dollar Tree location next to Hannaford’s Supermarket on Boston Post Road West has closed.

According to the city’s Building Department, a liquor store is moving into that site, but permits have yet to be submitted.

Raising Cane’s opening pushed to May

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – If you’re hankering for chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s, you’ll have to wait a while longer.

Originally scheduled to open in April, the location at 141 Boston Post Road is now

scheduled to open on May 17. This will be the third location to open in Massachusetts; the other two are in Boston, with the Boylston Street location opening within the next week.

The Marlborough location is hiring; for information, visit https://jobs.raisingcanes.com/

Owner Sheri Fuller relaxes in a recliner in one of the RVs.

PHOTO/KATHRYN ACCIARI

The former Halfway Café on Boston Post Road East opened on Monday, April 24, as a Mexican restaurant.

PHOTO/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

Your car deserves pampering and polishing from CG Auto Detailing

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH – Nelci Rodrigues and his business partner, Joan Andrade, have been caring for cars for over 12 years. In their new location in Northborough, the crew at CG Auto Detailing carefully clean and polish every vehicle that comes into the shop.

Spring is a busy time for CG Auto Detailing, as customers want to remove end-of-winter grime. Rodrigues and his team offer two levels of cleaning detailing.

“We offer full and express cleaning services, all done by hand,” said Rodrigues. “We spend up to five hours on the full detailing, depending on the size of the car. This detailing includes shampooing of the seats and carpeting in the vehicle. The express cleaning takes about an hour-and-a-half and includes vacuuming, wiping the dashboard, and cleaning the windows inside and out.”

Every vehicle serviced by CG Auto Detailing is hand washed and dried. The shop offers Simoniz Diamond Plate protectant, which acts as a second clear coat layer to revitalize and protect the exterior finish of the vehicle.

“Diamond Plate makes it easy to keep the car’s gloss for a longer time,” said Rodrigues. “It provides protection against weather, ultraviolet rays, acid raid, and materials like pollen and sap.”

Rodrigues and Andrade moved the business from Marlborough to Northborough when the car wash they were associated with was sold.

“People used to know us when we were in Marlborough,”

said Rodrigues. “Now they are starting to find us in our new location here in Northborough. We have such a nice location

here, it is very easy to find.”

Rodrigues and his team work every day except Sunday, and they allow their customers to

drop off their cars and leave them overnight for convenience.

“If a customer lives less than five miles away, we will also pick up the car and drop it back at the customer’s home. People love this, especially when they are working from home. In the future we plan to have loaner cars for our customers to use,” said Rodrigues.

Other services at CG Auto Detailing include leather and upholstery cleaning, ozone treatment to eliminate odors, and engine cleaning. The shop also offers a special product called VisionBlade, which is a rain repellant treatment for the windshield.

“VisionBlade is great for driving during times of bad weath-

er,” said Rodrigues. “It repels rain and snow, which improves visibility for the driver.”

CG Auto Detailing’s services are available for automobiles, SUVs, pickup trucks, handicap vans, and also vintage vehicles. They offer discounts for senior citizens, first responders, teachers, military veterans, and also honors AAA discounts.

Find CG Auto Detailing on Facebook, visit their website at cgautodetailing.net, or call them at 508-250-2922 to schedule your car’s spring spruce-up.

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

Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA team qualifies for Hunt Seat National Finals

BERLIN – Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA Team has qualified as a team for the Hunt Seat National Finals for the first time ever. The team’s success is evidence of their hard work and dedication, and it is a significant achievement for both the riders and the farm.

The IEA — short for Interscholastic Equestrian Association — is a unique organization that promotes equestrian competition for middle and high school students. The association offers riders the ability to compete individually as well as part of a team, regardless of their riding level or experience.

IEA is a unique showing opportunity as riders do not have to own or lease their own horse to compete, which is required for ordinary horse showing. Instead, the hosting team will

provide horses, which are then assigned randomly.

The Hunt Seat National Finals will occur at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, NC, from April 26 to 30. The competition will feature a variety of events, including equitation on the flat and jumping over fences. The

riders will be judged on their riding ability and horsemanship skills in these events.

While Maplewood Farm has had riders compete individually at finals in the past, this is the first time the whole team has qualified. Maplewood Farm’s Upper School Team will be one of the approximately

550 teams competing in Tryon.

“We are thrilled to have our High School Team representing Maplewood Farm at the Hunt Seat National Finals,” said Owner of Maplewood Farm Tamara Johnston. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our riders, and we are proud of their hard work and dedication. We know they will represent us well and we can’t wait to see them compete.”

Overall, Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA Team’s success highlights the opportunities that the IEA offers to young riders. It is a testament to the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work in the equestrian arena, and a source of pride for the entire Maplewood Farm community. The farm wishes the team the best of luck in their upcoming competition!

Spring is a busy time for CG Auto Detailing.

Maplewood Farm’s Upper School IEA Team has qualified for the Hunt Seat National Finals.

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

Abladian, H. Michael of Westborough

Adams, Richard of Westborough

Aguillard, Jonathan of Westborough

Angell, Phyllis of Shrewsbury

Crawford, Beverly of Grafton

Hastings, Beverly of Shrewsbury

MacNeill, Seldon formerly of Hudson

Micciche, Hunter of Hudson

McCartney, Harley of Shrewsbury

Myers, Robert formerly of Southborough

Ottaviano, Jane of Shrewsbury and South Dennis

Paskalis, Peter of Shrewsbury

Wickham, Edward formerly of Southborough

Williamson, Barbara formerly of Hudson

Woodworth, Harris of Marlborough

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

Michael Abladian, 82

WESTBOROUGH - H. Michael

Abladian, 82, longtime resident of Westborough Mass.; passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 13th, 2023. Michael was born in Worcester Mass on May 16, 1940, to the late Harry and Varsenig (Vetzikian) Abladian. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan (Schrader) Abladian and his two children Lewis Abladian and his wife Kathleen of Londonderry, NH and his daughter Laura Tremblay and her husband Joseph of Holden. He leaves six grandchildren Bennett, Sarah, and Abigail Abladian and Tyler, Lily, and Evan Tremblay. In addition, he is survived by his sister Michele Fashjian and her husband John of Framingham and several nieces and nephews.

Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Beverly A. Crawford, 83

GRAFTON - Beverly A. (Forsman) Crawford, 83, passed away April 15, 2023 at Christopher House in Worcester, MA following an illness. Her husband of 60 years, Hugh D. “Huck” Crawford predeceased her in January of 2022. Beverly was born August 4, 1939 in Worcester, MA, daughter of the late Dorothy E. (Strom) and Randolph A. Forsman, Sr. Beverly is survived by her children Amy O’Farrell, her husband Kevin and their children Sean and Catelyn and Garrett Crawford, his wife Erin and their daughter Ava, and her sister-inlaw Nancy Forsman. She was predeceased by her brother Randolph A. “Randy” Forsman, Jr. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

Harley E. McCartney Jr., 83

SHREWSBURY - Harley E. McCartney Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully in Worcester on Sunday, April 9,

POLICE LOG

2023, at the age of 83.

Harley was the loving son of the late Harley E. McCartney Sr. and Kathlyn (MeGee) McCartney. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Joan R. (Tebo) McCartney and his granddaughter Allison Lyons. He is survived by his daughter’s, Carrie McCartney, Sharon Warriner and her husband Steven, his cherished granddaughter, Jillian Guadalupe, and her husband Niko. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Jean Kelley and Kathlyn Laflamme; his brothers, Wayne McCartney, and his wife, Denise, and Dennis McCartney and his wife, Beth; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

Jonathan P. Aguillard, 61

WESTBOROUGH - Jonathan P. Aguillard, of Westborough, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Westborough, MA. He was born in Eunice, La. And lived his early years in Ville Platte, La. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna Cox Aguillard. His sons Jonathon (Rebecca) Aguillard of Moss Bluff, La. Christopher (Amanda)

Aguillard of Moss Bluff, La. Jacob Aguillard of Leicester, Ma. And his stepson Joshua Flowers of Sulphur, La. His brother Phil (Liz) Aguillard, His sisters Paula (George) Lafleur, and Donna Miller. Seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his Father Jessie Aguillard and Mother Laura Aguillard of Ville Platte, La. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Peter K. Paskalis, 86

SHREWSBURY - Peter K. “Pete”

Paskalis, 86, passed away at his home on Friday, April 14, 2023, with his family by his side. Peter was born on March 18, 1937, to Greek immigrants Kosta and Anastasia (Pappas) Paskalis and was the oldest of five children. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years Bessie (Andrews) Paskalis; his two daughters who loved him unconditionally, Anne Marie Paskalis of Shrewsbury, formerly of Washington, DC and Cynthia (Paskalis) Batchelder of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his grandsons Connor and Brian of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his brothers Steve (wife Beverly) of Jupiter, FL, Stewart of Worcester and the late Thom-

as Paskalis of Worcester and a sister Maria Zekos of Holden; his brothers in law George (wife Georgia) Andrews, the late Andrew Andrews and Peter Andrews all of Charlotte, NC along with many nieces and nephews.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Phyllis P. Angell, 92

SHREWSBURY - Phyllis P. (Lossano) Angell, 92, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 10, 2023 in the comfort of her home. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert F. Angell, in 2020.

She leaves her children, Marylan A. Soderman and her husband Roy, of Ocala, FL, and Brian P. Cote, of Auburn; a step-son, Steven Angell, of Assonet, MA; a stepdaughter-in-law, Michelle A. Angell, of Sutton; two stepgrandchildren, Morgan and Dale Angell, of Sutton; and her good friend/neighbor, Sal Degon, of Shrewsbury. Phyllis was predeceased by her stepson, Robert F. Angell, Jr.; and her parents, Felice and Elsie (Baldwin) Lossano.

The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Wednesday, April 12 9:57 p.m. Arrested , Katherine Sweeney, 44, of 15 Amherst Dr., Shrewsbury, for marked lanes violation, OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of MV.

Shrewsbury

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

Westborough

Tuesday, April 11 3:14 p.m. Arrested, Juan Rivera, 23, of 14 Beaver Ter Cir., Apt. D, Framingham, on straight warrant.

Tuesday, April 11 9:14 a.m. Arrested, Britt D. Walker, 33, of 38 Woodland St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for no inspection sticker, possession Class A substance, op MV with license suspended, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, assault with dangerous weapon, carry firearm without license, leave firearm in vehicle.

Friday, April 14 1:04 a.m. Arrested, Patrick K. Moran, 53, of 323 Auburn St., Cherry Valley, for OUI liquor.

Sunday, April 16 10:43 a.m. Arrested , Alejandro

Francis Binette, 27, of 54 Hapgood Way, Apt. 1, Shrewsbury, on warrant.

Wednesday, April 19

8:11 p.m. Arrested , Jothiprasad Selvaraj, 40, of 191 South St., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, neg operation of MV (operate to endanger), drink alcohol from open container in MV.

Thursday, April 20

1:01 p.m. Arrested, James R. Whittaker, 44, of 118 Leland Hill Rd., Charlton, for oper MV with license suspended/revoked.

11:01 p.m. Arrested, Ryan Adam Madelle, 31, 49 Maple St., Apt. 1, Spencer, on warrants.

Northborough

Monday, April 10

2:02 a.m. Arrested , Israel Velazquez-Tapia, 42, of 49 Emmett St., Marlborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, unregistered motor vehicle,

marked lanes violation.

Saturday, April 15

5:35 p.m. Arrested, John I. Hunt, 54, of 127 East Main St., Northborough, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense.

Marlborough

Monday, April 10

12:29 a.m. Arrested, Mark C. McCarthy, 28, of 143 E Main St., Northborough, for disorderly conduct.

Friday, April 14

9:11 a.m. Arrested, Jason Stuart Rennie, 44, of 8 Mustang Ave., Marlborough, for assault, vandalize property, disturbing the peace.

Saturday, April 15

3:15 a.m. Arrested, Luis Geovanni Chay, 30, of 15 Redbud Way, Apt. 34, Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, op MV with license suspended, marked lanes violation.

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

Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and shall be labeled on the outside as:

“Proposal for Architectural / Design Services –Hudson Fire Station Headquarters Renovations” and must be sent or delivered to:

Town of Hudson c/o Thomas Gregory, Executive Assistant

78 Main Street

Hudson, MA 01749

Complete sealed proposal packages must be received at the above address by:

HUDSON

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ARCHITECTURAL / DESIGN SERVICES FOR BUILDING RENOVATIONS TO FIRE STATION HEADQUARTERS 296 COX STREET

The Town of Hudson invites qualified architectural (or architectural / engineering) firms to submit proposals to provide full design services for building renovations to its Fire Station Headquarters, located at 296 Cox Street, Hudson, Massachusetts. All respondents must be able to comply with all the RFQ requirements and follow all instructions in preparing RFQ responses. Failure to respond properly may result in the rejection of the proposal(s).

The RFQ guidelines may be obtained in the following manner: at the Hudson Town Hall, Executive Assistant’s Office, 78 Street, Hudson, MA 01749 during normal business hours starting on Friday, April 28, 2023, or by e-mail to tgregory@townofhudson.org. All procedures related to this procurement are in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 7C, §§44-57.

Six (6) copies, plus one electronic copy on a USB drive, of the proposal shall be submitted with all information as required on Pages 5 and 6 (Proposal Requirements) and any supplementary materials, if desired.

Date: May 15, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM

All proposals received after the stated opening date and time will be judged to be unacceptable and will be returned unopened to the sender. No facsimile of proposals is permitted. The Town of Hudson reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, if deemed in the best interests of the Town.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

HUDSON PLANNING BOARD

Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 2nd Floor Town Hall.

At this time, the Hudson Planning Board will consider the application of NGP Management LLC for Site Plan Approval of a project which entails minor site improvements which include constructing a new drive-thru for the quick serve restaurant as well as providing ADA parking to service the quick serve restaurant pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.1.7 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws. The subject property is located at 256 Washington Street within the M-6 Industrial District, Assessors’ Map 64 Parcel 30.

All petition materials are available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, on the Town of Hudson website at http://

go.boarddocs.com/ma/hudsonma/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=CQLQW96B4301 and can be requested by calling (978) 562-2989 or by sending an email to kjohnson@townofhudson.org

Hudson Planning Board

Robert D’Amelio, Chairman

MARLBOROUGH

City of Marlborough Conservation Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on May 4, 2023 at 7:30 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.

A Request for Determination of Applicability was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Petition: Nancy Brenton proposes to repair and replace an existing retaining wall at 15 Ahern Rd. next to wetlands.

Plans and other information can be viewed in the Marlborough Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

City of Marlborough Conservation Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on May 4, 2023 at 7:45 PM at Marl-

borough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd FloorMemorial Hall.

A Request for Determination of Applicability was filed under provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. c. 131, §40.

Petition: St. Mary’s Credit Union proposes to install a natural gas generator at 46 Lizotte Dr. near wetlands,

Plans and other information can be viewed in the Marlborough Conservation Office. All interested persons are invited. Applicant or representative must be present.

Edward Clancy Chairman Conservation Commission

SOUTHBOROUGH

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BY TED’S OF FAYVILLE, 300 TURNPIKE ROAD., SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772

Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday May 10, 2023 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart.com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting April 21, 2023 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http://sta.ibidsmart.com

This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-485-0503 for bidding instructions.

2002 Honda Accord 2000 Infiniti G20

VIN: 1HGCG66812A173551

Owned by Edward Dever

Small Utility Trailer

VIN:Unknown

Owned by Frederick Torres

2001 BMW 330i

Vin: WBAAV53421FK46612

VIN: JNKCP11A6YT311947

Owned by Brenda L Martinez

1994 GMC P3500

VIN: 1GDKP32K0R3502406

Owned by Jamie Shannon Going H On

2007 Toyota Highlander

VIN: JTEHD21A670048764

Owned by Paulo E DeAguiar Owned by Miguel A Sandoval-Guzman

2006 Kiefer Trailer 2020 Toyota Corolla

VIN: 5YFS4RCE7LP009149

VIN: 1DVDC12116K050731

Owned by Romualdas Jurgilas Owned by Victor Perez

2008 Pontiac Vibe

Vin: 5Y2SL65818Z409889

Owned by Darian E Getrouw

2007 Honda Odyssey

VIN:5FNRL38757B031547

Owned by James Holmes

2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix/XR 2007 Honda Accord

VIN: 2TIKR32E68C717139

Owned by Brian Melnick

VIN: 1HGCM56317A182880

Owned by Victor Awobayiku

This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Students catch glimpse into future at Oak Middle School Career Day

By Evan Walsh Reporter

SHREWSBURY – Over 60 professionals from a variety of career fields converged at Oak Middle School April 4 to share their work experiences with nearly 500 interested seventhgrade students.

From actors to accountants to animators, nearly every career imaginable was represented. In the weeks leading up to the event, students had the opportunity to choose which professions they would be most interested to hear from.

Of the choices, the medical field was the most popular choice, followed closely by law, engineering, and the sports industry.

Students prepare for Career Day

Career Day was the result of years of planning and growing the program. According to

Sinead Slabine, a seventh-grade English teacher who has helped organize Career Day since its inception, the idea for the event began with an unruly student nine years ago.

“One of my students was complaining about a class and said that we would never need any of this stuff,” Slabine recalled. “We have a lot of freedom

in our curriculum… we had the option to explore anything we wanted as a research topic… and so I chose to focus on careers.”

What started as a research paper assignment in 2015 blossomed into a hands-on experience for the students. In the last few years, the program has grown from sporadic phone calls with professionals to an

in-person event with dozens of presenters that involves the entire grade level.

Sinead Slabine, a seventhgrade English teacher who has helped organize Career Day since its inception, emphasized the importance of exposing students to a variety of career options.

“I want them to know there are so many options out there. You don’t necessarily have to go to college. You can play on whatever you’re good at and there’s a spot for everyone. That’s my bottom line — everybody can find something for them,” she said.

Students were excited to learn more about different careers. Leading up to the event, students received coaching on body language and handshake, and they had time to develop their questions for the professionals.

“We spent a whole entire week preparing — every day we prepared something different,” Slabine said.

Lisa Daly, English Language

Arts Curriculum Coordinator for Shrewsbury’s middle schools, told the Community Advocate that there is nothing better for students than gaining face-toface exposure with someone in their field of interest.

“The best way for students to really understand what it means to go into a career is to talk to an individual — somebody who really knows what it’s like,” she said. “It’s information that you can’t get out of magazines, online, or in textbooks… Career Day really started as a way for students to almost do a field study in that topic in a way that really connected with them.”

Many of the participants emphasized the importance of allowing students to explore different career options earlier in their academic careers.

“Seventh grade is such an important hinge in their school position; it’s where they are either going to take the path that they’re going to buy in, and they’re going to get excited and engaged in all the options Shrewsbury has, or they’re going to go in the other direction. It’s really important to create that buy-in and that excitement in the seventh-grade year,” Slabine said.

Mike Keohane, a software engineer, agreed with Slabine.

“When I was in high school, I remember that stage in my junior year and senior year when suddenly somebody says ‘it’s time to pick a career,’” Keohane said.

“Getting kids thinking earlier and looking around at what their friends, parents, role models, [and] mentors are doing as Career Day | 25

Local professionals spent time sharing their careers with interested Oak Middle School students on April 4.

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH

Harvey foundation donates $140,000 to Assabet Valley

MARLBOROUGH – Superin -

tendent Ernest F. Houle recently announced that the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School has received a $140,000 donation to increase training and career opportunities for students.

The Jim and Janet Harvey Family Charitable Foundation Inc. and Harvey family members presented the check during a ceremony on March 3 at the school.

Jim and Janet Harvey have received numerous awards for their charitable efforts throughout the Assabet Valley. They started the foundation, located in Westborough, to empower students to succeed

in life. Jim Harvey died in 2022. The foundation’s motto: “Our mission is to empower local people, organizations and

Superintendent Ernest F. Houle, left, accepts a check for $140,000 from members of the Harvey family.

From left, first row, Janet Harvey, Lynda Harvey; second row, Jim Harvey, Doug Harvey, Steve Harvey.

bet years before the foundation. There should be more places like Assabet.”

The donation will provide additional training opportunities to about 50 Assabet students by covering the cost of student equipment and transportation to community service projects.

“Generous donations such as this allow our students to

have the opportunity to train in real-world settings. In a lot of fields you need a starter set of tools, and some of our students can’t afford them,” Houle said. “Off-campus site work is experiential learning, which will only benefit our students when seeking employment after graduation. We cannot thank the Harvey family enough for its generosity.”

institutions to overcome hardship and enhance themselves.”

Janet Harvey said: “We had talked about donating to Assa-

Workshop to focus on teen mental health

WESTBOROUGH – The Teen Mental Health Initiative will be running a free event on Saturday, May 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Westborough High School auditorium.

“Mental Health in Teens: Recognize, Respond and Resolve” will be an interactive workshop for parents and teens. The focus is on stress and depression, and how parents and teens can recognize and address symptoms of mental health.

It will feature panelists

who are experts in the field of psychology and mental health and they will be asked questions that are relevant for both parents and teens and will create important discussion surrounding mental health.

The initiative is a project of the Wholistic Health Alliance Youth Brigade. It is a studentled initiative dedicated to raising awareness on the subject of teenagers’ mental health issues and subsequently taking action to mitigate the occurrence of those issues.

It was founded by students, for students.

Wholistic Health Alliance is a 501(c)3 nationally launched nonprofit organization with the vision of providing a platform for holistic health practitioners to come together under one umbrella, fostering collaborations, building stronger networks and enabling greater synergy with the community. For information, visit https://teenmentalhealthorg. wordpress.com.

Students catch glimpse into future at Oak Middle School Career Day

Career Day | from page 24

early as possible broadens the scope of questions to ask… Getting to them early seems like the best way to get kids a little less panic-stricken when the time to choose a career comes,”

he added.

Many professionals were equally as excited as the students to be participating in the event. Corey Costanzo, an Oak and Shrewsbury High School alum and family medicine doc-

tor, was happy to be back to share her career.

“It’s always nice to share your experiences with people who have come from similar roots and see the different paths you can take in life,” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSABET VALLEY REGIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Ten-run first leads Hudson past Shrewsbury in Sheryl Jones final

By Bill Gilman

Contributing Writer

HUDSON – Unbeaten Hudson

High School erupted for 10 runs in the first inning and cruised to a 15-3 win over Shrewsbury in the final of the Sheryl Jones Tournament last Thursday afternoon.

Just two days after lighting up the Dracut High pitching staff for 23 runs in their semifinal win, the Hawks stayed red hot, pounding out 14 hits vs. the Colonials. Tournament MVP Lauren O’Malley, a sophomore, led the attack, going 4 for 4, including a home run and five RBI. Junior Audrey Lenox (4 for 4) homered twice and drove in three runs.

Lenox’s teammate Alyssa Davis and Shrewsbury’s Zofia Sargent joined O’Malley on the all-tournament team.

With Head Coach Laura Bowen and assistant Ray Girard both unavailable for the title game, Hudson played under the guidance of junior varsity coach Mike Notaro. The Hawks (5-0) made his job considerably easier when their first six batters reached base safely. A two-run double by Maddie Kiley and a two-run homer from O’Malley gave Hudson a 4-0 lead while most fans were still settling into their seats.

But the Hawks were far from finished. Lenox drove in junior Sam Collette to make it 5-0

before Shrewsbury recorded an out.

“The girls stepped right up today. They said they wanted to win it for their coaches who wanted to be here but couldn’t be here. They played a great game. They came out hitting a ton,” said Notaro.

In addition to smashing the ball, Hudson was aided by multiple Shrewsbury defensive errors. By the time the top of the first inning came to a close, Hudson had sent 15 batters to the plate and built a 10-0 lead. That was more than enough support for Hawks’ freshman pitcher Taylor Attaway, who scattered seven hits and struck out three in the win.

Attaway was also backed by some outstanding defense. In the third inning, Sargent was gunned down trying to score on Sylvia Dempsey’s

single on a perfect relay from Hudson left fielder Gracie Giorgio to Attaway to O’Malley. In the bottom of the fourth, Shrewsbury’s Sophia Gomes attempted to score on a single by Bea Millar, only to be called out at the plate on a relay from right fielder Lenox to Kiley to O’Malley.

The blowout loss was a step backward for Shrewsbury (1-6), which had been playing its best softball of the season over the past week. After having been outscored 33-4 in their first three games, the Colonials gave powerhouse Wachusett Regional (2-1) and Hudson (7-5 in 8 innings) all they could handle before riding a great pitching performance by Sargent to a 3-2 upset of previously unbeaten Nashoba Regional in the Jones Tournament semifinal.

“We’d played [Hudson] tight last week, lost in extras on Friday. You’ve got to give them credit, they came out hitting, getting in the box and swinging the bats hard,” said Shrewsbury Head Coach Jamie Millett. “We have a lot of young kids. We’ve got a lot of learning to do. But I’m definitely confident we’re going to turn it around.”

Despite finding itself in a huge early deficit, Shrewsbury did what it could to fight back. Freshman Aaesha Mahurkar pitched well after coming on to relieve Sargent in the first inning.

The Colonials got on the board in the bottom of the third inning. Marin Agbay drove in Sam Azzarone with a double down the left field line. Sargent followed with a double to right center to cut the deficit

to 11-2.

But any thoughts Shrewsbury may have had for a miraculous comeback were snuffed out in the top of the fourth. A two-out rally by Hudson pushed across three runs, highlighted by a two-run double by Kiley, upping the lead to 14-2.

Shrewsbury got a run back in the home half of the fourth on an RBI double by freshman Emma Ellis. Lenox tacked on her second solo home run of the game for Hudson in top of the fifth.

Shrewsbury baseball wins

Ahearn Tournament

The Shrewsbury baseball team rallied from a 4-2 deficit to knock off previously unbeaten Tantasqua Regional in the final of the John Ahearn Tournament last Thursday afternoon at Hudson High.

Joe Guidotti pitched three shutout innings in relief of starter David Escobar to earn the win.

Tantasqua (6-1) scored all four of its runs in the third inning to erase an early 2-0 Colonials’ lead. Shrewsbury (6-1) tied the game with single runs in the fourth and fifth before taking the lead for good in the sixth.

Shrewsbury’s offense was a three-pronged attack, made up of Colby Coghlin, Owen Mongeon and Ryan Kinsky. Each of them had two hits and drove in two runs for the Colonials.

and most importantly make new friends and have fun!

We will be offering a variety of classes for beginner  thru advanced dancers ages 2 and up.

Hudson High’s Kaitlyn Puim (17) steals second in the Hawks 15-3 win over Shrewsbury in the final of the Sheryl Jones Tournament.

Shrewsbury High’s Sam Azzarone beats out an infield single as Hudson first baseman Samantha Collette makes the stretch in the final of the Sheryl Jones Tournament.

PHOTOS/BILL GILMAN

& Activity Guide

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Dek hockey leagues run on popularity

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

REGION – Kevin Cabral knows the Dek hockey rink well. He played there when it first opened in the 1990s. He is now a coach and sponsor in the Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League, and he is also a “hockey parent,” thanks to his daughter Mavis.

“The kids love playing hockey,” said Cabral.

As work continues on the new Dek hockey rink at Ghiloni Park, with completion scheduled for sometime this spring, the Hudson league and Central Massachusetts Elite Hockey League are closely following the progress of the rink, hoping to have their teams play there once it opens.

About Dek hockey

Dek hockey (also known as street hockey) is played on a special tiled surface suitable for sneakers. The surface can be used outdoors or indoors. Equipment is similar to ice hockey — helmet, gloves, pads and sticks — but is more lightweight.

The rules are also similar to ice hockey, except that body checking is not allowed.

“It’s a different way to play hockey,” said Cabral.

The Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League is a nonprofit organization that has no con-

nection with the town; it welcomes players from all communities. According to Kim Bacon, a coach and member of the league’s board, a big advantage for Dek hockey is that the players don’t have to worry about skating skills.

“They can just be a kid and run around,” she said.

Another advantage — Dek hockey is not nearly as expensive as ice hockey. Cabral said it costs about $2,000 for ice hockey equipment, and about

$110 for Dek hockey equipment.

Cabral’s daughter was among more than 60 children aged 8-11 who underwent player evaluations at the rink behind the Department of Public Works on the morning of April 8. Children aged 12-14 were evaluated that afternoon.

During the evaluations, league coaches led drills in passing, shooting and running.

The coaches then decided which player would play on

which team within two divisions — chipmunk (younger) or cadet (older).

League play started on April 15; the season will last about seven weeks, including playoffs.

“It’s a great program,” said Cabral.

Dek hockey for adults

Kerry Shea played, and then coached, in Hudson. One of his teams won a national title in 2010, with a team of nine kids, no less.

He has been involved in Dek hockey for about 30 years.

“It’s a lot different” from ice hockey, said Shea. “With the ball, you can do a lot more things. It opens the door to the

sport of hockey.”

These days, Shea has shifted from Dek hockey to roller hockey. Both sports are offered as part of the Central Massachusetts Elite Hockey League run by Shea and his son, Trevor. Based at Northstar Rink in Westborough, the summer league will include Dek hockey for adults and inline (roller) hockey for youth and adults.

League play will begin in mid-May, and last until August.

For information, visit www. elitehockeyleagues.net/teams/ default.asp?u=ELITEHOCKE YLEAGUES&s=hockey&p=h ome. For information on the Hudson league, visit www. hudsondekhockey.com/home. htm.

Kim Bacon, a coach and member of the board at Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League, leads a drill during player evaluations at the rink behind the Department of Public Works on April 8.

Players try to shoot past a goalie during player evaluations with the Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League on April 8.

PHOTOS/ MAUREEN SULLIVAN

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