Issuu

COMMUNITY

SupportingLocal Journalism

Checkerboards celebrates 35 years as a Hudson favorite

hudson | 8

Bus drivers, monitors in Marlborough go on strike

marlborough | 20

Marlborough Hudson

Local

developer donates $224,000 to city for infrastructure

improvements

By Paul Hopkins Reporter

MARLBOROUGH – A major developer donated $224,000 to Marlborough on May 26 in an effort to assist with improving ballfields, maintaining trails, and planning a proposed fire station.

Ferris Development, which won a special permit from Marlborough last winter to develop a condominium complex on Lizotte Drive, agreed to contribute $100,000 designated for improvements to local ballfields; $50,000 for the expansion and enhancement of public trails; and $74,000 to support the development of the proposed West Side Fire Station. The funds for the fire station will be paid into the West Side Fire Station Mitigation Stabilization Fund prior to building permits being issued.

Mayor J. Christian Dumas accepted the funds on behalf of the city but emphasized that the City Council gets the credit for shepherding the Ferris project through the permitting process. Councilor Mark Vital, a member of the city’s Recreation Commission and a longtime sports coach, was also present for the presentation.

David Ferris, founder and CEO of Ferris Development, told the Community Advocate that the firm “originally cut our teeth and started our businesses here in Marlborough because of its business-friendly climate.” He said the company has had “a lot of success” working with the city’s economic development office and said there is a deep trust with

Ferris Donation | 16

By Paul Hopkins Reporter

HUDSON – Hudson Police Department lieutenant Roger Downing has seen a lot in his nearly 30 years on the police force. Downing, who plans to retire in January, has lived in Hudson his entire life and dedicated his career to the town.

Being a police officer runs in the family. Downing’s father, John, was an officer for 34 years, including five years as chief. Their tenures as members of the department overlapped for about eight years. Today, Downing’s oldest son, James, has been with the Hudson Police Department for about seven years.

“I was influenced by the stories my father would tell, and I saw him in uniform and visited the station from time to time,” said Downing. “I saw a lot of the good and exciting things my dad did. I suppose that drew me into it.”

Leadership changes in Marlborough schools

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – After the announced departure of Marlborough High Principal Stephen Sierpina and the promotion of Whitcomb School Principal Angela House to assistant superintendent, the district has officially secured new leadership for the 2026-27

academic year.

Sarah Casey has been selected to lead Marlborough High School as its next principal. She started on June 1.

Casey has 15 years of experience in education and currently serves as the Director of Alternative Education for Marlborough Public Schools, overseeing alternative

An edition of the Community Advocate

SHE’S GOT A PLAN

from September 2021 to July 2023.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside you,” Gingras told the Planning Board. “You guys have always been really engaging, thoughtful, and definitely invested in the town’s future, and I really appreciate that. I’m going to miss working with you.”

The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 30-day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: David Bagdon

The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

GRAFTON – Grafton residents – it’s finally here.

After a Select Board vote on May 26, George Hill Road is expected to get significant repairs totaling $5.9 million. A contract has been awarded to J.H. Lynch & Sons, Inc., and construction is set to get underway this summer, with the first pre-construction meeting scheduled for June.

“Much anticipated. Everyone is looking forward to this update,” said Select Board Chair Andy Jefferson. “This is super exciting, and I’m not even someone who lives there and has had to deal with this road for decades. Excited to see this get underway”

NICHE BEER FLAVORS

George Hill Road is a twomile scenic street that winds between Route 140 and Merriam Road. The road is in exceptionally poor condition, with potholes, cracks, and limited drainage. New stormwater drainage would be constructed. The new roadway will be 20 feet wide – an improvement over existing conditions. Work will also include areas of Soap Hill Road and Fay Mountain Road. Some trees may be removed, but “we don’t want to lose the rural character,” Town Administrator Evan Brassard said in 2023. Repairs were expected to cost $7 million initially, but the project ran under budget. The funds were approved in 2023 at Town Meeting and via a town referendum.

Craft brewers constantly push boundaries by creating beers with unique, unexpected flavors. Some add peanut butter and jelly to stouts or brown ales, mimicking the classic sandwich with creamy nutty notes and fruity finishes. Others use botanicals like lavender, Thai basil, or sassafras to infuse light ales and lagers with fresh, floral, or herbal tones. Imagine a lavender-infused beer that smells like spring. Eccentric brews are also flavored with bacon, chili, or even cereal, combining savory and spicy for nostalgic fun. Some add smoked malts for a campfire aroma. These experimental styles, from fruity and floral to savory, turn beer into a playground for creativity. Each sip offers a new surprise, making craft beer exploration a delicious and adventurous journey.

itstheliquortalking.com

Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz |

LEGAL & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING:

Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:

Jess Walters

Lynne Fountain

Michelina Portas

OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Nickerson

BILLING INQUIRIES: Bookkeeping

ext. 17

The beer department at JULIO’S LIQUORS contains one of the largest selections of microbrews, domestics, imports, Belgians and Trappist beers, totaling over 1000 beers in stock! Several years ago, Ratebeer.com the leading authority in the beer industry, named us top beer “Bottle Shop” in the United States. With 20,000 sq. ft. of spectacular shopping in downtown Westborough, MA, we’re sure to have what you’re looking for! Please call 508-3661942 for more information, or visit us at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East.

P.S. Some brewers revive ancient “gruit” ales, using herbs like yarrow, mugwort, and spruce instead of hops for an earthy, historic twist.

• SUN 10am-7pm

If you like our Un-cork’d article every week, check out our radio show & podcast –It’s The Liquor Talking Live show every Saturday, 11 am on WCRN AM830 Or catch rebroadcasts on WCRN AM830 every weekday at 7 pm after Howie Carr! You can also pick and choose episodes on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Scan QR code to visit us on your mobile device.

Planning Director Jenny Gingras announced she would be leaving Westborough. Gingras assumed her role in Westborough in July 2023. She previously served as town planner in Pepperell

Ryan Maloney, owner

Approved 32-unit 40B could bring Southborough to ‘Safe Harbor’

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH — After two years of deliberation, public feedback, and multiple plan revisions, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the permit that will allow for the construction of 32 townhouse units on the corner of Route 9 and Parkerville Road.

Of the proposed units, 25 percent (8) will be designated as affordable, renting only to individuals or families whose total household income does not exceed 80 percent of the Area Median Income. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the current median family income for the area is about $149,400. The 5.5-acre site is located

in the town’s “Residence A District,” which does not allow multifamily house by-right. However, the project’s 40B status helps allow housing in locations where local zoning would otherwise prohibit or restrict it.

As of December 2024, 9.94 percent of the town’s total housing stock was designated as Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). With this project, could potentially reach 10 percent SHI, or “safe harbor” status, which would stop 40B projects from bypassing local zoning.

The applicant, Ferris Development Group, will still need final approval from MassHousing before moving forward with the project.

To go along with the units, 36 garage parking spaces, 36 driveway parking spaces, and 11 surface parking spaces are proposed for the site. There will be one access point to the site via Route 9. The units will be serviced by municipal water and private septic systems. The permit will expire if construction is not started within three years of the filing date. However, the documents state that the applicant must make its best effort to secure a building permit within one year of the decision filing.

It’s open!

Popular eatery’s second location officially opens doors in Westborough

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH — It’s open!

Chill Kitchen & Bar, the popular Marlborough-based family restaurant, opened its second location at the Westborough Shopping Center on May 28. Owner John Logomasini previously told the Community Advocate that the restaurant will offer comfort food with “a little

twist to it,” with options for just about everybody.

“I can guarantee my food is fantastic – it’s a lot of love that goes into that,” he said.

And the service? Logomasini says he strives for a “real family feel.”

He also highlighted plans to be heavily involved in the Westborough community.

“We’ve done a lot of charity work over at Marlborough. I intend to do the same thing over here.”

Your Money, Your Independence

Avoid the F.I.R.E. Trap: Why True Independence is Flexible.

In the world of personal finance, few concepts have captured the public imagination quite like the “FIRE” movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). The premise sounds intoxicating: live in extreme frugality, sacrifice your lifestyle to save half your income, hit a precise mathematical milestone, and exit the workforce forever.

It looks perfect on a spreadsheet. But as a Certified Financial Planner, I see a glaring, human flaw in this hyper-fixation on a “magic number.” It turns money into a rigid prison rather than a tool for living. True financial independence isn’t about hitting an artificial finish line and pulling up the drawbridge; it is about building a life flexible enough to handle reality and generous enough to share.

The Myth of the Flat-Line Life

The fundamental math of traditional FIRE assumes your life will remain perfectly linear. It projects your future based on your current lifestyle, locking you into a permanent state of hyper-calculated spending to protect your safe withdrawal rate.

But life does not stay flat. A rigid financial plan leaves absolutely no room for the unpredictable, beautiful, and sometimes expensive shifts in our personal journeys.

What happens if you choose to care for aging parents down the road? What if you want to fund a loved one’s education, marry someone with a different financial reality, or navigate a medical curveball? If your financial plan breaks the moment your life expands, it isn’t independence. It’s a self-imposed constraint disguised as freedom.

Reclaiming the Power of Flexibility

Instead of racing toward an arbitrary retirement date, a healthier approach is to design a wealth strategy around being “Work Option-Ready.”

Financial independence shouldn’t mean doing nothing; it means having the power to choose what you do, when, and with whom.

Shrewsbury Hooters to close

SHREWSBURY — Shrewsbury’s Hooters is set to close.

The restaurant announced its impending closure in a May 27 social media post that thanked guests, encouraged diners to visit other Hooters locations, and included a dozen photos of its team members.

“After much consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our Shrews -

bury location,” the restaurant wrote. “These decisions are never easy, and we want to sincerely thank the Shrewsbury community for years of support, memories, and loyalty. To all of our wonderful guests, incredible team members, and amazing Hooters girls, thank you for being what made this location special.” No exact closing date was announced.

When you build a plan focused on flexibility rather than an escape hatch, you don’t have to view your career as a prison sentence to endure. You gain the agency to take a sabbatical, pivot to a lower-paying but more fulfilling role, or launch a passion project. Money is a tool for personal sovereignty, not just a metric for tracking how quickly you can stop contributing your talents to the world.

The Generosity Premium

Perhaps the deepest flaw of the hyper-frugal milestone mindset is its inherent isolation. When your entire identity is wrapped up in protecting a fixed lump sum, spending money becomes a chronic source of anxiety. This often forces people to say no to shared experiences or decline opportunities to support their community because any extra expense threatens their spreadsheet.

True wealth is social, not just mathematical. A sophisticated financial plan accounts for a “generosity premium.” It explicitly builds in the margin required to share your success, support causes you care about, and show up financially for the people in your life when it matters most.

True independence means having enough abundance to be altruistic without compromising your future.

Freedom is a Behavior, Not a Metric Do not let internet trends convince you that financial success is a race to a rigid finish line. The goal of comprehensive financial planning isn’t to cross an artificial boundary and stop living; it is to ensure your financial foundation is strong enough to weather life’s changes and flexible enough to let you live and give abundantly.

That is the kind of financial independence worth pursuing.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.

Glenn Brown, CFP

John Logomasini in front of his new restaurant. (Photo/Leighah Beausoleil)

HOMES MORE

This is a paid advertisement

The Truth About Affordability Today

Elaine Quigley, CBR, CRS, GRI

Elaine.Quigley@commonmoves.com

Cell: (508) 735-5161

www.EQRE.com

A member of the franchise system of

Let’s be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind.

Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly means for your move. Because while rates are certainly a big part of affordability, they’re not the only factor at play.

Mortgage Rates Have Been Rising

After a year or more of rates trending down, they’ve started to climb again. And, if you’re looking to buy, that’s not what you want to see. But it has happened. And here’s why.

Uncertainty is the enemy of mortgage rates.

And with lingering global uncertainty, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and inflation refusing to fully cool off, there’s a lot that’s having an effect on rates. Colin Robertson, Founder of The Truth About Mortgage, put it plainly:

“You can’t have $100 a barrel oil and not expect inflation to rise, which translates to higher bond yields and mortgage rates.”

Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show just how much all of those factors have had an impact:

Real Estate Q&A with Mary Wood

Q: Buying or selling a home feels overwhelming. How do you keep the process from becoming too stressful?

A: First, let me reassure you that feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will make, and it often comes with a long todo list, important deadlines, and a lot of emotions.

One of the most important things I tell my clients is to give themselves grace throughout the process. Not every step will go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. There may be unexpected delays, last-minute questions, or moments when you feel uncertain about a decision. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it simply means you’re navigating a major life transition.

I encourage my clients to focus on one step at a time rather than trying to carry the entire process at once. Whether you’re preparing your home for the market, searching for the right property, reviewing offers, or getting ready for closing day, each milestone brings you closer to your goal.

Having the right professionals by your side also makes a tremendous difference. A good real estate agent is there not only to guide you through contracts and negotiations but also to answer questions, provide perspective, and help you stay focused when things feel stressful.

At the end of the day, real estate is about more than houses. It’s about people, families, and new chapters. Give yourself permission to take a breath, ask questions, and trust the process. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

It’s a pretty sharp contrast from where we’ve been, in a relatively short window. And it’s probably making you wonder: Should I just wait this out? Will rates fall when the uncertainty eases? It’s possible. But it all depends on how the ongoing geopolitical conflict plays out and whether inflation continues to run hot afterwards – and for how long.

Rates probably aren’t heading down until both of those things improve. And even when that does happen, experts agree rates likely won’t be dramatically lower – maybe in the low to mid-6s. That’s the reality, and it’s worth knowing.

So, should you wait for lower rates? The general consensus is, if you can afford to buy and you find a home you like, it’s still worth it. Because no one knows for sure when rates will start to come back down – and how long do you really want to put your life on hold?

Wages Are Outpacing Home Prices

You’ve probably heard that inflation is making everything more expensive, and there’s no shortage of headlines about the cost-ofliving outpacing paychecks. It’s a legitimate concern. And maybe you’re feeling the pinch yourself. But here’s what doesn’t make the headlines. It’s not all bad news.

Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and Redfin shows wages have actually been growing faster than home prices.

• Recently, wages have been increasing at around 4% year-over-year.

• And home price growth is closer to 2% year-over-year.

As a buyer, you want your income to rise faster than prices because that helps make your purchase more manageable financially, and it quietly chips away at the affordability challenge over time. That’s exactly what we’re seeing lately. And every little bit is going to help.

A big reason wages have been gaining ground on home prices? Home prices have actually stayed pretty steady.

Existing Home Prices Have Held Steady

Part of what’s keeping prices stable is that buyers finally have more choices. That means less competition, more negotiating power, and more time to find the home that actually fits your life, not just the one you had to grab before someone else did.

And that gives you a chance to hopefully find something that works for your budget, even with today’s rates. At the same time, you’re not losing ground pricewise while you take time to make a careful decision.

Bottom Line

Yes, rates have been volatile, and global instability is keeping them from settling down anytime soon. There’s no sugar coating that. But the full picture of affordability is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Want to run the real numbers for your situation? Let’s talk. Reach out and let’s set up a quick, no-pressure conversation.

Local Real Estate Sales

May 25–May 29

Note: This is a list of single-family home sales for the dates specified. Certain transfers may have been omitted due to space constraints. These listings have been sold by a wide variety of local realty firms. SHREWSBURY

10 Vinnie Way

$715,000 61 Hillando Drive

$699,000 114 Grafton Street

$668,200

$1,118,000

Ringold Street

Hill Circle $875,000

Road $937,000

7 Old North Road

Now available for select Delta and JetBlue morning ﬂights, the Framingham Remote Terminal lets you complete airport check-in, baggage drop, and TSA screening before you arrive at Boston Logan.

Once through security, board a dedicated secured bus and travel directly to your terminal, where you are dropped o airside—just steps from your gate. It’s a simpler, more relaxed way to travel.

Morninghoursonl y. Advancedreservationrequired. AvailableJunethroughAugust.

Checkerboards celebrates 35 years as a Hudson favorite

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

HUDSON – In 1991, Chris Tsiros and his family took a chance.

A veteran of the restaurant industry, Tsiros teamed up with his sister-in-law Jill Smith and father-in-law Joe Martocci, known as a “really good cook,” to found Checkerboards Restaurant & Bar in Hudson. It started as just “four walls and a ceiling,” Tsiros said, and he put everything – including his house – on the line to open the restaurant.

It was a big risk and big commitment – but also a labor of love.

“When exercising, I have a water bottle in one hand and a phone in the other – because someone is probably going to call me about Checkerboards,” said Tsiros. “You have to stay on top of things. I applaud anyone – especially in the restaurant business – who can stay on top of it, because it’s a tough business.”

Checkerboards is now celebrating 35 years in business. Over more than three decades,

the restaurant has become a Hudson staple because of its reliably excellent food and an unwavering focus on the customer experience.

“To stay in business you have to have great food, you have to be absolutely clean, and you have to have great service. You really have to have all three – if you have two of the three then you’re going to be out of business,” said Tsiros.

Checkerboards is a business built on doing things the right way. An owner is always on-site, ensuring that the restaurant is properly managed. In an era when restaurants are shrinking meals in an effort to cut costs, Checkerboards has stayed generous, giving large portions to customers. Everything is made to order, down to the tomato sauce.

Though pizza is popular (and tasty) at Checkerboards, there’s much more on the menu. Options include fresh fish, steaks, a variety of homemade pasta dishes, salads, soups, and more. With so many diverse offerings,

the restaurant has become a popular family destination. There’s also a full bar with dozens of unique creations.

“People still think we’re just a pizza place, but we seat 200 people, we have a full liquor license. You can get seafood, great Italian food at Checkerboards. That’s why people come back,” Tsiros told the Community Advocate.

He added: “Nothing is processed. There’s lots of prepwork. We make our own sauce like the old days – eight hours to make the sauce. Once people try how good the food is, they always return. We have a lot of regulars here.”

Over 35 years, Checkerboards has had generations of wonderful customers, according to

Tsiros. The same can be said for the restaurant’s staff; in some cases, young Hudson residents have worked at Checkerboards, grown up, and then sent their children to work at the restaurant. It’s indicative of how Hudson locals view the establishment.

“It’s commitment. It’s staying on top of everything,” said Tsiros. As for how the name “Check-

erboards” came about?

“We were just looking for something catchy,” Tsiros said with a laugh.

M.A. Restoration opens a new office, but its goal remains the same

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH – Mark and Amy Johnson have always been about quality, not quantity.

“That was the biggest thing for us,” said Amy. “That’s been our mantra from the very start – measure twice, cut once. You’re continuously making sure that everyone is following that mantra, because we want to be the best in the business.”

“It’s never been about how big we can get the business,” added Mark.

But one thing has led to another for M.A. Restoration. Over the last 30 years, quality workmanship has led to explosive growth, and on May 29, the Westborough-based repair company invited the community to its new headquarters at 159 Milk Street. It’s the culmination of decades of work, years of planning, and months of moving.

“This wouldn’t be possible without our employees, our customers, our family, and our friends,” said Mark. “There’s a lot of people who do a lot of heavy lifting around here, and I just appreciate everyone here. We can’t do it on our own.”

Almost as soon as he graduated from trade school, Mark founded M.A. Woodworking and started building custom cabinetry. In 2004, he incorporated his business and started remediation and restoration work. His careful approach ensures everything is done correctly the first time, and before long, word spread about M.A. Restoration. The company grew astronomically – all from neighbors telling neighbors –and before long, a full-fledged business had formed.

“It just took off from there,” said Mark.

Even as his operation began to expand, Mark anticipated having a half-dozen employees at most. But M.A. Restoration continued to grow, reaching over 30 team members. The company’s Fisher Street location began to feel small – parking became limited, and so too did office space. Once a oneman operation, M.A. Restoration started plans to construct a flagship office in 2021.

Success doesn’t happen by accident, and Mark and Amy know they’ve been blessed.

“It’s definitely an accom-

plishment, but it’s not all about us. For one, it’s God that’s blessed us. We have a wonderful team that really does its part in creating the success of the company. It’s really not us, we’re just steering the ship,” said Amy.

Staying in Westborough was important to M.A. Restoration, and so the business chose a lot along Route 135 and Route 9 – the site of a former roller skate rink. Mark skated there growing up, as did a number of Westborough locals. The one-time rink became a self-storage facility which stands next to the new office.

The extra space will allow M.A. Restoration to continue to serve Central Massachusetts. The company assists homeowners with insurance claims and property damage, including water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and reconstruction.

The company understands that hardly anybody calls the office willingly – and that, typically, people are dealing with hardship when they reach out. That’s why M.A. Restoration prides itself on not just having the best craftsmanship, but also being compassionate and understanding. Communication can mean everything when disaster strikes.

“We’re in the business of helping people,” Mark said. That’s what they’ve been doing for decades. And with a new facility, they’re not stopping now.

“They’ve been great, they’ve been great to the community,” said Westborough Community Development Director Fred Lonardo.

For more information, please visit marestoration. com, call (508) 366-4104 (non-emergency inquiries), or dial (508) 366-2669 (emergency calls). M.A. Restoration services every town in the Community Advocate region.

Marlborough DowntownPop-Up Shops

A ROTATING RETAIL MARKETPLACE TO SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

13 WEED STREET

You deserve better than 10-minute medicine.

That’s why we’re doing PCP services differently. Unhurried. Appointments that don’t feel rushed. Thoughtful. Care that doesn’t feel scripted. Personal.

JUNE 6 & 7

JUNE 13 & 14

PEACE BEE & RAINBOW SONG HENNA MAGIC & COLOR CO. FOUND SOURCE KNOWN

JUNE 20 & 21

NEYDA RAGAN - CALLIGRAPHY MAGIC & COLOR CO. FOUND SOURCE KNOWN

JUNE 27 & 28 GOLDEN GATE CONSULTING PANE AND PANIC WANING CRESCENT SOAP

Northborough parties like it’s 1776 at Colonial Faire

By Laney Halsey Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – Only at the Colonial Faire could you see a minuteman waiting in line for ice cream.

On May 31, members of the Northborough community had a window into the past. The normally serene EllsworthMcAfee Park was transformed by the sounds of cannon fire, musket shots, and Colonial chatter. No, this wasn’t a second-coming of the American Revolution – instead, it was a set of activities intended to honor it.

The Northborough Revolution 250 Committee’s Colonial Faire delighted attendees with live re-enactments and demonstrations, all honoring the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The Rev250 Committee Chair – and self-proclaimed “jack of all trades” – Norm Corbin underscored the event’s importance: “The whole goal of our committee has been to really educate the people who live in town to recognize North borough had a role in the Revo lutionary War,” Corbin said.

A month before the Decla ration of Independence was signed, Northborough’s Select Board voted in favor of inde pendence, according to original documents preserved at Town Hall.

The Selectmen wrote: “If it be the mind of this town to be independent of Great Britain, in case the Continental Congress think proper, and we are ready with our lives and fortunes, if in Providence called to defend the same. Passed in the affir mative.”

Boston Post Road was a

main highway during the Revolutionary era – a fact that people typically don’t realize.

“Little ol’ Northborough, which was a farming community, had a role to play,” Corbin said. “When I looked through the history of the town, I was just amazed how the community was so pro-patriot, and how much they did for that cause.”

The Faire aimed to help younger generations connect with local history.

“It’s just to make people recognize – even the young population who aren’t familiar with all of this – and appreciate what the town has to offer,” Corbin said.

The Faire was a once-in-alifetime event, but the Northborough Historical Society has upcoming history-focused programs on Timber Frame Construction (September 25), the Boston Massacre (October 23), and Colonial Clothing

Charles D. Cobb was beloved 19th-century Westborough grocer

WESTBOROUGH THEN NOW

By Kate Tobiasson History Columnist

WESTBOROUGH - The Westborough Archives has generations of photographs of the Cobb family, but few of the town’s historical texts include information about the group. The “Cobb Block” is mentioned often when describing the building that stood at the rotary at the corner of Milk Street and West Main Street from 1836 to 1999. Originally built as a shoe factory, the building became known as the Cobb Block because it housed the two Cobb stores.

Photographs document an affluent family, dressed finely and able to afford staged portraits. While many merchants in Westborough were successful, few had the wealth depicted in the Cobb family’s photographs.

The Westborough Chronotype newspaper in the 19th century shows Cobb Grocery advertisements that frequently took up entire columns, but little about the family’s daily life and activities was described in the daily news.

Instead, it is Charles D. Cobb’s obituary in the August 18, 1883 edition that helps to illustrate the Cobb family’s life. “On Thursday afternoon the telegraph announced the death of our well-known and highly esteemed recent townsman Charles D. Cobb. … Mr. Cobb and his family were sojourning for a few weeks at Swampscott, as had been their wont for a portion of the warm season for some years, and at that place he died on Thursday afternoon... (It has been) about a year since he removed to Cambridge, still holding his connection with the widely known grocery store of C.D. Cobb & Co in this village, and his removal from town was very generally regretted. He was a staunch temperance man, both in theory and practice, and was always ready to lend a helping hand in every worthy enterprise.”

The Chronotype went on to include the full obituary that had run in The Boston Herald the day before. The Herald noted Charles D. Cobb and his five siblings were successful grocers, truly revolutionizing the ways that stores across the region conducted business.

After working for a short time with his father, a cobbler in Westborough, Charles D. Cobb found a job in Boston at a grocery store. With his shrewd mind, he closely considered the business and how he could improve the business strategy.

One source reads: “Mr. C. D. Cobb believed that the business could be transacted on a different and better basis. Associating with several of his brothers, and admission of others from time to time, he opened a store on Cambridge Street, Boston, which though modest in size, was made a model of neatness and attractiveness. Believing in the one-priced system, the brothers marked their goods in plain figures, with a small margin of profit, thinking that they should find their account in the great increase in the quantity of goods handled.”

Charles D. Cobb and his brothers purchased goods with cash instead of credit, allowing them to buy items at lower prices. Soon, other grocers across the

state were cleaning their stores more, displaying prices openly, and reducing prices. As the family’s wealth grew, Charles D. Cobb’s brothers left to open their own business ventures.

At the time of this death, Charles D. Cobb’s enterprise boasted that it was the largest wholesale and retail grocer in New England. The operation distributed nearly $1.5 million of groceries in 1883, which would be about $48.1 million in 2026 dollars.

By all accounts, Charles D. Cobb was a successful, selfmade businessman who was beloved by his community.

GRAFTON, MA

We cannot find true happiness by looking for it. Seeking pleasures does not bring happiness in the long run, only disillusionment. Do not seek to have this fullness of joy by seeking pleasure. It cannot be done that way.

Happiness is a by-product of living the right kind of life. True happiness comes as a result of living in all respects the way you believe God wants you to live, with regard to yourself and to other people.

AUCTION! TUESDAY,

TERMS: $5,000.00 as a deposit to be paid in cash or bank cashier's check by the purchaser at the time and place of sale, balance within thirty days.

508-842-1900 amgauction.com

that comes when I do the right thing.

Schaetzke,

Sponsored by

The “Cobb Block” stood at the rotary at the corner of Milk Street and West Main Street in Westborough from 1836 to 1999. (Photo/Courtesy of Westborough Archive in the Westborough Public Library)

Charles D. Cobb’s Westborough business was said to be the largest wholesale and retail grocer in New England in the 1880s.

Southborough fire captain reflects on a life of serving community

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

SOUTHBOROUGH — Around 2003, Southborough Fire Department captain Christian Dano was enjoying a day off at Old Silver Beach in Falmouth when tragedy struck.

As the tide came in, two young boys were pulled out into the water, frantically grasping a buoy in an effort to stay afloat. The 8-year-old boy was desperately trying to hold his 5-year-old brother up out of the water.

“Somebody’s got to do something,” Dano recalls hearing as he looked up from his magazine and noticed a crowd of about 50 people standing by the water.

Without even thinking, he jumped in, putting the younger boy on his back and the older boy under his arm. Dano pulled himself and the kids through the water until they all safely returned to the rocks.

He still looks back on this day as one of his proudest mo-

ments over his 35 years as a firefighter, and he often thinks about those kids – who are now in their 30s – and the countless others he has been able to help throughout his career.

For Dano, life is about service.

Inspired by his grandfather – a “lifer” in the U.S. Army who served during World War II and the Korean War – and his father, Dano enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 years old.

“I grew up with that sense of patriotism,” he told the Community Advocate. “I wanted it so bad, I could taste it.”

Through the “Split Option Program,” Dano completed his basic training after his junior year of high school. He returned to finish out his senior year before going off to job training.

Like many, Dano started to second-guess his decision once he encountered drill instructors. But as soon as he found his place and got comfortable, it was “very rewarding,” he said.

He trained in the infantry with hopes of becoming a police officer and served in the Army Reserves from 1990 to 1995. However, after three weeks in his criminal justice course at Quinsigamond Community College, Dano realized the police force wasn’t for him. He joined his hometown fire department in Auburn as a call firefighter in 1991: “It took one ride in a fire truck and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. That was my calling.”

By 1996, Dano was a fulltime firefighter, serving as the town’s first-ever paramedic. He joined the Southborough Fire Department in 2002 and was promoted to lieutenant by 2004.

“Being able to help people is so rewarding,” he said.

Serving in the U.S. Army taught Dano to appreciate every warm meal, hot shower, and good night’s sleep – needs that he feels people often take for granted in America.

In his office at the station, a box sits atop a filing cabinet. Inside, he keeps his grandfather’s flag, three bronze stars, and a silver star. Just beside the box: the case for his father’s purple heart.

“It’s a calling really to serve your community,” Dano said. “If I could talk to 8-year-old me and tell him who I became, I think he’d be very proud. I love coming to work.”

Christian Dano (Photo/Leighah Beausoleil)

Property

Condominium

Groceries/dining

Monthly

Emergency

Housekeeping

24-hour stafﬁng

24-hour emergency call systems

Lawn care/landscaping

Home maintenance (snow removal, etc.)

Transportation (gas, auto insurance, etc.)

Trash removal

Exterior building maintenance

Plumbing/appliance repairs

Social/cultural events

Other

Total monthly cost

Roger Downing reflects on 30 years as a Hudson PD officer

“It might sound corny, but you can do a lot of good and help a lot of people,” Downing added. “People don’t call the police when they’re having a good day — they call the police when they’re having their worst day. And we deal with that, day in and day out, over and over.”

He’s seen it all over the decades. In March, he responded to a scene of an alleged murder — and then the next call could’ve been something as mundane as a barking dog. Being a police officer for 30 years teaches you a lot about people, he said, and a veteran officer can usually size up a situation quickly

“It’s like that saying: ‘A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth.’ You see all kinds of things,” he said.

As for Hudson itself, where he has spent his life, Downing is optimistic about the future. “It was a working-class milltown when I started, and

Main Street was a couple of hair salons, a few bars, and a package store — that was about it,” he said.

Downtown isn’t the only thing that has changed: “Technology is the most obvious difference” between today and 1996 when he joined as a reserve officer, he said.

“We didn’t have computers in the cruisers when I started — it was a light bar, a siren, and a radio,” he joked.

“Everything was handwritten. You’d call something into dispatch, and you’d wait, and they would run it and get back to you.”

After retirement, Downing has options. “Nothing is set in stone, but I definitely want to continue working,” he said, noting he is only in his mid-50s. He and his wife of 33 years, Kathi, have three children and one grandchild.

Marlborough school district secures new leadership for high school, Whitcomb

education programs, managing the Marlborough Evening Teams Accelerated Study/Accelerated Learning Academy budget, leading Professional Learning Communities, overseeing the Restorative Center

at the High School, and conducting staff evaluations.

She was previously a summer credit recovery coordinator and a student intervention lead teacher at Marlborough High School.

Tara Sobaleski has been appointed principal of 1LT Charles W. Whitcomb School. She will start July 1.

Sobaleski has 15 years of experience in education and is currently an assistant principal at Whitcomb Middle School, helping with instructional leadership and school operations. She was previously an educational team leader for six years, an attendance academy administrator, and a summer Title I coordinator.

According to the school district, these appointments reflect its ongoing commitment to transforming education by recruiting and retaining dedicated, high-quality staff.

“We didn’t have computers in the cruisers when I started — it was a light bar, a siren, and a radio “ “

Local developer donates $224,000 to city for infrastructure improvements

Marlborough and the city’s leadership.

Ferris said his development group is working in several communities to redevelop underutilized assets, adding that his upcoming project at 130 Lizotte Drive is “an office building turning into critical housing.” The permit granted last year allowed Ferris to build as many as 187 one- and two-bedroom condominiums in three separate structures.

“We’re trying to take these abandoned assets and put them back on the tax rolls,” Ferris continued. “We’ve been welcomed by various communities, and Marlborough is one of the greatest.”

Asked about the bigger picture of housing shortages in the state, Ferris said he would like to see the Massachusetts legislature adopt “a broad, overarching piece of legislation that would give broad state-level approval to convert office properties to housing communities.” He said such a change could bring hundreds of thousands of new housing units on the market.

Ferris Donation | from page 1

Failing Northborough dam clears hurdle for demolition

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH – “Looking forward to not talking about this dam anymore.”

That’s how DPW Director Scott Charpentier concluded his presentation on Article 33 at Town Meeting on April 28, as Northborough residents overwhelmingly (120-5) voted to appropriate $250,000 to help remove a dam on the Northborough Reservoir.

Though the reservoir is technically located within the borders of Shrewsbury –and Boylston, to some extent – Northborough owns the land and is obliged to remove or repair the dam. Since the

This dam’s days could be numbered. (Photo/Courtesy)

reservoir is no longer used for drinking water and can become a liability, the town has opted for removal, and applied for a grant in 2023 to fund 80 percent of design and permitting costs.

Today, the design is ready, the permits are in place, and all that’s needed is the funding. Charpentier is expecting to secure a $1 million grant to complete the project.

Most of the reservoir will disappear – the depth will go from 9 feet to about 3.5 feet, according to Charpentier. The dam must be removed because if it fails, it would cause “catastrophic” damage, including to Interstate 290, according to Charpentier.

Who named their dog ‘Squidward’ in Grafton? The town’s unique dog names, popular breeds

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

GRAFTON – There are 1,816 dogs throughout Grafton, according to the latest data from the Town Clerk’s office. The Community Advocate looked at all publiclyaccessible information to determine the most popular breeds and names.

Top breeds

Labrador Retriever – 103

Golden Retriever – 82

Goldendoodle – 41

Boston Terrier – 27

Boxer – 24

German Shepherd – 24

Top names

Luna – 20

Charlie – 19

Lucy – 19

Cooper – 18

Sadie – 16

Teddy – 16

Buddy – 15

The most unique names

Cocoa Latte, a Cocker Spaniel

Little Pumpkin, a Bichon Frisé

Squidward, a Mixed Breed

Elmo, a Border Collie mix

Sunny Spot, a Japanese Chin

Trixiestix, a Coonhound mix

Hash Brown, a Rottweiler

Sweet Pea, a Chihuahua

Regalo Ray Ray, a Beagle

Bob Marley, a Shih Tzu

Hawkeye, a Lab

Pickles, a Poodle

Mr. Rock, a Rottweiler

Chickadee, a Chihuahua

Kennebunk, a Terrier mix

Minnie Pete, a Boston Terrier

Peter Pan, a Jack Russell Terrier mix

Midnight Tommy, a Labrador Retriever

Frankie Doughnuts, a Rottweiler mix

Princess Buttercup, a Retriever mix

Independence, a Golden Retriever

Liberty Belle, a Golden Retriever

When every detail is expertly handled, your days are free to be enjoyed to the fullest. Induldge in chef-prepared dining, engaging social events, and wellness programs designed to keep you feeling your best. All of this is supported by attentive service that empowers you to live independently. The best part? Everything is included in one simple monthly price.

Get a taste of the resort lifestyle ﬁrsthand! Enjoy a delicious chef-prepared lunch and join us for a brief presentation to learn how our all-inclusive amenities simplify your retirement. RSVP today! Wednesday, June 10 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Duncan, a 6-month-old Lab (Photo/Evan Walsh)

Select Board to decide next steps for Community Center The project re-enters the limelight

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH — With the Westborough Public Library to return to its West Main Street location in the fall –thereby vacating its current temporary spot – the Select Board is beginning to discuss next steps for the Community Center.

When efforts were paused in December 2024, the thinking at the time was to complete the work in two phases: Constructing the Senior Center portion of the first floor, then completing the remainder of the first-floor space –namely the auditorium and veterans’ areas – and portions of the second floor.

At this time, the design for Phase One is 80 percent complete, while Phase Two is at 50 percent completion. To get to this point, the town

has spent $40,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, $85,000 from free cash, and $1.1 million from the Del Webb Chancy Lake Stabilization Fund.

The Select Board must

now decide whether to continue with the pre-established construction “phases,” or reconsider the scope of Phrase One. The board said it will make this decision at its next meeting on June 9.

SHOPPING CENTER

Phase One had previously been estimated at about $10.5 million for construction, while Phase Two was estimated at about $14.5 million. Costs could shift if the components of each phase

are changed.

Several Select Board members seemed intent on focusing on the Senior Center.

“I don’t want to lose a vote to redo the Senior Center,” said Select Board member Ian Johnson. “We owe it to the seniors. We’ve talked about it for a long time. We need to do something sooner than later.”

Select Board member Mark Silverberg said he is a firm supporter of Phase One, noting that “you can’t sell the [existing] Senior Center until we get the [new] Senior Center open.”

The hope is to put the project out to bid by early 2027 to ensure bids are in hand for the March Town Meeting. Public engagement sessions will be happening soon, and the Select Board will be listening to hear what residents think about the Community Center’s next steps.

What should Westborough prioritize when constructing the Community Center? (Photo/Tami White)

New traffic light could come to Route 20: Here’s where

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – A new light could be coming to Route 20.

On May 26, the Select Board authorized Town Manager Kevin Mizikar to pursue a grant alongside GoVenture Capital Group, a developer looking to construct a mixed-use 250-unit development at 525 Hartford Turnpike, the former site of the Tanela.

As part of those plans –which still need approval from the town – a traffic

light may be installed at 525 Hartford Turnpike, creating a four-way intersection between the development, Route 20, and Stoney Hill Road.

If the grant is awarded, work would cost approximately $3.67 million.

“This type of plan and work is consistent with the Master Plan for Route 20, and would provide a lot of relief that we have yet to be able to provide to the residents of Stoney Hill Road,” said Mizikar. “It’s literally impossible … to safely make a left.”

If the grant isn’t awarded, it’s unclear what would happen. Select Board member Gregg Richards asked if GoVenture would consider footing the bill if the grant isn’t accepted.

“What if we don’t get it?

A letter from the developer supporting this grant says that ‘existing traffic condi -

tions around Hartford Turnpike are challenging today [and that] GVC has genuine concerns regarding existing and future traffic conditions along Hartford Turnpike,” he said. “If we don’t get the grant, what do we do?”

Tom Corbett, from GoVenture, said he hopes it doesn’t get to that point.

“We feel pretty good about the application. … We’ve analyzed all the previous awards, but we’re feeling good that this hits the bill,” he said. “I do believe there is an opportunity to apply again. It would line up with our development timeline.” *APR

placed in front of the Tanela, the proposed site of a new mixed-use development.

Bus drivers and monitors in Marlborough go on strike

MARLBOROUGH – Once again, bus drivers and monitors who serve several Marlborough-area schools are on strike.

Teamsters Local 170, which represents school bus drivers, has been unable to reach a contract settlement with NRT, a private bus company. The strike – which is ongoing as the Community Advocate went to print –began Wednesday, May 27.

Drivers are trying to negotiate more affordable healthcare and better retirement benefits, according to several reports. The drivers also went on a strike in 2023 that lasted for three days.

In a statement, Marlborough Public Schools Superintendent Jason DeFalco said replacement drivers have been brought in and there have been no delays or changes in procedures.

“We are hopeful NRT and the Teamsters will come to a speedy agreement. In the meantime, we are working

to ensure there are minimal disruptions to our students and families. While they work out the details of their successor contract, our focus in Marlborough Public Schools remains steadfast on our students,” he added.

The strike is also affecting Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) transportation. In a statement posted to the AMSA website, Executive Director Lisa C. Mobley wrote that “it is important to clarify that AMSA is not a party to these negotiations. This is a private matter between NRT management and their unionized employees.”

“However,” she wrote, “the outcome directly impacts AMSA families.”

Marlborough Mayor J. Christian Dumais issued a statement May 27.

“We remain optimistic that NRT and the Teamsters Local 170 will reach an agreement soon. In the meantime, we are taking steps to minimize any impact on our students and families. The City and Marlborough Public Schools remain fully committed to supporting and prioritizing our Students,” he wrote.

On June 1, NRT released a statement: “NRT Bus is committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports employees and is responsible to the community. We encourage the union to return to the bargaining table today in good faith and avoid regressive tactics. We are eager to restore routine service to support our students, families and the school district.”

LEGAL NOTICES

Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.

SHREWSBURY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PLUMBING AND GAS FITTING INSPECTIONAL SERVICES

The Town of Shrewsbury seeks proposals from qualified individuals and companies to provide plumbing and gas fitting inspectional services for commercial and large scale multi-family properties for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

Proposal Documents are available online at www.shrewsburyma.gov/bids and also in the Town Manager’s Office at 100 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury. Town Offices are open Mon, Wed, Thu 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Tue 8:00 AM-6:30 PM; and Fri 8:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Specific questions concerning this RFP shall be submitted via email to Jeff Goodwin, Assistant to the Town Manager-Procurement, at jgoodwin@shrewsburyma.gov by no later than 1PM on June 15, 2026. It is the responsibility of prospective proposers to check www.shrewsburyma.gov/bids for new information via any addenda to this RFP. All prospective proposers must register their name and contact information (email address) on the proposal request form on the Town’s website or via a register to be maintained by the Office of the Town Manager to receive any addenda or answers to questions that may be issued by the Town.

Proposals submitted in accordance with this RFP and the related documents online will be received in the Town Manager’s Office at 100 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, MA or via email to jgoodwin@shrewsburyma.gov until 1:00 PM on June 22, 2026.

MGL ch. 30B, sec. 6 shall apply to this RFP. The Town reserves the right to waive any minor informalities in the proposals and to reject any and all proposals if it shall be deemed in the best interests of the Town to do so.

Kevin Mizikar Town Manager Town of Shrewsbury

NOTICE OF HEARING

G.L. CHAPTER 131, S. 40

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 131, s. 40, and the Town of Shrewsbury Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations that Mike Mitchell, on behalf of Mitchell Drivetrain Services Inc., 384 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA has filed an after-the-fact Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of trees, regrading of parking lot material and laying of asphalt millings at 50 Clews Street.

A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, June 16, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545.

SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Kenneth Polito, Chair

SOUTHBOROUGH

NOTICE

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 June 16, 2026 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 June 4, 2026 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 508-4850503 for bidding instructions.

2016 Lincoln MKZ VIN: 3LN6L2J90GR616152

Owned by Georgina Ortiz Canario

2005 Honda Accord VIN: 1HGCM56405A133238

Owned by Igor P. Lima

2007 Hyundai SantaFe VIN : 5NMSH73E77H056187

Owned by Nanuque Cleaning Services

2014 Cadillac ATS VIN: 1G6AG5RXXE0104731

Owned by Roberto Medina

2008 Ford Fusion Vin: 3FAHP07Z98R235789

Owned by Andrew Vasquez Perez

1999 Nomad Camper Trailer VIN: 1SN200L20XH000493

Owned by Linda Wordell

2014 Chevrolet Impala Vin: 2G1125S3XE9233229

Owned by Robert Smith

2003 Honda Pilot VIN: 2HKYF185X3H522374

Owned by Edgar Paz Ramos

2004 Toyota Tundra VIN: 5TBJN32184S438824

Owned by Jeremy Dean Rhodes

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

Publication Friday May 22, 29 and June 5, 2026 Community Advocate.

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

NOTICE OF TAX TAKING (G.L. C. 60, § 53) THIS NOTICE AFFECTS IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS AND SHOULD BE TRANSLATED IMMEDIATELY

本通知对于重要法律权利产生影响，请立即翻译本通知對於重要法律權利產生影響，請立即翻譯 ESTE AVISO AFECTA IMPORTANTES DERECHOS LEGALES Y DEBERÍA SER TRADUCIDO INMEDIATAMENTE CET AVIS AFFECTE DES DROITS JURIDIQUES IMPORTANTS ET DOIT ÊTRE TRADUIT IMMÉDIATEMENT AVI SA A AFEKTE DWA LEGAL KI ENPÒTAN EPI LI SIPOZE TRADWI IMEDYATMAN THÔNG BÁO NÀY CÓ ẢNH HƯỜNG ĐẾN CÁC QUYỀN PHÁP LÝ QUAN TRỌNG, DO ĐÓ CẦN ĐƯỢC DỊCH THUẬT NGAY ESTE AVISO DIZ RESPEITO A DIREITOS LEGAIS IMPORTANTES E DEVE SER TRADUZIDO IMEDIATAMENTE You are receiving this notice because: 1. You own property in Massachusetts. 2. You still owe some local taxes on your property. 3. You’ve received a letter asking you to pay these past due taxes (a demand), but you haven’t done so yet. 4. The city or town’s tax collector plans to take your property on the date, time, and place noted below. 5. They won’t take your property if you pay what you owe before that date.

TO THE OWNERS OF THE DESCRIBED PROPERTY BELOW, AND TO ALL OTHERS CONCERNED, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ON __Monday(day), June (month) __22ND(date), 2026_ (year) at 10:00 (time) o’clock AM (AM or PM), at TOWN HALLTREASURER’S OFFICE (place of taking), pursuant to General Laws Chapter 60, Section 53, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Collector of Taxes, IT IS MY INTENTION TO TAKE FOR THE TOWN (city or town) of SOUTHBOROUGH(name of city or town) the following parcels of land for non-payment of the taxes due, with interest and all incidental expenses and costs to the date of taking, unless the same is paid before that date. STF 6053 https://www.mass.gov/ orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue Page 2 of 2 LIST OF PARCELS TO BE TAKEN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE GIVEN IN THE CASE OF EACH PARCEL: • Names of all owners known to the collector. In the taking of undivided real estate of deceased persons, the names of all the heirs or devisees interested as appearing in the probate records. • The year for which the tax was assessed.

• Amount of tax assessed on each parcel to be taken. • The unpaid

balance of the tax assessed. • Description of the several rights, lots, or divisions, sufficiently accurate to identify the premises. • In the case of registered land, Certificate of Title No. must be given.

FY25 ALBRECHT GEORGE W JR / 46 EAST MAIN STREET / PARCEL ID 55-26 / GROSS TAX $6,600.36 / REMAINING: $3,316.10 & INT.

BRIAN BALLANTINE Collector of Taxes

MAY 28, 2026

TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH Name of City or Town

THIS FORM APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

NOTICE OF TAX TAKING (G.L. C. 60, § 53) THIS NOTICE AFFECTS IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS AND SHOULD BE TRANSLATED IMMEDIATELY

LEGAIS IMPORTANTES E DEVE SER TRADUZIDO IMEDIATAMENTE You are receiving this notice because: 1. You own property in Massachusetts. 2. You still owe some local taxes on your property. 3. You’ve received a letter asking you to pay these past due taxes (a demand), but you haven’t done so yet. 4. The city or town’s tax collector plans to take your property on the date, time, and place noted below. 5. They won’t take your property if you pay what you owe before that date.

FY25 WYNN ALAN C. / PIKE UNIVERSE LLC / 12 WOOD STREET / PARCEL ID 1-22 / GROSS TAX $6,151.25 / REMAINING: $2,751.34 & INT.

FY25 2 SPRING MEADOW DRIVE LLC / 2 SPRING MEADOW DRIVE / PARCEL ID 2-72 / GROSS TAX $12,107.09 / REMAINING

$4,088.44 & INT.

FY25 PERSONIS GEORGE A / SKYLAR DRIVE OFF / PARCEL ID 27-39 / GROSS TAX $110.48 / REMAINING $52.48 & INT.

FY25 CACTUS CAPITAL BOSTON LLC / 206 TURNPIKE ROAD / PARCEL ID 28-3A / GROSS TAX $19,672.40 / REMAINING

$5,618.97 & INT.

FY25 BERGERON ARTHUR P TRUSTEE / M&E VENTURES CORP / 66 CENTRAL STREET / PARCEL ID 38-63 / GROSS

REMAINING $1,530.38

FY25 SUPREME CARPENTRY LLC / 34 TURNPIKE ROAD / PARCEL ID 39-37 / GROSS TAX

$5,116.30 / REMAINING $1,147.05 & INT.

BRIAN BALLANTINE Collector of Taxes

MAY 28, 2026

TOWN OF SOUTHBOROUGH Name of City or Town

THIS FORM APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE

HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 78 MAIN STREET, HUDSON, MA 01749 (978) 562-2948

LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Hudson Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by Matthew Gallen. The owner of the property is Matthew Galen. The work is located at 2 Baben Road (Map-Parcel 55-47). The proposed project is house addition in Buffer Zone and No Disturb Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on June 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson.org or 978-562-2948.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

Please send the invoice to: Matthew Galen 2 Baben Road Hudson, MA 01749

matthew.gallen@gmail.com 908-310-4351

PUBLIC NOTICE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WATERWAYS REGULATION PROGRAM NOTICE OF SIMPLIFIED LICENSE APPLICATION PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CHAPTER 91 26-WW-PRE-0034-APP

NOTIFICATION DATE: June 5, 2026

PERMITTEE: Chris & Sarah Hagen

PROJECT SITE ADDRESS: 2 Shoreline Road, Hudson

Public notice is hereby given of the application for a Chapter 91 Simplified License by Chris & Sarah Hagen to construct/maintain a seasonal floating dock in the waters of Boons Pond at 2 Shoreline Road, Hudson, MA, Middlesex County.

Project plans for this Chapter 91 application are on file for public viewing electronically, by request to dep.waterways@mass.gov.

If you do not have access to email, please leave a voicemail at (617) 292-5929 and you will be contacted with information on alternative options.

It is recommended that public comments be filed electronically with dep.waterways@mass.gov when possible. Alternatively, comments may be mailed to the Waterways Regulation Program at: 100 Cambridge St, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

WATERWAYS REGULATION PROGRAM

NOTICE OF SIMPLIFIED LICENSE APPLICATION

PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CHAPTER 91 26-WW-PRE-0029-APP

NOTIFICATION DATE: June 5, 2026

PERMITTEE: Zhanpeng Jiang/Jing Jin

PROJECT SITE ADDRESS: 4 Shoreline Road, Hudson

Public notice is hereby given of the application for a Chapter 91 Simplified License by Zhanpeng Jiang & Jing Jin to construct/ maintain a seasonal floating dock in the waters of Boons Pond at 4 Shoreline Road, Hudson, MA, Middlesex County. The Department will consider all written comments on this Chapter 91 application received by within 30 days of the “Notification Date”. Failure of any aggrieved person or group of ten citizens or more to submit written comments to the Waterways Regulation Program will result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with 310 CMR 9.13(4)(c). The group of citizens must include at least five citizens who are residents of the municipality in which the proposed project is located. Project plans for this Chapter 91 application are on file for public viewing electronically, by request to dep.waterways@mass.gov. If you do not have access to email, please leave a voicemail at (617) 292-5929 and you will be contacted with information on alternative options.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WATERWAYS REGULATION PROGRAM

NOTICE OF SIMPLIFIED LICENSE APPLICATION PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CHAPTER 91 26-WW-PRE-0036-APP

NOTIFICATION

DATE: June 5, 2026

PERMITTEE: Robert & Shari Koenig

PROJECT SITE ADDRESS: 6 Shoreline Road, Hudson

Public notice is hereby given of the application for a Chapter 91 Simplified License by Robert & Shari Koenig to construct/maintain a seasonal floating dock in the waters of Boons Pond at 6 Shoreline Road, Hudson, MA, Middlesex County.

The Department will consider all written comments on this Chapter 91 application received by within 30 days of the “Notification Date”. Failure of any aggrieved person or group of ten citizens or more to submit written comments to the Waterways Regulation Program will result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with 310 CMR 9.13(4)(c). The group of citizens must include at least five citizens who are residents of the municipality in which the proposed project is located. Project plans for this Chapter 91 application are on file for public viewing electronically, by request to dep.waterways@mass.gov. If you do not have access to email, please leave a voicemail at (617) 292-5929 and you will be contacted with information on alternative options.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WATERWAYS REGULATION PROGRAM NOTICE OF SIMPLIFIED LICENSE APPLICATION PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CHAPTER 91 26-WW-PRE-0032-APP

NOTIFICATION

DATE: June 5, 2026

PERMITTEE: David Jackson & Kristen Brandenburg

PROJECT SITE ADDRESS: 8 Shoreline Road, Hudson

Public notice is hereby given of the application for a Chapter 91 Simplified License by David Jackson & Kristen Brandenburg to construct/maintain a seasonal floating dock in the waters of Boons Pond at 8 Shoreline

SELCO to hold Open House

SHREWSBURY – SELCO is inviting the community to its annual Community Open House on June 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SELCO Service Area located at 30 Municipal Drive in Shrewsbury. The free family-friendly event gives residents the opportunity to learn more about the community-owned utility while enjoying hands-on activities, demonstrations, and entertainment for all ages.

One of the featured attractions will be guided tours of the Johnson Substation, where attendees can learn how electricity is safely and reliably delivered throughout the community. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore SELCO vehicles during the Touch-A-Truck experience, while children can gear up with complimentary safety hats and vests.

Visitors interested in electric vehicles can participate in Tesla test drives and experience EV technology firsthand. Guests can also meet and

interact with the sheep that help maintain vegetation at SELCO’s solar farm, including opportunities to pet and feed them.

The event will include free popcorn, bounce houses, inflatable games, and additional activities for children and families. Community members can also visit informational booths to learn more about Fiber Internet, SELCO Stream, Smart Meters, energy efficiency rebates, and programs available through the utility. SELCO staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the benefits of community-owned public power in Shrewsbury.

Attendees can cool off with ice cream from local favorite Uhlman’s Ice Cream, and families will have the chance to meet Trax from the Worcester Railers during a special appearance at noon. Parking will be available at Walter J. Paton Elementary School, with signs directing guests to the SELCO Service Area.

The Branches of Marlboro director honored for innovative Alzheimer’s care

MARLBOROUGH – The Branches of Marlboro, a Benchmark Assisted Living and Mind & Memory Care community, announced Mind & Memory Care Director Eny Fernandes, of Marlborough, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Memory Care Innovation Awards from WTWH Healthcare. She is one of just 13 senior-living professionals nationwide who is being recognized for advancing dementia care.

The annual awards honor leaders who are redefining cognitive care delivery and shaping the future of aging through innovative, highquality approaches that improve outcomes for individuals living with memory-related conditions – and those who care for them.

Fernandes has been with The Branches of Marlboro since the community opened in 2019.

She is being recognized for

her transformative leadership and her innovative, peoplecentered approach, which has redefined what exceptional assisted living and memory care can look like. With decades of experience in clinical care and dining services, she brings a holistic perspective to the senior assisted-living community that enhances both the resident experience at The Branches and overall team performance.

“Eny is truly the heart of our community,” said Julia Hanan, executive director of The Branches of Marlboro.

“She leads by example and is always the first to support frontline staff. Through her compassion, creativity, and relentless drive to improve, Eny is not only advancing memory care – she is setting the standard for it.”

Fernandes’ leadership is both practical and deeply empathetic, ensuring all residents can participate

in meaningful experiences regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities. Drawing on her background in culinary leadership, she has also transformed the dining experience into one that is both therapeutic and engaging, creatively tailoring environments and approaches to individual preferences and abilities.

Located in MetroWest on Route 85 next to Marlborough High School, The Branches of Marlboro senior assistedliving community helps residents discover and connect to what’s meaningful and possible at every stage of their lives. The community features an open-concept design and flexible floor plans that encourage engagement. Onsite services and amenities include all-day, restaurantstyle dining; beauty, wellness, and concierge services; and programs tailored to residents’ interests.

July 23 - SunnysideSwingBand • August 20 - Sabrina Brown Jazz Vocalist

Both concerts will take place from 3 – 4:30 PM.

At The Branches, residents enjoy an average of 19 meaningful interactions daily with our associates—from chef-prepared meals in the dining room, during community concerts or even just chats in the hallway.

to Pam Belaska at

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

Allen, Mary of Marlborough Bigelow, Elizabeth of Southborough Carraher, Beverly of hudSon

Curley, Paul forMer firefighter and eMt with hudSon fire departMent

DelVecchio, Daniel of grafton Donovan, John raiSed in weStborough

Eaton, Barbara of hudSon

Greska, Jimmy of hudSon Halter, William of northborough

Hennigan, Barbara of Marlborough Highlands Sr., William of ShrewSbury

Insani, Richard of Marlborough

Klein, Ronald of Sharon and Southborough

Methratta, Chinnamma of weStborough

Puim, Gary of hudSon

Rupard, Suzanne of weStborough

Saliga, Michael of hudSon Sousa, Albert of hudSon and port orange, fl

Beverly Carraher d. May 13, 2026

HUDSON - With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Beverly “Dabey” Carraher, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Beverly leaves behind her loving husband and soulmate, Robert; her children, the late Robert and his wife Mary, Susan Durland and her husband Richard, and Steven and his wife Marge.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Brian Jr., Alice, Ben, Steven Jr., and Angela, as well as many beloved great-grandchildren.

“Dabey” found great joy in traveling, completing puz-

zles, and playing her favorite game, Slotomania. Above all else, she treasured time spent with her family, who were truly the center of her life.

Her warmth, love, and devotion to those she cared for will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be announced at a later date, as arrangements are not yet complete.

Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.

Albert R. Sousa, 59 HUDSON/PORT ORANGE, FL - Albert Reis Sousa, 59, cherished brother and devoted friend to many, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 9, 2026 after a short illness. Born on January 5, 1967 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, a lifelong resident of Hudson, Massachusetts. Albert retired to Port Orange, Florida in 2021.

He was predeceased by his beloved son Joshua Sousa, his parents Antonio and Ivone Sousa, his grandparents Antonio and Maria Sousa and Weber and Zilda Azevedo, his Uncle Jose Sousa and his cousin Ricardo Azevedo.

He is survived by his brothers Tony Sousa Sr. and his wife Emma, Paul G. Sousa Sr., David A. Sousa and his wife Cecelia, Steven L. Sousa and Carlo M. Sousa, Sr. His nephews and niece Tony E. Sousa Jr, and his wife Heather, Cameron M. Sousa and his partner Ashley, Nicole I. Sousa, Paulo G. Sousa, Jr., Nicholas Sousa, Cecilia M. Sousa, Rachel Sousa, Carlo, M Sousa, Jr., and Lily Sousa, and many great nephews and nieces. His uncle Weber Azevedo and his aunts Laudelina, Melania, and Maria Sousa. He also leaves many cousins in Massachusetts, California, and Azore Islands of Portugal.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 13 at the Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street, Hudson, Massachusetts, 01749. Visiting hours are from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On Sunday, June 14, 2026, to fulfill Albert’s

wishes, we will be traveling to Cape Cod to spread his ashes. Details for this event will be forthcoming on June 13 at the Hudson Portuguese Club Celebration of Life.

Elizabeth C. Bigelow, 89

SOUTHBOROUGH - Elizabeth “Betty” C. (Murray) Bigelow, the beloved youngest daughter of Edward and Ruth Murray of Framingham, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2026. A proud 1954 graduate of Framingham High School, Betty lived a life made full with family, friendship and community. She leaves behind four children: Donna Sergi (Rob), Harvey D. Bigelow Jr. (Paula), Susan Bigelow, and Beth Courtwright (Steve).

In addition to her four beloved children and their spouses, Betty leaves behind thirteen treasured grandchildren, of whom she was endlessly proud: Daniel Bigelow, Brian Bigelow, Michelle Gaudreau (Tyler), Erica Bigelow, Jillian Wilson (Zach), Kayla Sergi, Kelley White (Brendan), KJ Walsh (Anna), Tommy Walsh (Julia), Sean Walsh, Allie Birnbaum (Cuba), Drew Courtwright, and Ryan Courtwright (Madolin). Betty’s grandchildren knew that their Nana was always their biggest fan.

Betty was also blessed to know her ten beloved greatgrandchildren: Brayden, Landen, Austin, Reagan, and Cameron White; Sofia Walsh; Charlotte and Emma Walsh; Charlie Bigelow; and Henry Gaudreau. Betty also leaves behind her best friend and sister, June Johnson.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harvey D. Bigelow Sr. in 2012, and her granddaughterin-law Amy Kawazoe and great-grandson Louis Bigelow in 2023.

Morris – Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted the family.

Suzanne Rupard, 65

WESTBOROUGH - Suzanne Rupard, 65, of Westborough, MA, passed away after a cou -

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

rageous battle with cancer on Monday, May 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and the love she gave so freely. She is survived by her son, Charles Rupard, and his wife, Ann Marie, and her grandchildren Whitney, Lindsay, Ian, and Audrey. She also leaves her daughter, Heather Parrott, and Heather’s partner, Isaac, along with her grandchildren Logan, Juliyah, and Gabriel.

Suzanne is also survived by her siblings: Deborah Waska and her husband Dave; Walter Aldrich III; Robert Barnes and his wife Linda; Roger Barnes and his wife Virginia; and Ronnie Barnes and his wife Carol. She is lovingly remembered by her Aunt Sandra and Uncle Ricky Bianco, Uncle Richard King Jr., and Uncle Robert Aldrich, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Walter Aldrich Jr.; her mother, Barbara Barnes; her stepfather, Robert Barnes; her nephew Ian Butler; her grandson CJ Parrott; and her sister, Judy Barnes. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Westborough, MA on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00am. Family and friends are invited to join for coffee and light refreshments immediately following the service.

William J. Halter, 88

NORTHBOROUGH - William Joseph “Bill” Halter passed away in the early morning hours of May 15, 2026, following a brief medical episode. He was 88. Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia A. (McKillop) Halter; his three beloved daughters, Mary Murray and her partner Alan St. Lawrence, Nancy Halter and her husband John

Baer, and Laura Garber and her husband Paul. He was the proud and loving grandfather of Kaitlyn Murray, Victoria Murray, Meghan Murray, and Emma (Murray) Pereira and her husband Renan, and the cherished great-grandfather of Ava Pereira. He also leaves behind his sister, Margaret Scanlon and her husband John, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Peggy (McKillop) Motherway and 3 of his nephews, Timothy and Brian Scanlon and Timothy Motherway.

Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted the family.

Michael P. Saliga, 69 HUDSON - Michael P. Saliga, of Hudson, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his sleep just days after celebrating his 69th birthday. He lived a life defined by hard work, leadership, devotion to family, and commitment to his community. Above all else, Michael was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his four children: Lauren Brown and her husband Richie Brown, together with their daughters Elyse and August; Kristen Keeley and her husband Tyler Keeley, together with their daughter Emilia and son Leandro; Ryan Saliga and his wife Emily Saliga, together with their daughter Eleanor; and Cathryn McCarthy and her husband Brendan McCarthy, together with their daughter Colette.

Michael was reunited in death with his parents Donald and Priscilla (Pat) Saliga. He is survived by his seven siblings, Mark Saliga, MaryEllen Sherman, Brian Saliga, Patrick Saliga, Glenn Saliga, John Saliga, and Paul Saliga. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.

Gary C. Puim, 44

HUDSON - Gary C. Puim, a devoted family man and respected professional, passed away on May 17, 2026. Born

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Road, Hudson, MA, Middlesex County.

Project plans for this Chapter 91 application are on file for public viewing electronically, by request to dep.waterways@mass.gov. If you do not have access to email, please leave a voicemail at (617) 292-5929 and you will be contacted with information on alternative options.

Call Cindy at 508-366-5500

Physical Design Sr. Staff Engineer

Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. in Westborough, MA

seeks Physical Design Sr. Staff Engineer (F116): Responsible for the physical implementation of complex integrated circuits (ICs). $138,000-$168,000/yr. TO APPLY please send your resume with reference Job Code (F116) to Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. Attn. HR 1.2.519, 5488 Marvell Lane, Santa Clara, CA 95054 or to Opportunities@marvell.com. EOE.

Team Manager

Team Manager Validation & Lab Operations Actions for Cytiva in Westborough, MA, to research filter compatibility & integrity test data for drugs w/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient from ~1000 test reports & perform data compilation. Reqs: Bachelor’s or foreign equiv in Chem, Life Sci, or rltd field & 15 yrs exp, or Master’s & 6 yrs, or PhD & 4 yrs. 20% travel. Partial telecommute available. Sal Range: $114,000-171,000/yr. Sal offered: $126,356.78/yr. CV to carmelissa. rhodes@cytiva.com & ref job title.

HUDSON CONSERVATION

The proposed project is pool and patio in Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on June 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson.org or 978562-2948.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Hudson Conservation Commis-

sion will hold a Public Hearing relative to the following filing under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) as requested by Jiang Zhanpeng. The owner of the property is Jiang Zhanpeng. The work is located at 4 Shoreline Drive (Map-Parcel 36-94)

The proposed project is deck expansion in Buffer Zone to Lake Boon. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on June 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Please contact the Conservation Commission Office for information on joining the meeting: phelinek@townofhudson. org or 978-562-2948.

All interested parties are urged to attend. The application can be obtained through email by contacting the Conservation Commission Office.

LEGAL NOTICE

The Hudson Select Board will hold a public hearing to consider an application for a Class II License received from Iara Silva of Prime Motor Sales LLC to engage in the principal business of buying or selling secondhand Motor Vehicles at 469 River Road, Hudson, MA. The Hear-

A Powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit -

Holy Spirit you who solve all problems who light all roads so I can attain my goals, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me, in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish you in eternal glory, thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. Only your initials shall appear on the bottom. ~ F.R.

ing will be held at the Hudson Police Station located at 911 Municipal Drive, Hudson, MA 01749 on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 7:00PM. For more information call 978-562-9963.

WESTBOROUGH

LEGAL NOTICE

On May 26, 2026, the Westborough Select Board voted in accordance with General Laws Chapter 40, Section 22 to approve the following amendment to the Town’s Traffic Rules and Orders. Section 5-4 is hereby amended by adding the following text: “and the westerly side from Grant Road to Fisher Street during school hours except that this area may be used as a loading zone for the purpose of student arrival and dismissal,” following the existing language prohibiting parking on West Street.

POLE PETITION

PUBLIC HEARING

The Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New

England, Inc has petitioned the Town of Westborough Select Board for permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way:

West Main Street – National Grid to install 1 JO pole on West Main Street beginning at a point approximately 60 feet northwest of the centerline of the intersection of Kay Street. National Grid to install Stub pole across P100 on West Main Street in Westborough Public Way: West Main Street, Westborough, Ma 01518 Number of poles: 1

In accordance with the requirements of Section 22 of Chapter 166 of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.) you are hereby notified that a Public Hearing will be held on the above referenced Pole Petitions by Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. The Public Hearing will be held on June 23, 2026, at 9:00AM in Memorial Hall located in the Town Hall, 34 West LEGALS CONTINUED | 26

on April 8, 1982, in Framingham, Massachusetts, Gary lived a life deeply rooted in the communities of Hudson and the surrounding areas. He was raised in Hudson, where he attended local schools and developed the warm personality and

wit that would endear him to family, friends, and colleagues alike throughout his life.

Gary’s family who survive him include his former wife of 17 years and mother of his children, Guadalupe E. (Mendez) Puim of Hudson, Massachusetts; his loving children Arihanna Puim and Damien Puim, both residents of Hudson; his mother Valeriana (Cabral) Terra and her hus -

band Manny of Hudson; his sister Monica Girard and her children Bella and Scarlett of North Carolina, his three step sisters, Stephanie Terra and her two children, Kayla Terra and her two children and Amy Terra all of Providence, RI; and close cousins Michael and Diana Cabral with their three children of Tewksbury, as well as Claudio and Sarah Viera with their children Katrina and Gary’s godson Jordan.

Summer Concert Series

Celebrate the sounds that have shaped generations and the spirit of a nation.

Join us this summer for Spirit of Sound, a concert series celebrating timeless American music, community, and connection.

Enjoy live performances in the courtyard at The Willows at Westborough. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for a relaxing summer evening.

Wednesdays 7:00–8:15 PM

Concessions available beginning at 6:30 PM

June 17 Interboro Community Band

June 24 Grade A Fancy

July 1 Hold N’ Back Band

July 8 Wolverine Jazz Band

at (508) 321-7555.

The Willows at Westborough One Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581

Alongside these family members, he leaves behind his uncles, aunts, many cousins and friends who cherished his friendship and presence. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Eduardo Puim. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.

Barbara S. Eaton, 80

HUDSON - Barbara Eaton was an incredible woman. Her 80 years were filled with countless adventures, learning opportunities, volunteer work, and memories with those she was closest to and people she had just met. She was an educator, a lifelong learner, a seasoned traveler, and the most wonderful friend and mother. Hers was a life well-lived, sadly shortened by a several year battle with cancer.

Even with Barbara’s many commitments and interests, she always had time for her daughter, Adrienne Eaton, and her many friends.

Barbara was a brave, resilient, unstoppable woman who is missed so much already. She leaves behind an extensive group of dear friends and family (too many to list) from around the world, “the girls” - Phomdaen, Lindsay, Molly, and Heather - who she often referred to as her “other daughters,” and her best friend and biggest fan, her daughter, Adrienne Eaton.

Arrangements were under the care of Hays Funeral Home of Northborough.

& COMMUNITY SURVEY

The Town of Westborough, led by its Police Department, is accepting sealed bids until 10am on Friday June 26, 2026 at the Town Hall, Accounting Department, 34 West Main St., Westborough MA 01581 for the Westborough Police Department Comprehensive Staffing Assessment & Community Survey. This project is being Electronically Bid (E-Bid). You can register to become a bidder (free) online at www.BidNetDirect. com. For assistance, contact BidNetDirect. com at 800-835-4603. Bid Documents will be available online beginning at 9:00 AM on May 29, 2026, at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/massachusetts/townwestborough. All plan holders must have an active online account on www.bidnetdirect. com to acquire documents, receive project notifications, and receive addenda. It is the responsibility of prospective proposers to check www.BidNetDirect.com for new information via any addenda to this solicitation. Any addenda issued will be emailed to all plan holders registered with BidNetDirect. Questions can be emailed to Lt. Greg Schipporeit, at gschipporeit@westboroughma.gov and have the subject line “RFP 26-4001-Questions for Westborough Police Dept. Staffing Assessment, and will be answered via addenda posted on BidNetDirect. Question deadline 3:00pm June 22, 2026 The Bid is being done under Chapter 30B. The Town of Westborough reserves the right to accept any bid, in whole or in part, to reject any/or all bids and to waive minor irregularities and/or informalities as it deems to be in the best interest of the Town. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages MBE/WBE/DBE participation in response to the bid process. Tina Cote Procurement Officer tcote@westboroughma.gov

NORTHBOROUGH

Town Of Northborough Public Hearing Notice

Northborough Planning Board

In accordance with MGL Ch. 40A Sections 5 and 9, the Northborough Planning Board will hold public hearings on June 9, 2026 at 6:00pm for the following purposes:

To seek public opinion on a Scenic Road application submitted by Corriveau Development LLC for 17 Green Street, Map 37, Parcel 115, in the Residential B Zoning District. The Applicant seeks approval to remove approximately 80 linear feet of stone wall within the limits of the Green Street rightof-way to construct a cul-de-sac to serve three single-family homes.

To seek public opinion on an application for a special permit for a nonresidential accessory use, a groundwater special permit and a special permit with site plan approval submitted by Saint-Gobain Research North America for the construction of a temporary gravel parking lot and laydown area of approximately 39,200 square feet at 10 Goddard Road, Map 17, Parcel 11, in the Industrial District and Groundwater Protection Overlay District Area 2.

The applications are on file in the Planning Office and can viewed online at: https:// www.northboroughma.gov/planningboard/pages/projects-under-review. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency, signed into law on March 28, 2025, this meeting will be conducted via remote participation. To participate in the public comment portion of this public hearing, please click this URL to join: https://town-northborough-ma-us.zoom. us/j/89387123829 Passcode: 467119. To join via audio: +1 646 876 9923 US Webinar ID: 893 8712 3829 Passcode: 467119; Live Stream link YouTube: https://youtube. com/@northboroughmediaconnection.

Amy Poretsky, Chairperson

Overhead lights coming to Maple Avenue softball, lacrosse fields

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY – These Shrewsbury fields will no longer sit in darkness.

During Town Meeting on May 18, Shrewsbury’s elected representatives voted, 149-22, to expend $650,000 in Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds to provide overhead lighting at the softball and multipurpose fields located at 176 Maple Avenue.

“This addition will significantly expand access to public recreation facilities by extending usable field hours beyond daylight – especially during peak demand periods,” Kathleen McSweeney told Town Meeting while introducing the article.

Though the final vote was lopsided, the project was met with concern.

“I’ve given the matter a lot of thought and I have to oppose it,” said Lisa Steele. “Primarily for light pollution issues. When we’ve had a potential aurora, I’ve seen people going into those fields looking for a dark sky. When we’ve had comets [too]. I see people stargazing. … I’m deeply concerned about losing that.”

“This is $650,000 in taxpayer money just to put it in, and we’re going to have to pay for their use every year,” said Finance Committee member David Remington. “That ongoing cost – we never received data about how they’ll be used. … Why don’t we see how we can put this off a year?”

After some debate, the lights were ultimately approved.

“This is a large fee – and it’s quite a larger number, so I understand the sticker

shock. It’s a one-time fee in the sense that the light system would be under warranty for 25 full years. … The lifespan is estimated at 50 years, so this is a very long-term investment,” said Recreation Director Laurel Rossiter, who applied for the funds.

Added John Chenier: “For me as a coach and a parent, it’s really difficult to see our athletes only be able to utilize half of the fields. … As the sun sets, it makes it impossible for our lacrosse players … to safely see the ball. Lacrosse is a high-speed, contact sport. … These are critical infrastructure investments that pay off over time.”

“We are so loving our cabinets!!!! They match the boxes perfectly and we are so very

with your efforts on our

Do NOT hesitate to give our number to anyone for a reference of your work!! Not only was the work the very best...the way all of you treated (us) was wonderful!!! Such a pleasant experience!!”

Bill & Belinda C., Westboro, MA

Meet Westborough’s candidate for Miss USA Massachusetts

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH — Carly Jacobs will be representing Westborough in the Miss USA Massachusetts competition this month.

Jacobs grew up visiting the town while her mother worked at Family Dental of Westborough. Now working alongside her mother, Jacobs continues to immerse herself into the community to determine how she can give back.

“It has been crazy,” Jacobs, a first-time pageant competitor, said. “I feel like I have become a lot closer with a lot of people in this town and it’s just so lovely having small conversations with a whole bunch of people I never knew before this.”

“It’s been a lot, but honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she added.

Led by her manager and longtime Westborough resident Roberta Sylvester Brown, Jacobs is touring

small businesses throughout town.

“I love her energy,” Jacobs said of Brown. “I love how community-oriented she is. She just loves this town more than anyone I know and she’s honestly just the best.”

Jacobs has learned how much community is valued in Westborough. She also noticed how – despite the pride the residents have in the community – negative social media chatter can sometimes become a barrier, stopping residents and neighbors from coming together.

If selected for the title, Jacobs said she wants to work to bring more positivity to online communities, promoting local events that may sometimes be overlooked.

She’d also like to do work with the Best Buddies Program and help support a cancer foundation – a cause that hits close to home for her.

Jacobs’ grandmother –

and role model – is a cancer survivor.

She admires that her grandmother raised her kids as a single mother, also taking in many who weren’t blood-related.

“She’s just a very big family person and her strength – it keeps me going every single day,” Jacobs said. “If she can do anything, I can do anything. She’s just so confident. She’s so sweet. No matter what she’s been through, she’s always got a smile on her face and she always wants to make everyone around her happy. … I look up to her and that’s exactly how I want to be.”

Growing up, Jacobs spent over a decade as a Girl Scout and also volunteered at a nursing home in Northbridge for four years. She graduated from Framingham State University last year, majoring in marketing with a minor in business administration. Her goal is to get into the fashion industry. Jacobs said she’s grateful

Carly Jacobs (Photo/Courtesy)

for all the sponsorships and support she’s received from Westborough.

“If I don’t win, I would love to find some other ways to become a bigger part of this town and do more for the community,” she said.

Can’t wait until Friday for your local news?

CommunityAdvocate.com for daily updates!

Should Select Board meetings start with the Pledge of Allegiance?

By Laney Halsey Reporter

NORTHBOROUGH – During a May 18 Northborough Select Board meeting, resident Jeff Amberson used his time to make a request. He hoped that, in the future, the Select Board would consider saying the Pledge of Allegiance prior to meetings.

“The board used to do the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of each meeting,” Amberson said. “I’m not sure why we got away from that. I know our schools do it – our elementary schools do it, the high school does it, we do it before Town Meeting. And I’m wondering if

the board could get back to that, and perhaps have a discussion to reinstitute that. According to Google, it takes about 15 to 20 seconds. It’s 31 words, but I think it’s a great way to start the meeting.”

Other nearby towns have different policies. Westborough, Grafton, and Hudson start their Select Board meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Marlborough City Council also does the pledge before any official business. Shrewsbury, Southborough, and Northborough are among the towns that do not do the Pledge of Allegiance at Select Board meetings.

Rep. McGovern visits Westborough middle school

By Laney Halsey Reporter

WESTBOROUGH - It’s not every day that a congressman comes to Gibbons.

The eighth-grade students at Gibbons Middle School were tasked with creating a “28th Amendment” with policy recommendations to mitigate climate change. The effort combined the students’ learning in science and social studies classes.

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA02) advised the students on their projects, discussing his own introduction to politics.

When McGovern was in middle school, the 1972 presidential election between Richard Nixon and George McGovern interested him. George McGovern’s anti-war stance and plan for universal healthcare – and

CFHC®: pboyd@boydstrategy.com

John R. Boyd, CFP®: jboyd@boydstrategy.com

the fact that they shared a last name – appealed to a young McGovern.

“Those experiences that I had when I was a seventh-grader stuck with me throughout my life, and they were the basis for my wanting to get into politics,” McGovern said.

McGovern also underscored the message that getting involved in politics doesn’t mean you have to run for office.

“It means caring,” McGovern said. “It means being engaged. It means understanding the issues facing your community, and the country, and the world, and making sure that your views are being counted.”

Social studies teacher Brian Paulhus and science teacher Sarah Filmore will help students move forward with the project. Efforts may include meetings with

the Westborough Planning Board and other local officials.

Gibbons Principal Jack Foley described the event as “a fantastic opportunity for the kids to find out about their government.”

McGovern’s main point was clear.

“This is their country and we’re talking about – their future,” McGovern said. “They have a voice, they matter, they have power, and they should utilize it.”

POLICE FIRE

Shrewsbury

PD officers jump into Lake Quinsig. to help man in distress

SHREWSBURY — At approximately 9:55 a.m. on May 27, a 19-year-old male fled from an ambulance at UMass Memorial Medical Center on Lake Avenue in Worcester. Shortly after fleeing, the man entered the waters of Lake Quinsigamond, just north of Regatta Point State Park on the Worcester side of the lake.

Immediately upon being notified of a person in the water, multiple Shrewsbury police officers launched the Shrewsbury Police Department boat to assist the Worcester Police Department and UMass Police Department. The Shrewsbury Police Department Jet Ski was also launched.

For approximately two hours, the individual refused to exit the water or comply with police. The Worcester Police Department Crisis Intervention Team also attempted unsuc-

cessfully to persuade the male to exit the water.

At approximately 12:10 p.m., Lieutenant Kevin Caviston and Detective Chad Chysna, who had deployed the Shrewsbury Police Department Jet Ski, made the decision to jump into the water to physically escort the male to safety.

The male was brought to shore, handcuffed, and then loaded onto the Shrewsbury Police Department boat. He was transported to the docks at Regatta Point, where he was transferred to an ambulance.

Several Shrewsbury officers on land responded, as well as the Shrewsbury Police Department Drone Unit and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. The department thanks all of its partners from this multi-agency effort for working together for a safe outcome.

MARLBOROUGH — A multiagency response led to the arrest of three individuals.

At approximately 1:28 p.m. on May 25, the Marlborough Police Department responded to Ghiloni Park after a report of an attempted vehicle theft. A victim reported that while resting inside his vehicle, an individual opened the driver’s door. Upon recognizing the car was occupied, the suspect fled and entered a waiting vehicle.

A short time later, officers attempted to stop a vehicle matching the description provided. The operator fled from police, nearly striking an officer who was working a traffic detail. The vehicle subsequently crashed on Parmenter Road, overturned,

and all three occupants fled into a nearby wooded area. The vehicle had been stolen earlier that day from Wayland.

A large-scale search that involved patrol officers, detectives, canine teams, and aviation assets was immediately launched. The police ultimately located and apprehended all three suspects. The suspects were not identified in a press release; two are juveniles.

The Marlborough Police Department, Framingham Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Sudbury Police Department, Southborough Police Department, Wayland Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police helped with the incident.

REGION — On May 18, the Milford Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, and ATF Worcester concluded a longterm investigation into the illegal sale of firearms in Milford.

At approximately 8:50 a.m., Massachusetts State Police and the Shrewsbury Police Department apprehended Robson De Souza, 20, of Milford. De Souza was transported to Worcester Superior Court and faces several charges, including selling large capacity firearms, possessing large capacity firearms, carrying a firearm without a license, conspiracy, and possessing ammunition without an FID card.

“Once again, a great collaborative effort with multiple agencies to get illegal firearms out of our community,” said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino.

Art Dobson honored on Military Appreciation Day

BOSTON— State Representative Hannah Kane proudly recognized Art Dobson of Shrewsbury as part of the second annual Military Appreciation Day. Although Dobson was not able to attend the ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, Kane visited him on Memorial Day to present him with a House citation, Governor’s citation, and memorabilia from the ceremony.

Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members, and military families from across Massachusetts. The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea GayleBennett, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George ‘Chris’ Hackler.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony. This year’s 138 honorees were recognized and presented with an official governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.

Art Dobson joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school, serving for three years until he was discharged in 1954. Following his service, he moved to Shrewsbury and began working at Iandoli’s Supermarkets, later becoming a manufacturer’s representative helping food producers sell their products in local stores. Art has also been a member of Shrewsbury’s Rotary Club for over 40 years, and helped establish a Rotary Club in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1992.

“I’m proud to recognize Art Dobson for his military service and his many contributions to Shrewsbury,”

said Kane. “His volunteer activities have had a positive impact in the community, and reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community. I’m honored to celebrate his service.”

“It was a privilege to stand before those who have given so much, including members of the Gold Star Wives and Families,” said Goralnick. “As we reflect on the service of our honorees today, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to stand by them — ensuring they have the resources, respect, and opportunities they deserve — not just today, but every day.”

“On Military Appreci -

HOSTA varieties from MINI to GIANT + UNUSUAL FERNS and SHADE GRASSES that you won’t find at the big box stores! MINI & BONSAI TREES

HOURS: 10 AM – 5PM Wednesday – Sunday Bring this ad and receive $10

ation Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the brave women and men who have served our nation in uniform,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “As the daughter of a veteran, I know the deep sense of duty and service that military families carry with them every day. We are also reminded of our solemn responsibility to care for the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country, and to ensure they receive the support and respect they have earned. On behalf of a grateful senate, thank you to every active member of the military, every veteran, and every family member who has given their life to service.”

Marlborough

Tuesday, May 19

POLICE LOG

4:04 p.m. Arrested , Thomas Joseph Wanfeldt, 33, of Clinton, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, OUI-drugs, negligent operation of motor vehicle, leave scene of property damage, malicious destruction of property -$1200, resist arrest.

Wednesday, May 27

9:25 p.m. Arrested , Wilson Ordonez, 25, Marlborough, for disorderly conduct, assault with dangerous weapon (2 cts), threat to commit crime (2 cts), bicycle violation, bike traffic violation.

Thursday, May 28

11:00 p.m. Arrested , Nicolas Jose Rodriguez, 35, of Shrewsbury, for operate MV with license suspended/revoked, improper operation of motor vehicle.

Shrewsbury

Friday, May 22

5:14 p.m. Arrested , Jose Antonio Rodrguez Matos, 62, of Haverhill, for operating an MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker, possession of Class E substance.

Northborough

Saturday, May 23

1:10 a.m. Arrested , Tyler Jacob Gervais, 22, of Worcester, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI-liquor or .08%, possess open container of alcohol in MV, MV lights violation, marked lanes violation.

Southborough

Sunday, May 10

2:03 a.m. Arrested , Bruno H. Araujo Dos Santos, of Marlborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, child endangerment while OUI, speeding/rate of speed exceeding posted limit, marked lanes violation.

3:08 a.m. Arrested , Sara S. De Araujo Costa, of Maple St., Mendon, for OUI-liquor or .08%, no inspection sticker, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.

Monday, May 11

6:01 p.m. Arrested , Amanda L. Baldwin, of Cumberland, RI, for operate MV with license suspended for OUI/CDL/MVH, unregistered motor vehicle.

Thursday, May 14

9:27 p.m. Arrested , Bruno H. Gomes, of Framingham, for noncompliant aftermarket lighting, OUI-liquor or .08% 2nd offense, state highwaytraffic violation (follow too closely).

Westborough Post Office worker to become full-time Santa after retirement

By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH — When kids drop off letters to Santa in the big red mailbox at the Westborough Post Office, they receive a reply from one of his many elves.

For 36 years, those replies have been written by students at Westborough High School. United States Postal Service Clerk Tom Brault started the program, and it’s grown exponentially, with more than 400 letters one year.

The Christmas magic was among Brault’s favorite parts of his job. In September, Brault will retire from his Post Office position after 38 years to focus on spreading holiday joy as a Santa Claus impersonator.

“It’s been an honor serving Westborough,” he said.

Brault started at the Post Office at 150 East Main Street the same month it opened in 1988. He was looking for a role with stability and, as an Upton resident, somewhere he could be close to family. His shift would begin at 3:30 a.m. and there were “trays upon trays” of mail to be sorted by hand.

The town has continued to grow and change in many ways, but 15 years in, he noticed a decline in mail and a rise in automation. The business has become package-oriented, with a computer telling him everything he needs to know. The office went from a dozen clerks to six, but he also doesn’t have to come in until 5 a.m. now.

In many ways, the office has lost its “personal touch,” but Brault continues to find ways to make a difference – even in the briefest of moments, and especially around Christmas.

“It’s been fun. It’s been a long time,” he said.

Brault recalls that his Christmas letter program once received a letter from a child who just moved

to town. All they wanted was a friend. Because it’s a community-based effort, any problems the children confess to Santa can be handled by the school district – something Brault has always appreciated.

“It really does make a difference,” he said.

Beyond letters, Brault looks forward to embodying Santa himself. Taking after

his own father who served as Santa for 40 years, Brault inherited the suit and the mission.

It was a “magical” feeling putting on that red suit for the first time – and now he’s finally got the beard to match. Brault’s done quite a few gigs so far and is getting ready for his Christmas in July debut at Uhlman’s Ice Cream this summer.

He’s noticed the impact he’s been able to make in his holiday-time role, especially having spent Christmas Eve at The Willows.

He recalls instances when the seniors with dementia can’t quite remember their children who’ve come to visit, but he’s been able to provide them with some Christmas cheer as they excitedly identify the man in the red suit.

“It makes my day,” he said. “There’s no words.” Though he’ll be keeping connected with the commu -

nity in this way, Brault said he will miss his customer interactions at the Post Office. Although brief, there were many moments where he could help improve someone’s day or lend a hand when needed.

Whether it was helping someone find their keys, carrying in heavy packages, or watching families grow as they come in to renew their passports – every moment had its own kind of magic to it.

“People don’t realize that day-to-day interaction means a lot,” he said.

Tom Brault is bringing Christmas magic to Central Mass. (Photo/Leighah Beausoleil)

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Westborough girls’ lacrosse avenges last year’s playoff loss

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

WESTBOROUGH — One short year ago, Westborough girls’ lacrosse walked off the field defeated in more ways than one. After an excellent 13-5 campaign, the twelfth-ranked Rangers were flummoxed by No. 21 Northampton, suffering a one-goal defeat that ended the season too soon.

The loss stung more than most. Head Coach Becky Tynan knew she had a group that deserved more time together.

“I remember all of [the loss]. Vividly. Viscerally. It lives in my bones,” Tynan said.

On May 27, Westborough had a chance at redemption. Back in the playoffs after another excellent season (16-1) and with a better seed (No. 7) in the Division 2 tournament, the Rangers knew they couldn’t let history repeat itself. With a strong 17-6 victory against No.

26 Burlington, Westborough advanced to the Round of 16. The Rangers moved to the quarterfinals after the Community Advocate went to print.

“It’s not time we should spend together, it’s time we need to take and earn,” said Tynan. “I think this year they were better composed. They have better patience overall. Their ability to ease themselves in and stay in that neutral mindset where they grow helps them not fall under the pressure.”

Westborough found success by playing like a circle.

In preparation for the playoffs, Tynan introduced a concept she’d learned from watching college lacrosse. Some teams — oftentimes the unsuccessful ones — have situations where some people are made to feel more important than others. Those teams are triangles, pointy with a clear sense of hierarchy. Westborough endeavors to be a circle: rolling forward together cohesively as one group.

Playing circular is fitting because the Rangers are a wellrounded bunch. Against Burlington, senior Kenzie Gage and junior Regan Kittredge led the way with five goals apiece. But sometimes the team is led in scoring by seniors Lucy Petralia, Taylor Payne, and Mae Abraham. Other days, it’s freshman Kaitlin Ziemba.

Circles don’t have any sides. Likewise, nobody on the Westborough team cares who tallies the goals.

“We showed up for each other every day in practice, every game leading up to this one.

Today, we were ready to go. We were really trying to highlight everyone — we were a circle team today, and we have been all year long,” Kittredge told the Community Advocate.

Added Gage: “Being on the other side, when you’re playing a team with one star shooter, it’s easier to defend because you know where to look and where to defend. For us, every single person on offense is a threat. It must be challenging for other teams. They really have to keep their heads on a swivel.”

A defensive unit led by junior Allie Martel kept Burlington, which scored 19 goals in a preliminary contest to earn the right to face Westborough, off-balance throughout the game. Defense has been a point of pride for the Rangers, said Tynan, and although it’s a little less glamorous than other positions, it’s no less important.

“They are a unit. They feel connected. We’ve underscored how important defense is in

supporting the things that get more attention,” said Tynan. “Allie has a presence on our field that nobody takes for granted. The statistics from a defender aren’t the most recognized, but they have an unsung impact on the game.”

For Martel, it’s all about communication. It’s about talking to one another — then circling back.

“We make sure after every goal we figure out that mistake that led to the score,” said Martel. “In practice, we always work on our communication skills, sliding, and working as one unit instead of a group of individual players. That really helped us seal the gaps today.”

In turning away from triangles, the Rangers avenged last year’s upset.

In adopting Tynan’s circlefocused philosophy, the team earned something it once let slip away: more time.

“We want to have fun with it. Especially the seniors, we never know when it’s going to be our last game. Yes, we want to be serious and win, but these are our friends, and this is our team. After this last game, I don’t know if I’m going to play lacrosse again, so we really just want to celebrate everything,” Gage said.

Kaitlin Ziemba (14) greets teammate Kenzie Gage after scoring a goal. (Photos/Evan Walsh)

Mae Abraham outmuscles a defender.

Seniors helped Shrewsbury softball become among state’s best

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

SHREWSBURY — In 2022, a group of eighth-graders at Oak Middle School gathered near home plate after one of the proudest moments of their lives. Their team had just completed an undefeated (14-0) season, the first in program history.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun playing softball,” said McKenna Halloran.

At that time, the Oak team’s “big sisters” up at Shrewsbury High School were struggling, winning only six games that season. But as the undefeated eighthgraders grew, so too did the Colonials’ softball culture. In 2023, Shrewsbury earned eight wins. By 2025, the team reached double digits — with 11 victories.

Now, in 2026, those eighth-graders are now seniors, receiving their diploma on May 28. They are now older, stronger, and wiser — and just as successful as their middle-school years. The Colonials are now among the top teams in the state, and on June 1, fourth-ranked Shrewsbury earned its 16th win of the season, beating No. 29 Westford Academy in a mercy-rule 12-0 playoff win.

Over the last four years, the team’s seven seniors — Halloran, Aaesha Mahurkar, Emma Ellis, Alex Taupier, Maddie Bentley, Ava Cotton, and Ellie Sudnik — have helped bring Shrewsbury softball back into the limelight.

“I think it’s the culture,” said Head Coach Jamie Millett Schaeffer. “The seven seniors all have a unique role — even when they’re not on the field, they bring an energy that keeps it loose, keeps it fun, and also focused.”

She added: “They’ve been winners for a long time.”

On a team that has a cadre of phenomenal sophomore pitchers and starts a freshman at shortstop, the veteran leadership is welcome. The Colonials have developed a culture that focuses on positivity and hard work.

“We’re close. We enjoy playing with each other. Every day is fun, and that makes showing up and putting in the work easier,” said Ellis.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we have such high expectations of ourselves. Now we hold ourselves to higher standards.”

Added Taupier: “The chemistry was always there.”

On June 1, it was sophomore Lyla Rose — one of those younger players — who made the biggest impact. From the leadoff spot, Rose blasted a home run into center-left. Then, during a six-run sixth-inning rally, she hit a two-run double to break the game open.

“It’s her intensity,” said Millett Schaeffer. “She has a really high game IQ — she understands the count, she understands the game. She’s a smart player, but her inten-