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Proposed Costco appears before Planning Board; project continues progress By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SOUTHBOROUGH – “This has been a long time coming.” That’s how Planning Board chair Lisa Braccio opened the hearing. Almost a year after Southborough Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly (771–12) to change zoning for a Costco, the company’s plans to construct a 167,000-square-foot warehouse store on Coslin Drive appeared before the Planning Board on September 28. It’s the start of a long feedback and approval process – but the finish line is in sight. The Costco would be developed by Atlantic Management. The location, 21
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH – On September 23, hundreds of residents from throughout Central Massachusetts gathered in a hotel conference room to hear Tareq Wafaie, part of Amazon’s economic development team, outline how drone delivery would be coming to the area. Within a 7.5-mile radius around the company’s Otis Street (Westborough) facility, Amazon plans to send MK30 drones – 5-by-5-foot, 80-pound machines that zip through the skies at 75mph speeds – on delivery to residents who would like products in less than an hour. Any shoebox-sized item under 5 pounds would be eligible for the service, which enables a drone to drop a package Drone Delivery | 6
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At 22, Algonquin graduate created a $1 million company from his couch
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Elijah Khasabo (Photo/Courtesy)
By Jamie Pote Reporter NORTHBOROUGH – As a student at Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, Elijah Khasabo dreamt of becoming a standout athlete. But at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, he quickly realized football stardom wasn’t likely to happen. Track? “I was always pretty fast,” he said, but not fast enough to reach the next level. In 2020, while sitting at home because of the pandemic, his athletic dreams ended, but a new dream began. In July 2023, just a year after graduating from high school, the now 22-year-old launched his own company, Vivido, a platform for users to create, share, and monetize short-form content.
Today, the company has 12 full-time employees and will expand to 25 before the start of the new year. Vivido reached $1 million in revenue earlier this year, was featured in media outlets like Fortune and Yahoo! Finance, and has worked with 500 brands and over 40,000 creators who have collectively made over $100 million. Khasabo started the company while working toward a marketing degree at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Instead of attending college football games or hitting the party scene, he chose another avenue. “I wanted to drop out of UMass, but I promised my mom I would earn a college degree,” Khasabo told the Community Advocate. “My senior year [last
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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 3
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I am writing to express my concern about the downtown re-zoning article proposed to be heard at the Special Town Meeting on October 19. This article purports to change a large part of downtown Westborough, including many properties that are currently zoned as residential homes, to a downtown business district zone. This is not simply a measure to “clean up” the current zoning laws as our Town Planners would have us believe, but this really has the potential to change the character of downtown Westborough as we know it. Converting a “Residential” property to a “Downtown Business Zone” can have profound effects on a neighborhood as this new zoning designation would allow buildings to have fewer restrictions on height, pavement area and setback requirements, for example. More than 35 properties would be affected by this zoning change. As a real estate attorney for nearly 40 years, I find these proposed changes do little to “clean up” the zoning but rather will result in changing the residential character of our downtown. One of the nicest things about our downtown is the proximity of beautiful antique homes to the local businesses. As a downtown resident myself, I believe this zoning bylaw change will have unintended consequences. I urge residents
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
to attend the meeting and vote against re-zoning of downtown Westborough. Lauren P. Smith, Westborough Dear Editor, Since returning to office, President Trump has attacked transgender and non-binary individuals in numerous ways. I am angry with the ways transgender and non-binary individuals are being used as scapegoats. I am angry that the current administration is creating drama around a small group of people who simply want to live safely without being attacked for who they are. There has been so much propaganda about gender-affirming care for children that I believe some people have been misled about what it actually means. For most children, gender-affirming care means social transitioning. Puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy may also be provided, and these are things that some individuals who are not transgender receive without argument. Why is being transgender something to be blocked and restricted? I am appalled that hospitals in Massachusetts have chosen to bend to the will of the current administration, despite gender-affirming care being legal in Massachusetts. Many parents support their transgender and non-binary children. Many
have joined forces with organizations that are fighting to push area hospitals to resume providing gender-affirming care. The Massachusetts attorney general met with organizers and parents, and has issued a statement confirming that gender-affirming care for minors remains legal in the state. However, there have been no attempts to pursue legal action against the hospitals for not providing care. All studies show that genderaffirming care helps with mental wellness and saves lives. Neither puberty blockers nor hormone replacement therapy are permanent. They simply allow transgender and non-binary children to safely explore who they are. Whether or not they end up seeking additional medical procedures in the future is no one’s business but their own. The government should not be in the business of telling anyone what medical procedures are allowed. Transgender and non-binary people have always existed. Gender diversity is not a made-up concept nor is it forced on anyone. Learning from and about transgender and non-binary individuals has allowed me to figure out my own gender expression. Transgender and nonbinary children should have the same freedom and access to genderaffirming care, to live their lives as they are meant to be. Jen Rohrig, Shrewsbury
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An orange traffic barrel family reunion has been organized on Otis Street in Westborough, as dozens (or hundreds) of traffic-controlling barrels and cones line the street. It’s all part of the ongoing $7 million project to overhaul the roadway.. The intersection of Otis Street and Route 9 will get improvements and, once construction is finished, look similar to the intersection of Lyman Street and Route 9 down the road. The intersection of Otis Street and the Target driveway will become signalized, and a 10-foot shared-use path will be constructed that runs from the Arrive complex to around 50 Otis Street. So, while the traffic barrels will enjoy their gathering for now, once they leave, Otis Street will be a better place.
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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY NEWS
Shrewsbury’s town-owned ambulance delivered; service may start in 2027 By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury’s town-owned ambulance service is getting close to hitting the road. The town has taken delivery of its first ambulance, according to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar. A town-owned ambulance service has been a topic
of discussion at Select Board meetings, Town Meeting, and at internal meetings at Town Hall. Shrewsbury is under contract with its current provider, the UMass Memorial ambulance service, for the next two years. In that time, Shrewsbury hopes to build its program, starting with the one now-delivered ambulance and expanding from there. Shrewsbury’s ambulance
will provide basic care; UMass ambulances will still be available to provide care at the ALS (Advanced Life Support) level. The town hopes to start operating its one ambulance by the start of 2027, and several EMT positions have been posted. Adam Towner has been promoted to captain and EMS coordinator with the Shrewsbury Fire Department.
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Shrewsbury’s ambulance will operate from the town’s fire headquarters, where it squeezes in amid existing equipment and vehicles. “It is tight,” said Fire Chief Seth Colby. “It’s been 20 years since the new headquarters was rebuilt. We’ve grown the department both in staff and equipment. We have an additional engine we didn’t have, a brush truck, a boat. It’s a tight fit, but we’ve been working over the past six months to reconfigure space.” Future ambulances may operate out of Station 2 (Harrington) and Station 3 (Centech). The UMass ambulance at Station 2 will remain there for the time being, Colby told the Community Advocate.
Grafton Youth Field Hockey 5K coming in November GRAFTON – This November, Grafton Youth Field Hockey is hosting its first inaugural Sticks, Strides & Community Pride 5K, a community run/walk. Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Grafton Field Hockey program and help offset the costs associated with providing local athletes the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in the sport. But this event will focus on more than the program: Participants and community members are being encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations on race day to support the Grafton Food Bank. The race will take place on November 21 at 9 a.m. at the Grafton Municipal Center and is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Participants who register by October 15 will also receive a free race T-shirt.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
At 22, Algonquin graduate created a $1 million company from his couch Vivido | from page 1
September], I didn’t move until 14 hours before the first class.” He added: “Starting the company and still going to school was extremely hard. I had class and two work meetings, another class and another meeting, and basically, I was running around every single day. On top of that, I was traveling for work, so it just wasn’t easy. Mentally, though, I give UMass a lot of credit, because it’s given me much thicker skin. Things worked out. When I graduated, it was the biggest relief ever.” Getting to this point today was not easy. Always business-minded, Khasabo traded stocks and crypto during his junior year at Algonquin. He earned a lot of money, but it quickly vanished. “That was an eye-opener. It was obviously about that younger ego that I had, but it also put me ahead in terms of where I wanted to go in life,” he said. “I was still the same person, and I spent all the money that I earned, but it taught me skills that I didn’t have at the time.” Just before enrolling at MassBay Community College, he started “Fusion Trading,” a Discord server for people to share stock market ideas. In just over two months, he grew the server to 30,000 members. He then experimented with about six e-commerce stores that didn’t take off. But his seventh idea did. He and cofounder Channing Defoe built a software platform that enabled brands and creators to work together directly. Vivido was born, but it didn’t take off immediately. “There were many times when I wanted to quit and said to myself ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ Then, I figured that I had nothing to lose,” Khasabo said. “I don’t have kids or bills to pay, so why should I quit? Eventually, I realized that no matter what you do in life, if you do it efficiently and correctly, things will work out.” He added: “The first few months were pretty good, but the next three months were awful, and I thought the business would fall apart. By the end of 2025, things started to turn around, and I became more confident and realized this could go somewhere.” And it certainly has. Vivido
There were many times when I wanted to quit … … Then, I figured that I had nothing to lose.
Khasabo’s days with Algonquin athletics. (Photos/ Jeff Slovin) Meatloaf Monday $14.80
has since worked with wellknown companies such as Walmart and Jersey Mike’s, as well as Amber Group, which increased its revenue by 260 percent, and Kenko Back, which generated over $100,000 and over 5 million impressions. “My day-to-day operations have gotten easier and harder at the same time. Easier because I’m not doing the nittygritty work, but harder because
my job now is recruiting and managing people, and that’s a whole job,” Khasabo explained. “I used to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week. I cut back on that and don’t work as much on weekends, so I really try to have ‘me’ time. “Growing up, I never envisioned this. I really thought I would go play sports,” he said. The alternative, though, isn’t so bad.
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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY NEWS
Organized opposition forms against delivery drones Drone Delivery | from page 1
“delivery zone” from about 13 feet in the air, Wafaie said. The community meeting went sideways for Amazon, with an overwhelming majority of attendees pushing against the drone proposal. When asked if Amazon had an official response to the wave of negative feedback, Wafaie said “there isn’t an official opposition other than a lot of comments on a lot of different topics right now.” Residents quickly formed an official opposition. Just days after the hearing, people from Westborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, and other towns created organizations, sent letters, and campaigned in an organized opposition to delivery drones.
Mass Blue Skies formed while people were talking on their way out of the Amazon information session. By Friday, emails were being tossed around, and by Saturday, a “core” of nine people created the organization. By 3 p.m. that day, their website was online, and membership today is in the hundreds. “We want to be very informative, very factual, very clear,” a representative from Blue Skies told the Community Advocate. “We want this state-wide because, as an organization, we believe strongly that it’s Westborough today, and it’s [other towns] tomorrow. We’re trying to create the ultimate grassroots effort to slow down and ensure that this is the right thing for our communities, for our society,
for our country.” Blue Skies isn’t anti-Amazon – almost everyone uses the company’s services, and other companies may move into the drone delivery space, the representative said. Nor is the group inherently anti-drone. Instead, the organization wants to take it slow, “ask hard questions, and make sure residents have a meaningful voice before this becomes part of everyday life in our neighborhoods,” its website reads. “Let’s be thoughtful about it,” the representative told the Community Advocate. With the hearings happening in Westborough only, out-oftown residents have felt unheard. “There should be something else that we could do to further
regulate this proposal, because the residents really don’t feel like they have a voice and they don’t feel like they have an ability to do anything about it,” said Danielle Gregoire, a state representative in Marlborough. “The town of Westborough will have further ability to do some regulation based on the permitting requirements because that’s where the facility is located. But largely, the other residents within the radius won’t have any control.” Residents reached out to their state legislators. In a joint letter, Sen. Michael Moore, Rep. Hannah Kane, and Rep. Kate Donaghue wrote to Wafaie to request that “Amazon pause implementation to fully address these concerns before moving ahead with [the] proposal.” “While we appreciate that
Amazon has made some efforts at outreach to share with both government officials and the public information about Amazon Prime Air’s operations, that outreach itself has caused some confusion about the intended scope of Amazon Prime Air’s operations,” the letter reads. A local resident – who asked not to be identified – started the Westborough Area Drone Survey to gauge community sentiment about delivery drones. The results are clear: 92 percent of respondents oppose the drones, according to the survey. The survey was set up in an afternoon and has collected over 1,000 responses. “Why don’t we slow down a little and see what people think about this?” the survey’s creator said.
How can Westborough stop drone delivery? By Evan Walsh Managing Editor WESTBOROUGH – Following a contentious public information session hosted by Amazon on September 23, the Select Board on October 1 held a public listening session at Mill Pond School that focused on how to stop aerial drone deliveries in Central Massachusetts. Though Amazon plans to make drone deliveries in portions of over a dozen communities, Westborough’s government bodies – namely the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals – will be the decision-makers. Facing a trillion-dollar company – with other companies’ potential drone enterprises lying in wait – and overwhelming resident opposition to drones, what can Westborough do, if anything, to stop Amazon’s proposal? It’s not as simple as saying “no.” Amazon has filed with the Planning Board to approve a site plan for a Prime Air Drone Delivery Center in the parking lot of its Otis Street facility. Parking spaces would be removed, and several large colored circles would be painted to create a drone “landing zone.” A 6-foot fence around the property would be erected. Those plans (the removal of spaces, the “landing zone,” and the fence) are what the
Planning Board will consider – not the drones themselves. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already allowed Amazon to launch 1,000 drones per day, though the company doesn’t expect to make that amount of deliveries to start if plans are approved. In other words, the Planning Board’s decision will come down to the merits of the site plans, not the drones. Massachusetts courts have made it difficult for a planning board to flatly deny site plan approval. “I don’t want residents to think that we have this allencompassing ability to say no. We’re reviewing this based on the design of the site. And, basically, the design of the site is what’s in the property in Amazon. As long as it’s safe … we’re almost required to approve it. … We cannot control [them] once the drones leave the site,” Planning Board member John Gelcich said at an earlier meeting. The Planning Board met on October 6, after the Community Advocate went to print. At the publication time of this article, Amazon had asked for a continuance for the project. At the Select Board meeting on October 1 – which featured plenty of passionate public
feedback – all Select Board members said that they needed to work toward finding ways to stop aerial deliveries. Ultimately, the Select Board offered
could give the town more leverage to reject the proposal, according to Welch. In its application, Amazon currently views the drone “launch pad” as an accessory use to its current operations, a term reserved for de minimis or incidental changes that don’t affect the current use of the site. If an “airport” is added, it would be an entirely different use, An Amazon drone (Photo/Courtesy) critics reason, and thus approving the formal comment to the Plan“launching pad” as an accessoning Board that it hopes will ry use wouldn’t be appropriate. inform its upcoming decision. The Zoning Board of ApSelect Board member Patpeals will ultimately make the rick Welch, for instance, said call. the noise generated by the The Select Board is also drones will be heard by nearby placing Article 8 onto the Speresidents “beyond the limits” cial Town Meeting warrant allowed in the bylaws. That, on October 19. This article is he said, may give the town a proposed bylaw relating to grounds to reject the proposal. commercial drone operations. Amazon claims that its drones The exact language was not are about as noisy as an electric available as this article was toothbrush at arm’s length, going to print, but Select Board which would put it below the members said it would follow threshold. the example of a North Reading Welch also asked the Zoning bylaw enacted in 2017. Board of Appeals – which will However the issue moves weigh in on the case if it goes to forward, all Select Board meman appeal – to look into whethbers were clear about where er the Amazon drones classify they stood: they don’t want as “aircraft.” If so, the site plan drones flying overhead in may require a special permit to Westborough, or in any other be used as an “airport,” which surrounding communities.
“I’m very proud to live in a community where there’s such public outpouring of concern on this topic. … While Amazon has been a good neighbor so far, a significant change in use such as this is not neighborly, and it directly impacts the domestic tranquility of the 22,000 residents of Westborough, as well of the near-500,000 residents of the neighboring communities,” said Welch. He added: “It is a reasonable concern to think unmanned aircraft systems will create animosity between neighbors who opt-in versus neighbors who do not. Amazon’s message to date has been inconsistent at best in regards to safety, data, security, privacy, noise, wildlife, [and] property valuations.” Select Board member Shelby Marshall concurred. “I do not support bringing Amazon Prime Air to Westborough,” she said. “[Amazon is] Westborough’s largest taxpayer. They provide a valuable service and jobs across a wide range of skill levels. They have supported our community through donations. … We value their presence in Westborough, but valuing Amazon does not require us to support every expansion of their business model. I believe this one asks too much of our community.” She added: “We should do everything in our legal authority to stop it.”
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
A legacy of excellence at Hudson’s Center Stage Dance Studio By Jamie Pote Reporter HUDSON – From elementary school through her early teen years, Amelia Hoeffler distinctly remembers her daily afternoon routine. “I would get off the school bus, eat a snack, and my mom would say, ‘We’re going to dance.’ I would hop in the car, go to the studio, and sit and do my homework until my dance class started,” she recalled. Now, 20 years after her first dance class, Amelia, 22, has received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Point Park University in Pennsylvania, one of the top-five dance universities in the country. Today, she aspires to become a dancer on cruise ships. More importantly, she hasn’t forgotten where her passion, drive, and desire for dance originated. After earning her master’s degree in marketing in June, Amelia has returned as an instructor under the guidance of her mother, Lauri, who, after 20 years as a dancer herself, is celebrating her 25th year as the owner of Center Stage Dance Studio, located at 43 Broad Street in Hudson. “It’s great to show the kids that the love for dance can be carried down to the next generation,” said Amelia. “Just demonstrating to them that my mother and I do this together, and we both love it. It’s something that we can pass on to other people.” For the past quarter-century, that’s exactly what Lauri and her staff have done for the approximately 275 students (starting at age 2) who fill the 7,500-square-foot studio annually. Four dance classes run simultaneously across five days a week. “I love being with kids, sharing my passion for dancing with them, and putting some of that fire in them,” said Lauri, whose son William is following in his dad’s and grandfather’s footsteps as a pilot. “All the kids want to be here. Everyone here loves to dance; they love music and movement, and they love their friends and the atmosphere.” The studio isn’t just for the elite – it’s for everyone. It offers recreational and competitive levels, with classes in ballet, tap, jazz, pop, rock, blues, hip-
hop, and lyrical. It also offers classes for boys, drop-in classes for adults, competitive dance teams, and summer programs. In addition, the studio hosts two recitals: a winter festival and one in June. Both recitals consist of three shows with 30 to 35 numbers; planning a recital takes about two months. Amelia’s duties include booking, ordering costumes and programs, and overseeing 13 teachers who select the costumes and choreograph each number, which a sold-out crowd at Hudson High School’s auditorium eventually sees. “The kids get their chance to shine at the recitals,” said Lauri. “I love that the kids start off so timid and so reserved, and over time they just build, build, and build their confidence. Personally, I don’t care what kids do on stage. Plenty of kids don’t dance at recitals – they just sit there and wave. But the fact that they got out there, got to this point, and worked so hard to get there is just so heart-filling.”
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Lauri added that her heart fills to capacity knowing the donations from the yearly recitals go back to the Hudson community, including to “Andrew’s Helping Hands,” a non-profit charity based in town that helps families of children undergoing bone marrow transplants for cancer by paying their rent or mortgage. The idea for Center Stage Dance Studio began back in 2001, when Lauri was five years out of college and working the overnight shift as a registered nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a position she held for 20 years before choosing to focus solely on the studio in 2017. “I love being a nurse and caring for my patients, but teaching dance is so much fun,” she said. At age 51, the fun will certainly continue. “As long as my body allows me to do it,” Lauri said. “I don’t have any end date right now. We’re going to keep these doors open for a long time.”
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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cha Cha N Beans an ever-popular New CEO introduced at St. Mary’s Credit Union boba spot in Westborough By Emilia Cardona Reporter WESTBOROUGH – It has been four years since friends Claire Tsai and Liana Hadi opened Cha Cha N Beans, a boba tea shop in Downtown Westborough, in hopes of creating a safe space for their children to enjoy cultural treats. The spot has a prime location, but even then, they didn’t expect it to become a hotspot for local families and teenagers. Most days after school lets out, the shop has a line out the door, with customers looking for a sweet treat. “I think in the beginning I really wanted to have a taste of my hometown, and it’s nice to share a little bit of our culture with people who have never been to Asia,” Hadi said. “Now, it’s kids coming in to grab a boba after school and play board games, and people leave books and clothes at our little corner for others to take. … We didn’t expect this, but I think it’s because they see this place as safe and fun for their kids. ” It all started when Tsai’s children kept asking for boba tea as a treat, but she struggled to find a shop nearby. Tsai’s search for somewhere that offered boba (and other items) sparked the idea of bringing it to Westborough. “I think people were looking for places to go to, especially after the pandemic, and we thought, ‘Why not set up a boba tea shop here?’” Tsai said. “We just wanted to create a place that we feel like our kids would like to spend time there.”
Liana Hadi and Claire Tsai are the co-owners of Cha Cha N Beans. (Photo/Emilia Cardona)
Tsai began considering opening a tea shop during the pandemic. She had a lot of time to think it through and play around with the idea, and she wanted her friend to join her on the journey of owning a small business. Tsai had prior experience running a tea shop, having served as a shop manager – and later, owner – during her college years. She taught geography before moving to the United States. Hadi was a medical student in her home country, and after moving to the United States, she became a preschool teacher. Both Hadi and Tsai said their goal is to give people the best customer experience and the besttasting boba they can make. Tsai added that they want to keep the store’s boba as traditional as possible, so they use a slow-boiling
process to give customers the most satisfying texture-flavor combo. “It’s important that we give people a great experience, and that’s why we ask so many questions when they order: how much ice, sugar levels, if they want any toppings,” Hadi said. “When they come into our store, we meet the expectations that they were thinking before they walk in.” Besides tea and coffee beverages, Cha Cha N Beans offers small bites like the Japanese seaweed-and-rice triangle snack Onigiri. Tsai said that they also want to highlight other Asian cultures through the store’s menu. Hadi and Tsai said that they are grateful that the community has embraced them with open arms.
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MARLBOROUGH – St. Mary’s Credit Union announced a leadership transition, naming Brenda Diepold as its next president and chief executive officer effective October 5, 2026. SMCU also announced that longtime executive Jim Petkewich will be retiring in February 2027 and remain with the institution as a special advisor to the CEO and board as SMCU completes their current merger conversion with MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union. “I want to thank Jim Petkewich for his more than 20 years of exceptional leadership and service to not only St. Mary’s Credit Union but to the entire MetroWest community,” said Brian Bouvier, board chair of St. Mary’s Credit Union. “Jim’s leadership and deep knowledge of this organization was critical to successfully completing our merger with MetroWest this past summer. As we looked towards SMCU’s future, our priority was finding a proven leader to provide long-term stability and guide St. Mary’s Credit Union through its next chapter of growth. We found
that leader in Brenda. Her experience, vision and deep understanding of community banking make her exceptionally well suited to lead St. Mary’s Credit Union forward.” Diepold brings 32 years of experience to SMCU, including the last eight in senior leadership roles for HarborOne Bank in Brockton. She’ll lead SMCU into its next chapter of growth, with a focus on strengthening the credit union’s longstanding commitment to its members, employees, and the MetroWest communities it serves. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead St. Mary’s Credit Union and join an organization with such a strong history of serving its members and the MetroWest community,” said Diepold. Petkewich will help ensure a seamless transition to Diepold before retiring in February. “It has been my absolute honor to be part of St. Mary’s Credit Union and serve the MetroWest community for more than 20 years, and I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished during that time,” said Petkewich.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Hudson Town Manager submits resignation letter By Paul Hopkins Reporter HUDSON – Hudson Town Manager Thomas Gregory has resigned effective January 3, saying he has accepted a new professional opportunity. Following his performance evaluation in May, Gregory, who became the town’s leader in 2021, announced that he would not seek a contract renewal with Hudson. His contract would
have expired in May 2027. “I am proud of the significant achievements we have accomplished together,” he wrote in a letter to the Select Board. “These include much-needed improvements to utility infrastructure and public buildings; critical investments in enterprise resource planning and e-permitting systems; long-overdue improvements to the town’s health insurance programs; and enhanced public safety staffing.”
The Select Board named members to a Town Manager Search Committee, and the group has already started meeting. Members of the committee include Krysten Barnhill, Keefer Bickel, Ryan Bis, Dean Booth, Tom Green, Melanie Hansen, and Sarah Merchant. The town charter indicates the Select Board will need to appoint an interim Town Manager. In his letter, Gregory committed to assisting with daily
operations, departmental needs, pending projects, and succession planning as needed. He said he is “confident that the Town is well-positioned to build on the success we have accomplished during my tenure.” Gregory did not say in the letter what his next position will be. Reached by the Community Advocate, Select Board Chair Steven Sharek said Gregory’s resignation is not a surprise. “Tom has committed to us
that he’ll keep working for the Town of Hudson right up until his final day here. That gives us time to find an interim Town Manager, very likely someone who’s done the job before, is familiar with putting together a municipal budget, and is able to keep us moving forward at the same time the Search Committee is doing its job to find a permanent Town Manager,” he said.
Grafton considers comprehensive operational audit By Evan Walsh Managing Editor GRAFTON – Grafton may be headed toward an audit. The Select Board will be considering a $50,000 operational audit performed by Capital Strategic Solutions. The audit would “provide Grafton with an objective assessment of current operations and a prioritized set
of realistic recommendations that can support future budget, staffing, and management decisions.” Capital Strategic Solutions has worked with over 100 municipalities in Massachusetts. The work would be intended to “examine how Town and School operations are organized, staffed, funded, and carried out, whether current processes
are efficient and appropriately controlled, and where changes may improve service delivery or reduce ongoing costs.” The process would start with a data review, then include interviews and engagement. Spending and staffing would be analyzed, and the town’s processes would be thoroughly evaluated. Capital Strategic Solutions would provide a “draft
operational audit report” summarizing recommendations and identifying anticipated impact, implementation considerations, and potential cost savings or cost avoidance where supportable. A final “operational audit report,” incorporating factual comments and clarifications from the town, would come later. “I really like this. Thank you for reaching out and getting this
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all together. It hit a lot of what we’ve been talking about and looking for,” said Select Board member Colleen Roy. Added Select Board member Ann Marie Foley: “I think it’s certainly the right direction, in my opinion.” The board was expected to discuss the audit on October 6, after the Community Advocate went to print.
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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Manager-turned-owner isn’t changing Furniture Plus Repair 40-year-old shop offers same custom restoration By Micky Baca Business Reporter WORCESTER – Jeremy Nadeau has been repairing and restoring furniture since he was 10 years old, first in his father’s upholstery shop and more recently as the longtime manager of Furniture Plus Repair & The Stripping Workshop in Worcester. So, when his boss, Gerry Brodeur, decided to retire in July 2025 after 40 years, Nadeau took over the business he had been at the center of for 12 years. He has changed very little in the old-school, custom shop, which restores and repairs furniture while doing hand-stripping. Many of the same employees still work there, providing more than 100 years of combined experience. “We do a great job and we have a great reputation,” Nadeau said. “So we kept it the way it was.” Furniture Plus Repair & The Stripping Workshop prides it-
self on carefully assessing who has been highlighted each piece of furniture and in professional trade magarestoring every last detail. zines across the country. No shortcuts or cover-ups. Much of his business is proEach repair is handled meviding hand-stripping of ticulously and intentiondelicate furniture pieces and ally – the company takes architectural stripping for great pride in each project, windows, doors, railings, returning something to the and moldings. customer that’s sure to last. Major refinishing jobs inRepairs range from worn clude furnishings at the Color damaged tables, chairs, lege of the Holy Cross and the bureaus, and cherished famtables at the 111 Chop House, ily heirlooms. The company Via Italian Table, and the Sole recently restored an antique Proprietor in Worcester. Jeremy Nadeau, owner of Furniture Plus Repair & fainting couch. “When I work on some“From simple chair re- The Stripping Workshop, works to repair a chair thing, it’s like it’s my own gluing to rebuilding the bed for Harvard University. (Photo/Michele Trudeau) stuff,” Nadeau said. “We care your child used as a trampoline, about people.” our staff is trained to meet your Nadeau said he always liked restore original details, and it is repair needs. We can restore working with his hands and the love of the craft, he said, that missing carvings, repair veneer, discovering how things work. is most fulfilling. His grandfather make turnings, and fix scratches, As a kid, he would take apart his and his father did custom upholchips, burns, and more,” the toys and put them back together stery in their Southbridge shop, company’s website states. again. doing restorations for the White “You never know what’s goFurniture Plus Repair & The House, U.S. Supreme Court, the ing to come in the door,” Nadeau Stripping Workshop has many Vermont State House, and Old said. loyal older customers and is Sturbridge Village. He likes the challenge of findalso attracting more millennials Nadeau himself is a national ing the best way to properly these days. The younger genaward-winning upholsterer
eration seems to have a renewed interest in restored furniture, Nadeau said, particularly midcentury modern pieces. Trends, he said, tend to ebb and flow. Business is steady, with refinishing jobs booked out for several months. Architectural stripping is a strong part of the business, drawing out-of-state customers since Massachusetts regulation of materials used for stripping is less stringent than surrounding states. Even after all these years, Nadeau said he still sees new challenges. “I like doing a little bit of everything. Every job is our thing.” Furniture Plus Repair & The Stripping Workshop is located at 100 Grand Street in Worcester and services every city and town in the Community Advocate coverage area. For more information, please visit https://furnitureplusrepair.com, email info@ furnitureplusrepair.com, call the company at (508) 791-8450, or check it out on Facebook.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
Shrewsbury’s ‘Haunted Hillando’ continues Halloween tradition By Jamie Pote Reporter SHREWSBURY – In 2017, Sean McNamara’s yearly Halloweenthemed labyrinth became a Shrewsbury legend. The setup, along Hillando Drive in Shrewsbury, became the talk of the town – and extremely wellattended. “We saw so many people that my wife (Meg) and I were directing traffic to get people in and out. Hundreds of people and vehicles were there every Saturday,” he told the Community Advocate with a laugh. “It was completely wild. We knew we needed a venue change.” This Halloween season marks the second year of “Haunted Hillando” being hosted outside of Hebert Candy Mansion. McNamara – along with 20 volunteers and his right-hand guys, Tim O’Connor and Erik Skiff – spent over 300 hours over the last three weeks placing the skeletons, pumpkins, and ghosts, while adding a variety of new items for the monthlong event. It officially opened on October 2 and is expected to attract more than 6,000 people. “It’s been such an amazing journey knowing that tens of thousands of people have longterm or lifetime memories of this,” said McNamara, who said the idea first came from his kids, Fiona, now 17, and Gavin, now 15, when they were youngsters. “I have interacted with 17-and 20-year-olds who told me that they remember going through the maze when they were 10 or whatever. It’s gratifying to know all these people are enjoying it.” He added: “It’s time-consuming, takes a ton of effort, and involves 10-to-12-hour days. I work my full-time job at
LEFT: Paul Smith, left, and Kristy Fitzpatrick, right, display the new custom chocolate bar being sold at Hebert Candy Mansion as part of the Haunted Hillando Halloween Maze event. (Photo/Courtesy)
Phillips Healthcare, get out at 5 o’clock, and come straight to this and work for another five or six hours. I consume a lot of energy drinks.” McNamara said this event differs from others for three main reasons. “It’s family-friendly and has a more rustic Halloween theme. Nothing jumps at you or makes a loud noise,” he said. “The goal is never to make anybody scream, run out of the maze, or have nightmares. The goal is for families to come and enjoy Halloween in a memorable way.” Hebert Candy Mansion lets McNamara and Co. use the land and keep all the ticket profits. Having the event next to one of Central Mass.’s most prolific candy purveyors is plenty of fun for attendees, as the store offers ice cream, candy, and concessions. This year, the store is offering a custom chocolate candy bar. All the profits go to charity. “ L a s t ye a r we u p p e d the ticket prices from $5 to $10, and we raised $54,000 [against $8,000 in expenses]. In 2024, we raised $16,000, and before that, it was a volunteer donation of around
$15,000,” said McNamara. “One hundred percent of the proceeds have gone and continue to go directly to supporting Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services.” McNamara, 52, explained that decorations and props are traditional and appropriate for all ages, and they have a strict no-blood, no-weapons policy. Haunted Hillando is also striving to ensure the maze is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. “We don’t use scare actors
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in our maze – we use only static and moving props and projected animations,” McNamara added. He also used some recommendations from his 4,300 Facebook friends. That collaboration has helped create what he feels is the best maze yet, including a witch game, pumpkin stands, a talking parrot, a haunted doghouse, a skeleton programmed to talk back to children using their voice, and new items such as a photo booth. “If you wanted to zip through
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it, it would take as little as 5 to 7 minutes,” he said. “But to walk through all the different areas and experience what it’s meant to experience – it would probably take 45 minutes to an hour. “There’s a lot to see,” he added. The Haunted Hillando Halloween Maze opened on Friday, Oct. 2, and runs through Halloween on Oct. 31. On the weekends of Oct. 9 and 16, it’s open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and on the weekends of Oct. 23 to 30, it’s 6 to 8 p.m.
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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Junk pickup with creative flair
Local coach builds winning rubbish removal service By Micky Baca Business Reporter
more than a decade, LaComfora grew his business from word of mouth. He bought a second truck — a pick-up — in 2025. Rubbish Rescue, LaComfora stressed, is not a dumpster company, but a full-service rubbish removal company. It is fully insured and licensed, providing labor, hauling, and proper disposal. His prices, he said, are mid-range in keeping with the level of trusted service he provides. “One call gets you a free estimate, a prompt crew at your door, and every unwanted item loaded, hauled, and responsibly disposed of,” the company website promises. The business has evolved in response to changing demand. A key shift stemmed from customers asking if the company could help them move and simultaneously handle rubbish removal. That combination is now his “bread-and-butter” service, LaComfora said. He
also handles doThis is a paid advertisement. nation materials in response to reREGION – One look at the cusquests, and sorts tom mural on its 15-foot box picked-up matetruck will tell you that Rubbish rials for recycling Rescue of South Grafton isn’t to properly place your usual junk pickup outfit. them. The artwork, done by a local As a former tattoo artist, is part of owner real estate agent, and founder Tyler LaComfora’s LaComfora also unique approach to being an provides the labor independent business owner. to stage furni“What I love is that it’s my ture for real estate business, so I don’t have to be connections and like anybody else,” LaComfora developers. He said, noting that the artwork is also connecthelps him stand out while suping with senior Tyler LaComfora, owner of Rubbish Rescue in South Grafton, shows off his newly painted porting local artist Ben Willis. housing to serve box truck featuring a custom mural by local tattoo artist Ben Willis. LaComfora started Rubbish that population’s Rescue in 2024, tapping into a moving and disneed he spotted from working posal needs. in real estate and customer serAdams is his assistant coach for company serves many repeat Company revenues have vice. It began with a used box the Grafton Travel Basketball customers, about 80 percent more than doubled since 2024 truck – which he bought from program. of whom are residential. and LaComfora was able to a farm with cash – and basic Rubbish Rescue does three He works about 100 hours bring on part-time helper Dejunk removal. A Grafton native to four jobs a day, seven days a week, since he still currently clan Adams as a full-time emwith deep community ties, ina week, LaComfora estimated. maintains a retail job. ployee. It was “an easy decicluding coaching basketball for Referrals are crucial and the What made him become sion,” LaComfora said, since a rubbish hauler? “It’s lowskill, high-reward. I am not a stupid person but I am not the smartest. I don’t have skills aside from people skills,” he said. Since he is young, big, and strong, he decided he could “beat [his] body down for a few years” doing the heavy work. One of the biggest jobs Rubbish Rescue has done was the removal of some 2,200 pounds of garbage and refuse from a yard in Southbridge, including nine pallets of ceramic tile. LaComfora had to hire an excavator. The job took 12 hours. That job shows that regardless of what you need done, Rubbish Rescue is able to get the resources to accomplish it, LaComfora said. Committed to doing things the right way, LaComfora prides himself on “trying to treat all [his] customers the way [he] wants to be treated.” LaComfora said his biggest accomplishment is “starting with zero dollars” and being able to build a business that now supports a full-time emVisit www.stmaryscu.org ployee, pays his bills, and supports his family. Running his own company has given him a new respect for business ownSt. Mary’s Credit Union ers, he added. www.stmaryscu.org His biggest challenge is (508) 490 8000 “finding time in the day to sleep.” For more, visit https://rubbishrescuema.com/.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
What is a ‘dark station’? And why is Northborough considering that approach?
Citizens’ petition rules to be revisited at Town Meeting
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
By Emilia Cardona Reporter
Grafton Town Administrator Evan Brassard is a veteran in the regional dispatch space. As a town administrator in his hometown of Monson, Brassard helped the town join a regional dispatch network. In Grafton, he did the same thing with the
NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough continues to explore joining the Regional Emergency Communication Center (RECC), a regional dispatch network headquartered in Westborough. Participating towns include Westborough, Grafton, and Southborough. Joining the RECC would likely leave Northborough with a “dark station” – a police deNorthborough Police Station (Photo/File) partment without an active dispatcher to assist resiRECC. dents – during some late-night He said that Grafton joined hours. It’s a common concern because it had aging infrastrucamong communities looking to ture, was looking for an imregionalize their dispatch. provement in efficiency, and During a meeting on Septemwas hoping to save money. ber 28, officials from Grafton The state heavily subsidizes visited the Northborough Select regional dispatch networks; Board meeting to share their the first three years are free for perspective on regionalizing communities, the fourth year is dispatch, dissuading certain 75-percent off, and the fifth year fears about what having a “dark is 50-percent off. station” might look like. All of those advantages have “I reached out because I been attractive to Northborthought as co-electeds this is ough. something we could offer some However, Northborough support on. It seemed like there officials have been wary that were a lot of similar questions regionalization may result in a and concerns that our board loss of local control – the curand residents had as we went rent dispatchers may know the through the process. I reached community better, leading to out hoping we could be an asset better outcomes – and Police in this process,” said Grafton SeChief Brian Griffin has been lect Board chair Andy Jefferson. lukewarm (at best) about the
proposal. Select Board members have also been concerned about current dispatchers losing their jobs, though Brassard said that current workers are guaranteed an interview at the RECC. Then there’s the “dark station.” Brassard said it isn’t as scary as it sounds. “It doesn’t play out the way people feel like it’s going to play out. I feel like people have an assumption that you run into the police station with an emergency and there’s a person behind the glass that can help you immediately. That may be the case. … If you go into the lobby of the police department in Grafton having a heart attack at 11 p.m., the dispatcher will stay behind the glass and we’ll call an officer off the road. We don’t have officers hanging around,” said Brassard. He added that there’s a number of options to make residents more comfortable. A “dark station” may have cameras, for instance, and a button to connect with a virtual dispatcher. A room off of the lobby could be implemented in some cases; if someone comes in after a domestic dispute, for instance, the person could press the button, go in the door, and it would lock behind them until after an officer could come off the street to respond. “We can employ technologies to take some of that off the table,” said Brassard.
WESTBOROUGH – On October 19, Westborough Town Meeting will again consider changing the number of registered voter signatures required to place a citizens’ petition on the warrant. Right now, only 10 signatures are required for a citizens’ petition to be placed on the Town Meeting warrant. The amendment presented and approved by voters at the last Fall Town Meeting in 2025 requires 50. Westborough has to re-present the amendment because of confusing wording identified by the Attorney General’s Office during its review. Select Board Chair Sean Keogh said that – in addition to requiring 50 signatures for citizens’ petitions – the amendment mandates that the Select Board accept any article pro-
posed by any town-appointed board. “We’re bringing back the article at this upcoming Town Meeting to clarify that understanding before we put that into the town charter,” Keogh said. Other changes to the town charter regarding citizens’ petitions include shifting the deadline for submitting them to the Town Clerk. Currently, the charter requires voters to submit a citizens’ petition within 30 days of Town Meeting, but the amendment asks to change this to 45 days. The decision to increase the number of signatures required to get a citizens’ petition on a warrant is in response to the frustration about 14 petitions submitted at the March 2024 Town Meeting, none of which had any shot at passing. At the time, some Select Board members called the volume of petitions “a mockery” of the legislative process.
HELP WANTED – CUSTODIAN Our Lady of Hope Parish is seeking a 15-hour-per-week Custodian. The Custodian is the first point of contact for facility requests and emergencies. This position is responsible for the general maintenance and some janitorial care of all buildings and grounds on each campus. Duties include: overseeing contractors, inspections, and vendor maintenance events; setting up and taking down tables, chairs, etc. for events/gatherings; and assisting decoration/ liturgical committees during liturgical seasons. To inquire, contact lstewart@ourladyofhopegrafton.org or call (508) 839-3993 ext. 101.
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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
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and businesses. A banner costs $300, which covers design, printing, production, and installation by the Department of Public Works with a police detail. Some families can’t afford the price tag, and funds are also needed to replace aging poles
there.” Brewster’s son Nicholas previously served in the Army NORTHBOROUGH – In a few and Army National Guard, and weeks, 320 banners honoring her daughter Alysia is currently Northborough veterans will active in the Army National be on full display along Main Guard. Street and Route 20. They’ll “They have seen so much, remain there until shortly done so much, and I’m after Veterans Day in Noextremely proud of vember. what they have done. It’s a sight you don’t They have met so many want to miss, said Leslie people, and they’ll have Arsenault, one of the four friendships for the rest of founders of Boros Cares their lives,” Brewster said 4 Troops (BC4T) — a before paying respects to non-profit organization Brian Arsenault. “We dedicated to supporting want to make sure Brian deployed military peris always at the forefront, sonnel, local veterans, remembered, and talked and their families — and about. One of the biggest the Northborough Homethings people forget is town Heroes program. that you must remember “Come on a Sunday Leslie Arsenault, Karen Brewster, Beth Davison, and and talk about [the lost morning and look and see Michelle Gillespie are the four women behind this lives]. … If you have a all of them, and it’ll blow meaningful organization. (Photo/Courtesy) story, tell it.” you away – completely While Leslie Arseblow you away,” she said. and banners, or those ruined nault and Gillespie mostly Among the 320 is Leslie’s by bad weather. handle the banners, Brewsson, Army Spc. Brian K. Arse“At the end of the year, ter and Davison organize the nault, who was killed in action [people and businesses] try to bi-monthly food pantry getin Afghanistan at age 28 in unload their giving. If you are togethers, held on the second 2014. thinking about giving now that and fourth Saturday of every “Brian was so young and we are coming up to the end of month from 10 a.m. to noon at so current, and [his death] the year, this is a worthy organithe Vincent F. Picard American really shocked people in the zation to give to, any amount,” Legion Hall in Northborough. community,” said his mother. said Gillespie. “We’re hoping At each get-together, the Victor “Here’s a kid who went to to continue to get support from R. Quaranta American Legion Algonquin High School, who the community.” Post 397 in Shrewsbury donates played hockey, who walked Besides the banners, there’s 20 $25 gift cards to Market these streets, who delivered a rolling parade down Main Basket, as well as $200 to the flowers, and that’s what really Street, and families see their organization to buy food and hit home.” loved ones’ photos and names supplies for each gathering. “Home” is where four womdisplayed proudly while their “The Food Pantry get-toen – Arsenault, Michelle Gilneighbors proudly wave Amerigethers are open regionally lespie, Karen Brewster, and can flags. to any veteran and surviving Beth Davison – formed Boros “I don’t think it really clicks spouse in need,” said Brewster. Cares 4 Troops back in 2015. for them, the whole meaning of “We just need proof of veteran Originally, they got together to it all, until they do the parade,” status. We are up to 28 families, assemble and send hundreds Gillespie said. “That’s when and it’s a low-key, homey event. of care packages to deployed I think it gets very emotional We know everyone’s name, and troops, but in 2019, mailing the for them. Pride comes out. You we know what people like. It’s packages became increasingly often see grandfathers telling a very casual, community-like difficult. their grandsons, passing the gathering.” In 2020, during the panstories of history down to not If you are interested in purdemic, they assembled 275 care only their own children’s genchasing a banner, you may go to packages to help Northborough eration, but the next generation the website: www.bc4t.org; fill out veterans aged 60 and older. In behind that.” an application form, attach a JPG 2021, the organization shifted The banners are extremely photo and a check for $300; and gears, offering a Veterans Food meaningful to the community send it to: Boros Cares 4 Troops c/o Corner that provides food and and to the four members of the Hometown Heroes; P.O. Box 304, hygiene products for veterans BC4T. Northborough, MA, 01532. and surviving spouses twice “My grandfather, my faFor additional information or a month; a year later, they ther, and both of my kids have questions, or if you would like to launched the Hometown Heserved,” said Brewster. “As far donate to the organization, you roes banner program. as I’m concerned, they deserve may contact Michelle Gillespie That first year, 157 banners a blank check. Who knows at 508-934-9818 or michelle@ went up, and today, there are what could have happened to bc4t.org; Leslie Arsenault at 508320. The number could reach any of them? For me, I’m do954-6675 or leslie@bc4t.org; or 650 if the organization gets ing anything I can to give back email the organization directly help from local companies the sacrifice that they put out from the website.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 15
COMMUNITY NEWS
Proposed Costco appears before Planning Board
Costco | from page 1
21 Coslin Drive, is a 26-acre lot split between Southborough and Westborough. The building will be entirely in Southborough, with portions of the parking lot located in Westborough’s 8-acre slice of the property. The hearing provided more clarity about the traffic layout. Motorists heading eastbound on Route 9 – off of I-495, perhaps – would turn right onto Coslin Drive and turn into one of three entrances to Costco (two on Washington Street and one on Coslin Drive). Cars traveling westbound on Route 9 would not be able to turn across the divided highway onto Coslin Drive; instead, they would turn left onto Crystal Pond Road, which may get re-striped and roadway improvements. According to an early traffic study, the Costco would gen-
erate 8,800 net new trips per weekend day, including 1,000 net new trips during a peak weekend morning hour. On weekdays, there would be 80 trips per peak morning hour. The Planning Board anticipated pushback about the traffic from residents. “As much as people want Costco, they do not want traffic,” one member said. The surrounding roads are generally adequate to accommodate the traffic, Costco’s engineers said during a presentation. The project also includes a 15-pump fueling facility, which goes five pumps wide, three pumps deep, and, with each pump being dual-sided, has 30 dispensing positions. The site includes 895 parking spaces. The ZBA previously approved variances regarding lightpoles and retaining walls to accommodate the parking layout.
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with data sourced by the Warren Group from public records. “We’re proud to be recognized by Banker & Tradesman for the growth of our commercial lending program,” said Michael Murphy, vice president of commercial lending at Central One Federal Credit Union. He added: “This recognition reflects the dedication of our commercial lending team, the support we receive throughout Central One, and most importantly, the trust our members place in us. We’re proud to be a partner in helping local businesses grow and succeed.” Central One Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-forprofit, cooperative financial institution serving Massachusetts’ residents and businesses. Central One has become one of Central Massachusetts largest federal credit unions serving Worcester County and parts of Norfolk and Middlesex counties. Branches are in Auburn, Milford, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, and Worcester.
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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
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‘We continued the tradition’: 30th annual Spirit of Shrewsbury weekend was magic By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – In late September, Mieka Davis looked at the forecast for Spirit of Shrewsbury weekend. There was going to be a Nor’easter: rain would soak the crowds, heavy winds would blow the tents away, and fallen trees would create a hazard on the roads. Other festivals scheduled for that weekend were canceled. Some moved inside. Faced with a decision, Davis went to one of the only people she could trust: Magic Walter, of Magic World. “Mieka,” he said. “I’m going to tell you honestly – the outlook looks really good for next weekend, and nobody else is doing it. Everybody is canceling, so you’re better off just moving the entire thing.” “He always gives me just the best advice,” Davis said.
Did Magic Walter use his powers to look into the future? Or did he simply check the forecast for the week ahead? Whatever the case, the decision to move Spirit of Shrewsbury to October 3 and 4 proved to be the correct one, and hundreds of residents showed up for an event that brought the community together. “I am seeing so many people finally having community together, meeting people they don’t know. We have four churches here, we have banks, we have food trucks. We have
lots of very different groups,” said Davis. This was the 30th Spirit of Shrewsbury celebration. “It’s historic,” said Davis. “We continued the tradition.” Spirit of Shrewsbury began with the Fall Festival on October 3, with over 60 booths, a magic show, food, a pie-eating contest, and more. The parade on October 4 went down Maple Avenue to Oak Middle School, bringing together different community groups. “It’s been great. So good for Shrewsbury,” said Davis.
Mark’s Moving & Storage excited to offer new railcar-shipper service WESTBOROUGH – Heeding the whistle of the iron horse’s arrival to the depot, Mark’s Moving & Storage, with offices and warehouses in Westborough and Grafton, announced new options for railcar shippers. The new concierge-level service offered by Mark’s helps pick up and deliver goods directly to nearby (or distant) locations. Mark’s securely stores the haul until needed in the company’s over-100,000-square-foot indoor- and yard-storage space. Rail freight remains a behemoth of the shipping world. Freight rail handles roughly 19 to 28 percent of all longdistance freight volume in the United States. That amounts to about 1.5 to 1.7 billion tons of freight each year, according to the Association of American Railroads. “Rail freight dates back to post-Civil War when the country was first connected with the heroic efforts of a wide range of immigrants, war veterans and freed slaves. Today, we help solve the next leg of the journey with kidglove treatment of trucking
and warehouse options,” said Mark Silverman, founder and president of Mark’s Moving & Storage. Operating from its secure 90,000-square-foot warehouse facilities in Grafton and Westborough, Mark’s Moving & Storage provides flexible warehouse space for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, contractors, and businesses of every size. Whether a company requires storage for a few days, several months, or many years, Mark’s creates customized plans that eliminate the constraints of long-term warehouse commitments. The company’s warehouse serves as more than just storage space. Businesses can also utilize the facility as a distri-
bution hub, allowing inventory to be received, stored, managed, and shipped from one centralized location. Mark’s fulfills warehousing requests quickly and efficiently while providing distribution and shipping services that help companies improve inventory management. Beyond warehouse services, Mark’s Moving & Storage offers a comprehensive suite of relocation and logistics solutions, including commercial moving, packing, long- and short-term storage, specialized transportation, and international relocation services. Since 1979, Mark’s Moving & Storage has helped businesses throughout Massachusetts and New England navigate changing operational demands.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 17
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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Westborough bell-to-bell cell phone ban off to smooth start By Chloe Flynn Reporting Intern WESTBOROUGH – The 202627 school year has begun, and Westborough Public Schools has officially implemented a bell-to-bell cell phone ban. Since August, students have faced restrictions on phone usage during school hours. In June, the School Committee voted in favor of the ban, largely in response to legislation being evaluated on Beacon Hill. The policy has been put into action, and middle- and highschoolers are now required to secure their phones in Yondr pouches. These cloth-like pouches have a button that can be pressed that magnetically seals items inside. As students arrive at school, they must show a staff member that their phones, smartwatches, and other devices are sealed in the pouch. Once
Westborough High School
the pouch is closed, students can only unseal their phones at the end of the day using one of the magnetic “unlock” stations around the school. “We’ve put a lot of thought into the process students will use coming into the building, and the communications ahead of time, so that people know what will happen if they do happen to have their phone,” said Westborough High School
Assistant Principal Jessica Barrett, who played a large role in organizing the new policy in time for the school year. Students face discipline for not abiding by the policy. After a second offense, students face two detentions, a loss of electronic privileges, and a parent (or guardian) must pick up the device at the end of the day. A third offense leads to a meeting between the student, their
parents, and an administrator. Barrett saw the toll that phone use was taking on students in recent years. According to MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey data, phone usage has increased in recent years, leading to an overall decline in students’ attention spans and mental health. “Administration-wise, we’ve noticed that a large portion of the conflicts that get reported
to us are related to social media and phone use, even during the school day,” Barrett told the Community Advocate. The ban has led to mixed feelings among the student population. “Although being away from my phone has been difficult, the phone ban has ultimately been a great experience. I saw myself connecting with others socially, and it has led me to reflect on my screen time at home as well,” said Anna Wang, a senior at Westborough High School. Barrett is exceedingly hopeful about the new policy and the student response. “The phone policy has gone exceptionally smoothly,” she said. “We have been impressed by our students’ adjustment to a school day without phones and have been pleased to see a substantial increase in positive interpersonal interactions throughout the school day.”
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 19
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Marlborough suspends payments to bus provider after disruptions By Emilia Cardona Reporter MARLBOROUGH – After students were dropped off at the wrong bus stops and families went without timely updates, Marlborough Public Schools is demanding urgent safety improvements from its transportation provider, North Reading Transportation (NRT). T h ro u g h o u t t h e f i r s t month of school, the district recorded 170 disruptions. The disruptions include late buses, substitute drivers, mechanical failures that leave buses not ready for routes, overcrowding, incorrect bus labeling, and students being dropped off at the wrong stop. On September 22, the School Committee voted to suspend further payments to NRT until the busing company corrects all service disruptions and meets the district’s demands.
One of the district’s demands is better communication from NRT, as two incidents occurred in which children got off at the wrong stop, and school officials were unaware until the children’s parents notified them. In the first incident, an elementary-school stu-
dent exited an overcrowded bus at the wrong stop after becoming distressed. The student had to walk home alone. Mohammed Siddiqui, Marlborough Public Schools executive director of finance and operations, said the district has repeatedly
escalated its concerns to NRT’s senior leadership and required written incident reports, corrective action plans, clear deadlines, immediate safety measures, daily reporting, current driver assignments, fleet information, and detailed explanations of how NRT will prevent these problems from happening again. In response, NRT submitted an action plan to the district, but Siddiqui said it did not adequately address the district’s concerns. “Our concerns go beyond buses running late. They include several students being dropped off at incorrect stops, overcrowding issues, mechanical problems with buses not being ready for service, and inaccurate information about a student’s location. For instance, sending an all-clear message when students were still on the bus,” Siddiqui said. “When NRT does not com-
municate quickly and accurately, it also limits our ability to respond to families and confirm that students are safe. It is also concerning when the district is learning of safety concerns from the families themselves, not NRT.” The district is currently in conversation with its legal counsel to determine what options it has under the current contract. Siddiqui said he cannot discuss or comment on legal matters. “We expect NRT to provide safe and reliable transportation for every Marlborough student. That means improving route coverage, backup staffing, bus capacity, vehicle maintenance, communication, and student drop-off procedures,” Siddiqui said. “If NRT does not make immediate and sustained improvements, we will consider all remedies available under the contract.”
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20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
Call 508.366.5500 to advertise your legal notice
LEGAL NOTICES Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.
NORTHBOROUGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) IFB #2027-1R VICTAULIC FITTING REPLACEMENT ALGONQUIN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, NORTHBOROUGH, MA The Northborough-Southborough Regional School District is soliciting bids to replace the Victaulic fittings at Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, Massachusetts. This bid process and the contract award conform to M.G.L. c. 149. Prevailing wage is required, and the vendor must include payroll records with invoices submitted to the Northborough-Southborough Regional School District. A sealed bid must be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 53 Parkerville Road, Southborough, MA 01772, by Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at which time the bids will be opened publicly. A pre-bid site visit will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St., Northborough, MA, at 9:00 AM. The bid documents and specifications may be obtained by emailing rpellegrino@nsboro.k12.ma.us; on the District’s website at www.nsboro.k12.ma.us; or on www. COMMBUYS.com/bso and Central Register. Please include complete company contact information in your request. Bidders who access bid documents from the District website or from the COMMBUYS system are responsible for registering as a bidder of record with Rebecca Pellegrino, Assistant Superintendent of Finance. Registering as a bidder of record permits prospective bidders to receive notification of any addenda or answered questions related to this Invitation for Bids. Bids shall be addressed to the Northborough-Southborough Regional School District and should be submitted in the form specified, in a sealed envelope endorsed “Bid Proposal,” with the bid title and the bidder’s name and address. NOTE: Bids received in “express” type envelopes or boxes will not be accepted as the proposal envelope. The proposal envelope must be properly marked inside, as noted above, and contained in such “express” mail-type envelopes or boxes, if used. The District will not be responsible for the premature opening of any proposal not properly identified, and any such proposal will be rejected. The Northborough-Southborough Regional School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in bidding and to make the award as appears to be in the best interests of the District. Regards, Gregory L. Martineau Superintendent of Schools
WESTBOROUGH LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH OFFICE OF THE PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations relative to Site Plan Review under Section 3.1 of the Town of Westborough Zoning Bylaw, the Westborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM on the application of FD ORD Investment, LLC and FD Special Opportunities I, LLC (collectively, the “Applicant”), through their authorized agent, Ferris Development Group, LLC, for Full Site Plan Review and a parking waiver under Section 4.9F(2)
for 1 Research Drive (Parcel ID 35-1670), Application Record No. 26-02779. The proposed project includes the possible conversion of approximately 25,000 square feet of the existing office building to retail use; construction of two new warehouse buildings containing approximately 70,000 square feet each; associated site improvements; and a waiver to permit a total of 684 parking spaces. The public hearing will be held in the Great Hall of the Forbes Municipal Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA. Please see the calendar on the Town of Westborough website (posted 48 hours prior to the public hearing) for additional information. To access the application and any submitted documents, please go to the Town’s online permitting system, PermitPro (https://westborough.patriotpermitpro.com/), and search the abovereferenced record number. Records are also available for review in the Westborough Planning Board Office at 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, during regular business hours. Persons unable to attend may submit comments in writing to the Westborough Planning Board in advance of the public hearing. WESTBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD Hazel Nourse, Chair
NOTICE OF MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE 110, 112 AND 114 TURNPIKE ROAD WESTBOROUGH, MA By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain First Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents and Leases from Albany Road-Westboro Executive Park LLC to Hometown Bank dated December 14, 2018, and recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds on December 14, 2018, in Book 59821 at Page 1; as affected by that Assumption and Modification Agreement by and among Hometown Bank and Turnpike Road Holdings LLC dated December 23, 2022, and recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds on December 27, 2022, in Book 68651 at Page 241, which Mortgage was assigned to Mt. Tom Properties LLC by an Assignment without Recourse of Note, Mortgage and Loan Documents from TruNorth Bank formerly known as bankESB successor by merger to bankHOMETOWN formerly known as HOMETOWN BANK, dated September 11, 2026, and recorded on September 15, 2026, with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds in Book 74166 at page 388, of which Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same, will be sold at Public Auction at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on October 23, 2026, at 114 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit: Property Address: 110, 112 and 114 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA: DESCRIPTION OF LOT I: A certain parcel of land with the buildings thereon situated on the southerly side of Route 9 in the Town of Westborough, County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, which is bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southerly line of Route 9, said point being a concrete bound at the northwest corner of the described premises at land of Albert W. Bowman, Jr., as shown on a plan hereinafter mentioned; THENCE S. 87° 05’ 34” E, a distance of 22.84 feet to a point of curvature; THENCE easterly and curving to the left along the arc of a curve having a radius of 3,260.00, a length of 227.16 feet to a point at LOT II, the previous two courses bounding on Route 9; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 72.78 feet to a point;
Legal notices are also available online at www.masspublishers.org
THENCE N. 89° 49’ 53” W. a distance of 20.84 feet to a point; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 322.56 feet to a point; THENCE N. 89° 49’ 53” W. a distance of 76.00 feet to a point; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 283.00 feet to a point at land of William M. And Bertha S. Johnson, the previous five courses bounding on said LOT II; THENCE N. 89° 49’ 53” W. bounding on land of said Johnson, land of Ethel M. Perry, land of Joseph and Marion B. Zeni, Steven Road, and land of Henry H. and Ruth T. Wiesbauer, a distance of 574.49 feet to a point of curvature at land of Ray S. and Jayne C. Mason; THENCE southwesterly and curving to the left along an arc of a curve having a radius of 930.37 feet, a length of 115.35 feet to a point; THENCE S. 15° 32’ 51” E. a distance of 39.32 feet to a point at land of Louise V. Brown, the previous two courses bounding on land of said Mason; THENCE S. 74° 04’ 21” W. bounding on land of said Brown a distance of 100.00 feet to a point in the easterly line of Lyman Street; THENCE N. 15° 58’ 49” W. a distance of 48.79 feet to a Massachusetts Highway bound; THENCE N 15° 02’ 49” W. a distance of 72.31 feet to a point at land of Albert W. Bowman, Jr., the last two courses bounded on said Lyman Street; THENCE N. 79°49’ 45” E. a distance of 51.00 feet to a point; THENCE S. 14° 55’ 14” E. a distance of 20.00 feet to a point of curvature; THENCE Northeasterly and curving to the right along the arc of a curve having a radius of 980.37 feet, a length of 178.63 feet to a point of tangency; THENCE S. 89° 49’ 53” E. a distance of 282.39 feet to a point; THENCE N. 12° 34’ 07 E. a distance of 647.49 feet to the point of beginning, the previous five courses bounding on land of said Bowman. The above described premises are shown as LOT I on a plan entitled “Plan of Land in Westborough, Mass., owned by Meleo Pechet & Leon Cohen, as General Partners Of Westborough Associates Company, to be conveyed to Linpro Westborough Land Limited Partners” dated October 19, 1981, drawn by Guerard Survey Co. and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 495, Plan 73. Together with the rights and assessments set forth In the cross-easement agreements between Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners and Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated March 17, 1982 and recorded Book 7449, Page 11 and Book 7948, Page 245. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot II from Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners to Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded Book 8134, Page 303. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot III from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded in Book 8134, Page 310. DESCRIPTION OF LOT II: A certain parcel of land with any improvements thereon, in the Town of Westborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, on the southerly side of Route 9, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southerly line of Route 9 at the northwest corner of the described premises, said point being a common corner with LOT I as shown on a plan hereinafter mentioned;
THENCE northeasterly bounding on said Route 9 along the arc of a curve having a radius of 3,260.00 feet, a length of 269.78 feet to a point at LOT III as shown on said plan; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07” W. a distance of 412.39 feet to a point; THENCE S. 89° 49’ 53” E. a distance of 13.00 feet to a point; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 284.30 feet to a point of curvature at land of Robert J. Malinoski, the previous three courses bounding on said LOT III; THENCE northwesterly bounding on land of said Malinoski and curving to the left along an arc of a curve having a radius of 930.37 feet, a length of 49.11 feet to a point of tangency; THENCE N 89° 49’ 53” W. bounding of land of said Malinoski, land of Deane K. and Margaret L. Yankee, land of Margaret J. Ayres, land of Gilbert R. and Frances E. LaPoint, land of Rita A. Lee, and land of William M. and Bertha S. Johnson, a distance of 329.91 feet to a point at LOT I as shown on said plan The above described premises are shown as LOT II on a plan entitled “Plan of land in Westborough, Mass., owned by Melso Pechet & Leon Cohen, as General Partners of Westborough Associates Company, to be conveyed to Linpro Westborough Land Limited Partners” dated October 19, 1981, drawn by Guerard Survey Co. and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 495, Plan 73. Together with the rights and assessments set forth in the cross-easement agreements between Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners and Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated March 17, 1982 and recorded Book 7449, Page 11 and Book 7948, Page 245. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement (Utility Easement, Lot 1) from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded Book 8134, Page 295. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot III from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded in Book 8134, Page 310. DESCRIPTION OF LOT III: A certain parcel of land with the buildings thereon situated on the southerly side of Route 9 in the Town of Westborough, County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, which is bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southerly line of Route 9, said point being the northwest corner of the described premises and being a common corner With LOT II as shown a plan hereinafter mentioned; THENCE northeasterly and curving to the left along the arc of a curve having a radius of 3,260.00 feet, a length of 58.49 feet to a point; THENCE S. 86° 27’ 55” E. a distance of 191.51 feet to a point at land of Clifton, Fred and Eileen E. Forbush, the previous two courses bounding on Route 9; THENCE S. 04° 52’ 03” E. bounding on land of said Forbush and land of Jack W. and Virginia W. Bramley a distance of 397.64 feet to a concrete bound; THENCE S. 04° 17’ 17” E. bounding on land of said Bramley and land of Edward T. and Madeline G. Batcheller a distance of 302.02 feet to a concrete bound; THENCE S. 64° 28’ 07” E. bounding on land of said Batcheller a distance of 241.07 feet to a concrete bound in the westerly sideline of East Main Street (Route 30); THENCE S. 33° 53’ 07” W. bounding on said east main street a distance of 51.75
feet to a point of land of Sverre B. and Astrid J. Lindvig; THENCE N. 64° 40’ 50” W. bounding on land of said Lindvig and land of George E. and Rodil K. Karlgren a distance of 151.85 feet to a concrete bound at a point of curvature; THENCE northwesterly bounding on land of said Karlgren, land of Vernon C. and Marcia E. Wood, land of Stephen T. Devincent and land of Robert K. Malinosk, curving to the left along the arc of a curve having a radius of 930.37 feet a length of 359.29 feet to a point at LOT II; THENCE N. 00° 10’ 17” E a distance of 284.30 feet to a point; THENCE N 89° 49’ 53” a distance of 13.00 feet to a point; THENCE N 00° 10’ 07” E a distance of 412.39 feet to the point of beginning, the previously courses bounding on said LOT II. The above described premises are shown as LOT III on a plan entitled “Plan of land in Westborough, Mass., owned by Meleo Pechet & Leon Cohen, as General Partners of Westborough Associates Company, to be conveyed to Linpro Westborough Land Limited Partners” dated October 19, 1981, drawn by Guerard Survey Co. and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 495, Plan 73. Together with the rights and assessments set forth in the cross-easement agreements between Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners and Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated March 17, 1982 and recorded Book 7449, Page 11 and Book 7948, Page 245. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement (Utility Easement, Lot 1) from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro I-and Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded Book 8134, Page 295. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot II from Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners to Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded in Book 8134, Page 303. TERMS OF SALE The highest bidder in the sale shall deposit a bank treasurer’s check, or certified check in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) at the time and place of the sale as a non-refundable earnest money deposit towards the purchase price to be held at the option of the Mortgagee as liquidated damages for any default by the successful bidder. The highest bidder shall then be required to remit by federal wire transfer an additional non-refundable deposit to bring in an amount sufficient to make the total deposit equal to ten percent (10%) of the purchase price within five (5) business days of the date of the public auction. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid upon delivery of the deed within thirty (30) days of the date of the public auction by wire transfer, certified check or bank check at the offices of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., 225 Asylum Street, 20th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103. Each successful bidder shall be required to sign a Memorandum of Sale at the public auction containing the terms herein and any additional terms set forth in the Memorandum of Sale or announced at the public auction. In the event that any successful bidder at the public auction fails to perform in the time specified to purchase the applicable premises, the Mortgagee reserves the right, at its sole election, to sell such premises by foreclosure deed to the other qualified bidders, in descending order beginning with the next highest bidder, provided that in each case the next highest bidder delivers to Mortgagee the amount of the required deposit within five (5) business days after written notice
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 21
Call 508.366.5500 to advertise your legal notice
LEGAL NOTICES of the default of the previous highest bidder and promptly executes a Memorandum of Sale providing for performance within thirty (30) days of execution. Mortgagee also reserves the right, at its sole election, to assume the bid of any defaulting or declining bidder. The Mortgagee reserves the right to postpone this sale to a later date by public proclamation at the time and date appointed for the sale and to further postpone any adjourned sale date by public proclamation at the time and date appointed for the adjourned sale date. Other terms, if any, to be announced at sale. Mt. Tom Properties LLC, present holder of said mortgage; By its Attorneys: Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., 225 Asylum Street, 20th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103; Attn: James R. Byrne, Esq., Tel. 860-548-2683
SHREWSBURY TOWN OF SHREWSBURY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS HIGHWAY DIVISION SNOW PLOW CONTRACTORS WANTED The Town of Shrewsbury seeks snow plow contractors for the 2026-2027 winter season. All interested contractors must submit applications in conformance with the “Information for Contractors, Requirements and Specifications for Snow and Ice Removal & Snow Hauling Operations” which shall be available online at www.shrewsburyma.gov/bids and also in the Town Manager’s Office at 100 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury. Contractors and equipment must be available for the entire winter season on a 24 hour a day basis and will be responsible for plowing specific routes within the Town. Hourly rates will be based on the width of the plow and the gross vehicle rating of the equipment furnished. Applications will be received in the Town Manager’s Office at 100 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, MA or via email to jgoodwin@shrewsburyma.gov. This request for Contractors is exempt from typical procurement procedures under M.G.L. Ch. 30B § 1(b)(17). TOWN OF SHREWSBURY Kevin J. Mizikar Town Manager TOWN OF SHREWSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARINGS RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING 100 MAPLE AVENUE SHREWSBURY, MA September 28, 2026 6:00 PM To hear the appeal of Dean Sokos, 25 Kingston Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.C to demolish and rebuild a pre-existing nonconforming dwelling to maintain the existing setbacks on property located at 51 Reed Road in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 39 Plot 198000. September 28, 2026 6:00 PM To hear the appeal of Frances Gebhard 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to demolish and reconstruct a pre-existing nonconforming monument sign and a Variance to Section VIIE.5.f for a sign to be located on a separate lot for property located at 103 Boston Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 31 Plot 216000. September 28, 2026 6:00 PM To hear the appeal of Patrick O’Leary of 8 Colton Lane, Shrewsbury MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to demolish and rebuild a portion of a pre-existing nonconforming garage and add living space above,
sixteen and two tenths feet (16.2’) from the rear yard where forty feet (40’) is required on property located at 8 Colton Lane in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 21 Plot 060000. September 28, 2026 6:00 PM To hear the appeal of Syed Khan of 37 Forest Lane, Hopkinton MA 01748 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.C to expand a pre-existing nonconforming dwelling, twenty-six and fourth tenths feet (26.4’) from the rear yard setback where forty feet (40’) is required on property located at 35 Liberty Drive in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 23 Plot 288000. David Moore, Clerk
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 Kenji Kozai, 72 Edgewater Avenue, Shrewsbury MA, has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of 4 trees at 72 Edgewater Avenue. A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
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 Philippe Lemieux, 5 Country Way, Shrewsbury, MA has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of 1 tree at 5 Country Way. A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
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 Michael MacDonald, 26 Ladyslipper Drive, Shrewsbury, MA has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of 1 tree at 26 Ladyslipper Drive. A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
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 Christine Najem, 62 South Street, Douglas, MA has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the construction of a second story and first story addition at 17 Shirley Road.
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A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
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 Donald Musial, on behalf of Wheelabrator Millbury Inc., 620 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury MA has filed an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for the classification of an Intermittent Stream at 620 Hartford Turnpike. A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
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 Roman Pena, 27 Sewall Street, Shrewsbury, MA has filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the installation of a shed and patio and the removal of 2 trees at 27 Sewall Street. A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
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 Brandon Foley, 236 Cross Street, Norcross, MA has filed a Notice of Intent for the construction of a single family home and driveway within Riverfront Area and the buffer zone of BVW at 90 Cherry Street. A public hearing will be held for the above notice at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, October 20, 2026, in the Selectboard Room, Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury 01545. SHREWSBURY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Kenneth Polito, Chair
MARLBOROUGH CITY OF MARLBOROUGH CONSERVATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. on the 3rd Floor Memorial Hall. Marlborough Department of Public Works proposes to increase pipe capacity of existing drainage network at 60 McGee Ave and various streets to Glen St. Work is near wetlands. Plans and other information will be available in the Conservation Office at City
Hall Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, (508)460-3768. All interested people are invited to the public hearing. Edward Clancy Conservation Commission Chairman
HUDSON TOWN OF HUDSON REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES: TOWN MANAGER SEARCH The Town of Hudson is seeking the services of a search firm or consultant to assist with the recruitment of a new Town Manager. The Town Manager reports to a 5-member Select Board and is assisted in their work by an HR & Licensing Manager, Executive Assistant, and a dedicated team of department heads and municipal employees. The Town is also fortunate to be served by both elected and appointed volunteer boards, commissions, and committees who take an active role in the governance of the Town. Hudson is a community of 20,341 residents and has an open Town Meeting form of government. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available upon request to Fernanda Santos, fsantos@townofhudson.org or 978-562-9963 X 401. Inquiries involving procedural or technical matters, and or questions related to the Request for Proposals shall be submitted by email and received no later than three (3) business days prior to the time the proposals are due as stated in the advertisement, and must be addressed to: Fernanda Santos, Human Resources/Licensing Manager, at fsantos@townofhudson.org who will coordinate with the Search Committee Chair and respond as appropriate. Proposals will be received until 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Town of Hudson, 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749 Select Board’s Office. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, if doing so serves the best interest of the Town. HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 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 Matt Jackson. The owner of the property is Wysk LLC. The work is located at Murphy Road (MapParcel 56-16). The proposed project is resource delineation. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on October 15, 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. HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 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 Steven Santos. The owner of the property is Town of Hudson. The work is located at 89 Fort Meadow Drive (Map-Parcel 67-47). The proposed project is construction of a stone wall at Centennial Beach. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on October 15, 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. HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 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 Donna Greska. The owner of the property is Donna Greska. The work is located at 33 Rolling Lane (Map-Parcel 6247). The proposed project is removal of inground pool. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on October 15, 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. HUDSON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 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 Manuel Santos. The owner of the property is Manuel Santos. The work is located at 136 Main Street (Map 29 Parcel 562/563). The proposed project is construction in floodplain. The Public Hearing will be held via remote video conference on October 15, 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.
PROBATE INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. WO26P3056EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Worcester-Division Estate of: Bernard A. Manning Date of Death: August 08, 2026 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner, Peter J. Manning of Upton, MA. A will has been entered into probate. Peter J. Manning of Upton, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
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Amazon.com Services LLC seeks candidates for the following (multiple positions available) in Westboro, MA. Apply at: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/, referencing job ID AMZ27070.4: Operations Engineer II (Job ID: AMZ27070.4). Design and implement complex high-volume direct-to-consumer fulfillment processes, systems and facilities for capacity expansion and continuous improvement of worldwide fulfillment infrastructure throughout the large-scale supply chain network that increases critical-to-quality (CTQ) business needs by improving integration of people, materials, equipment, software, and finance. Work with complex Material Handling Systems, packaging equipment and other processing gear to design safe and efficient fulfillment processes. The pay range for this position in Westboro, MA is $84302 $114900 (yr); however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A signon bonus and restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided by Massachusetts Equal Pay Act. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via Amazon’s internal or external careers site.
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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES
DEATHS Allen, Sheryl of Hudson
Bertrand, Angel of Marlborough
Borglund, Sven of Westborough
Carlucci, Ellen
of Northborough
Enright, Marcelle of Westborough
Harrington, Joseph of Westborough
Hunt, Kevin of Shrewsbury
Kortes, John
of Marlborough
Mahoney, Sheila formerly of Hudson
Manzo, Margaret of Hudson
McHugh, Anna
WESTBOROUGH - Joseph Harrington left us on September 11, 2026, at age 87, after a long, full life of service to family and community. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle comportment amid his firm commitments to integrity and tradition. He was devoted to his career, community, and family, but found time to pursue interests in nature (skiing and hiking), photography, music, and travel. Until his latest years he maintained strong relationships with groups from all those aspects of his life. Joe was active in the administration of the Town of Westborough and its Congregational Church, serving on several school and church committees, on Westborough’s Advisory Finance Committee, and as church moderator. In
March 1990, he was elected Town Moderator, serving through the 2013 meeting. He remained active in the Massachusetts Moderators’ Association through 2020, serving as President and coediting Town Meeting Time, the parliamentary procedures manual of New England town meetings. Above all, Joe devoted his life to family. Wife Didi moved to the U.S., but they always kept the family connected to the Austrian family and culture. Family vacation time was spent either in Vienna or the lakes of Austria near Salzburg, with memorable extended-family reunions alongside European travel adventures. Joe and especially Didi were active in the Austro-American Association of Boston. Joe is survived by two sons, Joseph and Robert, Joseph’s wife Sara and son Joseph, Robert’s wife Heidi and their sons Maxwell and Bradley. Joe’s older sister Joan Smith of Hillsboro Oregon, with
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husband Roger and nieces Audrey and Diana; Joe’s younger sister Anne Heider of Evanston, Illinois, and niece Dove Hunter; and nieces and nephews from Didi’s sisters: Sigrid and Reiner Ihringer and Alexander, Kanja, Reto, and Jennifer Somm. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, following a private burial, the public memorial service will commence at 10:30 am in the Congregational Church of Westborough, 57 West Main Street, Westborough, Massachusetts. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Ellen C. Carlucci, 64 NORTHBOROUGH — Ellen C. Carlucci, 64, of Northborough, died on Sept. 24, 2026, after a valiant period of treatment for cancer. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a highly respected healthcare and community leader, and a generous friend to many.
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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).
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
ho p dn l a nt s k i n g at h e r s l ov e .
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Ellen was married to Dr. Daniel (Dan) Carlucci and was the loving mother of their three children: Alexander Carlucci of Plymouth, Michigan; Gillian Reelick and her husband, Ky n a n , o f Framingham; and Andrew Carlucci and his wife, Linnea Henningson, of Westminster. She also cherished her young granddaughter, Violet Ellen Reelick. In 2010, Ellen joined Marlborough Hospital, part of UMass Memorial Health, as Director of Development. She became V.P. of Development, Marketing and Communications, Community Outreach and Volunteer Services. She led fundraising efforts for key projects, among them a women’s imaging center, a new emergency center and a cancer center. Ellen gave her time and leadership to civic organizations throughout the area, serving on the boards of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership. Wherever she worked or volunteered, Ellen showed a rare gift for bringing people together. Visitation hours will be 4-8 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough.
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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 25
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Talha Naseer’s two-goal performance powers ascending Westborough soccer By Jamie Pote Reporter WESTBOROUGH – A year ago, Talha Naseer was a defensive midfielder on a Westborough High boys’ soccer team that won just five games. He didn’t
Goal No. 6 came a handful of minutes later, making it 3-0 before the Titans added a tally of their own late in the match. “The ball was bouncing [in the 6-yard box], and I was sprinting through the middle,” said Naseer. “There was a gap,
Talha Naseer (Photo/Owen Jones)
score all season, and the Rangers as a whole struggled to find the back of the net, getting shut out six times and held to one goal or fewer in 14 of their 17 games. On October 1, the senior, shifted up to an attacking midfielder’s spot by first-year head coach Dimitri Markonidis, scored two goals to lead the Rangers to a convincing 3-1 win over Mid-Wach rival Algonquin. “It’s a good win for the team. We’re just a better team this year, especially in passing, communicating, and organizing,” said Naseer. With the Rangers holding onto a 1-0 lead early in the second half, Naseer scored the eventual game-winner. It was Naseer’s fifth goal of the season. “The ball came to the side of the net off a throw-in [from teammate Benjamin Lee]. It landed on my feet, so I faked the defender out and then shot it,” said Naseer.
so I went through it, saw the ball, and put it in.” With six goals in six games, Naseer said he has gained confidence knowing he is a legitimate scoring threat. “I’m more involved in the offense this year after the position change. It feels good. I mean, last year I scored zero goals, and this year I already have six,” he said with a big smile. “We have a new coach, and he’s brought new tactics to our offense, and it’s been working.” Westborough has outscored its opponents 18-8. “We’re trying to create more scoring chances from the sides and then be more direct. We play aggressively from midfield up, and that’s why we’ve been scoring more,” said Markonidis. The Rangers’ speed through the middle of the field was tough to stop. “We dominated the game,” Markonidis added. “We had possession the entire game, created plenty of chances, and
scored three goals. We could have scored a couple more. At the end of the day, it’s a good win for us. I liked the way we played and how we defended. Scoring three goals against Algonquin is a good thing. We must fix a few small details here and there, but it is a good win for us.” Ben Bailey scored Westborough’s opening goal. “Ben Bailey is one of those guys who is very creative on the ball,” said Markonidis. “He can make great runs without the ball. He is defending very well. I’m very happy with him. He just needs to be more patient in certain cases, but he’s one of the best assets that we have on the team. I expect a lot from him.” The lone Titans (2-4-2) goal came from Emmett Campbell. “Westborough played well and deserved to win. We’re working hard to find our way,” said Algonquin head coach John Frederick.
Nominations accepted for Marlborough Athletics Hall of Fame MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough High School Athletic Department is proud to announce that nominations are currently being accepted for the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony scheduled for November 29. This is your opportunity to help recognize and celebrate the outstanding athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors whose accomplishments and dedication have left a lasting impact on Panther Athletics. Do you know someone who deserves to be honored among the greats? Nominate them today! Please contact Athletic Director Pete Jones at pjones@mps-edu.org for nomination information before October 15.
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COMMUNITY SPORTS Another excellent season underway for Westborough volleyball By Jamie Pote Reporter WESTBOROUGH – Year in and year out, the Westborough High girls’ volleyball team is atop the state. The five-time state champions (2007, 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2024) have qualified for the state tournament 26 consecutive times – and the Rangers already more than halfway to 27, sporting a 6-1 record with wins over Mid-Wach-A opponents Shrewsbury, Grafton, Algonquin, and Wachusett. The team has talented players and great coaching, but simple — yet vital — concepts keep the winning tradition going. “We just want to make everything count – every play, every moment, and every game,” said senior middle hitter Manogna Pamujula, who leads the team with 14 blocks. “We have a really strong team culture, and it comes from on-court effort and off-court effort. There’s pressure
Al Regnier dives forward to return a ball. (Photo/Owen Jones)
in playing in any environment like this, but we’re all having a lot of fun. … It’s not just about winning; it’s more about the growth that we go through as individuals and as a team.” Senior outside hitter Al Regnier (130 kills, 86 receptions
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and 24 aces) and junior setter Charlotte Dullea (191 assists, 43 digs) have led the team, which is made up of 17 juniors and seniors, with one sophomore. “Al leads the entire state in kills,” said head coach Roger Anderson. “She’s an outstanding volleyball player. We lean on her heavily. And Charlotte is doing a great job for us. When you have a player who leads the state in kills, you’re going to have a setter with a lot of assists and Charlotte does. The two of them play off each other really well.” Both Pamujula and junior Ava Berthiaume have excelled as middle hitters, and senior Sady Allen has been immense as an outside hitter. Junior Lily Taylor and sophomore Ayla Owens are the right-side hitters, junior Sylvia Benyas is the team’s libero, and defensive specialists include senior Julia Steinberg and junior Samrya Patnaik. Juniors Irene Fitzgibbons
and Divya Mekala are the two back-up setters. Seniors Juliet Blum, Anna Wang, and Emily Coffin, and juniors Talia Silverman, Rachel Gerber, and Eleanor Sperber have also played pivotal roles in the strong start. “We don’t have much size,” said Anderson. “We have a couple of kids with a little bit of size, but we don’t walk into a gym and have people say, ‘Whoa, this team is huge.’ We rely on speed, athleticism, hopefully good game knowledge, and strong team defense.” Anderson always creates a tough schedule for his team. The Rangers are preparing for a handful of difficult non-league matches against Barnstable, Milton, Dennis-Yarmouth (twice), Acton-Boxborough, and Central Catholic, the team that knocked them out of last year’s Division 1 state tournament. “There’s a strong sense of pride here. We focus on what we can control, and our goal is to play our best when it matters most,” said Anderson. “We have been around it for a bit. We run camps during the summer and winter, so when the kids are younger, they see the kids on the team they admire, or the jersey numbers they wear, and that historical reference is powerful. It most definitely is.” Pride and tradition go a long way, but Pamujula says it’s even deeper than that. “We focus a lot on our skills, hold each other accountable, and avoid those team fights,” Pamujula said. “That’s what separates this team from the other ones I have been on. It’s not just the varsity team; it’s the bond we have with other players, too.” WAYSIDE ATHLETIC CLUB 80 Broadmeadow Street Marlborough, MA 01752 508.481.1797 waysideathleticclub.com
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SPORTS ROUND-UP Volleyball Marlborough 3, Worcester South 0 Marlborough earned a straight-set win (25-23, 2521, 25-22) over Worcester South. Senior captain and middle hitter Nora Crozier finished with six kills, three aces, and one block, while senior captain and rightside hitter Natalia Nicolazzo finished with four aces, seven kills, and four assists. Marlborough also defeated Hopedale, 3-2 (2522,23-25,26-24,20-25,15-11), behind the play of Crozier, who contributed six kills, two aces, and three blocks, and junior outside hitter Jade Onyango, who re corded eight kills. Westborough 3, Grafton 0 The Rangers cruised to 2513, 25-15, and 25-11 set wins to improve to 6-1 on the season. Senior Anna Wang (2 kills, 1 block), senior Sady Allen (3 kills, 5 aces, 3 digs), and junior Rachel Gerber (5 kills, 4 aces, 3 digs) led the way.
Cross-Country Westborough 23, Grafton 32 Held at Veterans Freedom Park, 3.1 miles Top 10 Finishers: 1. Martin Goddeau (W) 17:57.4; 2. Wake Hardin (W) 18:05.4; 3. Will Paxson (G) 18:34.2; 4. Kai Rego (W) 19:12.6; 5. Henry Viens (G) 19:43.1; 6. Dennis Cram (W) 19:47.4; 7. Beckett Heidenthal (G) 20:01.9; 8. Andrew Arnaez (G) 20:11.0; 9. Toby Coelho (G) 20:16.0; 10. Gavin Miranda (W) 20:18.5.
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 9, 2026 • 27
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Grafton three-sport standout McGrath goes Division 1 for lacrosse By Jamie Pote Reporter GRAFTON – This past summer was busy for Addie McGrath. Instead of relaxing or hanging at the beach, the Grafton High junior participated in various lacrosse tournaments, showcases, and prospect camps across the country and “slept in more hotels than [her] own bedroom,” she said. Two-plus months of dedication, hard work, and training led to major exposure and a new home starting in the fall of 2028. McGrath, the three-sport star athlete who also excels in field hockey and basketball, announced that she will play lacrosse at Division 1 Quinnipiac University. “I am so excited for the next step in my lacrosse journey at Quinnipiac University,” she said. “Looking back at everything I did over the summer, it was all worth it. Everything eventually came together, and I could not be happier with how the process worked out.” Last spring, McGrath played a big part in Grafton lacrosse’s
15-win season and trip to the second round of the Division 2 state tournament. Named a USA Lacrosse All-American and the Mid-Wach-A Co-MVP, McGrath led all Central Mass. in scoring with 121 goals and 47 assists.
“Whether she is breaking down a defender 1-on-1, initiating the offense, or making high-IQ passes to her teammates, Addie shines every time she crosses the restraining line,” said Grafton head coach Karl Moisan. “Her determination, stick skills, and calm composure under pressure make her a joy to watch and easily one of the top players in Central Massachusetts. We are fortunate to have two more high school seasons with her.” Moisan is one of many people McGrath wants to thank for
helping her reach the next level. “I am so grateful for my Laxachusetts coaches and how they have helped me in my journey,” said McGrath. “I cannot thank my Grafton High School coach, Karl Moisan, enough. His support goes far beyond the lacrosse field. Coach Karl has had a huge impact on my lacrosse journey. He coached my youth lacrosse select team in seventh and eighth grade. I am fortunate to still have him as my high school coach.” She added: “With him alongside me, my field hockey coach, Melissa Aiksnoras, and my basketball coach, Tim Kewriga, have shown unwavering support and mentorship. Their coaching has played a pivotal role in my development as a multi-sport athlete. I deeply appreciate their impact on my athletic journey. My teammates have also been amazing through this process.” McGrath said she was interested in other schools, but Quinnipiac stood out for a few reasons. “I chose Quinnipiac for its beautiful campus, team culture,
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and coaches,” she said. “When I visited, I had lunch with a group of the players and watched their practice. Right away, I could tell how close the team was and how much fun they had together. It felt like such a positive and welcoming environment that I could really see myself being a part of it. I also loved how supportive and encouraging the coaches were throughout the process.”
She added that she plans on majoring in finance. Currently, she holds a 4.4 GPA at Grafton High School, taking several AP and honors courses. “The School of Business is beautiful and offers many great opportunities and programs,” she said. “I am so excited to keep growing as a student and a lacrosse player at Quinnipiac, and I cannot wait to see what the next few years have in store.”
Athlete Of The Week
Miles Fabris By Jamie Pote Reporter MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough High School cross-country season is in full swing, and senior Miles Fabris has been one of the team’s top runners. Last year, he finished 36th at the Mid-Wach-B League Championship meet, broke the 20-minute mark, and then competed at the Division 2B championship. A three-season runner, Fabris is also a key part of the indoor team, the outdoor track team, and competes in several decathlon meets last year.
MILES FAB
R
IS MARLBOR OUGH CROSS-CO UN TR Y
How difficult is it to stay motivated to run daily between the three running seasons? “At first, it was hard to stay motivated, but my teammates made it fun in my first year, and running How’s the season going so far, became more exciting, which and do you have any individual made it easier to run every day.” or team goals? “The season is going great. We Besides running, what are your haven’t won a team meet yet, other hobbies and interests? but I’ve placed in the top three “I play trumpet in the jazz enat every meet and have a 3-mile semble here at Marlborough High personal record of 18:20 on our School. I also like listening to muhome course. Individually, my goal sic and playing video games with is to qualify for the state meet; as a my friends.” team, I hope we can do the same If I stopped somewhere to get and, overall, get better and run something to eat in Marlborfaster over the season.” ough before covering a meet, How long have you been with where should I go, and what the program and what makes would you recommend I order? “I’d recommend Pleasant Pizza this year’s team different? “I first started running my sopho- on Pleasant Street. Surprisingly, I more year of high school and fell in think their burgers are one of the love with cross-country and track. best things on their menu.” Since then, I’ve run for all three If you were the president for a seasons. This year’s cross-country day, what three things would team is very small, which makes you implement or change? our bond strong. We have known “I would create more direct deeach other for years, and while mocracy in the United States. I there may be few of us, we all do would have more decisions made our best.” by the people. I would advocate for reducing the power of special What does a typical week of practice consist of? Long runs? interest groups.” Short runs? Days to rest? Do you have any plans for after “We do a mix of long runs, short graduation? runs, and sprints and repeats of “I’m planning to go to a college various lengths. We mostly rest somewhere in the Northeast. I’m on the weekends, and sometimes still unsure what I will major in, we throw in a hill workout here but I plan to keep running.” and there.” Supporting our next generation of athletes
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