New monument to honor Westborough Police Department
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – Service. Sacrifice. Community.
Those are the words that the Westborough Police Department is hoping to put on a monument outside the Forbes Municipal Building. On June 9, the Select Board voted, 4-1, to allow the monument to be manufactured and placed on municipal property.
“The vision for it is creating a permanent tribute, creating a lasting legacy for both our past, present, and future officers. It’s a space for reflection – creating a dedicated environment for remembrance and Monument | 11
Three finalists for Northborough fire chief role
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – The next chief of the Northborough Fire Department is one step closer to being chosen.
On June 8, the Northborough Select Board held half-hour interviews with the three finalists for the position: Franklin Battalion Chief Keith Darling, West Boylston Chief Mark Sadowski, and Northborough Deputy Chief Neal Aspesi. A decision had not been made at the time of this article’s publication.
The person selected will replace David Parenti, Northborough’s chief for the last 10 years. Parenti retired in March.
Darling was raised in North Attle-
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY — A series of photos hangs in the hallway just outside the cafeteria at Floral Street School. The images, for the most part, have been changed over the years to depict different generations of students as they passed through the school.
Except for one. The framed black-andwhite photo closest to the lunchroom depicts a young Dr. Joseph Sawyer eating lunch with students around 1997, when Floral Street School first opened. With a walkie-talkie strapped to his belt, Sawyer, the school’s first assistant principal, was listening intently as students chatted with him during lunchtime.
The fact that the photo is the only blackand-white image remaining in the hallway makes Sawyer chuckle — “We did have
Sawyer says goodbye
color film back then,” he says — and every time he visits the school, he makes a point of asking if it’s time for the photo to be replaced.
“They insist on keeping it up, no matter how many times I ask them to take it down,” Sawyer joked.
With the Community Advocate trailing him during a May visit to Floral Street School, Sawyer once again sat in the cafeteria as a camera loomed in the background. The students were similarly talkative, the lunchroom looked the same, and Sawyer smiled just as he did in the original photo. But one thing aside from camera technology had changed three decades later: Sawyer was no longer the upstart assistant principal of a new school. Instead, he was an experienced and accomplished leader who had devoted most of his professional life to Shrewsbury students.
After 29 years with Shrewsbury Public
HAPPY RETIREMENT!
Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell is retiring in August, and the Westborough Select Board considered how to replace this revered member of the Fire Department. In a 3-2 vote, the board decided to conduct an internal search for his replacement. More on that decision on Page 45.
The Community Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor Letters must be signed with a name, address and telephone number for verification (only name and town will be printed). Letters should be sent to news@communityadvocate.com or mailed to Managing Editor c/o Community Advocate, 32 South St. Westborough MA 01581. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content, suitability and space constraints. Multiple letters from the same person will not be accepted within a 30-day period. “Form letter” submissions, in which the content of one letter is essentially duplicated, will not be accepted. Letters should be 350 words or less. Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Opinions expressed in the letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Community Advocate management or its advertisers.
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – Westborough’s favorite lake is accepting gifts.
The Select Board on June 9 voted unanimously to set up a Lake Chauncy Gift Account, a fund that will be managed by Recreation Director Jenn Kirkland and used to support various programs at Lake Chauncy.
This year, with lifeguards returning to the lake’s beach, a lifelong Westborough resident – whom Kirkland did not identify at the Select
The Community Advocate is a weekly periodical, (U.S.P.S. # 014-423), published by Bagdon Advertising, Inc., with offices located at 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Periodicals postage is paid at Shrewsbury, MA 01546 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Community Advocate, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Publication date is Friday. Deadline for R.O.P. advertising, local community news and classified advertising is Friday, noon, seven days prior to publication. Not liable for typographical errors, however, we will reprint that portion of the ad wherein error occurred if notified in writing within three working days of the publication date. All material included is the property of The Community Advocate and may include material produced under copyright or a syndicated ad service. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material from any issue of the Community Advocate.
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Lynne Fountain
Michelina
Board meeting – offered to donate funds to help. Before the gift could be accepted, a fund needed to be established. The funds deposited into the account must be used toward the lake.
“I had someone approach me very seriously about potentially donating some money to help offset the costs of operating Lake Chauncy,” said Kirkland. “I’m here tonight to set up this account so we’re ready to receive the money should they move forward with their donations.”
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
The lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure creates a significant public safety concern. In fact, over 18 percent of fatalities in motor accidents occur to pedestrians. For a student like myself learning to drive, navigating these local road layouts reveals how frequently pedestrians are forced into hazardous situations due to current infrastructure design. This issue reflects a systemic problem in accessible infrastructure. Missing sidewalks and intersection blind spots routinely force residents into active traffic lanes. Research from the WalkMassachusetts Strategic Plan indicates that
these infrastructure gaps disproportionately affect vulnerable and historically underinvested neighborhoods. On a national scale, this mirrors a documented public health crisis. The CDC monitors community physical activity rates and reports an increasing deficit in adults meeting minimum aerobic capacities. While pedestrian activity could mitigate this trend, unsafe road environments actively discourage residents from exercising. This correlation is verified by the AARP Livability Fact Sheet: Sidewalks, which states that individuals are substantially more likely to walk and exercise when living in highly
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walkable areas.
Expert-backed solutions exist to systematically address these deficiencies. According to WalkMassachusetts experts, the baseline action for municipal change is conducting a localized Walk Audit to compile a comprehensive database of hazardous zones. This allows community members—including high school students—to document specific structural gaps and present concrete evidence directly to town planners and Select Board members, with hopes of persuading them to create change. On the other hand, the manual Designing for Access: How to Make Sidewalks Safe, Compliant,
and Inclusive emphasizes physical remedies, including regular pavement maintenance and ADA-compliant curb ramps to accommodate individuals utilizing mobility aids. For the roadways themselves, the U.S. Department of Transportation outlines data-backed interventions. Implementing enhanced street lighting, widening paved shoulders, and utilizing lane reconfigurations—commonly known as road diets—are proven to naturally reduce vehicular speeds and physically isolate pedestrians from traffic. To advance these solutions locally, a website has been created to showcase the dangers and to present
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Dear Editor, I would like to recognize and applaud Northborough Health and Human Services, especially the Youth and Family Services Division, for their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community.
Since the town voted to merge the Health Department and Youth and Family Services in 2024, the department has expanded its impact under the leadership of Dr. Isabella Caruso, along with Outreach Coordinator Liz Nolan and Social Worker Caitlin Mitchell.
Their team has offered an impressive array of programs and services, including CPR classes, educational workshops at Melican Middle School, social work office hours at the Northborough Library, blood drives, a mammography van, community information fairs, volunteer fairs, and events highlighting important public health topics such as mental health awareness and heart health.
Perhaps most importantly, they have provided direct support to residents in need, making more than 100 referrals for counseling services, housing concerns, and food insecurity. Behind each referral is a neighbor, family, or young person who received help during a difficult time.
What makes this work so meaningful is that it often happens quietly, behind the scenes. While many residents may attend a program or event, countless others have benefited from the compassion, guidance, and resources provided by this dedicated team.
Northborough is fortunate to have professionals who care so deeply about the health and wellbeing of our residents. Their efforts strengthen our community every day, and they deserve our gratitude and recognition.
Thank you to Dr. Caruso, Liz Nolan, Caitlin Mitchell, and the entire Health and Human Services team for all that you do. Sincerely, Erica Zeiger, Northborough
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To learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would love to hear from you!
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Christopher Heights offers unique senior lifestyle plans to fit every season of your life! In our community you will be surrounded by the support and understanding of your Christopher Heights family. You will also enjoy quality care, well–balanced meals prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, lively group activities, and your own private apartment. Don’t weather the seasons alone, let us take care of you in your new home!
and understanding of your Christopher Heights family. You will also enjoy quality care, well–balanced meals prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients, lively group activities, and your own private apartment. Don’t weather the seasons alone, let us take care of you in your new home!
To learn more about our senior lifestyle plans or to schedule a tour, call 508-281-8001 today. We would love to hear from you!
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The Art of Future-Proofing Your Home
By Stephanie Stuchlik
At a recent home inspection, my buyer clients and I noticed a crack in the foundation. We brought out a structural engineer who confirmed there was no issue. The engineer didn’t think we needed a written report, but I told my clients with some foresight that they should go ahead and have this written up. This would most certainly come up again when they sold the house and having this document handy could save a headache later on.
Similarly, whenever most people buy a home, they tend to focus entirely on the present. We paint the walls our favorite colors, arrange furniture for our current lifestyles, and unpack with the mentality that we will deal with the future in the future.
According to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®, the typical homeowner now stays in their property for an average of 11 years before selling, and for older generations, that timeline stretches to 15 years. Yet, despite knowing that a move is almost inevitable down the line, studies consistently show that the vast majority of homeowners do not plan for their next move until they are forced to do so.
Historically, only a small percentage of sellers actively future-proof their properties while living in them. However, those few forwardthinking individuals consistently come out ahead, often netting a higher return on investment, enduring significantly less stress, and securing faster sales when they finally decide to list. You too can
Real Estate Q&A with Kathleen Goneau, Your Concierge Realtor
If you’ve been in your home for many years, you may be surprised by who today’s buyers actually are and how their journey compares to yours.
When many of you first bought your home, first-time buyers were typically in their late 20s or early 30s. Prices were lower, though mortgage rates were steep, hovering around 13% in the early 1980s. Still, the path to ownership was shorter.
A lot has changed. Today, the average first-time homebuyer is 40 years old, the highest age ever recorded. Years of rising costs, student debt, and limited inventory have made homeownership harder to reach. First-time buyers now represent just 21% of all purchases, the
lowest share on record. Here in Massachusetts, the median home price has climbed past $650,000, with values up more than 41% over the last five years alone.
Why does this matter to you as a potential seller? Because your buyer likely isn’t a young couple just starting out. They may be a 40-something professional or a move-up buyer with more purchasing power, stronger financing, and a clear sense of what they want. Understanding who is coming to the table helps you and your agent position your home more effectively.
If you’re curious about what your home might mean to today’s buyers, and what it could mean for your next chapter, I’d love to have that conversation with you.
�� Call or text Kathleen Goneau at 508-868-4090
absolutely enjoy your space right now while making thoughtful, micro-decisions that your future self will thank you for.
Here are three simple, essential strategies to help you live comfortably today while quietly planning ahead.
1. Document as You Go
When you hire a professional to service your HVAC, repair a roof leak, or install a new water heater, where do the receipts go? If they end up in the trash or a junk drawer, it’s time for a change. Start a digital or physical Home History Binder. Keep every permit, contractor invoice, and warranty. When buyers see a meticulous log of a home’s maintenance history, it builds trust and can prevent minor issues from becoming deal-breakers during a future home inspection.
2. Prioritize Neutral-Adjacent Big-Ticket Items
Personal expression is what makes a house a home. If you love bold colors, paint your bedroom a vibrant jewel tone. Walls are easily repainted. However, when it comes to high-cost, permanent installations, you may choose to lean toward universal appeal. If you are replacing countertops, remodeling a bathroom, or installing hardwood floors, opt for classic, timeless materials. You get to enjoy luxury today, and you won’t have to face a costly, time-consuming renovation just to make your home marketable a decade from now.
3. Tackle the Invisible Maintenance
It is easy to get excited about cosmetic upgrades like a new kitchen backsplash, but savvy homeowners know that the bones of the house matter most. Commit to a schedule for the unglamorous tasks like clearing your gutters annually, checking the attic for moisture, flushing your water heater, and keeping tree branches away from your roofline. Neglecting these minor chores causes slow, invisible damage that accumulates over time. Staying on top of them protects your home’s structural integrity, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in pre-listing or inspection repairs later.
The Bottom Line
Your home is your sanctuary, and you should absolutely tailor it to your current joy and comfort. But remember, it is also likely your largest financial asset. By introducing just a little bit of foresight into your homeownership routine today, you ensure that whenever your next chapter begins years down the road, you will be steps ahead of the competition.
Curious about which home improvements yield the highest return in our specific local market? Would you like monthly home maintenance reminders? Feel free to reach out. I’m always here to help you maximize your home’s long-term value.
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After 29 years, Shrewsbury superintendent reflects on time leading schools
Schools — starting with his time at Floral Street, and ending with 17 years of service as the district’s superintendent — Sawyer will retire on June 30. Dr. Tiffany Ostrander, the principal of Shrewsbury’s Coolidge Elementary School who also started in Shrewsbury as the assistant principal at Floral Street, will take the reins on July 1.
“I’m so fortunate to have had this role, working with the people in the community,” said Sawyer.
The valedictorian of Clinton High School’s Class of 1986, Sawyer was a three-sport star for the Gaels. A tall lefty with a wipeout slider and “decent” fastball, he played baseball at Princeton University, winning the Edward J. Donovan Baseball Award for being the team’s best pitcher and earning AllIvy League honors. The minor leagues didn’t come knocking, so instead, Sawyer pursued his other calling: education. His mother was a teacher at Clinton Middle School, and today, his sister, brother, sisterin-law, and brother-in-law are all educators. His eldest daughter, Sheila, 24, teaches fourth grade in Springfield through the Teach For America program.
“Going into education almost felt inevitable,” said Sawyer.
Sawyer taught history at Valley View School in North Brookfield, a therapeutic boarding school, before heading to Houston, Texas to teach elementary school as part of Teach For America. There, he finished his master’s degree at the University of Houston before returning to Massachusetts. He served as the assistant
principal at a school in Middleborough.
At that time, his wife had been admitted to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton (where she has now joined the education ranks as
aspired to be a principal,” he told the Community Advocate.
“But everyone’s career evolves.
... The position in Shrewsbury doesn’t come up very often. To have the opportunity to continue to serve my own community, where we moved and
an assistant professor), and the allure of an assistant principalship at brand-new Floral Street School was too great to pass up. Sawyer was coming back to Central Massachusetts. He was finally headed to Shrewsbury.
After four years as assistant principal, Sawyer became the school’s principal. During those five years he completed his doctorate at Boston College, and then moved over to lead Oak Middle School. He pursued his doctorate with the goal of becoming the best principal possible, he said. But opportunity kept knocking. And Sawyer kept answering.
“I had no interest in being a superintendent, I never saw myself as a superintendent. I
excellent job connecting with their students in that way.”
With his long tenure as superintendent and residency in Shrewsbury, Sawyer has had the opportunity to see former students become major parts of the community. His podiatrist
raised our family – I was excited about that possibility.”
Over 17 years as superintendent, he shepherded the Sherwood Middle School and Maj. Howard W. Beal Elementary School building projects through the Massachusetts School Building Authority process. The RISE Program (Maple & Main) was implemented, two overrides were passed (2014, 2021), and technology changed with the implementation of one-to-one iPad instruction.
“What hasn’t changed – and what will never change – is that good education is all about the quality of the relationship between educators and their students,” said Sawyer. “I think our educators continue to do an
is a Shrewsbury alum, and he remembers many of the town’s police officers, firefighters, DPW workers, and, of course, teachers and school staff from when they were growing up.
It’s an honor he never takes for granted. Every day, he’s reminded of why his work is worth it.
“I have an enormous amount of pride in the impact our schools have. That’s one of the most gratifying things about my career. I’ve been able to remain in one place for almost three decades, and I’ve been able to witness what’s happened to our students as they grow into adults,” Sawyer said.
Long Wednesday nights
with the School Committee – which he thanked for being so supportive, reliable, and dedicated – were worth it, said Sawyer. But after 17 years steering the ship, the time felt right to step away. He’s looking forward to spending more time
with family.
“I’m confident it’s the right time for me and for the district,” he said.
But that doesn’t make stepping away any easier. Before giving his final graduation speech as superintendent on May 28, Sawyer took a moment before stepping onto the stage. In an address that focused on nostalgia, he reflected on his time leading the district.
“It’s natural to reflect on the past when we come to milestones in our lives, and I’m fortunate to be able to look back on my time as superintendent with fondness and gratitude. ... I hope you feel similarly about the times you spent growing up in Shrewsbury,” he told the graduates.
After decades of supporting Shrewsbury students, Sawyer will clear out his office at Town Hall with appreciation for his time as superintendent, but excited about what’s to come. You’ll still see him around Shrewsbury, he said.
“It will be emotional. Emotional in a good way.”
Sawyer, an assistant principal in 1997, and Sawyer, a superintendent in 2026.
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Shrewsbury nightclub owner was involved with The Mob
By Michael Perna Jr. History Columnist
SHREWSBURY – Today,
Shrewsbury is known for being a desirable place to live and work, with great schools,, town services, and government. In addition, the mix of businesses, close proximity to great hospitals, and excellent housing only add to the town’s charisma.
But in the 1930s and 1940s, Shrewsbury was a much different place. The area around the “center” was mostly oldtime residents. During the era known as Prohibition, a number of restaurants, nightclubs, and speakeasies were located in the area, especially near White City Amusement Park.
One of the nightclubs was “The Happy Hour,” located
on North Quinsigamond Avenue. The owner was reported to be Tony “Champ” Santello. “Champ” was known as an outgoing, accordion-playing man that hosted many famous people, including Ava Gardner and a young Frank Sinatra, at the “Happy Hour.”
Large photos of past guests standing with a beaming, well-dressed “Champ” lined the place’s walls.
There was another, more sinister side to “Champ,” however. He had become involved in many criminal activities at an early age, and was arrested numerous times for a variety of robberies and beatings. He was even alleged to have murdered people. One local tale links him to the murder of a town resident who was found floating sewed inside a ragbag in Lake
Quinsigamond. He spent a stint in jail, but during many other occasions, when he had been accused of a variety of offenses, witnesses would suddenly be unable to identify him. It turns out that Tony “Champ” Santello was involved in the Mafia. One of his nephews, now in his 80s, related in a recent interview that he was “connected.” Re -
search revealed that he was, indeed, “connected” – he was linked to a $10,000 bank robbery in Webster in 1932, and, along with Raymond Patriaca, he was also known to be involved with Frank Iaconi, the Worcester “mob boss.” These connections did not seem to have any negative effect on his nightclub – it was a popular spot back in those days.
The latter part of Tony “Champ” Santello’s life remains somewhat of a mystery. The “Happy Hour” – like nearby nightclubs “Tilli’s” and the “Palais Royal” – has been gone for many years. No definitive record can be found of his passing, although one internet search makes note of one “Antonio Santello” from Worcester, who died in the early 1980s. What we can be certain of, however, is that Tony “Champ” Santello was a well-known local resident who was involved in the running of the “Happy Hour” nightclub in Shrewsbury.
New monument to honor Westborough Police Department
strengthening our community bonds,” Westborough Police Chief Todd Minardi said. “It’s in honor of those who serve with integrity and in commitment to the safety and trust of our community.”
According to a rough sketch displayed by Minardi, the monument will be made of black stone, with white engravings. The Westborough Police Department’s seal will be at the top
of the monument.
“Something that’s going to be low-maintenance. Easy to maintain,” said Minardi.
The monument will cost between $17,300 and $42,000, though it will be funded entirely through private donations.
It will be erected at the current site of a bench that was due to be relocated, Minardi told the Select Board. The area is ADA compliant.
Patrick Welch was the
lone Select Board member to vote against the monument, though other members asked for minor adjustments to its design.
Welch said that he supported the message, but wished the area in front of Forbes would be for memorials only, not monuments.
“Very supportive of the message. I love the words, and I think it’s appropriate to have this message. I am not, however, in support of this particular monument.
I believe that area should be dedicated solely to the purpose of memorials,” said Welch.
The four other members disagreed.
“I think it’s appropriate. I think you’ve done the right steps,” said Select Board member Ian Johnson.
Three finalists for Northborough fire chief role
borough and joined the U.S. Army out of high school. He is a paramedic and has been with the Franklin Fire Department since 2001, being promoted to lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief.
“What drew me to Northborough? It’s a very similar community to the one where I work right now in Franklin. About half the size, same demographics, same residentialcommercial make-up – it’s a very comfortable environment for me as far as operations, finance, budgeting, and understanding the community,” he said.
Sadowski, who is also trained as a paramedic, spent 21 years in Southborough, including 10 years as captain of the Southborough Fire Department. He left to lead the West Boylston Fire Department.
“[Northborough has] been a community that I’ve been familiar with for quite some time, and I look forward to the
opportunity to serve here as fire chief,” Sadowski told the Select Board.
Aspesi has served as Northborough’s acting chief since Parenti’s departure. He’s an Algonquin graduate.
“Serving as the deputy chief and acting chief has given me the opportunity to work collaboratively with various department heads, town leadership, regional area fire chiefs, and external partners on an array of operational, administrative, strategic, financial, and personnel matters,” said Aspesi.
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Postmortem: Grafton debriefs about Town Meeting ‘fiasco’
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
GRAFTON – After a tumultuous and historic Town Meeting on May 11, the Grafton Select Board on May 26 reviewed what had gone right – and, more interestingly, what had gone wrong – at the 5-hour-long “fiasco.”
With a debt exclusion (Grafton Middle School roof) and Prop. 2 ½ override ask on the warrant, the May 11 meeting drew crowds from throughout Grafton. Over 1,000 voters attended, crushing the town’s average spring attendance (383) and nearing the all-time mark of 1,100 (2010).
Anticipating a crowd, Grafton increased capacity, setting up 250 seats in the Grafton High School cafeteria that would serve as an overflow to the auditorium if necessary. The town also secured 1,000 electronic voting “clickers” –some from other towns – to use if needed.
“We looked at a lot of different factors to try to figure out how many people we’d thought would be there. We thought that 600 was a reasonable guess, but we’ll plan for 800. Then we built in more contingency and went to 1,000,” said Town Administrator Evan Brassard.
The turnout of 1,000 registered voters was right on the upper echelon of how many people Grafton could accommodate. But many registered voters also brought nonvoters, like children, into voting spaces, filling seats and taking space. The auditorium and cafeteria filled quickly. The fire chief alerted authorities about capacity concerns, noting that the volume was too loud for the overflow crowd to hear speakers inside the auditorium.
Soon enough, all 1,000 clickers had been taken, and everything was at capacity. The town could not extend Town Meeting overflow into the gymnasium since the set-up would’ve required approximately $10,000 and additional consulting, Brassard said. Once the clickers were gone, those who came to Town Meeting could not
effectively vote.
So a motion was made to adjourn the meeting.
“Our turnout on May 11 officially ranks among the largest legislative assemblies in Grafton’s history. As we saw, that historic attendance brought immediate operational challenges,” said Moderator Dawn Anderson.
Anderson’s explanation of why the body had to adjourn focused on the clickers. She’d later say she regretted not emphasizing that, in addition to the insufficient number of clickers, she was concerned about the fact that Town Meeting was overcapacity. Since non-voters and voters were interspersed in the cafeteria and auditorium, a “voice vote” – the next best option – was an unreliable measure; non-registered attendees could theoretically speak up and cast a vote.
The motion to adjourn failed. Town Meeting members were asked to exit the building and re-enter. This way, the non-voters and voters could be kept in separate areas.
“Looking back, I take full accountability for how I communicated that to the floor. When I called the meeting back to order, I focused heavily on the immediate constraints of electronic voting. In my efforts to explain the technical, I didn’t fully articulate the broader public safety and voter integrity concerns I had,” said Anderson.
Added Brassard: “We quickly realized we had a room full of voters and nonvoters that were all mixed together, which is problematic, because the clicker is your ticket, and without it, we have no way to identify anybody.”
All the hoopla left some Grafton voters feeling outraged.
“I was at the fiasco of the Town Meeting last night. … Anyone else who had anything to do with the planning of that meeting should be completely embarrassed. I have lived in Grafton for my whole life, 62-plus years, and have never seen something so ridiculous,” said Jeanne Joncas.
Added Bob Carroll: “I would consider myself a disenfranchised voter.”
The “voice vote” ultimately took place, although a motion was later made for a “ballot vote” on the big-ticket items that were the topics of controversy. A voice vote, unlike electronic voting, allows other people to see how their neighbors voted. When the override was discussed, some felt nervous to vote in front of others, preferring a secret ballot instead.
“The level of discourse that has sometimes been enabled in this room relative to how elected officials are treated and spoken to rolled over, I think, into our Town Meeting. … There were a lot of folks in the audience who felt quite intimidated by their neighbors. That was happening in real time,” said Select Board member Ann Marie Foley. “It’s wholly disappointing, and it really is a disservice to the notion of this being a truly democratic process.”
There were also residents disgruntled at the “pageantry” to open the meeting. Anderson spent roughly 30 minutes reading various statements, giving awards to different individuals, recognizing volunteers, and introducing performances.
Anderson said she wouldn’t change anything about the proceedings.
“Since Town Meeting was dismissed, I have heard complaints from some residents about the pageantry and opening ceremonies, which did indeed increase from 20 minutes last year to 30 minutes this year. … I stand by every single second of that additional time,” she said, noting that many of the additional minutes were spent on one-time initiatives to recognize America250.
Added Brassard: “Every Town Meeting I’ve ever been to has its own traditions and norms at the beginning. Those evolve over time. Some norms are 200 years old, and some are new. I don’t think you want to get rid of everything, but it was a resident concern that was brought up.”
Henrique died at 4. His brother is carrying his legacy forward
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
MARLBOROUGH – At Immaculate Conception Church in Marlborough on May 30, an individual dressed in a giant inflatable heart costume stood outside the doors. A cheery presence, the heart welcomed individuals into the building.
As impressive as the costume was, it still wasn’t the biggest heart in the room. That belonged to Davi De Sousa, a 10th-grade student at the Advanced Math and Science Academy. De Sousa turned a tragedy into an inspiring event that will help people across the country.
Just a few short years ago, De Sousa was devastated. His brother, Henrique, was diagnosed with leukemia and endured a difficult treatment plan. Throughout that period, he required countless blood and platelet transfusions. De Sousa witnessed the anguish as his brother, just a 4-year-old, fought for his life.
Unfortunately, Henrique did
not survive. Heartbroken, De Sousa thought about how to move forward. The grief was real, but De Sousa was determined to use his brother’s memory to help others who were struggling. The planning started in earnest.
“I believe that you can’t just keep down all the time,” said De Sousa.
What came out of the planning is remarkable, and De Sousa hopes it becomes an annual
event. He partnered with the Red Cross to offer a Blood Drive; dozens of people participated, and their donations will ultimately save hundreds of lives.
De Sousa knows how badly blood is needed all too well.
“There were lots of situations when Henrique would run out of platelets and blood. We would have to call other hospitals – they wouldn’t have any. I know how stressful it is having someone who needs blood and
doesn’t have it,” said De Sousa.
The Youth Group at Immaculate Conception helped provide the energy at the event, offering finger foods, encouragement, and administrative support.
Volunteers hope the event is the start of a “chain of kindness.”
When Henrique was struggling, he remained “full of life,” largely because of De Sousa’s mother, who would create stories for her son to try to alleviate his suffering. De Sousa was often
there, and he started recording the stories.
Now, he’s compiling them into a book to donate to children’s hospitals.
“I thought I should write them down, give them to other kids,” he said.
Moving forward after a loss is difficult, said De Sousa, but finding ways to honor his brother is not.
“Everyone loves helping,” he said.
LEFT: Immaculate Conception parishioners were excited to help. RIGHT: Davi De Sousa honored his brother with a Blood Drive. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Nearly 150 business and community leaders gathered on May 15th for the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest Annual Meeting and Business Awards Breakfast, a signature event held at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough, celebrating leadership, partnership, and the outstanding contributions of Chamber members. The morning honored nine remarkable individuals and organizations, recognized Chamber members with milestone member anniversaries, and introduced the newly elected Officers and Board of Directors for 2026–2027.
Joseph Sova, Director of GeoSearch Inc., was elected Chair of the Board, bringing strong regional leadership to the Chamber’s continued growth and advocacy efforts.
The 2026 Member Awards were presented to the following distinguished recipients:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• Small Business: Intellestate Law
• Large Business: Gaudette Insurance Agency
• Community Leader: UniBank
• Business Icon Award: Harry’s Restaurant
• Lifetime Leadership Award: Andy Davis, Worcester Airport
• Ambassador of the Year: Scott Rancourt, Proforma Elite Sourcing
• Young Professional of the Year: Victoria Maraia, Livictus Financial Services
• Woman-Owned Business: Sandy Coker, Human Power Solutions
The Chamber extends heartfelt appreciation to its Annual Meeting sponsors, whose support made the celebration possible. Presenting Sponsor: UniBank; Supporting Sponsor: Asset Strategy, Avidia Bank, Central One Federal Credit Union, Cold Harbor Brewing, Cox Tutoring Group, Elsie Kaye Artisan Gifts
6/24/2026 | WEBINAR: TRANSFORM EMPATHY INTO A POWERFUL LEADERSHIP ADVANTAGE IN THE WORKPLACE 9:30-10:30 am
8/18/2026 | SUMMER NETWORKING BBQ The Willows at Westborough, 4:30-7:00 pm, Westborough
10/21/2026 | OKTOBERFEST NETWORKING EVENT Cold Harbor Brewing, 5:00-7:30 pm, Westborough Visit the Chamber’s website at www.corridornine.org for more information or to register for events.
Thunder Monkey
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, Worcester Regional Airport, Work Well Webinars; Program Booklet Sponsor: Curry Printing; and Photographer: Prentice Visual Media. For any business interested in joining the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest, visit the Chamber’s website at www.corridornine.org. The Chamber hosts 60 programs and networking events a year and is well known as the best resource for networking in the region to grow your business with new connections.
2026 Award Recipients From Left to Right: Andy Davis, Worcester Regional Airport; Jason Toomey, Intellestate Law; Scott Rancourt, Proforma Elite Sourcing; Tori Maraia, Livictus Financial Services; Jeanine Sander and Suzanne Ryan, Harry’s Restaurant; Sandy Coker, Human Power Solutions; Lee Gaudette, Gaudette Insurance Agency; and Chris Foley, UniBank
Photo Credit: Prentice Visual Media
& Flamework Studio, Gaudette Insurance Agency, Inc., The Great Wolf Lodge New England, Metrowest Mini Splits, Michelle Gillespie Realtors; Middlesex Savings Bank, Proforma Elite Sourcing,
Provisions,
After 20 years of leading book sales, Northborough volunteer steps away
By Laney Halsey Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH - For nearly 20 years, if the Northborough Free Library was holding a book sale, chances are Ellen Church was behind it.
After overseeing hundreds of volunteers, organizing thousands of donated books, and helping to raise more than $250,000 for the Friends of the Northborough Library, Church is stepping down from her role as Book Sale Chair.
Church has served under three library directors and has helped turn the book sales into a major fundraising effort. Her relentless dedication and passion lead the way.
“It’s not rocket science,” Church said. “It’s just books and loving books.”
Church oversees a team of over 100 volunteers in the community who sort through, pack up, and sell books during six sales each year. A typical sale features roughly 5,000
books, while larger events can offer over 10,000 titles.
“I really love working with these people,” Church said.
“I’ve gotten to know a lot of people really well, and it’s
something I just have loved doing.”
Church’s connection to li-
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vania hometown, and her love for books quickly turned into 20 years of experience.
when I was a kid, a lot of fantasy. You read a book and you’re transported to somewhere else. It’s just better than TV.”
One perk of the job has been discovering new books.
“I get to see all of the books that come in, and I found a lot of my next reads from books that were donated by other people,” Church said.
Her favorite moments come when she can help visitors find exactly what they’re looking for.
“[It’s rewarding] when someone comes in and asks if you have a specific book or author and you can pull it out and say, ‘Here you go,’” Church said. “Someone came in and asked for a Kristin Hannah book this morning, and we just went and pulled one out for her.”
In the end, every donated book contributes to something larger.
“We raise thousands of dollars, a dollar at a time,” Church said.
Ellen Church has been a pillar of the Northborough community through her work as Booksale Chair. (Photo/Laney Halsey)
How grilled cheese divided a Shrewsbury neighborhood
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – A proposed gathering of food trucks led to an extended debate among members of the Shrewsbury community in May, with residents petitioning the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to stop the event before it begins.
In late April, Teresa Goulette – the operator of popular grilled cheese food truck Say Cheese! – came before the ZBA looking to organize weekly food truck nights at 440 Main Street, the site of Trinity Episcopal Church. The church is located between Saint John’s and the town center.
“Food Truck Night” at Town Hall was canceled this season, leaving limited options for residents. Goulette proposed the night at Trinity Episcopal as an alternative, allowing Shrewsbury residents – and all who enjoy food trucks – another space to congregate.
“[Goulette] is a pioneer in this town for food trucks. They show up every time they’re called.
I’m not ashamed to say I show up at Food Truck Night more than I should. It’s a fantastic event.
Families gather there. Our kids go there. We gath er on the lawn. We have a blast,” said resident Dadene Robert Gonet. “This is a citi zen stepping up.”
about where people would park should the 50 proposed spots fill, and concerns about the impact on potential endangered species that live in the woodlands behind the church. Smells and noise could also become a nuisance, they said.
zone, we hope you take this seriously. Having a business or food truck across the street from us causes all sorts of safety issues,” said neighbor Kelly Cao.
Added neighbor Malcolm Morville: “I see this as an assault on the quiet enjoyment of my home.”
But to other residents, the plan would be a “travesty.”
Residents spoke candidly about traffic concerns, fear
Plans called for a “food truck night” every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. About three trucks would be featured, with upwards of six trucks for special events. About 50 parking spaces were provided as part of the plans, with food trucks lining the perimeter of the property.
borhood is zoned residential.
“This is a residential zone. We live in this area because it’s a beautiful town. We love the area we’re in. Because it’s a residential
Other residents questioned why – in a town like Shrewsbury with plenty of places to hold an event – Trinity Episcopal was the ideal location. According to event organizers, holding the event at Trinity is the crux of the plan.
“It was born from a place of trying to rescue Trinity Church, which is in dire financial straits. We are struggling, we have in the 20s for active parishioners. [We’re] hoping that, selfishly, perhaps it would bring folks to Trinity, and folks would be curious and
come to church,” said Trinity Episcopal parishioner Jo-Ellen Brodeur.
“We’re not trying to commercialize. We’re trying to do something for the community.”
Though most residents voiced their strong opposition to the plans, nobody criticized the food trucks or the church – with many going out of their way to say they would like the church to remain in the neighborhood, offering support for future events.
The ZBA ultimately rejected the food truck’s plan in a 3-2 vote.
“I sympathize with the goals of the church, however, the issues of noise, odor, smoke, traffic generated, and potential unsightliness – as they are named in the statute – are large risk factors for me,” said ZBA member David Moore. “I want to say ‘yes’ for your cause, but with the statute, I don’t think I can get there.”
Grafton resident surpasses $1 million donated to Make-A-Wish
GRAFTON — Grafton resident and Auburn businessman Bill Murphy recently surpassed over $1 million in lifetime giving to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His significant support has helped to grant the wishes of more than 100 local children with critical illnesses.
For two decades, Murphy has tirelessly worked in support of Make-A-Wish, raising funds and awareness through creative, visible, and physically grueling means spanning traditional to unique. Murphy is also the 2025 recipient of the inaugural Wish Champion Award in recognition of his outstanding support of the mission in Central Massachusetts.
Murphy was inspired 20 years ago to learn more after seeing the joy of wish kids at Walt Disney World. From completing a marathon on crutches while raising funds for Make-A-Wish to serving on the charity’s Board of Di-
rectors, his commitment over the years has only grown. In addition to his personal efforts, Murphy also supports the organization through his company, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, for which he is the local Branch Manager in Auburn.
“This milestone isn’t mine. It belongs to everyone who believed in this mission and showed up. Through my Fairway family, my clients, my family, friends, and my business partners, we have collectively crossed over $1 million in donations to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I never could have imagined, when this journey started, what it
would become — or what it would mean,” said Murphy. In 2024, Murphy’s Running the World For Wishes campaign brought his sup -
of 24 children.
Over his years of giving, the mission has been very personal to Murphy. He has involved his own children in his fundraising efforts, and he has formed bonds with many of the wish recipients whose wishes he’s helped grant.
port to truly unbelievable levels. He ran seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days in The Great World Race. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Murphy raised nearly $300,000 for the organization through that effort, funding the wishes
“Bill’s phenomenal support of our wish children reflects his relentless belief in hope and possibility, which are both also central to the Make-AWish mission,” says Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Sean Holleran. “We are incredibly grateful to him for his unparalleled generosity, which sets an inspiring example for our community of supporters.”
Murphy sees no limit to
his support for Make-A-Wish and is determined to keep that total growing to advance the charity’s vision to grant the wish of every eligible local child.
“Make-A-Wish doesn’t just grant wishes. It gives families something to hold onto during the hardest seasons of their lives. That ripple effect is real, and I’ve felt it in ways I never anticipated. But the work isn’t done,” said Murphy.
“A million dollars is a chapter, not the ending. There are more kids. More families. More wishes waiting to be made real. And there is so much more awareness to raise about what this organization actually does and the profound impact it creates. If you’ve already been part of this journey — thank you, from the bottom of my heart. If you’ve been on the sidelines and wondered how to get involved, now is the time. The way I see it, the next million starts today.”
Hudson to consider one-year moratorium on data centers
By Paul Hopkins Reporter
HUDSON — The Hudson Select Board is backing a one-year moratorium on the development of data centers in town, an effort to give the Planning Board time to consider their impact and potentially recommend changing zoning bylaws. Voters at November Town Meeting are likely to consider the issue.
Hudson’s Director of Planning and Community Development Kristina Johnson appeared before the Select Board to argue for the moratorium.
“This emerging land use is the hot topic amongst my [planning] colleagues across the Commonwealth,” Johnson said. The one-year pause would give Hudson room to “understand the potential land use, environmental, infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal impacts” that come with data centers, she said.
All four current members of the Select Board indicated their support. Patrick
Thayer said the slow approach could help ensure that smaller firms that rely on artificial intelligence services would not be “caught up in the blast radius” of a comprehensive zoning bylaw meant to regulate large facilities. He added that large data centers impact water and power supply.
Select Board member Diane Bemis said she doesn’t believe data centers belong in small towns. “They belong in the desert somewhere far, far away,” she joked.
Johnson said data centers can offer growth in tax revenue, but “we need to think about land use.” She noted that in the town’s history, commercial developments have sometimes occurred near residential areas. “We live with that today, and we don’t want that to happen with a potential data center,” Johnson said.
National Development, which is re-developing the former Intel space on Reed Road, would be precluded from any potential data center restrictions due to a zon -
ing freeze enacted in 2023. In past hearings, company representatives indicated that a data center was unlikely to be built there.
Draft language for the moratorium includes recognition that “Data Center Facilities may generate significant impacts related to electrical demand, emergency backup power generation, noise, water consumption, traffic, stormwater management, greenhouse
gas emissions, and compatibility with existing land uses.”
The establishment of data centers has quickly become a national debate, and Johnson says “Google, Meta, and Amazon are buying up land like crazy” and putting a squeeze on the electric grid.
Johnson will bring the issue before the Planning Board, which would develop any zoning regulations. She
said she will talk with town counsel to be sure “we’re not unintentionally regulating small-scale servers.”
Data Center Watch, which tracks opposition to data center development, says hundreds of billions of dollars in projects have been prevented or delayed. And public polling indicates 7 out of 10 Americans would oppose the construction of new AI data centers near their neighborhoods.
Four-story State Crime Lab breaks ground in Marlborough
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
MARLBOROUGH – It’s official: Construction has started on a major investment in Marlborough.
On June 9, leaders from throughout the state broke ground on the new Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, which is set to open in 2028. Developed by Greatland Realty Partners, the four-story 200,000-square-foot building will serve more than 250 employees in the state’s Police Forensic Services Division. It will be located on Martinangelo Drive, near Simarano Drive.
The project is an expected $200 million investment, according to Marlborough officials. Massachusetts has entered into a 20-year lease with two 10year extension options. The new Crime Lab will consolidate two pieces of existing infrastructure in Maynard and Sudbury.
“Today’s groundbreaking reflects our commitment to
providing you with a facility that matches the caliber of the work you provide,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Every day, these highlytrained scientists provide critical forensic services to investigators across the commonwealth. They respond to crime scenes, perform complex laboratory testing, provide expert testimony, and process DNA samples for submission to the national database. Their work requires exceptional skill and a deep commitment to public service.”
Added Kristen Sullivan, the Chief Science Officer for the Massachusetts State Police: “Today is an important day, not only for our organization, but for
the criminal justice system and the communities we serve. This project represents the commonwealth’s investment in public safety, scientific excellence, and a collective commitment to ensuring our investigations are supported by the highest standards of forensic science.”
In decades to come, the area surrounding the Crime Lab may become a mixed-use corridor that drives revenue for the city.
In March, Greatland outlined its long-term plan to construct several structures around a current 530,000-square-foot office building, which has BJ’s and Hologic as major tenants. New construction would include a four-story lab building with 200,000 square feet of total space, and 400 units of housing. Approximately 300 units would be apartment-style, spread between two five-story buildings. The other 100 would be townhousestyle units arranged in a small neighborhood. Almost 3,200 parking spaces would be added to the site as part of the plans, inclusive of the Crime Lab.
A 600-space parking ga -
rage, situated at the center of the proposed development, is included in the plan.
As its currently proposed, the project would give Marlborough $1.6 million in net new annual taxes.
“On behalf of Greatland, we’re honored to be the developers of this project. We try to be very client-focused, and it’s been a pleasure to work with our client, the team at the Crime Lab, and we ourselves have gained a new appreciation for the work they do. We appreciate the trust that all of you have placed in us,” said Kevin Sheehan, the managing principal at Greatland.
Added Marlborough Mayor J. Christian Dumais: “In Marlborough, we’re so very proud about what the city and its partners can offer. … As mayor, you dream to be a part of a project of this magnitude – it’s a transformative achievement that will benefit public safety and the community for decades to come.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 9. (Photo/Courtesy)
Should fifth-graders be allowed to use library unsupervised?
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Welcome back, fifth-graders?
The debate continues about whether fifth- and sixth-grade students should be allowed to visit the Shrewsbury Public Library unsupervised. In 2023, the library was forced to change its policy after a string of bad behavior. Students would come to the library in droves, chase one another, bring bicycles inside, break windows, and even fly remote-control planes indoors. Police were sometimes called.
Afterwards, the library changed its policy to require supervision of fifth- and sixth-grade students.
The behavior stopped after the policy change, but at March’s Library Board of Trustees meeting, a proposal to amend the policy to re-allow the students was put forward, though trustees didn’t seem to have an appetite for
re-allowing middle-schoolers at the library.
On April 28, the discussion continued, and with more stakeholders present, the vibe shifted.
Jonathan Kelly – the principal of Sherwood Middle School, where students start their pilgrimage to Dunkin’, and ultimately, the library –spoke at the meeting, claiming that the 2023 poor behavior was characteristic of post-COVID setbacks. Kelly
said the behavior was much improved today.
“The behaviors we were seeing in schools were behaviors we had never seen. … It’s shifted significantly. … In a school like Sherwood where there’s over 900 students, I would say 10 percent of our students are engaging in negative behaviors consistently. So to have the system rewarding the 90 percent – that helps students make that shift,” he told the Library Board of
Trustees. “You would be really impressed with the level of respect and responsibility that students show on a daily basis. [Moreso] than they did in 2023.”
Librarians at the meeting proposed an interim solution where fifth- and sixthgraders would be allowed independently, except for peak times like Fridays and Tuesday half-days, which tend to be chaotic.
“We’ve put together some
options that strike a really good balance between this community that’s lost connection with the library, while minimizing the risk of something nobody wants to see again. Nobody wants to return to those very difficult years,” said librarian Annie Lee.
“What we really have to consider is our context, and the most important thing in our context is our capacity. If we believe we have the capacity to do our due diligence and support and serve these students, we absolutely should. … I’d rather be slow and steady,” said trustee Noor Ali.
Some remained skeptical, however.
“I’m very concerned about sheer numbers, to be honest with you. When you have that number of children outside of a structured setting like school, there’s difficulties. I really don’t want to return to those Fridays and those numbers. I’m worried about the other patrons,” said Deborah Lebeaux
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MARLBOROUGH REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORK | REFER
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Summer Starts Here: Celebrating Community and Local Business
As summer arrives, the Marlborough Region comes alive with activity, bringing residents, visitors, and businesses together to celebrate all that makes our community special. From local festivals and community celebrations to outdoor events and family-friendly gatherings, June is a vibrant time for our region. These events not only create memorable experiences but also provide valuable opportunities to support the local businesses that help drive our economy.
The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to support and promote the many organizations, businesses, and community partners that make these events possible. Every visit to a local restaurant, retailer, attraction, or service provider helps strengthen our regional economy and contributes to a thriving community.
We encourage you to get out, get involved, and support local whenever you can. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Marlborough Region.
Neide DaSilva (left), owner of Maha Juice, welcomes guests during the business’s ribbon cutting celebration alongside Regina Wolf Fritz (right), Executive Director of Better Day Adult Social Day Program.”
Committee selects $98.4M plan that would rebuild Peaslee entirely
NORTHBOROUGH – At its June 9th meeting, the Peaslee Building Committee voted to advance “Option B1,” the proposed construction of a new school building that includes a townwide preschool facility, to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The decision follows extensive evaluation by the
building committee, which was formed in 2024 to oversee the feasibility study for the 1962-era Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School. Following a detailed study of the existing site –including wetlands, traffic and utilities – Flansburgh Architects delivered nine possible design scenarios for consideration. In May,
the committee eliminated four options that would have triggered a town-wide grade reconfiguration and consolidated third- through fifth-graders into a single campus. This decision was driven by the district’s analysis of transportation and space needs, as well as overwhelming community feedback expressing a
strong preference for maintaining Northborough’s traditional neighborhood school model.
Ultimately, three scenarios emerged as frontrunners. Each scenario included a dedicated, townwide preschool center, allowing Northborough to accommodate local preschool demand within its own borders instead of housing preschool classrooms across two facilities located in Southborough and Northborough’s Marion E. Zeh School.
In deliberations spanning
multiple meetings, committee members analyzed the pros and cons of building a new school versus constructing an addition to the front (or the rear) of the existing structure, similar to the Lincoln Street Elementary School project that was completed in 2016 with MSBA funding. The committee weighed the potential for cost savings with an addition-renovation approach, which could finish under-budget if construction reserves went unused, against the programmatic advantages associated with a new build.
Ultimately, the committee voted in the majority to select a new construction design, citing that a new build directs public funds into a permanent, optimized building rather than diverting substantial capital toward code-compliant renovations and temporary logistical costs including modular classrooms and complex construction staging.
According to the preliminary independent cost evaluation prepared by PM&C, the estimated total project cost for new construction (Option B1) is $98.4 million, compared to $102.9 million and $103.7 million for addition/renovation options B2 and B3, respectively. The committee proposes to work throughout the upcoming design phase to refine the project scope and pricing to tightly align with the district’s educational program, while striving to work within Northborough’s budgetary requirements. Through its partnership with the MSBA, the town is eligible for a reimbursement rate of up to 48.68 percent on approved project costs.
Marlborough to celebrate 250th anniversary of America in style
By Paul Hopkins Reporter
MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough will celebrate America’s 250 years of independence on June 27 and it promises to be an exciting event.
The celebration is scheduled a week prior to July 4 so as not to conflict with family plans and other events. The Grand Parade will kick off at 4 p.m. on June 27 at Main Street and Bolton Street. Floats, vintage cars, drum music, and the people of Marlborough will march together down Main Street, according to event organizer Stephen LeDuc.
“Joining the parade can be as simple as dressing patriotically and showing up ready to celebrate,” LeDuc said. “No over-thinking required. If you feel the pull to be part of this special day, just come. You’ll be welcomed with open arms.”
Following the parade, the community is invited to gather at Ward Park to witness live musket drills, a Revolutionary War skirmish between Lexington minutemen and British redcoats, and the firing of cannons. Local restaurants and food trucks will have culinary options, and the Williams Tavern will be present.
A “cannon- and musket-firing spectacular” will close out the day.
“From our evening gala celebrating the history of Williams Tavern and the refurbishment of its historic sign, to obtaining a replica cannon from the Henry Knox expedition, showcas -
ing 18th- and 19th-century artifacts at the library, participating in Bunker Hill Day in Charlestown, hosting Ghost Tours in Spring Hill Cemetery, and honoring Henry Knox at our luncheon — this upcoming event on June 27 serves as the pinnacle of all our collective efforts,” said LeDuc. “It has been an outstanding and memorable experience for all of us.”
The Marlborough 250 Committee has been working on the celebration for over two years. LeDuc added that community groups and organizations, businesses, and families are still welcome to join.
Free parking is available at designated lots, including the City Hall garage and Newton Street garage, with shuttle service to the event. Sponsorships are still being accepted.
Information is available at historicmarlborough.org.
Flaherty Physical Therapy celebrates 10 years by giving back to community
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – What better way to celebrate than giving back?
That’s how Kevin Flaherty, a Shrewsbury resident, approached his business’s anniversary. Ten years after opening Flaherty Physical Therapy in Northborough – a business that has since expanded to Hudson – Flaherty held a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 8 that raised $1,000 for each of 10 different Northborough charitable organizations.
“Part of the mission of our company was to try to give back to the community as much as we possibly can,” said Flaherty. “I couldn’t have done this at all without my team. They are amazing. They’re what has made this so successful.”
The organizations receiving the donations include the Algonquin Baseball and Softball Association, the Northbor -
ough Educational Foundation, BORO Cares 4 Troops, Northborough Historical Society, Northborough Community Affairs Committee, Northborough Senior Center, Northborough Helping Hands, Northborough Free Library, and the Northborough Recreation Department.
“It’s not just about this great
business. Kevin is incredibly charitable, and he’s always doing things in the community. It’s one thing to get a business going – and 10 years is incredible – but also to be such a strong community partner, it’s incredible,” said state representative Hannah Kane.
Added state senator Robyn Kennedy: “It really speaks to a
Westborough Office Space
true leader in the community. You’re taking the opportunity –you’re celebrating an anniversary of yours by celebrating the community. That’s a beautiful, beautiful thing. … You’re uplifting the community.”
About 100 people attended the ribbon-cutting.
“This is an incredible celebration and achievement. This room is filled with people, which is clearly a testament to you, your team, and your family’s hard work. The facility is beautiful, and I’d like to echo my congratulations. It’s a joy to support and celebrate a thriving business,” said state representative Meghan Kilcoyne.
SELCO is here for Shrewsbury – not shareholders
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – In 1908, the organization now known as SELCO (Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations) was created to help power streetlights, municipal buildings, and, of course, residences. Its mission was to ensure the Shrewsbury community had access to reliable and affordable electricity.
Much has changed for SELCO in the last 118 years – in 1983, the organization was granted a cable television license, for instance, and introduced high-speed internet in 1999 – but its goal remains the same. Through its numerous initiatives and products, SELCO focuses on being reliable, affordable, and grounded in the community.
When asked what first comes to mind about SELCO, General Manager Christopher Roy said “pride.”
“We’re here, we’re proud to be able to deliver a service in a way that makes people proud to live in Shrewsbury. We know the community. Inherently, that just makes you more motivated to strive to provide the level of service you know your neighbors expect,” Roy told the Community Advocate.
For SELCO, it’s always been about electricity, cable, and community. The organization has been supporting Shrewsbury financially since 1912 through a PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) program, and SELCO Commission meetings are open to the public, allowing everyone to see how rates are set. But there are also lessobvious things: SELCO offers scholarships to graduates, has given away over 12,000 trees through Arbor Day celebrations, holds an annual open house, visits fourth-graders to teach about electric safety, and pays for the beautiful seasonal banners seen on telephone poles in Downtown Shrewsbury.
Most recently, SELCO donated $25,000 to celebrate the town’s 300th anniversary.
Private corporations work for shareholders. SELCO works for Shrewsbury residents.
“The root of our success is our community. The community is the stakeholder, the owner, and the benefactor of
a municipal light plant like SELCO. That’s what makes all the investments worth it. Whether it’s a community event, line upgrades, or new internet services – all of it goes back to benefiting the community,” said Roy.
Added Bob Holland, the chair of the SELCO Commission: “We’re not just an entity that comes in, charges you for electricity, and walks off. We’re not here to make money – we’re a non-profit. We’re here for the community, we give back. If there’s an excess, we’ll lower the rates.”
Though focused on the community, SELCO doesn’t rest on its laurels when it comes to the user experience. Always innovating, SELCO is on the cutting edge of electrification, modernizing systems to support electric vehicles.
AMI (Advanced Meter Infrastructure) gives customers insight into energy usage and helps SELCO respond faster to outages. Fiber internet is continuing to expand across the town, and SELCO is on track to meet its goal of a 100 percent carbon-free power supply by 2032.
The impact is tangible. When power goes out, SELCO crews are there within minutes – not hours or days. In 2025, SELCO customers saved an average of almost $2,000 compared to neighboring communities with investoror privately-owned utilities. The organization is excited to tell residents how it can help
through offering rebates.
Because, in the end, SELCO is here for Shrewsbury. The town comes first with every decision.
“Internally, our mantra is that we want to be the
role-model utility,” said Roy. “What’s the definition of a role model? We want to have the utmost reliability, competitive rates, and outstanding customer service. We want to be better every day, and we
want to continue to serve the residents of Shrewsbury.”
The smiling faces behind SELCO. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Available Services & Amenities
TAKE IT EASY
• Private air-conditioned shuttle bus
• Snow removal (and ample free parking)
• Weekly light housekeeping & flat linen service
• Three delicious home-cooked meals daily
STAY ACTIVE
• Fitness & wellness programs
• Indoor 1/5-mile walking path
• Exercise classes 7 days a week
• Heated indoor lap swimming pool
PURSUE YOUR INTERESTS
• A variety of clubs
• Country kitchen for resident use
• Indoor greenhouse & outdoor gardens
• Regular Catholic, Jewish, & Protestant services
HAVE FUN
• Weekly entertainment
• Outings to restaurants and museums
• A full calendar of events and activities
• Games, crafts, lectures, movie nights, & more!
EXPERIENCE TOP-NOTCH SERVICE
• On-site maintenance team
• 24-hour front desk receptionist
• Director on duty seven days a week
• Licensed nurse scheduled 24 hours a day
ENJOY ON-SITE CONVENIENCE
• Six complimentary laundry rooms
• Primary care, podiatry, & dental care
• Banking, a pharmacy/sundry shop, & a hair/beauty salon
• Lounges, billiards room, library, theater, art studio, and game room
MAKE IT YOUR HOME
• Wide variety of floor plans
• Individually controlled heat/air conditioning
• Window treatments & wall-to-wall carpeting
• Oversized bathrooms with easy step-in shower
LEGAL NOTICES
Scan QR code for rate information or to email your legal notice.
WESTBOROUGH
SECTION 00100
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Town of Westborough, Massachusetts
Sealed bids for the Water Meter Replacement Pilot Program IFB #27-0200 for the Town of Westborough, Massachusetts, will be received at the Westborough Department of Public Works, 131 Oak St, Westborough, MA 01581, until 10:00 AM prevailing time, on JULY, 1, 2026, at which time and place said bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.
The scope of work includes the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment and incidentals necessary to install approximately 235 water meters and AMI modules ranging in size from 5/8-inch to 6-inch. All water meters and AMI modules shall be procured through a separate contract and furnished pre-wired and pre-programmed. Installation shall include removal of the existing meters and radio modules, installation of new Badger E-Series Ultrasonic water meters and HLG Communication Modules, confirmation of a valid meter reading, and furnishing all incidentals required to complete installations.
The required contract completion period is one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days. Bid Security in the form of a bid bond, cash, certified check, treasurer’s or cashier’s check payable to the Owner, is required in the amount of five percent of the bid, in accordance with Section 00200, INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS.
The Instructions to Bidders, Form of General Bid, Agreement, Plans, Specifications, Performance and Payment Bond, and other Contract Documents may be examined at the following:
Accent Printing, Inc., 99 Chelmsford Road, North Billerica, Massachusetts Contract Documents may be viewed and downloaded as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file free of charge at www. accentblueprints.com. Copies may be obtained for a fee by completing an order online or by calling 978-362-8038 for each set. Completed orders may be picked up at the office of Accent Printing located at 99 Chelmsford Road, North Billerica, MA 01862 (978-362-8038), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copies may also be shipped to prospective bidders for an additional charge to cover handling and mailing fees. All payments for printing and shipping are nonrefundable.
For addition to the project plan holder’s list to guarantee receipt of addenda, it is recommended interested bidders obtain the Contract Documents directly from Accent. Interested bidders will be prompted to register an email address with Accent to access the documents.
Every request for such interpretation should be in writing (typed, not handwritten) addressed to Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., 55 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Attention: Hali Goodwin, or sent via email to Goodwin.Hali@wseinc. com and to be given consideration must be received at least ten working days prior to the date fixed for the opening of bids.
The selected contractor shall furnish a performance bond and a payment bond in amount at least equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price as stipulated in Section 00700 GENERAL CONDITIONS of these specifications.
All bids for this project are subject to ap-
plicable bidding laws of Massachusetts, including General Laws Chapter 30, Section 39M as amended.
Prevailing Wage Rates as determined by the Director of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development under the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 26 to 27H, as amended, apply to this project. It is the responsibility of the Bidder, before bid opening, to request if necessary, any additional information on Prevailing Wage Rates for those trades people who may be employed for the proposed work under this contract.
By submission of a bid, the Bidder agrees that this bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded after the opening of bids.
The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities in bids and to reject any or all bids.
TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
KRISTI WILLIAMS, TOWN MANAGER
Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. Reading, Massachusetts
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH FOR SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION HEARING
Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations relative to Special Permits, under Section 6.2(J) (1) of the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Westborough, the Westborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Forbes Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, Massachusetts, on a plan to construct a sign at 161 Milk Street, Westborough, MA. Application Record No. 26-01551. The proposed project includes the installation of an 11.25 foot tall by 5.6 foot wide sign which contains all businesses attached to the right of way between Milk Street and Route 9. The proposed sign requires relief from Section 8.2(F). 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 Homepage (posted 48 hours prior to the public hearing) for additional information. To access the application and any submitted documents, please go to our online permitting system, PermitPro (https:// westborough.patriotpermitpro.com/) and search the above referenced application record number. Records are also available for review in the Westborough Planning Board Office at 45 West Main St., Westborough, MA during regular business hours. WESTBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD Hazel Nourse, Chair
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF WESTBOROUGH FOR SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION HEARING
Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations relative to Special Permits, under Article 6.2(J) (1) of the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Westborough, the Westborough Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Forbes Building, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, Massachusetts, on a plan to construct a sign at 220 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA, Application Record No. 26-01552 The proposed project includes the installation of a 15.75 foot tall by 8.6 foot wide sign which contains all businesses attached to the right of way of between Route 9 and Milk Street. The proposed sign requires relief from Section 8.2(C)(8) (f) and Section 8.2(F). 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 Homepage (posted 48 hours prior to the public hearing) for additional information. To access the application and any submitted documents, please go to our online permitting system, PermitPro (https://westborough. patriotpermitpro.com/) and search the above referenced application record num-
ber. Records are also available for review in the Westborough Planning Board Office at 45 West Main St., Westborough, MA during regular business hours. WESTBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD Hazel Nourse, Chair
SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT TO BID MGL C.149 OVER $150K
The WESTBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY, the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the Bathroom Modernization at State Aided Development: Veterans (200-1) in Westborough, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by MATZ COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTS
The Project consists of but not limited to: This project consists of renovation work within multiple residential buildings at the Veterans Development 200-1 complex in Westborough, Massachusetts. The work includes improvements to existing bathroom spaces, associated building systems, and related interior components. The project involves selective removal and replacement of existing finishes, fixtures, and building elements, as well as upgrades to building infrastructure that supports the renovated areas. All work shall be coordinated to minimize disruption to building occupants and maintain safe, functional conditions throughout construction.
The work is estimated to cost $946,071.00
All bidding Requests for Information (RFls) shall be submitted online by 06/29/2026 at 12:00PM EDT for filed sub-bids and by 07/14/2026 at 12:00PM EDT for general bids.
Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive.
THIS PROJECT IS BEING ELECTRONICALLY BID AND HARD COPY BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please review the instructions in the bid documents on how to register as an electronic bidder. All Bids shall be submitted online at biddocs.com and received no later than the date and time specified.
General bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in the following category of work, General Building Construction, and must submit a current DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility and signed DCAMM Prime/General Contractor Update Statement.
General Bids will be received until 17 July 2026 at 10:00AM EDT and publicly opened online, forthwith.
Filed Sub-bids for the trades listed below will be received until 02 July 2026 at 3:00PM EDT and publicly opened online, forthwith.
Filed sub-bidders must be DCAMM certified for the trades listed below and bidders must include a current DCAMM SubBidder Certificate of Eligibility and a signed DCAMM Sub-Bidder’s Update Statement.
TRADES
Plumbing Electrical Work
General bids and sub-bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (including all alternates) and made payable to the WESTBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY. Note: A bid deposit is not required for Projects advertised under $50,000.
Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available for review at biddocs.com (may be viewed and downloaded electronically at no cost).
General bidders must agree to contract with minority, women and veteran-owned business enterprises as certified by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). The partici-
pation benchmark reserved for such enterprises shall not be less than 6% MBE, 6.2% WBE and 3% VBE for all state and state-assisted construction projects over $150,000. Request for waivers must be sent to EOHLC (Chad.Howard@.mass.gov) 5 calendar days prior to the General Bid date. NO WAIVERS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE GENERAL BIDS ARE OPENED.
The Contractor and all subcontractors (collectively referred to as “the Contractor”) agree to strive to achieve minority and women workforce participation. The Workforce Participation benchmark is set at 6.9% for women and 15.3% for minorities. The Workforce benchmark percentages are a statutory requirement under MGL c. 149 § 44A(2)(G).
PRE-BID CONFERENCE/ SITE VISIT: Scheduled Date and Time: 06/24/2026 at 10:00AM EDT
Address: 2 Rogers Rd# 37, Westborough, MA 01581
Instructions: We will meet at the Housing Authority office and go over to the site together.
The hard copy Contract Documents may be seen at:
Nashoba Blue Inc. 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 978-568-1167
MARLBOROUGH
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provision of M.G.L. c 255 Section 39A that on July 10th, 2026, the following vehicle(s) will be sold at a private sale to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereof for towing, storage, & notices of sale. To be sold at ADR Towing 301 Maple st Marlborough MA. 2018 Audi SQ5 VIN WA1A4AFY3J2122167
Owner Standleedjee Desir
CITY OF MARLBOROUGH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL
Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on June 29, 2026 at 7:00pm in Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. – 3rd floor Memorial Hall.
Petition:
The applicant hereby requests relief from strict compliance with the City of Marlborough zoning requirements for LOT FRONTAGE (650-41) and LOT SHAPE (650-42B) to allow for the construction of a single-family home and driveway access from Concord Road. A variance is being requested from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
For further assistance, please contact the Board at 508-460-3768. All interested people are invited. The applicant or representative must be present.
Ralph Loftin Chairman
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION# SPR-26-2
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Hudson Planning Board on Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hudson Senior Center, 1st Floor, 29 Church St., Hudson, MA.
At this time the Planning Board will consider the application of James Kehl on behalf of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., for Site Plan Approval, pursuant to Section 8.1.7 of the Town of Hudson Zoning By-laws, for a remodel and 5,100 square foot addition to the existing Walmart Supercenter. The sub-
ject property is located at 280 Washington St., Assessor Map 65, Parcel 7. All application materials are available for review at the Department of Planning and Community Development and the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, and can be requested by calling 978-562-2989 or by email at kjohnson@townofhudson.org. Materials can also be viewed in the public document library: https://townofhudson. community.highbond.com/Portal/DocumentLibrary.aspx?id=cf885886-09c9-4ebc9a7b-70e74214d68d
Hudson Planning Board
Robert D’Amelio, Chairman
SHREWSBURY
LEGAL NOTICE
The Shrewsbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, July 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM, in the Selectboard’s Hearing Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, to hear the application of Tom Corbett, Goventure Capital Group, LLC., 1 Mercantile Street, Suite 630, Worcester, MA 01545, as required by the Town of Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.F for a Site Plan Approval and Section VII.N for a Special Permit by the Planning Board, to allow for the construction of a twelve thousand square feet (12,000 ft²) commercial building along with two five-story residential buildings containing a maximum of two hundred and fifty (250) units. The proposed layout plan is shown on a plan accompanied by the application titled “Permitting Plans for 525 Hartford Turnpike” prepared by Fuss & O’Neill, 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 815N, Quincy, MA 02169, dated December 8, 2025 and stamped by Scott D. Turner, PE. The subject project is located at 525 Hartford Turnpike, northerly of Hartford Turnpike and east of Memorial Drive and consists in whole or in part of Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 48 Plot 012000.
A copy of the application and plans may be seen in the Office of the Planning and Economic Development Department at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, and on the Planning Board website at www. shrewsburyma.gov/ongoing-projects
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARINGS
RICHARD D. CARNEY MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING 100 MAPLE AVENUE SHREWSBURY, MA
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Carlin Grenier, 45 Roman Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for an appeal to the decision of the Building Inspector as required by the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VIII.A.5 on property located at 45 Roman Drive in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 40 Plot 220000
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Carlin Grenier, 45 Roman Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for two Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII Table III to allow for an accessory structure (shed) five feet (5’) from the rear setback where ten feet (10’) is required and to allow for an accessory structure (pool equipment) three feet (3’) from the rear setback where ten feet (10’) is required on property located at 45 Roman Drive in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 40 Plot 220000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Emily Anderson, 27 North Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII Table III to allow for an acces-
HUDSON
and incontinence care.
bus/sys analysis as part of dev actvs. Sal.$115,606-$128,000. Ref #VIR-1314
Mobility Engineer III: Bach in CS, Elec Engg or rel fld +5yrs prog post-bach s/w desgn & dev exp, incl at least 3yrs wkg w/ Mobile Soln Techs in dist env; OR Mast in CS, Elec Engg or rel fld +3yrs dist s/w desgn & dev exp wkg w/ Mobile Soln Techs. Sal.$133,182-$147,000. Ref #VIR-1317
For all positions, employee will engage in long term project assignments at unanticipated U.S locations. Telecommuting may be possible. Email resumes to apply@virtusa.com, noting Ref #.
Virtusa Corporation has multiple openings for the following positions in Southborough, MA and other unanticipated US locations:
BPM Analyst 4-Appian: Bach in CS, IT, CIS, MIS or Engg (any fld) +5yrs prog post-bach IT dev exp, incl 3yrs w/ Appian BPM prod/plats, incl 1yr intgrtng Appian w/ other plats; OR Mast in CS, IT, CIS, MIS or Engg (any fld) +3yrs IT dev exp w/ Appian BPM prod/plats, incl 1yr intgrtng Appian w/ other plats. Sal.$133,182-$142,000. Ref #VIR-1240
Java Analyst II: Bach in CS, Elec Engg or rel fld +3yrs Java/J2EE exp in dist env; OR Bach equiv via edu/exp per eval svc; OR 3yr Indian/Sri Lankan deg. Sal.$133,182-$140,000. Ref #VCS-1029
QA Analyst/Tester III: Bach in CS, Math, Engg (any fld) or rel fld +5 yrs prog post-bach exp, incl 3yrs dist QA test exp; OR Mast in CS, Math, Engg (any fld) or rel fld +3yrs dist QA test exp. Sal.$124,155-$145,000. Ref #ETO-1028
Java Engineer IV: Bach in CS, Applied Sci, Tech or rel fld +5yrs prog post-bach dist IT dev exp, incl 3yrs design/dev exp w/ J2EE; OR Mast in CS, Applied Sci, Tech or rel fld +3yrs dist IT design/dev exp w/ J2EE. Sal.$133,182-$146,000. Ref #VIR-1307
For all positions, employee will engage in long term project assignments at unanticipated U.S locations. Telecommuting may be possible. Email resumes to apply@virtusa.com, noting Ref #. Behind on Taxes? Fix What’s
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
A Powerful Prayer to the Holy Spirit -
After
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES
The Community Advocate will post obituaries online (and in print, as space allows). Please send information (and a picture if desired) to tracy@communityadvocate.com. Here is a complete list of individual obituaries posted on the Community Advocate website (www. communityadvocate.com).
DEATHS
Aiello, Frances formerly of Worcester and Grafton
Amani, Danial of shreWsbury
Ball, Sylvia of WestborouGh
Bennett. Norman
a native of marlborouGh
Buczek, Joanne of WestborouGh
Christensen, Margaret of WestborouGh
Dunton, Steven of marlborouGh
Gaffney, Charles of southborouGh
Greenlaw, Julee of Grafton
Hardiman, James of WestborouGh
Heim, Frederick of marlborouGh/Grafton
Lewin, Morrie of Grafton
MacDonald Jr., John of hudson
McNamara, Barbara of shreWsbury
Nancoz, Joan formerly of marlborouGh
Pawlik, Mark of marlborouGh
Tetreault, Jody of Grafton
Voutas, Anthony of Grafton and WestborouGh
Anthony J. Voutas, 47
GRAFTON/ WESTBOROUGH
- Anthony J. “TJ” Voutas, of Grafton and Westborough, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2026. TJ was so loved and will be greatly missed by his wife Stephanie and their son Nathan; his parents Rich and Eileen (Trank) Voutas; his brother David; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home is honored to assist the Voutas family during this difficult time.
Sylvia Ball, 93
WESTBOROUGH - Sylvia (Sears) Ball of Westborough passed into the arms of her Lord, surrounded by her loving family on June 10, 2026, after a period of declining health. Sylvia was born on February 13, 1933, in Plainfield, NJ. She is predeceased by her parents, Floyd and Hazel Sears, and her brother, Richard. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Nelson P. Ball. Sylvia was an amazing mother to Cathy Ball and her wife Wendy Bell of Arlington, MA, Amy Harned and her husband Dave Harned of Norwich, CT, Nancy Mullen and her husband Matthew of East Brookfield, MA, Jim Ball and his partner Spun of Westborough, MA and Dan Ball and his wife Cheryl of Sudbury, MA. Sylvia’s love extended to her grandchildren Matthew, Ryan, AJ, Katelynn, and Ava and her great grandchildren Raegan, Erin, Patrick, Delaney and Natalie. Sylvia also leaves behind her “adopted” grandchildren Bos and May. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Danial Amani, 22
Our beloved Danial has flown home.
SHREWSBURY - With broken hearts, we share that our beloved son, Danial “Dani” Amani, passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 22 after a lifelong battle with TaySachs disease.
Danial was much more than his illness. He was kind, patient, loving, and incredibly brave. Every day of his life, he fought with
strength and dignity, teaching us the true meaning of courage.
Today, we take comfort in believing that Danial has spread his wings and flown to be reunited with his beloved brother, Mahan “Mahi,” who passed away in 2023 at the age of 16 from the same disease.
May Danial’s memory be eternal and may the love of both Dani and Mahi remain a blessing to your family forever.
Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted the family.
Barbara A. McNamara, 89
SHREWSBURY - Barbara A. (Virgilio) McNamara was born in Worcester, the second daughter to Ernest and Josephine Virgilio. At the age of 15, she met the love of her life, Francis “Fran” McNamara (d.2021).
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Francis, she leaves behind her children Lisa and John; her sister, Dolores V. Labonte; her nephew Robert Labonte and his wife Susan; their son Robert Labonte (Fla); her brother-in-law Paul McNamara of Bedford; nieces Maria Fitzgerald, Beth and Grace McNamara (NY) and several cousins.
Britton Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted the family.
Jody L. Tetreault, 60
GRAFTON - Jody L. Tetreault, 60, died Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
He leaves three brothers: Joey Tetreault and his wife Laurie, of Warren; Jaime Tetreault and his wife Nancy, also of Warren; Gary Tetreault and his wife Debby, of Millbury; a sister, Michelle Nadolski and her husband Kenneth, of Grafton; and several nieces and nephews. Jody was predeceased by his parents Richard and Carol (Christian) Tetreault and by a brother, Tony Tetreault.
Carr Funeral Home of
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
Whitinsville assisted the family.
Norman R. Bennett, 93
DUXBURY - Norman Robert Bennett, 93, died peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2026. A native of Marlborough, Massachusetts, Norman studied at Tufts University, Princeton University, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and earned his PhD in African History from Boston University.
Norman was predeceased by his parents Viola Belmore Bennett and Norman Bennett and his sister Barbara Bennett Stuart. He leaves his wife, Jeanne Marie Penvenne, his sons John (Simrin Parmar), Louis (Shauna Sadowski) and their children Mika Sage Sadowski Bennett, Kavi Norman-Singh Bennett, Remy Carter Sadowski Bennett, Tej SanjeevSingh Bennett and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and grand and great-grandnieces and nephews.
Shepherd Funeral Home of Kingston assisted the family.
James W. Hardiman, 89
WESTBOROUGH - James Walter Hardiman, 89, of Westborough passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at home surrounded by family. He was the husband of the late Rose M. (Cejmer) Hardiman. He is survived by three children, Susan Walker and her husband, Garret, of Holden, Beth Delaney of Westborough and Jeffrey Hardiman and his wife, Cheryl, of Uxbridge; nine grandchildren, Meagan Weigold, Justin Sorensen, Anna Vriesema, Molly Linnane, James Delaney, Haley Walker, Jordan Walker, Erin
Shinkus, and Lindsay Walker and nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Diane Sorensen, and his sister, Mary Vail.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, June 20, in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., with a brief service starting at 11:30 A.M. A Celebration of life luncheon will follow after the services.
John D. MacDonald Jr., 61
HUDSON - John David MacDonald, Jr., 61, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026, at his residence in the comfort of his devoted and loving son, J.T., and his lifelong best friend, Michael Sabourin.
John is survived by his beloved children, Jack (J.T.) MacDonald, 27, and Jessica MacDonald, 21, and his devoted mother, Margaret (Peggy) MacDonald. He was preceded in death by his father, John D. MacDonald, and his sister, Linda TuperMacDonald.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Charles E. Gaffney, 88
SOUTHBOROUGH - Charles E. Gaffney, 88, of Southborough, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester. He was the husband of A. Brenda (Smith) Gaffney, who were married for 68 years.
Along with his wife Brenda, Charlie is survived by his sons, Mark Gaffney and David Gaffney, both of Southborough, and his daughter, Susan Sullivan and her husband Richard of Naples,
FL, all of whom became successful in their own way using the work ethic taught by Charlie.
Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted the family.
Frances M. Aiello, 95
WORCESTER/GRAFTON -
Frances Aiello, 95, formerly of Worcester and Grafton, passed away peacefully at Blackstone Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Saint Camillus) in Whitinsville, MA.
Frances was the wife of the late James Aiello. She is survived by a brother, Joseph Rovezzi of Rutland, two sisters, Lillian Costello of Grafton and Dorothy Chronchio of Whitinsville. She also leaves many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and several great, great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Frank, William, Albert and Henry Rovezzi, and two sisters, Carole Scalzo and Rita Rovezzi.
Frances was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, greataunt and great-great-aunt to so many who will miss her dearly.
Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted the family.
Margaret A. Christensen, 91
WESTBOROUGH - Margaret A. Christensen, 91, of Westborough, passed away peacefully at home on
Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Robert A. Christensen. Margaret is survived by four children, Deborah Mangan of Dover, Kathleen Christensen of Grafton, Karen Mooney and her husband, Peter, of Franklin and Erik Christensen and his wife, Heidi Weber, of Chatsworth, CA; one sister, Theresa Welch of Nashua, NH and five grandchildren, Michael and Kelly Judge, Kyle and Kassandra Mangan and Mark Mooney. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Katelyn Mooney.
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Joanne M. Buczek, 83
WESTBOROUGH - Joanne
M. Buczek, 83, of Westborough passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in UMass Medical Center in
Worcester surrounded by her loving family.
Joanne was born in Marlborough, MA, the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary (Castorino) Tremblay. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, John G. Buczek in 2016.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Sharon of Berlin, her son Matthew Buczek and his wife Danielle of FL, 2 grandchildren, Amanda Sharon and her husband Mark Schulze, Thomas Sharon, a sister Mary Ellen Taylor and her husband Peter as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was also predeceased by her son Mark Buczek, her sister Patricia Prudhomme and her son-in-law, Thomas Sharon.
Short & Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted the family.
Steven D. Dunton, 75
MARLBOROUGH - Steven D. Dunton, of Marlborough, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 75.
Steve was born in Cambridge on May 25, 1951, a son of the late Francis and Nellie (Paone) Dunton.
In addition to his parents, Steve was predeceased by his brother, Richard Dunton, and his brother-in-law, Michael Melanson.
He leaves his sisters, Kathleen Dunton of Watertown, Shirley Dunton of Marlborough, Gail Melanson of Hudson, and Sharon Higgins (Brad) of Marlborough; his sister-in-law, Patricia Dunton of Waltham; his former wife, Rita (Gentile) Dunton and many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Joyce Funeral Home of Waltham assisted the family.
Mark Pawlik, 71
MARLBOROUGH - Mark Jozef Pawlik, 71, of Marlborough died Saturday, June 6th in Lahey Hospital. He leaves his wife of 35 years, Ellen (Garrahie) Pawlik; his daughter, Susanna Del Carratore and her husband, William of Southborough; two sisters, Irena Pawlik of Marlborough and Anna Winsett of Bedford, NH; granddaughter, Alessia; a niece Emily Dutton; great nephew, Owen Dutton and great niece, Penelope Dutton. He was predeceased by a nephew, Oliver Winsett. He was born in England the son of Jozef and Helena (Gradek) Pawlik, and immigrated to the United States in 1958.
O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home of Worcester assisted the family.
Morrie
Lewin, 68
GRAFTON - Morrie Lewin, 68, of Grafton Massachusetts, passed away on May 28, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born in Hanover, New Hampshire. His life was marked by a deep love for his family, an insatiable curiosity for learning, and a remarkable ability to bring joy to those around him.
Morrie shared 38 wonderful years with his loving wife Robin Salter Lewin, 33 of those were spent married. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter. He was immensely proud of his twin sons, Austin and Nathaniel, who were a constant source of joy and pride in his life.
Morrie was preceded by his parents Leon and Lucie Lewin. He is survived by his siblings: Bob Lewin of Newcomb, New York; Sue Bryan of Hartland, Vermont, John Lewin of Holly Hill, Florida.
Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care of Worcester assisted the family.
Frederick K. Heim, 86
MARLBOROUGH/GRAFTON -
Frederick K. Heim, 86, a one of a kind skilled craftsman, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 7th, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was the son of the late Gustav and Dorothy (Sherbune) Heim and husband of Rachel (Wheelock) Heim, to whom he’d been married almost 67 years.
Frederick is survived by his children, Rick Heim and his wife Sherene, Michael Heim and his wife Paulette, Pamela Lane and her husband Mike and Lauren Heim. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alexandra, Gabriella, Dylan, Haley, Candace, Maxwell, Kyle, Kurt, Charlotte, Rachel, Abby, Samantha and Joe and his great grandchildren Omar, Sylvia, Isla and Julian. Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family.
LEGAL NOTICES
Legals | from page 29
sory structure (shed) five feet (5’) from the rear setback where ten feet (10’) is required on property located at 27 North Street in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 11 Plot 043000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Phil Entwistle, 27 Topsfield Circle, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to allow for an addition on a pre-existing nonconforming dwelling twenty eight feet and three tenths (28.3’) from the front yard setback where thirty feet (30’) is required on property located at 27 Topsfield Circle in the Residence A zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 40 Plot 107000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Joshua Lee Smith, 446 Main Street, Suite 1101, Worcester, MA 01608 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.D to allow for less than the minimum parking required an upon property located at 235 Boston Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 32 Plot 115000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Jeff Motha, 27 Knight Road, Framingham, MA 01701 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI-Table I to allow for a Contractors’ Yard and Storage Yard upon property located at 28 Cherry Street in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s
Tax Plate 34 Plot 041000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Thomas Fiore, P.O. Box 248, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for two Special Permits to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI-Table I to allow for Garages and repair shops & Salesrooms for Automobiles and motorcycles upon property located at 882 Boston Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 36 Plot 032000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Daniel Ford, 47 Lear Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for two Variances to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII.C - Table IV to allow for an accessory structure (pool) zero feet (0’) from the principal dwelling where ten feet (10’) is required, Section VII.B Table II to allow for a garage addition nine feet and three tenths (9.3’) from the side setback where thirty feet (30’) is required and a Special Permit to Section IV.C to expand a preexisting non conforming dwelling one foot (1’) to the front setback on property located at 47 Lear Street in the Rural B zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 19 Plot 042000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Douglas Forte, 350 SW Main Street P.O. Box 701, Douglas, MA 01516 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.C to allow for two pre-existing non conforming mobile homes to be removed and replaced on property located at 151 Hartford Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 088000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Christopher Zerwas, 39 Francis Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Variance and a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII Table II and Section IV. C to allow for an addition (porch) twenty two feet and nine tenths (22.9’) from the front yard setback where thirty feet (30’) is required and to allow for an addition on a pre-existing non-conforming dwelling nine feet and one tenth (9.1’) from the side setback where ten feet (10’) is required on property located at 39 Francis Avenue in the Residence B-1 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 22 Plot 370000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of McGovern Collision Center, 420 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to allow for the relocation and installation of a nonconforming sign on property located at 420 Boston Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 33 Plot 079000.
June 29, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of TJCF LLC., 894 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for a Special Permit to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section IV.B to allow for preexisting non-conforming use (garage and repair shops) on property located at 727 Hartford Turnpike in the Limited Industrial zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 42 Plot 017001.
David Moore, Clerk
Sean Mahoney, Marlborough icon and beloved football coach, 63
MARLBOROUGH – Sean C. Mahoney, 63, of Marlborough passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026 after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), surrounded by his loving family.
The son of the late Aloysius and Eileen (Quinlan) Mahoney, Sean was born in Boston.
Sean was a graduate of Uxbridge High School in 1981, and was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He was later inducted into the Uxbridge High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. Sean was also a graduate of Worcester State, where he played both baseball and football in the mid-1980s. He was later inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018, sharing a Hall of Fame class with his daughter Michaella.
In 2018, Sean earned a master’s degree from Coastal Carolina University.
Sean was a dedicated coach and educator. He began his football coaching career at
Worcester State as an assistant coach. He worked as head coach at Shrewsbury High from 1994 to 1997. He then was appointed as the head coach at Assumption College from 1998 to 2003, ending his career coaching and teaching at Marlborough High School from 2004 to 2024.
In 2024, Sean was inducted into the Massachusetts Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Many of those who crossed paths with Sean professionally – through the football and education community – consider him to be a great mentor and friend.
Sean had a gift for knowing
exactly what to say, offering guidance, encouragement, and motivation at just the right moment. He was a devoted father and proud grandfather whose greatest joy was cheering on his kids. He had an incredibly special bond with his grandson Sheamus, who was able to play high school football for him in his final years of coaching.
He cherished time spent at the beach, around a campfire
with family and friends, and going on weekend adventures. He brought laughter and light to every gathering, leaving behind a legacy of love, presence, and joy that will never be forgotten.
Sean is survived by his loving wife Nicole “Nikki” Fallon Mahoney of Marlborough; his children, Michaella DaSilva and her husband Matthew, James Mahoney and his partner Heidi, Daniel Mahoney of Boston, and Matthew Carlman and his wife Caroline; his grandchildren Sheamus Mahoney, Aliva DaSilva, and Charlie Carlman; his two brothers, Mike Mahoney of Mississippi, and Mark Ma -
honey and his wife Laura; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was predeceased by his brother Aloysius “Joe” Mahoney in 2008.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his closest friend Jeff Rudzinsky, Sean’s lifelong Uxbridge friends, his Friday coffee visitors, and the previous cocoaches who regularly visited him during his battle with MSA.
Visitation for Sean will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main Street, Marlborough. Overflow parking will be at Ward Park at the bottom of Orchid Street, where a shuttle service will take you to the funeral home.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. in St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.
Internships at Algonquin are opening students’ eyes
By Laney Halsey Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – For some students, an internship is a line on a resume.
For others, especially those at Algonquin, internships have helped shape careers.
Through Algonquin’s internship program, students spend time working alongside professionals in fields that interest them. The experience provides credit, hands-on learning, and in some cases, a new view of the future.
Michelle Kaelin started working at Algonquin in 2023 as the Career Exploration and Innovation Leader, a position designed to create pathways to help students explore future careers. From there, she decided to give students an opportunity to dig deeper through internships.
“I piloted the program with four students, really just to test out the process and see how it all worked,” Kaelin said. “Since then, we’ve just scaled up.”
Kaelin works to connect stu-
dents with professionals in the field they are interested in. She’s connected students with speech pathologists, product manufacturers, and people working in plenty of other interesting industries.
Within the program, students do 75 hours of work over the course of a semester. Students do weekly journal reflections, and the internship experience counts as a course credit.
“Ideally, in my vision, I would like students to apply because they’re interested in exploring the industry,” Kaelin said. “[They’re] really kind of testing and learning from professionals
who are already doing the work to see if it’s something they want to invest more time in.”
The students present their takeaways from the experience “science-fair style.”
For Kaelin, no conclusion is too small.
“Whether it’s just ‘I like the idea of it, but I could never sit at a desk that long,’ or ‘I know I need to be moving,’ those take-
aways are, I think, just as valuable, maybe a little more once they get further in their career and they’re applying for jobs,” said Kaelin.
For some students, career plans pivot entirely because of the program. Mia Nicosia hoped to obtain a law internship with a defense attorney, but since she wasn’t 18 yet, she was placed with the Northborough Police Department.
Nicosia went on ridealongs with officers and has worked to create a First-Responders Club at Algonquin that the station will help implement in the coming years.
“I wanted to see how they work from the bottom, like how a person’s arrested and then brought to the courthouse,” Nicosia said. “My internship completely changed my career goals, so now I’m going to Fitchburg State University for their police program instead of going for law.”
After that first internship, she went back for a second round with the Northborough Police Department and will continue volunteering with the Youth Academy. This summer, she has secured a job with Hudson Police Department.
“I feel like if I didn’t meet the people I did, I wouldn’t have had the experience I did,” Nicosia said. “I took my relationships out of the police department and I became close friends with a lot of officers I worked with.”
Guilherme Madureira is going to UMass Amherst in the fall for mechanical engineering. Kaelin helped him secure an internship with Westboroughbased manufacturing group Component Sources International, where he shadowed professionals and helped with quality assurance.
Although the work wasn’t in the exact field he hopes to pursue in the future, Madureira learned a lot from the experience and will be working for CSI over the summer.
“I think that’s really where the strength of this internship program comes in, because it exposes you to new opportunities and new experiences,” Madureira said. “They could either solidify your decision and your career and add a new perspective to what you’re going to do throughout college and your future career, or as what happened with Mia, you can completely change what you’re gonna do after having this brand new experience.”
“I think it’s a massive, massive opportunity, and we’re incredibly gifted to have this program here,” Madureira added.
Helen Hardy, FNP-BC
Guilherme Madureira secured a summer job with a local manufacturing group following his internship success. (Photos/Laney Halsey)
Michelle Kaelin began working at Algonquin in 2023 and has since piloted an internship program for students.
Summer Concert Series
Celebrate the sounds that have shaped generations and the spirit of a nation.
Join us this summer for Spirit of Sound, a concert series celebrating timeless American music, community, and connection.
Enjoy live performances in the courtyard at The Willows at Westborough. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for a relaxing summer evening.
Wednesdays 7:00–8:15 PM
Concessions available beginning at 6:30 PM
June 17 Interboro Community Band
June 24 Grade A Fancy
July 1 Hold N’ Back Band
July 8 Wolverine Jazz Band
POLICE FIRE
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
Shrewsbury dispatchers honored for bravery amid attack on headquarters
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Five months after weathering an attack, the Shrewsbury Police Department on May 21 honored those who ensured that, even during a time of crisis, the town was protected.
A man driving a black 2022 BMW SUV intentionally plowed the vehicle into the front of the Shrewsbury Police Station on January 19 at around 2:02 p.m., damaging the $42 million building. The operator, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, is currently in custody.
Several dispatchers were close to the collision, which broke through two pylons, two sets of doors, and the door to dispatch, where Christopher DaSilva, David Lawson, and Caitlin Mroczek were on duty. On May 21, they received
the Civilian Distinguished Service Award for keeping the Shrewsbury Police Department operational immediately following such a traumatic incident.
“Despite the severity of the crash, [they] remained at their post and continued to perform their duties without interruption,” said sergeant
Larry Napolitano. “With skill, clarity, and efficiency, they coordinated all radio traffic, relayed vital information to responding officers, and ensured all necessary resources were promptly deployed.”
Even after a car crashed into the side of the building, the department remained active.
“In a moment of chaos and uncertainty, our officers and staff responded immediately, calmly, professionally, and continued to serve the community without interruption,” said Chief of Police Kevin Anderson. “Our entire dispatch staff showed their true determination and excellence. Despite the shock and trauma
of this incident, they remained focused and committed to ensure our community and staff were properly supported.”
Karen Doherty, Nicole Corsi, Brendan Dowd, and Olivia Mayotte – dispatchers who were not on duty at the time of the incident – earned the Public Service Award. “Their willingness to step forward during a critical time of need ensured that adequate staffing levels were maintained, and that emergency communications continued to operate effectively,” said Napolitano.
“Tonight is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary men and women of the Shrewsbury Police Department, town employees whose professionalism, courage, and dedication serve this community every day. … The past year tested this department in ways we couldn’t imagine,” said Anderson.
LEFT: Christopher DaSilva and Caitlin Mroczek RIGHT: Police Chief Kevin Anderson (Photo/Evan Walsh)
NORTHBOROUGH — Northborough Police Chief Brian Griffin reported on June 12 that the Northborough Police Department had arrested a Worcester man following an investigation into reports that he had left a child in a locked car.
Luis Fernando Lopez Veloez, 40, of Worcester, was arrested and charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child.
On June 11 at approximately 4:06 p.m., the Northborough Police Department responded to the Walmart on Otis Street after reports that a small child was left alone in a locked, parked vehicle.
Upon arrival, the Northborough Police Department and Northborough Fire Department quickly located the
vehicle and were able to safely remove the child from the car.
The child was evaluated by EMS and transported to an area hospital for evaluation.
The Northborough Police Department located the owner of the vehicle, identified as Lopez Veloez. Through a subsequent investigation, it was determined that Lopez Veloez was shopping and left the child in the vehicle. It is believed the outside temperature was about 90 degrees at the time.
Lopez Veloez was arrested without incident. He was arraigned in Westborough District Court on June 12. In a release, the Northborough Police Department thanked the actions of the public safety personnel and the bystander who called 911.
SHREWSBURY — On June 15, a 42-year-old man was reported missing to the Northborough Police Department. Officers from Northborough, Shrewsbury, and the Massachusetts State Police commenced a search for the individual.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., a Massachusetts State Police canine located the missing man, who was deceased, in Shrewsbury. The body was
located in a wooded area near Valente Drive and Hartford Turnpike, at the entrance to the YMCA Boroughs Branch.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by detectives from the Northborough Police Department, Shrewsbury Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police.
The man’s identity has not been released at the time of publication.
Scan QR code to read this week’s police and fire news on our website.
POLICE LOG
The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area.Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court issued documentation. The below is a representation of this week’s police log. Some calls lacking severity have been omitted due to space constraints.
Westborough
Tuesday, May 26
9:15 p.m. Arrested , Manuel Torres, 39, of Woonsocket, RI, for OUI- liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.
Friday, June 5
12:40 a.m. Arrested , Keithlander Sammy Jonassaint, 24, of Westborough, for MV lights violation, fail to stop for police, no inspection sticker, unlicensed operation of MV.
SOUTHBOROUGH — The Southborough Police Department on June 15 announced it had arrested a Framingham man on several charges after he allegedly crashed a vehicle into a home on June 14.
At approximately 6:45 p.m., the department received a report that a car crashed into a home at 98 Southville Road. The driver, identified as Luis Mazariegos Castillo, had crashed a 2009 Pontiac Vibe into a utility pole, then into a house, according to reports.
The vehicle was unoccu -
pied as authorities arrived.
Reports indicate that Castillo had removed bottles of alcohol from the vehicle and attempted to hide them nearby. A passenger, a 42-year-old Framingham woman whom police did not identify, also faces charges.
Castillo is being charged with Operating Under the Influence, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Obstruction of Justice, Littering, Unsafe Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and numerous other charges.
“Faith
HUDSON — Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio reported on June 12 that the Hudson Police Department and law enforcement partners are actively investigating a fatal crash that occurred last weekend.
On June 6 at approximately 11:40 a.m., the Hudson Police Department responded to the area of 79 Main Street after reports that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, first-responders located an 85-year-old man who was suffering from injuries consistent with a crash. The man was transported to an
area hospital.
The driver of the vehicle remained on scene.
On June 8, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner notified the Hudson Police Department that the 85-yearold was later pronounced dead at the hospital. He has been identified as James Calf, of Hudson.
The crash remains under investigation by the Hudson Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS), and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
5:12 p.m. Arrested , John Paul Marotta, 55, of Sudbury, for OUI-drugs 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of MV, marked lanes violation, warrant.
Shrewsbury
Wednesday, June 3
5:02 p.m. Arrested , Filipe Dos Santos Goncalves, 21, of Everett, for unlicensed operation of MV, fail to stop for police, negligent operation of MV (operate to endanger), marked lanes violation, speeding, operation to endanger, unregistered vehicle, uninsured MV/trailer, resisting arrest.
After approval, Shrewsbury 40B project
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – A housing project that worked with the town and received over $200,000 in fee waivers returned to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on May 27 to ask that 6 percent more units be added to the project.
In January 2026, the ZBA
approved plans for The Residences at Friar’s Farm, slated for an 18-unit parcel located at 409 South Street, on the corner of Route 20. Original plans called for 196 rental units, a clubhouse, a courtyard, a pool, and a dog park. The project is a 40B proposal – meaning that it was allowed to bypass certain zoning restrictions – but
the developer worked with neighbors and signed a Local Initiative Program (LIP) with the town in an effort to make the process mutually beneficial. The developer will extend sidewalks, fix Chestnut Street and its sightline issues, relocate electrical lines, establish a school bus stop, create an easement for a mixed-use trail, and imple -
ment improvements to the Route 20 and South Street intersection.
In May, the developer –Criterion Development Partners – came back before the ZBA hoping to amend plans and go from a 196-unit project to a 208-unit project, reducing the building count from eight to five. Heights of the buildings would increase by 10 feet, and 42 more parking spaces would be added. Criterion hopes to start construction this fall, and characterized the modifications as needed due to a “challenging” economic environment.
“I’ve been working with three general contractors, our equity and capital providers, and trying to navigate this world of rent control and uncertainty. We’ve had to reshape this project a little bit and figure out how to optimize where we can in order to make a project that’s feasible,” Chris Koeplin, who represented Criterion, told the ZBA.
The Local Initiative Program the project is offering will remain intact, said Koeplin.
The updated plans were approved by the ZBA, but not without some skepticism from Select Board member Gregg Richards. In July 2025, the Select Board granted Criterion a $244,000 break on certain fees to help the proj-
ect move forward; the board hoped that Friar’s Farm would help the town reach “Safe Harbor,” a threshold that allows the town to “control its own destiny” and reject 40B projects. The town ultimately reached “Safe Harbor” after the project’s approval.
After the $200,000 waiver, Richards was skeptical of the developer adding onto the project.
“I think, to me, that kind of goes against the spirit and intent of the agreement we had with the developer,” Richards said.
409 South Street is in the town’s MBTA zoning district, and part of the town’s $200,000 concession was meant to ensure that the developer didn’t shift the project to comply with that zoning, which could mean denser housing and more units. Though there was no direct threat, Criterion alluded to that possibility should the Select Board have chosen not to grant the fee waiver.
On May 27, Koeplin brought up MBTA zoning once more.
“I’m worried that if we don’t get this done and start this project … someone might come in with a [MBTA zoning] application,” he said.
“We don’t want to see that happen,” said ZBA Chair Maribeth Lynch.
The original plans for 409 South Street.
Clinton Savings Bank proud to announce new vice president
CLINTON – Clinton Savings Bank (CSB) is pleased to announce the addition of Robert G. O’Brien as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager. O’Brien brings more than 15 years of commercial banking experience to the role, where he will focus on building and strengthening relationships with business clients throughout Worcester County.
O’Brien brings extensive experience in commercial lending, business development, and relationship management. Throughout his banking career, he has worked closely with businesses across a variety of industries, helping clients achieve their growth and financial goals through strategic lending and banking services.
“We are excited to wel -
Westborough plans inaugural PorchFest
WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Cultural Council has announced that its inaugural PorchFest will take place on September 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. PorchFest events are extremely popular community-building events that often feature musicians set up on porches or lawns, allowing the public to stroll from performance to performance.
At this time, the Council is seeking Westborough residents in the downtown area – especially on and around Charles Street – who are interested in hosting performers on their lawn, porch, or driveway. Details and the application can be found on the QR code below.
The Council is also seeking applications from bands and solo artists.
Applicants will be notified by July 8.
Please email questions to westboroculture @gmail.com.
come Bob to our commercial lending team,” said Robert G. Rivard, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer. “His strong background in relationship banking and commitment to customer service make him an excellent addition to Clinton Savings Bank as we continue to expand our commercial banking services.”
O’Brien holds an MBA from Suffolk University and resides in Millbury, where he is actively involved in the local community through various professional and civic organizations. Most recently, he was elected to a three-year term as a board member of the Redevelopment Authority for the Town of Millbury.
Established in 1851, Clinton Savings Bank is among the oldest mutual community banks inMassachusetts with
more than $750 million in assets. Clinton Savings Bank (CSB) offers business and consumer banking, through six full-service branches in Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Clinton, Shrewsbury, Sterling, and West Boylston. CSB also provides mobile and online banking. For more information, please visit clintonsavings. com.
JULY 19th 2pm & 7pm
&Garland Sinatra
SATURDAY AUGUST 8th 2pm & 7pm
Rhythm is everything to this Central Mass. watchmaker
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – Allen Greenman understands the importance of rhythm and precision.
He participated in rowing –a sport in which proper tempo and timing are crucial for success – at Saint John’s High School, continuing the activity in college and coaching younger athletes. He’s always tinkering around with his 25-year-old Mercedes-Benz, fascinated by how all the parts come together.
Greenman enjoys all things mechanical, but wristwatches in particular. The Central Mass. resident – who splits time between Northborough and New Hampshire – recently launched Greenman & Son’s Watches, bringing over 100 components together to create custom timepieces that are both fashionable and accurate.
“I’ve always been inter -
ested in mechanical things,” he told the Community Advocate.
Watches have fascinated Greenman since he can remember. He got his first mechanical watch when he was in high school, and then started actively collecting. He got his first Rolex, then ventured to IWC, Audemars Piguet, and Carl F. Bucherer models.
“And a lot I stayed away from because they were too expensive,” Greenman said.
But collecting alone didn’t satisfy Greenman, who started restoring older watches. Soon enough, restoring turned into modifying – or “modding” – and then he was making custom models outright, aligning microscopic screws with impressive precision.
It wasn’t long before the first Greenman models started popping up. He still has a collection of watches, but every piece is worn often. He’ll regularly take things apart,
change things, and put them back together. Just because.
“I will create something for myself, wear it around for a while, and then change it. This amalgamation occurs where you end up with something really incredible. I think diversity is the spice of life,” said Greenman.
And his watches are built to be accurate. He has the design down to a science.
“The modern wristwatch hasn’t changed a whole heck of a lot in 200 years. They’ve moved in scale
Greenman is the coowner of Northbound Realty Co. in West Boylston, a boutique Real Estate Brokerage he co-founded with his business partner Sheila Brady-Savard.
art Your
and size. What used to be a large, substantial pocketwatch with large gears has been able to be made smaller and slimmer. There’s a movement to make things smaller – I don’t care about that, I care about accuracy,” he said.
In his thirties, Greenman was diagnosed with severe heart failure and was hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital. He’s doing well now, but the experience brought him closer to the rhythmic nature of watches.
“If you stare at the hairspring – the beating heart of the watch – it’s almost like meditation. It’s like a beating heart,” said Greenman. “The rhythmic beat of a mechanical watch movement speaks volumes to me.”
Greenman & Son’s is an effort to work with Charlie, his son, and continue their shared passion for watches. Custom pieces are available at https://greenmansonswatches.com/.
“The name came from a desire to have something for my children, something my son participates in. We have a genuine story to tell. I love being creative in this way,” Greenman told the Community Advocate.
Partnership allows Hudson students to earn college credit before graduation
By Paul Hopkins Reporter
HUDSON – Hudson students can earn college credits before graduating high school.
There’s no charge to take the college-level courses.
“This achievement represents a significant opportunity for our students and further distinguishes Hudson High School from other area high schools,” said Lauren Pupecki, principal of Hudson High School. “Our commitment remains focused on providing rigorous programs that equip students for future success. Through this initiative, students can earn college credits and engage in collegiate experiences that provide a competitive advantage over their peers.”
Hudson High School is one of 23 Massachusetts schools to have the Designated Early College Partnership this year. Students can take Worcester State University courses while still enrolled in high school, earning credits at both institutions. More than 20 Hudson students took advantage of the program last school year.
Worcester State University courses are offered during the school day at Hudson High School and are taught directly by university professors. As part of the model, Hudson teachers and Worcester professors collaborate to increase student success.
“To that end, a Hudson High School teacher attends each college course, so that they can support students during class periods when the course is not being taught,” according to Hudson High School. The integrated ap -
proach supports academic success and strengthens engagement and confidence in the college experience.
“Hudson Early College is, however, more than a dualenrollment program,” the school said in a news release. “Unlike traditional dual-enrollment programs, which are about just taking the college course, Massachusetts Designated Early College programs must complete a rigorous multi-step approval process to establish an integrated partnership.”
Programs are required to provide dual-credit coursework, integrated academic and non-academic supports, college- and careerawareness opportunities, and structured pathways that allow students to accumulate at least 12 credits by the end of their senior year.
Hudson High School and Worcester State University have been working together for a year to design the program.
(Photo/Paul Hopkins)
Local athletes set to represent state at national Special Olympics competition Shrewsbury’s
Ryan Dixon and Northborough’s Amanda Davidson ready to roll
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury’s Ryan Dixon and Northborough’s Amanda Davidson are gearing up to represent Massachusetts on the national stage.
In June, the athletic partners will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games. The duo will compete in bocce during the weeklong competition.
“I’m happy to represent the town of Shrewsbury, and I’m happy to go to Nationals with such a supportive team,” Dixon told the Community Advocate during bocce practice prior to the trip to Minnesota.
“We’re going to try for the top spot, but we’re also there to have fun,” added Davidson.
The games will feature 3,000 athletes from all 50 states, 16 team and individual sports, over 15,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches, and over 75,000 excited fans. Accord-
ing to Special Olympics, it will be “an inclusive event that celebrates ability, delivers the highest quality experiences for all stakeholders, and leaves a legacy of positive change in Minnesota and beyond.”
Though Davidson and Dixon both play many Special Olympics sports, they qualified in bocce after winning a state
From there, they were told they would be representing Massachusetts, and they’re hoping to make the state proud.
“I was shocked to get
chosen,” said Davidson. Dixon – known as “The Mayor of Shrewsbury” and the 2025 grand marshal of the Spirit of Shrewsbury parade – is a member of the Massachusetts Special Olympics Hall of Fame. He’s competed with the organization since he was an 8-year-old, and in 2019, he traveled to Abu Dhabi to com-
pete against other countries in basketball.
“I’ve made great new friends. It’s my life,” Dixon said last summer.
“He’s been playing basketball and soccer with the same group of guys for over 20 years. They’ve grown up together. We are a family. It’s been amazing,” Diane Dixon, Ryan’s mother, said last summer. “Special Olympics is a big part of our lives. It’s so important that we have an outlet for these kids, socially as well as physically. They really need this.”
Davidson has been participating in Special Olympics for 20 years. In 2011, she represented the United States in Athens, Greece. While competing, she met a Special Olympics athlete who she later married.
A North Carolina native, Davidson has competed in bocce, soccer, track, powerlifting, basketball, and snowboarding.
From bridal showers and graduations to easy family getaways, DoubleTree Westborough offers a place to gather, unwind, and recharge— just minutes from
In a split vote, Select Board opts for internal search to find town’s next fire chief
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBOROUGH – Westborough has formed a Fire Chief Search Committee and is asking residents to apply. And after a Select Board vote on June 9, the scope of that search has been severely narrowed to existing members of the Westborough Fire Department only.
When Fire Chief Patrick Purcell announced his plans to retire in August, he asked the Select Board to look internally to find his successor, citing a “deep bench” of qualified candidates within the department who would be suitable for the chief role. Ultimately, the Select Board agreed after a healthy amount of deliberation and a split (3-2) vote.
The three Select Board members who endorsed the internal search – Mark Silverberg, Ian Johnson, and Sean Keogh – said that they trusted Purcell’s recommendation, and that looking externally could hurt the morale of current Westborough Fire Department staffers.
“When I’ve been a part of a department where the leader left, if the department was running well, the expectation would be that somebody internally would be promoted to continue the effective development of that department. If the need was to bring in an external candidate, that was demoralizing for the department and [meant] that something was wrong and needed to change,” said Keogh. “I don’t think anything is wrong with our fire department.”
Added Johnson: “I think it promotes continuity, I think it promotes job satisfaction.
We keep people in town that we want to keep in town by providing them opportunities. I understand the thoughts on an external search … [but] I think … the chief has built a really strong department.”
But Select Board members Shelby Marshall and Patrick Welch thought differently. While they acknowledged the strength of the Westborough Fire Department, they said an external search would ensure the town has the best possible candidate. If the best candidate is internal, they’d still be selected in an external search, and the process would “do no harm,” they said.
“Put [the department’s strength] to the test. Our fire chief has never shied away from a challenge to create the best department,” said Marshall. “If the best candidates are internal, they will rise to the top in an external search. … You’re an all-star in Westborough. Great! What about the state? What about the country?”
Added Welch: “Where would the Red Sox be if they only pulled from Triple-A? Where would David Ortiz be today? Would we have won the World Series? Would Tom Brady be on the Patriots if we had to choose only from local college teams? What is the harm in going external? The external process allows us to have a deeper pool of candidates.”
The Select Board later voted unanimously to create the search committee. It will include two Select Board members, the
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AMSA excellence!
Eagles win state softball championship for first time in program history
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WORCESTER — One million emotions raced through Madelyn Glynn’s head as she stood in the infield after an adrenalineinducing championship game. Teammates started to support her as her eyes welled up with tears.
There was a sadness — as a
senior, she had just played the final innings of softball for the Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA). There was the relief that, after all sorts of anticipation, the high-pressure game had come to an end.
And then there was the happiness. Lots and lots of happiness. Her Eagles had just won the Division 4 title, completing an undefeated 23-0 season. It
was time to accept her medal, party with teammates, and take the trophy back to Forest Street, Marlborough.
“It’s relief. It’s joy. It’s sadness,” said Glynn. “What an incredible year.”
The top-seeded Eagles earned the championship — the program’s first softball title in history — after an 8-2 win over third-seeded Tyngsborough on June 12 at Worcester State University. Last year, Tyngsborough ended AMSA’s season in the semifinals.
Like Glynn, it took Head Coach Jason Ayik a moment to process what had just happened.
“Shock. When it was over, I couldn’t leave the bucket for the first 20 or 30 seconds. I just started tearing up,” said Ayik. “These kids have worked so hard. They had to deal with me for years and years, and all their hard work has paid off. They deserve all the success they get.”
AMSA took an early two-run lead after a fourth-inning rally that featured singles from sophomore Guil Yost, sophomore Makayla Laudate, and senior Kathleen Galvin. After Tyngsborough evened the score in the next half-inning, the Eagles responded in earnest. Freshman Adriann Murphy lined up an off-speed pitch and smacked a double, then Glynn singled her home.
Then it was time for junior Ava McLeod.
McLeod, who pitched seven innings and struck out five, launched the first pitch she saw over the fence for a tworun homer that made the game 6-2. Cali Laudate — who joined sisters Brooke and Makayla in making an impact for AMSA — and another Murphy double added to the score late.
“It feels great. The hard work paid off,” said McLeod. “I’m just so proud of the team.”
Added Ayik: “I told these girls that I thought we were the better team and we were prepared. The only thing I asked of them was, I knew it was hot, but we couldn’t take one play off. We couldn’t be lazy on any ball. They did everything I asked them to, and then some.”
For Glynn, Galvin, and fellow senior Eliana Carvalho, the championship was more than four years in the making. With sixth- through twelfth-grade athletes in the program, the Eagles are younger than most, but never less hungry — and certainly no less willing to work.
“I feel like we fought so hard the past four or five years,” Glynn told the Community Advocate. “Us three [seniors] have all been on this team for so long. It feels so refreshing to finally get the win after so much hard work.”
Added Galvin: “This team is
like a family. This team, we’re all sisters. We play for each other.” And Carvalho: “It still doesn’t feel real.”
Before the season, Ayik beefed up his schedule with Saint Paul, Tantasqua, and other teams that could help AMSA prepare for an eventual playoff push. With challenging games planned, he made sure to tell his team that being undefeated didn’t matter.
But after the Eagles entered the playoffs at 18-0, going undefeated was their only option.
After players finished in the batting cages during practice the night before the championship, they broke off into a discussion about how this game was the seniors’ last. After years of playoff “almosts,” they understood just how important it was to send them off with a win. Looking out for one another: That’s what members of a family do.
“These kids have been through everything with me. I literally feel like they’re my family. Some of these kids have been with me since they were sixthgraders and seventh-graders. It’s pretty amazing,” said Ayik.
TOP: For the first time in program history, AMSA won the softball championship.
LEFT: Madelyn Glynn (facing front) and the infield come together.
RIGHT: Brooke Laudate hugs a teammate while holding the trophy. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Champions, again!
Westborough boys’ tennis takes home another state title
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
CAMBRIDGE — A year ago, Zachary Forjette and Vikram Hiranandani walked off the courts defeated and devastated. Duxbury had just swept their Westborough team, 5-0, to take home the Division 2 championship.
doubles matches, with senior Jordan Hlawek and sophomore Subash Pallothu earning the victory at No. 1 doubles (6-2, 6-0), and juniors Matias Rosenzuaig and Arnav Chinthapatla taking care of business at No. 2 doubles (6-1, 7-5). Forjette took No. 2 singles (6-0, 6-4), while freshman Darsh Nayak was
“It hurt a lot,” said Hiranandani. “I thought about that moment every day.”
On June 13, it was time for revenge. After a year of reliving the defeat, practicing hard so it wouldn’t happen again, top-ranked Westborough took the court against third-ranked Duxbury in the championship. Hiranandani, a sophomore at No. 1 singles, and Forjette, a junior at No. 2 singles, picked up their rackets hoping to achieve a different ending.
And then they did. Westborough earned a decisive victory at MIT’s duPont Tennis Courts, besting Duxbury, 4-1, to take home the Division 2 title. The Rangers have made the championship match every year since 2021, last winning the title in 2024 (also against Duxbury).
“After they swept us, 5-0, last year, we had that image in our heads. We talk about it almost every time, that we were going to get them. This is the culmination of a year of effort since they swept us last year,” said Forjette.
Added Hiranandani: “We’ve been dreaming about this. ... Every single day, [about] this exact moment.”
The Rangers swept the
strong at No. 3 singles (6-3, 6-1).
At the beginning of the season, Westborough worked to set objectives and goals. It proved to be an easy exercise: “The only goal they wanted was to win a state championship,” said Head Coach Len O’Neil.
“It’s fulfilling as a coach. They’re a skilled group — I get them when they’re already skilled, I just have to mold them into a team. I try to get them not pulling on push doors, and rowing in the same direction,” he added.
Part of what makes the
group so cohesive is a shared love of fast food. The night before the championship, the team went to Chick-fil-A. After the victory, the Rangers were excited to go to Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Whatever helps them bring home the trophy.
“I don’t think I’d want to do it with any other group of guys. Words can’t say enough. We all really enjoy being to gether. There’s no better feel ing than being with the guys on the team,” said Forjette.
Added Hlawek: “It’s been a really special four years. This group is really close.”
ABOVE: Vikram Hiranandani
RIGHT: Flanked by teammates, senior Jordan Hlawek lifts the trophy. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
