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After vehicle attack, new plans unveiled to protect police station By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – On January 19, 2026, a 2022 BMW SUV crashed into the Shrewsbury Police Department headquarters. Though nobody was injured, aside from the driver who plowed into the building intentionally and was later charged, the incident caused significant damage. The vehicle broke through two pylons, two sets of doors, and the door to dispatch. Since then, the building has had temporary repairs. Concrete barriers were placed in the driveway of the municipal campus to shorten the

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Vol. 52 | No. 40 | October 2, 2026

Shrewsbury Recreation Department to honor Dawn Shannon

‘I’m in it for the long run’ Silva’s Bakery is a Hudson staple and culinary destination

shrewsbury | 2 Two warehouses proposed for Westborough office complex

westborough | 5 Assabet expands vocational opportunities for MHS students

Police Station | 2

Residents rally against Amazon drone delivery By Emilia Cardona Reporter WESTBOROUGH – On September 23, residents from over 10 Central Massachusetts communities gathered at the DoubleTree in Westborough to hear Amazon present its plans to implement a drone delivery program throughout the region. Residents within a 7.5-mile radius of Amazon’s Otis Street (Westborough) facility would be in the program’s range. That area includes all of Westborough, Shrewsbury, Grafton, and Northborough; large portions of Worcester, Hopkinton, Upton, Millbury, Boylston, Marlborough, and Southborough; and small portions of Amazon Drones | 10

marlborough | 12 Ava VanBuskirk succeeding playing soccer at UNH

Sam Gomes runs the pastry operation at Silva’s Portuguese Bakery. (Photo/Jamie Pote)

By Jamie Pote Reporter HUDSON – Each morning at 4:45 a.m., Sam Gomes arrives at Silva’s Portuguese Bakery – located at 140 Main Street in Hudson – ready to load a truck with bread and pastries to deliver to restaurants in Leominster, mini-markets in Milford, and the store’s second location in Lowell. The work starts about 90 minutes before that, at 3:15 a.m., when several of the store’s employees arrive to start baking. Before dawn, the workers create Silva’s famous Portuguese Sourdough Bread, Sweet Bread, and about 1,800 rolls for the day. Just before the doors open at 5:30 a.m., Liz Amorin, an employee of 27 years, brews the coffee, prepares the front of the store, and sets out the fresh

Brazilian and Italian pastries. Amorin warmly greets about 200 customers – 300 on the weekends – at this town landmark. Silva’s has been operating since 1948. The business – first owned by the Silva family, and later by Jose Pineda – was sold to the Gomes family in 2007. For Sam, 33, keeping the store thriving is a passion. He started helping his father, Milson, run the bakery at age 14. “This is about honoring my dad. He worked really hard here so we could get where we are today,” said Sam. “Carrying the baton and taking his business forward excites me. It has a lot of history. It’s part of our family.” In the early 2000s, Milson and several other investors opened “Lowell Portuguese Bakery,” which still

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2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS After vehicle attack, new road design planned for municipal campus

This is the new design proposed for the roads at 100 Maple Avenue. (Photo/Town of Shrewsbury) Police Station | from page 1

potential runway for cars seeking to damage the headquarters. On September 22, Assistant Town Manager of Operations Keith Baldinger gave the Select Board an update regarding the reconstruction efforts. “It’s been a long process to get to where we are now,”

he said. The town is working with an architect to plan repairs to the front entrance of the police station, implement enhanced security features, and construct impact-resistant bollards in front of the building. Though initial estimates came in at $1.1 million, Baldinger said the work should cost around $800,000,

all of which will be covered by insurance. The building will be “more secure for visitors” after the updates, he said. Part of what made the impact so devastating was the layout of the municipal campus: The road in front of Town Hall lines up perfectly with the front of the police headquarters, allowing cars to gain speed. A change to road design – created after a collaboration between the Town Engineer, Shrewsbury Police Department, and an architect – will help eliminate the runway-like nature of the current layout. The new plan calls for the road connecting the headquarters to Town Hall to be diverted slightly into the nearby parking lot. All vehicles – including fire trucks – would be able to make the turn radius, said Baldinger, and the plan will increase green space. The road re-design is funded through $120,000 in

town money appropriated by Town Meeting. “The change here is really to promote safety. This will allow for no straight-on shots from

Shrewsbury Recreation Department to honor longtime town employee Dawn Shannon

Dawn Shannon will forever be remembered at this building. (Photo/Evan Walsh)

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

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any vehicles in the future. It’s configured in a way that fire trucks, ladder trucks, delivery trucks can get through with no problem,” Baldinger said.

SHREWSBURY – A longtime Shrewsbury employee is set to be honored. On September 22, the Select Board voted unanimously to name the hall of the Shrewsbury Recreation Department building, located at the corner of School Street and Main Street, after Dawn Shannon. The building will continue to be known as the Ray Stone Post 238, and Shannon and World War I veteran Raymond Stone’s names will be displayed outside the structure. Shannon worked for decades with the Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department and ran numerous programs for children of all ages. She was a devoted Town Meeting representative for many years, a member of the League of Women Voters, and dedicated countless hours to her children’s extracurricular activities. The community petitioned the Select Board to recognize Shannon, who died in February. “She gave 30 years of her life to developing the Parks and Recreation Department, more on the Recreation Department side,” said Rob Shannon, her son. “Mom would do this job

with such love for the town residents, for the children, for the families – and a lot of times we, as her family, got the short end of the stick because of it. … She would get up from dinner and open up the buildings.” He added: “She was a wonderful mother, a mentor to so many.” Though support was overwhelming, a few residents worried that naming the building after Shannon would take away from Stone’s recognition. Rob Shannon said it was “never [his] desire to do that,” and even with the dedication to Shannon, Stone will continue to be recognized. “We do not have any objection [to honoring Shannon]. … It’s on the record,” said Fred Russell, the Ray Stone Post commander. Carol McWilliams spoke at an August Select Board meeting. “Any one of us who knew Dawn Shannon knew she was vivacious. She was giving. She was funny. She always had a smile. She gave so much of herself to the kids, and even the adults. She could’ve been Mrs. Shrewsbury. Something should be done,” she said. McWilliams added: “She was the Parks Department for almost 30 years.”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough completes $165,000 wayfinding initiative By Emilia Cardona Reporter WESTBOROUGH – As you drive through town, something new along the roadside might catch your eye. New maroon wayfinding signs have been installed all over town. The bulk of the signs were installed on

September 19, according to Lara Crawford, the economic development coordinator. Two more signs are still in the works. They are proposed for installation at Lyman Street and Flanders/Connector Road, but the Select Board still needs to approve the new locations. The new wayfinding signs

are part of the town’s overall branding initiative, which has been in the works for the past three years. According to the Westborough Economic Development Committee website, the wayfinding sign project was implemented to help residents and visitors navigate the town more easily, explore businesses and

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recreational areas – such as parks and hiking trails – and find public parking. The design and installation of the new signs were made possible by the COVID-19 State Fiscal Recovery Fund grant the town received in March 2023. Crawford said the town received two earmarks totaling $165,000.

New wayfinding signs are being installed around Westborough.

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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.

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 508.930.9022 MANAGING EDITOR: Evan Walsh PROJECT EDITOR: Brett Peruzzi REPORTERS: Jamie Pote Emilia Cardona ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: Angela Gilbert | 508-366-5500 ext. 20 Barbara Clifford | 508.769.6259 Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332 Debbie Eckert | 508-366-5500 ext. 12 Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz | 508.366.5500 ext. 17 LEGAL & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Cynthia Merchant | 508.736.4332 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Jess Walters Lynne Fountain Michelina Portas OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Nickerson BILLING INQUIRIES: Bookkeeping Dept. | ext. 19

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dottie Jean’s plans to consolidate locations into single Northborough building By Evan Walsh Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – Dottie Jean’s Pet Resort is planning to relocate to a new spot in Northborough. On September 22, Northborough’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) heard an application from Dottie Jean’s Pet Resort to move into a building

at 145 Otis Street. The business plans to close its current two locations at 85 Chestnut Street in Shrewsbury and 14 Blake Street in Northborough. Nancy Bradley, a longtime resident of Northborough and the owner of Dottie Jean’s, said she has been looking for a new location for some time. The Blake Street location wasn’t conducive to success, she said,

due to traffic concerns. In addition, her landlord recently sold the land where her Shrewsbury location operates. Business boomed in recent years after boarding facilities in Northborough, Westborough, and Worcester closed. Now, Dottie Jean’s is looking to unify its operations under one roof. The Otis Street location is plenty big and provides easy

access to Route 9. “We were inundated with dogs who needed places to go,” said Bradley. “The old Doggie Den closed, so I took over the Doggie Den – so I have that property to provide a service that people needed. … The location on Otis Street is perfect for what I want to do for a variety of reasons.” A local attorney was so

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 5

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Two warehouses proposed for major Westborough office complex

Two 70,000-square-foot warehouses are proposed for 1 Research Drive

By Emilia Cardona Reporter WESTBOROUGH – Ferris Development Group, a Southborough-based real estate firm, continues to consider options for Westborough’s 1 Research Drive, a prime parcel of land off of Route 9 with proximity to Interstate 495. Its latest proposal calls for several warehouses. According to a site plan submitted to the Planning Board on September 4, Ferris Development Group is seeking to remove 497 of the site’s 1,181 existing parking spots. In that space, the firm would build two 70,000-squarefoot warehouses. Of the 684 remaining spots, 24 would be deemed accessible. The applicant is requesting a waiver as part of the proposal. The town’s bylaws require a certain number of parking spaces proportionate to the buildings’ square footage. If the construction project is approved, the bylaw would require a total of 1,085 parking spaces, so the appli-

cant is requesting a waiver for 401 spaces. “The waiver will allow large, chronically underused paved parking areas to be put to productive use,” Ferris Development Group wrote in its Project Narrative and Impact Statement submitted to the Planning Board. “Instead of remaining empty, those areas will support approximately 140,000 square feet of new taxable warehouse space, jobs, business activity, and additional property-tax revenue for the town.” The proposed construction plan would also convert 25,000 square feet of office space into new retail space. Currently, the office building has a gym and a cafeteria available to tenants; the added retail would boost offerings for employees. A traffic study conducted by Vanasse & Associates, an engineering firm, determined that there would be about 40 employees at each new warehouse per shift. The study also estimates that, on an average weekday, the project would

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generate about 1,170 additional vehicle trips, including 60 truck trips. The study estimates approximately 103 vehicle trips would be generated during a peak morning hour, along with 145 during an evening peak hour. Additionally, the construction project would update the stormwater drainage system and sidewalks, and install pedestrian walkways, signage, and marked crosswalks. Ferris Development Group submitted the application on behalf of Avison Young, a Toronto-headquartered commercial real estate company. The Planning Board has not yet voted on the proposal. Earlier this year, Ferris Development Group unsuccessfully asked Town Meeting to change the zoning in the area. The firm hoped to build four multi-family residential buildings (containing 63 units each, for a total of 252 units), a restaurant or cafe, and a commercial building on the lot. The plans would have generated over $1 million in tax revenue. Town Meeting rejected the rezoning. Ferris Development Group said that the re-zoning would allow for higher uses of the property – the current office landscape is difficult, the firm said, and the current site sits largely vacant. The re-zoning would’ve also helped revive another semi-vacant parcel 25 Research Drive, Westborough’s “golden goose,” which, under the right zoning, could become a major tax generator for the town, the development group argued.

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6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

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Grateful Northborough native paid it forward through the Gassett Fund NORTHBOROUGH

THEN

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By Alexandra Molnar History Columnist NORTHBOROUGH – The lot at 63 Main Street is now home to Northborough’s Town Hall. However, the site was once the residence of Henry Gassett, who was born in Northborough on

was meant to “relieve the inhabitants [of Northborough] from all burdens of taxation for town purposes.” Gassett donated the funds to show his gratitude to the town, appreciative of his time as a resident and the fact that it was the community where his parents lived and were buried. His will states that “[Gassett] has attachments to that place, and a regard for its population

committee of five mothers or five fathers, and the funds were to help ensure the happiness, success, and prosperity of the mother’s offspring. Any surplus could be used for town expenditures and eventually could be kept as a perpetual fund to allow residents to not pay taxes. One of the final clauses details that, if the funds were misused, they would no longer go to the town

LEFT: An excerpt from the document that established the Gassett Fund, which Northborough native Henry Gassett established in 1831 with a gift of $3,000.

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February 1, 1774, and worked as a merchant for over 40 years. According to a diary from Massachusetts state senator and Revolutionary War officer Israel Bartlett, Gassett – who was age 3 at the time – remembered British general John Burgoyne’s army passing through Northborough after it was defeated by American forces at Saratoga. Gassett’s home was part of the encampment on the night of November 2, 1777; the barn, house, and outbuildings were used, the diary said. From his early years living in Northborough, Gassett gained a fondness for the town. In 1831, Gassett designated a sum of $3,000 – an amount worth over $115,000 today – toward the “Gassett Fund.” The money

to defray costs. Instead, the annual income of the fund would be accumulated until it became large enough to establish and maintain a free grammar school in Northborough called The Gassett School. Interestingly, the property where Gassett grew up later became the site of Northborough’s high school from 1923 to 1959. It then moved when Algonquin Regional High School opened. The building subsequently served as a Northborough middle school until 1971. Currently, Northborough Town Hall occupies the building.

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of which he is anxious to give a solid and lasting proof by placing in their hands a fund to be applied to the several purposes herein named.” The fund came with numerous conditions. The first priority was to support Gassett’s brother and uncle. Then, if it yielded additional funds beyond the annual appropriations for his relatives, the Congregational Society of Northborough was to receive $750 annually. Once the fund grew to accommodate these purposes, $50 was to be given to “the most worthy and best mother” who had lived in Northborough for at least three years. The mother was to be selected by a

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES

From desk jockey to fighting fires: Meet the newest member of the Westborough FD

Beyond Medical Bills: Using an HSA to Fuel Your Retirement

Jonathan Franklin has found a spot with the Westborough Fire Department (Photo/Emilia Cardona)

By Emilia Cardona Reporter WESTBOROUGH – One of the best decisions Jonathan Franklin has ever made was quitting his mundane office job to become a firefighter. “It’s different every day – best of the best and the worst of the worst – and being able to help people. You do something that tangibly feels like you’re making an impact, as opposed to office work,” Franklin said. “When you can help somebody in the moment and see the difference you’ve made,

that’s a really good feeling.” Franklin is the newest firefighter joining Group 4 at the Westborough Fire Department. He graduated from the fire academy in August and has been working at the department as a paramedic for the past six months while finishing his studies. The journey to becoming a full-time firefighter began a couple of years ago when Franklin was working at a startup. Franklin said a co-worker who volunteered as an EMT part-time sensed that he wasn’t suited for the office environment and encouraged him to explore another field. “Once I finished EMT school, that co-worker recommended that I go to paramedic school, and that’s when I really fell in love with it,” he said. “Exploring and getting into the fire-side is something that’s been new to me after having started my EMS career, and it just adds a whole other layer of things to learn.” Franklin grew up in Framingham but said he can see himself settling down and living in Westborough for the next 30 years.

Select Board: Town Manager ‘exceeding’ job standards By Emilia Cardona Reporter WESTBOROUGH – The annual evaluation of Town Manager Kristi Williams was completed by the Westborough Select Board on September 22. The Select Board evaluated Williams’ performance as “exceeding job standards” and, using a 4-point rating scale, assigned her a 3.6 composite score across all evaluation criteria for fiscal year 2026. The 4-point scale starts at 1 (needs improvement) and goes to 4 (outstanding). Williams has served as the Town Manager since 2019. “As reflected by the collective judgment of the board, you continue to perform your duties as Town Manager in an exemplary manner and lead the town with confidence and humility, demonstrate sound fiscal management skills, are dedicated to fostering a team environment,

On September 22, the Westborough Select Board evaluated the Town Manager

and continue to learn and grow personally and professionally in your role as Town Manager,” Select Board chair Sean Keogh said to Williams. The board evaluated Williams in six general managerial categories: board support and relations, financial management, personnel management and organizational leadership, community leadership and public relations, town operations and infrastructure, and personal

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pen enrollment for work benefits is coming. One critical choice often causes confusion: deciding between a PPO medical plan and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Glenn Brown, CFP Understanding how these work can help you make smarter choices for 2027 and your future. Choosing the Right Medical Plan Selecting the right health plan comes down to three primary factors: 1. Provider Access: Ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network. No amount of tax savings offsets losing access to your trusted care team. 2. Total Annual Cost: Compare the guaranteed cost (monthly premiums) against potential care costs (deductible and out-of-pocket maximum). Look at historical medical expenses, but also plan for expected upcoming care. 3.Tax & Savings Strategy: An HDHP paired with an HSA offers triple tax savings. While popular for those with low healthcare needs, HDHPs can also be cost-effective for heavy users—provided you have the cash flow to handle higher up-front expenses before insurance kicks in. Unlocking the “Triple Tax Advantage” An HSA provides three distinct layers of tax savings that no other financial account can match: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Funds contributed directly or via payroll deduction reduce your taxable income for the year (saving federal, state, and FICA taxes). Tax-Free Growth: Earnings, interest, dividends, and investment gains grow compoundingly without triggering annual taxes. Tax-Free Withdrawals: Withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses—such as doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, and vision—are completely federal tax-free. Real-World Tax Savings Consider a family in the 24% federal tax bracket spending $4,000 annually on routine healthcare. By funding those out-of-pocket costs through an HSA, they can save roughly $1,480 in taxes (federal, state, and FICA). A household in the 32% bracket maxing out the $9,000 family contribution can save between $3,500 and $4,100 in taxes, depending on whether their individual earnings exceed the Social Security wage cap.

and professional qualities. Williams scored highest in financial management (3.9), town operations and infrastructure (3.8), and board support and relations (3.8). Her lowest score was “personnel management and organizational leadership,” though her 3.0 in that category still exceeds expectations, according to the rubric. The board complimented Williams’ consistent work to “promote a climate of mutual respect and trust” between the Select Board and the Town Manager’s office. It also complimented the respect with which she treats the public.

Don’t Leave “Free Money” on the Table Surprisingly, more than half of eligible employees never open or fund an HSA. This is a costly oversight because many employers offer $500 to $2,000 per year in seed contributions or wellness incentives (such as completing an annual physical) to jump-start accounts. Contributing even a small amount per pay period ensures you capture these employer matches. 2027 IRS Contribution Limits & HDHP Requirements The IRS has released limits for 2027: • Individual: $4,500 • Family: $9,000 • Catch-Up (55+): $1,000 Remember, employer contributions count toward the annual contribution caps. A Long-Term Wealth-Building & Retirement Tool Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), your HSA balance belongs entirely to you. Unused funds never expire, thus any account balance rolls over and continues growing. Once your balance reaches your provider’s investment threshold, you can invest those dollars into index funds. Some will choose to pay current medical bills out of pocket, allowing their HSA funds to compound untouched for years or even decades. This becomes a secondary tax-deferred retirement bucket. How? After age 65, the non-medical withdrawal penalty of 20% disappears. Thus, your HSA effectively functions like a Traditional IRA: • Pull funds for healthcare (Medicare Part B/D, dental, long-term care) tax-free. • Pull funds for general living expenses, paying standard income tax with zero penalty. Plus, HSAs have no Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), giving you total control over your withdrawal schedule. The Bottom Line Whether managing immediate healthcare expenses or building a tax-free nest egg for retirement, an HSA remains one of the most versatile financial wellness tools available. Take time during open enrollment to review your options, calculate your savings, and secure employer contributions. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Glenn Brown lives in MetroWest and is owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. He is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

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Selling This Fall? You Want To Get These 4 Things Right Selling your house this fall is absolutely doable. But there’s something you need to know about this time of year. Buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climb – and you need the right strategy to get attention in this type of market. The good news? There’s a lot you can control. From how you price and present your house to how you negotiate and respond to feedback. Here are four things you’ll want to get right this fall.

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Price To Get Buyers’ Attention In the fall, there are typically fewer buyers looking and more homes for them to choose from. So, you want to make the most of every buyer who comes across your house. And your price is one of the first things that can make them stop and take a closer look – or keep scrolling. That’s why this isn’t the time to start high “just to see what happens.” If buyers think your house is overpriced, they have plenty of other options to move on to. And that could leave you sitting and waiting. So, if you want to sell before year-end, work with your agent to find the right price for your house and today’s market. That may mean listing at market value – or even slightly

Real Estate Q&A with Mary Wood higher mortgage Q: Are rates changing our local housing market?

I’m seeing A: Absolutely! the impact firsthand Mary Wood, REALTOR® Cell: 508.958.0225 Main: 781.786.8080 Lamacchia Realty, Inc. 382 West Main St, Ste 202 Northborough MA 01532

in Westborough and the surrounding communities, as well as Northborough and Shrewsbury. With mortgage rates hovering around 7%, buyers are becoming more thoughtful about what they’re willing to spend. They’re paying close attention to condition, monthly payments and overall value, and they have a little more room to negotiate than they did when the market was moving at full speed. For sellers, pricing correctly from the beginning is especially important. Even a beautiful home can sit if the price doesn’t line up with what today’s buyers are willing to pay.

And nobody likes hearing the words “price reduction”! The good news is that buyers have not disappeared. I’m still seeing strong interest in homes that are well-priced and properly prepared. Westborough, Northborough and Shrewsbury continue to offer what buyers are looking for: excellent schools, desirable neighborhoods, commuter convenience and limited inventory.The fall market may simply require a little more strategy and flexibility from both buyers and sellers.My advice? Don’t let national headlines or even what the house down the street sold for last year determine what your home is worth today. Real estate is local, and understanding the nuances of Westborough and its surrounding communities matters.

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below it – to grab buyers’ attention. Redfin explains how a seemingly small difference can change your buyer pool: “Buyers often search in round-number price brackets, so pricing at $499,000 instead of $505,000 can make your home appear in more searches and feel like a better deal.”

Make a Great First Impression When buyers had very few homes to choose from, they were often more willing to overlook dated finishes or a house that needed some work. That’s harder to count on now. With more choices, how your house looks online and in person can determine whether it makes a buyer’s shortlist at all. That doesn’t mean you need a full renovation before you sell, but you should take care of essential repairs, do what you can to boost curb appeal, and make sure your house photographs well. Maybe that’s some light staging, maybe it’s swapping out faucets or lights, or maybe a fresh coat of paint. Small details can help a lot. After all, you only get one chance to make that first impression. Make it count.

Stay Open To Negotiating Some sellers are still expecting the kind of leverage they had a few years ago. But in many markets, buyers have more negotiating power today and there’s a lot more give and take. The latest data from Redfin shows 46.2% of sellers gave buyers some type of concession. So, consider throwing in a little help with closing costs or covering a repair. Almost half of sellers are. The takeaway? Playing hard ball may not get you what you want. But being flexible might. The key is not getting so focused on “winning” every individual negotiation that you lose sight of the bigger goal: making your move happen. Sometimes a small concession is what gets you to the closing table.

Know When It’s Time To Adjust Sometimes your house tells you when something isn’t working. Maybe you’re getting plenty of online views but very few showings. Or buyers are coming through, but you’re not getting offers. Or maybe buyer feedback has one recurring theme. Pay attention to those signals. They can help you figure out what needs to change. Let’s say your price is the most common point of feedback. Talk to your agent about a price drop. It doesn’t have to be a big change to make a big difference. The average price cut right now is 4% according to HousingWire Data. That’s normal. Now, that doesn’t mean you should panic and slash your price after a week. It means you and your agent should pay attention to what buyers are telling you and adjust if you need to. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t waiting for the right buyer. It’s making sure you’re giving that buyer a reason to act. Bottom Line Selling this fall is absolutely doable. And now you know four of the biggest things to get right. If you want to sell before the end of the year, let’s make sure you have a winning strategy from day one.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Scoreboard coming to Grafton High School ballfield By Evan Walsh Managing Editor GRAFTON – It’s about to get easier to keep track of balls and strikes. On September 23, the Grafton School Committee unanimously voted to spend $1,000 out of the district’s athletic budget to fund

a scoreboard for the Grafton High School ballfield. Currently there is no scoreboard, making scorekeeping difficult. The scoreboard will be solar-powered and located in left field. The scoreboard is expected to cost about $42,500 – including $7,000 in contin-

gency. Gaudette Insurance Agency generously donated $10,000, while Grafton Little League and the Grafton Athletic Boosters each contributed $5,000. The Grafton Community Preservation Committee also offered to contribute funds, though Town Meeting would need to approve.

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happiness in retirement depends most on reaching their retirement savings goal. Many Gen Xers emphasize leaving behind an inheritance for their children (42%). Travel and leisure When choosing a place to retire, most people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money, and low cost of living (38%) factors high on the list. For many that means relocating, with 42% saying they plan to move to a different city or state to retire. Some 37% prioritize proximity to family and friends, although 43% say they prefer to retire where it’s more affordable, even if it means being far from their loved ones. For others, home is where happiness already exists - 23% describe their current location as their happy place. Many see retirement as an opportunity for a fresh start; 16% of people imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years. Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Zers have set a goal for a travel fund (44%) in retirement. MethodologyEmpower surveyed 1,013 Americans on December 5, 2024.

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

Residents rally against drone delivery in Central Massachusetts Amazon Drones | from page 1

Hudson, Berlin, Ashland, and West Boylston. Amazon has asked the Westborough Planning Board for approval to construct six drone “launching pads” from the parking lot of its Otis Street same-day delivery facility. Amazon’s MK30 drones are six-propeller, 5-by-5-foot machines that are capable of reaching 75 miles per hour. They are designed to deliver shoebox-sized products weighing under 5 pounds; deliveries could be made within an hour. During delivery, objects are dropped in a designated “delivery zone” from approximately 13 feet. Tareq Wafaie, an economic development policy manager at Amazon, said the company chose Westborough because demand for same-day delivery in the region is increasing and there is already a same-day delivery center in the community. No actual construction would be required to launch the drones, he said,

beyond painting red-andyellow circles to designate the “launch pads.” A 6-foot-tall fence would be constructed around the operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allowed Amazon to make up to 1,000 deliveries per day, though Wafaie said that Amazon doesn’t have that capacity at the moment. Amazon expects to do hundreds of drone deliveries daily to start. Residents from nearby communities repeatedly voiced concerns about how this project could affect their neighborhoods. Residents cited environmental, privacy, and safety concerns. “Do we want this to be what our skies look like for our kids? Do we want drones flying overhead? Do we want to look up at the sky and see blue, or do you want to see a highway of drones?” Hopkinton resident Krisanne Connell said. “This is going to be an egregious change to our way of life.” Added Allen Edinberg, a

Westborough resident: “The delivery technology isn’t there yet to run the service with a minimally acceptable impact on the community.” Right now, Amazon is awaiting results from an environmental study from the FAA, the Westborough

Planning Board’s approval, and MassDOT’s approval. Wafaie said Amazon hopes to obtain all pending approvals by the end of this year. Residents were concerned that only Westborough officials could decide the future of this project.

“There should be something else that we could do to further regulate this proposal, because the residents really don’t feel like they have a voice and they don’t feel like they have an ability to do anything about it,” said Danielle Gregoire, a state representative in Marlborough. “Westborough will have further ability to do some regulation based on the permitting requirements because that’s where the facility is located. But largely, the other residents within the radius won’t have any control.” Wafaie was asked if Amazon had a response to the opposition. “There isn’t an official opposition other than a lot of comments on a lot of different topics right now,” he said. “You have made individual comments tonight. … You can laugh at it tonight, but I’m hearing you. Several of you tonight don’t approve of this conceptually.” “Several?” the crowd jeered back. “There’s a difference between hearing and listening.”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Westborough Office Space

Silva’s Bakery is a Hudson staple and culinary destination Silva’s | from page 1

operates on Gorham Street in the city. At the time, Sam, who was attending Framingham High, started learning the craft and helping his father, while his mother, Bina, also worked in the kitchen. The commute eventually became too much, so the family moved to Lowell. “A few years later, we had the opportunity to purchase this place,” Sam said. “I was attending college at the time, but my dad needed help, so I started working here, making bread, and making deliveries. After that, I slowly took on more responsibilities. My dad is close to being 65 and he wants to retire, so I’m inheriting it from him.” Sam is inheriting a place that is cherished by the community. And for good reason. The bread, pastries, and the

“pastel de nata” – a famous Portuguese egg-custard tart with a flaky, crisp pastry shell and a caramelized top – are exquisitely delicious. The bakery offers an incredible assortment of different items. While the pastries, treats,

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can take up to four hours to produce. Silva’s continues to evolve: Sam told the Community Advocate that plans are in the works to add sandwiches and lattes to the menu. “We still have a loyal customer base. We get people from all over, but it’s mostly people from Hudson,” he said. H e h o p e s to keep Silva’s rich tradition going for the next 30-something years. “I love it here. When you have a small business like this that’s passed down through generations, it’s unique,” he said. “You don’t see it a lot. Nowadays, you see a lot of big businesses. It’s neat to have something small and personable. I hope to keep it that way for the rest of my life. Maybe I’ll retire and hopefully pass it on to my kids. I’m in it for the long run.”

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

Assabet partnership expands vocational opportunities for MHS students By Emilia Cardona Reporter MARLBOROUGH – A new dual-enrollment pilot program will allow Marlborough High School students to take electrical and cosmetology courses at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. The program aims to make vocational education more accessible to Marlborough High

School students. While the program’s target start date was September 29, Marlborough superintendent Jason DeFalco said they are still fine-tuning transportation. “It’s really a life-changing trajectory for some of these kids that did not have postgraduation plans but now have an opportunity for certification in electrical or cosmetology,” DeFalco said during the

School Committee meeting on September 22. Through the Assabet Technical Education Institute, which typically offers vocational education for adults, the pilot program has dual-en-

TOP: Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (File Photo) LEFT: Marlborough High School (File Photo)

rolled 20 12th-grade students. Christine Gauthier, director of community education at Assabet, said the program was designed to give Marlborough students access to Assabet courses while allowing them to complete their graduation requirements and maintain a balanced schedule. Students enrolling in the program need to be in good academic standing and have

a flexible afternoon schedule. The program courses will start after school, when students get out of their last class at Marlborough High, Gauthier said. “In creating this, we were very mindful of the students as a whole and making sure that they could have a schoolwork-life balance, because that’s the key in order for them to sustain it long-term and

achieve their goals with this program,” Gauthier said. “We want to make sure that we’re not putting on this extremely long day, allowing them to have that balance and have the coursework.” DeFalco said that while the pilot program is a short-term project, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has awarded districts a grant for long-range proposals. That could help make the program a permanent option for Marlborough students. “We have been working very hard to create additional pathways at Marlborough High School for different career technical opportunities for our students, with the idea of really making sure that our students are prepared for post-graduation and really pursuing whatever experiences and passions that they have, whether it’s college, career, or military,” DeFalco said.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

New housing development near Grafton Common breaks ground By Evan Walsh Managing Editor GRAFTON – Shovels are in the dirt, and work is underway. On September 24, stakeholders gathered at 17-27 Upton Street – the former site of Grafton’s Department of Public Works facility – to celebrate the construction of The Griffin, a four-story, 131,000-square-foot building consisting of 122 units. Through a collaboration with the Affordable Housing Trust, 25 percent (31) of the units will be deemed “affordable,” and there will be 16 studios, 80 one-bedroom units, and 26 two-bedroom units in total. Outdoor space – including pickleball courts – will be provided to tenants, and the adjacent barn will be preserved. The Affordable Housing

Trust provided $1.8 million toward the project as part of an affordable housing-related agreement. Twenty-five percent affordable housing stock is above what is typically expected in non-40B developments. “Today was a great day not only to see a project start coming to life, but more importantly, to celebrate the partnership between the Grafton Affordable Housing Trust and the developer, Brendon Properties,” said Select Board member Colleen Roy, speaking on behalf of the Affordable Housing Trust. “Hopefully, by spreading the word about what was accomplished here in Grafton, more communities will be inspired to craft their own grant agreements to help increase the number of affordable units in projects in their town.”

What does it mean to truly Prevail? REGION – For Dr. Amanda Cote, PT, DPT, NCS, owner of Prevail Neurologic Rehabilitation, it means helping people feel heard, supported, and capable of more than they thought possible. Located within the Westboro Tennis & Swim Club, Prevail has been proudly serving the community since May 2026, offering individualized physical therapy care for people of all diagnoses and ability levels. Dr. Cote is a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy who works with individuals recovering from stroke, living with Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, navigating balance and vestibular challenges, healing from brain or spinal cord injury, or managing orthopedic concerns such as back, shoulder, or knee pain. Through her location at Westboro Tennis & Swim Club, she also collaborates with staff to promote wellness and support individuals in moving, feeling, and functioning at their best. At Prevail, success is not measured by monetization. Success is helping someone leave the clinic feeling better than when they arrived – stronger, more confident, empowered,

Ground was broken on this new project. (Photo/Evan Walsh)

The project was controversial, with some concerned about traffic, but at the groundbreaking, attendees were focused on the housing – the affordable housing, in particular – and the refurbishment of a site that has seen better days. “It’s been a well-discussed project in our town. It’s something I’m really excited to see

going. I think it’s really going to revitalize the entrance as you head into the Common here. … It’s great to finally see something come to fruition,” said Select Board chair Andy Jefferson. Added state representative David Muradian: “I’m literally a neighbor. I didn’t say anything in the process. But

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honestly, it’s exciting. For the Commonwealth, we struggle to have housing and affordable housing – when you see something like this get put up in the center of such a historic point, it’s exciting for the town. It’s going to be a walkable downtown we have in the pulse of Grafton.” Brendon Gib lin, the president of Brendon Properties, also spoke. “Today is really an opportunity. It’s a kick-off. It’s a groundbreaking on a truly exciting project. We are excited and committed to this being the best in class. I think something that sets the project apart is the partnership created with the Affordable Housing Trust. There was some out-of-thebox thinking that allowed us to build best-in-class housing, but also have a significant percentage of affordable units,” he said.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

New Bridge Granite is ‘selling dreams’ at Northborough showroom By Evan Walsh Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – When people ask Sebastian Gomes what he does for work, his answer is simple: he helps people turn their ideas for their homes into reality. When people ask Patricia Teixeira what she does for work, she tells them that she sells dreams. Gomes founded New Bridge Granite with Teixeira, his wife, in Northborough in 2020 after spending more than 25 years in the stone industry. During his career, Gomes worked in installation, polishing, sales, templating, and fabrication, gaining experience in nearly every part of the countertop business. “I always felt there was a better way to do this,” Gomes said. “I wanted to create a company where customers could have direct communication and where I could be involved in the entire process.” Today, Gomes remains closely involved with each

project, helping customers choose their stone, preparing estimates, and installing each project. “I treat every project as if it were my own home,” Gomes said. “If I don’t think a particular stone is right for a customer, I’ll tell them. I want to make sure they are happy with their decision.” Teixeira, who brought her background in administration to the business, plays an important role in assisting customers, coordinating details, and helping keep projects organized. “Sebastian knows the stone business inside and out, and I enjoy helping our customers and making sure they feel comfortable throughout the process,” Teixeira said. New Bridge Granite works with granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, porcelain, and other materials for kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, and custom projects. For Gomes and Teixeira, the business is about more than selling stone.

Patricia Teixeira and Sebastian Gomes (Photo/Evan Walsh)

“We know that a home project is important to people,” Gomes said. “We want to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible and help them make the right choices for their home.”

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 1

HOME improvement

How to create more interior space A for the winter

fter a summer and fall spent outdoors, winter drives many people back inside. Homeowners may take inventory of their interior spaces in winter and find that there isn’t as much room as they would like. When entertaining inside, a home may feel particularly cramped. Create More Interior Space | 3

2 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

Simple ways to curb heating costs A

s fall gives way to winter, air conditioners typically get turned off and heaters get turned on. Home heating costs can quickly add up for homeowners. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating a space is the single largest energy expense for American households, accounting for roughly 42 percent of total residential energy consumption. However, individuals can implement certain strategies to cut down on heating costs and optimize energy efficiency. Manage the thermostat Managing a home thermostat is a cost-effective and simple adjustment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning a thermostat back by 7° to 10° F from its normal setting for eight hours a day can

save up to 10 percent a year on heating bills. Utilizing the automated scheduling capabilities on programmable or smart thermostats enables people to program a lower baseline temperature when out at work or school and while sleeping. Seal up the home Warm air from indoors can easily escape through unsealed gaps in a home. Similarly, cold air from outdoors can infiltrate through the same spots. This causes heating units to work overtime. Studies from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicate combining window upgrades with high-efficiency heat-

ing systems can cut heating demands considerably. Also, applying weatherstripping and caulking can prevent drafts, while ensuring adequate attic insulation will create a tight thermal barrier. Change the heat delivery Upgrading a heating system to a more efficient one can save homeowners money. According to research by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, replacing traditional fossilfuel furnaces with electric heat pumps can drastically reduce energy expenditures. Modern heat pumps deliver more thermal energy than the electrical energy they consume. Homeowners have different options that may help them reduce their heating and energy bills.

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Create More Interior Space | from page 1

Creating an open, inviting indoor environment requires maximizing spatial design but not necessarily expanding square footage. By focusing on a few strategies, homeowners can maximize interior flow. Change up the layout of furniture Being able to move around a space more easily may come down to rethinking the furniture layout. Interior design experts often emphasize traffic flow in a space, which can determine how comfortable homeowners and their guests feel. Universal design methodologies point to establishing clear, unobstructed routes to link different zones of a room. This will minimize physical congestion in the space. When entertaining, homeowners can push larger pieces of furniture against the perimeter of a room to open up a central gathering area. Heavy coffee tables can be swapped out for smaller tables to allow the rearrangement of the layout depending on how many people are spending time in a given space. Subdivide rooms Open-concept spaces might have lost some their appeal in recent years. Designers are now going back in the direction of room-based layouts over open concepts, according to Martha Stewart and New York-based designer Madeline Merin. Some homeowners now have a greater need for definition of the spaces they have to work with. Instead of one open room, dividing the space can create the illusion of having more square footage while providing distinctive spots for privacy and other room functions. An open-concept family room, for example, can be divided into a gaming room on one side and a home office space on the other.

Change how spaces are perceived Lighting and visual elements can make spaces feel more roomy and inviting even if they haven’t gotten larger. Painting walls in soft tones will help them reflect more light, making boundaries feel like they are receding. Incorporating more natural light by removing heavy draperies is one strategy. According to the Journal of Biophilic Design, biophilic design is the intentional integration of nature into buildings and spaces to improve human health and productivity. Homeowners can incorporate natural lighting, living plants, organic materials, and organic patterns into their interior designs to make spaces feel more inviting Homeowners can look to various design strategies to open up interior spaces in their homes with a goal toward making them more comfortable places to ride out the winter.

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4 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

5 signs a washing machine needs repair (or replacement)

ashing machines may be the unsung heroes of many households. People rely on them on a daily basis and take for granted that they will keep laundry clean. Only when a washing machine is

not operating properly might a homeowner devote more attention to this important appliance. People should keep an eye out for signs that a washing machine is not operating optimally

and may be in need of repair, even though, as Consumer Reports notes, broken washers are few and far between. According to their most recent member survey, only 14 percent of washers broke between the second and fifth years of ownership. The following are some common washing machine problems that can indicate a repair is on the horizon. • Leaking water: If you find puddles or slow drips beneath or around the machine, a repair may be needed. Torn door seals, loose hose connections a cracked internal drum, or a failing drain pump all can contribute to leaking water, says Mr. Appliance. • C ontrol panel failures: A repair is necessary if the machine won’t turn on

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Some homeowners may wonder if they should repair or replace a washer. Consumer Reports says an older washer with a lot of wear and tear may be better off replaced. However, if the machine is relatively young and expensive, a repair may be the better financial choice. Always check to see if the washing machine is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty before calling a repair person. Most washer warranties last one year, though Speed Queen brand offers warranties of up to seven years on some models. Washing machines in disrepair can be challenging because laundry will quickly pile up if a breakdown occurs. Homeowners can learn to spot the signs a washing machine needs to be repaired or replaced.

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or if the control panel is unresponsive. • Water doesn’t drain: Clothes that are soaking wet at the end of a cycle or a drum that still has water in it is cause for concern. It could be something simple like a coin trapped somewhere, but it also might be something more troubling like a failing drain pump. • Vibrating or “walking”: Mr. Appliance says if the washing machine shakes violently or shifts position, it could mean the machine is unbalanced or the internal suspension rods and springs are broken or worn out. • Loud noises: Any time the washing machine is making a noise that is out of the ordinary is a cause for concern and warrants an inspection.

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A rundown on kitchen cabinet projects U

pdated kitchens are in demand, and homeowners are not hesitating to open their wallets when renovating these popular spaces in their homes. According to a 2025 study from Houzz, the median spend on kitchen renovations rose to $60,000 between 2024 and 2025. Homeowners concerned about the high price tag of kitchen renovations should know they have some less expensive means to giving their kitchens a new look. Cabinet projects can dramatically alter how a kitchen looks and feels. This rundown of cabinet projects can help homeowners answer any questions they have about this unique and budget-friendly way to revitalize their kitchens. • Refacing and replacing each merit consideration. Homeowners unfamiliar with cabinet projects may not realize they have two very different options to consider. Refacing allows homeowners to transform the look and feel of a kitchen while keeping the existing cabinet structure in place. When refacing cabinets, new doors, drawer fronts and typically hardware are installed to replace the existing ones. When replacing cabinets, the existing cabinet structure is torn out and completely new units are installed. Replacing might be done when the structural integrity of the existing cabinets is questionable or when homeowners are not fond of the existing cabinet layout and decide to change it completely. • Cabinet refacing or replacing projects will not cost nearly as much as a complete kitchen overhaul. The cost of any home renovation project is unique to each home. No two homes are the same, and variables like layout and square footage will affect the price of most projects, including cabinet renovations. But homeowners should know that the average cost of cabinet refacing projects and replacement projects falls far short of the $60,000 price tag of kitchen renovations noted by Houzz. According to Angi.com, refacing cabinets costs between $900 and $6000 on average,

while cabinet replacement projects can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000. The wide ranges reflect the variables unique to each home. Homeowners are urged to contact a professional who specializes in cabinet refacing and replacement to get an accurate estimate of how much these projects will cost in their homes. • Cabinets also can be repainted. If refacing or replacing cabinets also threatens to bust the budget, homeowners can consider repainting or re-staining existing cabinets. This is a particularly cost-ef-

fective project because it gives the kitchen a new look but does not require homeowners to purchase new doors, drawers or hardware. This is a potentially good option for homeowners whose existing cabinets are structurally

sound and painted but started to fade in regard to their color. It’s also a potentially sound temporary option for homeowners who are hoping to do a full kitchen renovation at some point in the near future but looking for a less costly

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and temporary means to give their kitchens a fresh look. Cabinet projects can create a different feel in the kitchen without requiring homeowners to make as sizable a financial investment as a full kitchen overhaul demands.

6 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

Tips to winterize a home as cold weather approaches I

t’s not uncommon to spend a lot of time out of the house when the weather outside is warm. The popularity of outdoor living spaces has made it easier than ever to enjoy nature without leaving home, which can generally be done from late spring to mid-fall each year in many regions. But as fall creeps toward winter and temperatures drop, it’s time to head back indoors. As millions prepare to go back inside with winter approaching, it can be beneficial to winterize a home so interior spaces are more comfortable and exterior spaces are better able to withstand potentially harsh winter weather. • Check your carbon monoxide detectors. Fall is a great season to open the windows in many regions that feature prototypical autumn air. But the crisp air of fall will eventually give way to much

colder air, at which time the windows will be closed and likely remain shut for months to come. The Minnesota Department of Health notes that carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that cannot be detected by the senses. When windows remain closed for long periods of time, such as in winter, the buildup of CO, which can come from sources like water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and clothes dryers, can

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poison residents over time. CO detectors are a safety net against such a fate, but they must be operating at peak capacity in order to be effective. As fall winds down, check all CO detectors to make sure they’re working properly and replace any that are not. • C heck for drafts. Check around windows and doors throughout the home to see if there are any gaps that are allowing air from outside to enter the home. If daytime temperatures are mild well into the fall, then it can be difficult to see if there are

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to lighting your first fire of the season. In addition, the tar-like substance creosote, which forms when wood is burned in a fireplace, can build up and harden over time. That’s a dangerous prospect, as creosote is highly flammable, which can lead to chimney fires. Creosote also can block the flow of air through a chimney, and that can trap gasses, including CO, in a home. • R everse your fans. It’s a simple step but one people

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8 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

How to brighten interior spaces I

f spring and summer are seasons when homeowners focus their renovation energy on outdoor living spaces, that attention shifts back inside upon the arrival of fall. People tend to spend much more time indoors than outside come late fall and throughout the winter. The ambiance inside in fall and winter is notably different, as fewer hours of daylight can darken interior spaces. Finding ways to brighten home interiors can make spaces more inviting in late fall and throughout the winter. • Layer with sheer and blackout curtains. The simplest way to brighten interior spaces is to allow natural light to illuminate them, but that can be difficult in homes with blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are highly effective at keeping light out, but they won’t do much to brighten interior spaces in the winter. Layer blackout curtains with sheer curtains so you can still get some privacy but brighten interior spaces with natural light at the same time. • Add lighting wherever possible. The days when interior lighting was limited to floor lamps and overhead fixtures

are long gone. Various types of lighting can now be used to brighten interior spaces throughout winter. Recessed lighting is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can brighten any room in a home at any point in a day. Unlike a traditional overhead fixture where the light emanates from a single source, recessed lighting can be installed in various points in the ceiling so each corner of a room can be lit up. In addition to recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting in kitchens and on bookshelves can brighten spots that traditional fixtures typically fail to illuminate.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 9

Layering the lighting so light comes from various sources can create a brighter feel. • Use color to your advantage. Color is another tool that can be used to brighten interior spaces in the winter. If homeowners are reluctant to paint walls with new and brighter colors, then accents can lend rooms a lighter feel. Vibrantly colored throw pillows, blankets and fixtures can create a lighter feel when residents and guests enter a room. Artwork with light colors also can help to brighten interior spaces.

• Wash the windows. They are easily overlooked, but dirty windows can block natural light and greatly reduce the amount of light entering a home through the windows. Clean the interior and exterior of your windows prior to winter so any grime that has built up in recent months and years is not preventing light from entering your home. It can be a challenge to keep interior spaces bright over the winter. But there are many ways homeowners can illuminate interior spaces.

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10 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

The benefits of a fall roof replacement A

roof is a vital component of a home that protects the structure from the elements and ensures that sun, rain, wind, and snow do not compromise the integrity of interior spaces. Peak Performance Roofing says the average asphalt shingle roof found on many homes lasts between 15 and 30 years. Alternative roofing materials, such as metal or clay tiles, can last much longer. Homeowners who stay in a home for many years will likely need to replace a roof at some point. Choosing when to replace the roof may come down to selecting the right season. Experts typically consider fall the prime time to upgrade a roof for a variety of reasons. • M oderate temperatures:

Fall weather tends to be comfortable in many regions of the country. Magnolia Home Remodeling Group says fall temperatures are better suited for roofing and allow materials to work the best. When temperatures are too hot, shingles can become soft and prone to scuffing, while cold temperatures can make materials brittle and difficult to seal. • Comfort for workers: The same moderate conditions can make it easier for roofing contractors to get the work done. It can be extremely hot on a roof during summer, necessitating frequent breaks for workers. Winter weather conditions are not ideal for working on a roof, with snow and ice making things slippery. Fall weather can help workers feel

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more comfortable. • Avoid the rush: Earl W. Johnston Roofing, LLC says spring and early summer are peak seasons for roofing contractors due to post-winter repairs. Homeowners may experience shorter wait times, better pricing and flexible scheduling if they opt for a fall roof replacement. • P repare for winter: Getting a roof in the fall means having a new and functional barrier against winter storms that can be hard on old roofs. It also means the roof will be ready for rainy, spring weather. Fall is an ideal time to replace a roof for many reasons. Homeowners can use the summer to vet various roofing contractors and come up with a package that fits their schedules and budgets.

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Cracked walkways threaten homes and residents in many ways T

he popularity of outdoor living spaces has increased dramatically over the last decade. The National Association of Home Builders® notes that industry projections estimate the outdoor living market will reach $26.8 billion by 2027. That’s a testament to the popularity of spaces that are transforming how people use their properties and spend time at home. Outdoor kitchens, living rooms and expansive patios garner the bulk of the attention directed at exterior living spaces, but walkways into these spaces are equally important. A stunning walkway can set the tone for a space, while a cracked walkway can pose a threat to a home, its residents and any guests who visit to enjoy some R&R in an outdoor living space. • Cracked walkways increase injury risk. The National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates that roughly three in four outdoor falls are attributable to environmental hazards like cracked or broken walkways. The cost of a new outdoor living space can be significant, and some homeowners might delay redoing their existing walkways so they can use those savings to fund the larger project. But homeowners planning to entertain and even those who will be using their existing walkways to access an outdoor living space are urged to include cracked walkway replacement into their outdoor living space project.

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Doing so can prevent falls and leave homeowners less vulnerable to accidents involving guests that can ultimately lead to higher insurance premiums. • Cracked walkways can contribute to damage to your home. Cracked walkways also can harm a home. A cracked walkway often slopes as well, and when it slopes toward the home, it can then channel water in the direction of the home’s foundation. That can cause the soil around the home to erode and ultimate threaten the structural integrity of a home’s foundation. Homeowners may even be able to see such damage already if a walkway running alongside a garage is cracked. If so, walked into the garage and see if the foundation area opposite where the crack is outside is showing signs of damage. If it is, fixing cracked walkways can prevent further damage. If it’s not, then homeowners might have gotten lucky and identified the problem before it affected the foundation of their home.

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Cracked walkways should be part of any outdoor living space renovation to reduce risk of injuries and even the chance that a home’s structural integrity may be compromised.

• Cracked walkways adversely affect curb appeal. According to Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, 75 percent of prospective home buyers indicated they would prioritize homes with outdoor living spaces over homes that lacked this popular feature. Outdoor living spaces certainly boast the wow factor, but cracked

walkways en route to these areas can take away from that appeal and create a bad first impression. Savvy homeowners recognize that every investment they make in their home is an opportunity to improve resale value. Fixing cracked walkways when redesigning exterior spaces is a great way to ensure the boost in curb appeal

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12 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

Potential fireplace problems F

ireplaces are often a centerpiece of an interior living space. Homeowners often laud the ambiance a fireplace can provide, and the supplemental heat a fireplace can provide can be just what people need to stay warm on a cold day. The Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association says an estimated 57 percent of homeowners in the United States own some type of fireplace, freestanding stove or hearth product. However, fireplaces are not without their potential for problems. Issues that can affect a fireplace will depend on the type of system, as problems that affect wood-burning fireplaces will

differ from those that can affect gas units. The following are some potential issues homeowners can look out for when using their fireplaces. • Smoke spillage: Fireplaces are supposed to vent up and out through a chimney or exhaust pipe. But if a damper is closed or blocked, if the chimney is dirty, or if there is negative air pressure in a tightly sealed home, smoke cannot escape and will enter the living space. • Creosote formation: Creosote is a flammable, tar-like substance that is the result of burning wood. Creosote significantly increases the risk of a chimney fire. Creosote can build up in the flue over time if it is not remediated. • Odors: A dirty chimney from

creosote or moisture damage can result in a foul odor emanating from the fireplace. This also may occur if a bird or rodent nests in the chimney. • Ignition failure: Gas units may not always light properly. Doctor Flue says it could be the result of a malfunctioning pilot light or an improperly placed log set. In addition, if the pilot light goes out as soon as the button is released, it may indicate a dirty or faulty

thermocouple or thermopile, which are sensors that keep the gas valve open. • Cracked masonry: Any cracks in the mortar, firebricks or chimney crown are major hazards. Cracks in such components increase the risk of a house fire and should be immediately addressed. • Drafts: Cold air coming through the fireplace may indicate a damaged or

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 13

Why it pays to drain and shut off outdoor faucets each fall F

all is a great time for homeowners to prioritize exterior maintenance around their properties. Doing so can make exterior areas less vulnerable to potentially harsh winter weather, but some projects also can prevent damage to a home and its hidden components as well. Conventional wisdom notes the importance of shutting off outdoor faucets before temperatures drop below freezing. According to the Illinois-based Citizens Utility Board, this strategy is designed to prevent pipes from freezing over the winter. Pipes that freeze can eventually burst, which could lead to a host of harmful and costly side effects. Fall is a great time to drain and shut off outdoor faucets because temperatures in many regions are still above freezing when late fall gives way to winter, and grasses and plants typically are not still being watered in late fall. In areas where winter tends to arrive in November as opposed to the third week of December, it can be beneficial to drain and turn off outdoor faucets in midfall, if not earlier. When turning off outdoor faucets for the winter, be sure to remove any hoses or faucet connections. In addition, turn off the outdoor water supply valve. Homes with more than one outdoor faucet will likely have more than one supply valve, so be sure to turn each one off. Though supply valves theoretically can be anywhere in a home, they tend to be in a basement, crawl space, first-floor laundry room (look near a slop sink if your home has one), or even a garage. Once all outdoor supply valves are turned off, go outside and turn each faucet on at full blast. Let all the water out until it comes to a stop.

Homeowners who forget to do this before the mercury drops below 32°F can rest assured that pipes will not necessarily freeze even if temperatures are below freezing. American Family Insurance® notes that pipes that are not insulated typically will not freeze until temperatures reach 20°F and remain at that point or below for a few hours. However, it’s still best to make turning off outdoor faucets part of your fall home maintenance routine so you don’t forget this important and simple task until it’s too late.

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14 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

Why an insulated attic is a good attic A

s homeowners address energy efficiency around their homes, they may want to put attics at the top of their list. Because heat naturally rises during the winter and also infiltrates the roof during the summer, a roof with insufficient insulation can be energy inefficient. Many experts attest that upgrading attic insulation is a practical and cost-effective home improvement. A desire to reduce energy bills is a primary motivator when installing attic insulation. Data from the U.S. Envronmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program says homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs, or roughly 11 percent on their total energy bills, by air sealing and insulating attics and crawl spaces. Standalone attic insulation projects frequently achieve high rates of return.

Beyond financial matters, attic insulation also creates a more comfortable and stable indoor climate. Attic insulation will buffer the interior from extreme temperature swings. This can help preserve the integrity of the home. In cold climates, attic insulation will limit the occurrence of ice dams, which form at the eaves when heat inside living spaces escapes to the roof. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles and even tear

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 15

The benefits of a professional gutter cleaning G

utters serve an important role on a building, catching rainwater from the roof and channelling it away from the structure. Without properly functioning gutters and downspouts, basements can flood, foundations may become cracked and soil can erode. Gutters also help maintain roof and siding longevity, ensuring that rainwater will not pool under shingles or siding. Wet leaves also create habitats for pests to live, notably for mosquitoes, termites, rodents, and birds. Homeowners can clean their own gutters, but the job is often best left to professionals. Here are some of the reasons to leave gutter cleaning to an expert. • Pros have the equipment. As with any project, having the right equipment means it will be done correctly. Handyman services and professional gutter cleaners already have the gear to reach gutters and tackle the mess, unlike some homeowners who will have to purchase tools. • Pros are trained in safety. Gutter cleaning professionals are trained in proper safety procedures and have the right equipment to safely scale homes. Gutter cleaning involves climbing ladders, walking on roofs, and handling slippery debris. It also may require working close to electrical and cable wires entering the home. Homeowners who don’t know how to navigate these conditions safely risk falls or other injuries. • Pros can spot other damage. Professionals may spot damage to a home that homeowners do not see. This may include cracked seams, loose fasteners, sagging sections, and even roof damage. This allows homeowners to get a jump on the problem early on before it progresses to something more serious. • Pros save homeowners time. One of the obvious perks to letting a professional clean the gutters is that it saves

homeowners time. The expert can get the job done in less time and more efficiently than a novice weekend warrior.

A professional gutter service will typically include inspection of the entire gutter system; removal of all debris from

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gutters and downspouts; flushing of gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows correctly; assessment of water being directed away; and identification of areas in need of repair. Gutter cleaning is an important step that safeguards a home by keeping gutters and downspouts in working order.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • HOME IMPROVEMENT • Friday, October 2, 2026

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

ONORÉ officially open in Northborough By Evan Walsh Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – The community came together on September 24 to welcome ONORÉ Aesthetics & Wellness to Northborough. ONORÉ – which means “honor” in Italian – is the brainchild of Jennifer Lisciotti and Lucy Miller, who envisioned starting an aesthetics and wellness practice years ago. At that time, the doctor behind RenovoMD, which opened in Northborough in 2008 and served the community for 18 years, was planning to step down, and Lisciotti and Miller decided to start their new chapter in a familiar location. “We’re here to take that vision to another level as we continue to grow in the field,” said Lisciotti. “We’re really bridging the gap for total wellness.

Opening date set for new Indian grocer By Evan Walsh Managing Editor SHREWSBURY – Apna Bazar, an Indian grocer with dozens of locations throughout the nation, is planning to open its new 70,000-square-foot supermarket at 539-571 Boston Turnpike. The Community Advocate can confirm that the grocer will open on October 22. The Shrewsbury location would be Apna’s largest store in the U.S. “The increased community in Central Massachusetts definitely needed this kind of large-volume store,” Romy Selhi, who will run the supermarket, told the Community Advocate in March. “It can cater to not only Indian people, but other ethnicities – Americans, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis. This is going to be a world market.” Selhi said that Apna Bazar will offer the largest line-up of Southeast Asian groceries in the world. There will also be a full selection of American groceries. “We are delighted to be a part of this great community,” he added. The site used to be a Stop & Shop, but that closed in November 2024.

Internal health and wellness certainly, but also feeling good on the outside. We’re giving a more holistic approach to it.” ONORÉ offers bio-regenerative treatments – including injectables and fillers, hair and skin rejuvenation, and hydration therapy – that unlock your body’s natural potential to restore, revitalize, and recover. ONORÉ’s experienced team

provides personalized services tailored to your needs, enhancing natural beauty and overall well-being. “You can honor your style of aging however you want – maybe you do things for your skin to look good on the outside, or maybe you don’t, but there’s always a way to honor your inner and outer beauty. We do it with integrity and

professionalism, and we bring the latest innovation of regenerative medicine,” said Lisciotti. She added: “It’s not just about a service – it’s a partnership and connection. We’re meeting our patients where they are.”

Lucy Miller and Jennifer Lisciotti

For more, visit www.onoreaw.com. ONORÉ is located at 96 West Main Street.

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16 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

Should town cut off access to popular cut-through? By Evan Walsh Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – Should Northborough break apart one of its busiest roads? The town’s Traffic Safety Committee met in September to discuss a request from a resident to turn Davis Street – which connects West Main Street to Route 20 – into two

cul-de-sacs. In other words, motorists could no longer use the road as a pass-through. Between 4,000 and 5,000 residents drive on Davis Street daily, and many residents use it as a cut-through to avoid Southwest Cutoff. The road is narrow and features several blind corners; there’s already a truck exclusion for portions of the road.

A resident brought the idea forward. Since the idea may become controversial and the resident proposed the concept in good faith, the Community Advocate will not be referring to the individual by their name. The topic will continue to be discussed. “I’ve lived on this section of Davis Street since 2012, and the traffic has gotten

A diagram of what two cul-de-sacs would look like (Photo/Courtesy)

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increasingly worse over the years. I know somebody said it’s a main road for traffic – the real frustrating part is when you look at Route 20 and Southwest Cutoff going to Times Square, those roads are built to handle that type of traffic that goes down Davis Street,” the resident said. If the road were to become a cul-de-sac, two-way access would be preserved for emergency vehicles. The road would be split in the area of 87 Davis Street, and additional land would be needed to complete the cul-de-sacs, creating an additional problem. “That’s a hurdle in itself,” said committee member Chris Deacetis. Committee members went back and forth about what type of road Davis Street is. Member Bryan Cole said that it’s a neighborhood, while fellow member Kate Girard, who lives in the area, said that it’s “one of the more main roads in Northborough.” “It’s classified as a collector,” said Deacetis. “It’s serving as a point between two major roadways. Do we really want to break that up?” Other potential solutions include making the road one-way.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

Three generations work side-by-side at local company

By Evan Walsh Managing Editor

Ryan Davidian (Photo/Courtesy)

NORTHBOROUGH – For Ryan Davidian, the past few months have offered more than a typical summer job. His role gave him the opportunity to work alongside his father, DJ Davidian, and grandfather, Dave Davidian, at the family business, DJ’s Landscape Supply. Ryan spent the summer working at the yard, putting in long days, and taking on a variety of responsibilities as part of the team. He learned how to safely operate equipment, load materials, organize the yard, and assist with the daily operations of the landscape supply business. He also gained experience working directly with customers, including professional contractors and homeowners, tackling projects around their properties. Whether helping a customer find the right materials or lending a hand wherever he was needed, Ryan quickly became a valued member of the crew. For his father, watching Ryan work alongside two generations of his family made the summer particularly meaningful. “I am very proud of the dedication and work ethic Ryan demonstrated throughout the summer,” DJ said. “He didn’t just spend his summer working at the family business, he took the opportunity to learn, contribute, and become part of the team.” The experience also provided a unique opportunity for three generations of the Davidian family to work together each day.

The Fresh Monkee set to bring smoothies to Southborough

“Seeing three generations working side-by-side at DJ’s Landscape Supply is something our family will always be proud of,” DJ said. “I look forward to seeing where Ryan’s hard work and determination take him in the future.”

SOUTHBOROUGH – More smoothies are now available in Central Massachusetts. On September 24, The Fresh Monkee marked the grand opening of its Southborough location at 118 Turnpike Road. It’s the second location opened by Patrice Kontchou, with the other on Milk Street in Westborough. “I am a fitness and wellness advocate, and I have been my whole life. I believe that what you eat matters as much as your workouts. Here, it’s the best of both worlds. Something healthy and tasty. For most shakes out there, you’ll get something that’s healthy but not tasty, and you take it like a medicine. Sometimes it’s tasty, but it has a lot of preservatives, processing,” Kontchou told the Community

Advocate in 2025. “At The Fresh Monkee, it’s nutritious and tastes fabulous.” At the September ribboncutting, Karen Chapman, the president/CEO of the

Development Group. “We’re so proud of you, and we’re happy to be here to celebrate you. And I’m sure the Select Board is happy that you chose Southborough. We

The Fresh Monkee was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting. (Photo/Evan Walsh)

Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest, congratulated Kontchou on the new location, which is part of a plaza designed by Southboroughbased real estate firm Ferris

couldn’t be more happy to celebrate. What a spectacular location,” said Chapman. Added Select Board member Sam Stivers: “We’re delighted to have you here.”

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18 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

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 Anderson, Cecile

formerly of Shrewsbury

Baker, E.W.

of Marlborough

Cashmore, Thomas of Hudson

Fields, Orvel of Grafton

Freeman Jr., Charles of Marlborough

Hensley, Jody

of Westborough

Jakubiak, Chester of Grafton

Lane, Nancy

of Marlborough

Marks, Helene of Westborough

Marston, William of Shrewsbury

Scott, Marianne of Westborough

Sullivan, Edward of Westborough

Sullivan Jr., Paul of Northborough

Tenczar Jr., Steven

formerly of Marlborough

Jody S. Hensley, 64 WESTBOROUGH – Philanthropist, activist, dreamer, lover, laugher, storyteller, thoughtpartner, crafter, player of games, reconciler, trainer, facilitator, singer, dancer, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, Josephine “Jody” (Sinner) Hensley, 64, of Westborough, MA, and Casselton, ND, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She is the beloved wife of Lester Hensley, mother of Jordan (Jessie) Hensley and Benedict (Corey) Everly-Hensley, and GrammyJo to Ava Barker Hensley, born to Jordan and Jessie one week before her passing. Jody was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Lois Sinner, and her parents-in-law, Peter and Jillian Hensley. She is sur-

vived by her Sinner siblings Tom (Jan) Sinner, Jr., of West Fargo, ND; Terry Sinner of Sauk Rapids, MN; Patricia (Dale) Neuschwander of St. Joseph, MN; Nick (Christine) Sinner of Fargo, ND; Christopher Sinner of Fargo, ND; and Sharon (Mark) Hemann of Chanhassen, MN; and her Hensley siblings Kenton (Larissa) of Ithaca, NY; Mark (Karen) of Northampton, MA; and Julia (Trey) of Santa Fe, NM; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Jody left the plains for the East Coast and worked her own way through to a degree in political science at UMass Amherst—an act of tenacity and self-actualization. There, as a Resident Assistant steeped in training on sexism and racism, she was promoted to staff leadership. When the hiring committee chose Lester, a white, South African, man, as RA for her dorm floor, she was understandably incensed. In time, they bonded over ideas,

‘Lift for a Cure’ marks decade of fundraising to beat breast cancer By Jamie Pote Reporter HUDSON – The Fitness Asylum, located at 90 Cherry Street in Hudson, will mark 10 years of supporting breast cancer causes with its annual Lift for a Cure fundraiser on October 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. The event is open to the public with a $10 donation at the door, and all proceeds will benefit Pawsitively 4 Pink, a Worcester-based nonprofit providing financial assistance to women with breast cancer throughout Massachusetts. Lift for a Cure will bring together Fitness Asylum members, friends, families, and the local community for an evening of fundraising and fun. A variety of local businesses have contributed donations for raffle prizes – including a free oneyear membership to the gym valued at $1,900 – and the event will feature music from DJ Kevin Little, food, wallball and other friendly competitions, activities, and games. You do not need to be a

Fitness Asylum member to participate. This year’s event marks a milestone for gym owner Bonnie Lefrak, who began the annual October breast cancer fundraiser when she first opened the business. She also owns three other locations in Grafton, Shrewsbury, and Boylston, but the event will take place at only the Hudson location. “My mother had breast cancer, and I lost her in 2002,” Lefrak said. “Unfortunately, so many of us have a mother, sister, wife, friend, client, or someone else we love who has been affected by breast cancer. That’s one of the reasons this has remained important to our Fitness Asylum community and to me for so many years.” Since the gym opened in 2011, The Fitness Asylum community has raised more than $30,000 for Make-A-Wish and has supported numerous other charitable organizations and community initiatives. Last year, the gym expanded the fundraiser to include

Pawsitively 4 Pink, which helps women and their families with the everyday expenses that don’t stop during treatment — including rent and mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, childcare, and other essential needs. “We want every woman we help to know that she is seen, heard, and cared for,” said Pawsitively 4 Pink founder Michelle Power. “Cancer is hard enough. No woman should have to choose between focusing on her health and keeping a roof over her family’s head.” About 50 people took part in the event last year, and organizers hope to at least double that this time around. “This is going to be such a great, fun event,” said Sharon Massagia, the facilities manager of the Hudson gym. “We’re hoping to get as many of our gym members and community members as possible to mix and mingle, have fun with our events and games, win raffle baskets, and, most importantly, raise a lot of money for such an important cause.”

Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website. ideals and the anti-apartheid divestment movement. They were married 38 years. Together they built EMSEAL Joint Systems into a company known across its industry for quality, integrity and decency. Lester would advise business students that a key to success was to “partner well”: Jody was his life partner at home and his thought partner at work, and her organizational development expertise immeasurably shaped the company’s culture. At home in Westborough, she served on the School Committee and the Advisory Finance Committee, including terms as chair of both. She served on the Master Plan Advisory Committee and the Housing Partnership and in many roles in the Westborough schools. She helped design and deliver the family religious education program at St. Luke’s and led its music ministry. Visit Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home for Jody’s complete obituary.

William A. Marston, 89 SHREWSBURY – The Marston family would like to announce the peaceful passing of their patriarch, William A. “Bill” Marston on September 15, 2026. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bill was the beloved cornerstone of his family and a proud resident of Shrewsbury, this is where he spent his entire life living, working, and nurturing generations on the historic Marston Family Farm on Spring Street. Bill’s life was enriched by his marriage to Marion J. (Record) Marston. Their union, celebrated at the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury in 1959, was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised two sons, James A. Marston and his wife Hana, and Joseph L. Marston, who made their parents proud. Bill was a devoted grandfather to Alix and Angelina Marston, whose activities and accomplishments brought him immense joy and pride. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Britton Funeral Home o f S h re wsb u r y a s s i s te d the family.

Nancy C. Lane, 78 MARLBOROUGH – Nancy Lane, 78, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Marlborough with her beloved husband by her side. Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Nancy was the daughter of the late Claire (Collier) Peck and Gerald Peck. Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Ed Lane; her daughter, Heather Miranda and her husband, Jose, of Punta Gorda, Florida; her stepdaughter, Cheryl Varela and her husband Engles of Marlborough; her stepson, Jeff Lane and his partner, Jenn, of Marlborough; her step-grandchildren, Bianca Varney and her husband Matt of Oldsmar, Florida and Jayden Varela of Marlborough; and her goddaughter, Pam Flanders and her husband, Steve, of Lakeland, Florida. In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her granddaughter, Rachel Miranda; her sister, Vicki Peck; and her stepson, Eric Lane. A private Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 11. Slattery Funeral Home Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family.

Orvel E. Fields, 84 GRAFTON – Orvel Eugene (Gene) Fields of Grafton, Massachusetts. passed away on September 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born on February 4th, 1942, in Jonesville, Virginia to Perry and Marian Fields. Gene is survived by his three children; Michael Fields, Pamela Dunne & Jennifer Goodhue, three grandchildren; Timothy and Megan Dunne & Amanda Fields, and his brother and sister; Thomas Fields & Carol (Fields) Seale. He is preceded in death by his parents; Perry and Marian Fields, Brothers; Norman, Ralph and Rondal, and his wife Betsy, of 58 years. Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 19

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

WESTBOROUGH NOTICE OF MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE 110, 112 AND 114 TURNPIKE ROAD WESTBOROUGH, MA By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain First Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents and Leases from Albany Road-Westboro Executive Park LLC to Hometown Bank dated December 14, 2018, and recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds on December 14, 2018, in Book 59821 at Page 1; as affected by that Assumption and Modification Agreement by and among Hometown Bank and Turnpike Road Holdings LLC dated December 23, 2022, and recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds on December 27, 2022, in Book 68651 at Page 241, which Mortgage was assigned to Mt. Tom Properties LLC by an Assignment without Recourse of Note, Mortgage and Loan Documents from TruNorth Bank formerly known as bankESB successor by merger to bankHOMETOWN formerly known as HOMETOWN BANK, dated September 11, 2026, and recorded on September 15, 2026, with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds in Book 74166 at page 388, of which Mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said Mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same, will be sold at Public Auction at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on October 23, 2026, at 114 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA, all and singular the premises described in said Mortgage, to wit: Property Address: 110, 112 and 114 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA: DESCRIPTION OF LOT I: A certain parcel of land with the buildings thereon situated on the southerly side of Route 9 in the Town of Westborough, County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, which is bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southerly line of Route 9, said point being a concrete bound at the northwest corner of the described premises at land of Albert W. Bowman, Jr., as shown on a plan hereinafter mentioned; THENCE S. 87° 05’ 34” E, a distance of 22.84 feet to a point of curvature; THENCE easterly and curving to the left along the arc of a curve having a radius of 3,260.00, a length of 227.16 feet to a point at LOT II, the previous two courses bounding on Route 9; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 72.78 feet to a point; THENCE N. 89° 49’ 53” W. a distance of 20.84 feet to a point; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 322.56 feet to a point; THENCE N. 89° 49’ 53” W. a distance of 76.00 feet to a point; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 283.00 feet to a point at land of William M. And Bertha S. Johnson, the previous five courses bounding on said LOT II; THENCE N. 89° 49’ 53” W. bounding on land of said Johnson, land of Ethel M. Perry, land of Joseph and Marion B. Zeni, Steven Road, and land of Henry H. and Ruth T. Wiesbauer, a distance of 574.49 feet to a point of curvature at land of Ray S. and Jayne C. Mason; THENCE southwesterly and curving to the left along an arc of a curve having a radius of 930.37 feet, a length of 115.35 feet to a point; THENCE S. 15° 32’ 51” E. a distance of 39.32 feet to a point at land of Louise V. Brown, the previous two courses bounding on land of said Mason; THENCE S. 74° 04’ 21” W. bounding on land of said Brown a distance of 100.00 feet to a point in the easterly line of Lyman Street; THENCE N. 15° 58’ 49” W. a distance of 48.79 feet to a Massachusetts Highway bound; THENCE N 15° 02’ 49” W. a distance of 72.31 feet to a point at land of Albert W.

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Bowman, Jr., the last two courses bounded on said Lyman Street; THENCE N. 79°49’ 45” E. a distance of 51.00 feet to a point; THENCE S. 14° 55’ 14” E. a distance of 20.00 feet to a point of curvature; THENCE Northeasterly and curving to the right along the arc of a curve having a radius of 980.37 feet, a length of 178.63 feet to a point of tangency; THENCE S. 89° 49’ 53” E. a distance of 282.39 feet to a point; THENCE N. 12° 34’ 07 E. a distance of 647.49 feet to the point of beginning, the previous five courses bounding on land of said Bowman.

boro Land Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded Book 8134, Page 295.

The above described premises are shown as LOT I on a plan entitled “Plan of Land in Westborough, Mass., owned by Meleo Pechet & Leon Cohen, as General Partners Of Westborough Associates Company, to be conveyed to Linpro Westborough Land Limited Partners” dated October 19, 1981, drawn by Guerard Survey Co. and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 495, Plan 73.

Beginning at a point in the southerly line of Route 9, said point being the northwest corner of the described premises and being a common corner With LOT II as shown a plan hereinafter mentioned; THENCE northeasterly and curving to the left along the arc of a curve having a radius of 3,260.00 feet, a length of 58.49 feet to a point; THENCE S. 86° 27’ 55” E. a distance of 191.51 feet to a point at land of Clifton, Fred and Eileen E. Forbush, the previous two courses bounding on Route 9; THENCE S. 04° 52’ 03” E. bounding on land of said Forbush and land of Jack W. and Virginia W. Bramley a distance of 397.64 feet to a concrete bound; THENCE S. 04° 17’ 17” E. bounding on land of said Bramley and land of Edward T. and Madeline G. Batcheller a distance of 302.02 feet to a concrete bound; THENCE S. 64° 28’ 07” E. bounding on land of said Batcheller a distance of 241.07 feet to a concrete bound in the westerly sideline of East Main Street (Route 30); THENCE S. 33° 53’ 07” W. bounding on said east main street a distance of 51.75 feet to a point of land of Sverre B. and Astrid J. Lindvig; THENCE N. 64° 40’ 50” W. bounding on land of said Lindvig and land of George E. and Rodil K. Karlgren a distance of 151.85 feet to a concrete bound at a point of curvature; THENCE northwesterly bounding on land of said Karlgren, land of Vernon C. and Marcia E. Wood, land of Stephen T. Devincent and land of Robert K. Malinosk, curving to the left along the arc of a curve having a radius of 930.37 feet a length of 359.29 feet to a point at LOT II; THENCE N. 00° 10’ 17” E a distance of 284.30 feet to a point; THENCE N 89° 49’ 53” a distance of 13.00 feet to a point; THENCE N 00° 10’ 07” E a distance of 412.39 feet to the point of beginning, the previously courses bounding on said LOT II.

Together with the rights and assessments set forth In the cross-easement agreements between Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners and Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated March 17, 1982 and recorded Book 7449, Page 11 and Book 7948, Page 245. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot II from Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners to Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded Book 8134, Page 303. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot III from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded in Book 8134, Page 310. DESCRIPTION OF LOT II: A certain parcel of land with any improvements thereon, in the Town of Westborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, on the southerly side of Route 9, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southerly line of Route 9 at the northwest corner of the described premises, said point being a common corner with LOT I as shown on a plan hereinafter mentioned; THENCE northeasterly bounding on said Route 9 along the arc of a curve having a radius of 3,260.00 feet, a length of 269.78 feet to a point at LOT III as shown on said plan; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07” W. a distance of 412.39 feet to a point; THENCE S. 89° 49’ 53” E. a distance of 13.00 feet to a point; THENCE S. 00° 10’ 07 W. a distance of 284.30 feet to a point of curvature at land of Robert J. Malinoski, the previous three courses bounding on said LOT III; THENCE northwesterly bounding on land of said Malinoski and curving to the left along an arc of a curve having a radius of 930.37 feet, a length of 49.11 feet to a point of tangency; THENCE N 89° 49’ 53” W. bounding of land of said Malinoski, land of Deane K. and Margaret L. Yankee, land of Margaret J. Ayres, land of Gilbert R. and Frances E. LaPoint, land of Rita A. Lee, and land of William M. and Bertha S. Johnson, a distance of 329.91 feet to a point at LOT I as shown on said plan The above described premises are shown as LOT II on a plan entitled “Plan of land in Westborough, Mass., owned by Melso Pechet & Leon Cohen, as General Partners of Westborough Associates Company, to be conveyed to Linpro Westborough Land Limited Partners” dated October 19, 1981, drawn by Guerard Survey Co. and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 495, Plan 73. Together with the rights and assessments set forth in the cross-easement agreements between Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners and Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated March 17, 1982 and recorded Book 7449, Page 11 and Book 7948, Page 245. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement (Utility Easement, Lot 1) from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro West-

Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot III from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded in Book 8134, Page 310. DESCRIPTION OF LOT III: A certain parcel of land with the buildings thereon situated on the southerly side of Route 9 in the Town of Westborough, County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, which is bounded and described as follows:

The above described premises are shown as LOT III on a plan entitled “Plan of land in Westborough, Mass., owned by Meleo Pechet & Leon Cohen, as General Partners of Westborough Associates Company, to be conveyed to Linpro Westborough Land Limited Partners” dated October 19, 1981, drawn by Guerard Survey Co. and recorded with the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 495, Plan 73. Together with the rights and assessments set forth in the cross-easement agreements between Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners and Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated March 17, 1982 and recorded Book 7449, Page 11 and Book 7948, Page 245. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement (Utility Easement, Lot 1) from Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners to said Linpro Westboro I-and Limited Partners and Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded Book 8134, Page 295. Together with the rights and easements set forth in the grant of easement for Lot II from Linpro Westboro Offices I Partners to Linpro Westboro Land Limited Partners dated April 14, 1982 and recorded in Book 8134, Page 303. TERMS OF SALE The highest bidder in the sale shall deposit a bank treasurer’s check, or certified check in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) at the time and place of the sale as a nonrefundable earnest money deposit towards the purchase price to be held at the option of the Mortgagee as liquidated damages for any default by the successful

bidder. The highest bidder shall then be required to remit by federal wire transfer an additional non-refundable deposit to bring in an amount sufficient to make the total deposit equal to ten percent (10%) of the purchase price within five (5) business days of the date of the public auction. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid upon delivery of the deed within thirty (30) days of the date of the public auction by wire transfer, certified check or bank check at the offices of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., 225 Asylum Street, 20th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103. Each successful bidder shall be required to sign a Memorandum of Sale at the public auction containing the terms herein and any additional terms set forth in the Memorandum of Sale or announced at the public auction. In the event that any successful bidder at the public auction fails to perform in the time specified to purchase the applicable premises, the Mortgagee reserves the right, at its sole election, to sell such premises by foreclosure deed to the other qualified bidders, in descending order

beginning with the next highest bidder, provided that in each case the next highest bidder delivers to Mortgagee the amount of the required deposit within five (5) business days after written notice of the default of the previous highest bidder and promptly executes a Memorandum of Sale providing for performance within thirty (30) days of execution. Mortgagee also reserves the right, at its sole election, to assume the bid of any defaulting or declining bidder. The Mortgagee reserves the right to postpone this sale to a later date by public proclamation at the time and date appointed for the sale and to further postpone any adjourned sale date by public proclamation at the time and date appointed for the adjourned sale date. Other terms, if any, to be announced at sale. Mt. Tom Properties LLC, present holder of said mortgage; By its Attorneys: Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., 225 Asylum Street, 20th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103; Attn: James R. Byrne, Esq., Tel. 860-548-2683

Legal Notices | 20

20 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

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LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notices | from page 19 LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REQUEST TO AMEND WESTBOROUGH, MA In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on October 13th, 2026 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Request to Amend to the existing Order of Conditions DEP File #332-952 for 121 South St. (Parcel ID: 16-2-0) submitted by Daniel Pierce to allow for the application of the herbicide glyphosate or imazamox along the shore of “Pierce Pond” to control cattail growth within jurisdictional resource areas. LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT WESTBOROUGH, MA In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for a Notice of Intent for 2300 West Park Dr. (Parcel ID: 30-1-0) submitted by AK & C Holding, LLC for construction of a 80,625 sqft warehouse building with associated parking areas, stormwater infrastructure, utilities, grading, and landscaping within jurisdictional resource areas. LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ABBREVIATED NOTICE OF RESOURCE AREA DELINEATION WESTBOROUGH, MA In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Westborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Conservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 after 6:30 PM at the Forbes Municipal Building, 3rd Fl meeting room, 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA, for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for 140 West Main St. (Parcel ID: 15-19, 19A, 20, & 263-0) filed by Hutt Family Properties LLC to evaluate jurisdictional wetland resources areas.

SHREWSBURY TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING The Select Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7:05 PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room to acc¬ept public comment on the issue of allocating the local property tax levy among the four classes of real property and of personal property for Fiscal Year 2027 pursuant to MGL Chapter 40, Section 56. Upon the conclusion of this public hearing, the Select Board will determine the percentages of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of real property, as defined in General Laws Chapter 59, Section 2A and personal property for Fiscal Year 2027. At this hearing, the Board of Assessors will be present to provide all information and data relevant to assist the Select Board in making such determination and the fiscal effect of the available options. Interested taxpayers, citizens, and/or residents are encouraged to attend this public hearing to offer any written or oral comments, email selectboard@ shrewsburyma.gov, or mail any comments to the Select Board, 100 Maple Avenue, to be received by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Information related to this matter can be viewed and copies obtained pursuant to application statutes and regulations in the Office of the Select Board during normal business hours. Theresa H. Flynn, Chair Select Board TOWN OF SHREWSBURY COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Shrewsbury Community Preservation Committee will hold public hearings on October 5th at 6:30PM at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Select Board Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. The purpose of these public forums is to receive community input on the following proposed projects prior to their recommendation at the 2026 Special Town Meeting. 300th Anniversary Tree Planting Pilot Project: Tipping Point 01545 proposes planting 50 native trees across Dean Park and the Maple Ave Recreation Area. This project serves as a pilot for the townwide 300th

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Anniversary Tree Centennial, with the ultimate goal of planting 300 native trees across Shrewsbury in honor of the Town’s forthcoming 300th anniversary. This initiative helps restore local ecosystem functions while enhancing safe, green recreational spaces for the community. The public hearing for the proposed Maple Ave Recreation Area Pocket Park project will be rescheduled, to be announced at a later date. Please see the Community Preservation Committee webpage at www.shrewsburyma.gov/cpc or email planning@shrewsburyma.gov to learn more.

§§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 www. biddocs.com and received no later than the date and time specified. General Bids will be received until 19 October 2026 at 2:00PM EDT and publicly opened online, forthwith. 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 PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTHBOROUGH. Note: A bid deposit is not required for Projects advertised under $50,000.

TOWN OF SHREWSBURY PUBLIC HEARING

HUDSON

Notice is hereby given that Chase Liu on behalf of BBQLAND, Inc., d/b/a BBQ LAND, 31 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, has applied to the Select Board for an on-premise all alcohol pouring license. The proposed hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. A public hearing on this application will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM, Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury. Theresa H. Flynn, Chair Select Board

Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available for review at www.biddocs.com (may be viewed and downloaded electronically at no cost). PRE-BID CONFERENCE / SITE VISIT: Scheduled Date and Time: 10/07/2026 at 10:00AM EDT Address: 26 Jefferson Rd., Northborough, MA 01532 Instructions: Meet at main entrance to school. The hard copy Contract Documents may be seen at: Advertisement to Bid 00 11 13 - 1 v1.1-20260202 MGL c.149 $50K to $150K Public Schools of Northborough HV Unit Replacement - Proctor Elementary School Nashoba Blue Inc. 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 978-568-1167 Generated By BidDocs: 09/21/2026 at 2:59PM EDT END OF SECTION

LEGAL NOTICE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH WARRANT FOR 2026 STATE ELECTION MIDDLESEX SS. To the Constables of the Town of Hudson GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town who are qualified to vote in Elections:

MARLBOROUGH

PRECINCT I & PRECINCT V Hudson High School, 69 Brigham Street

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING MARLBOROUGH BOARD OF HEALTH

PRECINCT III & PRECINCT IV Quinn Middle School, 201 Manning Street

The Marlborough Board of Health will conduct a public hearing regarding adopting a Nicotine Free Generation (NFG) policy. The public hearing will take place at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main Street, in Memorial Hall, 3rd Floor, Marlborough, MA, 01752. A Nicotine Free Generation policy shall permanently prohibit any individual born on or after January 1, 2010, from purchasing nicotine or tobacco products within the City of Marlborough. This policy shall apply to all nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, vape products and electronic nicotine delivery systems, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine pouches/synthetic nicotine products. There are no proposed regulations to refer to currently. This public hearing is meant to gauge community sentiment and gather resident feedback on whether the Marlborough Board of Health should pursue a Nicotine Free Generation policy.

PRECINCT II Glen Road Community Center, 4 Glen Road PRECINCT VI Town Hall, 78 Main Street On TUESDAY, THE THIRD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2026, from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. for the following purpose: To cast their votes in the State Election for the candidates for the following offices and questions: SENATOR IN CONGRESS..........................................................................................FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH GOVERNOR..............................................................................................................FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.......................................................................................FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY GENERAL..............................................................................................FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY OF STATE..............................................................................................FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH TREASURER............................................................................................................. FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH AUDITOR ................................................................................................................. FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS................................................................................................THIRD DISTRICT COUNCILLOR................................................................................................................................THIRD DISTRICT SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT...........................................................MIDDLESEX AND WORCESTER DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT.................................................................THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT DISTRICT ATTORNEY...........................................................................................................NORTHERN DISTRICT

CITY OF MARLBOROUGH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

REGISTER OF PROBATE.......................................................................................................MIDDLESEX COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL

QUESTION 1: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

ZBA Case: 26-3 Location: 30 Laviolette St. Applicant: Marc Resnick, Trustee Notice is hereby given that the Marlborough Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on October 8, 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. The proposed 4-unit, 3 ½ story townhouse will require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the height of the structure. For further assistance, please contact the Board at 508-460-3768. All interested people are invited. The applicant or representative must be present. Bob Levine Chairman

NORTHBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTHBOROUGH HV UNIT REPLACEMENT PROCTOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT TO BID MGL C.149 $50K TO $150K The PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTHBOROUGH, the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the HV Unit Replacement - Proctor Elementary School at Fannie E. Proctor Elementary School in Northborough, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by SEAMAN ENGINEERING CORP.. The Project consists of but not limited to: Replacement of existing gas-fired rooftop HV unit with new with associated ductwork, piping, power and controls. The work is estimated to cost $130,000.00. All bidding Requests for Information (RFIs) shall be submitted online by 10/09/2026 at 10:00AM 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

SUMMARY This proposed law would make most records held by the Legislature and the Office of the Governor public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. This proposed law would exempt documents related to the development of public policy and communications between legislators and their constituents, if those communications are reasonably related to a constituent’s request for assistance in obtaining government-provided benefits or services or interacting with a government agency. A YES VOTE would make most records held by the Legislature and the Office of the Governor public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. A NO VOTE would make no change to the Massachusetts Public Records Law. QUESTION 2: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY This proposed law would specify that employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (“CPCS”) are permitted to engage in collective bargaining with their employer. It would also require CPCS, after executing a collective bargaining agreement, to request the appropriation necessary to fund such agreement from the Governor. A YES VOTE would specify that Committee for Public Counsel Services employees may form a union to collectively bargain with their employer. A NO VOTE would make no change to the law governing labor relations for Committee for Public Counsel Service employees. QUESTION 3: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY This proposed law would eliminate political party primaries for state elections and instead establish a system where there would be a single, all-party primary in which all candidates, regardless of their party affiliation, would be listed on one ballot, and voters could vote for any candidate on the ballot. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary would advance to the general election ballot. This proposed law would require candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run and be listed jointly on the ballot in the primary. This proposed law would provide political party status to any group whose candidates for any statewide office received at least 3% of the ballots cast in the state primary. A YES VOTE would eliminate separate party primaries for state elections and require a single primary in which all candidates appear on one ballot, voters could vote for any candidate, and the top two candidates would

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 21

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LEGAL NOTICES advance to the general election. A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing primary elections. QUESTION 4: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY Ths proposed law would permit eligible individuals to register to vote or update their voter registration address on Election Day. An individual who is eligible to vote could register to vote on Election Day by going to the polling place in the precinct where they live during voting hours and presenting proof of residency and signing a written oath. Proof of residency could be a valid photo identification, or documentation showing the individual’s name and the address where the individual resides, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, residential lease, wireless telephone statement, paycheck, current student fee statement or other document from a postsecondary school, or another government document or correspondence. The written oath would require the individual to certify that they are a citizen of the United States, are at least 18 years old, are not legally prohibited from voting, and have not and will not vote in the same election at another location. The oath would require the individual to acknowledge that providing false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. If an individual did not present proof of residency, they would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which would be counted only if the individual returned to provide the required information before the close of polls for a municipal election; within two days after a state primary; or within six days after a state election. Individuals who register to vote on Election Day would be registered to vote in future elections as well as in the election taking place that day.

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The proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes, including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements, and whether they can be rented out on a short-term basis. The proposed law would also allow the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to issue guidance or regulations to administer the proposed law. A YES VOTE would allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas, subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes. A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to building single-family homes. QUESTION 8: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY The proposed law would change the type and amount of marijuana that may legally be possessed in Massachusetts by repealing the laws that legalize, regulate, and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts. The proposed law would also permit persons 21 years of age and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate, and to gift or transfer to another person 21 years of age and older 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate. The proposed law would also impose a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana for the possession of marijuana between the weight of 1 and 2 ounces. For persons 21 years of age and younger, the proposed law would make the possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana a civil infraction subject to a $100 fine, forfeiture of the marijuana, completion of a drug awareness program and community service, and notification to their parents or legal guardian of the offense and penalties.

Individuals who are already registered to vote would not be able to change their political party affiliation on Election Day.

The proposed law would allow currently licensed adult recreational marijuana businesses to apply on an expedited basis to become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and to sell their remaining inventory of adult recreational marijuana to medical marijuana dispensaries. The proposed law would retain the Cannabis Control Commission but modify its authority so it would regulate only the medical marijuana market.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

A YES VOTE would permit eligible citizens to register to vote or to update their voter registration address at their polling place on Election Day.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing voter registration. QUESTION 5: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY This proposed law would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect in a given year. The proposal would limit state revenue in a given year to the net amount of state revenue from the year before, increased by a rate equal to the average growth of wages and salaries in Massachusetts over the most recent three years. If revenue collected by the state in a given year exceeds the limit, the excess amount would be refunded to taxpayers the following year. The proposed law would include all revenue from the surtax on incomes over $1 million when calculating the revenue limit and when determining whether state revenue exceeds the limit. The provisions of the proposed law would all be effective as of July 1, 2027. The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect. A YES VOTE would change the limit on state revenue collection, tying it to prior year collections plus average wage and salary growth, and provide for a rebate of revenue exceeding that limit. A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to state revenue collection. QUESTION 6: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY This proposed law would establish a Nature for All Fund that, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, would receive 50% of state taxes collected from the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses for the first year of its operation. After July 1, 2028, the Nature for All Fund would begin receiving, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, 100% of state taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses. The sales tax revenue received by the Nature for All Fund would exclude sales tax revenue transferred to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority State and Local Contribution Fund and the School Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund. The proposed law would allow the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to spend the money in the Nature for All Fund for natural resource conservation. The proposed law would allow public and private donations to the Nature for All Fund. The proposed law would prevent the state comptroller from transferring surplus funds in the Nature for All Fund at the end of the fiscal year. It would also allow state agencies, municipalities, public charities involved in natural resource conservation, tribal governments, and other regional public entities to receive money from the Nature for All Fund. Natural resource conservation would include the conservation or restoration of land to protect drinking water, streams, rivers, lakes, coasts, farms, forests, connectivity between open spaces, and lands and natural resources of indigenous cultural significance. Natural resource conservation would also include the creation, improvement, and management of parks, trails, greenspaces or outdoor recreation access. The proposed law would establish a 15-member Nature for All Board that consists of five state officials and ten members of the public appointed by the Governor. The proposed law would require the ten members of the public to include representatives of underserved communities and indigenous peoples and at least one person with expertise or experience in natural resource conservation. The proposed law would allow the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to spend money from the Nature for All Fund to hire staff to manage the fund. The proposed law would also require the Nature for All Board to establish rules about how the money in the Nature for All Fund should be spent, including rules regarding alignment with environmental justice principles, access to and restoration of lands and natural resources of indigenous cultural significance, promotion of affordable housing development, and other matters regarding spending and bond issuance. The proposed law would require the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to submit an annual report to various state committees regarding the funds spent to buy or improve land in cities and towns containing environmental justice populations.

A YES VOTE would prohibit the legalization, regulation, and taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, and change the penalties for possession of marijuana. A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to marijuana. QUESTION 9: REFERENDUM ON AN EXISTING LAW Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 124 to 33, and approved by the Senate on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 35 to 5? SUMMARY This law makes a number of changes to Massachusetts laws governing firearms. The law adds school administrators and licensed healthcare providers as parties permitted to ask a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order – requiring an individual to surrender or relinquish their firearm licenses, permits, and firearms - if an individual is a present danger to self or others. The law also provides that, when issuing an Harassment Prevention Order, a court may also order the surrender of firearms licenses, permits, and firearms. The law imposes penalties for possessing, creating, and transferring untraceable “ghost gun” firearms and requires all firearms except antiques and relics, including unfinished frames and receivers that can be readily made into a finished product, to have serial numbers. The law includes privately-made guns like 3D-printed guns within the provisions governing untraceable “ghost gun” firearms. The law changes firearms licensing requirements to: (1) allow local licensing authorities to request prior license and permit information from the state, as well as access petitions for involuntary mental health commitments denied by a court in addition to prior involuntary commitments, as a part of their review of applications for licenses to carry firearms, firearm ID cards, and licenses to sell firearms; (2) require an individual to be 21 years of age to own semiautomatic rifles or shotguns; (3) add the possibility of incarceration of up to six months for a second offense of failing to report a firearm loss or theft; and (4) enable 12-15 year olds to apply for a self-defense spray permit with parental permission, and 15 to 18 year olds to apply independently. The law allows local firearm licensing authorities to transfer the responsibility to inspect firearm dealers to the State Police. The law requires local licensing authorities to attend statewide training regarding those inspections. It requires dealers to confiscate expired or suspended licenses and report them to the state and to local licensing authorities. The law changes the definition of “machine gun” to include bump stocks, trigger cranks, Glock switches and auto sears among the devices whose possession and use are subject to penalties. It expands the definition of “silencer” to include the parts used to construct a silencer. The law clarifies how to determine whether a firearm is an assault-style weapon and the circumstances under which a person may continue to possess assault-style weapons and large capacity feeding devices they already own. The law requires the state Firearm Control Advisory Board and the state Secretary of Public Safety and Security to review and update the rosters of prohibited assault-style firearms, approved firearms, and approved firearms sold for target shooting. The law clarifies requirements relating to the carry and transport of firearms in motor vehicles and ATVs. It prohibits the carrying of firearms in government buildings, polling locations, and schools, with certain exceptions. The law expands data compilation and reporting requirements to and from the state, and creates a publiclyaccessible dashboard of anonymized aggregate firearm data, along with a commission to study that data. The law requires the State Police to provide training and a test for new applicants for licenses to carry or Firearm ID cards. The law establishes two special legislative commissions – one to examine funding for violence prevention services, and one to study emerging firearms technology. The law criminalizes discharging a firearm and striking a building in use. A YES VOTE would keep in place the law, which increases the regulation of firearms, including ghost guns, machine guns, and assault-style weapons. A NO VOTE would repeal this law.

The proposed law would take effect on July 1, 2027.

Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said voting.

A YES VOTE would create a fund that could be utilized for natural resource conservation that would receive some state taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods and recreational vehicles, and the use of golf courses.

Given under our hands this 21st day of September 2026.

A NO VOTE would not create this natural resource conservation fund or change how sales and use taxes are spent. QUESTION 7: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? SUMMARY This proposed law would allow single-family homes to be built in a residentially zoned area as long as the land on which it is to be constructed is at least 5,000 square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, road, or public way that it faces, and has access to public sewer and water services.

Hudson MA Select Board

22 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 23

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED

COMMUNITY

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ADVOCATE

Amazon.com Services LLC seeks candidates for the following (multiple positions available) in Westboro, MA. Apply at: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/, referencing job ID AMZ18269.6: Manager III, Risk (Job ID: AMZ18269.6). Ensure site compliance with applicable safety regulations to protect employees from hazardous working conditions. Conduct risk assessments across operational environments to identify hazards and implement mitigation strategies. The pay range for this position in Westboro, MA is $133300 - $180300 (yr); however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A sign-on bonus and restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided by Massachusetts Equal Pay Act. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via Amazon’s internal or external careers site.

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24 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

POLICE

FIRE

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

Suspect in string of Westborough summertime car break-ins arrested in Worcester

WESTBOROUGH – The individual allegedly responsible for a series of nighttime motor vehicle break-ins throughout the summer has been arrested, according to the Westborough Police Department.

The Worcester Police Department arrested Ethan Angel Martinez on multiple outstanding arrest warrants obtained b y We s t b o ro u g h Police Department detectives. Westborough Police Department detectives identified Martinez as a suspect after investigating a pattern of breakins involving parked vehicles. Working with regional law enforcement partners, the Worcester Police Department located Martinez and took him into custody without incident. Martinez faces multiple charges, including Breaking

into a Depository (Motor Vehicle) (multiple counts) and Larceny Under $1,200. Martinez subsequently failed to appear for his arraignment, resulting in an outstanding warrant for his arrest. “While detectives and our law enforcement partners continue to do their part, we’d like to remind everyone that there is one very simple way to make life considerably harder for someone looking to break into your car: lock it,” the Westborough Police Department wrote on Facebook. Anyone with additional information regarding recent motor vehicle break-ins is encouraged to contact the Westborough Police Department Detective Bureau at 508-475-4250.

Grafton Public Library catches fire, passerby helps extinguish blaze

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suppression system. A passing motorist called in the fire, stopped and moved trash bins away, and even put out a small flame themself. The motorist drove away once police arrived. The library opened the next morning. Library Trustees Chair Aaron Vandesteen and Vice-Chair Rachel Tosches were on-site in the middle of the night, and Tosches stayed outside until 4:30 a.m. with Deputy Fire Chief Paul Cournoyer to ensure the sprinklers were off and the building was safe. An insurance claim has been filed, and work is ongoing.

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COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 25

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Marlborough’s Ava VanBuskirk finds her footing playing soccer at UNH By Jamie Pote Reporter MARLBOROUGH – When Ava VanBuskirk left Marlborough High School with 100-plus career goals, she hoped her success in finding the back of the net would continue at her next stop: the University of New Hampshire. It didn’t happen for the first two years. Her freshman year, she played 41 minutes. She played 65 minutes in her sophomore year, but injuries to both knees cut her season short and required separate surgeries. She spent five months rehabbing only to play 10 minutes of the Wildcats’ final spring game. But those 10 minutes were plenty to show her enormous potential. “She made a huge impact on the team in those 10 minutes,” head coach Steve Welham told the Community Advocate. “It was awesome to see. Ava has carried that impact into this season.” In the team’s first four games this fall, VanBuskirk averaged 37 minutes but didn’t figure in any of the team’s goals. Then, over three days, she scored her first two collegiate goals in a 4-1 win over Northeastern, followed by another goal in a 4-2 win over Merrimack. “Ava has been a very positive story for us,” said Welham. “She has developed each year and is taking this opportunity and really running with it. She can fly – she has a great engine, great endurance, and she’s just really coming into her own.”

The rehabilitation process was hardly sunshine and rainbows for VanBuskirk. “It was hard mentally. I had never been a player who was on the sidelines to watch. That was a big transition going from always playing and soccer always being my outlet, and then not having that,” said VanBuskirk, an aspiring elementary school teacher. “My teammates were awesome and always included me. It was about finding my role on the team in a different way. … I took the role of being on the bench and cheering as loud as I could.” VanBuskirk went to physical therapy three times a week and worked with different trainers to regain her strength and mobility. Those grueling workouts are now paying off. She’s been electric on the field, said Welham. “She’s two-footed. She loves to go 1-versus-1 on a defender,” he said. “She’s technical, she’s dynamic, and her game is built around pace and dynamic movement on and off the ball. Her energy and positivity coming off the bench have just elevated the team to another level.” Her first collegiate goal – a rebound off an initial shot taken by Elizabeth Finn – was “such a surreal feeling,” she said. At the time of the score, VanBuskirk was focused on getting back on the field; scoring was simply an added bonus. “I was really focusing on coming back from my injury and trying to get back to where I was before, so when I got my opportunity to get on the field

Ava VanBuskirk (Ryan Moran/ University of New Hampshire)

and play, I took it and did my best,” VanBuskirk said. “Instead of stressing myself out, I focused on having fun and why I play the sport. It really helped that the girls around me supported me and were excited for me, along with my family, friends, and coaches.” Thirteen minutes after her first collegiate goal, VanBuskirk scored another. Two days later, another tally. Each time, her “large soccer family” – including her mother Pam, a Marlborough soccer alum; her brother Joey; and her aunt, uncle, and cousin, who all played collegiately – were there to celebrate in the stands. “Soccer has always been a part of my life,” VanBuskirk said. “I looked up to my brother and older cousins, and we

played soccer on every family outing and summer trip, always with a soccer ball. It was nice being able to grow up with everyone, especially my

brother, because he’s always been my biggest role model, and I always wanted to make him proud. “And I know I am.”

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26 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

COMMUNITY SPORTS

‘We’ve been working so hard’

After years of steady improvement, Grafton field hockey is thriving By Evan Walsh Managing Editor GRAFTON – Last season, Grafton had its fair share of moral victories. Close losses. Young players making big contributions. Steady, consistent improvement. This season, the Gators are registering real victories — and the vibes couldn’t be better. A year after going winless in league play, Grafton has started this season with two MidWach-A victories, including a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Algonquin on September 23, to start the year with an impressive 4-1 record. It had been a long stretch of rebuilding for the Gators. It makes this year’s success even sweeter. “It’s huge. Absolutely huge,” said head coach Melissa Aiksnoras, a Grafton High School alum. “We’ve always known they could do it, we just needed them to know they could

Addie McGrath fights for the ball with two Algonquin defenders

compete with the rest of these teams. They’re in it, and they deserve it. They’ve very much earned it.” In 2022, Grafton’s field hockey program, led on the field by now-assistant coach

Cassie DeBlieck, reached the playoffs. But nine seniors on that team graduated, and the Gators graduated another 11 the next year. Around the same time, Grafton transitioned from the SWCL (Southern Worcester

County League) to the tougher Mid-Wach (Midland-Wachusett). A young, inexperienced Grafton squad was tasked with facing larger schools. Nobody said it would be easy – and the Gators suffered their fair share of losses. But throughout the difficult stretch, the team’s morale and culture remained intact, a credit to Aiksnoras and her staff, and the Gators grew more experienced each time they competed. Meanwhile, Aiksnoras helped create Grafton Youth Field Hockey, designed to introduce the sport to younger athletes and help them develop skills. Today, 65 kindergartners through sixth-graders are involved with the program. The organization’s middle-school team has 24 athletes, up from 11 last year. “We can teach all the field hockey fundamentals, we can teach movement on the field, but it’s really hard to teach experience [at the varsity level],” said Aiksnoras. “To have them in our program longer is everything, and it’s been really incredible to watch the program grow.” This year, the athletes’ years of effort, experience, and growth are finally showing. Against Algonquin, three players – Addie McGrath, Izzy Richardson, and Elaina Warren – scored. Yuki Wong, Lauren Piel, Alexa Clements, and McGrath lead the team as captains. “It means a lot. We’ve been working so hard,” McGrath told the Community Advocate. “It’s really showing all the work we put in, our teamwork. We’re working as a team and pushing the ball. It’s contributing to our success.” Added Clements: “There’s a lot of girls who haven’t even been playing that long, and they’re stepping on the field and doing everything and more. They show up to practice ready. The effort from everyone has been insane.”

SPORTS ROUND-UP By Jamie Pote Reporter HUDSON – It didn’t take long for Hudson’s Anna Iacobucci and Ashlyn Faherty to show off their skills and chemistry on the soccer field. It took 19 seconds, to be exact. Less than a half-minute into the game on September 24, the Hudson duo connected for the first of many goals together. The Hawks defeated Marlborough, 9-2, at Morgan Bowl. Faherty scored four goals, while Iacobucci scored one and assisted on four others to lead the offense. Melanie Person added two goals, while Audrey Catatao and Charlotte Sheehy scored the others. The win improved Hudson’s record to 4-1-1. “They are playing well, and there’s still opportunity to learn,” said Hudson head coach Spencer Fortwengler. “We have some defects in moving the ball faster, and we need to be more technical with it. We’re playing well, and Anna Iacobucci and Ashlyn Faherty are scoring a lot at the top, feeding each other, and making runs.” Algonquin girls’ soccer prevails Algonquin improved to 3-1-2 after posting its fifth consecutive shutout, defeating Shepherd Hill, 2-0. Senior captain Caity O’Hearn, a center-back, scored a goal on a free kick – her third score of the season. Avery Connelly found the back of the net on a setup from freshman Alexis Bierschied. Goalie Lila Fialkow recorded six saves. Westborough defeats Hopkinton golf Westborough topped Hopkinton, 193-204, at the Westborough Country Club (par36). Ben Estaphan was the medalist, finishing 1-over-par at 37. Colin Payne and Nick McNamara followed, both finishing two-over-par at 38. The Rangers also defeated Shrewsbury, 188-207. Elliott McClung was the medalist with a 34, followed by Estaphan (36) and Sam Weitz (37). Colson Cotter (38) led Shrewsbury.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 27

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Slow start doesn’t faze Westborough

Johnston helps Rangers rally for win over Mid-Wach rival Marlborough By Jamie Pote Reporter WESTBOROUGH – A year ago, a young, inexperienced Westborough team finished with a disappointing 1-9 record, including three one-score losses and a three-touchdown loss to Marlborough. With Marlborough back on the schedule, the Rangers weren’t going to let a sequel happen on their home field. After a subpar first half, Westborough fired on all cylinders in the third quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to grab a 21-13 victory over the Panthers. “This is a huge win for us,” said Billy Johnston, a team captain and two-way starter at offensive tackle and linebacker. “We have all been looking forward to this game. Last year, we all said that was the start of our season’s downfall when we lost to these guys.” Though they trailed 7-0 at intermission, the Rangers dominated the second half. Quarterback David Jerome rushed for a 6-yard touchdown, followed by fellow quarterback Declan Dowd, who ran one in from 5 yards out. Westborough took a 14-7 lead. “It’s Marlborough, and they’re always going to be tough, physical kids, and they brought it to us in the first half,” said Westborough head coach Joe Beveridge. “We had some guys limping around, and some playing under the lights for the first time, so they were a little shell-shocked in the first half. But they got things together in the second half and it was a sweet win.” The Rangers’ defense came away with four turnovers: two fumble recoveries by Ben Wickline, another by Ian Tylik, and an interception by Jack Tibor. “A big emphasis at practice this week was forcing turnovers, and we delivered. Our defensive line filled the gaps, and we worked on punching the ball out,” said Johnston. Leading 14-7, Westborough stretched the lead to two touchdowns after Jerome connected with Aidan Cashman on a 16yard touchdown pass with 6:48 left. “One of the differences [for us this season] is experience,” said Johnston. “Last year, a lot of guys were playing on the varsity team for the first time,

Westborough, as seen against Hudson in September (Photo/Owen Jones)

and we were all getting used to a much faster, quicker game. We did a lot of work over the offseason. We were together every morning during the summer, lifting weights and working

on conditioning. We’re bigger, stronger, and more focused during practices. None of us want to be part of another losing streak, so we’re all motivated to put up as many wins as we can.”

With leaders and two-way stars like Johnston, it’s easier to get the troops back on track, said Beveridge. “He’s a senior captain and a great kid. He leads by example and leads with his work ethic. He always has a positive attitude. He attended the MIAA leadership event this past week. If we had a team full of kids like Billy Johnston, we would be one heck of a football team,” said the coach. Besides the touchdowns and the four turnovers, running back Teddy Marino had a terrific night, finishing with 109 rushing yards on 18 carries. The offensive line also helped, including Sam Dreyer, Johnston, Tylik, Brian Levine, and Colin Breuer. “Some of their guys were bigger than us,” Johnston said about the battle in the trenches. “But we’re small, scrappy, and fast. We stayed strong and kept our style of play.” He added: “The brotherhood

Our history sets the foundation.

I have with this team is special. I consider every single one of the guys as my family. We are all out here fighting and battling for each other and for the coaches, who put so much time in. We don’t want to let each other down. I know I can trust any 11 guys who take the field.” Marlborough (0-3) made things interesting down the stretch when Isaac Medrano scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper late in the final quarter, but Wickline clinched the win when he recovered the ensuing onside kick. The Panthers scored 13 points, more than they did in their first two games combined. “Our kids played well, but we had some mental mistakes that let us down,” said Marlborough head coach Ken Stukonis. “It’s kind of what we have been running through. We’ve got to get better, and that’s what it comes down to, and we will. Tonight, we competed, and that’s what we’re really looking for.”

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28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, October 2, 2026

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