Shrewsbury man turns prostate cancer battle into recovery blueprint
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – When John Barron had a prostatectomy, he hoped the removal of his prostate – a walnutsized gland located below the bladder – would provide the respite he needed. The procedure aimed to remove the cancer completely, allowing him to restart life as normal.
Barron was told he’d have the results within five days. Within 24 hours, he received an email containing the worst news of his life. The diagnosis was Grade Group 5 (Gleason 9) prostate cancer. The cancer had extended beyond the prostate (extraprostatic extension) and had already spread to regional lymph nodes, leading to a Stage 4A classification.
It was the type of news that you can never quite prepare for.
“It’s a tough surgery, and you come out of it and you’re hoping it’s going to be the end of all the treatment,” Barron told the Community Advocate. “You see those results, and realize that it’s only the beginning of the journey. It was extremely tough.”
But faced with a life-threatening diagnosis, Barron chose to fight, conducting months of relentless research as he navigated a complex and confusing medical journey. Now entering his fifth year of remission, he has released a book in an effort to help men who are trying to move forward after dealing with terrible news.
It’s proven to be more than a book. To some, it’s a lifeline. A glimmer of hope.
“There are more than 900 people every day that are new to prostate cancer that are wondering what to do,” said Barron. “I want to tell them that Book |
‘It was our best option’ Southborough firefighter honored after daring aerial rescue
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SOUTHBOROUGH – At approximately 10:20 a.m. on June 10, firefighter William Kipp – midway through his shift – was among the Southborough Fire Department personnel dispatched to Pinecone Lane, where a worker was in desperate need of help.
By 10:40 a.m., that worker was officially rescued, safely stabilized in an ambulance. In the 20-minute span between the call and resolution, Kipp performed a daring rescue that earned him praise from department leaders, a commendation from town officials at a recent Select Board meeting, and a Firefighter Cross, which recognizes heroism and bravery.
“For us [firefighters], it’s just another day on the job,” he told the Community Advocate at the Southborough Fire Department headquarters. “It’s always awkward, because we do this and we don’t ever expect any recognition. We got a unit citation and I got an individual award, but it was a team effort – we were the right people at the right place at the right time.”
In the initial call, Kipp, captain Jason Roach, and several other firefighters heard that a tree-worker became trapped 100 feet in the air while trying to cut down a branch. The man was unable to escape and potentially dealing with serious injuries.
The Southborough Fire Department arrived in five minutes.
Firefighter Kipp and Captain Roach were among the brave Southborough first-responders who helped save a man stuck in a tree. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Southborough is home to several non-profits, including St. Mark’s, Fay School, and a Harvard University facility. Though they own precious land — which, if taxed, could boost Southborough’s budget — their nonprofit status means that they are not taxed like commercial entities. Still, these non-profits make an effort to be good neighbors through PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) payments to Southborough. But is it enough?
The Community Advocate examines this topic on Page 18.
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Dear Editor, I am writing to express my concern regarding how the state government is handling the referendum process, which appears to be manipulating initiative petitions to cause them to fail. Regardless of one's stance on the issues themselves, subverting the democratic process through technicalities severely damages the public's trust in state government.
Recent examples demonstrate a deeply troubling pattern. In the case of the income-tax reduction question, the Supreme Judicial Court was forced to strike it down because the Attorney General's office drafted an inaccurate and convoluted summary that misleadingly claimed capital gains wouldn't be lowered. It is highly suspected that a state-drafted "error" is what ultimately killed an initiative supported by a significant majority of voters. Combined with other
recent failures, such as the rent control question being kept off the ballot by the SJC due to procedural and legal challenges, it appears the state's mechanisms are being leveraged to undermine direct democracy.
The right of citizens to petition their government and place questions directly before the voters is a cornerstone of our commonwealth. When state officials use flawed summaries or technicalities to disqualify popular initiatives rather than letting them be decided on their merits, it compromises the integrity of our elections.
The procedures and support measures that protect the initiative petition process from being weaponized or mismanaged by state offices. Our government must remain accountable to the voters, and the ballot process must be fair, accurate, and transparent.
Timothy Rivard, Shrewsbury
Barbara
Mary
Cynthia
GRAPHIC
Jess
Lynne
Michelina
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Central One Federal Credit Union awards scholarships
SHREWSBURY – Central One Federal Credit Union is excited to announce the recipients of its 2026 Student Member Academic Scholarship and Annual Academic Scholarship.
Matthew Crowley from Shepherd Hill Regional High School has been granted the $1,500 Student Member Academic Scholarship.
The Annual Academic Scholarship awards graduating seniors from Algonquin Regional High School, Auburn High School, Doherty Memorial High School, Milford High School, Shrewsbury High School, and Westborough High School.
The recipients of the 2026 Annual Academic Scholarship,
receiving $1,500 each, are: Erin Bjorkman, Auburn High School; Summer Baisley, Milford High School; Emma Vidal, Algonquin Regional High School; Sabrina Welch, Shrewsbury High School; Alana McCarthy, Westborough High School; and Jorgea Nico, Doherty Memorial High School.
These winners were se -
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Disaster at White City: Amusement park ride once burst into flames
SHREWSBURY THEN NOW
By Michael Perna Jr. Contributing Writer
SHREWSBURY – From the moment it opened in the summer of 1905, the “rocket ship ride” became one of the most popular attractions at the White City Amusement Park, located on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury.
The ride was located on the edge of the park, abutting the eastern shore of Quinsigamond. It consisted of a tall tower, with cables attached to the “vessels” where riders would sit. It went through a number of different “looks” and themes over the years it operated.
It was first known as “The Whirl of Captive Airships” – a number of “rocket ships” dangled from the tower, and as it turned, the ships would swing
around, whirling higher and higher. Interestingly, these were the days prior to modern rocketry, so nobody knew what a real rocket looked like. The ride’s “rockets” were pointy on both ends.
By the 1930s, the ride had
The entire ride was destroyed by a huge fire. A note from the time reads as follows:
been changed: The “rockets” had been replaced by standard swings, and the ride was known as “Circle Swings.”
Then, a huge disaster struck during the height of the park’s summer season on August 9, 1935.
“White City, amusement park on the shore of Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury was threatened by flames which destroyed the $35,000 circle swing in the center of the park. Photo shows the ruins of what was once a majestic 75-foot tower.”
The photo depicts the entire structure collapsed and crushed into wreckage.” Luck-
ily, the fire did not spread to any of the adjacent structures. The ride itself was later rebuilt, and the next variation of the ride was updated to feature realistic-looking rockets. This ride continued in service until the park closed on Labor Day 1960, after 55 years in operation. The ride, along with most of the other rides from the park, was later sold to other amusement parks, appearing at Whalom Park in Lunenburg.
Life is seldom a smooth, problem-free road; times of peace and calm alternate with frustration, disappointments and setbacks.
If you yield to the temptation of being controlled by these feelings, your life will become empty and aimlessrobbed of its joy, purpose and meaning.
Nobody escapes the disappointments of life, but people who have faith in the promises of God know that He is with them during the hard times.
When crisis occurs in your life, the wise thing to do is to turn to God. “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1Pet. 5:7).
The wreckage of this White City ride.
White City was a tourist hotspot in Shrewsbury.
Southborough’s Trottier Big Band earns ‘special honor’
By Laney Halsey Reporter
SOUTHBOROUGH - The Trottier Big Band doesn’t sound like a normal middle-school jazz band.
As part of an effort to promote up-and-coming local artists, Worcester’s NPR-affiliated station, WICN, features a live performance from a selected New England musician as part of its “Emerging Artist” series. In the month of June, the Trottier Big Band was chosen to record a two-hour performance.
Trottier Big Band is the middle school’s jazz ensemble, conducted by Jamie Clark. Clark has been teaching for almost 30 years and has led the Big Band to a Gold Medal at the UNH Clark Terry Jazz Festival for 10 consecutive years. Clark, a WICN listener, said this accomplishment is unheard of for a middle-school group.
“It was a special, special honor, which I was so proud of because this was such a wonderful band,” Clark said.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time and I’ve had many bands that play very well and many bands made of just lovely humans, but this particular band was so kind and helpful and supportive.”
As for why WICN picked the group, Clark said its musical
play and close your eyes, you can forget that you’re listening to 11-year-olds through 14-year-olds. I think it’s a remarkable testament to the kids, and I think it’s great for WICN to see beyond age.”
Recording the performance was difficult for WICN, Clark,
sult was a five-hour recording session at Trottier, aided by a sound engineer from the radio station.
“A recording session is a very challenging thing for experienced musicians, let alone a group of middle-schoolers,” Clark said. “When the microphone gets turned on, all of a sudden you have this feeling of, you know, you have to be perfect.”
ability speaks for itself.
“You have a certain expectation, and it’s probably a low expectation, of what a middleschool jazz band is going to sound like,” Clark said. “And then when you hear the kids
Spend.
and the 26 students to navigate. While musicians typically go to WICN’s studio to record a live performance, over two dozen middle-schoolers couldn’t physically fit into the recording booth. The end re-
Many of the students had family all over the world, making the opportunity to perform on the radio extra special.
“A lot of the kids had grandparents in Africa, Brazil, China, and India who had never got to hear their grandchild play, so they were able to tune in,” Clark said.
While the accolades mean a lot, the little moments remain
in Clark’s memory.
“I have snapshots in my head of us finishing a piece, and the band members looking at each other like, ‘Wow, we just did that. We created that,’” Clark said. “It’s the joy on their faces when they understand that when you have a talent, and you put in the hard work, incredible things can happen.”
As many of the eighth-graders move on, Clark remains confident that their friendships, commitment to music, and the lessons they learned will continue to enrich their lives, as well as his own.
“They’re going to continue to make the world a better place because of the wonderful people that they are,” Clark said. “Whether it’s through an instrument, whether it’s through taking care of somebody, whatever it happens to be, you can make a positive impact on the world. And for me, to have shared that experience with them — that’s what I’m most proud of being their band director.”
Victor Catacchio has been making cars look like new for 43 years
By Micky Baca Contributing Writer
GRAFTON – Cars have changed a lot over 43 years, but Victor Catacchio’s passion has stayed the same. Catacchio enjoys making customers’ vehicles – dulled by day-to-day demands, dings, and dirt – look like new, inside and out.
More than four decades ago, Catacchio began detailing vehicles at his brother’s used car lot. He “got hooked,” and since then, he has cleaned and polished more than 30,000 cars and motorcycles at his business, Catacchio Auto Detail in North Grafton. It’s a steady service that affords him a living and keeps him very busy.
But his biggest reward is making people happy: “I like the expression on people’s faces when I am done with their car,” he said. “It’s a good feeling.”
Making cars, motorcycles shine Catacchio was a “kid” when he started detailing. He found he enjoyed it, and people kept coming back for more. He has always been a car enthusiast and “a motorcycle nut,” he said.
Today, Catacchio Auto Detail has more than 150 regular customers who often come back twice a year, and the company also works with several car dealerships. A hands-on owner, Catacchio has preferred to maintain a two-man shop over the years, working alongside his son-in-law.
Catacchio also details a lot of motorcycles, which need special care to maintain their varied materials and features.
Many people don’t really know what detailing is, think-
ing that the service includes merely washing cars inside and outside. It’s much more than that, Catacchio said, beginning with a deep clean, extracting dirt from rugs and the interior with an industrialstrength machine, and tackling scratches and contaminants that dull paint.
The result: “It’s like a new car. It really changes your whole attitude,” he said.
The company also offers a
service that includes a ceramic coating that protects the car’s exterior and makes it look like glass.
While Catacchio’s job has remained the same, the chemicals, tools, and techniques used to detail cars have changed over the years as materials used to build cars have evolved.
For example, he has replaced the traditional rotary buffer with an oscillating one
that has a smoother result. Steam has replaced soap and water to clean interiors. And, as Catacchio noted, handrubbing the exterior with a clay bar works wonders for cleaning and removing scratches and dullness.
The secret to success
So how do you keep a business thriving for 43 years when even major car manufacturers have faded into history? “Do a good job and treat people right,“ Catacchio said.
Being consistent and keeping prices reasonable are key.
“I’ve gained respect and trust from a lot of people who are comfortable bringing their very expensive cars to me,” he said. “Be consistent. I think that is the biggest thing you can do when you own a business. People can count on you.”
Catacchio has no grand expansion plans. He likes the status quo, the relaxing ride to work on one of his three Harleys, and tending to each customer and service detail himself. When he isn’t working, he spends time with his five grandkids.
But rescue proved difficult. First responders called a tower truck from Marlborough, but the landscape and location of the tree made a truckbased rescue unfeasible. The District 14 Rescue Team was requested, but personnel would be coming from all over Central Massachusetts, and this rescue needed to happen urgently.
So Kipp – a Hancock native who has been with the Southborough Fire Department for less than one year – started to grab materials and strapped his harness on. He had experience with these types of rescues from his time volunteering in Vermont: “It happened really fast,” he said. Kipp attached himself to the base of a crane, which was on-site for the tree work.
He was going airborne.
“I’m like, ‘Hey, what do you think about the crane?’ I just grabbed a couple more
things out of my bag, and we started to get going,” said Kipp. “When Plan A through Plan M doesn’t work, you have to go to Plan M through Plan Z.”
Added Roach: “I asked him if he was good. He asked me if I was good. We were both good.”
Kipp was raised 100 feet in the air, finding the man severely injured – but secured to the tree. While doing work on the tree – an effort that is now being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Adminis-
tration (OSHA) – a branch had fallen in an unexpected way, trapping the man.
Kipp used hand signals to direct the crane, evaluated the man’s injuries, and turned off his saw.
“Everyone has their niche in the fire service –there’s HAZMAT, there’s EMS, fire prevention – and everyone figures out what they like and enjoy. I like technical rescue. It’s the puzzle aspect. There’s so many pieces, and it’s always something different,” said Kipp.
Once he met the man at the top of the tree, Kipp used a standard “pick-off” maneuver to lower the man to safety. After reaching the ground, Kipp took off his harness and immediately went into the ambulance to provide further assistance.
“Whenver you use heavy equipment, you have to weigh your options – you have to make sure the operator is good, your equipment is good,” Kipp reflected. “With that scenario, it was our best option at the time.”
In addition to Kipp and Roach, firefighter Matthew Rice, firefighter Christina Stapleton, and Robert Braccio, an EMT, received citations. Southborough Fire Department Chief Andrew Puntini spoke to the unit’s heroism and professionalism.
“This complex, unplanned — but rapidly executed — rescue allowed for the best patient outcome,” he said.
Firefighter | from page 1
William Kipp hanging from a crane. (Photo/Courtesy)
Trail network coming to town? Northborough discusses BWALT feasibility
By Laney Halsey Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – Northborough is moving forward with a feasibility study for its portion of the Boston-Worcester Airline Trail (BWALT), a regional shareduse path that could eventually connect regions of Central Massachusetts.
During an Open Space Committee meeting on June 29, the board received an update on the project; the town secured a grant to study the Northborough portion of the trail. The evaluation will include potential routes, design considerations, and the project’s viability.
BWALT will eventually connect Framingham to Worcester, tracing an abandoned Boston-Worcester trolley line. The project would include two spurs — one running from Southborough to Marlborough to connect to the Assabet River Rail Trail, and a second spur running from Northborough to Berlin to connect to the Mass. Central Rail Trail.
The trail has been a topic of debate in adjacent Westborough over the past couple years. In 2021, Westborough’s feasibility study found that the construction of BWALT could include a variety of benefits, including increased local spending, health benefits, and higher property values. Since then, portions of the trail have already advanced.
Northborough Open Space Committee Chair John Campbell noted that local officials see the project as a way to build community between existing and future trail networks.
“There was enthusiasm among the Select Board and other committees that this might come to fruition over time,” Campbell said. “It also presents the opportunity for connectivity of bike paths and possibly the aqueduct trails and eventually going
Lowe’s Variety & Meat Shop officially under new ownership
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
NORTHBOROUGH – The transition is complete: Lowe’s has new ownership.
On July 1, Chris and Rachel Pond officially took ownership of Lowe’s Variety & Meat Shop, a Northborough institution. Tom and Jane Lowe will be stepping back, going on a cross-country vacation throughout the summer and returning in the fall to help “any way [they] can.”
“I’ll still be around,” Tom said.
Lowe’s was founded in 1953 by Tom Lowe’s grandparents. Later, Tom’s “Uncle Bill” opened a store in Downtown Northborough, and in 1986, he bought the business from his uncle. Tom has led the store – sometimes called “Tommy’s” by those close to the family – to great success. In 2006, the store moved to
its current location at 255 West Main Street.
Though ownership has changed, Lowe’s will remain in the family: Chris Pond is Tom’s stepson. Chris has worked at the store since he was 14, starting as a dishwasher and helping in just about every area of the business. He’s ready for the role, Tom said.
“We’re very confident. [Chris and Rachel] are not newcomers to the store for sure. They’re family. It’s a good feeling knowing I’m leaving it with family – not just someone that happened to come in,” Tom told the Community Advocate.
Added Rachel: “It’s nice to carry on the family tradition. It’s staying in the family. What we’re telling everybody is no major changes. We’ve been running the show for about a year now anyway, so nothing is changing.”
Marlborough PD to hold National Night Out
MARLBOROUGH — The Marlborough Police Department invites the community to 1LT Charles W. Whitcomb School from 5 to 8 p.m. to August 4. It’s an event for all ages that includes food trucks, displays from community organizations, and much more. It’s an opportunity to interact with law enforcement officers in a comfortable, fun setting. Come for the activities ... stay for the Dunk-A-Cop!
Visit our website: www.cabinetrehabshop.com Call: 508-986-8450
“We are so loving our cabinets!!!! They match the boxes perfectly and we are so very pleased with your efforts on our behalf!! Do NOT hesitate to give our number to anyone for a reference of your work!! Not only was the work the very best...the way all of you treated (us) was wonderful!!! Such a pleasant experience!!”
Bill & Belinda C., Westborough, MA
Can’t wait until Friday for your local news? CommunityAdvocate.com for daily updates!
The Lowe family (left) is passing over ownership to the Pond family (right). (Photo/Courtesy)
Square One Players to bring ‘Forbidden Broadway’ to Shrewsbury
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Joanne Smith and Tara Alano started the Square One Players, an effort to encourage face-to-face socialization, foster genuine connection, and bring together the local theater community.
Smith recalls there being “no grand expectations” about the group’s future. They just wanted to share their passion for theater, make memories, and enrich others – patrons and actors alike – by providing access to the performing arts.
Today, the group is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its first production. In August, the Square One Players will present “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits,” a worldrenowned revue that hilariously skewers Broadway’s biggest hits and brightest stars, from “Chicago” to “Phantom,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and beyond.
“The theater community is a small community, and people talk to people. It’s nice for us, because it’s obviously positive things being spread about us. People want to get involved. We can’t say enough good things about the people we’ve met doing this,” Alano told the Community Advocate.
The Square One Players have done a number of productions over the last halfdecade, each with their own challenges – “Spamalot” had a large cast, and “Run for Your Wife” was all about timing, for instance. With “Forbidden Broadway,” the costumes are a focus, with unique clothing, wigs, and accessories for each section of the revue.
The Square One Players are proud to announce that the cast is primarily firsttimers, with some actors so eager to join the production they commute an hour to weekly rehearsals. Krissi Forgues (Annie/Ethel Merman) and Stephanie Sarkisian (Glossy Fosse/Liza Minnelli) are the only returning members of the talented 15-person cast.
Included in the cast: 11-year-old Kyrie Dell’Aera,
who will be the emcee.
“She was really good. She was amazing, and we wanted to give her a shot,” said Smith.
Behind the scenes, Jeremy
Woloski will be directing, with help from stage manager Marissa Hubbard and assistant stage manager Corey Taverna, a Shrewsbury native. Costumer Joel Seger, new to the organization, has his hands full.
“We’re honored they
share their talent with us,” said Alano.
“Forbidden Broadway” runs August 1 and 8 at 7:30 p.m., and August 2 and 9 at 2 p.m., at Southgate’s Flanagan Theater (Julio Drive,
Shrewsbury). Tickets are $20 for general admission, and $17 for students and seniors.
For tickets or info, visit squareoneplayers.com.
“It’s been enjoyable. It’s been trying at times, it’s
been
The Square One Players are preparing for their latest production. (Photos/Courtesy)
MORE
The Hidden Costs of a Community
By Stephanie Stuchlik
When I start working with a new client, we begin with an indepth consultation where we discuss what is important to them in their new home. Of course, the property itself is a large part of the conversation—the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the layout, and the backyard. Additionally, however, the towns they are considering are often as important, or more so, than the home itself.
Let’s walk through some of the main points buyers evaluate as they discern their new hometown. Keeping these in mind can help us as homeowners consider what matters to others as we participate in local politics and make decisions for ourselves and our communities.
Schools
By far, the number one reason I hear people moving to our specific corner of Massachusetts is for the school systems. We are fortunate to be surrounded by some highly rated schools, but how those schools are funded impacts our local tax bills differently. For our local communities, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Hudson, Grafton, and Marlborough manage their own independent school systems, Northborough and Southborough navigate an intertwined relationship at the high school level via Algonquin Regional. When major capital investments hit the town meeting floor, the financial ripples affect property taxpayers in both communities based on fluctuating student enrollment ratios. Buyers in all towns are watching tax rates to make sure they’re getting bang for their buck in the community they settle in..
Water & Sewer
I have had many buyers flatly tell me they will not consider a home with a private well and septic system due to maintenance or the steep cost of replacement. However, the preference isn’t always straightforward. Lately, I have had clients asking to see official municipal water quality reports for public town water, paying closer attention to regional testing and infrastructure upgrades. I have even had clients who strictly want private water and sewer so that they can personally monitor and filter their own independent systems.
Electric and Fuel Preferences
The buyer of a home almost inevitably wants to know the average utility bills they can expect to pay. But the cost of those monthly bills varies greatly from town to town. Residents moving to Shrewsbury (SELCO) or Hudson (Hudson Light & Power) benefit from municipally owned electric plants. Because they operate as non-profits, their rates are often half the cost of investor-owned utilities like National Grid, which services Westborough or Southborough. This boundary line shift can save a household $1,500 a year. Furthermore, some buyers tend to strongly prefer one utility over another, such as natural gas for cooking and heating over oil or electric baseboard heat. I’ve had buyers turn down homes because they couldn’t have natural gas or the ability to easily convert.
Walkability vs. Commuting Accessibility
Our regional geography offers a fascinating trade-off. Many of my buyer clients prefer highly walkable downtowns with immediate access to shopping, local boutiques, and dining options, which has driven demand around Hudson’s vibrant Main Street or Westborough’s town center. At the same time, buyers who need to commute are looking at the town through a different lens: practical proximity to major regional routes like Route 9, I-495, and the Mass Pike for a seamless drive into Worcester or Boston.
The Takeaway
Kathleen Goneau
Mobile: (508) 868-4090
Kgoneau@kw.com goneaugroup.com
Real Estate Q&A with Kathleen Goneau, Your Concierge Realtor
I’ve been in my home for many years, and it needs some updating. Would I be better off taking a cash offer or making improvements before selling?
This is a common question, especially for homeowners who are downsizing, handling an inherited property, or simply do not want to take on a long list of repairs.
A cash offer can provide speed and simplicity. Investors typically buy homes as-is, with no repairs or showings. The tradeoff is that these offers are usually lower than what the home might bring on the open market because the investor builds future repair costs and profit into the price.
The good news is that preparing a home for sale does not necessarily
mean a major renovation. Sometimes fresh paint, decluttering, light staging, or a few targeted repairs can help attract more buyers and improve the final sale price. There is also a middle ground. Some sellers can make strategic improvements without managing contractors or paying upfront, with costs paid from the proceeds at closing.
The best choice depends on your home’s condition, your timeline, and your priorities. Before accepting a cash offer or investing in improvements, it is worth comparing the likely net proceeds from each option. Want to know which path may make the most sense for your home? Schedule a free Discovery Meeting, and we can talk through your options.
Navigating these micro-costs is what separates a standard house hunt from a smart, long-term investment. Whether you are crossshopping borders to find the right balance of utility savings, school structures, and daily commuting routes, preparing your own home for the market, or are just considering how to live and participate in community wisely, these hyper-local operational details matter. Understanding the real-world variables of our unique communities ensures that when you finally turn the key to your new front door, you are stepping into a community that perfectly aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.
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Marlborough Region
A strong business community isn’t built by one company alone—it’s built through collaboration. Here in the Marlborough Region, businesses of every size play an essential role in creating a thriving local economy. Our small businesses bring innovation, character, and personalized service, while our larger employers drive investment, create career opportunities, and strengthen our workforce. Together, they form an ecosystem that benefits us all.
The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as the bridge that brings these businesses together. Through networking events, partnerships, educational programs, and community initiatives, we create opportunities for meaningful connections that fuel growth and innovation.
When businesses support one another, everyone wins. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Marlborough Region—one relationship, one partnership, and one success story at a time
Shrewsbury man turns prostate cancer battle into recovery blueprint
the answer is out there. I’m so happy and so proud that I put this together, and I’m excited to help others.”
In the aftermath of the surgery, Barron – a 30-year Shrewsbury resident – hustled to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world-class research center in Boston. Restless, nervous, and uncertain, Barron found that accumulating information was one of the only things that could reassure him. He started “reading everything [he] could about prostate cancer.”
His background as a healthcare executive taught him that there’s no such thing as too many opinions. Dana-Farber gave him a unique treatment path – different from what he received before. So he got a third opinion. Then a fourth. Three different nutritionists were consulted.
No stone was left unturned. No citation was left unchecked. Devastation became determination.
“I had to change my mindset from being sorry for myself to trying to find something to do. I spent my career trying to improve healthcare outcomes for people and studying data to do that. So, why can’t I do the same thing and treat myself like the project? I started reading all that I could, and just thousands of studies. Anything I could find,” said Barron.
Throughout all the research, Barron hardly acknowledged the obvious: Google doesn’t have the cure for cancer. Some of the questions he was asking didn’t have answers yet. But when he was unsatisfied with the science, Barron relied on expertise. He found himself on the phone with a Danish urologist, trying to decipher his methodology through broken English.
“Maybe there’s no strong data, but there is data. Become the jury, weigh the evidence,” he said.
Barron’s methods sometimes bordered on the ex -
treme. For the last four years, he has tracked his nutritional intake, sleep habits, and exercise totals. Based on that system, he created a free online health tracker that others can use to monitor their own metrics. When he said he’d make himself the project, he meant it.
And once the bulk of his treatment was over, Barron found another project: creating a book. In his search for information after his diagnosis was delivered, Barron found that reliable information was available, but unassembled. Conflicting opinions led to confusion.
A half-year in, he was “carving his way to clarity.” His wife, Cheryl, read three versions of the book. After late nights and countless hours spent evaluating and corralling information, “Prostate Cancer Warrior” was completed, meant for the 1-in-8 men who will receive a diagnosis in their lifetimes.
“As long as I’m doing this for myself, I might as well be doing this for other people,” Barron said. “It will help me learn it, and it will help others who come after me get the information. I wanted to write the book I wished existed when I was diagnosed.”
Barron came to realize several factors contributed to beating prostate cancer. Treatment, diet, exercise, and sleep are important, but amazingly, Barron discovered that one of the single biggest factors to recovery is inspiration – the belief that your actions can influence future outcomes. In two large long-running population studies following more than 70,000 adults, individuals who held the “inspiration” belief lived an average of 11 to 15 percent longer.
As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
In an effort to get the information to anyone who needs it, Barron released a free 30page flyer that condenses his book’s most important takeaways. Friends have already reached out to him saying that, after reading the book, they’ve decided to get treatment. One man’s most painful moment is helping other men through theirs.
“It feels unbelievable. Incomparable. I keep the book in my kitchen, and every once in a while I’ll just go and hold it. I can’t believe I’ve been able to have such a positive impact on people, and to be able to comfort people at a time of such vulnerability,” he said.
Westborough Connects finally has a place of its own with office downtown
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
WESTBROUGH – A grassroots organization founded in 2017 to create a better-connected community, Westborough Connects never anticipated becoming such a fixture that it’d require a physical location. Kindness Week, Westborough Unplugs, and a number of the group’s other initiatives were created by a team that operated without a physical headquarters.
Having space belonging to Westborough Connects “was a dream,” said Program Manager Laura Cerniglia.
“It wasn’t even a thought at the start. Maybe someday,” added Executive Director Kelley Petralia.
Then “someday” happened. The organization officially has an in-person office, located on the first floor of the Keating Building (21 East Main Street).
Volunteers have named the space “The Hub @ Westborough Connects.”
“We’re putting physical roots
down,” said Tracy Lacroix, the organization’s volunteer engagement coordinator. “It will be a space for our volunteers and community members to pop in. It’s a place of connection. People can come and join together in the work we’re doing.”
In the absence of its own space, the organization borrowed meeting spaces throughout town, bouncing from location to location. Events were always successful, but seemingly always somewhere different. Decentralized, Westborough
Connects staff drove about the community to pick up equipment, drop off materials, and do the crucial day-to-day work that helps the organization function.
Westborough was connected as a result of the group’s efforts, but not so much the organization itself.
Until now.
“We partner with so many organizations and businesses in town already, and when we were planning events in the past and looking for space, we often found ourselves borrowing space. To be able to be in our own space – it’s absolutely great,” said Cerniglia. “For years, residents asked where they could find Westborough Connects. Now, they have their answer.”
Even with its desperate need for space, Westborough Connects was choosy. A generous businessman offered a space along Route 9, but walkability and proximity to downtown
was paramount. The group toured two other spaces before landing on its current digs, the former home of Circles of Joy. Westborough Connects is right where it needs to be. Bay State Commons is its backyard, and community groups – and frequent partners – like the BORO Program, the (temporary) Westborough Public Library, and the Westborough Food Pantry are next-door neighbors.
“If we were going to have a space, it had to be in the middle of Westborough. It had to be walkable. We have programs for high-schoolers, older adults, and we’ll be able to space out into Bay State Commons and use that space,” said Petralia.
And after years of supporting the community in any way it could, Westborough Connects was humbled at the outpouring of support it received to secure its new space. An anonymous donor is covering 50 percent of the rent, and “Inaugural Hub Sponsors” – including Cumulus Global, Grossman Development Group, The Hensley Family Trust, Westborough Podiatry, and the Community Advocate – helped make the office possible. Supplies, furnishings, and signage are being generously provided by Amazon SMA1, CorpEvents New England, and EverRise. Dan Martin from Advantage Home Access will outfit the space with shelving, bulletin boards, and more.
“We feel extremely lucky,” Lacroix said.
“We don’t charge for anything we do. We couldn’t do any of this. We’re all communitysupported,” said Petralia.
For more on Westborough Connects, visit https://www. westboroughconnects.org/.
New Westborough home for BCI Insulation
WESTBOROUGH – BCI Insulation has a new home at 69 Fisher Street in Westborough.
Providing superior insulation since 2016, the company has been dedicated to ensuring that every home or business is comfortable and safe. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, BCI’s team goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality insulation solutions for your property. The company prioritizes being courteous, efficient, and using
BCI’s advanced foam insulation boasts a 35 percent higher R-value compared to traditional insulation methods, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. The company stays abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry standards to provide exceptional service and topquality products.
Find BCI Insulation at www. bcigroupma.com, or contact (774) 278-8256.
Smart Insulation Solutions
New Horizons at Marlborough selects resident care partner
MARLBOROUGH – New Horizons at Marlborough has selected Right at Home Boston Metro West as its new resident care partner.
Through the new partnership, which begins October 1, Right at Home will provide and manage all nursing and personal care services for residents in New Horizons’ assisted living
and memory care programs. Its caregivers will also provide supportive care services for residents throughout the retirement community.
“New Horizons at Marlborough is clearly more than a place to live — it is a vibrant community where residents are supported, engaged, and known,” said Vladimir Zarkhin, president of Right at Home Boston Metro West. “Its broad activities, specialized support programs, and caring team reflect a deep commitment to quality of life. We are proud to partner with New Horizons and bring our own commitment to service excellence to help residents remain safe, comfortable, and connected as their needs evolve”
Based in Newton, Right at Home Boston Metro West has served older adults and their families throughout MetroWest and Greater Boston for nearly
2021 through 2026, and was designated a “Caring Super Star” in 2026 for its consistent positive consumer ratings and reviews.
“We are pleased to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to compassionate, person-centered care,” said Betsy Connolly, executive director of New Horizons at Marlborough.
New Horizons at Marlborough offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite stays, and an onsite geriatric-psych program. In recent years, the community introduced specialty diabetes assistance and Parkinson’s support programs.
“Our priority is ensuring residents have the appropriate level of support as their needs change,” said Connolly. “Given its outstanding reputation, extensive experience, and dedication to service excellence, we are confident that Right at Home will be an ideal partner in this work.”
New Horizons (Photo/Courtesy)
Should local nonprofits do more for municipal budgets?
By Thomas Grillo Contributing Writer
SOUTHBOROUGH – Southborough Select Board member
Andrew Pfaff, elected in May, hasn’t wasted any time setting priorities. On the campaign trail, voters told him they wanted relief from rising property taxes. He’s pledged to ease the burden on homeowners by raising contributions from non-profit landowners.
Southborough residents have felt pinched recently. Residents have seen the town’s tax rate increase by nearly 47 percent since 1990 – from $9.80 (per $1,000 of assessed value) at the start of the 1990s to $14.36 this fiscal year. That increase, paired with rising valuations, means that the average household bill in Southborough jumped 7.6 percent last year to $14,231. Northborough’s average bill, for comparison, is $10,460, while Westborough’s average bill is approximately $12,900.
Southborough raises $52 mil-
lion annually through property taxes, the town’s primary funding mechanism, accounting for 77 percent of the community’s total municipal revenue. Because only 5 percent of the town’s taxable properties are classified as commercial or industrial, the tax burden falls heavily on homeowners.
One way to grow the town’s coffers is for nonprofits — which are exempt from property taxes — to voluntarily contribute funds to help the towns. Such transactions are frequently called PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) payments.
The four largest not-forprofit institutions with nontaxable real estate in Southborough include St. Mark’s School, Fay School, the New England Center for Children (NECC), and Harvard University.
St. Marks, the 161-year-old college preparatory school, owns 15 parcels in Southborough with a total assessed value of $171 million. Fay School, a private day and boarding school
for kindergarteners through ninth-graders, has 17 parcels with a total value of $84 million.
The NECC – a self-described leader in autism education – has 19 lots assessed at $49 million, and Harvard owns a 170-acre property with an assessed value of $33 million.
If these properties were taxed, Southborough would receive a total of $4.8 million in extra revenue, according to Paul Cibelli, the town’s principal assessor. That would include $2.5 million from St. Mark’s, $1.2 million from Fay School, $709,005 from the NECC, and approximately $468,000 from
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Harvard.
Southborough Select Board Chair Kathryn Cook, who has experience negotiating with nonprofits, said that the private schools are fully engaged in the community and residents routinely use their gyms and fields at no cost.
“People think the private schools are rich – they’re not,” Cook told the Community Advocate. “But we still have bills to pay.”
Pfaff, a Fay and St. Mark’s graduate, said PILOT payments have increased over the years as nonprofits have agreed to provide more cash to defray the rising cost of services.
“We’ve made progress, but I’d like to see more,” he said. “I’m not saying they are bad citizens – they are large employers and we like them. But at the end of the day, that doesn’t pay for the services we provide.”
Cook and Pfaff support legislation that would allow municipalities to require tax-exempt property owners with real estate holdings valued at $15 million or more to make PILOT payments equal to 25 percent of what property taxes would be if the organization was taxable.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge, an Acton Democrat who represents Southborough, said he is opposed to the legislation. He said these are challenging times for private schools and institutions: “It would be a heavy lift for nonprofits to contribute 25 percent,” he said.
Pfaff said he’s wary of excuses.
“They can pay half in-kind,” he said. “They afford their water and utility bills, don’t they?”
None of the not-for-profits have reached the proposed 25 percent threshold, but NECC comes closest. At $104,072, NECC pays the highest amount of PILOT dollars to Southborough.
Michael Downey, the school’s chief financial officer, said the school wants to do its part. As a result, when it pur-
chases new property, the NECC pays the town an amount about equal to the real estate taxes that the former owners were paying. Different organizations have different perspectives. Susanna Waters, Fay’s head of school, said she places a high value on the school’s relationship with the town. Fay wants to be a great neighbor by sharing its facilities and making contributions to help sustain Southborough’s budget, she added. But she said the 25 percent proposal would be a tremendous burden on Fay.
“We don’t have the endowment other schools have, and we are not positioned to contribute to the degree of the other nonprofits,” she said. “Our endowment is $56 million compared to Harvard’s $50 billion and St. Mark’s $150 million.”
Still, Waters said Fay has agreed to contribute $100,000 over a decade towards the $15 million Southborough Public Safety Complex. Built in 2019, the facility houses the town’s police and fire departments. In addition, Waters said that, over the years, Fay has donated $20,000 for firefighter gear, $60,000 for a fire truck, and $25,000 for a police cruiser.
Waters noted Fay is educating 83 students who reside in town and providing them with $365,000 in tuition aid, which is not counted in the PILOT calculations. She also said the town is saving nearly $2 million because those students are not being schooled in public schools.
St. Mark’s Head of School Ivory Hills said the school wants to be a good neighbor, and that its relationship with Southborough is cordial.
“We try to, where possible, support the town especially in the services we frequently use such as fire and police,” he said.
St. Mark’s has increased its annual contribution to more than $100,000, he said. But donating 25 percent, or $614,000, would dramatically alter the way the school conducts its business, he added.
“I know that private schools are perceived as having very big coffers, but our 990s [the annual tax return that federally tax-exempt nonprofit organizations must file with the IRS to maintain their tax-free status] shows that we’re not a lucrative enterprise,” Hills said. “Endowments are not meant to be tapped unless it’s a dire emergency.”
Northborough’s Porchfest is a celebration of local music
The inside scoop on DeBob, the romantic lives of turkeys
By Laney Halsey Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH - It was a beautiful day to be in Northborough. Perfect summer weather set the stage for over 50 different performances that took place from noon to 6 p.m. on June 27.
Across town, musicians and residents gathered at 22 locations to celebrate local art and culture in Northborough’s annual Porchfest celebration. Porchfests are when residents invite musicians to their front lawns, allowing audiences to weave through the town and pick which performances they’d like to see. Public locations – like the Town Common and Ellsworth McAfee Park – also got involved in the fun.
Performers and spectators hailed from far beyond the “boroughs” to see what Northborough had to offer.
For John David Short, an indie pop singer-songwriter originally from Texas, the event was worth making the drive from his house in Lawrence: “I’ve never seen this anywhere else,” Short said. “It’s very unique, it’s very fun. They’re like block parties with a musician on every corner.”
Short was watching a performance from fellow singersongwriter Linda Marks, who put out her 16th studio album in March. Marks had her audience laughing and singing along to her song “The Turkey Social Dance,” which details the romantic lives of the 28 wild turkeys inhabiting her neighborhood.
Marks explained the research that went into the song, which includes vocabulary such as “snood,” “rafter,” and turkey “purring.” The song later won an award in the children’s category at the MidAtlantic Song Contest.
“I guess kids need to learn about wild turkeys,” Marks laughed before diving into the chorus.
While the musicians had different styles, many shared a common motivation for performing. Bill Zolli took the stage at Trinity Church, serenading the crowd with a rendition of some Frank Sinatra songs. Zolli’s lifelong love of music – and passion for
sharing it – made Porchfest the place for him.
“Even before I knew what I was doing, I was making up songs and singing,” Zolli said.
DeBob – a band composed
of Debra Alt (DeB), Bob LaValle (Bob), and their god-daughter Annelise – was a popular performer. While Debra strummed the guitar and Bob played the keyboard, Annelise
Westborough
sang. Bob had a simple explanation for why they’ve been playing music for so long:
“God brought us together.”
Whether it was music from DeBob or a fresh take on turkey
love, there was so much music to enjoy. Porchfest had a place for everyone – from first-time visitors to award-winning songwriters. Keeping families comfortably cozy in their home year-round for 80 years!
Town study could reshape Grafton Common
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
GRAFTON – Grafton’s bucolic Common is the subject of a new study committee.
The Select Board on July 7 authorized the creation of a Grafton Common Traffic Study Committee. The committee will include one Select Board member, one Planning Board member, and three at-large members. Town Administrator Evan Brassard and Director of
Planning Christian D’Emilia will be non-voting members. The committee will review the Grafton Common Traffic and Safety Study, completed by Stantec Consulting Services, and strategically analyze the study’s recommendations, using them as the basis for the development of a strategic plan for change and improvement. The committee will hold (at least) two public hearings and produce a final report. The 2025 study identi -
fied several issues with the traffic pattern around the Common, including speed limits that create confusion, obstructed sight lines, and unclear signage. The area surrounding the common sees nearly 9,000 vehicles daily.
Stantec proposed several options for changes, including adjusting (or eliminating) the Route 140-Millbury Street intersection; expanding the Common westward to eliminate some of the
Summer Concert Series
Celebrate the sounds that have shaped generations and the spirit of a nation.
Join us for Spirit of Sound, a concert series celebrating timeless American music, community, and connection. Enjoy live performances in the courtyard at The Willows at Westborough. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for a relaxing summer evening.
Please RSVP at least one week prior to the concert date by calling Director of Sales George Barrette at (508) 321-7555.
less-traveled roads, thereby limiting confusion; and narrowing lanes.
Nothing has been decided yet.
“In an area considered to be Grafton’s historic and social core, crashes, injuries, and risks threaten driver and pedestrian safety and the ability to feel comfortable crossing Route 140, visiting local businesses, or gathering in the Common for community events, such as the Farmers Market,” the study
states.
Craig Dauphinais will be the Select Board representative on the committee.
“For me, I live down the street, I’m down there all the time, I know the traffic patterns. I’d be willing to serve on the committee. It’s a good project, and the traffic up there is only going to increase,” said Dauphinais. Added Select Board Chair Andy Jefferson: “I’m excited to see what the final report will entail.”
Three proposed modifications to Grafton Common, based on a 2025 study.
LEGAL NOTICES
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WESTBOROUGH
WESTBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY
BATHROOM MODERNIZATION PROJECT #328062
SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT TO BID MGL C.149 OVER $150K
The WESTBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY, the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the Bathroom Modernization at State Aided Development: Veterans (200-1) in Westborough, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by MATZ COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTS
The Project consists of but not limited to: This project consists of renovation work within multiple residential buildings at the Veterans Development 200-1 complex in Westborough, Massachusetts. The work includes improvements to existing bathroom spaces, associated building systems, and related interior components. The project involves selective removal and replacement of existing finishes, fixtures, and building elements, as well as upgrades to building infrastructure that supports the renovated areas. All work shall be coordinated to minimize disruption to building occupants and maintain safe, functional conditions throughout construction.
The work is estimated to cost $946,071.00
All bidding Requests for Information (RFls) shall be submitted online by 06/29/2026 at 12:00PM EDT for filed sub-bids and by 07/14/2026 at 12:00PM EDT for general bids.
Bids are subject to M.G.L. c.149 §44A-J & to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L. c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive.
THIS PROJECT IS BEING ELECTRONI CALLY BID AND HARD COPY BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please review the in structions in the bid documents on how to register as an electronic bidder. All Bids shall be submitted online at biddocs.com and received no later than the date and time specified.
General bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in the follow ing category of work, General Building Construction, and must submit a cur rent DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility and signed DCAMM Prime/General Contractor Update Statement.
General Bids will be received until July 2026 at 10:00AM EDT and publicly opened online, forthwith.
Filed Sub-bids for the trades listed below will be received until 02 July 2026 3:00PM EDT and publicly opened online, forthwith.
Filed sub-bidders must be DCAMM cer tified for the trades listed below and bidders must include a current DCAMM Sub-Bidder Certificate of Eligibility and a signed DCAMM Sub-Bidder’s Update Statement.
TRADES Plumbing Electrical Work
General bids and sub-bids shall be ac companied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (including all alternates) and made payable to the WESTBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY. Note: A bid de posit is not required for Projects adver tised under $50,000.
Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available for review at biddocs.com (may be viewed and downloaded elec tronically at no cost).
and state-assisted construction projects over $150,000. Request for waivers must be sent to EOHLC (Chad.Howard@. mass.gov) 5 calendar days prior to the General Bid date. NO WAIVERS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER THE GENERAL BIDS ARE OPENED.
The Contractor and all subcontractors (collectively referred to as “the Contractor”) agree to strive to achieve minority and women workforce participation. The Workforce Participation benchmark is set at 6.9% for women and 15.3% for minorities. The Workforce benchmark percentages are a statutory requirement under MGL c. 149 § 44A(2)(G).
PRE-BID CONFERENCE/ SITE VISIT:
Scheduled Date and Time: 06/24/2026 at 10:00AM EDT
Address: 2 Rogers Rd# 37, Westborough, MA 01581
Instructions: We will meet at the Housing Authority office and go over to the site together.
The hard copy Contract Documents may be seen at: Nashoba Blue Inc. 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 978-568-1167
FORM 299
DATE: JULY 8, 2026
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S NOTICE PURSUANT TO G.L. C. 40, § 32
Town of Westborough -Case No. 12206 ·
Annual Town Meeting of March 21, 2026
Article.# 31
Received by Town Clerk’s Office at 3:48 pm, Jul 08, 2026
Attorney General’s Limited Authority to Waive Procedural Defects in the Notice of the Planning Board Hearing
Pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 40, § 32, if the Attorney General finds there to be any defect in the procedure of adop
hearing, not fourteen days as required by G.L. c. 40A, §·5. For this reason, the 90-day period prescribed for the Attorney General’s review of Article 31 is suspended in accordance with G.L. c. 40, § 32.
Attorney General’s Election to Proceed Under the Waiver Provisions of G.L. c. 40, § 32
The Attorney General has elected to proceed under the limited defect waiver authority conferred by G.L. c. 40, § 32.
Suspension of Review of Zoning By-Law
Amendments
The 90-day period prescribed by law· for the Attorney General’s review of local bylaws is therefore suspended in accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 40, § 32.
Posting and Publication of This Notice
The Town Clerk shall post a true copy of this Notice in a conspicuous place in the Westborough Town Hall for a period of not less than 14 days and shall publish a copy once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Westborough.
Filing of Claim That Defect in Notice Was Misleading or Otherwise Prejudicial
Within 21 days of the date on which this Notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Westborough, any resident of the Town of Westborough, or the owner of any real property in the Town of Westborough or any other party entitled to notice of the planning board hearing may file with the Town Clerk a written statement that the notice defect was misleading or otherwise prejudicial. The statement must include the reasons supporting the claim that the defect in the Planning Board Notice was misleading or otherwise prejudicial. This statement must be actually on file with the Town Clerk not later than 21 days from the date on which this Notice is published in the newspaper.
Town Clerk’s Certification of Compliance with This Notice
After the expiration of the 21-day period, the Town Clerk shall submit to the At
ough, MA 01772, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 255, section 39A, that on Wednesday July 29, 2026 at 10 am an auction sale on the web based site of http://sta.ibidsmart.com the following motor vehicles will be sold to satisfy our garage keeper’s lien thereon for storage, towing charges, care and expenses of notices and sale of said vehicles. Starting July 14, 2026 at 9 am, vehicles can be viewed at http://sta.ibidsmart.com.
This is not an absolute auction we reserve the right to set a minimum on all auction vehicles. If a particular vehicle is not listed on http://sta.ibidsmart.com call 508-4850503 for bidding instructions.
2018 Hyundai Elantra VIN: 5NPD84LFXJH236693
Owned by Tianyu Sun
2014 Jeep Cherokee VIN: 1C4RJFAG5EC109885
Owned by Santa Rivera
2008 Toyota Rav4 VIN : JTMBK33V085050097 Owned by Jumah Harris Jordan
2011 Honda Accord VIN: 1HGCP2F66BA103194 Owned by Agnes J Emmanuelli
2002 Toyota Highlander Vin: JTEHF21A520096372 Owned by Eniola Liasabiodun
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 VIN: 3D7KA26DX3G718284
Owned by Carlos Fernandes
2013 Hyundai Veloster Vin: KMHTC6AD8DU140431 Owned by Alan Firmino
2011 Toyota Camry VIN: 4T1BK3EK0BU628422 Owned by Alfredo Brito
2008 Scion xD VIN: JTKKU10488J016998 Owned by David O Nunes
General bidders must agree to contract with minority, women and veteranowned business enterprises as certified by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).
The
the district where the change is sought. Based on the materials submitted to this Office, we have identified the following defect: the Planning Board hearing notice was posted in Town Hall on January 27, 2026 for a hearing on February 3, 2026, which was only seven days prior to the
2007 Ford F150 VIN: 1FTPX14577FB68828
Owned by Juan Guamarica
This notice has been given under the provisions of G.L. c. 255, Section 39A. Publication Friday July 3, 10 and 17, 2026 Community Advocate.
SHREWSBURY
July 27, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of RJ Foley LLC., 894 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for two Special Permits to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VI-Table I to allow for garage and repair shop use, as well as automobile salesroom use on property located at 894 Boston Turnpike in the Commercial Business zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 36 Plot 031001.
July 27, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Daniel Taft, 118 Turnpike Road, Suite 200, Southborough, MA 01772 for a Variance to the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII-Table II to allow construction of a single family home on a nine thousand seven hundred and seventy square foot lot (9,770 sq ft) where twelve thousand five hundred square feet lot (12,500 sq ft) is the minimum required lot size for single family use on property located at 15 Overlook Avenue in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 042000.
July 27, 2026 6:00 PM
To hear the appeal of Bjorn Bakken, 44 Spring Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 for two Variances from the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw Section VII-Table III to allow for an accessory structure (shed) four and eight tenths feet(4.8’) from the side yard setback where ten feet (10’) is required and to allow for an accessory structure (shed) to be located in the front yard upon
property located at 24A Old Faith Road in the Residence B-2 zoning district. The subject premise is described on the Shrewsbury Assessor’s Tax Plate 52 Plot 007000. July 10th and July 17th
David Moore, Clerk
PUBLIC NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PROJECT: 525 Hartford Turnpike
LOCATION: 525 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
PROPONENT: GoVenture Capital Group, LLC
The undersigned is submitting an Environmental Notification Form (“ENF”) to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs on or before July 9, 2026 (date)
This will initiate review of the above project pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (“MEPA,” M.G.L. c. 30, ss. 61-62L). Copies of the ENF may be obtained from: Fuss & O’Neill, Inc. – Scott Turner, Scott. Turner@fando.com, 617-865-4840 (Name, email address, phone number of proponent or proponent’s agent)
Electronic copies of the ENF are also being sent to the Conservation Commission and Planning Board of Shrewsbury (Municipality).
The Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs will publish notice of the ENF in the Environmental Monitor, receive public comments on the project, and then decide if an Environmental Impact Report is required. A site visit and/or remote consultation session on the project may also be scheduled. All persons wishing to comment on the project, or to be notified of a site visit and/or remote consultation session, should email MEPA@mass.gov or the MEPA analyst listed in the Environmental Monitor. Requests for language translation or other accommodations should be directed to the same email address. Mail correspondence should be directed to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, Attention: MEPA Office, referencing the above project.
By Tom Corbett, GoVenture Capital Group, LCC (Proponent)
FAMILY & PROBATE LAW
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE
Docket No. WO26P1918EA
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Trial Court
Worcester Division
Probate and Family Court
Estate of: DENNIS A. MCCORMACK Date of Death: MAY 1, 2026
To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner, STEVEN A. MCCORMACK of Shrewsbury, MA.
A will has been admitted to informal probate.
STEVEN A. MCCORMACK of Shrewsbury, MA.. has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.
The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Longtime Westborough High principal to leave for new role in Shrewsbury
By Lauren Rosenkrantz Reporting Intern
WESTBOROUGH – After 13 years as principal of Westborough High School, Brian Callaghan is leaving the district to accept a role with Shrewsbury Public Schools. After a competitive application process, the Shrewsbury School Committee voted on July 8 to appoint Callaghan as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Well-Being & Community Systems.
“The position, and what [Superintendent Tiffany] Ostrander is developing it into, is something very intriguing. It’s more about what [the district] wants to do moving forward with the position, building up the community and the sense of well-being and belonging in the schools, developing that partnership with the community,” Callaghan told the Community Advocate.
A Merrimack College graduate, Callaghan taught history in West Boylston, eventually coming to Westborough in 2000 to serve as the high school’s athletic director. After a stint as an assistant principal, Callaghan became the Westborough High School principal in 2013.
After all his time in Westborough, Callaghan said he’d miss the community “immensely.”
“I’ve been there 26 years and I’ve loved it. The district supported me, I feel like I’ve been committed at a high level to [Westborough]. I’m going to miss it – that’s the simple answer. … I think there’s opportunity for me professionally in Shrewsbury, and, to be honest, I feel that there’s opportunity for Westborough. … They’re going to bring on another person who
is going to make it better than what I was able to do,” he said.
In deliberations on July 8, Ostrander told the School
Committee that Callaghan was a “student-centered, collaborative” leader who “approaches complex problems with curiosity, respect, and practical
solutions.”
“Throughout this process, we were continuously struck by Mr. Callaghan’s leadership style. He listens first, builds relationships intentionally, and earns trust through collaboration. These qualities are truly essential for the position,” Ostrander said.
The School Committee shared Ostrander’s enthusiasm.
“When I walked out of [the interview], I was confident we had found that unicorn we were looking for. He really stood out in the interview process,” said School Committee Chair Rachel Sharifipour. The School Committee’s vote was unanimous.
At the time of this article’s publication, Callaghan has yet to officially sign his contract in Shrewsbury; details of that agreement are still being
worked out. Reached for comment, Westborough Superintendent Allison Borchers said that her district looks forward to communicating next steps with the community soon.
Callaghan will take over for Dr. Jane Lizotte, who devoted decades to Shrewsbury Public Schools in multiple roles and became the first to hold this assistant superintendent position. Lizotte retired in June, and Callaghan looks forward to “building on the strong foundation” she established.
“Shrewsbury is a high-performing, high-quality school system with dedicated staff, respectful students, and a committed community. I couldn’t be happier. If I was to leave Westborough for another district, I couldn’t imagine anywhere else other than Shrewsbury,” Callaghan said. “We’re fortunate to have really strong school systems around us here in Central Mass.”
Brian Callaghan spoke at Westborough’s 2026 graduation. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Shrewsbury’s DPW project returns to the limelight; new plan proposed
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – The Department of Public Works (DPW) project is back in the spotlight.
On July 9, the town’s Municipal Facilities Optimization Committee (MFOC) held its first meeting in “quite a while,” as it continues to determine how to improve working conditions at the town’s DPW facilities along South Street.
In 2025, the town was faced with a $40 million plan that called for the demolition of the Water and Sewer Garage, a renovation of the Highway Garage that included a 21,600-square-foot addition, and approximately $4 million in upgrades to an overcrowded and outdated Town Hall. Town Meeting approved the project in April 2025, but in May, a townwide vote failed, 2,528 to 1,993.
The rejection brought the project to a halt, and despite meeting upwards of 30 times prior to the ballot question, MFOC has met sparingly since. The Select Board did a postmortem in the aftermath of the vote, and members said that residents thought the project cost too much money, and that people were concerned about other projects coming down the pipeline.
Indeed, financial questions were frequently raised about the project. After an initial budget estimate of $26.8 million, MFOC revealed in the lead-up to the vote that the project would likely run the town closer to $40 million. Residents also took issue with the added funds for Town Hall.
The buildings aren’t getting any younger – both are at the “end of their useful lives,” with the Water and Sewer Building constructed in the 1950s – and so MFOC is back in action. On July 9, Assistant Town Manager Keith Baldinger said that the team started the project from scratch.
“The DPW buildings at South Street continue to be the most pressing need because of their condition and the critical operations that happen at those facilities every day,” he said. “One of the lessons learned from the prior process is that we need to provide clear, reliable information before asking the community … to support a funding request for this project.”
The new project proposal focuses on the DPW site only – with no funds for Town Hall. Both buildings would be torn down. A one-story, preengineered building would be constructed that would contain all the administrative offices and shop areas. Another building would be constructed for vehicle storage.
There is no current price estimate – and there likely won’t be for the time being, considering MFOC’s emphasis on communicating details clearly – but officials said the efficiency of the plan and pre-engineered buildings will likely mean the project will be less expensive.
The process is ongoing.
“The goal is to move forward in a measured way and develop a clear concept to get a better cost estimate and provide more-transparent information before any future funding request is considered,” said Baldinger.
POLICE FIRE
Northborough Fire Department tackles residential fire on Whitney Street Southborough
NORTHBOROUGH — At 2:26 a.m. on July 8, the Northborough Fire Department received a call from residents at 364 Whitney Street who reported a significant volume of smoke inside the basement of their home. The department called an alarm, and Northborough Fire Department, Marlborough Fire Department, and Westborough Fire Department units responded.
The Shrewsbury Fire Department provided station coverage to Northborough.
While units were on their way, all residents and pets safely evacuated. As units arrived, heavy smoke was showing from windows, doors, and the roof of the structure. Firefighters faced “significant challenges” locating the basement due to heavy smoke and the house’s unique floor plan, Northborough Fire Chief Neal Aspesi wrote in a release.
The bulk of the fire was controlled within 30 minutes. One firefighter was evaluated for injuries, but transport to
a hospital was not necessary. The fire is under investigation.
The residents credited their working fire alarms for keeping them safe. They were awoken by the alarms, allowing them ample opportunity to evacuate their pets, and leave the house without injury.
SOUTHBOROUGH — In a statement, Southborough Police Chief Ryan Newell reported that the Southborough Police Department arrested a Franklin man on multiple charges after he nearly struck an officer in an incident on the morning of July 9.
At approximately 1:20 a.m., two Southborough Police Department officers were performing a traffic stop. The officers’ two cruisers were parked behind the stopped vehicle, with emergency lights activated to warn approaching motorists.
Though it had ample room to move over, a passing vehicle swerved dangerously close to the officers. The car’s operator was said to have been swerving back and forth within the lane. One of the officers returned to his cruiser and stopped the vehicle.
During an inventory search of the vehicle, police seized a prescription bottle with 20 white prescription pills. Another bottle was found with 90 pills; neither bottle’s medications
were prescribed to the operator. Powdery substances later identified as cocaine and methamphetamine were also allegedly located.
Daniel Fishman, 48, is facing several charges including Operating Under the Influence of Drugs, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Obstruction of a Stationary Emergency Vehicle, Possession of a Class B Drug, Possession of a Class E Drug, and the Use of an Electronic Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle.
“Our officers did an excellent job getting a very dangerous operator off the road,” Newell said. “It’s very important that motorists pay attention to the road at all times and move over for emergency vehicles. We’re all relieved this incident was resolved without any injuries to the driver, his fellow motorists, or our law enforcement professionals.”
Hudson seeks to add liquor licenses to boost downtown business
By Paul Hopkins Reporter
HUDSON — In an effort to attract new businesses, the Hudson Select Board unanimously agreed to create approximately 12 additional liquor licences.
The town has only a few licenses – all-alcohol, beer and wine, and package store licenses – available and is running up against its limit. The few available licenses are mostly restricted for the Shops at Highland Commons, located more than a mile west of Downtown Hudson.
In a memo to the town manager, Business Improvement District administrator Richard Braga said that the “BID is aware of several prospective restaurant operators who have expressed interest in opening establishments in Downtown Hudson, but have been discouraged upon learning that no liquor licenses are currently available.”
Braga said removing that barrier would spur new investment.
The proposal would add six
new all-alcohol licenses –four reserved for the Business Improvement District and two that could be used anywhere in Hudson. It would also add six new beer-and-wine licenses, with the same split.
The move requires more than just the Select Board’s approval. It would have to get past Town Meeting, where a majority vote would be required. From there, a Home Rule Petition would be filed with the Massachusetts House of Representatives. If it passes, then the senate takes it up, and if it’s successful there, the bill would go to Governor Maura Healey.
Select Board Chair Steven Sharek supported the plan: “Downtown Hudson has built a reputation for having good restaurants, and we need to continue to support that,” he told the Community Advocate.
The Select Board will bring the issue to Town Meeting for its consideration in November.
“Assuming Town Meeting approves, we will immediately ask State Representative Kate Hogan to file a bill to authorize
Westborough Women’s Club awards scholarships
WESTBOROUGH
— The Westborough Women’s Club is proud to announce the recipients of a $3,000 scholarship to help students pursue the “next step” in their education. These students will pursue college or a trade.
The WWC Scholarship Com-
the additional licenses,” said Sharek. He said Hogan “knows this is a priority for Hudson and [is] sure she’ll work hard to get the bill through the House.”
Select Board Vice-Chair Lauren DuBreuil said she also supports the effort “to strengthen our local economy and recognize that additional liquor licenses can help attract new investment and support the continued success of Hudson’s
downtown businesses.
“A vibrant downtown benefits our entire community,” she said.
She added she wants the conversation to include the Board of Health.
“I am confident that by bringing together the Business Improvement District, the Board of Health, public safety officials, and community stakeholders, we can support a thriv-
ing downtown while continuing to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our residents,” DuBreuil said.
As for timing, Sharek said that “it’s almost impossible to predict how long it will take for any bill to pass,” but the hope is that it will be a quick process. Massachusetts started imposing population-based limits on liquor licenses in 1933, after the repeal of Prohibition.
mittee selected these eight students from a very impressive pool of applicants and wishes each of them a wonderful future.
Recipients include Daeyoung Seo, Sharon Li, Adam Warab, Maya Baillargeon, Jackson Kelley, Patrick Lahue, Nimish Kunte, and Kathleen O’Reilly.
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
Beauchemin, edward of marlBorough BomBard, charles of marlBorough devine, PhiliP of northBorough dreyfus, Janice formerly of westBorough leary, Jan of shrewsBury leBlanc, emma of marlBorough legendre, Janet formerly of shrewsBury matos, eugenia of hudson mccarthy, edward formerly of marlBorough trilligan, michael retired grafton fire dePuty chief wood, geoffrey of westBorough
Michael J. Trilligan, 76
SOUTH GRAFTON – Michael
James Trilligan, 76, entered into God’s eternal care on July 6, 2026, surrounded by the prayers, love, and comfort of family.
A dedicated public servant, Michael joined Grafton Fire Department, Station 3, in 1971 and proudly served the community for 28 years. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and compassion, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters and the residents he served. His years of service were marked by a steadfast dedication to protecting others and responding whenever duty called. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the department, he rose through the ranks and retired in 1999 as Deputy Chief.
Michael leaves behind his beloved wife of fortyfive years, Cheryl Trilligan (Gauthier), with whom he shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Whelan of Orlando, FL; brother-in-law Michael Gauthier and his wife, Susan-
na, of South Grafton; sisterin-law Alison Ahearn and her husband, William, of Sutton; and his nieces and nephews, James Whelan and his wife, Lena, of Oviedo, FL; Martin Whelan IV and his wife, Jennifer, of Orlando, FL; Megan Leger and her husband, John, of South Grafton; Amy Gauthier of Millbury; Matthew Gauthier of Millbury; and Brendan Ahearn of Sutton. He also leaves his great-nieces and great-nephews, Adam Whelan, Kyle Whelan, Zachary Whelan, Oliver Whelan, Conor Whelan, Kian Whelan, Aubrey Leger, and Maisie Leger, along with many cherished cousins.
Michael was predeceased by his brother-in-law Martin Whelan III and his niece Violet Ahearn (his Sugar Muffin). Mulhane Home for Funerals of Millbury assisted the family.
Eugenia F. Matos, 88 HUDSON - Eugenia F. Matos passed away on July 1, 2026. Eugenia, born on October 18, 1937, shared life alongside family, friends, and others. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Deolinda Fernandes Lage and Acacio Alves; her husband Jose M Matos; and her siblings, Adelaide Matias, Maria Lourdes Vasconcelos and Joao Lage.
She is survived by: her children, Amelia Matos (Daniel Pack), Daniel Matos (Teri Main), Mario Matos (Patti Matos) and Luiz Matos (Tracy Matos).
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family.
Edward G. McCarthy, 90
CLINTON - Edward G. McCarthy entered into eternal life on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his home in Clinton, MA.
He was the husband of the late Rita J. (Tamule) McCarthy, who died in 2004. He is survived by his daughter, Megan L. Jordan, and his son-in-law; Christopher of Sturbridge, MA; and his beloved grandchildren, Riley Lynn, and Braxton Edward.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, attorney William J. McCarthy Jr.; his sister, Elizabeth E. Yindrick; and his brother-in-law, Joseph J. Yindrick, both of David City, NE. He leaves his sister-in-law, Mary E. McCarthy of Marlborough, MA, and a number of treasured nieces and nephews, as well as his very dear companion, Carol A. Breau, of Clinton, MA.
Morris-Johnston Funeral Home of Southborough assisted the family.
Geoffrey E. Wood, 83
WESTBOROUGH - Geoffrey E. Wood, 83, of Westborough, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at UMass/Memorial Hospital in Worcester. He was the husband of Diana
Scan QR code to read all of this week’s obituaries on our website.
E. (Virta) Wood. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children: Adrian R. Wood and his wife, Maria, of Manchester, CT and Elena M. Wood and her husband, Alex, of Westborough; one sister, Judy Allen and her husband, Wilber, of Oneida, NY and three grandchildren: Jenna, Evelyn and Julia. Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Janice E. Dreyfus, 69
WEBSTER - Janice E. (Haskell) Dreyfus, 69, of Webster, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the UMass/ Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital. She was the wife of William J. Dreyfus.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Jeffrey Evans and his fiancé, Michelle Normandin, of Dudley, Jayson Dreyfus of Taunton, Adam Dreyfus of Spencer and Alicia Maurer and her husband, Scott of Southbridge; sisters, Cindy Haskell of Westborough and Debbie Mackinnon of NJ and three grandchildren, Joshua Evans, Kenny Maurer and Ben Maurer.
She was predeceased by two sisters, Nancy Pond and Maureen Bliss and her mother’s husband, Forest “Swede”
Erickson.
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted the family.
Emma M. LeBlanc, 78
MARLBOROUGH - Emma
Marie (Goguen) LeBlanc, 78, of Marlborough, died Monday, June 29, 2026.
She was the daughter of the late Philip and Emma (Richard) Goguen and wife of Roger LeBlanc, to whom she’d been married 59 years. Emma was predeceased by her sisters, Marie Melanson, Imelda Goguen, and Lauraine Robichaud; her brothers, Roger Goguen, Everard Goguen, and Gerald Goguen; her stepsisters, Hortance, Theresa, Liza, and Geneva; and her stepbrothers, Adelard, Gerard, and Aurele.
Beside her husband, Emma is survived by her son, Tommy LeBlanc and his wife Mireille of St. Edward, Canada; her grandchildren, Marina Campbell and her husband Joe, and Mitchell LeBlanc and his wife Isabella; and her great-grandchildren, Logan and Chloe. She is also survived by her sisters, Elsie Jaillet and her husband John Noel and Helena Barardi and her husband Joseph of Groton; her brother, Eloi Goguen; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.
Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. of Marlborough assisted the family. On July 8, a funeral ceremony was held for State Trooper Jacob Mick at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Northborough. Mick, 31, was killed in an off-duty motorcycle accident. He leaves behind his wife, Kaila, and infant daughter Natalie. Mick grew up in Northborough and graduated from Algonquin.
TAKE IT EASY
• Private air-conditioned shuttle bus
• Snow removal (and ample free parking)
• Weekly light housekeeping & flat linen service
• Three delicious home-cooked meals daily
STAY ACTIVE
• Fitness & wellness programs
• Indoor 1/5-mile walking path
• Exercise classes 7 days a week
• Heated indoor lap swimming pool
PURSUE YOUR INTERESTS
• A variety of clubs
• Country kitchen for resident use
• Indoor greenhouse & outdoor gardens
• Regular Catholic, Jewish, & Protestant services
HAVE FUN
• Weekly entertainment
• Outings to restaurants and museums
• A full calendar of events and activities
• Games, crafts, lectures, movie nights, & more!
EXPERIENCE TOP-NOTCH SERVICE
• On-site maintenance team
• 24-hour front desk receptionist
• Director on duty seven days a week
• Licensed nurse scheduled 24 hours a day
ENJOY ON-SITE CONVENIENCE
• Six complimentary laundry rooms
• Primary care, podiatry, & dental care
• Banking, a pharmacy/sundry shop, & a hair/beauty salon
• Lounges, billiards room, library, theater, art studio, and game room
MAKE IT YOUR HOME
• Wide variety of floor plans
• Individually controlled heat/air conditioning
• Window treatments & wall-to-wall carpeting
• Oversized bathrooms with easy step-in shower
Housing Authority is seeking F/T maintenance department Maintenance Mechanic to perform maintenance, custodial, and grounds keeping functions at HHA apartments and properties. Must have experience and skills in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, painting and mechanical equipment, as well as experience and knowledge of groundskeeping and custodial functions including snow removal. 40 hours M-F plus rotating on-call coverage. High school diploma and basic computer literacy skills required. Massachusetts driver’s license required. No criminal record. Professional licenses and certifications, including MA hoisting license, are highly desirable, however they are not required. Full job description available upon request. Excellent benefits. Competitive pay.
Send resumes to Jaclyn A. Beaulieu, Executive Director, Hudson Housing Authority, 8 Brigham Circle, Hudson, MA 01749 or email to jaclynp@ hudsonhousing.org. No phone calls. EOE/AAE. HHA provides preference to Section 3 applicants. Position will remain open until filled.
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Walk-off championship win! Danny Martinez shines as Shrewsbury 11U bests Westborough
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
MILLBURY — All eyes were on Danny Martinez.
His immediate family was watching nearby. His neighbors were in attendance. His aunt, who had flown in from Seattle, was also sitting in the crowd. Over 2,000 miles away, his grandparents were tuning in from Mexico, utilizing the game’s livestream.
Then there was the enormous crowd at Woolie World (Millbury), who watched Martinez walk into the batter’s box to take the biggest at-bat of the championship game July 11. With the game tied, 1-1, with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Martinez had to get a baserunner home.
“Don’t strike out. Come through for your team,” he
thought.
After falling behind in the count (0-2), Martinez drove a pitch into the left-center gap for a walk-off double. His timely hit gave the Shrewsbury 11U All-Star team a 2-1 win over Westborough and the District 5 championship, and ignited a spirited celebration.
This Shrewsbury squad won the championship last year in the 10U bracket.
“Danny has that swagger,” said Head Coach Ron Doyle. “He’s one of those unicorns. He’s been throwing perfect innings since he was a 9-yearold. Heart and soul of the team.
Everyone loves him, everyone rallies around him. Awesome, awesome kid.”
Martinez’s walk-off put an end to what had been a classic pitchers’ duel. After both teams scored a run in the opening frame, each hurler twirled a gem. Westborough’s Andrew Goldberg was simply phenomenal, allowing just two walks over 5 2/3 innings. Shrewsbury’s Owen Doyle was similarly dominant, striking out nine.
“He’s got nerves of steel,” Ron Doyle said of his son. “He’s the youngest of three boys, he’s grown up around baseball. He could care less what’s going on — he kept his cool. The team kept its cool, and we hung in there.”
“Hung in there” is all Shrewsbury could do at times. Though Westborough had baserunners in scoring position, good defense prevented any damage. After withstanding several potential rallies, the scales seemed to be tilting in Shrewsbury’s favor toward the end of the game.
“I told them coming into the bottom of the sixth inning that the game is set up for us to win,” said Ron Doyle. “We had the bottom of the inning, the top of our order, and they had a new pitcher coming in. We had to keep our calm.”
Westborough retired Shrewsbury’s first two batters that inning. But then Cameron Bigda singled and Owen Doyle walked. That brought Martinez to the plate with a chance to win the championship.
He didn’t miss his shot.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Martinez said.
Added Ron Doyle: “Super proud of these guys. They grind every day.”
[TOP LEFT] Danny Martinez is swarmed by teammates after his walk-off double.
[TOP RIGHT] The championshipwinning Shrewsbury 11U team. (Photos/Evan Walsh)
Brian Bowen wins Babe Ruth national award
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
HUDSON – Brian Bowen is one in a million.
Actually, he’s better than that. Of the 1.9 million Babe Ruth League volunteers across the United States, Bowen was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Lefty Gomez Volunteer of the Year Award. The honor – given to one person nationwide –recognizes “the dedication and commitment of [a volunteer] that contributes to the growth and success of youth.”
“Your unwavering dedication has left an indelible mark on the Babe Ruth program and your contributions have been invaluable. We sincerely thank you for your generosity of time, tireless commitment, and deep passion for serving both the youth and volunteers of our program,” said Steven Tellefsen, the president of the Babe Ruth League. “It is individuals like you, who go above and beyond year after year, that create a truly special experience for our softball families.”
Added Bowen: “It’s pretty emotional, to be honest with you. I was so humbled and appreciative.”
Bowen’s involvement with Hudson youth sports began 30 years ago. In 1996, he offered to be a parent volunteer for a tee-ball team. The next day, a bag of baseball equipment was dropped on his doorstep. That was the start of his decadeslong tenure: He was officially involved in Hudson athletics.
In 2002, he started his first stint as the president of Hudson Youth Baseball &
Softball, leading the development of Boutwell Field on Chapin Road. He’s a man with deep Hudson connections: His father, one of the founders of Hudson Youth Hockey, won a state championship in town; his son, Ryan, coaches the Hudson Post 100 baseball team; and his niece, Laura, coaches Hudson softball. He is also the vice president of the RF Wood Foundation, and the chair of the Hudson Board of Assessors. Hudson through and through, giving the town’s kids an excellent experience is a matter of pride for Bowen.
“Being third-generation – having the legacy of my dad playing, my kids playing – it matters. Maintaining the fields that my dad played on, my son played on – it’s personal,” he told the Community Advocate. “Just to be considered for this award –it’s amazing.”
And though he’s incredibly respected by the Hudson community, Bowen also completes the work that’s not often celebrated. He’s dragging the infield before 9 a.m. tee-ball games, managing tournaments, coordinating volunteers, and creating a
lasting impact on generations of players and families. Since 2006, he’s served as Babe Ruth’s Western Massachusetts District Commissioner.
“It’s really a labor of love,” he said.
Though he does so much, he credits the volunteers for the league’s success.
“You don’t do what I do without help. We have 43 teams, 86 coaches, and board members. Nobody gets paid. Most people do it because they have kids in the program. And now, the kids I’ve coached are now having kids,” said Bowen. “It’s been really special.”
Brian Bowen has volunteered in Hudson for three decades. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
