Community Advocate

Cleaning up Northborough

05/09/2008

Northborough - Mike and Lisa Hodge and their children Taylor, 3, and Brady, 5, helped clean up at Melican Middle School during Town Clean-Up Day April 26. An estimated 150 residents helped clean up around town. Afterward, a cook-out lunch was held at Ellsworth-McAfee Pavilion for all the workers.

Tatnuck voted 'Best Bookstore' second year in a row

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Westborough - In an age of chains and superstores, with independent bookstores closing all around them, the brain trust at Tatnuck Bookseller, located in the Westborough Shopping Center at the intersection of Route 9 and Lyman Street, came up with an idea that can only be described - in bookstore parlance - as a bestseller.

School holds competitive play' rehearsals

05/09/2008

Hudson - (l to r) Jessica Bettencourt, Ali Calgagni and director Amanda Venturi (on the ladder) rehearse May 1 for the presentation of the Hudson High School (HHS) sophomore class play, "Cut." On Sunday May 18, the Hudson High Drama Club will be holding a competition for students from grade eight through 12.

Shrewsbury elects selectmen, rejects override

By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - For the fourth time in five years, Shrewsbury voters have defeated a Proposition 2-1/2 override request, 5,212-3,545, leaving town officials with a $1 million budget gap to close and leaving all school fees in place at their current levels. Forty-two percent of registered voters turned out.

Jané wins election to Board of Selectmen

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Westborough - Rod Jané, who seemingly knocked on every door in town and had an impressive showing at Candidates Night, was elected to the Board of Selectmen in the annual Town Election, held May 6.

The Loop opening delayed until 2010

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Northborough - Kevin Giblin, developer of the Loop shopping center slated to be built at the intersection of routes 9 and 20 on land formerly owned by Anthony "Spag" Borgatti, said he has decided to delay opening the 575,000-square-foot outdoor mall for 18 months in order to land a high-profile tenant.

Motherdaughter teams prepare for Relay for Life

By Mary Pritchard Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - As Traci Manzello prepares for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for the eighth time, her daughter Cali will be joining her for the seventh time. Cali was 5 years old when she first tagged along with her mother at a Relay for Life.

School Committee moves funds to Phoenix program

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Marlborough - The School Committee voted April 28 in favor of allocating $654,650 in the budget to create several system-wide positions within the city's Special Education program. The financial resources for the positions will come from a decrease in spending of $710,000 for Special Education students attending schools out of district.

Town Meeting approves budget, land purchase

By Andrew White Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Hudson - Hudson Town Meeting passed 30 of 32 articles posted on the Town Warrant May 5. The meeting included debates and discussions about residents hooking up to public water and septic sewer systems, and acquiring land near Hudson High School (HHS).

Ward 5 voters pick Seymour

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Marlborough- After a long day of voters stopping by the city's Ward 5 polling stations May 6, residents elected School Committee member Robert Seymour to the ward's City Council seat, beating John deBairos, 246-90. The two polling stations, one at the Masonic Lodge on Newton Street and one at the Senior Center on Main Street, were open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Library hosts annual Poetry Contest

By Andrew Sullivan Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Hudson - The start of summer is approaching and along with it comes the annual Poetry Contest sponsored by the Hudson Public Library. Tiana Gorham, one of the judges who will decide the winners, said that poets of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Teachers picket outside School Committee meeting

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Westborough - Scores of teachers, unhappy with the stalled negotiations between their union and the Westborough School Committee, picketed outside the Forbes Building prior to the April 30 meeting held there. Those picketing teachers - and others - then crowded into the meeting.

Advisory Finance Committee recommends IT director position

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Westborough - The Advisory Finance Committee has decided what to recommend and not recommend at Town Meeting later this month. Among the winners and losers is the Town's Management Information System/Geographic Information System (MIS/ GIS) and its Department of Public Works (DPW).

Department needs help sending kids to summer programs

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Northborough - The town's Recreation Department is openly seeking help from area residents and businesses so that all children wanting to participate in summer programs will be able to do so.

Write-in candidate running for School Committee

05/09/2008

Editor's note: The following statement was submitted by Joan Frank, a write-in candidate for one of the two open seats on the Northborough K-8 School Committee.

Town to host 'Take It or Leave It Day'

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Northborough - The Northborough Recycling Committee, Renewal by Anderson, Pellegrino Trucking and Frankenstein's Metal Recycling will host the town's first ever "Take It or Leave It Day" from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 10 at Renewal By Anderson's Northborough headquarters at 104 Otis St.

Tom's Gourmet Marketplace

By Becki Harrington-Davis Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Northborough - Tom's Gourmet Marketplace is everything you could ask for, rolled into one location: it's a restaurant, a café, a take-out shop and a bakery. It even off ers a martini, wine and smoothie bar, in addition to catering service and its own cooking school.

Value Place public hearing continues

By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - After months of continuances, proponents for the Value Place Extended Stay Hotel have met with the Shrewsbury Planning Board to further discuss their proposal to place a hotel on the corner of Route 9 and Lake Street.

Evans named superintendent in Medway

By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - After six years as Shrewsbury's assistant superintendent of schools, Dr. Judith Evans will be leaving the district to take over as superintendent of Medway Public Schools. Although she's excited about her new post, Evans said it will be very hard to leave the district she's come to love over the past six years.

In celebration of Arbor Day

05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - Siblings Nicholas, 3, and Mackenzie, 2, Berg of Shrewsbury are among many visiting the fourth Annual Arbor Day Celebration at Dean Park April 26 who received free trees.

'The Boy Friend' presented this weekend

05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - Cast members of the Oak Middle School spring musical, "The Boy Friend," Michaela Hummer and D.J. Audet prepare for a dress rehearsal May 2. Sixty-five students are involved in the production under the direction of Bonnie Narcisi- Gorey, the music and drama director for the Shrewsbury Public Schools.

Southborough resident sends pieces of home to troops

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Southborough - Four years ago, Lisa Baccio sat in her living room with her husband, Matthew, looking at the website www.anysoldier. com and feeling helpless. "We were just sitting there reading the requests of the soldiers, the stuff they needed or would like to have while they were in Iraq and Afghanistan defending our country and our freedom," Lisa said.

School community to honor alumni

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Marlborough - The Marlborough Public School (MPS) Foundation is inviting the community to their Inaugural Marlborough Alumni and Community Recognition Awards event, which will be held Saturday May 17 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel.

Three cousins battle one fatal disease

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Marlborough - The members of "Double Trouble Plus One" are getting ready to lace up their sneakers for their final 6.2-mile walk through Marlborough.

Boy & Girls Clubs of MetroWest receive grant from Digital Credit Union

05/09/2008

Marlborough - Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest accept a $35,000 contribution from Digital Credit Union's Foundation for Kids in support of the club's out-of-school programs throughout the Metrowest community.

Hudson rocks during Battle of the Bands

05/09/2008

Hudson - On May 2, the Hudson High School "Battle of the Bands" interest group brought in five bands as a fundraiser for "Music For All," an organization that provides funding for schools needing music programs and instruments.

Local cook whips up new recipes for book

By Sarah Freedman Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Hudson - After cooking up delicious recipes for her viewers for 11 years, chef Mary Pauplis recently compiled more than 300 of them in a new cookbook. Pauplis produces and hosts "Cooking Adventures with Mary" on Comcast and local public access channels.

Community bands together to fund sarcoma research

05/09/2008

Hudson - Fellow sarcoma cancer survivors (l to r) Andrew Greiner and Bret Bergeron chat during the survivor lap around the Hudson High School track May 3 at the start of the fourth annual Jennifer Hunter Yates Sarcoma Foundation's "12,402 Steps to Cure Sarcoma Walk." The foundation was started by Susan Erickson, who lost her sister Jennifer Hunter Yates to the disease.

Yesue Memorial Concert to be held June 18

05/09/2008

Hudson - Concert marches, patriotic favorites, show tunes, folk dance music and even a tango will be some of the music bound to delight the audience at the 11th Annual Professor Alfredo N. Yesue Memorial Concert at Wood Park, Park Street, Hudson Wednesday June 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Symphony Pro Musica celebrates 25 years

05/09/2008

Region - Symphony Pro Musica will close its 25th anniversary season with a celebratory concert weekend, with performances in Hudson and Westborough. The Gala Concerts will take place Saturday May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Hudson High School and Sunday May 11 at 3:30 p.m. at Westborough High School.

Moderator encourages attendance at Town Meeting

05/09/2008

To the Editor: Imagine yourself on Main Street in an average small to middle sized American community in Georgia or Kansas or Idaho - or almost anywhere outside New England. Imagine yourself telling people you met there that they could participate, directly and personally, in their municipal government as we do here.

Thanks for participation in stuffed animal drive

05/09/2008

To the Editor: On behalf of Nick DiGirolamo, Ryan Trocki, Michael O'Connell, James Abbott and Matt Ward, I'd like to give a huge "Thank you" to all the Spring Street families for their generous donations to the boys' stuffed animal sale.

Senior opposes timing of new Senior Center

05/09/2008

Dear Northborough Voters: There are several reasons to vote No on May 12 regarding the proposed Senior Center: Timing & Priority - In today's sputtering economy, coupled with increasing inflation, it is irresponsible to fund major new projects, unless they provide absolutely essential services to the town.

Publicists thank community

05/09/2008

To the editor: Recently the Marlborough Chapter of the Citizen's Scholarship Foundation "Dollars for Scholars," hosted their Second Annual Team Trivia Challenge March 28th at the Moose Lodge in Marlborough. A considerable thank you is sent to Brian Murphy and Alyson Wood for cochairing this event.

Letters

05/09/2008

Letters must be signed with name and address and include a telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to reject letters on the basis of length, libelous content and suitability. Letters under 350 words will not be edited for length. Longer letters may be edited, depending on space constraints. Deadline is Monday noon for same week publication.

Stand and be counted

05/09/2008

Northborough - On Monday April 28, just 317 residents attended Town Meeting out of the 9,406 registered voters in town. The numbers were subsequently halved the following nights, with 141 attendees on Tuesday and a mere 73 on Wednesday, at which time Town Moderator Fred George was forced to abandon two articles because the quorum of 100 voters was not met.

Holocaust survivor shares personal history with students

By Kate Daly Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Westborough - When Edgar Krasa was not much older than the seniors at Westborough High School (WHS), he went to Terezin, a Jewish ghetto created in a walled city in Czechoslovakia in 1941. Eventually a concentration camp, Terezin required alterations before it could house the thousands of Jews eventually sent there, and Krasa was one of the first to arrive.

Got muffins?

05/09/2008

Marlborough - Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School AVRTHS) Principal Mary Jo Nawrocki and cosmetology senior Erin McDonald of Marlborough look on as pre-engineering students Kevin Gebo of Berlin house carpentry), Nick Everitt of Westborough (electrical wiring),

Meyers leaves the district on a high note

By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - Most people have no idea what they want to do with their lives when they enter college. Others still don't know by the time they graduate from college. There are some that never decide what it is that they want to do.

School earns recognition for character education

By Becki Harrington-Davis Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Westborough - When the Mill Pond School was being built in 2002, its administrators already hoped that it would have a character focus. But they had no way of knowing that six years later, they would be standing in the State House accepting the Massachusetts Schools of Character award.

Students get creative with spinach

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Hudson - Baby spinach, smoked Gouda cheese and nitrate-free turkey breast equal a delicious panini, according to the 20 girls involved with the "Healthy Eating" special interest group at Hudson High School (HHS). The group, which meets weekly on Wednesday mornings, is one of about 50 special interest groups run by students and overseen by a teacher at the school.

police log

05/09/2008

The information in the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and a sampling of police activity from 4/22 to 5/4/08. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty.

Local sports roundup

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Region - With two of the top five hitters in the league and a pair of the top three pitchers, the Algonquin Regional High School baseball team - the 2006 Division 1 State Champions and 2007 Division 1 State Finalist - is off to a 10-2 start.

Youth leads Colonial girls tennis team to fast start

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - With virtually a completely new cast of characters, the Shrewsbury High girls tennis team is back on familiar footing, following up last year's 11-6 regular season with a 6-3 start entering play this week.

National champions

05/09/2008

Region - Defenseman Francesca Panarelli of Shrewsbury (center, holding banner, flashing the "We're No.

Coming through

05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - Albert Mitchell of St. John's (center) splits a pair of St. Peter-Marian defenders on his way to the net in the boys lacrosse game between the schools May 2 at St. John's in Shrewsbury. The Pioneers won the game, 12-7, with one of the goals scored by Mitchell. Also scoring for St.

Hudson team captures first big meet of season

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 05/09/2008

Hudson - The Hudson High track team carried its indoor game outside and, much to their delight, enjoyed very similar results.

National champions

05/09/2008

Region - Defenseman Francesca Panarelli of Shrewsbury (center, holding banner, flashing the "We're No.

Making the play

05/09/2008

Hudson - Hudson Catholic High School catcher Garrett Wellen tags out a Worcester North runner attempting to steal home during a game between the teams May 1 at Sauta Field in Hudson. The Green Wave won the game, 8-7, thanks in large part to Wellen, who not only cut down this Polar Bear trying to steal home but also singled twice and drove in a pair of runs.

Joy-Den Jewelers

By Kate Daly Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Marlborough - That pendant handed down from your great-grandmother needs to be repaired, and although it's not valuable in monetary terms, to you it is priceless. How can you leave it for weeks with a jeweler who will ship it off to be repaired? What if it gets lost or stolen?

Waves and Flames

By Kate Daly Contributing Writer — 05/09/2008

Shrewsbury - Waves and Flames is located at 295 Hartford Turnpike (Route 20 West), in Shrewsbury. General Manager Deborah McGrath talked about the year-old business, which sells pool supplies and a variety of fireplace options.

Business Briefs

05/09/2008

MSB donates to 'Strength of the Team' Marlborough Savings Bank (MSB) recently donated $10,000 to the "Strength of the Team" capital campaign of the YMCA of Central MA Boroughs Family Branch.

Bay State All Star Cheer and Dance competes in championship

05/09/2008

Five teams from Bay State All Star Cheer and Dance participated in the U.S. Spirit National Championship Cheer and Dance Competition at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida April 4-6. All five teams placed first in their divisions to be awarded the honor of National Champions.

Curious Kids opens in Hudson

05/09/2008

Curious Kids Childcare Development, located at 2 Coolidge St. in Hudson, held a ribbon cutting April 30 in honor of the opening of the brand new facility.

Buyers, act now …Crisis or a recession?

05/09/2008

Which is it? The Chinese word for crisis is made up of two characters, one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. A recession is a period of time when we have to go without things our grandparents never heard of.

Re/Max Marlborough 'still going strong'

05/09/2008

Marlborough - Re/Max First Choice, with offices in Marlborough and Northborough, was recently declared the number one selling Re/Max company in all six states of New England for the 16th straight year. The firm is also first in market share in many towns throughout Central Massachusetts.

Carolyn D. Cutter, 93

05/09/2008

Northborough - Carolyn Dearington Cutter, 93, died Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center in Northborough. Her husband of 61 years, Robert, died in 2004. She leaves her children, Candy (Carolyn) Cares, Jeffrey Cutter, Bradley Cutter, Christopher Cutter and Daryl Cutter, as well as eight grandchildren, eight greatgrandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Bethel J. Haley, 81

05/09/2008

Westborough - Bethel J. "Beth" Haley, 81, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center after a short illness. She was the wife of the late John Haley, who died in 2003. She leaves her son, John Haley Jr.

Henry J. Mulcahy Jr., 62

05/09/2008

Marlborough - Henry "Hawk" J. Mulcahy Jr., 62, died at home Wednesday, April 30, 2008 surrounded by his family. He leaves his sisters, Delma Josephson, Maureen Mulcahy and Cheryl McAuliff e; his brother, John Manning; and 11 nieces and nephews.

Kevin P. Sullivan, 58

05/09/2008

Marlborough - Kevin P. Sullivan, 58, died Saturday, April 26, 2008 at UMass Memorial Healthcare in Worcester after a lengthy illness. He leaves his children, Patrick Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Maureen Sullivan and Kathleen Sullivan; his mother, Eileen (Lawless) Sullivan; his siblings, John Sullivan, Ellen Correa and Mary Sullivan; and his grandson, Sean P.C. Sullivan.

Virginia A. Azablar, 73

05/09/2008

Hudson - Virginia A. (Wilson) Azablar, 73, formerly of Lexington, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence in Wayland. She is survived by her children, Julie Orsatti and her husband, Joseph; Emilie Carter and her husband, Greg; and Mark Dawson and his wife, Doreen.

Philip LeMarbre, 82

05/09/2008

Marlborough - Philip LeMarbre, 82, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital.