Community Advocate

'Beatles for Hire' concert raises funds for leukemia patient

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - Dennis Cummins (left, kneeling) and his granddaughter Kaitlyn Randell, 2, are surrounded by members of Cummins's band "Beatles for Hire," Joe Budroe, Mike Christian, Steve Caisse and Dan Kirouac during a benefit concert held at Shrewsbury High School Nov. 16.

Local artist a top finisher in national painting contest

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Westborough - JoAnn Boyer saw the e-mail in her inbox with words in the subject line that said, "Congratulations, you have won …," and she very nearly hit the delete button. When she read further, she was not only glad she hadn't deleted the message but elated at the news it contained.

Clowning around at the Harvest Fair

12/05/2008

Hudson - Joseph Cautela, 8, juggles a spinning basin on top of a party hat alongside Flippo the Clown at a show presented for children at the annual Harvest Fair Nov. 15 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The fair also featured baked goods, fudge, fresh apple pies, jams, beeswax candles, hand knit items, a 7-11 game with toy prizes, a raffle and a luncheon.

Tax rate to increase less than last year

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Westborough - The silver lining in the fact that property taxes in town will rise in 2009 for the second straight year is the fact that they won't rise as much as they did in 2008. The Board of Selectmen, at its Nov. 18 meeting, voted to set the tax rate for fiscal year (FY) 2009 at $15.50 per $1,000 of valuation, an 80-cent increase over FY 2008.

Town puts up vehicles for sale

By Melissa Muntz Cole Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - The town of Shrewsbury is currently seeking sealed bids for several surplus vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, trailers and riding lawn mowers. All 19 vehicles are being sold "as is." A complete list of items available is on the town website. Each vehicle listed includes mileage, color and a brief condition report.

Rotary Club brings heat to residents in need

By Andrew Sullivan Contributing Writer — 12/05/2008

Northborough - The increasing cold of winter brings many area residents the uncertainty of how to pay heating bills. The Northborough Rotary Club recognized residents' concern and is doing something about it. The club recently organized a fund-raising auction, which raised close to $15,000, and now selected families will be able to stay warm this winter.

Shrewsbury man publishes own comic books

By Mary Pritchard Contributing Writer — 12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - Although Halloween inspires many people to indulge their interest in creepy, scary things, one Shrewsbury man spends much of his time throughout the year thinking and writing about the dark side of humanity, in the form of comics.

Councilors discuss delayed opening of Fore Kicks

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Marlborough - Despite comments from local residents, city councilors announced at their Dec.1 meeting that they are not responsible for why Fore Kicks II, an indoor soccer facility located on Forest Street, has yet to open.

Hudson finds compromise in a tax hike

By Doug Grindle Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Hudson - The average homeowner will pay 4.99 percent more in taxes next year than they did this year, after a vote of the Board of Selectman at its meeting Dec. 1. That converts into a rise of $185 for the average homeowner.

'Holiday Helper' program looking for sponsors

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Marlborough - As consumers buzzed about the latest deals on Black Friday, the city's Human Service Department was preparing for a busy Christmas season as they began to process the flood of requests for holiday assistance.

Woman's Club, schools raise money for fuel

By Kate Daly Contributing Writer — 12/05/2008

Westborough - It's time to "Keep the Heat On" and thanks to the Westborough Woman's Club and children at Westborough's Mill Pond Intermediate and Fales Elementary schools, the local fuel assistance program will be able to help residents in need do just that.

Westborough student to produce independent film

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Westborough - If Evan Sigel's remaining years at Emerson College are anything even remotely like his first semester there, he'd better buckle in because it's going to be a heck of a ride.

Harry's Diner

By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer — 12/05/2008

Westborough - It was one of those long days, with no time to plan dinner, never mind prepare it. And winter had made an early appearance with a vengeance, in the form of freezing temperatures. So what did we do? We sought out comfort foods at Harry's Restaurant.

New Daisy troop forming

12/05/2008

Westborough - Westborough Girl Scouts are pleased that a new Daisy Girl Scout troop is forming in town. Girls in kindergarten are welcome to register and enroll in this new troop. Daisy Girl Scout registration will be held Monday Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m.

Chamber Singers to perform at Woman's Club

12/05/2008

Westborough - The Westborough Woman's Club will welcome the Westborough High School Chamber Singers Tuesday Dec. 9 at the Evangelical Congregational Church. The ensemble will perform at 1 p.m. following a membership luncheon. The business meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m.

Historical Society hosts 'Holiday Boutique'

12/05/2008

Westborough - One-ofa kind treasures at great prices await you at the Westborough Historical Society's Holiday Boutique, 13 Parkman St., Saturday Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Choose from a selection of vintage collectibles, linens and holiday decorations for gifts with the flair of yesteryear.

Have breakfast with Santa, help the community

12/05/2008

Northborough - The Northborough Lions and Newcomers' clubs are teaming up once again to bring Santa Claus to Northborough. Breakfast will be served 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday Dec. 13 at Algonquin Regional High School. Santa arrives by fire truck while children create holiday crafts and wait for their turn on Santa's knee.

'Music in Motion' comes to Northborough

12/05/2008

Northborough - Northborough Free is holding a music program called "Music in Motion" for children aged 2 through 4, accompanied by a parent. Siblings are also welcome. The event will be Wednesday Dec. 10 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at St.

The Paper Store to host co-author of 'The Elf on the Shelf'

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - Carol Aebersold, co-author of "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition," will visit the Paper Store of Shrewsbury, White City Plaza, Monday Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a discussion and book signing.

Alumni Association awards grants

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - The Shrewsbury High School (SHS) Alumni Association presented a $4,000.00 check to SHS Principal Brian Reagan at a ceremony Nov. 19 at the school.

Library to host Holiday Open House

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - The Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library invite you to join them in celebrating the season with holiday style at a Holiday Open House Saturday Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes wreathdecorating and holiday storytelling.

Holiday concert at high school

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - The Shrewsbury High School Music Department will host an annual holiday concert Tuesday Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium. The Women's Choir, Band, Wind Ensemble and Mixed Choir will perform. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

Shrewsbury Historical Society to host Open House

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - The Shrewsbury Historical Society is hosting a Holiday Open House Sunday Dec. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the 1830 Schoolhouse on the Common.

Boy Scout troop to host Annual Holiday Kids' Shop

12/05/2008

Southborough - Southborough's Boy Scout Troop 92 will host its Annual Holiday Kids' Shop Saturday Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodward School cafeteria, 28 Cordaville Road (Route 85) Southborough. This popular event provides children a safe and aff ordable place to buy gifts for their parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, babysitters and even pets.

Local students hold 'Aztec Wishes' drive

12/05/2008

Marlborough - Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (AVRTHS) is organizing its 20th annual Aztec Wishes holiday gift drive with the assistance of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Marlborough. Last year AVRTHS administrators and students adopted 78 families in need of a brighter holiday season.

A one-hundred-dollar smile

12/05/2008

Marlborough - Ashley Wall, 9, displays the $100 bill she won at the Marlborough Rotary Club's 26th annual "Turkey Shoot," held Nov. 22 at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. A hundred and seventy-five items were raffled, including a couple of mountain bikes and more than four dozen turkey baskets with all the fixings.

An old-fashioned Christmas

12/05/2008

Marlborough - Marlborough Historical Society trustee Pauline Smith, along with Melissa DeSouza and Brittany Graves of Girl Scout Troop 7045, greet visitors to Christmas at the Farm, held Nov. 29 at the Peter Rice Homestead. Added to this year's event was a "Festival of Lights," with a variety of decorated trees that were the prizes of a raffle.

Toys for Tots collecting new toys for needy children

12/05/2008

Marlborough - Since 1947, U.S. Marines have been looking after America's needy children at Christmas through their Toys for Tots program. By distributing new toys, Marines deliver a message of hope and let children know that someone cares. Assabet Dental Group, located at 120 West Main St., is a designated toy collection site again this year.

Church to host Holiday Craft Fair

12/05/2008

Hudson - Mark your calendar for this year's Holiday Craft Fair at First United Methodist Church, 49 Felton St., Hudson, Saturday Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be handcrafted seasonal items, an array of tasty baked goods, a country store with all sorts of gift items, a silent auction and ready-forgiving gift baskets suitable for a variety of tastes.

Schools selling calendars with prizes

12/05/2008

Hudson - The St. Michael Schools are now selling a great little Christmas gift: the January Prize Calendar. Each calendar costs $10 and provides the chance to win 31 daily cash prizes of $100 to $500. Each day's winner also gets returned to the drawing for another chance to win.

'Toys for Tots' Holiday Party scheduled for Dec. 6

12/05/2008

Region - All area residents are invited to a Toys for Tots Holiday Party Saturday Dec. 6. Throughout the day, visitors will be welcome to visit with Santa, enjoy Christmas carols and refreshments, and drop off a new unwrapped toy for a needy child. The event will be held at Northernvue Creative Solutions, 11 Irving St., Worcester.

Hudson scouts say 'thank you'

12/05/2008

To the editor: The Cub Scouts of Pack 3 in Hudson would like to send a sincere thank you to all town residents who supported them in the recent popcorn sale fundraiser. The recent sales efforts by the boys, aged 6 thru 10, generated over $10,000 in revenue, of which 66 percent stays with the local scout troop and regional council to support scouting activities.

Streets of East Baghdad quieter now

By Doug Grindle Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Editor's note: Community Reporter Doug Grindle recently spent several months embedded with U.S. troops in the Middle East. Shortly after his return, he filed this report from his time in Iraq. Baghdad, Iraq - Soldiers of Charlie Company, 3-89 Cavalry, leave their base named FOB Shield in east Baghdad and join the morning rush hour traffic on the street outside.

"Signs of the Times?"

12/05/2008

Westborough - Even in the best of times, opening a large retail/residential complex is a significant undertaking. When that is compounded by an economic downturn, the failure of the major tenant such as Linens N Things and the challenges of establishing a high traffic mall in a congested downtown area, it's like taking one body blow after another.

Local Wellness Program becoming the model for other districts

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Westborough - In recent weeks, Roger Anderson, chair of the Physical Education Department at Westborough High School (WHS) and supervisor of the Wellness Program the School Committee voted to make an education requirement for every student at the school, has seen several examples of how the program is working.

High School presents two plays

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - The Frank family is played by (l to r) Elise Martorano (Anne Frank), Brendan Freeman (Otto Frank), Trina Parks (Edith Frank) and (front) Katerina Vujic (Margot Frank) in the Shrewsbury High School freshman and sophomore classes' presentation of "The Diary of Ann Frank" Nov. 20 through 22.

Floral Street provides 'family fun'

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - Floral Street School first-grader Zoe Rudnick takes a chance on a raffle item during the Floral Street School Family Fun Fair Nov. 15. The Parent Teacher Organization hosted the event, which included games, food, brown bag raffles, a book fair, a craft fair and a visit from the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox, Wally the Green Monster.

New team holds successful recycling fund-raiser

12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - Members of the new Shrewsbury High School (SHS) Girls Hockey Club Team (l to r) Lyndsey LaPorte, Steph Folsom, Tess Parks, Jen Crosier, Kaitlyn Lijoi, Julia Martin and Alyssa Ineson work at a checkpoint during their Electronics Recycling Fund-raiser at the school Nov. 15. The club is new this year and is open to girls in grades eight through 12.

Foundation gives out more than $100,000 over past 11 years

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Marlborough - Slumping school budgets over the past decade have forced administrators and school committees to cut budgets and seek alternative funding sources.

Local football roundup

By Ken Powers Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury High School (SHS) senior Paul Tizzano almost singlehandedly led the Colonial football team into the Division 1 playoffs, rushing for 235 yards on 27 carries and scoring all 16 of SHS's points in a 16-13 Thanksgiving Day win over host Milford.

Just out of reach

12/05/2008

Region - Try as he might, Westborough High School's (WHS) Dave Orlando (right) can't reel in Algonquin Regional High School's (ARHS) Mike Vulcano as he runs around right end in the Nov. 27 meeting of the teams, won by the Rangers, 27-6.

Splitting the defense

12/05/2008

Region - Marlborough High School's Graham Asum (center) bulls his way between Hudson High School defenders Chris Tobin (left) and Brandon Thibert during the Panthers' Nov. 27 victory over the Hawks, 34-0.

Fitness Together

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Westborough - Whether you're looking to drop a few pounds, train for a future race or recover from a sports injury, "Fitness Together" off ers a customized one-on-one training program to fit your needs.

Believe in YOU! Model & Talent

By Angela Greiner Community Reporter — 12/05/2008

Region - "Believe in YOU! Model & Talent" is about more than learning to stroll down the catwalk. Pamela Richard, the director of the school, said that her goal is to help all of her students embrace their uniqueness and find their inner beauty.

Post Road Art Center Holiday Open House

12/05/2008

Post Road Art center, 1 Boston Post Rd., Marlborough, will hold its Holiday Open House Saturday Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Come in and get acquainted - or re-acquainted - and find out what's in the works for the New Year. The Open House will include refreshments and specials all day.

Divine wins two bath design awards

12/05/2008

Divine Kitchens, still the top choice in the area for kitchen and bath design/build projects, just received both the Gold and Silver Awards for Bath Design at the Boston National Association of Remodeling Industries (NARI) Contractor of the Year Awards.

Gastonart and the Great Deal'

12/05/2008

Gastonart & Frame, the picture framing store and art gallery located at 257 Boston Tpke. (Route 9 west) in Shrewsbury, has made custom picture framing simple and very affordable.

Stephanie G Jewelers December events

12/05/2008

Stephanie G Jewelers will be hosting several special events in December, including a "Pandora's Night for Men" Dec. 10, "Ladies Night - Create Your Wish List" Dec. 11 and a "Men's Night" Dec. 17. For more information, visit www. stephaniegjewelers.com. Stephanie G Jewelers is located at 77 Main St. in Hopkinton.

Avidia Bank donates to Item Appeal

12/05/2008

As part of its one-year birthday celebration, Avidia Bank recently made a $2,000 donation to the Item Appeal. The Item Appeal is a nonprofit organization that helps neighbors in Clinton, Lancaster and Sterling with the necessities of life, including food, rent and gasoline.

Grafton Country Store expands café

12/05/2008

Grafton Country Store, located at 2 Grafton Common, has announced the expansion of its café, featuring new pastries and lattes. Also, it is a drop-off spot for Toys for Tots and the Grafton Food Bank. Grafton Country Store, with a wide assortment of holiday decorations and gifts, is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.

Math Smart SAT programs

12/05/2008

Math Smart will be off ering comprehensive SAT programs in small group settings at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough throughout the year. A free SAT test for students and a simultaneous informational session for parents will be off ered 3-5 p.m. Sunday Jan. 4 at Tatnuck.

'Fill a Bag' at Children's Orchard

12/05/2008

Children's Orchard, located at 18 Lyman St. (Westboro Shopping Center) in Westborough, will hold a "Fill a Bag for $5" sale Saturday Dec. 6. Customers can just grab a bag, stuff it full of resale children's clearance clothing and only pay $5 for it. For more information of Children's Orchard, visit www.childrensorchard. com.

Bay State All Star accepting donations for YOU Inc.

12/05/2008

Bay State All Star Cheer & Dance, 11 McKeon Rd. in Worcester, is accepting monetary donations or new, unwrapped toys for YOU Inc., a local nonprofit human services agency for children ages 5-17 years and their families. The deadline to drop off contributions is Friday Dec. 12.

Get the 'finishing touch' at Porro's

12/05/2008

Porro's, located at 1089 Pleasant St., Tatnuck Square, Worcester, offers the finishing touch for your home.

All I Want For Christmas

By Nancy Russell, Vice President CBRB — 12/05/2008

Thinking back to when I was a young child, I believe it began Thanksgiving night. I would lay in bed and dream of the wonderful things I would add to my Christmas list. Then in mid-December, my parents would sit down with me, my brothers and sister and would write down all the presents we wanted.

David V. Marino, 63

12/05/2008

Marlborough - David V. Marino, 63, died Saturday Nov. 22, 2008, at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham after a lengthy illness. He leaves his spouse of 19 years, James Chaff ee. He was the brother of the late Richard Marino, who died in 1976, and the son of the late Rocco and Helen (Gardner) Marino.

Margaret M. Lyons, 71

12/05/2008

Marlborough - Margaret M. (Naughton) Lyons, 71, formerly of Dorchester, died at home Thursday Nov. 20, 2008, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy illness. She leaves her husband of 49 years, Williams C. Lyons; her children, William F.

Leo A. Dragomani, 84

12/05/2008

Watertown - Leo A. Dragomani, 84, formerly of Southborough, Framingham and Phoenix, Ariz., died Tuesday Nov. 18, 2008, at MetroWest Medical Center in Natick. He was the husband of the late Marie (Cotugno) Dragomani, who passed away in 1994.

Beverly Rose Holbrook Farrell, 74

12/05/2008

Falmouth - Beverly Rose Holbrook Farrell, 74, formerly of Ashland, died Thursday Nov. 20, 2008, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester after a short illness. She was the wife of Edward L. Farrell, who passed in 2004.

Ronald H. Campbell, 75

12/05/2008

Southborough - Ronald H. Campbell, 75, passed away at his home Saturday Nov. 22, 2008. He was the husband of Janet (Becker) Campbell for the past 52 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Ronald Scott Campbell and his fiancé, Janice; Keith Campbell and his wife, Donna; and Amy Campbell.