Westborouogh – Jackson, 4, of Northborough, receives help with his catch from a Mass Wildlife instructor while his sister, Ava, 2, looks on at the Westborough Civic Club’s 11th Annual Fishing Challenge held Saturday, May 12, at Minuteman Park in Westborough.
photo/Andrew Strecker
The post Fishing fun in Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – Members of Westborough Junior Girl Scout Troop 64679, who are working towards their Bronze Award, partner with members of the Westborough Garden Club May 8 to design and plant a garden at Bay State Commons.
The post Girl Scouts collaborate with Garden Club appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – Westborough recently named James J. Tepper as its 2018 Memorial Day Parade grand marshal.
Tepper began his 28-year military career in 1964 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course, aviation option, while attending Springfield College. He was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant at graduation in 1967 and went on to 16 months of flight training in Pensacola, Fla. He was awarded his wings, designating him a naval aviator, in late 1968 and was assigned to California for training in the CH-46 helicopter.
In 1970, following a one-year east coast assignment for further training, he received orders to join the 1st Marine Air Wing in Vietnam. He was assigned to a Composite Marine helicopter squadron stationed on and flying from a helicopter carrier. The squadron included all four of the helicopters in the Marine Corps inventory at that time – from Cobras to heavy transport CH-53s.
The carrier, the USS Iwo Jima, was part of a four-ship Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) operating off the North and South Vietnam coast. The MAU was tasked with conducting missions supporting ground troops and providing incursion, recovery and resupply activity in concert with the reinforced company of Marines aboard the MAU ships including major operations Chu Long 44 and Lamson 719 in the Gulf of Tonkin in 1971.
In addition to duties as a squadron pilot and flight section and division leader, Tepper served as a maintenance check pilot and squadron safety officer. His tour ended in June 1971 and he returned to the U.S. and was discharged from active duty.
Following his return home, he moved his wife and two sons to his hometown of Northampton, Mass., and went to work at the University of Massachusetts. While there, he was encouraged by friends to join HML-771, a Marine Corps Reserve Squadron stationed at NAS South Weymouth, south of Boston. The squadron was flying the H-1 (Huey) helicopter, much smaller than the CH-46 he had flown on active duty, but he soon became comfortable with that.
This squadron was assigned with many tasks over the years, including support of ground Marines stationed in Worcester and Cape Cod, administrative support of VIPs throughout New England, participating in air shows around New England, and medical/emergency missions.
One notable example was flying the entire week following the blizzard of ’78 throughout southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island, collecting stranded folks and ferrying many to hospitals for needed treatment. As the squadron was staying ready for deployment as needed, annual training for the squadron found them in Florida, California, Canada, Maine and North Carolina, among other locations. Each of these training periods required the ferrying of the helicopters and crews which was an experience of its own.
In 1992, Tepper, a lieutenant colonel, was assigned as the commanding officer of MABS-42, a support squadron whose mission was to establish and maintain forward air bases to support flight operations. He continued to fly with his old squadron until his retirement in 1996.
In 1977, he moved the family to Westborough, where he remains. His wife of 44 years, Alice, passed away of Alzheimer’s in 2012. His son Chuck, a Marine veteran lives in Pennsylvania with his family, and son Steve lives in Shrewsbury with his family.
The post Westborough announces Memorial Day grand marshal appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – The Westborough Area Parkinson’s Support Group will be participating in a fundraising walk Sunday, June 3, at the P. Brent Trottier School, 49 Parkerville Road, in Southborough. The event will begin with registration at 11 a.m. and the walk at 12 p.m.
This 32nd annual Optimism Walk will raise funds to benefit research and programs for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. All members of the community are invited to come and share the day, learn about Parkinson’s disease and enjoy food, music and camaraderie.
The Westborough team name for this walk is “movers, shakers and stiffs” – suggesting that humor is part of the group’s experience together. For three years they have been gathering to help each other to live better, to find alternate ways to do what they love and to feel comfortable in a social environment.
The group welcomes doctors, physical and speech therapists, senior center directors, artists, purveyors of new medicines and new means for taking medications to speak to them and assist them in living with this disease.
Members of the support group come from Fitchburg, West Boylston, Grafton, Uxbridge, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough and Westborough.
The post Local Parkinson group to join national walk appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – George D. Pano, 95, of Westborough, passed away peacefully Monday, May 14, 2018 at the JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Fla. He was the husband of the late Florence (Mullo) Pano.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Nuchi and Eftali (Lecho) Pano. He was a 1940 graduate of Classical High School in Worcester, and a 1948 graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity.
During WWII he served with the U.S. Army Air Forces in England with the 384th Bomb Group.
His first job out of college was with Thomas Edison Inc., working for his great-nephew, Thomas Alva Edison III in West Orange, N.J. He held other engineering positions at Honeywell in Minneapolis, Minn. and Wyman Gordon in Grafton. George was employed as the Plant Engineer for Bay State Abrasives in Westborough for over 40 years prior to his retirement. He was active in Town of Westborough committees throughout his years as well.
In his retirement years, George loved cooking, grocery shopping, golf, all types of music and his beloved gardens. He did consulting on electrical work and home improvements for friend’s businesses and his home. He was all about friends and family hospitality when people came to visit. He loved to watch sports, especially the NE Patriots, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox. He was always present to cheer on his granddaughter Alexa’s junior golf tournaments in Florida and North Carolina.
He is survived by his three children, Richard D. Pano of Lake Worth, Fla., David N. Pano and his wife Kelly of Seminole, Fla. and Debra L. Pano of Westborough, and one granddaughter, Alexa M. Pano of Lake Worth, Fla. In addition, he leaves a niece and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Christy Pano, and a sister, Julie Pano Bonin.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 22, at 10 a.m., in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 John St., Westborough. Burial with military honors in Hope Cemetery of Worcester will be private. Calling hours at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Monday, May 21, from 66-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Veteran Golfers Association, 24 Lasswade Dr., Pinehurst, NC 28374.
The post George D. Pano, 95, of Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
By Patty Welsh and Bob Tripi, Westborough Community Chorus members
Westborough – A local chorus is continuing its mission not only to entertain, but to give back to the local community.
Westborough Community Chorus, which originated in 1971, presents two concerts a year, with three shows each, at spring and at Christmas. It also provides scholarships for private music lessons to Westborough junior and senior high school students. So far, more than $55,000 in scholarships has been provided.
Musical director Debbie Temple said, “We have a wonderful chorus family that not only comes together to share our love of music, but to support and encourage the youth of the community,” Musical Director Debbie Temple said. “Music gives young adults the chance to express themselves and to learn techniques that will continue to benefit them throughout their lives. We’re proud to be even a small part of that.”
Students can obtain information about the scholarships from their school or one of several musical outlets in town, which are listed on the chorus website at www.westboroughchorus.com. Scholarship applications will be available in the fall and, when the students apply, they should include a sample of their work.
The other purpose of the chorus is for the more than 80 members, from ages in their early 20s to late 80s, to share their love of music with the community through the concerts. WCC is considered a “show” chorus, with vibrant sets and costumes, dance numbers and a variety of music, from the early 1900s to current day.
In 1971, the founding director of the Westborough Community Chorus, Faith Newark, was adamant that the members interact with the audience. Therefore, attendees will notice that the members do not hold any music, but memorize the words and music.
“People who come to see the shows are usually blown away by all the effort put in – from music to costumes and more,” said Beverly Remillard, chorus president. “And, often, once they see how much fun we’re having, they ask how they can join.”
Members don’t need to be from Westborough; current members hail from as far away as Bellingham and Westwood. There are no auditions, members just need to be willing to put in the work to make the shows a success. For those interested, Temple recommends attending an initial rehearsal to see what the chorus is about. Rehearsals begin in September for the Christmas show and in January for the spring show.
The upcoming show, “Musical America”, will be presented Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at the Sarah Gibbons Middle School, 20 Fisher St., Westborough. Tickets may be purchased from any chorus member or at the door.
For more information about Westborough Community Chorus, the upcoming shows or information on scholarships, visit our website at www.westboroughchorus.com.
The post Westborough chorus shares its love for music appeared first on Community Advocate.
Submitted by Shelby Marshall,
President, Westborough Rotary Club
Westborough – Due to anticipated thunderstorms and in the interest of public safety, this Sunday’s Westborough Rotary Spring Festival has been postponed. This decision was made after thoughtful consideration and discussions with members of the Spring Festival Committee, and with respect to providing as timely notice as possible to participating groups/businesses and support teams (e.g. public safety).
We are working quickly behind the scenes to secure a new date. We will announce a reschedule date soon! For more information visit the Rotary Club of Westborough’s website, www.westboroughrotary.org. For questions regarding the postponement contact club President and Chair of the Spring Festival, Shelby Marshall at marshall@westboroughrotary.org.
We are so sorry for the change of plans – we want it to be a safe, fun day for our vendors and participants alike.
The post Westborough Spring Festival postponed due to impending inclement weather appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – John E. “Jack” Conway, 76, of Westborough, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital in Worcester. He was the husband of Michele (Miller) Conway.
Born in Quincy, he was the son of the late John and Ruth (Lundh) Conway. He was educated in Quincy schools and was a graduate of Newman Prep High School in Boston. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Bentley College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Northeastern University.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard attaining the rank of sergeant.
Jack was employed as an equipment engineer manager for NYNEX, formerly New England Telephone, where he served as corporate director of the Employee Suggestion Plan. In later years, he worked for C.T.D.I in Westborough and then as a custodian for the Westborough Public Schools. He also had a Real Estate Brokers License.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and enjoyed reading books about the founding fathers. He also enjoyed gardening, landscaping, spending time at Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham, N.H. and was a talented handyman.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jill Dougan and her husband Daniel of Abington and Courtney Corson of Quincy; two step-children, Adam Fletcher and his wife Deborah of Hudson, N.H. and Kristin Terpko and her husband Christopher of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren, Molly Dougan, Jessica Dougan, Joseph Corson and Emma Corson; and four step-grandchildren, Celia Fletcher, Grace Fletcher, Ethan Fletcher and Aaron Terpko. He was the brother of the late Brian Conway.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 22, at 11 a.m., in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
The post John E. Conway, 76, of Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – Ethel D. Raymond, 74, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018 in Worcester following an illness.
She is survived by her brother, Dennis Raymond, his wife, Terry, and their son, Dennis Raymond Jr., and her sister-in-law, Diane Peterson, and her sons, Edward C. Raymond, Brian Raymond and his wife, Donna, and their children, and Todd Raymond, his wife, Nicole, and their daughter.
Ethel was born Nov. 25, 1943 in Glenwood Springs, Colo., daughter of the late Mildred (Atchue) and Edward Raymond. She was predeceased by her brothers, Edward L. Raymond and Richard R. Raymond. Her roots were in Westborough, where she lived most of her life.
She worked for several years as a housekeeper for Westborough Nursing Home, Marlborough Hospital and Whitney Place. In 2001, she was the recipient of the National Caregiver of the Year Award from the American Federation of Assisted Living, along with a trip to Las Vegas.
Away from work she enjoyed traveling to the coast of Maine, and had cruised to the Bahamas once.
All are welcome to gather with Ethel’s family Thursday, May 24, at 11 a.m., for a prayer service at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private at her family’s convenience.
Please honor Ethel with a memorial donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org.
A Book of Memories to share a memory of Ethel is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
The post Ethel D. Raymond, 74, of Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – Victor A. Banevicius, 89, of Westborough, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. He was married to the late Adelija (Anuzis) Banevicius for 56 years.
Born in Betygala, Lithuania, he was the son of the late Kazimieras and Zofija (Paulauskaite) Banevicius.
Victor earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s Degree from the John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH.
He was employed for 27 years as an Electrical Engineer for New England Electric retiring in 1996.
He was a communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church and was an active member of the Westborough Senior Center and the Westborough Tennis and Swim Club. He was an outdoor enthusiast throughout his life and enjoyed swimming on Cape Cod during the summer.
Victor is survived by his five children, Helen Banevicius of Montpelier, Vt., John Banevicius of Clifton Park, N.Y., Paul Banevicius of Sheffield, Lelia Lane of Rocklin, Calif., and Lisa Hansbury and her husband Paul of Canton. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one more on the way. He was the brother of the late Clement A. Banys.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 2, at 10 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Friday, June 1, from 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd., Westborough, MA 01581.
The post Victor A. Banevicius, 89, of Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough
Thursday, May 10
8:15 a.m. W Main St. Parking violation/complaint.
10:00 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).
12:49 p.m. Oak St. Well-being check.
1:29 p.m. Upton Rd. Road/tree.
2:40 p.m. Milk St. Larceny.
6:14 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.
7:13 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious person.
Friday, May 11
1:19 a.m. Milk St. Suspicious auto.
1:34 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.
3:18 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.
6:47 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.
7:59 a.m. Crownridge Rd. Disturbance (general).
5:42 p.m. Upton Rd. Annoying/harassing phone calls.
11:05 p.m. Milk St. Disturbance (general).
Saturday, May 12
1:50 a.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious auto.
1:53 a.m. Olde Hickory Path. Suspicious auto.
2:13 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious auto.
2:36 a.m. Arrested, Edenir Augusto, 49, of 103 Fisher St., Westborough, for marked lanes violation, operating after suspension for drunk driving, OUI liquor 2nd offense, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.
9:14 a.m. South St. Accident property damage.
2:47 p.m. Milk St./Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.
5:13 p.m. Summer St. Suspicious person.
10:41 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.
Sunday, May 13
1:17 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.
2:54 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.
12:51 p.m. Flanders Rd. Disturbance (general).
2:53 p.m. Beach St. Disturbance (general).
6:04 p.m. Computer Dr. Threats made.
7:54 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Park St. Road/tree.
Monday, May 14
7:34 a.m. Nash St. Suspicious person.
8:32 a.m. Cedar St. Larceny.
10:18 a.m. Warren St. Accident property damage.
3:08 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious activity.
5:04 p.m. Catie Dr. Suspicious activity.
6:11 p.m. Jasper Street Ext. Suspicious person.
9:20 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.
Tuesday, May 15
5:44 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident – personal injury.
6:52 a.m. Haskell/E Main Sts. Disturbance (general).
6:57 a.m. Green St. Suspicious auto.
8:40 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Threats made.
6:08 p.m. Fairview Rd./Milk St. Erratic operator.
11:38 p.m. Upton Rd. Disturbance (general).
Wednesday, May 16
1:10 a.m. Fisher St. Suspicious person.
11:12 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.
11:18 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.
12:07 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Lyman St. Erratic operator.
2:40 p.m. Arrested, Sean Collins, 49, of 40 Summer St., Apt. 3, Westborough, for OUI liquor 2nd offense, leave scene of property damage.
4:48 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.
6:12 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.
7:46 p.m. Arrested, Peter Fusini, 55, of 10 Hampden St., Worcester, on straight warrant.
Thursday, May 17
3:03 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.
7:58 a.m. Oak St. Suspicious activity.
8:34 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.
12:52 p.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious activity.
4:21 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).
5:15 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious person.
6:53 p.m. Jasper Street Ext. Suspicious auto.
9:31 p.m. Powder Hill Way. Well-being check.
Friday, May 18
2:34 a.m. Arrested, Gabriel A. Sampaio, 22, of 15 Leonard Dr. Southborough, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, fail to stop/yield, negligent operation of motor vehicle.
9:10 a.m. Research Dr./Connector Rd. Road/tree.
12:25 p.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.
1:40 p.m. E Main St. Accident – hit & run.
2:13 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.
6:00 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Computer Dr. Suspicious person.
8:11 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.
9:00 p.m. Homestead Blvd. Disturbance (general).
10:13 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.
Saturday, May 19
7:43 a.m. Zaara Dr. Disturbance (general).
1:20 p.m. Computer Dr. Accident property damage.
1:40 p.m. Old Colony Dr. Suspicious activity.
7:12 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).
Sunday, May 20
8:11 a.m. Olde Hickory Path/Thistle Hill Ln. Road/tree.
9:54 a.m. Turnpike Rd./Otis St. Road/tree.
6:07 p.m. Milk St. Well-being check.
10:55 p.m. Brigham/South Sts. Disturbance (general).
Monday, May 21
1:00 a.m. Arrested, Sergio L. Gonzales Rodrigue, 25, of 3 Forest Ave., Ashland, on default warrant.
1:14 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Bellows Rd. Accident property damage.
3:51 p.m. Union St. Accident property damage.
6:27 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.
Tuesday, May 22
1:54 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.
9:47 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).
11:29 a.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.
3:17 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.
5:49 p.m. Arch St. Larceny.
6:12 p.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Disturbance (general).
10:27 p.m. Arrested, Adrian Jareth Bleakney, 27, of 53 Plain St., Upton, for violation of harassment prevention order.
Wednesday, May 23
12:14 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).
12:56 a.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.
7:55 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.
2:47 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.
5:45 p.m. Water St. Suspicious activity.
6:58 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.
The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.
The post Westborough police log, June 1 edition appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – Ruth E. (Hamley) Dyson, 86, of Westborough, died peacefully at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Westborough Friday, May 25, 2018. Ruth was the wife of the late Francis T. Dyson, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years in marriage.
Ruth was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Percy and Ellen (Judd) Hamley. Ruth was a graduate of Commerce High School in 1949.
Ruth and Francis were married in 1957 and soon settled in Spencer where they began their family. She took great pride in creating a wonderful home for her family and spare time was spent paying attention to home décor and family needs. Ruth was always thinking of where their next travel adventure would take them, time that she most enjoyed. Being with friends and family always brought a smile to her face and comfort to her heart.
Ruth is survived by children Jennifer O’Toole and her husband Stephen of Westborough and James Dyson of Webster, and grandchildren Jay O’Toole, Brynne O’Toole, and Julianne O’Toole, all of Westborough. She was predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy Dimond and Norman Hamley.
Services for Ruth, under the direction of Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury will be held in private.
The post Ruth E. Dyson, 86, of Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – Megan Ku, a senior at Westborough High School, won the Massachusetts Lions Youth Speech Competition April 28 in Mansfield. As winner of her district contest, Megan competed against the winners of the other four districts to be named “Best in State.” All of the contestants were students in grades 9 through 12 from cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.
The Westborough Lions Club sponsored Megan in her progression through the five levels of competition. In the three years that she has competed in the contest, she won the local competition twice, and advanced as far as the regional contest two years ago.
The speech topic was “What is the Impact of Volunteerism?” and was required to be between five and eight minutes in length. The contestants were allowed to use one notecard for prompts, but several, including Megan, gave their speeches from memory. The speeches were judged on delivery, effectiveness and text. As the state winner, Megan received a $1,500 prize.
The post Westborough High senior named ‘Best in State’ at Lions speech competition appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – The Westborough Senior Center Supporters (WSCS) will be holding a giant yard sale, Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Elsie A. Hastings Elementary School, 111 East Main St. The event will be rain or shine. No “earlybirds” please.
Vendor prices are space, $15 or space and table, $20. Registration forms are available at the senior center, 4 Rogers Road, and must be turned in with payment by Monday, June 4.
Coffee and donuts will be for sale as well as homemade baked goods. For more information, call 508-366-3000.
The post Seniors to hold giant yard sale appeared first on Community Advocate.
Westborough – The First United Methodist Church, 120 W. Main St., Westborough, will hold a support group for family and friends of those addicted to opiates or other drugs Tuesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Whether you have experienced loss due to addiction or simply want to learn more about this disease and the impact it has on families, you are welcome to attend this important discussion. The speakers will provide an informational presentation to educate and equip the community on the opiate crisis. A Q&A period with refreshments will follow the discussion. Visit www.learn2cope.org for more information on this organization. Call 508-366-4910 for more information.
The post Addiction support group to be held June 12 in Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – As municipalities face more and more competition, not only within their own region, but also out of state, many communities are realizing the importance of establishing a dedicated economic development committee (EDC). Westborough has had one since 2010 and from 2014 to the spring of 2017, had a coordinator, Francisco Torres. After Torres left the position for another opportunity, the committee hired Katelyn O’Brien this past spring.
O’Brien brings to the position a strong background in working with municipalities in various positions including a stint as an assistant editor for the Mass. Municipal Association (MMA), a human resources assistant in Wayland, and as a community information specialist for the town of Foxborough.
O’Brien received her bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University in Washington D.C. before obtaining her master’s degree in public administration and political science at Suffolk University.
Growing up in Rhode Island, she said she has always been interested in politics.
“Working at the MMA really opened my eyes to local government and seeing how it works,” she said. “I found that very interesting.”
Starting out as Westborough’s EDC coordinator, she has concentrated on meeting with the town’s different departments to learn how they function and how she can work with them to help businesses who wish to expand or move into town.
“I have worked with a lot of departments in my previous jobs so I am familiar with such things as the permitting process,” she said. “I hope to be a liaison to help that process move smoothly here.”
She has also been meeting with local business owners for their input as well.
“I am really interested in talking to as many as possible, to see what they need,” she said.
“We have a lot of potential here to help small businesses,” she added. “Some possibilities include seeking grants, having a central email list and maybe quarterly meetings as well for local businesses to meet each other and network.”
As far as the EDC goes, she hopes to enhance its social media presence and update its website.
She also plans to work closely with the EDC’s ambassadors, who are charged with meeting prospective companies considering Westborough, as well as those who are already in the town to help them with any issues of concern.
O’Brien has also connected with officials in other towns who work in the area of economic development.
“Everyone has been warm and welcoming,” she said. “All the Boroughs really care about helping each other.”
In June, O’Brien will be a member of the contingent representing Westborough at the MassBio International Conference.
“This will be a really good chance for us to connect with companies and let them know what Westborough offers,” she said.
To contact O’Brien, call 508- 871-5149 or email kobrien@town.westborough.ma.us.
The post O’Brien joins Westborough’s Economic Development Committee appeared first on Community Advocate.
Honolulu, Hawaii – Nancy Whelan, formerly Nancy Aldrich of Westborough, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nancy was the daughter of Walter and Harriet Aldrich.
She is survived by sisters Ruth Bean and Virginia Corliss and brother Robert Aldrich. She was predeceased by husband Charles V. Whelan and sons John T. Whelan and Charles V. Whelan Jr. Nancy leaves daughters Catherine A. Matsuno and Mary T. Silva of Honolulu and Eileen N. Ariza of Florida. Nancy leaves six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Private burial services were held in Honolulu on April 17, 2018.
The post Nancy A. Whelan, 95, formerly of Westborough appeared first on Community Advocate.
By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Westborough – Thunderstorms forecast for June 2 didn’t occur, so the Westborough High School (WHS) class of 2018 enjoyed their graduation ceremony outdoors on the athletic field as planned. There, 268 diplomas were presented.
Superintendent Amber Block encouraged the graduates to develop a forgiving nature as they meet new acquaintances who might become best friends. Inspired by the book “The Power of Moments,” Principal Brian Callaghan cited examples of how the graduates had maximized peaks and expressed confidence they’re prepared to minimize pits in their upcoming transitions. School Committee Chair Sara Dullea reminisced about her memorable encounters with the graduates.
Valedictorian Jayati Anand discussed how her classmates’ experiences together will help them as they advance to their next stage of life. The ceremony concluded with Class President Elizabeth Hopkinson continuing her leadership role by inviting graduates to stand and turn the tassels to the other side of their caps.
Scholarships totaling over $120,000 were awarded. Music was provided by the WHS Band conducted by Evan Doyle, and the Senior Choral Union under the direction of Alyson Greer Espinosa.
(Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.)
Westborough – Joyce A. Minardi, 73, of Westborough, passed away Monday, June 4, 2018 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Campus in Worcester. She was the wife of John T. Minardi.
Born in Milford, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Gail (Decina) Comolli. She was raised and educated in Framingham and was a 1963 graduate of Framingham High School. Joyce also graduated from the Westborough State Hospital School of Nursing in 1965.
She worked as a LPN for the Middlesex Manor in Framingham for 15 years, Bolton Manor in Marlborough for 25 years and Marlborough Hills for five years prior to her retirement.
Joyce enjoyed shopping with her granddaughters and shopping trips to the Cape with her sister and John, deep sea fishing and going to the beach. She loved baking 25 different Christmas cookies with her son Dan and making afghans. Her favorite clothing was casual house wear. She enjoyed spending time out with Bruce, June, Peter, Linda, Paul, Gail, Beni and Joan. She coined her best male friend as being “High Maintenance” and it stuck. Joyce was a two times cancer survivor. She was strong willed, opinionated and spoke her mind. You knew where you stood with her.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her three children, John-David Minardi and his wife Cindi of Sutton, Daniel S. Minardi of Worcester, and Andrea N. Minardi and her husband Greg of Shrewsbury; one brother, John Comolli of Barnstable; one sister, Nancy Magurn of Watertown; and five grandchildren, Brooke, Alana, Julie, Jaxson and Gianna Minardi. She is also survived by her dear friends, Diane St. Pierre, Helen Martino and Dana Lopez, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 9, at 10 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Friday, June 8, from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.
By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – The Westborough Cultural Council (WCC) held a reception May 16 at the Westborough Senior Center to honor its 2018 grant recipients. The awardees were lauded by WCC’s Secretary Betheda Shuman and Treasurer Maureen Johnson for their commitment to supporting arts and culture in Westborough.
The Mass. Cultural Council (MCC) oversees 339 Local Cultural Councils (LCC), including Westborough. The MCC receives its funding from an annual state appropriation and then distributes those funds to LCCs, who then re-grant these funds to schools, organizations and individuals in their communities.
In addition, proceeds from the annual Arts in Common Festival, sponsored by the Westborough Cultural Council, and the town of Westborough raise funds to supplement the MCC funds.
State representatives Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) and Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) also were in attendance and presented to grant recipients certificates of appreciation from the state legislature.
Also present at the reception was Miranda Cook, a program officer with the MCC. She praised the members of the WCC and the recipients for their support of arts in the community.
The WCC is comprised of volunteers appointed by the Westborough Board of Selectmen. The members are volunteers from the community with an interest in or support of arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences.
For a full list of the 2018 Cultural Council Grant recipients and more information about the WCC, visit www.westboroughculturalcouncil.org, call 508-366-3030 or email info@westboroughculturalcouncil.org.
