By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – This past spring, a group of residents and organizations, led by the Westborough Veterans Advisory Board (WVAB), created nearly 200 care packages that were to be sent to Army National Guard units deployed overseas.

Recently the WVAB received a donation of $250 from the MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union to be used towards the postage for those packages.

Joseph Mansour, the credit union’s president and CEO, and himself a former U.S. Army captain, presented the check to the WVAB members John Gallinagh and Kenneth Ferrera.

“I heard about this project from John and it was such a great cause,” Mansour said. “So we are very happy to be donating to it.”

“We have had so many tremendous donations for this whole project,” Gallinagh said. “It’ really been a community-wide effort.”

The packages were due to be sent to units serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo, and Guantanamo Bay.

The WVAB hopes to make this a yearly project.

Westborough – The Westborough Public Library, 55 W. Main St., will present the art workshop, “Fearless Painting: Release Your Inner Artist,” Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. Westborough based artist Janet Schwartz designed this unique hands-on program to help aspiring artists overcome their fear of painting, guiding them to produce work that surprises and delights, and often inspires them to continue painting long after the class ends.

After presenting the key concepts, Schwartz guides students to work from a reference image as she demonstrates the technique of painting the subject in darks, lights and mid-tones, using pastels. The class is energetic, highly interactive and individualized to student needs. Although geared toward non-artists, experienced artists have also enjoyed and benefited from this unique program. The concepts and strategies taught can be applied to oil, acrylics, pastel, watercolor and any art medium. All materials are provided.

Space is limited so registration is required on the library calendar at www.westboroughlib.org.

For more information, call 508-366-3050

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.

By Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer

Westborough – In 1979, Robert Nolan was living in Connecticut and working at Aetna in Hartford. He took the bus to work every day. But he didn’t enjoy doing so. Then, a co-worker who took the same bus suggested that they both start biking to Aetna, instead. Nolan said something just “clicked.” He stopped taking the bus and started borrowing the bike he had given his wife for Christmas.

Since then, he has frequently used a bike to commute to the jobs he’s had. That includes the one he just retired from at the end of May. For the past 12 years, the recently retired vice president of corporate and marketing communications at Fallon Health rode his bike between 2,990 miles and 3,380 miles each year, commuting from his home in Westborough to Worcester.

After thousands of miles of bike commuting for nearly 40 years, he’s discovered the benefits it brings.

“It builds exercise into my day, and it’s helping the environment in some small way,” Nolan said, adding that he also appreciated the quality time it gave him to think about the important things in life. “It’s been very good for me on that front as well.”

But despite the benefits, Nolan admitted that bike commuting can be dangerous. He confided that his wife is relieved that he’s now retired. He said that because she worried about his safety, he would text her every day when he arrived at Fallon, and he would text her again when he was leaving the building.

Nolan, who has had some “close calls” and blown out tires while commuting – additionally made sure that he was aware of his surroundings. He also invested in quality lighting equipment and reflective gear and clothing.

“I’m probably more seen at night than during the day,” said Nolan. “Everyone’s in a hurry. Being seen and arriving safely is my biggest challenge.”

Attorney Geoffrey Spofford, a fellow Westborough resident and avid biker, became friends with Nolan while Spofford commuted to his law office in Worcester. He’s not only been impressed with Nolan’s endurance and his admirable attention to safety, but also by his thoughtfulness and concern for other bicyclists, drivers and others.

“No one was a better conversationalist out on the road than Bob,” said Spofford, noting that he frequently saw Nolan take the time to be kind and friendly to others. “He’s just genuinely a great guy.”

Nolan has also participated in charity rides. He rode in the Valley Friendship Tour last year and the previous year, to support Alternatives – an organization that serves people with developmental and mental disabilities. He’s also hoping to participate in rides that benefit Habitat for Humanity and the Barnstable Land Trust.

And while he appreciated the support of Fallon – which he said is a “great company with great people” – he’s looking forward to retirement. He intends to travel with his family, accompanying his wife on rail trail rides on Cape Cod, where they have a home they’re moving to, and exploring new cycling adventures – including a possible trip across the United States. With a new road bike, he’s prepared for anything.

“That’s going to open up a whole new world to me now that I’m retired,” he said.   

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough –Westborough High School’s graduation ceremony, held June 2 at the school’s athletic field, was one of traditional pomp, circumstance and celebration, shared with family, friends, teachers, and administrators. But it was after that moving ceremony that another celebration was held for the graduates – a spectacular all night party held at Northborough’s Teamworks. There the kids found elaborate, color-filled rooms decorated in the theme of “Safari” filled with delicious foods and non-alcoholic drinks, games, and various activities. Special guests included a hypnotist, fortune teller, and even a few exotic animals such as an alligator, boa constrictor, lemur, and long-haired rabbit.

The party, sponsored by the nonprofit group Project Graduation, is an annual initiative that is powered by many volunteers and generous sponsors, according to Geoff Spofford, who serves as the group’s president.

“This is a way to help the kids celebrate together in a safe, chemical-free and alcohol-free way,” he said.

But this was no drab, boring party.

Starting at 6 a.m. that morning, a team of volunteers, with the assistance of Mark’s Moving and Storage, transferred items that had been stored at the Westborough Shopping Center in a space that Dona and Eugene Colangelo of Julio’s Enterprises had allowed the group to use.

Then the volunteers spent hours on things such as decorations, setting up sports games, card games, inflatables and a photo booth, to make sure there was no chance of anyone ever being bored.

Spofford said the night was a huge hit with the kids.

“The students enjoyed a wonderful final night with their classmates, jumping on the large inflatable obstacle course, playing in a volleyball tournament, eating and eating abundant food selections, drinking gallons of water, Gatorade and juice,” he said. “They chose to play cards at the poker and blackjack tables with their friends, to take photographs at the green screen complete with costumes, or at the various photo opportunities set up by our magnificent decorating committee, including a jeep that was tremendously popular.  They had their fortunes told by a fortune teller and temporary tattoos airbrushed on.  They played soccer, Frisbee, cornhole, canjam. “

“They left at 5 a.m. with their Westborough Ranger laundry bags, a gift from the Project Graduation Board of Trustees, with smiles and appreciation to the volunteers.

Prior to the party, the organizers invited the sponsors to a special reception so they could see the venue. Peter and Kelly Gardner, of Curry Printing, who donated the printing for the invitations that were sent to the students, were one of the first sponsors to arrive.

“It’s amazing,” Peter Gardner said, as he viewed the transformed space. “You really did a fantastic job.”

Also attending the reception was Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr., who gave the group a check for $750.

Early noted that it was important for adults to show leadership, such as what the Project Graduation organizers were doing.

“It’s prevention at its best and shows responsible adults leading the way,” he said. “Parents and other adults may think its ok to serve kids alcohol in their homes but tragedies can still happen. The more people we have doing things like [Project Graduation] the better.”

“I would much rather be able to help prevent an accident, than have to investigate it afterwards,” he added.

(Photos submitted)

Westborough – A fundraiser to benefit the Westborough Recreation Department Scholarship Fund and Rangers on Track will be held Saturday, June 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Haskell Field, 73 Haskell St., Westborough. Participants can test their power-hitting skills at the event, hosted by WMSL players, U12 (boys and girls), Westborough High School students and Open Division (men and women) of Westborough. The cost is $20 per participant, payable the day of the event. Register at http://westbororec.com/info /activities/program_details.as px?ProgramID=30060.

Region – Luisa Cloutier, the owner of Fitness Together, 411 West Main St., Northborough, will be signing copies of her memoir, “Until Forever.” Book signings will be held Friday, June 15, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St., the Westborough Shopping Center, and Saturday, Oct. 6, from 1-3 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Tpke., Burlington.

The memoir details her journey as a young girl in Italy who meets a dashing U.S. Marine and then moves to the United States to start a new life with him. The two opened their successful business after overcoming a number of obstacles. After her husband’s tragic death, Luisa found the courage to go on and in doing so, inspires others who are facing challenges as well.

For more information, visit www.fitnesstogether.com/northborough or call 508- 393-1660.

Westborough

Tuesday, May 29

12:39 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

1:18 p.m. Otis St. Suspicious activity.

1:49 p.m. Colonial Dr. Disturbance (general).

2:26 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

3:20 p.m. Washington St. Accident – hit & run.

6:56 p.m. E Main St. Larceny.

8:38 p.m. Beach St. Disturbance (general).

9:08 p.m. Arrested, Greg Ellis, 48, of 4114 Avalon Way, Northborough, for operating under the influence of liquor, operating MV negligently so as to endanger.

9:45 p.m. Cortland Dr. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, May 30

2:24 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

3:34 p.m. Lyman St./Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.

6:35 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

7:11 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

8:23 p.m. Arrested, Mark A. Strom, 28, of 7 Hillcrest Dr., Westborough, for OUI liquor, leaving accident scene after property damage, marked lanes violation.

10:32 p.m. Valente Dr. Suspicious activity.

Thursday, May 31

11:26 a.m. Turnpike Rd./Computer Dr. Accident property damage.

1:18 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

4:40 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

5:49 p.m. Union St. Suspicious activity.

Friday, June 1

12:37 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

1:52 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

3:30 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Otis St. Accident property damage.

6:03 p.m. Technology Dr. Suspicious activity.

7:19 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

Saturday, June 2

12:33 a.m. Arrested, Damon E. Jett, 41, of 62 Bartlett St., Northborough, for trespass, B&E nighttime/building, malicious destruction of property -$250, warrant.

2:01 a.m. Arch St. Suspicious auto.

8:57 p.m. Elm St. Disturbance (general).

9:52 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Sunday, June 3

9:40 a.m. Appleseed Dr. Well-being check.

11:22 a.m. Baker Way. Well-being check.

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.

Westborough – The Westborough Farmers’ Market will be returning to the side lawn of the Congregational Church of Westborough Thursday, June 7.  The market will be held every Thursday through the end of September from 2 to 6 p.m.

The Westborough Farmers’ Market is a fun-filled local farmers’ market run and operated by Dismas House to benefit the homeless and former offender residents who they work with.  The market is entering its eighth season, and will feature returning vendors such as Red’s Best Fish, Dismas Family Farm, Yummy Mummy Bakery, Five Loaves Bakery, Nourse Farm, Heirloom Harvest Farm, Harvey Farm, and many more artists. A new vendor this year is Couet Fromagerie, a French cheesemaker.  The market will also feature musicians all season long thanks to sponsors Ball Financial, Westborough Civic Club, St. Mary’s Credit Union, and Central One Federal Credit Union. These include Jon Short, the Hipswayers, Matt Robert, Steve Warnick, and Joe Stillitano, who perform various styles of music from blues and jazz to swing. Additionally, there will again be a free weekly craft for kids.

Westborough – The Westborough Community Land Trust will hold a presentation on “Earth-friendly Gardening” Monday, June 18, from 7-9 p.m. at St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 1 Ruggles St. Mark Richardson will speak about what to plant and what not to plant in order to save energy, use less water, help pollinators, and live sustainably in many other ways.

Richardson oversees the New England Wild Flower Society’s botanic garden, Garden in the Woods, and its native plant nursery operation, Nasami Farm. He studied ornamental horticulture at University of Rhode Island while helping to run an ornamental plant nursery before finding his true passion in public horticulture. He also led undergraduate programs at Longwood Gardens, where he overhauled the curriculum of the Professional Gardener Program, and oversaw adult education at Brookside Gardens. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Delaware’s Longwood Graduate Program. A reception and Annual Meeting will follow.

By Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer

Westborough – In 1979, Robert Nolan was living in Connecticut and working at Aetna in Hartford. He took the bus to work every day. But he didn’t enjoy doing so. Then, a co-worker who took the same bus suggested that they both start biking to Aetna, instead. Nolan said something just “clicked.” He stopped taking the bus and started borrowing the bike he had given his wife for Christmas.

Since then, he has frequently used a bike to commute to the jobs he’s had. That includes the one he just retired from at the end of May. For the past 12 years, the recently retired vice president of corporate and marketing communications at Fallon Health rode his bike between 2,990 miles and 3,380 miles each year, commuting from his home in Westborough to Worcester.

After thousands of miles of bike commuting for nearly 40 years, he’s discovered the benefits it brings.

“It builds exercise into my day, and it’s helping the environment in some small way,” Nolan said, adding that he also appreciated the quality time it gave him to think about the important things in life. “It’s been very good for me on that front as well.”

But despite the benefits, Nolan admitted that bike commuting can be dangerous. He confided that his wife is relieved that he’s now retired. He said that because she worried about his safety, he would text her every day when he arrived at Fallon, and he would text her again when he was leaving the building.

Nolan, who has had some “close calls” and blown out tires while commuting – additionally made sure that he was aware of his surroundings. He also invested in quality lighting equipment and reflective gear and clothing.

“I’m probably more seen at night than during the day,” said Nolan. “Everyone’s in a hurry. Being seen and arriving safely is my biggest challenge.”

Attorney Geoffrey Spofford, a fellow Westborough resident and avid biker, became friends with Nolan while Spofford commuted to his law office in Worcester. He’s not only been impressed with Nolan’s endurance and his admirable attention to safety, but also by his thoughtfulness and concern for other bicyclists, drivers and others.

“No one was a better conversationalist out on the road than Bob,” said Spofford, noting that he frequently saw Nolan take the time to be kind and friendly to others. “He’s just genuinely a great guy.”

Nolan has also participated in charity rides. He rode in the Valley Friendship Tour last year and the previous year, to support Alternatives – an organization that serves people with developmental and mental disabilities. He’s also hoping to participate in rides that benefit Habitat for Humanity and the Barnstable Land Trust.

And while he appreciated the support of Fallon – which he said is a “great company with great people” – he’s looking forward to retirement. He intends to travel with his family, accompanying his wife on rail trail rides on Cape Cod, where they have a home they’re moving to, and exploring new cycling adventures – including a possible trip across the United States. With a new road bike, he’s prepared for anything.

“That’s going to open up a whole new world to me now that I’m retired,” he said.

Westborough – The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board announces its second lunch program “Remembering World War II” Thursday, June 21, at 12 p.m. at the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Road.

The presenter is Sue Wilkins, director of education at The International Museum of World War II in Natick. In this role, she works with teachers to arrange for and lead field trips for students during the school year; this year, approximately 5,000 students will visit the Museum.     Wilkins has been working to put together the upcoming special exhibition on Women in WWII that opened to the public May 25.

The presentation is free for veterans; $5 for guests. RSVP by Monday, June 18, to 508-366-3000.

By Andrew Strecker, Senior Community Reporter

Westborough – Jenn Kirkland, Westborough’s new town recreation director, said she was always a “rec kid” and very involved in sports. Growing up in Somerville, Kirkland played basketball and during the summer worked for the city’s recreation camps. She played basketball in college at Fitchburg State University.

After graduating and working in some office jobs, she applied for an administrative assistant position at Westborough Recreation. She thought it was too good to be true.

“It combined my love of sports and recreation with the skills I had acquired from college and my work experience,” she said.

While working under former Recreation Director Alan Grady, who is now the parks and recreation director in Sanford, Maine, Kirkland found that working in recreation could be a career and pursued a master’s degree in sports management. She earned her degree and “just took any opportunity I could to help out, learn, or run a program,” she noted.

Now Westborough’s recreation director, Kirkland most recently was interviewing local high school students for summer program positions at her office in Town Hall and wants to get the word out that registration for summer playground programs is under way for kids ages 3.5 through entering high school.

In addition, Kirkland said that her department is not just kid-focused, but offers activities such as men’s and women’s pickup basketball, volleyball, table tennis, ceramics, yoga, meditation, fitness classes and pickleball. Registration and program details for all Westborough Recreation programs can be found at www.westbororec.com.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – Local officials, past and present, gathered June 5 to laud the outgoing chair of the Westborough Economic Development Committee (EDC), Deborah Penta.

Penta, the founder and CEO of Penta Communications, Inc., served eight years on the EDC, the last two as president. In the reception held in her honor in the foyer of the Town Hall prior to the EDC’s monthly meeting, she was praised by those in attendance for not only for her work with the committee but her other charitable endeavors in the town.

Bonnie Sullivan, who will now serve as chair, thanked Penta for her “professionalism, friendship and high standards.”

Jim Robbins, the town planner, echoed those thoughts.

“You taught us how to have a standard of excellence…and how to do things well,” he said.

Ian Johnson, a member of the Board of Selectmen who serves as the board’s liaison to the EDC, noted that Penta had helped take the board “to a new level.”

“It’s now one of the top EDCs in the state,” he added.

One of the highlights of Penta’s tenure was establishing an annual Review and Celebratory Event where the EDC honors local companies in categories such as Small Business Award, Public Private Partnership, Best Expansion Project, Driver for Business Growth and more.

Joining current EDC members and other town officials were past EDC chair Lester Hensley; former EDC coordinator Francisco Torres; former Building Inspector Tin Htway, and Paul Matthews, executive director, 495/Metrowest Partnership.

Sullivan announced that a donation would be made to the Westborough Food Pantry in Penta’s honor.

At the meeting following the reception, Penta noted how touched she was by the show of support from those gathered.

“I have truly loved being involved with the EDC for the last eight years,” she said. “It has been wonderful to have the chance to contribute and build upon what Lester [Hensley] and Rod [former EDC chair Jane] have developed over the years. And I am very excited about the future of the EDC.”

Speaking to new EDC Coordinator Katelyn O’Brien, Penta added, “You’re a dynamic, bright and talented. I am really excited to see you grow in this role.”

For more information on the EDC visit http://edc.town.westborough.ma.us.

Westborough – Margaret Benedetti Davenport, 99, passed from life June 13, 2018, surrounded by loving family.

She was born Feb. 27, 1919 to Mary Lucy Graziola and Lodovico Carlo Benedetti.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert, and her two younger brothers, William Giacomo Benedetti and Ludwick Raymond Benedetti.

She is survived by her four children, Deborah Fedele (Alan), Christine Davenport (Norma Corry), Gilbert Davenport (Loren), and Virginia Trottier (Raymond); five grandchildren, Amanda and Andrew Davenport, Regina Fedele, Mary Kathleen and Kenna Foley; one great-grandchild, Destiny Fedele; one brother-in-law, Peter (Henrietta) Davenport; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Margaret was raised in North Adams. She was an active participant in the 4-H Club, graduated from Drury High School (1937) and North Adams State Teachers College (1941). Her teaching career began in a one room school-house in Cheshire, teaching grades 1-8. Margaret married Sgt. Gilbert Davenport on VE Day May 8, 1945. They lived first in Boston, then moved to Newton, where they raised their family.

Since 2001, Margaret had lived independently at The Willows of Westborough.

Throughout her life, Margaret kept in close contact with her father’s family in Trentino, Italy. Many visits were exchanged between the countries, and close family relationships still exist today.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Newton Cemetery. A calling hour will be held prior to the Mass, from 9-10 a.m., at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Luke the Evangelist Church Memorial Fund, 70 West Main St., Westborough, MA 01581.

Westborough – Betty J. (Liberty) Salvadore, of 1 Lyman Street, Westborough, passed away June 14, 2018 at age 87. She was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Paul T. Salvadore, who passed away Oct. 23, 2015.

She was also the last surviving child of her parents Louis and Celia Liberty, as her brothers, Leonard, Thomas, Raymond, Charles, Cedric, and William, and sisters, Marcella Stewart, Lucille Brown, Joanne Chaput, and Madeline Garten, predeceased her. Her grandson, Andrew John Salvadore, also predeceased her in June 1994.

Betty is survived by her four loving children, her daughter, Paula Kelley and her husband Robert of Westborough, and her three sons, Richard of Wilmette, Ill., John and wife Janice of Southport, N.C., and James and his wife Rose of Amherst, N.H. Betty is also survived by her six grandchildren, Elizabeth Kelley Sohn and her husband Paul, Sonny Zhao and his wife Min, and Jeffrey, Christopher, Timothy and Julianne Salvadore. She is also survived by and many nieces and nephews.

Betty will always be known for her faith and golden heart. She always had a smile, a kind word for a stranger, and always put people at ease. She was widely loved and admired by many. Betty was most content to be surrounded by her family, her pride and joy.

Betty was always active in the community. She was an Eucharistic Minister at St. Luke’s Church, a founding member of the Martha’s and Mary’s, St. Luke’s Senior Adults, St. Luke’s Women’s Club, and “ Tuesday’s Lunch Bunch.” She was also a member of the Westborough Women’s Club, Westborough Democratic Town Committee (serving as Treasurer for 34 years), Registrar of Voters for the Town of Westborough, and a member of the Massachusetts Teacher Association.  She was employed by the Westborough Public Schools for 24 years.

Calling hours for Betty will be held Friday, June 22, from 4-7 p.m., at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. Her funeral will be held Saturday, June 23, at 10.am., at St. Luke’s Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will be in St. Luke’s Cemetery of Westborough immediately following the funeral Mass.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Willows of Westborough, Dr. Sadagopan, Dr. Meyer, and the doctors and nurses at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for their compassionate care and expertise.

Donations in her honor can be made to St. Luke’s the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Online remembrances can be made at Legacy.com.

She will be loved, remembered and missed forever by her many friends, colleagues and family.

Paxton – Worcester County Sheriff Lewis G. Evangelidis has announced the graduation of Basic Recruit Training Academy #49.  The most recent academy class, comprised of 14 new correctional officers, includes four members who are military or still-serving reservists in the United States Army, U.S. Marine Corp and Army National Guard.   The graduation ceremony was held on May 25 at Anna Maria College in Paxton.

Among the graduating class of new correctional officers is Westborough resident Officer Jesse Girouard, who is also a current service member of the United States Army.

During his tenure, Evangelidis has made significant changes to the hiring standards in order to professionalize the department. All correctional officer applicants must have, at minimum, an associate’s degree or at least two years of military service.  They must also take and pass a written exam, physical fitness test, background check and psychological screening test.  United States military applicants are given priority status in the hiring process.

“As we continue to build a strong department dedicated to serving our community, our new officers have met the highest hiring standards in corrections today and have completed the finest training academy in Massachusetts,” said Evangelidis.

“Corrections is a serious business, with almost 90 percent of our inmate population incarcerated due to addiction issues our primary responsibility is to serve and protect the citizens of Worcester County.  To do that effectively we must work daily with our inmate population so they are less likely to reoffend upon their release,” Evangelidis said. “I am proud to welcome our latest graduating class of fourteen new correctional officers who have met the challenges presented to them over the last twelve weeks.  With many of our new officers having served their country and all of them committed to mission of public safety, they will surely make us a better department.”

During the formal graduation ceremony, among the traditions that were observed was as a badge-pinning where the new officers were “pinned” into their new profession by a family member.

Westborough

Monday, June 4

7:28 a.m. Ruggles St. Accident property damage.

10:07 a.m. Steven Rd. Well-being check.

11:23 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

12:58 p.m. Flanders Rd. E Main St. Accident property damage.

3:56 p.m. Adams/Ruggles Sts. Erratic operator.

8:23 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Well-being check.

Tuesday, June 5

8:27 a.m. W Main St. Parking violation/complaint.

2:07 p.m. Lawrence St./Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

2:18 p.m. Union St. Suspicious person.

2:33 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious activity.

4:49 p.m. Otis St. Accident property damage.

6:01 p.m. Lyman St. Accident property damage.

7:49 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

10:34 p.m. Glen St. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, June 6

1:58 a.m. Turnpike Rd./Lyman St. Road/tree.

10:46 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

1:36 p.m. Ruggles St./Wayside Rd. Road/tree.

1:56 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious person.

4:16 p.m. Wheeler Rd. Disturbance (general).

4:52 p.m. Computer Dr. Accident property damage.

6:26 p.m. Baylor Ave. Suspicious auto.

6:54 p.m. Smith Pkwy. Accident property damage.

8:21 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

Thursday, June 7

6:28 a.m. Oak St. Well-being check.

11:06 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

Friday, June 8

2:40 a.m. Arrested, Rafael A. Aguila III, 21, of 706 School St., Apt. 4, Webster, for failure to stop for police officer while op MV, marked lanes violation, operating after revocation for drunk driving, speeding, operating after revocation of registration, operating uninsured MV.

7:33 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious person.

10:42 a.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

Saturday, June 9

12:39 a.m. West St. Suspicious auto.

12:51 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious auto.

1:06 a.m. Ruggles St. Suspicious auto.

2:26 a.m. Milk St. Suspicious person.

2:44 a.m. Arrested, Kempton E. Pollard Jr., 32, of 54 Elm St., Apt. 3, Worcester, on warrant.

9:30 a.m. Hopkinton Rd./Belknap St. Accident property damage.

1:45 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

3:44 p.m. Mt Pleasant St. Vandalism.

8:06 p.m. Warren St. Disturbance (general).

10:08 p.m. Bertis Adams Way. Disturbance (general).

11:20 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

Sunday, June 10

12:06 a.m. Turnpike Rd./Computer Dr. Accident – personal injury.

12:26 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Bellows Rd. Accident property damage.

1:25 p.m. Milk St./Meadow Rd. Suspicious activity.

2:15 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

9:06 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

10:34 p.m. E Main t. Disturbance (general).

Monday, June 11

8:07 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

9:53 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

3:42 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious activity.

4:55 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Computer Dr. Accident property damage.

7:47 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Well-being check.
9:36 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

Tuesday, June 12

10:21 a.m. Technology Dr. Burglary/breaking & entering.

11:47 a.m. E Main St. Larceny.

1:19 p.m. Hopkinton Rd. Threats made.

1:44 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

2:52 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

3:44 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.

7:28 p.m. Oak St. Well-being check.

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.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – A group of approximately 30 residents gathered at the rotary June 20 to protest the Trump administration’s controversial policy on separating migrant children from their parents after the families have entered the country illegally at the Texas border.

Although no counter protesters joined the event, a few dissenters showed their displeasure at times, organizers said. But for the most part commuters were positive, beeping their horns in approval and giving a thumbs up.

The protest was organized by Westborough resident Cristin Hodgens, who after participating in last year’s Boston Women’s March, formed the statewide advocacy group Wave of Women.

“The ideals shared in that march need to be continued on a local level,” she said. “To quote [the late Speaker of the House] Tip O’Neil, ‘all politics is local’. Not everyone can make it into Boston or Worcester but you can do something in your own community.”

Although the name is Wave of Women, the group is nonpartisan and inclusive of all, she stressed.

“It’s important to note that we welcome everyone – women, men, transgender, political parties, all ages all income brackets,” she added. ”We all have a lot of common ground.”

Gibbs Mitchell decided to quickly create a sign and join the protest at the rotary, he said, after hearing about it from a neighbor.

“It’s horrible, terrible what is happening,” he said. “This is not what America is about.”

ShaQuan Reed agreed, adding “We need to treat every child as though they were our own. We need to treat every person as if they were our neighbor. If we don’t what will happen to us when it’s our turn to need help?”

Nancy Perkins, who also helped to organize the event on behalf of the local advocacy group Westborough Indivisible noted that she was “fed up.”

“It’s not a political thing,” she said. “It’s about humanity, it’s about people.”

“Unless we are Native Americans, we are all immigrants in one way or another. There’s a lot of room in this country – there’s room for all.”

For more information on Wave of Women, visit www.waveofwomen.org and on Facebook at WAVE of Women- Westborough, MA.  

Westborough – Five classmates recently celebrated a very special occasion – their 73^rd high school reunion.

On May 10, Barbara Christie invited the remaining members of the Westborough High School Class of 1945 to her home at the Willows at Westborough. Dot Ross, Jane Hodgdon, Frannie Poulson and Bill Gould joined her that day. The class originally had 52 members. Two other members of their class are unaccounted for and were unable to be tracked down prior to the reunion.

Christie noted that the five remaining classmates all are “townies” who primarily stayed in Westborough over the years.

Since their graduation, the class has held reunions nearly every five years in various locations across the country.

“We’ve had many reunions over the past 73 years but our celebrations keep getting smaller,” Christie said.

Everyone who attended this year’s reunion, she said, is still very young at heart.

“We’re all in our 90s now and have our aches and pains, but you can be old at 50 … we’re young at 90.”

The group enjoyed lunch, shared old memories and went on a tour of The Willows alongside CEO Matt Salmon and Director of Dining Services Keith Pion.

“My friends loved my community, especially the friendly residents and staff,” Christie said.

To the members of the class of 2018, Christie said she would advise them to “get out there and use their educations, because a lot of us didn’t have the education opportunities they do today.”

“The world is full of opportunities if you look for them,” she added.

Christie also suggests new graduates make the effort to keep in touch with their high school classmates as she and her friends have for all these years.

To learn more about SALMON’s continuum of care with services on multiple campuses, visit www.SalmonHealth.com or call 508-366-3662.