By Kate Tobiasson, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Eager faces looked up at Hannah Gavalis, the Westborough Children’s Librarian at the Kindergarten Pep Rally held Aug. 14 at the library. A room full of five-year olds sat cross legged, tentatively glancing back at their parents as the night got underway.

Throughout the special event, excitement and participation steadily increased. Gavalis hosted a storytime while the children practiced raising their hands to answer questions about the books. Throughout the month, the library displayed a collection of books about kindergarten at the entrance to the department in an effort to build community support and enthusiasm for the start of school.

The rally was a delightful event for young families in Westborough.

“This is a great chance to come to the library, take out some books and check things out,” smiled Beth Lubelczyk who laughed with her daughter Addison throughout the scavenger hunt..

“The library is a great place to explore, and to meet parents and other children. My daughter, Nandita, is looking forward to kindergarten,” Subha Kannath shared. “But really, Nandita is most excited about the school bus!”

There is much to be excited about when it comes to entering kindergarten, but many families have questions and concerns about this big change.

The town of Westborough has worked hard to help students transition into kindergarten. Each elementary school screened incoming students last June, and will host kindergarten get-togethers and open houses at the end of August. The Westborough Public Library offered a unique opportunity for students from all three of the elementary schools to come together to talk and build anticipation for this big transition at the Kindergarten Pep Rally.

No pep rally would be complete without a group cheer and pom-poms. At the conclusion of the evening, Gavalis lead the room in a “Three Cheers for Kindergarten” chant while the children shook their colorful pom-poms in the air. The night ended with thunderous cheers and applause; a wonderful celebration of the start of school for Westborough’s youngest students.

Westborough – Westborough resident Colonel Brent E. French was honored for his service in the US. Air Force during a retirement ceremony held for him at the Pentagon, Arlington, VA Aug. 3.

Brigadier General Scott Sauter presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by Congressman James McGovern who presented French with a flag that had been flown over the Capitol building and an excerpt from the Congressional Record that had been submitted by McGovern.

French has served on active duty and the reserve component for 27 years. He had served in a Reserve capacity for the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and is now the executive director of finance and operations at the nationally ranked Foisie Business School at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is an adjunct professor of organizational behavior. He has also been an active member of the Westborough Veterans Advisory Board and was named the grand marshal for Westborough’s Memorial Day commemoration in 2013.

McGovern commented during the Aug. 3 ceremony that “….in every city and town across America, there are people who know that public service is more than just a career—it is a calling.  People who see problems and want to fix them; people who know that through hard work, they can truly make a difference for their country. Throughout his life, it’s clear that Colonel French is one of those people—and for that we are grateful.  On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I offer my most sincere thanks to Colonel French for his service to our nation, and a very heartfelt congratulations on his retirement.”

Will serve in that capacity in Lexington

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – After nearly 10 years as Westborough’s Town Manager, James Malloy plans to step down, after accepting a position in Lexington where he will serve in that capacity.

The move is another significant change in Westborough’s municipal government. This past spring two political newcomers were elected to the Board of Selectmen. Shelby Marshall and Syed Hashmi both defeated longtime BOS member George Barrette. Another longtime member, Denzil Drewry, chose not to run for re-election.

The Lexington Board of Selectmen chose Malloy from a final list of three candidates, citing his experience with capital planning as being a major factor. In his tenure with Westborough, Malloy oversaw the building of a new fire station, the renovation of the Town Hall and now the Forbes Municipal Building, as well as various school projects. He also served until recently on the town’s Economic Development Committee and worked closely with all other municipal departments. Malloy will be replacing Carl Valente, who retired in May as Lexington’s Town Manager.

Malloy has held municipal positions in Colorado, New York and Sturbridge.  He has also held leadership roles in the International City Managers Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association.

In a statement, Malloy noted that his time in Westborough had been a “great experience”.

“We have great staff that has coalesced as a team over the past several years.  As a team we have made significant strides in improving the overall organization and the town’s financial outlook which directly affects the services we’re able to provide the community,” Malloy said. “With some of the changes this year, I felt it was timely for me to consider new challenges and opportunities.  I wish my staff, who I consider not only to be colleagues but friends, the best in the future.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the Lexington Board of Selectmen, who are fully supportive of the town’s administration and have a very positive outlook on the challenges facing Lexington and I’m excited about the opportunity to work with them and the community to craft creative solutions to those challenges,” he added.

Westborough’s Board of Selectmen chair Leigh Emery noted, “We are pleased for Jim in having this excellent opportunity for his long term career. He has been a most adept Town Manager and we will miss his range of expertise and dedication to making Westborough a successfully growing and popular town.”

“The BOS will be meeting to start discussions on how we want to proceed for the period he is still with us, what will probably be a period of interim management, and on the search process of looking for a new Town Manager,” she added.

Westborough is a community of nearly 19,000 while Lexington has approximately 33,400 residents.

Malloy said he anticipates moving to the Lexington position in October.

By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Growing up as a Muslim American, Aliza Majid has encountered harassment. She knows deep down, most people are kind and welcoming but when it came to working on her Gold Award Project, she came up with what she thought was the perfect fit.

Her project, titled, “A Muslim Girl in America,” combines her passion and pride about her faith with ways to educate those that are not familiar with her religion. Her goal for this project was also to demystify misconceptions about Islam and the stigma that sometimes she feels surrounds her culture.

This is the Girl Scouts highest award that only a small percentage achieve nationwide.

“I started this project by trying to spread awareness about my religion given the current climate in our country,” Aliza said. “I created Ramadan and Eid baskets. The baskets were distributed to some churches and the police station. Ramadan goes along with the lunar calendar and we fast from sun up until sunset. We share kindness and the baskets filled with fruits, candies and informational pamphlets explaining the holiday as well as Eid, which falls at the end of Ramadan. The holiday is actually a time to try and purify you and think of ways to be kind. The hardships that you go through are intended to help you reflect on your life. Even though I am fasting during the school days, I focus more on my studies and I find the days pass quickly.”

One of the other things that Aliza did to implement her project was to talk to the Westborough town committees. She did a presentation on Islam at one of the Diversity Committee meetings and discussed ways in which the community could come together and be more comfortable with all ethnicities and religions.

She also spoke to the local Westborough Rotary Club on ways to spread awareness about Islam and how to be more inclusive. In addition, Aliza participated in the Masjid E. Basheer “Open Door Day” that was held in March. Everyone was welcome for this educational and fun day. About 500 attendees participated in this event, enjoying food from different cultures, henna stations, demonstrations on how to put on a hijab (traditional head covering) and more.

“I had a booth set up at Westborough’s annual Fourth of July Block Party and had information available for two organizations,” Aliza explained. “The first, Helping Hands for Relief and Development (HHRD), is a nonprofit that I’ve been working with and it helps people around the world. The other organization is called “Why Islam?” I had brochures that people could take.”

Because teenagers use social media quite readily, Aliza created a Youth Group blog (https://theteenageummah.wixsite.com/website) that shares views about Islam from teenage girls in the community.

When Aliza first began her Gold Award Project, she was hesitant about the response she would get. Everyone has been open to discuss her project and she confirmed that this has been a really positive experience.

In her free time, Aliza loves reading, spending time with friends, creative writing and listening to Korean music (KPop). She imagines herself, five years from now, continuing to be an advocate for Islam, while possibly pursuing a career in journalism or architecture.

Westborough – Dennis R. Brady, 78, of Westborough, passed away Aug. 19, 2018 at the Westborough Healthcare Center. He was the husband of Marilyn M. (Freel) Brady for 44 years.

Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Henry T. and Nadine E. (Statzell) Brady. He was raised and educated in Westborough and was a graduate of Westborough High School.

Dennis was a long-distance truck driver for 35 years prior to his retirement.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Christine D. Brady of Sterling and her three children, Samantha Brady, Shannon McCabe and Brady McCabe and her grandson, Silas Sebastian Lataille, and Denita Gilman of Texas and Leigh Murphy and Scott Brady, both of California; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Ronald Brady and Richard Brady.

Services and interment will be private.

Westborough – Mary K. Gillis, 82, of Westborough, passed away Aug. 19, 2018 at home. She was the wife of the late Donald M. Gillis.

Born in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of the late Angus and Alice (MacAskill) MacDonald. She was raised and educated in Dedham, and was a graduate of Dedham High School. She also took classes at Worcester State College.

Mary worked as a telephone operator and then a dental assistant before staying home to raise her family. She returned to work in 1978 as a bank teller at Westborough Savings Bank where she worked until 2001.

She had been a resident of Westborough since 1962. She was a member of the Congregational Church of Westborough where she formerly served on the Board of Deacons. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf, traveling to Bermuda, and was an avid bridge player.

Mary is survived by two children, Todd E. Gillis of Westborough and Elizabeth A. Gillis and her partner Michael J. Smith of Millbury; one sister, Joan Winthrop of Dennis;  and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Donald MacDonald.

Her memorial service was held Aug. 25 in the Congregational Church of Westborough, with burial at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or at www.alz.org.

By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer

Westborough – As the president of the Environmental Club at Westborough High School, Victoria Helle has always felt a strong connection to the environment. So, when it came time for her to brainstorm her Gold Award Girl Scout project, she decided to present a nature walk with younger troops to teach them about the environment. When she went to have the idea approved, Girl Scout officials agreed that she could do better.

Victoria knew she had to go bigger and truly make an impact on a larger scale. Her project evolved and became known as, “A Guide to Make My Community More Environmentally Friendly.”

“From the beginning of my project’s creation, the topic and magnitude of my idea totally evolved into something so much greater than I had anticipated,” Victoria said. “My two project advisors, Marge Fisher and Jerry Sjogren were so supportive.”

During her senior year, Victoria implemented an environmental trivia contest that she read during the morning announcements. This was a fun way to start the day and was very well received by the student body. The winners received iTunes cards.

In addition, the club sold aluminum water bottles to help raise funds. A total of $500 was raised through donations and sales.

“I also had the support of the Environmental Club with my idea to earn money to purchase water bottle filler machines for the school to reduce the use of plastic water bottles,” Victoria explained. “In a few weeks, before the start of school, there will actually be two of these machines installed in the school. I think these filtered water machines will be hugely popular and I could not be more proud and excited.”

Victoria is passionate about ways to recycle, protect the environment and more. She is mindful of trash and the effects that certain materials have on the environment. She was excited to sit down with Ben Harvey of E.L. Harvey at a community meeting where attendees discussed new innovations in recycling treatment facilities and ways in which they could help to protect the environment. One thing that was focused on was how trash is actually disposed of.

“I also developed a website [https://environmentwestborough.weebly.com] linked to the Westborough Land Trust that focused on how important it is to remove dog droppings from the ground. This material is extremely harmful to, not only the groundwater, but has a negative impact on humans and the environment,” Victoria said.

Victoria will be starting her freshman year at the University of Rhode Island in a few weeks and expects to join some of the university’s sustainability clubs. She originally thought she would study marine biology but after completing her Gold Award Girl Scout Award, she has decided to change her major to environmental science.

She enjoys helping out with her three younger siblings, all of which are under the age of 6. She is an avid runner and ran cross country, indoor and spring track.

“Four to five years from now I know that I will definitely be making some type of an impact with the environment,” Victoria noted confidently.

By Christine Beauchaine, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

This saying certainly applies to Westborough native, Jacqueline Avola, who has certainly seen her hard work pay off in a big way.

Avola has always loved sports, participating in both field hockey and figure skating when she was younger.

In 2011, when she was a freshman at Westborough High School, her history teacher was a big hockey fan. That year hockey fans throughout the region celebrated as the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup, the first time in 39 years.

Avola noted that her teacher did not assign any homework during the playoff run but rather said “Go home and watch the game.”

As Avola did, she found that she loved the game and the Bruins in particular. While watching, she begin to tweet about the games. She gained a large following on Twitter, although that annoyed her friends, she laughed.

Despite that, in addition to discovering a love for hockey and the Bruins, she found she had a real talent for social media.

After graduation, she decided to attend Assumption College in Worcester.

While there, she volunteered for a campus organization called Assumption Against Cancer which helped to organize a Relay for Life fundraising event on campus. (Relay for Life is an volunteer-led event held across the world as a way to raise funds for cancer research.) Initially, she was on the entertainment committee but decided it wasn’t a good fit for her so she switched to social media and publicity where she excelled.

A professor and mentor at Assumption took note of her success with social media and encouraged her to apply to an internship with the hockey team the Worcester Railers, an ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders.

Avola was offered the internship, working with the team throughout 2017 and 2018.

In the spring of 2018, she graduated from Assumption with an organizational communication major and minors in sports management and French. Her honors thesis addressed the impact of social media and how it has changed sports by increasing accessibility, intimacy and immediacy.

After graduation, the Railers offered her a job, where she now works in Corporate Fulfillment, dealing with corporate partnerships and contracts. As such, she is learning new things at the job, all of the time.

For other young people seeking advice on obtaining a job they love, she offers, “Find a mentor. Be a sponge. Take in everything. Don’t settle for something you don’t want to do.”

By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer

Westborough – About 200 student athletes gathered at Westborough High School for their annual Rangers Give Back Day Aug. 21. There were cheerleaders, hockey players, soccer players, golfers, cross country runners, field hockey players and more all first congregating together before they went off to their respective community service assignments throughout the town. Leading this year’s event was senior Bethany Woodcock, a three sport athlete.

Each student athlete was given a t-shirt and was then assigned to a location where they spent three hours volunteering for assignments, such as weeding and mulching at different locations in town or working at the school doing things such as stapling first-day packets, painting paw prints on a walkway, and delivering them, re-arranging and cleaning the trophy cases.

Before the students dispersed to their team’s assigned locations, Johanna DiCarlo, the school’s athletic director, and Woodcock addressed the group.

“Remember what this day is about and take pride in what you are doing today,” DiCarlo said. “This is a great opportunity to show the town just how much we appreciate all that they do for us.”

“This day is about giving back,” added Woodcock. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community. I’d also like to thank the Booster Club for supplying the t-shirts and the ice cream provided today.”

At noon, all of the participants were treated to Uhlman Farms ice cream at the high school.

“We are so proud of the Rangers Give Back Day. This is truly a student-led event and one of the best events we hold all year,” said DiCarlo. “The student-athletes recognize how fortunate they are to have such a supportive town like Westborough and they are happy to give back to the community that supports them so much. I believe this is the sixth year we are doing this.”

“There is really no other community service day like this one,” Woodcock said. “Everyone has such a positive attitude that it’s really contagious and everyone just steps up to the plate and works together. It’s so nice to see this. In addition, everyone that we help is so appreciative and supportive.”

Next year, Julia French will take over the task of leading the Rangers Give Back Day. The three sport athlete is already looking forward to taking the reigns on this event and is learning all that is involved in making this day a success.

Boys’ soccer Co-Captain Noah Jaeger Bruehl, a senior and fourth-year participant in this event, shared his thoughts of the day.

“It’s great for everyone to come together as a team in a more formal way and bond,” he said. “Plus, it is really a lot of fun.”

Westborough

Wednesday, Aug. 8

7:13 a.m. Rev Thomas Hooker Rd. Disturbance (general).

11:36 a.m. Lyman St. Accident – hit & run.

1:49 a.m. Cooks St. Threats made.

6:52 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

10:18 p.m. Cook St. Suspicious person.

Thursday, Aug. 9

1:01 a.m. Baker Way. Disturbance (general).

4:25 a.m. Milk St. Suspicious auto.

10:50 a.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

11:13 a.m. Bowman Ln. Disturbance (general).

11:28 a.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance (general).

12:44 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

5:01 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

Friday, Aug. 10

1:12 a.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.

1:42 a.m. Arrested, Ambikesh Khiriya, 35, of 293 Turnpike Rd., Apt. 312, Westborough, for fail to stop/yield, marked lanes violation, operating under the influence of liquor, operating MV negligently so as to endanger.

10:58 a.m. Computer Dr. Threats made.

7:57 p.m. Forrest Ln. Suspicious activity.

9:31 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

9:39 p.m. W Main St./Brewer Dr. Suspicious person.

Saturday, Aug. 11

1:09 a.m. Beach St. Suspicious auto.

6:49 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

Sunday, Aug. 12

2:09 a.m. Chauncy St. Suspicious auto.
11:28 a.m. Arch St. Road/tree.

1:32 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

4:27 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

5:53 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

11:06 p.m. Lyman St. Accident property damage.

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 – Arthur H. Lerit, PhD, 73, of Westborough, passed away peacefully Aug. 26, 2018 after a period of failing health. His wife of 45 years, Mary E. Lerit, passed away in October 2016.

Arthur was born in Queens, N.Y., and was the son of the late, Jack and Lydia Lerit.  Arthur graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1962, received a bachelor’s degree from the City University of New York – Queens College in 1966, and then a Master’s of Science in chemistry from the University of Rochester in 1969.  He returned to Queens College where he earned his PhD in organic photochemistry in 1975.

Arthur and Mary moved to Worcester, where they raised their family and resided for over 40 years.

After instructing at two area colleges, Arthur spent nearly 30 years teaching chemistry at his beloved St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic High School to generations of students. While at SPM, he also directed the AP Chemistry curriculum, led the National Honor Society, and was an active fundraiser for St. Jude’s children’s charities. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church of Worcester, where he was both a Eucharistic minister and lectern.

He doted on his dogs and loved traveling with his wife and visiting with his grandchildren.

He is survived and cherished by his six children, Mitchel and Lindsey Lerit and their daughter, Clara­jean; Daniel and Whitney Lerit and their children Raven and Nathan; William and Tracey Lerit and their children Kamden, Kayden, and Nevaeh; Rosemary Lerit Titievsky and Kirill Titievsky and their children Leo, Zoe, and Wes; Regina and Michael Penn; and Drs. Dorothy Lerit Shebelut, PhD and Conrad Shebelut, MD/PhD.  In addition to his younger brother and sister, Bruce Lerit and Susan Schoppe, he is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for calling hours Friday, Aug. 31, from 4-7 p.m., in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel (located within the cemetery) with burial to follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, N.Y, where Arthur will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Arthur’s name be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
To share a special memory of Arthur, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.

Westborough – Daniel M. Cusson, 71, of Westborough, died Aug. 25, 2018 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Homer and Ann (Zulkus) Cusson. He was educated in Westborough schools and was a 1965 graduate of Westborough High School. He also earned a certificate in Computer Numerical Control Operations.

Dan was employed as a machine operator at Bay State Abrasives for 33 years then worked for Cold Chain Technology prior to his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, reading, all New England sports, loved animals and traveling.

He is survived by one brother, James J. Cusson and his wife Susan of Westborough; one niece, Susan Welch; two nephews, Andrew Cusson and Brian Cusson; and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Welch, and a nephew, Richard Welch.

The family would like to thank Linda and the staff at Christina’s Café and longtime neighbors and friends, Liz and Lauren, for their love, support and friendship.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m., in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Hopkinton Road, Westborough. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or to Bay Path Humane Society, P.O Box 23, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

By Kate Tobiasson, Contributing Writer

Westborough – If you’ve stopped by the Children’s Room at the Westborough Public Library lately, you’ve noticed that a lot has changed in the last year. The room has a new energy, larger following and expanded programming. New paint and furniture fill the room with a bit of fresh air – but the real change comes from new Children’s Librarian Hannah Gavalis. Her buoyant spirit and exuberant personality fill the space with a contagious joy.

On a given day, Gavalis can be spotted leading a story time filled with energy and motor breaks for young readers, digging through the collection or helping a family find just the right book. She’s eager to help encourage young readers, and to help connect families in Westborough.

“I love coming in and seeing the department really busy,” Gavalis smiled. “Our circulation is up by 20 percent in the past year. I love seeing the kids come in and smile. Even on a day when I feel exhausted, when I see the kids’ smiling faces, I’m filled with joy.”

Gavalis comes from a long line of librarians, and grew up in central Massachusetts. Following Dottie Hurley’s retirement last year, Gavalis was excited at the chance to join the Westborough community.

“I have family in town so I knew the community of Westborough before I joined the library,” she explained. “I knew that Westborough was a diverse town, and one that embraces all cultures and families. That really interested me.”

Bringing more diversity into the children’s collection has been one of her missions. Children’s literature has expanded in recent years as publishers have begun to include more narratives from authors of different races, cultures and religions.

“Including these texts in the collection helps young readers and families to feel connected to what they’re reading, and better understand the world around them,” Gavalis explained. “Diversity is important in the library world right now, and is something that is important to the Westborough community.”

The new librarian has also worked to further update the children’s collection. Noting the gap between the children’s room and the teen room, she has worked to boost the collection and to create a more inclusive collection for these middle readers.

Clearly, her efforts are working. This summer, over 900 children have participated in the summer reading program, targeting children from birth through fifth grade. As of this week, 100 children finished their pre-literacy activities with their families or have read over 30 hours. These numbers are a 300-percent increase from previous years.

“Westborough is truly filled to the brim with amazing young readers!” Gavalis said.

Additionally, the library has worked to expand programming. This summer, the traditional kindergarten story was reimagined into the kindergarten pep rally. In the fall, residents can look forward to yoga at the library targeted toward youngsters and a new partnership between the library and the New England School of Music who will collaborate on a free music program for children ages 0-5.

Gavalis is excited about all of these changes and the opportunities that she is bringing to town of Westborough.

“The kids’ faces are the best part of my job,” she said. “Working with the kids is fantastic.”

Westborough – The Shir Joy Chorus, central Massachusetts’ Jewish Community Chorus, is seeking new singers for its winter concert in February. Open rehearsals will be held Monday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 14, from 7-9:15 p.m., when potential members can observe or join right in. Regular rehearsals are Sunday evenings and are held at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough, which generously donates rehearsal space to the chorus. Members come from a variety of area towns, including Worcester, Westborough, Northborough, Marlborough, Auburn and Medway, and carpooling can be arranged.

Open rehearsals will include a meet and greet, section placement and registration. Director Nan Gibbons, as well as members of the board, will be available to chat and answer questions.

For more information, visit www.shirjoychorus.com; visit on Facebook or Instagram; email ShirJoyMA@gmail.com; call 508-366-7175; or come to an open rehearsal.

Westborough – The Westborough Woman’s Club will begin the new season with a kickoff potluck dinner Saturday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 17 Willow St., Westborough. The guest speaker will be Andrew O’Keefe, the Massachusetts Youth Leadership Foundation MassSTAR award winner. In addition to the sharing of a delicious meal, the ladies will welcome new members and recognize the 2018 Scholarship winners: Marien Girgis, Abigail Soukup, Kristen Steudel, Ashley Taylor and Andrew O’Keefe.

Membership in the Westborough Woman’s Club is open to all women who are at least 18 years of age and have an interest in contributing to the betterment of the community.

Since this event includes a potluck supper, interested attendees are asked to RSVP to 508-341-8089.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – For just over 100 years, Tufts Machine Co. was located on East Main Street, employing over 50 people during the height of its busiest time during the 1950s. After it was sold in 1985, the building was the site of another manufacturing company for a number of years until that company closed, leaving the building empty and falling into a state of disrepair. Now, the property, located on one of the town’s busiest commuter roads, will become home to a new 24-hour Cumberland Farms store.

The East Main Street property itself was once the town’s old “car barn,” a type of trolley garage for the trolleys that once ran through the center of town, before it became one of Westborough’s most enduring businesses.

The story of Tufts is also the story of a family business.

An immigrant from Canada, James Tufts founded his eponymous company in 1914 in Roxbury, before relocating it to Brigham Street in Westborough in 1918 and then finally to East Main Street in 1930, according to “On the Beaten Path: Westborough Massachusetts,” the definitive history of the town written by Kristina Nilson Allen.

For 71 years, the company was owned and operated by the Tufts family as a manufacturing plant and office. James Tufts had five sons, three of whom worked at the company.

Bruce was the company’s president while Donald was vice president and Hugh was treasurer. In a promotional brochure, it was noted that the company had “about 30,000 square feet of floor space and ample yard space for trucks and parking on a four-acre lot.”

Its manufacturing facilities, the brochure noted, included CNC and NC machining capabilities, lathes, boring mills, milling, grinding and more.

During World War II the company had a number of government contracts. According to a Westborough News article from Sept. 16, 1983, the company also manufactured machines for customers such as Nortons, B.F. Goodrich and Morgan Construction. At its peak in the 1950s it employed up to 52 people.

When the company was sold in 1983 to Cosmos Enterprises, it retained the Tufts name but under owner Yong S. Lee, it took on a new type of manufacturing – automated machines that made fortune cookies.

A brochure from that time describes the Model Fortune III machine, which was 6 feet wide, 6.5 feet long, 4 feet high and weighed 2,500 lbs.

Ultimately Lee closed the business when the fortune cookie industry slowed down. Plans are now in place to develop a new Cumberland Farms store at the site. As part of that process, the former Tufts building was finally razed last month.

Throughout the years, the lawn in front of the build has been the site of numerous events sponsored by local nonprofit groups as the different owners graciously allowed them to use the space fronting busy Route 30. For years Westborough residents bought their Christmas trees from the Westborough Civic Club’s annual sale held there. Scouts also benefitted from the prime spot as they held yard sales, clothing collections and more.

In March, another piece of the Tufts legacy ended when Robert Bruce “Bob” Tufts, the son of R. Bruce Tufts, and the grandson of James Tufts, passed away after an illness. With his wife Anne’s decision to move, and the couple’s two adult children living elsewhere, for the first time in a century, there are no longer any members of the Tufts family living in Westborough.

Westborough – Vera E. Jodrey, 89, of Westborough, passed away Aug. 24, 2018. Her husband, Robert M. Jodrey, passed away in April 2010.

Vera was born in Fitchburg, a daughter of William W. and Gena (Eaton) Louis. Vera was predeceased by a sister, Anna, and brothers, William and Harold Louis. She leaves several nieces and nephews in and out of the state.

Vera graduated from Millbury High School and worked at accounting at New England Wire Co. for some years.

After marrying Robert, they really enjoyed maintaining their home and gardens, vacations in Maine, and sailing for many years at the Cape aboard their 25’ O’Day sailboat – the “Spirit of ‘76”.  Truly adventurous!

A calling hour will be held Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 10-11 a.m., followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. Burial in Hillside Cemetery of Auburn will be private.

Westborough – Katherine D. Van Deventer, 91, of Westborough, previously of The Willows in Worcester, passed away peacefully Sept. 7, 2018 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. She was the wife of Arthur J. Van Deventer, to whom she was married for 68 years.

Born in Yonkers, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Katherine (Cuddy) Doran. She was educated in Yonkers, and graduated from the College of Mt. St. Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y.

Katherine was dedicated to her home and her entire family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by seven children, Arthur J. Van Deventer and his wife Carol of Somers, Conn., Richard M. Van Deventer and his wife Kathy of Bellaire, Texas, Mary P. Van Deventer of Boston, Brendan P. Van Deventer and his wife Monica of Barrington, R.I., Katherine V. Latraverse and her husband James of Shrewsbury, Elizabeth V. Hurst and her husband John of Roswell, Ga., and Peter D. Van Deventer and his wife April of El Dorado Hills, Calif.; six siblings, Sarah Downing, Mary Newman Richards, Daniel Doran, Arthur Doran, James Doran, and Margaret Duffy; 15 grandchildren, Brian Van Deventer, Lisa Schumacher, Michael Van Deventer, Katherine Casey, Brendan Van Deventer, Kimberly Cunningham, Christine Cunningham, Jacqueline Van Deventer, Meghan Van Deventer, Brendan Van Deventer, Lauren Hurst, John Hurst, Patrick Hurst, Maximilian Van Deventer and Sasha Van Deventer; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Brian Van Deventer, and a sister, Anne Hayes.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 10 at St. Luke the Evangelist Church of Westborough.

Donations in her memory may be made to Salmon VNA and Hospice, 57 Birch St., Milford, MA 01757.

Westborough – After 22 years as the head of Westborough Youth and Family Services (WYFS), John Badenhausen has retired as director of the department.

During his tenure, Badenhausen often worked with other town departments and faith organizations to assist residents of all ages with services related to mental health, domestic abuse, youth diversion, food insecurity and counseling, to name just a few.

Under his direction the department also offered activities for young people such as the popular babysitting course and the Hot Summer Nights program, designed to give teens fun options during the summer vacation. And each December, WYFS, along with the Rotary Club of Westborough, has run a Holiday Store that allows families who are facing financial hardship to select gifts to give to their children.

For more information on WYFS and the many services they offer visit www.town.westborough.ma.us/youth-and-family-services.