Westborough – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Westborough. There were no EEE virus positive mosquito samples identified in Westborough in 2018.

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites · Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing longsleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. · Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. Mosquito-Proof Your Home
• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. While the Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH, locally they partner with the Central MA Mosquito Control Project. Residents that wish to have their property sprayed should contact the Central MA Mosquito Control project at 508-393-3055 or online at www.cmmcp.org. A public health fact sheet on EEE is attached. Reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

Westborough – Eleanor R. Myers of Westborough, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Aug. 7, 2019, surrounded her family.

Born March 26, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Pa., daughter of Joseph and Erna (Bradies) Nastasy, she was married in 1949 to Foster Miller Myers, who preceded her in death in 1987. She graduated from Sharon High School in Sharon, Pa. and earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Edinboro University, Pa.

Eleanor worked in payroll for Westinghouse in Sharon, Pa. and Talon, Inc. in Meadville, Pa. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed travelling, photography, music, golf, bowling and vacationing near family at the beach in Florida.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, Pa. for 61 years, and a 34-year member of the Women’s Club of Meadville, serving in several offices.  She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies and the Meadville Literary Club and the Westborough Women’s Club. She was a member of the Westborough Congregational Church from 2011 until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings, Nina Ruth Nastasy, Thelma Williams, Edna Lou Nastasy and David Nastasy.

She is survived by her sons, David W. Myers and his wife Nancy of Upton and James R. Myers and his wife Sheryl of Boalsburg, Pa., and grandchildren Christina Evans and husband Dr. Thomas Evans of Hopkinton, Laura Murray and husband Andrew Murray of Edmund, Okla., David J. Myers and wife Krystal Myers of Franklin, Eric Myers and wife Meredith Keller of Washington, D.C., and Michelle Myers and wife Katie Campbell of Austin, Texas. Eleanor is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

In Massachusetts, calling hours will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, from 3-5 p.m., at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 W. Main St, Westborough. A funeral service will be held Monday, Aug. 12, at 1 0 a.m., at The Congregational Church of Westborough. In Pennsylvania, calling hours will be Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5-7 p.m., at the Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville, Pa. On Friday, Aug. 16, funeral services will take place 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, followed by a luncheon and brief interment service at Greendale Cemetery in Meadville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foster Miller and Eleanor Rose Myers Memorial Fund for children’s books, Meadville Public Library, 848 North St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Open houses held to garner interest from prospective buyers

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – The town-owned property at 7 Parkman St., known as the Spurr House, is once again on the market. Neighbors and many other town residents are hopeful that this latest effort to save the circa-1845 property will be successful, saving the home from demolition.

In late 2014 the town’s American Legion Stowell-Parker Post 163 moved out of the building that it had used since 1946. The home borders the town’s Forbes Municipal Building (FMB) as well as a private residence owned by Bob and Tania Pano.

In the ensuing years since the Legion moved out, the house – and what should be done with it next – has been a point of contention, both in town meetings and on social media.

Town officials had attempted to sell the property but after only one bid was received (submitted by former Town Manager Jim Malloy’s son) which was under the assessed value, they chose to instead try to get approval from voters at Town Meeting for a demolition permit. In doing so, they hoped to then build a parking lot on the space, which they said was needed to accommodate the busy downtown.

Residents decried that decision saying that due diligence had not been done and not enough of an effort made to sell the property.

In answer, the Board of Selectmen established the Spurr House Advisory Committee. Earlier this year, town officials agreed to once again open a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property. They also agreed to place a For Sale sign in front of the home. Residents had cited that as part of the problem before – not enough people knew the home was for sale, they claimed, in spite of the fact a number of town meetings had been held about the property and newspaper articles had been written about it.

Officials also agreed to hold open houses at the home for interested parties to do a preliminary check of the property. The first open house, held Aug. 9, attracted about 20 interested people.

The property consists of 9,138 square feet of land, with the home a two story wood frame single family dwelling. The building contains 3,952 square feet of living area with forced hot water, oil heat, and an asphalt roof and has access to town water and sewer. The property was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Going through the house, one can see remnants of a once beautiful home. The many rooms are spacious, especially for a home of that era. There are a number of fireplaces throughout the home. The front staircase is lovely with period wallpaper: two other smaller ones in the back of the house would most likely need to be replaced.

A great deal of renovations will certainly be necessary throughout the entire home and part of the outside; there is apparent water damage in some of the rooms. The two small kitchen areas would have to be completely remodeled as would the two bathrooms, which are only powder rooms.

The basement, like many homes of that era, is quite rustic with a dirt floor in part of it. The steam boiler, however, is only about 10 years old.

Town Manager Kristi Williams noted that the home cannot be listed on MLS or through a Realtor because commissions cannot be paid since it is a town-owned property.

A complete RFP for the property, which also includes the town bylaws, is available in the Town Manager’s Office at Town Hall. All proposals are due by Friday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m.

As cited by the RFP, “The Town of Westborough reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any defects, informalities and  minor  irregularities,  to  accept  exceptions  to  these  specifications,  and  make  such  award  or  act otherwise as it alone may deem in its best interest.

“The Property is offered ‘as is’ and no warranties or representations are made by the Town with respect to the Property except that it is an approved building lot and is located within a residential zone. Each Proposer, who submits a proposal, is responsible for making its own investigation of the Property.”

An additional Open House will be held at the property on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10-11 a.m. Members of the Spurr House Advisory Committee will be present to answer questions.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – For three weeks this summer, a number of Westborough youngsters put down their phones and tablets and instead headed to the Westborough Golf Club (WGC).

The kids were participants in a summer golf lessons program sponsored by the Westborough Recreation Department in cooperation with the town’s Westborough Golf Club, the public course located at 121 West Main St.

The program was overseen by Lori Kinney, who is the longtime assistant coach for the girls’ team at Westborough High School.

Working with the kids, boys and girls, who ranged in age from 6-13 years old, was a “wonderful experience,” she said.

Some of the kids had been in the program  last year and/or had some experience while other were picking up the clubs for the first time, she said.

“You can just see by the smiles on their faces how much fun they are having,” she added. “I really believe many of these kids will continue to enjoy golf after this program.”

During each week’s session, the kids first learned putting and chipping on a practice green. They then went onto the 8^th fairway where they played 100 yards on holes 8 and 9. Tuesdays and Wednesdays they met at the nearby Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School field where they learned full swings using restricted flight balls. Thursdays they were back at the WGC.

The week however was not just about the sport of golf, Kinney said.

“They also learn about things like etiquette, integrity, and character,” she said. “Things that apply to golf but also life.”

Helping to stress those points were WHS student coaches Chay Maloney, Haley Lee-Burke and Courtney Blumberg.

“It’s been so much fun to work with the kids,” Lee-Burke said.  “Some of the kids were here two or three of the weeks. It’s been nice to bond with them.”

“I love to play golf so it’s been nice to share that with the kids and teach them about it,” Maloney added.

Two adults, Kathy Storey and Terry Reily , “both champions at WGC,” Kinney noted, also worked with the kids, “offering great knowledge”.

As part of the program, the WGC Operating Committee also awarded a scholarship each of the three weeks to a participant, which would allow them to play for free at the course for the remainder of the year.

The winners were Mae Abraham, Emmalyn Tse and Ellie Spencer.

Emmalyn said she hoped that learning more about golf would enable her to play more with her father. She also praised the WHS girls.

“They were really nice and made it really fun,” she said.

Ellie noted that she had mostly played miniature golf before this program.

“I really wanted to try something new and now I just love it,” she said.

The girls had not known each other beforehand but now had become good friends, they added.

In 1974, the town of Westborough purchased the 110 acre property.  In 2018 the name was changed to Westborough Golf Club from Westborough Country Club.

The beautiful course is owned by the town, but is a public course, open to both residents and non-residents.

It has four sets of tees, which can accommodate all levels of play for nine or eighteen holes.

For more information visit ww.westboroughgolfclub.com.

To the Editor:

On behalf of Westborough Youth & Family Services, I offer our condolences to the victims and loved ones impacted by the mass shootings that occurred this weekend in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.  Youth & Family Services rejects violence and hate and is supportive and inclusive of all people.  We strive to create an environment that supports that central value.

We recognize that you don’t have to experience violence directly to be negatively impacted by it.  Repeated exposure to news about violence through TV, newspapers, radio, social media and conversations can have a cumulative harmful effect that may include feelings of sadness, anger, helplessness, grief, fear, numbness or shock.  These reactions may lead to difficulty sleeping and concentrating, changes in appetite, irritability or crying.  While these symptoms and feelings commonly fade over time, the degree of impact varies between individuals and may require added attention and self-care to healthfully cope and recover.  The American Psychological Association¹ offers these tips:

• Talk about it with people who care about you and will listen to your concerns.
• Take a break from media exposure. Reduce stressors.  Downtime is important.
• Acknowledge and honor your feelings, and know that you are not alone in your reaction.
• Practice daily self-care by eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
• Help others in your community.
• Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional if you are having difficulty functioning or are unable to complete your daily activities.

If you are an adult supporting children in the aftermath of mass violence, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network² has published a number of downloadable tip sheets with these and other simple recommendations about understanding and talking to kids:

• Common reactions in children following exposure to violence include fear for safety of self and others, focus on the violent event, changes in concentration, eating, sleep, mood and behavior.
• Talk with children and invite them to talk about their feelings and questions. Find out what they know and answer questions truthfully with developmentally appropriate language.  At the same time, don’t push kids to talk if they don’t want to.
• Limit children’s exposure to media.
• Set an example for self-care and promote children’s self-care.
• Help children feel safe by informing them of protections in place.
• Be patient and consistent; maintain rules and routines.
• Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional if your child is having difficulty functioning or is unable to complete daily activities.

The mission of Westborough Youth and Family Services is to provide counseling and social services to Westborough residents and to promote behavioral health and wellness for the entire community.  We are a resource for you.  For direct support, information and referrals, please contact us at 508-366-3090.

Cara Presley, LICSW

Director, Westborough Youth & Family Services

¹ https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/mass-shooting

² https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/terrorism-and-violence/mass-violence

By David Bagdon, Publisher

The word “warrior” is used a bit too lightly these days. In the world of fitness, it is currently fashionable to participate in a “Warrior Race” which is essentially an annual mud-soaked obstacle course run that is then often proudly posted on social media.

But in some people’s world, the term warrior is reserved for those who push themselves to the brink of their body’s capabilities year in and year out, literally for decades. Harmesh Sharma is that kind of warrior.

At 75 years of age and barely 130 pounds, the Westborough resident challenges his body to improve every single day. Although he had been an avid runner for many years, his passion for the last three years has been powerlifting. And judging by his string of medals and records, his methods are proving successful.

In early June Sharma competed in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island State Powerlifting championships setting five American records in the process. In light of his age and small frame, the amounts are amazing: squat 187 lbs., bench press 127 lbs. and a deadlift of 243 lbs. and a combined total of 557 lbs.

Adding to that outstanding achievement is the fact the Sharma has been training with weights for just three years. Prior to that he was a hardcore runner having completed some 10 Boston Marathons (unofficial) and 16 half marathons. But somewhere along the line, the thrill of running was waning.

“I realized that I was not improving and in fact, my muscle strength was decreasing,” he said.

That is when Sharma packed his workout gear and headed for a local gym, Crunch Fitness in Westborough.

 Striving for progress

A researcher by profession, Sharma has always maintained meticulous records of his training progress. Whether is was miles logged, amount of rest, weights lifted or foods eaten, he has recorded it all diligently for some 45 years. After running avidly for so many years, Sharma abruptly decided that he was not making satisfactory progress towards his goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon which required a time of 4 hours and 24 minutes. Always focused on a goal, he decided it was time for a change.

After reviewing his training records, he observed that his ability to do pushups during the many years he was running had declined, so he decided the best course of action was to get away from running and to start building up his strength with weight training.

He decided to join a gym in Westborough where he began training again with his trademark intensity. Before long, he caught the attention of fellow gym members, in particular established  powerlifter Mark Knowles.

“Right away I could see the intensity in his workouts but I knew he could use some guidance with his training.  Harmesh’s level of focus is very high and many times he pushes himself harder than he should to make maximum progress. We all need to modify our training as we get older …that’s not always an easy sell with Harmesh,” Knowles said.

In short order a friendship was formed, and to date, Knowles has mentored Sharma through several successful competitions with more to come. Sharma has his eyes focused on an upcoming national meet in Chicago. Should that go well, he is hoping to qualify for the USA Powerlifting Championship to be held in South Africa in April 2020.

A career scientist

Although he recently retired in October 2018, Sharma had a distinguished career in the field of medical research. Holding a Ph.D. in biochemistry, he served on the faculty of SUNY Buffalo from 1974-1983. Following that he joined the diagnostic division at Bayer. He finished his career as the principal scientist for Massachusetts-based Genzyme.

He noted he has always applied the same intensity to his professional life as he does to his training.

“I’ve always been a hard worker whether it was in my work as a scientist or in my fitness. I want to work hard and earn everything I have,” he said.

The value of support

According to Sharma the camaraderie is one of the best things about powerlifting.

“Running is a very solitary sport. It’s often difficult to find someone who runs at your pace so many times one ends up training alone,” he said. “At Crunch Fitness, it seems people want to help and support each other, it’s like a community.”

Sharma is also quick to credit his wife of 50 years, Kanta, for her many years of support; whether it was picking him up from far flung running destinations or helping him with juicing and nutrition, she has always been a big supporter of his fitness goals. He is rigid with his diet consuming mainly chicken, salmon, vegetables and beans. However he does admit to a particular weakness for milk and cookies.

So, what is next for Sharma in his lifelong pursuit of fitness?  He says the overriding goal is to motivate others.

“The competitions are wonderful, but my ultimate goal is to inspire others to reach for their fitness goals. If someone sees that an athlete of my size and age can reach their goals, then they should know, it’s possible for them as well.”

Photos/submitted

Boston – State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), was pleased to host three local students as interns in her office at the Statehouse this summer. Kane welcomed Shrewsbury natives Sophia Flionis and Serena Desai, as well as longtime Westborough resident Tucker Morin.

A 2018 graduate of Shrewsbury High School, Flionis is a rising sophomore in the Honors Program at Fairfield University, pursuing degrees in politics and communications. She is a member of Fairfield University’s equestrian team and actively participates in community service as a yearly volunteer at Camp Sunshine and her local parish.

Desai is a rising sophomore at Colby College, double majoring in English and government. Outside of the classroom, she competes for Colby’s Mock Trial Team, serves as Co-President of the Colby College South Asian Society, is a member of the Broadway Musical Revue and participates in a weekly Old English study group.

Morin is a rising senior at Dickinson College, majoring in law and policy. A member of Dickinson College’s football team, he also spends time volunteering with the Special Olympics and at Project SHARE, a Central Pennsylvania food bank, in addition to helping facilitate Dickinson’s campus-wide bone marrow registry program, Be the Match.

“It is been a true pleasure for me to host Sophia, Serena and Tucker at the Statehouse this summer,” stated Kane. “These young leaders and scholars have been a valuable asset to our office and represented our district incredibly well. I am eager to witness their continued contributions to our community and future successes in their many endeavors. ”

Each summer, Kane invites passionate and engaged young leaders of the Eleventh Worcester District to intern on Beacon Hill. Each intern attends the House of Representatives Intern Speaker Series, which provides interns with unique exposure to state government’s processes and a diverse array of stakeholders. Kane’s interns conduct policy research and analysis of legislation, as well as attend numerous briefings on policy issues and current events on behalf of the office. In addition, interns monitor news developments and summarize updates on local and regional areas of interest.

Summer interns for Kane serve until the conclusion of Session, when summer recess begins. Kane welcomes a limited number of college-aged interns each summer. Those interested in learning more about an internship with her office should call 617-722-2810.

Westborough – Beth Tikvah Synagogue will host a family friendly Friday night service by the lake under the stars led by Rabbi Mike Swarttz at Lake Chauncey in Westborough Friday Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. Parking is available in the parking lot across the street from the beach entrance on Lyman Street. Participants should bring chairs or blankets to sit on, bug repellant and a flashlight.

In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, 45 Oak St., Westborough. An announcement will be made at www.bethtikvahsynagogue.org, if the service will be held inside.

In addition, Beth Tikvah will hold its open house/welcome back barbecue Sunday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. and registrations are currently being accepted for the religious school.

More information can be found on the website.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – Nowadays, it is rare for anyone to be without a cell phone. It’s a great way to stay in touch with family, friends and business associates, as well as catching up on local activities. But thanks to a special emergency communications app, CodeRED®, individuals as well as businesses can be alerted quickly if there are things such as fires, downed power lines, chemical spills, evacuations, weather-related problems, lock downs, or other emergencies in their community.

After seeing the success of the free app this past year, the Westborough Fire Department is urging residents and local businesses to sign up for it, if they have not done so yet.

“It’s very easy to [sign up],” Fire Chief Patrick Purcell said. “You can go to our website and sign up there. (www.town.westborough.ma.us/fire-department/pages/codered-emergency-alert-system). Or you can text WESTBOROUGHFIRE to 99411 and follow the instructions there.”

The app allows you to sign up for calls to your landlines and cell phones as well receive texts and email messages. You can sign up for one or a combination of the ways.

“It’s really important, if you rely mostly on your cell phone, to register that number,” Purcell said. “In some cases, such as a weather emergency, you many lose power and not be able to use your landline.”

“Also, if you are not in the area and an emergency occurs, you will be notified,” he added.

Deputy Fire Chief Jason Ferschke noted that one of the most helpful feature the app offers is it can geographically target a specific area.

“For example, if there was a downed power line in one neighborhood or development, we could just send the message to just that area,” he said. “You won’t be getting messages to areas that don’t apply to you.”

Earlier this year, officials were able to utilize the system during two separate emergencies involving missing residents. In both instances, the residents were found, allowing for them to receive the help they needed.

“We were able to broadcast out descriptions quickly,” Purcell said. “It’s a very powerful tool for us to use to help our residents.”

The app can be useful for many of the town’s departments including the Police Department, School Department, Department of Public Works, and Building Department.

Of course, officials hope that they will never have to use the app to notify users of serious townwide emergencies. But if they need to, they will be ready, they assured, to take the next steps after that notification.

Purcell and Ferschke are also the town’s emergency management director and assistant emergency management director, respectively. The Fire Department’s meeting room at its 42 Milk St. headquarters can quickly be turned into a command center, with videos that can monitor a television news station and a live stream from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The town also has a relationship with National Grid, allowing for information on outages to be shared – and hopefully resolved – quickly.

Westborough High School, 90 West Main St., is the town’s designated overnight shelter, in case of events such as weather emergencies. It is equipped with medical supplies, cots, wheelchairs and even dog crates.

“The challenge is always ensuring we have enough people to staff it,” Purcell said. “So we always do need volunteers.”

Westborough – The Hundredth Town Chorus will begin its new session on Wed., Sept 4 and is searching for new female singers to join.

No auditions are required.  There is a need for new voices of all ages and in all parts.  Rehearsals run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough.  The chorus is not affiliated with the synagogue.  There are no night or weekend rehearsals or obligations.  All performances are also held on Wednesday mornings.  Women are invited to come to rehearsal and join right in or to observe.  No fundraising or ticket selling is asked of its members.

HTC is an organization of women who enjoy singing four-part harmony in a relaxing and fun environment.  The chorus was founded in 1949 by the Westborough Women’s Club, with a mission to share the joy of music by singing and entertaining at area nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers. Today’s chorus is made up of members from all over Worcester County, including Westborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Marlborough, Grafton, Hopkinton, Southborough, Millbury, and Uxbridge.  The chorus also performs at area events such as Westborough’s Arts in Common and the Westborough 300th Anniversary Celebration.  Music includes holiday classics, Broadway favorites, popular music, and folk songs, as well as an occasional classical number.

HTC is supported, in part, by a grant from the Westborough Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Congregation B’nai Shalom graciously donates rehearsal space.

For more information, visit the website hundredthtownchorus.com or Facebook page, email htc.chorus@gmail.com, or call the director Mary at 508-847-2961.

Westborough – Jane P. Kruse, 80, of Westborough, passed away Aug. 11, 2019 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital in Worcester. She was the beloved wife of Richard W. Kruse.

Born in Westfield, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Jeanette (Roney) Pero. She was raised and educated in Westfield and Westborough and was a 1956 graduate of Westborough High School. She also graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston.

Jane was an art teacher with the Northborough Public Schools and for many years was a floral designer at the former Mildred’s Flower Shop. Her artistic talents were endless.

She attended The Congregational Church of Westborough, was a member of the Westborough Women’s Club, the Westborough Garden Club and was a set designer for the Westborough Players Club and the Westborough Community Chorus.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, Meredith E. Kruse and her partner, Michael McAuliffe of Worcester, Scott F. Kruse and his wife, Marnie, of Fairfield, Conn., and Allyson K. Moreno and her husband, John, of Bourne; one brother, Ted Pero of Somers, Conn.; one sister, Ernestine Vermette of Stratford, Conn.; and seven grandchildren, Ben Kruse, Ryan Kruse, Maggie Kruse, Noah Moreno, Jacob Moreno, Hannah Moreno and Sam Moreno. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother.

Her funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., in The Congregational Church of Westborough, 57 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Friday, Aug. 16, from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Westborough

Saturday, July 27

2:07 a.m. Ruggles St. Accident property damage.

12:13 p.m. Arrested, David W. Brevik, 59, of 12023 Ambassador Dr., Westborough, for possess Class B drug (cocaine), possess Class B drug (Suboxone).

3:01 p.m. Benjamin Dr. Accident property damage.

Sunday, July 28

1:48 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious auto.

2:46 a.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious auto.
6:46 a.m. Maynard St. Disturbance (general).

8:03 a.m. Mayberry Dr. Larceny.

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

11:44 a.m. South St. Well-being check.

Monday, July 29

12:30 p.m. Milk/Oak Sts. Suspicious auto.

12:51 p.m. Colonial Dr. Assault.

2:58 p.m. Connector Rd. Disturbance (general).

4:12 p.m. Park St./Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

5:20 p.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance (general).

5:31 p.m. Connector Rd. Disturbance (general).

7:36 p.m. Water St. Road/tree.

8:28 p.m. Cottage Pl. Disturbance (general).

9:40 p.m. Connector Rd. Suspicious auto.

Tuesday, July 30

9:55 a.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

11:21 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

11:26 a.m. Computer Dr. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

2:52 p.m. E Main St. Larceny.

7:16 p.m. Summer St. Accident property damage.

9:52 p.m. Milk St. Disturbance (general).

10:20 p.m. Willow St. Well-being check.

Wednesday, July 31

3:03 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.

10:11 a.m. Connector Rd. Disturbance (general).

2:05 p.m. South St. Suspicious person.

2:13 p.m. Hopkinton Rd. Accident property damage.

2:17 p.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.

2:38 p.m. Hopkinton Rd. Accident property damage.

3:45 p.m. Flanders Rd. Suspicious activity.

4:21 p.m. Lyman St. Larceny.

6:38 p.m. Moses Wheelock Ln. Disturbance (general).

7:47 p.m. Computer Dr. Accident property damage.

8:40 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

10:55 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

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 – Mark Patrick McNamara, 49, of Westborough, died Aug. 10, 2019 at his home in Narragansett, R.I.

Born in Worcester on Dec. 17, 1969 and raised in Shrewsbury, Mark attended Shrewsbury Public Schools and Northeastern University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a marketing concentration.

After Northeastern, Mark went on to have a tremendously successful career in business, first at IBM where he was Vice President of Analytic Sales North America and then at Oracle, where he was a Senior Vice President of North America Cloud Platform Sales.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Denise (Tenore) McNamara, and their four children, Trevor, Casey, Riley and Colton; his loving parents, F. Michael and Patricia of Shrewsbury; his brother, Michael and his wife Ashley, and their children, Owen and Cecily, all of Hopkinton; his mother-in-law, Marie Tenore, and sister-in-law Alison Tenore, both of Paramus, N.J.; and brother-in-law John Tenore of Manhattan. He is also survived by many dear aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Mark was a devoted husband and father; his family was always his number one priority and their success and happiness his greatest goal. Mark tirelessly devoted his time to coaching his children in all types of sports from lacrosse and basketball to baseball and hockey. He loved watching his children excel in athletics and academics and was always their greatest champion. A lifelong Boston sports fan, Mark was also a New England Patriots season ticket holder. Mark was generous in spirit; always available to talk, to listen and to mentor.

Mark was grateful to Northeastern University and gave back by serving on its Board of Visitors. He was one of the kindest, most generous and funniest people anyone could ever meet. He was the life of the party. He touched and influenced so many lives. He and Denise opened their homes in Westborough and Narragansett to so many friends and families and were always so warm and welcoming.  Of all his accomplishments in his life, and there were many, Mark’s greatest legacy will be as a loving father, husband, son, brother and friend.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mark’s family Thursday, Aug. 15, from4-8 p.m., at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 71 West Main St., Westborough.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mark’s preferred charity, American Heart Association, at www.heart.org.

To leave a message of condolence or view his “Book of Memories,” please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.

Westborough – Tatnuck Bookseller will be hosting authors Brent and Kyle Pease Thursday Aug. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. The two, who are brothers, are the authors of “Beyond the Finish” which shares Kyle quest to becoming an IRONMAN despite using a wheelchair due to spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. With the help of his brother, Brent, the Peases’ fulfilled their lifelong dream and made history last October becoming the first brother duo to complete the grueling IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Tatnuck Bookseller is located at Route 9 and Lyman St., in the Westborough Shopping Center. For more information call 508-366- 4959.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – On any given day at CrossFit Prototype, the floor is busy with athletes of both sexes and all ages, working out.

At the back of the gym, there are several young girls, lifting weights, under the careful guidance of their coach, Joe Black. But although these girls are quite young, only 13-17 years old, they are as strong, if not stronger, than many of the other athletes in the gym. And three of those girls – Rylie Rohloff, 13, Olivia Sassetti, 15, and Abby French, 16 – actually qualified to compete in the   2019 Nike National Youth Weightlifting Championships held in Anaheim, Calif., in late June.

For these girls, performing the traditional weightlifting moves, clean and jerk and snatch, has changed their bodies, they said, making them stronger. But it’s also gave them a confidence that, with hard work, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

“I started CrossFit after my mom started doing it, then I started weightlifting,” Olivia said. “I think it’s really fun.”

“Nationals were really crazy because usually we are used to just a few kids our ages, but there were so many there,” she added. “Competing there has made me super inspired and given me the push to do even more.”

Rylie Rohloff, 13, has only been a member of the club for “four or five months,” she said, but she also did CrossFit first.

“I saw my sister Meghan do [weightlifting] and it looked fun, so I kept asking if I could do it, too,” she said. “Now I am really passionate about it.”

The girls all noted that their friends were a bit surprised about their choice of sport at first, but now, as Olivia noted, they think it’s “really cool.”

Abby noted that she was not nervous at Nationals, in spite of having to compete in front of so many people.

“I don’t really get anxious – I just get in the zone and perform well under pressure,” she said. “I just really enjoy it.”

“My family all came out, too, to cheer me on, which was great,” she added. “It was really an unforgettable experience.”

“They have always been so supportive of me doing [weightlifting],” she said.

Like the other girls, Abby French did Crossfit first before switching to weightlifting.

She also plays lacrosse – weightlifting, she noted, helps make her a stronger player.

Black has coached before but this is his first time coaching a girls’ team, he said.

“I love it; it is so awesome,” he said. “It’s so inspiring to see them work so hard and take pride in that.”

“We are always open to others joining us,” he added.  “We also have an adult team with people up to their early 50s although there is really no age limit.”

To learn more contact Black at joe@crossfitprototype.com.

photos/courtesy Joe Black

Westborough – Andrew R. Truell, known to friends as “Andy” or “Drew,” passed away Aug. 18, 2019 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester at the age of 36 years.

Andrew was born in Framingham and raised and educated in Westborough. He loved his childhood home, neighborhood, and friends he grew up with and spoke of often. He graduated from Westborough High School in 2001 and then attended George Mason University in Virginia.

He lived and worked in Virginia until the fall of 2014 then returned home to Westborough. He became a Real Estate Broker with Keller Williams and then a salesman for Westboro Toyota and Colonial Volkswagen.

Andrew was an avid New England sports fan and car enthusiast. He enjoyed many summer vacations at Moody Beach in Maine and the family home in Vermont where he fished and skied. He stayed in touch with his high school friends and college fraternity brothers who traveled from near and far to be by his side during his final days.

Andrew is survived by his parents, Gary and Barbara (Perham) Truell of Westborough; a daughter, Macey Elizabeth Maddin of Lawrenceburg, Ind.; a brother, Nathan A. Truell of San Francisco, Calif.; Tarah, his beloved Jack Russell Terrier; and several aunts, cousins and second cousins.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

If you would like to honor Andrew, you may make a donation in his name to “Donate Life America” at www.donatelife.net.

Naples, Fla. – Edison Beryl Munroe of Naples, Fla., formerly of Westborough, passed away after a brief illness Aug. 4, 2019. Ed was able to enjoy all of his 88 years with family and many lifelong friends before being stricken ill less than 2 months ago.

He was born on July 2, 1931, in Flint, Mich., the son of John and Myrtis Munroe. Ed was raised in Lynn with his younger siblings, Ginny and Bobby. His father, John, was a commercial fisherman on schooners out of Gloucester.

After graduating from Lynn Classical High in 1949, Ed attended MIT and the prestigious General Electric Senior Management Training Program. He married Marjorie Martel in February 1962. Ed spent most of his career as an executive in manufacturing at General Electric and Coppus Engineering in Worcester before moving on to life as a full-time entrepreneur in 1985. Ed and Margie opened 4 Annie’s Book Stores together, selling them in 2006 and retiring full-time to Florida.

Ed was an avid golfer and enjoyed Boston sports teams, writing poetry, reading, dining out and good times among his many lifelong friends and his family.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Margie Munroe; one son, John Munroe and his wife Lee; two daughters, Kristin Parone and her husband Tim and Michelle Brown and her husband Kevin; his brother, Robert Munroe and his wife Velma; and his sister-in-law, Linda Rogers and her husband Wes. He also leaves 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His beloved sister, Virginia “Ginny” Bolduc, predeceased him in 2018.

He will be dearly missed by family and many lifelong friends, who were there for him until the very end.

Services will be held Monday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 3 John St., Westborough.

Donations can be made to Avow Hospice, Naples, Fla. or St. Matthew’s House, Naples, Fla. in memory of Ed.

Westborough – It’s one of the downfalls of summer weather – insects that cause not just painful bites but also potentially serious viruses. Recently the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Westborough.

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.

For more information and tips on how to protect yourself and your family visit www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

Residents honor the late Charlotte Spinney with love and laughter

By Lauren Schiffman, Contributing Writer

Westborough – At the memorial service held Aug. 3 in the Westborough High School (WHS) auditorium that bears her name, the life of Charlotte, er, or as many referred to her, “Miss Spinney,” was celebrated.

The seats were packed for Spinney, a 40-plus year Westborough teacher and dedicated member of the community who recently passed away.

The service opened with a welcome from WHS principal Brian Callaghan, who shared Spinney’s rules for the service: no gum chewing in her auditorium; no crying in her auditorium; and an address to those who would share their personal stories: let guests know how they knew Spinney and how they made her laugh.

“Be kind,” he added. “She’s waiting for you.”

Former students, fellow Rotarians, book club members, family members; and friends gathered to show their love for this lifelong Westborough resident, or “townie,” as she had affectionately referred to herself. During the course of the service, some of the words that others used to describe Spinney included “adventuresome,” “leader,”  “dedicated,” “funny,” and “impactful,” to name a few.

Bill Linanne, a longtime, local friend of the family, knew Spinney for 65 years. He shared the lessons he learned from her over the course of their friendship. She taught him to trust the facts and to “use influence to affect change.” She taught him to always give back.

“She always volunteered in the town she loved,” he said.

And she taught him that giving comes full circle.

“Giving was Charlotte’s middle name,” he said.

He added, “Charlotte also cherished the present, pointing out that every day is precious

and she showed us that all volunteering is good, and that you get back much more than you give. She set a powerful example for all of us to live by and has passed the torch to us to carry. It is a worthy challenge for us to continue the work she started, to support the causes she believed in, and to continue to build a better Westborough for all in the future.”

Echoing the sentiment of giving back, Paul McGrath, who spoke on behalf of the Westborough Rotary Club.

“Charlotte was Westborough. Her spirit lives on… in every person she touched here in Westborough,” he said.

Carrie Brown, administrator of the Charlotte Spinney Vision Scholarship, knew Spinney for many years and said that “Charlotte made connecting with people seem simple, effortless. Charlotte’s way with people was born out of her esteem for connection; with students, peers, neighbors, and …unsuspecting travelers throughout the world. She connected with the community and with individuals.”

Brown added that “Charlotte recognized the need for support across systems. Supporting the academic and emotional experiences of the student fosters an environment in which students can thrive. Recipients of this scholarship have said Charlotte’s dedication to them, their education, their family life, their choices changed their trajectory. To be known and encouraged by someone in their community was, as one scholar said, ‘ a game changer.’”

One attendee said that Spinney was the reason she spent three years in the Peace Corps. Another recounted that she told her to embrace life.

“Do what she would have done. Root for the home team. Have fun. And eat lots of ice cream.”

Another woman who knew Spinney since her childhood, summed up the sentiment of the morning beautifully.

“I’m going to continue walking forwards like she taught me,” she said.

It was a memorable tribute to an unforgettable woman.

Westborough – A. Rita Lee, of Westborough, passed away Aug. 22, 2019 at home with family at the age of 98 years old.

She leaves a daughter, Pamela A. and her husband Brian P. Magrane of Lynn, and a daughter-in-law, Susan Lee Hom and her husband Harry of Springfield, Mo. She was “Rickey” to her six grandchildren, Brian Hom and his wife Cheryl of Springfield, Mo.; Erin Magrane and her partner David Calnan of Lynn; Cara Magrane and her husband Jose Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas; Kathleen Magrane and her partner Graham Scott of Fallbrook, Calif.; Megan Magrane-Mulcahy and her husband Christopher of Scituate; and Andrew Hom and his wife Halle O’Neal of Edinburgh, Scotland. She also leaves 10 great-grandchildren, David and his wife Aughtum, Liam, Sophia, Julian, Sean, Christopher, Quinn, Henry, Atticus and Abigail. Rita also leaves many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her husband of 23 years, Frank D. Lee; a son, Vincent B. “Vinnie” Lee, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1969; and three brothers, Garrett J. Burke, J. William Burke and John L. Burke, all of Andover.

Born in Charleroi, Pa. to the late Michael A. and Sarah J. (McGlynn) Burke. Rita was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Lawrence, class of 1938. She then attended Mount Saint Vincent College in Halifax, Nova Scotia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Lesley College in Cambridge, class of 1942.

Rita lived in Andover most of her life before moving to Westborough in 1956 when she and her husband Frank founded the Lee Funeral Home. After Frank’s death in 1965 the funeral home was renamed Lee-Summers Funeral Home. Then in 1981, it became the Britton-Summers Funeral Home.

A Gold Star Mother, she was very active in local, civic, and volunteer groups in Westborough, and was a member of the church of St. Luke the Evangelist, its Martha and Mary Group, and its Senior Adult Group. She was a 50-year member of the Westborough Women’s Club, the Westborough Historical Society, the Westborough Food Pantry, and the Lesley College Alumni Association in Cambridge.

Rita was hired in 1968 at New England Power Service Company in Westborough and retired as a Senior Personnel Clerk in 1984. She remained actively employed during her retirement at the Glass Heron and Westborough Town Hall.

The family would like to thank the staff of Summit Eldercare of Grafton for their ongoing love and support. Rita was a precious and beloved matriarch to a large and loving family. She was a loyal friend and a cherished member of her community and all who knew her are blessed to have had her unique spirit enrich their lives.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 4-7 p.m., at the Britton-Summers Funeral Home, 4 Church St., Westborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 10:30 a.m., in the Church of St. Luke the Evangelist, 70 West Main St., Westborough. A collation will be held immediately following the funeral Mass. Her burial in St. Augustine Cemetery in Andover will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Frank D. and Vincent B. Lee Scholarship Fund (WHS) or to the Church of St. Luke the Evangelist Memorial Fund, 70 West Main St., Westborough, MA 01581.