Westborough – Donald J. Morcone, 87, of Westborough, passed away Aug. 24, 2019 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital in Worcester. He was the husband of Phyllis M. (Powell) Morcone.

Born in Hartford, Conn., he was the son of the late Louis and Theresa (Gallagher) Morcone. He was a graduate of Natick High School and of Worcester State College and Clark University. During the Korean Conflict he served with the U.S. Navy.

Don was employed as a Controller for BF Goodrich prior to his retirement.

He was a communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered for the RCIA program. He was the former president of the Westborough Little League and coach of the Comey Oil team. He was a former member of the Personnel Board and was currently a member of a Parkinson’s support group.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Michael Morcone and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Westborough and Cheryl Deal and her husband, Gene, of Pittsburgh; a daughter-in-law, Margie Morcone of Millbury; nine grandchildren, Julie Chapman, David Deal, Michael Morcone, Brian Deal, Bill Morcone, Michelle Morcone, Mary Morcone, Jason Deal and Jimmy Morcone; and eight great-grandsons. He was predeceased by a son, James Morcone, and a brother, Louis Morcone.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Aug. 29, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery.

Calling hours at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or at www.parkinson.org.

New 55 plus community offers resort-style living in Westborough

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – This December, the first building of phase one in the 55-plus active adult community Del Webb Chauncy Lake will be welcoming its new homeowners. Located off of Lyman Street, at the site of the former Westborough State Hospital, the 38-acre property will offer homeowners “resort-style” living and single level floor plans that will allow them to live comfortably and elegantly, without the burdens of traditional home ownership.

The property is quiet and peaceful, in a country setting, yet also close to shopping and restaurants in Westborough as well as neighboring Marlborough and Northborough and easy access to Routes 9, I-495 and I-90.

The company’s Life Tested ® designs show that homeowners in this age group want to live a balanced life that is maintainable and fiscally manageable, according to Melanie Chatterton, Del Webb’s sales manager for the property.

“Our mantra is really all about reinvesting in yourself and right-sizing for the life you now want to lead,” she added.

Each of the buildings will be four levels, with elevator access. There are seven home designs available to choose from. Homes will range from one bed/one bath on the first floor, 1,030 square feet at $309,995 up to two bed/two bath, 1,469 square feet on the fourth floor, at $455,995. Homeowners will be able to choose things such as flooring, cabinets and countertops. Underground parking will provide safety as well as protection from New England’s winters.

“You can really personalize it to your taste. The nice thing is you can choose the items that you find value in, making it distinctly yours,” Chatterton said.

The first building, due to be finished in December, is already 65 percent sold. Most of the new homeowners are from the area or have some connection to the area, Chatterton said.

“They are looking to stay close to their family but just wanted to have a lifestyle that afforded them more freedom from the demands of taking care of a home. This offers flexibility – a ‘lock and leave situation’ that will allow them to either travel extensively or perhaps live in a warmer part of the country for a few months, then return to Westborough,” she said.

As beautiful and spacious as the new homes will be, the outdoor setting will be just as nice.

The property is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Chauncy, just minutes from the town beach allowing for swimming, boating, fishing and walking on the town-owned 28-mile Charm Bracelet trails.

Three gazebos will be built on the property allowing for new friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

One of the highlights will be the Lakeside Club, a full featured recreation center complete with a fitness room, game rooms, crafts studio and large multi-purpose rooms that residents can book for their own private events. Outside will be a large heated swimming pool, and tennis and pickleball courts.

“This center will really be the heart of the community,” Chatterton said. “There will be a full-time lifestyle director on site that will help plan fun activities based on the desires and interests of the homeowners.”

Homeowners will be able to bring their beloved pets to Del Webb Chauncy Lake as well. There are no restrictions as to size or breed, although there is a two-pet limit.

“We know people love their pets so we will offer things like dog walking groups and ‘Yappy Hours,’” Chatterton said.

Home models will be set up in the new building once it opens for prospective homeowners to tour. Until then, those interested may contact the company to see similar layouts in other Del Webb properties.

“We know that this is more than buying a home; this is an emotional lifestyle change,” Chatterton said. “We are here to help you through every decision and answer every question.”

For more information, visit www.delwebb.com/homes/massachusetts/greater-boston-area/westborough or contact Chatterton at 508-621-2465 or Melanie.Chatterton@delwebb.com.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senor Community Reporter

Shrewsbury/Westborough – The heat on Aug. 19 did not dampen the spirits of 144 golfers who gathered at The Haven Country Club in Boylston for the fifth annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic Golf Tournament to benefit three local charities: St. Anne’s Human Services, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS), and the Westborough Food Pantry. Each received $20,000 of the $60,000 raised.

State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) thanked this year’s Presenting Sponsor, Grossman Development Group, at the shot-gun start.

“It’s always an honor to contribute to this great set of charities,” Howard Grossman explained. “Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services has always been a great charity and the Food Pantry and St. Anne’s are so deserving. It keeps us at Grossman Development and The Lakeway Commons a part of this community in which we fully intend to stay.”

Kane noted that she was honored to be carrying on the tradition set almost 20 years ago by her predecessor, former State Representative and now Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

“The reason why I think we have such a successful tournament is because the people in our community believes strongly in the work that everybody does,” Kane remarked during taping of her Shrewsbury Media Connection cable show, “Conversations with Hannah Kane,” which took place during the tournament. Her guests were Christine Mowry, executive director of SYFS; Shelley L’Ecuyer, volunteer from St. Anne’s Human Services; and Dottie Green with the Westborough Food Pantry.

Mowry said that the funds raised will go towards addressing SYFS’s extensive wait list and prevention and education programming.

L’Ecuyer reported that St. Anne’s supports 4,300 families through its food pantry and the support of this tournament helps them continue outreach programs.

Green shared that the Westborough Food pantry takes care of 130 families, of which roughly 40 percent are elderly. The tournament helped them fund $10,000 in coupons for local farms.

First Place Awards went to Jim Regan, Craig Roy, Dave Dewitt and Dan Barrell with a score of 64 gross and Larry Barbash, Jane Barbash, Paul Vella and Liz Vella with a score of 49 net.

Kane remembered JoAnn Keegan, a dedicated volunteer at St. Anne’s Human Services who passed away earlier this year. She, along with Host Committee member and Shrewsbury Police Officer David Faucher, presented a plaque to her son, Marshall Erickson. Another will be installed in the pantry and thrift shop entrance at St. Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury.

“I had no idea that this would happen and I think that it was very nice of Hannah to invite me and St. Anne’s as well,” Erickson said. “I want to say a special thanks to Dave Faucher for making a tribute to my mom. It means a lot to me.”

Kane announced that the sixth annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic will be held Monday, August 17, 2020.

For more information and complete list of sponsors, visit www.hannahkanecharitablefoundation.com.

Westborough

Sunday, Aug. 11

12:01 a.m. Edgewood Rd. Well-being check.

1:33 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

12:08 p.m. Computer Dr. Well-being check.

1:28 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

3:23 p.m. Maynard St. Disturbance (general).

6:23 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious auto.

7:19 p.m. Technology Dr. Disturbance (general).

8:45 p.m. Connector Rd. Well-being check.

Monday, Aug. 12

5:36 a.m. Arrested, Elvin Orlando Gomez-Morales, 30, of 135 E Main St., Apt. J2, Westborough, for operating under the influence of liquor, marked lanes violation, operating MV without a license.

8:59 a.m. E Main St. Larceny.

9:22 a.m. E Main St. Larceny.

9:36 a.m. Glen/Nourse Sts. Accident property damage.

12:37 p.m. E Main St./Flanders Rd. Accident property damage.

6:06 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.

8:21 p.m. Blake St. Disturbance (general).

9:31 p.m. Milk St./North Dr. Suspicious person.

Tuesday, Aug. 13

10:22 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.

12:13 p.m. Arrested, Jose Pantojas Jr., 46, of 51 Holworthy St., Apt. 1, Dorchester, on warrant.

12:30 p.m. Endicott Dr. Disturbance (general).

2:12 p.m. Cross St. Well-being check.

2:20 p.m. Mill Rd. Suspicious person.

4:05 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

4:11 p.m. Connector Rd. Well-being check.

5:30 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

10:54 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

Wednesday, Aug. 14

5:00 a.m. Glen St. Well-being check.

9:39 a.m. Summer St. Suspicious auto.

12:26 p.m. Turn pike Rd. Parking violation/complaint.

1:40 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

2:33 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious person.

9:58 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.

11:15 p.m. Zaara Dr. Suspicious activity.

Thursday, Aug. 15

8:12 a.m. E Main St. Road/tree.

10:25 a.m. W Main St. Parking violation/complaint.

2:19 p.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Suspicious activity.

2:54 p.m. Gary Cir. Suspicious activity.

4:07 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

10:12 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Milk St. Well-being check.

Friday, Aug. 16

2:24 p.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.

4:10 p.m. Valente Dr. Disturbance (general).

6:43 p.m. Flanders Rd./Fruit St. Accident property damage.

9:49 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.

Saturday, Aug. 17

9:00 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

10:13 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

Sunday, Aug. 18

1:01 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.

3:00 a.m. Chauncy St. Suspicious auto.

1:36 p.m. Otis St. Suspicious auto.

5:04 p.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.

5:11 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

11:05 p.m. W Main St. Erratic operator.

Monday, Aug. 19

1:30 a.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

6:35 a.m. Maynard St. Larceny.

11:19 a.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

11:44 a.m. Joanne Dr. Suspicious auto.

3:23 p.m. Charlestown Meadows Dr. Suspicious auto.

6:22 p.m. Friberg Pkwy. Well-being check.

7:56 p.m. Willow St. Well-being check.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

6:36 p.m. W Main St. Parking violation/complaint.

10:12 p.m. Oak St. Threats made.

Wednesday, Aug. 21

1:24 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

11:22 a.m. Reed Ave. Suspicious activity.

11:42 a.m. Long Dr. Suspicious auto.

4:32 p.m. Cook St. Suspicious auto.

5:08 p.m. Fisher St. Well-being check.

5:52 p.m. Turnpike Rd. 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.

By Susan Olsen Orpilla, Contributing Writer

Westborough – “People often say the world’s problems are so huge that there is nothing they can do to change things,” said Mike Grim, longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Westborough. “Working to solve a smaller, local need is something most of us can do and something that makes a real difference.”

In the summer of 2018, the congregation was approached by an immigrant advocacy group asking if they would be willing to serve in a support role for three families who had recently moved to the area. Volunteers were happy to help, providing rides to medical appointments and the grocery store, helping sign children up for school, and supplying some warm clothing. Over the next few months, more families and were assisted and in April, the Walking with Others Committee was officially formed to provide more structure.

Committee member Bruce Grams noted challenges for both those who serve and those they are serving. The most obvious one is the language barrier. Some of the volunteers speak Spanish but they may not always be available. Many of those they serve also come lacking transportation and the knowledge of how to navigate U.S. systems. They are unaware of what information is needed for schools and health care and have little or no access to their previous records.

“Growing up here, we take so many things for granted and it can be frightening for them to not know what to do,” commented Grams.

He recalled one situation of a father with his young son. The boy stayed close to his dad and kept very quiet, never speaking or smiling. They helped sign him up for school as he had never before attended. The school staff spoke to him in Spanish and evaluated his reading. The boy was signed up for school lunches, received a backpack full of supplies, and a jacket that fit perfectly. Then he met another child starting on the same day who also spoke Spanish. By the end of the day, the boy was bouncing around joyfully and talking nonstop.

“We have found one universal language – ice cream!” Grams said.

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church welcomes all as stated on their website and believes the Walking with Others ministry aligns well with their goal to advocate for social justice and people in need.

“Our faith calls us to serve others and especially those who do not have the resources that many of us enjoy,” explained Committee Chair Kathy Grim, who has been involved with the efforts from the beginning.

For more information, visit the church’s website at www.goodshepherdcares.org or contact the church office at 508-366-7095 or office@goodshepherdcares.org.

1923-2019 

Westborough – Robert Philip McGoldrick, 95, of Westborough, passed away peacefully at home with family on July 30, 2019.

Bob was a well-known and respected entrepreneur, businessman, World War II veteran, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend who brought intellectual curiosity, joy and laughter to all who knew him.

Born and raised in Worcester, Bob was the son of the late Louis George and Violet (Sabin) McGoldrick of Lake Quinsigamond.

Bob McGoldrick is survived by his wife of 67 years, June Davies McGoldrick, daughter Linda McGoldrick of Newport, R.I., grandson Ryan J McGoldrick of Middletown Ct., brother Donald McGoldrick and his wife Janice McGoldrick, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was pre-deceased by his daughter Jill McGoldrick of Boston and his son Larry McGoldrick of Shrewsbury; brother Dr Louis G McGoldrick and his wife Marion (Hayden) McGoldrick; brother Kenneth F McGoldrick and his wife Dorothy (Brown) McGoldrick.

Bob was educated at Wilbraham Academy and received his bachelor of science degree from The Stockbridge School of Horticulture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Bob proudly served in the US Army Air Force as a P-51 Fighter Pilot and Instructor in World War II, a vital and humble member of “The Greatest Generation”.  His passion for flying, staying abreast of the latest innovation in aviation and aerospace was evident throughout his life-a passion he shared with his grandson Ryan.

He was the founder and owner of The Green Thumb, Inc  in Westborough, a 70 year old family greenhouse and florist business. He was recognized nationally as one of America’s finest growers and often was keynote speaker at the annual Ohio State Horticultural Industry Association meetings . He was also a member of the Mass Florist Association and  Mass. Flower Grower’s Association. Bob was a pioneer and in 1950 was the first horticulturalist in the East to introduce hydroponics. He named his business The Green Thumb, Inc., “the sixth sense for telling what a plant needs when it needs it.”  His passion for science, engineering, innovation in the industry coupled with an aesthetic eye for color and design was evidenced in all he produced.

Bob’s passions for golf, history and sailing were lifelong interests. He sailed in the World Championship Star Class Races along with his wife June as crew in 1968. Bob possessed a true zest for life. He will be most remembered by all who knew him, for his quick wit, extraordinary sense of humor, perfected cadence and ability for joke-telling and story-telling all with a twinkle in his eye.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Church, 3 John Street, Westborough.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – Westborough High School’s (WHS) student athletes have been busy over the past few weeks preparing for their soon-to-be here fall season. But on Aug. 20, they took a break from their practices to participate in what has become a beloved annual tradition – Rangers Give Back.

Although Athletic Director Johanna DiCarlo and other administrators offer support and guidance, the day is organized by the students themselves.

This year, rising junior Julia French, along with assistance from Julia Desmond and Samantha Stucchi, led the event.

“Rangers Give Back is an opportunity for student athletes from WHS get to show their compassion for their community that does so much for them. They go to their old schools, help out at senior’s homes/senior centers around town, and this year we were fortunate enough to visit the Sugar Shack as well, all to ‘give back,’”  French explained.

The morning of Aug. 20 started off warm and humid but the students were energized and ready for their assignments. Before they left, DiCarlo addressed them, reminding them of the day’s mission.

“You have no idea the impact this day has,” she told the students. “You have the ability to make a huge impact not only on the town but also yourself.”

After the students left for their assignments, DiCarlo praised the students who, she said, were always excited to participate in the event as a way to give back to the community.

“The entire town of Westborough has always been so generous when it comes to the schools,” she said. “This is a way to give back and say thank you.”

“Many of [the students] came back from vacation early just so they could participate today,” she noted.

“It really is one of the best days of the year for us,” she added.

French agreed with the AD.

“One of the greatest components to this event is how it is very much student-led; all of the captains organize their teams and are in charge of completing the work given to them on their own. The kids really make an impact on the town, and this event is only possible because of each of their decisions to help out and make a difference,” she said. “It is an awesome feeling to witness all the hard work that the students put into this day and the appreciation received from the community.”

Student-athlete assignments included:

• The cheerleading team made candy bags at The Sugar Shack with students from the BORO program.
• The volleyball team visited residents at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.
• The golf team mulched and the girls’ soccer team made up first day packets at the Mill Pond School.
• The boys’ cross country team mulched and did garden clean up school at the Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School.
• The field hockey team painted paw prints, mulched and gardened at the Annie E. Fales Elementary School.
• The boys’ cross country team mulched and the girls’ cross country made up first day packets at the J. Harding Armstrong Elementary School.

Westborough – The Westborough Public Library, 55 West Main St., is inviting members of the public to its Books In Bloom wine and cheese reception Thursday, Sept. 5 from 7-9 p.m. Approximately 20 designers will create a floral arrangement inspired by books.  The arrangements with its book will be on display throughout the library from that night until Saturday, Sept. 7.  Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for selected floral arrangements.

Donations will be accepted and all proceeds will benefit the Westborough Public Library Foundation. This event is sponsored by the Westborough Garden Club and the Westborough Public Library.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Westborough – Parents want the best for their kids.  When it comes to music education, they want fun and effective lessons their kids will love. The problem is there are so many choices it can be overwhelming finding the right teacher.  The New England Music Academy (NEMA) offers group or private lessons that make learning music feel fun and easy, and that will last a lifetime for their students.  NEMA welcomes anyone who wants to learn music to call, schedule a visit, and “start making music together.”

The academy is tucked away at 30 Lyman St., in Westborough.  There, students explore music in a fun, friendly and non-competitive environment.  In existence since 2005, NEMA is entering its 15^th year of offering group and private lesson for all ages.

It’s NEMA’s philosophy that sets them apart from other programs, according to its founder, Deanna Wong.

“NEMA believes in learning real music theory and having fun while doing so,” she said.

Young children can learn complex music concepts when presented in a fun, game-based group setting, she added.

“Even the music and movement classes for our youngest, babies to 4 years, will be presented with little bite sized bits of keyboarding or theory,” she noted. “Our Beginner Music classes for the Kindergarten age child include learning to read and write music through the keyboard. They learn to sing and match pitches, and they write songs on the music staff that any musician could read and play.

“We are in the age of information and there is just so much coming at parents all the time. It can be overwhelming.  Parents just want to do what’s best for their kids, and give their kids quality opportunities to help them develop into well rounded kids.  But it’s tough.

“Learning music can be intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. It should be just as fun as other activities that parents choose like soccer, swimming or dance.”

Wong said that traditional lessons often focus on preparing for competitions, exams and adjudications. But for New England Music Academy families, it’s about the process of building a solid foundation in music literacy and having fun while learning music together week after week.

“Our NEMA parents are getting precious one-on-one time with their kids, watching them in class, seeing how they interact with their teacher and their classmates.  Over time, parents not only gain incredible insight on how their kids learn, but they learn to play too!” Wong said. “I don’t know of anywhere else that invites parents into the learning process like NEMA does.”

“We are not your traditional music lessons,” she added. “Fun is a core value of the school and it is written into the DNA of every program.”

“A young boy, who came into one of our summer sessions, exclaimed, ‘This is going to be awesome!’ when he saw all the games and props that we were planning to use. He knew he was in for some serious music fun. That’s exactly what music lessons should be.”

Wong noted that one parents shared “It’s an ideal environment for a child to learn. This is a journey, one to share with your child. You learn together and grow together in music.”

Another parent said that they would stop all other after school programs before they would give up their music classes at NEMA.

“The parents are our heroes. They don’t want the drudgery of the traditional piano lesson they grew up with. We have wonderful families who continually recommend our school,” Wong said.

For more information, visit NEMA’s website http://www.nemusicacademy.com or phone: 508-898-3888.

By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Superintendent Amber Bock admits that the Sugar Shack candy store has many community members confused.

But rather than let that slow her down, she and a team of administrators have their eyes on the future, drawing up plans to grow what was started as a learning lab for the town’s special education program into a hub for all Westborough High School (WHS) students looking to transition to adult life.

“The idea is that, just as the schools are a part of the community, this place needs to be flexible to serve a whole range of interesting needs,” Bock said. “We’re so excited for all the ways we’re going to do that.”

A one year old offshoot of the special education life skills program, the BORO, the Sugar Shack primarily trains students with special needs in the skills necessary to land jobs after high school. In order for that hands on educational strategy to work, however, Bock and her team emphasize the need for the store to be a fully sufficient small business.

They received a major boost in making that happen with the recent outreach of the Corridor Nine/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce, who asked Sugar Shack organizers to host a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate their one year anniversary.

“To have the Corridor 9 businesses reach out to us, to see us as a viable business, is huge because people really are still trying to figure us out,” Bock said. “The official ribbon cutting for me means we are an official business in the community.”

Now with that business identity getting ever steadier by the day, Bock and her colleagues are excited for the expansion they’ve been planning for months.

Among other things, they want to reach beyond the special needs population in their schools, weaving the Sugar Shack into a variety of curriculums. They want business students to review their accounting books as case studies in trend identification. They want digital art students to learn real life applications for their skills by developing marketing materials for the Sugar Shack website and social media accounts. And Bock even wants to add an independent study option for students to come into the Sugar Shack and learn the nuts and bolts of accounting by working on the candy store books themselves.

“The roots of the program are fundamentally about providing great education for all students in their home community,” Bock said. “Then the branches of that become all the different ways we do that.”

One year after they opened under the framework of taking special needs life skills education out of the classroom and into the real world, the Westborough Public Schools are excited about what they have growing on their town’s Main Street.

Excited to continue that growth, but wary about growing too fast and having their program collapse under its own weight, Bock and her team are being strategic about their plans. They want this to work.

“The ideas are endless,” she said. “What’s important is to pull the good ones and then to stage out when we do them.”

Novelist is one of Oprah’s Top 30 Women Writers

Westborough – Acclaimed author Jenna Blum will be at Tatnuck Bookseller Thursday, Sept. 12, from 7-9 p.m. signing copies of her new book, “The Lost Family.”

Blum is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author who has also been named as one of Oprah Winfrey’s Top 30 Women Writers.

Blum’s debut novel “Those Who Save Us” was a New York Times bestseller; a Boston Globe bestseller; the winner of the 2005 Ribalow Prize, adjudged by Elie Wiesel; a Borders book club pick, a perennial book club favorite, and the number 1 bestselling novel in Holland. Her second novel, “The Stormchasers,” is a Boston Globe bestseller, a Target Emerging Authors pick, and a bestseller in Holland and France.

Her new book, “The Lost Family,” has also received rave reviews. The novel is a “vivid portrait of a marriage, family and the haunting grief of World War II.”  In it, Blum brings to life “a husband devastated by a grief he cannot name, a frustrated wife struggling to compete with a ghost, and a daughter sensitive to the pain of both her own family and another lost before she was born.”

For more information on Blum visit www.jennablum.com, on Facebook (Jenna Blum), and on Twitter.

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

Westborough – Westborough Girl Scouts will hold an information and registration night Monday, Sept. 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Elsie A. Hastings School cafeteria, 111 E. Main  St. , Westborough. Troops for girls in grades K-12 are now forming. Leaders and volunteers needed. For more information, contact  westboroughgirlscouts@gmail.com.

Westborough – The Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough (UUCSW) has welcomed Reverend Laurel Gray as their new minister. Gray begins her time in Westborough on Sunday, Sept. 8, as she leads the congregation in their annual in-gathering service and water communion.

“I’m excited to get to know you all and to be with you in worship and community,” Gray said. “I look forward to being with you on the journey of self‐discovery as we work toward creating a new mission and vision together.”

The service on Sept. 8 begins at 10:30 a.m. at the UUCSW Church, 64 West Main St., in Westborough. All are welcome and a potluck lunch will follow the service. Children are always welcome and there will be child care. The church is handicap accessible.

Gray is a native New Englander – she grew up in southern Rhode Island and attended college in Vermont – and is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. She did her graduate work at Yale Divinity School in addition to spending a year at Starr King School for the Ministry. She previously served as the ministerial intern and summer minister at First Parish in Concord, and as the membership coordinator at the Unitarian Society of New Haven, Conn. Between college and graduate school, she lived in San Francisco and worked in the wedding and event industry. Laurel decided to go into parish ministry because she believes in the importance of having a space to search for meaning together and experience belonging.

For more information about the UUCSW, visit www.uucsw.org.

Worcester – “Parallels and Intersections: Seven Perspectives,” an exhibition of work by seven New England artists, will be on view from Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St., Worcester. Two of the artists, Janet Schwartz and Dave Kaphapper, are residents of Westborough. Joining them will be Catherine Meeks, Maryann Mullett, Jane Penfield, Lisa Regopoulos and Diane Reed Sawyer.

A public reception will be held Sept. 7, from 5- 8 p.m., with live music. The participating artists will be present to meet and greet patrons and to talk about their work. A closing reception will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, from 1-4 p.m.

The show will be open Saturdays and Sundays, from 1– 4 p.m. and by appointment. It is free admission. The mission of the Sprinkler Factory Gallery is to provide a welcoming venue to nurture and promote the visual and performing arts communities of Central Massachusetts.

For more information about the exhibition and the Sprinkler Factory visit www.sprinklerfactory.com and www.facebook.com/SprinklerFactory.

By Susan Olsen Orpilla, Contributing Writer

Westborough – “People often say the world’s problems are so huge that there is nothing they can do to change things,” said Mike Grim, longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Westborough. “Working to solve a smaller, local need is something most of us can do and something that makes a real difference.”

In the summer of 2018, the congregation was approached by an immigrant advocacy group asking if they would be willing to serve in a support role for three families who had recently moved to the area. Volunteers were happy to help, providing rides to medical appointments and the grocery store, helping sign children up for school, and supplying some warm clothing. Over the next few months, more families and were assisted and in April, the Walking with Others Committee was officially formed to provide more structure.

Committee member Bruce Grams noted challenges for both those who serve and those they are serving. The most obvious one is the language barrier. Some of the volunteers speak Spanish but they may not always be available. Many of those they serve also come lacking transportation and the knowledge of how to navigate U.S. systems. They are unaware of what information is needed for schools and health care and have little or no access to their previous records.

“Growing up here, we take so many things for granted and it can be frightening for them to not know what to do,” commented Grams.

He recalled one situation of a father with his young son. The boy stayed close to his dad and kept very quiet, never speaking or smiling. They helped sign him up for school as he had never before attended. The school staff spoke to him in Spanish and evaluated his reading. The boy was signed up for school lunches, received a backpack full of supplies, and a jacket that fit perfectly. Then he met another child starting on the same day who also spoke Spanish. By the end of the day, the boy was bouncing around joyfully and talking nonstop.

“We have found one universal language – ice cream!” Grams said.

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church welcomes all as stated on their website and believes the Walking with Others ministry aligns well with their goal to advocate for social justice and people in need.

“Our faith calls us to serve others and especially those who do not have the resources that many of us enjoy,” explained Committee Chair Kathy Grim, who has been involved with the efforts from the beginning.

For more information, visit the church’s website at www.goodshepherdcares.org or contact the church office at 508-366-7095 or office@goodshepherdcares.org.

Westborough

Thursday, Aug. 22

8:39 a.m. Flanders Rd. Accident – hit & run.

3:59 p.m. Milk St./Kings Grant Rd. Accident property damage.

5:10 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

5:38 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

8:00 p.m. Indian Pond Rd. Disturbance (general).

Friday, Aug. 23

8:12 a.m. Otis St. Disturbance (general).

11:26 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

12:01 p.m. E Main/Water Sts. Accident property damage.

12:15 p.m. Colonial Dr. Well-being check.

2:32 p.m. Chestnut St. Accident property damage.

6:27 p.m. Church St. Suspicious auto.

Saturday, Aug. 24

1:57 a.m. School St. Suspicious person.

3:27 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

5:07 p.m. Olde Connecticut Path. Suspicious auto.

6:00 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

9:03 p.m. Indian Pond Rd. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

Sunday, Aug. 25

3:20 a.m. Nourse St. Suspicious activity.

12:37 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Parking violation/complaint.

12:42 p.m. Milk St. Parking/violation complaint.

4:18 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

6:39 p.m. Reed Ave. Suspicious activity.

9:05 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

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 – Sharon L. (Hunt) DiBuono, 73, a lifelong Westborough resident, passed away peacefully Sept. 6, 2019 at the UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Hospital in Worcester. She was the beloved wife to Robert P. DiBuono.

Born in Westborough, and known to many in town as “Honey,” she was the only child of the late William E. and Ruth “Molly” L. (Thompson) Hunt. She was raised in Westborough and was a graduate of Westborough High School.

Prior raising her family, Mrs. DiBuono was employed as a secretary for Bay State Abrasives and Raytheon. For many years, she taught CCD at St. Luke’s Church, and volunteered in the Westborough Public School system.

She was known for her great sense of humor and enjoyed cooking and baking.  Meatballs and chocolate chip cookies were her specialties loved and requested by all.  She was very skilled at knitting and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  During her sons’ younger years, she rarely missed a single sporting event that they were involved with, and enjoyed giving it to the referees from the stands at their hockey games.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, William R. DiBuono and his wife Kristyn of Londonderry, N.H. and Christopher N. DiBuono and his fiancée Mandy Santagata of Clinton, N.C., and six grandchildren, Billy, Jack and Ella DiBuono, and Nicholas, Chris and Chloe DiBuono.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m., in Pine Grove Cemetery, 106 South St., Westborough. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077 or by visiting www.arthritis.org.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.

Westborough – In this day and age, a library is not just a place to take out books; rather it is a cultural center of a community. At its recent Open House, the Westborough Public Library emphasized this, with a Books in Bloom exhibit, photography, games, snacks, and so much more.  A colorful, modern and most importantly, temporary, sign was displayed on the lawn for the event.

As for the actual building itself, it is part of the town’s history and officials want to be sensitive to its past.  They note that when the building goes through a renovation (which hopefully will happen in the next two years or so), the library will be one that will serve many generations yet still have that beautiful historic exterior.

Submitted by Sustainable Westborough

Westborough – In advance of a vote at Fall Town Meeting, Sustainable Westborough will be hosting a talk and discussion on an upcoming resolution: defining Westborough’s path to 100 percent renewable energy. The purpose of this resolution will be to have Westborough consider climate change in all appropriate planning, take action to prepare for the effects of climate change and ensure Westborough meets its portion of the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act. Most importantly, the article will lead Westborough to investigate and develop a comprehensive action plan for our path toward 100 percent renewable, sustainable energy use.

Sustainable Westborough’s main presentation will be on Monday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Fire Station, 42 Milk St. All are encouraged to attend.

In addition there will be presentation earlier that same day at the Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd.,  after lunch and all residents are invited to that as well. Westborough TV will be covering the event and will post it online for residents to view.

The hope is to get as many people as possible familiar and comfortable with sustainable ideas and with our measured approach to enacting them in Westborough.

The TM will be held on Monday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Westborough High School, 90 West Main St.  For more information visit www.town.westborough.ma.us/sustainable-westborough.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – Growing up in the Philippine Islands, Anita Cabuhan Vidal Wales (“Annie,” as she is known to her friends) has always loved art, fashion and decorating.

Now a resident of Westborough, she graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, and then worked at the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay, Philippines, in the data processing support center.

A computer supervisor, she still found a way to use her creativity by creating wall size murals with surplus paper and plastic packing “peanuts.”

After meeting and marrying her husband Doug, who she said was her “handsome U.S. Coast Guard Officer,” she moved to Newton where the couple raised their three daughters.

It was there that she was first introduced to origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Intrigued at how beautiful art could be created with simple papers folded into a variety of designs and shapes, she first joined the club, PINE (Paperfolders in New England) and then became a member of the national group, OrigamiUSA.

Attending her first convention, she was “amazed,” she recalled, “with the attendance of nearly 800 members, from all parts, not only the country, but the world.”

Since then, origami has become her passion, not only creating pieces for herself, but for others as well. She strived to increase her level of expertise, achieving “professional status, which means that anyone could ask me for help and guidance,” she said.

“People who love origami love to share and love to teach,” she noted.

Indeed, Wales always has paper on her, ready to make a small present for whoever is near. She teaches local classes, but has been known, she said, to also instruct wherever she may be, including seatmates on plane rides.

“I always have paper on me!” she laughed. “My hands are always busy creating! And it’s inexpensive – I usually just get a small cube of paper at Staples and use that.”

After retiring from corporate life, she and Doug moved to the Walker Meadow development in Westborough. Recently she displayed some of her origami creations at an exhibit displayed in the clubhouse there. Colorful pieces of paper were creatively folded into blossoms, birds, a variety of shapes, unique greeting cards and even small boxes. For the exhibit she mounted her work on corkboards and created paper frames for each piece.

Currently she teaches a monthly class at the Northborough Senior Center and has, in the past, taught classes at local libraries, to senior groups, church groups, Girl Scouts, and even at her husband’s school and college alumni gatherings.

She has even taught the art at teas and showers.

“The wonderful thing is that anyone can do origami, both men and women, and all ages,” she assured. “It’s fun and relaxing.”

For more information, contact Wales at 508-870-0086.