Westborough

Monday, April 20

6:43 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

Tuesday, April 21

12:28 a.m. Sassacus Dr. Threats made.

10:28 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, April 22

1:26 p.m. Garfield Dr. B&E in MV.

5:23 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

6:58 p.m. Sassacus Dr. Accident property damage.

Thursday, April 23

1:45 a.m. Summer St. Suspicious activity.

10:22 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Friday, April 24

1:07 p.m. Washington St. Suspicious person.

4:02 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

4:59 p.m. Ambassador Dr. Well-being check.

5:02 p.m. Bowman Ln./Rev Thomas Rd. Well-being check.

6:47 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

10:46 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

10:56 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Saturday, April 25

12:05 a.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

4:26 p.m. Baker Way. Disturbance (general).

6:23 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

7:51 p.m. Church St. Well-being check.

9:21 p.m. Arrested, Janelle L. Broderick, 29, of 152 N Beacon, Apt. B3, Brighton, for OUI-liquor or .08% 2^nd offense, OUI-drugs, possess open container of alcohol in MV, marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

Sunday, April 26

12:09 a.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

4:36 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

4:45 p.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious activity.

5:50 p.m. Mayberry Dr. Well-being check.

Monday, April 27

2:17 a.m. Milk St. Suspicious auto.

7:41 a.m. Lyman St. Larceny.

8:44 a.m. Forrest Ln. Disturbance (general).

12:44 p.m. Hopkinton Rd. Erratic operator.

3:12 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

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 – Westborough High School senior Nishka Pant is one of the winners of the 2020 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. She will be attending Brown University as an undergraduate freshman in the fall focusing on computer science and neuroscience.

Pant has also been named the WHS 2020 Valedictorian.

Over 1.5 million juniors in approximately 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists had to fulfill requirements to advance to finalist standing, including completing a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn excellent standardized test scores. 

By the conclusion of the 2020 competition, about 7,600 Finalists will have been selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling over $30 million. Winners are the Finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. 

Town has reported all 41 deaths are nursing home residents

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Board of Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Health (BOH) met jointly again Tuesday night to discuss COVID-19-related issues.

Director of Public Health Steven Baccari started off the meeting by reporting there had been 35 new cases of COVID-19 in Westborough since Friday, with 12 deaths, bringing the total to 41 deaths and well over 200 cases. He confirmed that all the deaths were of nursing home residents.

Members of both boards impressed upon residents the need to stay vigilant with precautions.

“In talking with people around town, there are a lot of people that are sick and tired of being cooped up, and I wanted to express to them from the BOH that we think that this is still a serious situation,” BOH member Dr. Nathan P. Walsh said. “If anything, this situation is still continuing to get worse. We should not be relaxing restrictions…I want to urge our residents that we need to be taking this seriously.”

Selectman and BOH Member Dr. Syed Hashmi said he had been getting similarly frustrated e-mails from residents, but pointed to a report from FEMA predicting an exponential rise in cases and deaths.

“I get it, I fully understand it,” he said. “But you have to realize the spread is still going on….I recognize it’s frustrating, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Board of Health Chair Dr. Alan M. Ehrlich pointed out that the impact of COVID-19 is different in different parts of the country, but that people should focus on the local community when making decisions about precautions

“Just because you see perhaps other states opening up…it’s still a problem here in Massachusetts,” he said. “If anything we are one of the towns being more challenged on a per capita basis.”

Program approved to allow seniors to pass out masks

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – At a joint meeting of the Westborough Board of Health and Board of Selectmen to discuss issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Selectman Leigh Emery expressed concern about crowds congregating at the Dairy Queen, located at 18 Summer St.

“The patio has been packed with people,” she said. “I’m very concerned about it because of the family interactions. I’m wondering if the BOH should be discussing with them about how they are managing their clientele.”

She noted the staff there is mostly young people who are likely unable to manage a crowd, that people seemed to be consuming food on the premises and that there didn’t seem to be markers on the ground to help people with distancing.

Director of Public Health Steven Baccari said the BOH talks to Dairy Queen almost on a weekly basis, He confirmed there was tape on the ground, appropriate signage and they had removed their seating.
“It’s a very tough location,” he said. “It’s a postage-size lot in a popular location. We understand the frustration with it.”

BOH member Dr. Nathan P. Walsh suggested the BOH could say they aren’t safe to operate if they can’t maintain social distancing. BOS Vice Chair Shelby Marshall was against closing businesses.

“We have to hold each other personally accountable,” she said. “I don’t think it behooves anyone to shut a business down that is doing their best in their unique setting. I think it’s going to cause more problems than a benefit.”

Walsh agreed, and said the town should be working with them to find ways to keep them operational. He suggested bringing in the Dairy Queen management to have a discussion.
“Maybe it would give them an opportunity to address the public as well,” Marshall said.

Town Manager Kristi Williams said the police department has taken note of some of the places the town hall gets complaints about and Selectman Allen Edinberg noted that those with concerns about businesses should contact the BOH.

The BOS ultimately voted to authorize businesses to request the ability to put temporary markings on public sidewalks and ways as deemed appropriate and necessary to help the public with distancing during the COVID-19 crisis as a way to try and help businesses safety stay open.

In other business Williams approached the board for permission to have seniors who are part of the tax work off program hand out masks at the town hall to people that need them. She noted seniors looking to take advantage of this tax relief program are required to work hours, and that the town is having to get creative on how to get people their hours.

She said there have been many calls on the COVID-19 info line from people looking for masks, and that many people are making masks at home and dropping them off at the senior center. She outlined a detailed procedure of passing out the masks that would keep all parties safe. The BOS and BOH both expressed their support for the initiative.

Westborough – Frances R. Larson, 97, of Westborough, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at St. Mary’s Healthcare Center in Worcester. She was the wife of the late Albert C. Larson.

Born in Shrewsbury, she was the daughter of the late Lorenzo and Catherine Bisceglia. She was educated in Shrewsbury and was a graduate of Shrewsbury High School.

Frances was employed as a secretary for Astra Pharmaceutical prior to her retirement.

She enjoyed knitting, cooking and baking.

She is survived by one son, Alan Larson and his wife, Nancy, of Eads, TN, one daughter, Francine Robo and her husband, James, of Virginia Beach, VA, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Burial services will take place privately in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

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

Westborough – Shirley A. Jackson, 83, of Westborough, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at UMass/Memorial Healthcare-University Campus, Worcester.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Alice (Thompson) Tortora. She was raised and educated in Westborough and was a graduate of Westborough High School.

Shirley was employed in the housekeeping department at Westborough Healthcare prior to her retirement. Her family was the whole world to her.

She is survived by one daughter, Alice MacConnell and her husband, Dale, of Westborough, two grandchildren, Andrew and Jess MacConnell, one great-grandson, Skyler and a cousin in law, Robert DiBuono. She was predeceased by her siblings, Richard and Robert Thompson, Judy Walsh and Mary Dwinnell and an aunt, Marion Bemis, to whom Shirley was the primary caregiver.

A private graveside service will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Westborough – Frederick J. “Fred” Brown, 100, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 7, 2020. He was the beloved husband of the late Christine E. (Pike) Brown.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Richard and Ruth (Owen) Brown. He was raised and educated in Shelburne Falls and was a graduate of Arms Academy.

During WW II he served with the U. S. Navy Seabees stationed in Guam and attained the rank of Chief Storekeeper.

Fred was employed for his entire career as an accountant with New England Electric.

He was an active communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, and a dedicated member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Council 85 of the Knights of Columbus where he served for many years as Worthy Treasurer. He was active in Westborough Little League and was instrumental in starting the AAA league. He enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, woodworking and watching the Red Sox and college basketball. After retirement he and his wife set out to visit Canada and as many of the fifty states as possible, especially enjoying the national parks.

Fred is survived by three children, Mary Alice Parow and her husband, Richard, of Windham, NH, Thomas O. Brown of New Hampshire, and Karen A. Spencer and her husband, Lawrence, of Fitchburg, MA; one sister, Sr. Margaret Ann Brown, Sisters of Mercy in New Jersey; six grandchildren, Shawn Parow, Aimee Parow, M.D., Christopher Parow, Christine Gamboa, Kimberley Corwin and Timothy Parow; and one great-granddaughter, Layla Medina. He was predeceased by brothers Richard, Robert, Arthur and Lawrence, and sisters Emily, Ruth and Dorothy.

Fred’s motto was “Keep smiling!”

A private committal service will take place in St. Luke’s Cemetery. A memorial Mass will be announced at a later date.

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

Westborough – Claud Myron Davis, 95, passed away May 5, 2020, at The Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, MA.   He was born on August 23, 1924, in Pine Valley Mississippi, the son of the late Claud Clifton Davis and Anna Kelly Davis.

Mr. Davis was a veteran of World War II having served in the Pacific as a radio mechanic in the Army Air Force.  He received a BA in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1950 and an MA in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University in 1961. His love of engineering contributed to a nearly 40 year career at IBM during which he received multiple patents and contributed to the design architecture of the System 360.  His proudest professional achievement was winning the Elmer A. Sperry award for his role as project leader on the conception, design and development of the first fault tolerant computer aided traffic control system for the FAA.  He was also awarded the IEEE Simon Ramo Medal and a Lifetime IEEE Fellowship for leadership in air traffic control systems.

His family will sorely miss his constant love, optimistic outlook, easy-going nature, thoughtful advice, and his ability to fix just about anything.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife, Ms. Virginia Nenni Davis, his daughter Stephanie Deitzer (Jim), brothers Roy Davis, James Ray Davis, sisters, Lavelle Johnson, Juanita Miles, Helen Watson and twin sister Midge Dulaney.  He is survived by his son Claud Philip Davis (Rebecca) and his three grandchildren, Jennifer Davis, Claud Matthew Davis, and Thomas Davis of Southborough, MA.

A private family service will be held at Pickering & Son Funeral Home in Westborough and a celebration of life will be planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 120 West Main St., Westborough, MA 01581

Westborough  – Town Clerk Wendy Mickel recently met with the Board of Selectmen to finalize plans for the Annual Town Election. The election, originally scheduled for March 17, will now be held Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Town Hall Memorial Hall. 

“We are encouraging people to early vote by mail to hopefully reduce the number of people that come to the town hall,” Mickel said. 

Here are the instructions to request an Early Vote Ballot Application:

1. You must be a registered voter in Westborough to receive the ballot.
2. You may request an Early Vote Ballot application by going to the town website link or by email request to:

townclerk@town.westborough.ma.us or by calling the office at 508-366-3020.

3. Use your best penmanship to complete the application and be sure to sign the application. Applications scanned and sent by email or received by US mail after 12 p.m.  Friday, June 12 , 2020 will not be processed.
4. All Early Vote Ballots received in the Town Clerk’s Office by 1 p.m. on June 13, 2020 will be cast. All received after 1 p.m. will not be processed.
5. Once you have returned your Early Vote Ballot, you are not allowed at the polls to vote.

Westborough – Sylvia M. Moro, 96, of Westborough, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Westborough Healthcare. She was the wife of the late Ernest T. Moro.

Born in Southborough, she was the daughter of the late Massimo and Albina (Berni) Bertonassi. She was raised in Fayville with her 7 siblings and was a graduate of the former Peters High School and attended Madam Olga Kozakova’s School of Dress Design in Worcester, where she studied dress designing, pattern cutting and dressmaking.

Sylvia started her career at Baystate Abrasives where she met her husband Ernest of 51 years. She waitressed at many local restaurants when her children were young and was employed as an administrative assistant for Digital Equipment Corporation prior to her retirement.

She was a devout Catholic, communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, a member of the Daughters of Isabella and was an active volunteer.

She was a talented seamstress, taught sewing and designed dolls, dresses, shirts, blouses and wedding gowns. She loved to create the most amazing craft masterpieces from household items and was an avid gardener. Her passion for cooking will be missed by all. She looked forward to spending her summers at Mayflower Beach on Cape Cod with her family.

She is survived by her three children, James Moro and his wife, Ellen, of Uxbridge, Stephen Moro and his wife, Beth, of Lancaster and Barbara Perry and her husband, Joseph, of Northborough; 14 grandchildren, Keith Moro, Jody Salisbury, Bron Tamulis, Jill Harght, Nathan Tamulis, Janice Wasiak, John Moro, Laura Wordel, Daniel Moro, Stephanie Lucchesi, Anthony Moro, Emily Perry, Nicholas Perry and Michael Perry and 18 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Angelico of Westborough, Margaret Baraiolo of Milford and Rita Bertonassi of Southborough; a sister-in-law Thelma Bertonassi of Marlborough. Sylvia was predeceased by a son, Philip Moro, a brother, Carl Bertonassi and three sisters, Alice Philipo, Lena Baldelli and Irene Baldelli.

A private committal service will take place in Rural Cemetery in Southborough. A memorial Mass will be announced at a later date.

Westborough – The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board (WVAB) has announced that is it currently gathering contact information for the families of Westborough military personnel. According to Paul Horrigan, the Board’s chair, “The Board wants to be ready to provide assistance, in any form needed, if and when the need arises.”

The board is seeking contact information for families of all Active Duty members serving at distance from the town, all Reserve/National Guard service members activated during the current crisis, and any veteran living in Westborough. Any information gathered this way will be kept confidential.

“Travel and communication has become more difficult during these times and families dealing with restrictions have an increased burden beyond that which they deal with during normal times. We are interested in helping these ‘left behind’ families in any way we can,” Horrigan said. “We also would like to ensure that we have the name, address and email of all veterans living in town to assist them in any way that we can.”

The Board is comprised of nine Westborough veterans and the Veteran Service Officer , John Gallinagh. Family members may contact Gallinagh at 508-366-3085 or email jgallinagh@centralmassvets.org with all contact information of the family/service member. The Board will only use the information to stay in contact with the family to check on their status, offer support, or send notices of other help available.

Westborough

Tuesday, April 28

9:26 a.m. Homestead Blvd. Disturbance (general).

10:29 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.

1:55 p.m. Smith Pkwy. Trespassing.

6:24 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Wednesday, April 29

6:14 a.m. Westborough Rd. Accident property damage.

12:20 p.m. Long Dr. Suspicious auto.

12:29 p.m. Byard Ln. Suspicious auto.

4:42 p.m. Deerfield Way. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

Thursday, April 30

2:41 p.m. Lyman St. Accident property damage.

3:41 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Lyman St. Road/tree.

3:55 p.m. Otis St. Suspicious auto.

Friday, May 1

12:33 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

3:38 p.m. E Main St. Well-being check.

9:10 p.m. Warren St. Suspicious person.

9:57 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious auto.

Saturday, May 2

5:38 p.m. Haskell St. Suspicious activity.

7:31 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

Sunday, May 3

1:46 a.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

9:20 a.m. Blake St. Suspicious activity.

2:01 p.m. Talbert Way. Suspicious activity.

3:51 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious person.

4:09 p.m. E Main St. Trespassing.

4:39 p.m. Technology Dr. Burglary/breaking & breaking.

4:58 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

October 8, 1935 ~ May 13, 2020

Westborough/Dennisport – Glenna E. Smith, 84, formerly of Westborough and Dennisport, passed away at the Royal Wayland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wayland.  She was the wife of the late Clayton L. Smith.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Stanley W.and Marian (Bethune) Eames.  She was raised and educated in Worcester and graduate of South High School.  She also earned a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and a master’s degree from Framingham State.

Glenna was employed as a special needs teacher with the Marlborough School System.

While living in Westborough she was a member of the First United Methodist Church.  While living in Dennisport she was a member of Northside United Methodist Church of Brewster. She also introduced Camp Fire Girls into Westborough in the early 70s.

She is survived by two children, Terrie L. Jones of Douglas and Jeffrey L. Smith and his wife, Gabby, of Northborough; three grandchildren, Amie Jones, Tyler Smith, Jessica Orlando and her husband, Matthew, and two great-children, Brady and Gemma Orlando. She was predeceased by a brother, Stanley W. Eames, Jr.

A graveside service in Pine Grove Cemetery will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA  02452 or at alz.org/MANH

Westborough – Beatrice L. (MacLeod) Ladner, 90, of Westborough MA passed away peacefully on May 7, 2020 at Westborough Healthcare, succumbing to complications of Covid-19 after a long battle with dementia.

Wife of the late Hugh A. Ladner, Bea is survived by her six children and spouses – Lois Hogan of North Grafton, Ronald Ladner of Denton, TX, Linda Scricco and her husband Matt of Sutton, Gary Ladner and wife Sue of Coventry, CT, Laurie Ladner Sheridan of Worcester and Scott Ladner and wife Linda of Shrewsbury. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Michelle (Hogan) Gerardi and her husband John, Liz (Hogan) Pelosi and her husband Chris, Danny Brown and his wife Catherine, Tony Scricco and his wife Christine, Kevin Scricco and his wife Jessica, Alex Scricco and his wife Lori, Salina Sheridan and her partner Ryan Hall, Ericka Sheridan and her partner Sam Chandler, Drew Ladner, and Teagan Ladner as well as her eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Bea was predeceased by her four sisters – Alfreda Chestefield, Helen Heos, Vera Mickalsen, and Adell Green.

Born in Somerville, MA, to the late George and Edith (Beck) MacLeod, Bea was raised and educated in Somerville.  A long-time resident of Westborough, she loved children and worked in the Westborough School System for over 30 years.  Fondly called “Nana” by many, Bea was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved spending time with family and friends, cutting a rug on the dance floor and spending her summers at Harvey’s Lake, Vermont.

The family will be holding a private ceremony at a later date.

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Westborough School Committee made yet another round of budget cuts at their meeting May 13, bringing the total amount cut from the beginning of the process to over $1 million.

Superintendent Amber Bock recommended a reduction of $375,535 for a new base number of $54,705,161.

“We are facing pretty serious revenue concerns over the next year and a half,” Bock said. “I think this is a number that we brought forward that is thoughtful and well-framed.”

The reductions include $128,195 in salaries and $247,340 in expenses.

Bock said regarding salary line items, she was seeking to lighting down the hiring profile to bring in less expensive staff in some positions as is possible, and defer the hiring of some positions later in the year.

Due to concerns the Town Meeting will be pushed back even further, the committee also discussed the benefits of submitting a 1/12th budget, as the rest of the town entities are doing to get through this time.

There was also discussion of how the budget might change if school does not open in the fall; for example, transportation costs would drop dramatically, but there might be a need for more technology services.

“I think we are going to be discussing this budget for a really long time,” committee member Kristen Vincent said.

Director of Curriculum & Assistant Superintendent Daniel Mayer agreed.

“We can’t do anything different,” he said. “We can’t look into a crystal ball and know when we go to school and therefore we don’t know how many days or months of credit we might get. It’s an impossible thing to know.”

The committee also voted to accept a $106,000 reduction to the kindergarten warrant article. There is extra funding in that account due to savings in consulting and electricity, Bock said, and the reduction would allow the district to hold funds in the kindergarten revolving fund to put against salaries for next year.

By Jennifer Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – After a discussion between the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Health (BOH) last week regarding concerns over the safe operation of the Dairy Queen (DQ), located at 18 Summer St., the BOS met with DQ Manager Margo Murphy at its meeting May 12.

In response to comments made at the meeting last week about the fairness of asking young girls to manage the crowd, as well as the capacity to do so, Murphy had nothing but praise for her staff.

“I want to thank the young women who are working at DQ right now and they are doing a great job,” Murphy said. “You’d be surprised how capable high schoolers and college students are especially at this time when people can be nastier.”

Murphy came to the meeting prepared with an in-depth presentation showing all of the steps she has been taking to ensure safety, including removing patio furniture, operating at windows 1 and 3 only to maintain distancing, employees changing gloves after each customer, face masks work by employees (which they began doing as it became mandated), duct tape with wording on the ground every six feet, a change in foot traffic flow, multiple no food consumption on premises signs, and signs notifying people one person only should stand in line and order for the rest of their party. In addition, the location is offering UberEats and GrubHub delivery, and the pick-up for those orders is at a side door, away from on-premises customers.

BOH member Dr. Nathan Walsh said the response the BOH has seen is that things were in line with what they were asking.

“We were quite pleased with what we saw,” he said. “It sounds like we are learning more from you on how to set this up and maybe other business can learn from this too.”

Health Inspector Erin Hightower said she has been dealing with Murphy from the day they opened.

“She has been very receptive of anything we’ve suggested overall I’m very impressed with all the steps they’ve taken,” she said.

The BOS all agreed Murphy was doing a great job.

“In looking at what you’ve done, I think it’s exemplary,” BOS Chair Ian Johnson said. “Everything you’ve done there is what’s been asked or was done prior to being asked or mandated you put in place and you’ve done all you can do.”

BOS Vice-Chair Shelby Marshall agreed.

“You guys are models of how to deal with this,” she said. “I think you have more than proven yourself. You’ve made it clear you guys know what you are doing and you’ve got a great team in place.”

BOS Member Leigh Emery, who initially brought up concerns last week after seeing people congregating near the property said she was not trying to criticize the management of the DQ, but that there were in fact people enjoying their ice creams in groups near the business.

Murphy reported that she is doing everything she can to get customers off the property after receiving their order, but once they onto sidewalks, she isn’t sure what else she can do.

“At what point does it become the consumer’s responsibility and not the business’s?” she asked.

Both the BOS and BOH agreed the only thing Murphy has control over is DQ property.

“When the business has things in place, it is incumbent on the customer to follow the guidelines and the rules and be respectful of that,” BOS Member Allen Edinberg said. “We as customers shouldn’t be putting the responsibility of the person behind the window to discipline us for not following the guidance.”

The two boards advised Murphy to reach out to them as necessary if she needed further assistance.

Last day of school anticipated to be June 17

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Superintendent Amber Bock updated the School Committee at its meeting May 13 on the status of the district’s distance learning. She reported that the district had submitted to the state for approval Wednesday, June 17 as the last day of school, and that she would notify everyone as soon as she hears back.

“The reason we can apply for that date is we were up and running so quickly,” she said. “Westborough was quickly responsive and able to provide meaningful instruction very early and our sense of how to move forward to this has been grounded and thoughtful.”

Bock said the workload is now stable and that teachers have modified and adjusted pacing for different grades as needed.

“We are helping teachers focus on different areas,” she said. “It is going very well. We have moved into a stable implementation for the next six weeks until the close of school.”

She also reported that there is a well-framed materials pick-up process for students that is underway and will continue in coming weeks. Teachers are coming into the building in rotation to close out their classrooms. Plans are underway for senior week, and creating thoughtful opportunities to celebrate the graduating seniors.

Bock said food service delivery for needy families is still going well, and that a notice has gone into the meal bags urging families to call the town hotline if they need access to more food support.

“Our goal as public schools is we are plugged in with the work of supporting our community,” she said. “I’m immensely proud at how Westborough has responded during this time.”

Mayer reported that attendance has been high in recent weeks, with 95 percent at the elementary school and 90 percent at the high school. But he said the district was starting to prepare for what the fall is going to look like.

“I don’t think anyone is expecting us to come back at 100 percent in September,” he said. “We need to start shifting conversations to prepare for different scenarios.”

He said likely scenarios are putting school back in session and then closing down again, and having a new system in which some students come in on one day, and others come in another day in order to maintain social distancing.

However, he acknowledged the unknowns in the situation, saying he wouldn’t expect the state to give clear guidance on reopening until middle to late summer.

Bock agreed, and asked that as new information comes out, the community give school administration some breathing room to digest it and plan around it. She said often when a new directive is given; she is flooded with e-mails from people who want answers.

School choice

In other news, a public hearing was held regarding school choice.

Bock said she did not recommend Westborough participate in school choice because class size guidelines are already at capacity with current residents.

“We have a very robust and active enrollment in our district,” Bock said. “We have a stable and continually growing population in Westborough.

By Catherine Twing, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Westborough, like virtually every community in the commonwealth, has an increased number of residents in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To respond to these diverse needs, Westborough put together a task force to determine the best way to help. After weeks of planning, this group has established the Westborough COVID-19 Community Fund. 

The fund’s mission is to support residents in Westborough who are disproportionately affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.

Shelby Marshall, Westborough selectman and active member of the task force, explained that the fund is intended to address the needs of today, but also be flexible to address future, unknown needs. 

“We have heard of food insecurity and folks who were struggling. We fully anticipate that those needs will continue to grow and change as the economy starts to open up but isn’t fully there,” she said. “The fund will be a way of coming together to help and address the immediate needs and also address needs we can’t even anticipate.”

The task force is comprised of representatives from the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager’s Office, the Westborough Food Pantry, the Westborough Fire Department/Emergency Management, Westborough Connects, Westborough Interfaith Clergy, the Rotary Club of Westborough, Westborough Cares, the Westborough Senior Center, In Your Shoes, St. Luke’s Church Outreach and the Forbes-Kirkside Foundation.

Organizations such as In Your Shoes Westborough and St. Luke’s Church Outreach are members of Westborough Cares, a collection of community service organizations which work together to coordinate resources for those in need. They will take stock of needs in town and then request support from the community fund to help fill those needs. 

“We want to help anyone who is in need, help with utilities, gift cards for gas, gift cards for food,” said Terry Galvin, co-founder and president of In Your Shoes Westborough. “[Residents] fill out a grant application. Does it match the mission? If it does we pass it along.” 

The application is then reviewed by members of the task force and funds are distributed to the community service organizations to provide the assistance. 

Marshall explained the intent is for all requests to come through community organizations first, to ensure needs are being met, but not duplicated. 

If someone in the community has a need, they are asked to contact one of the community service organizations or call the town’s community resource line at 508-871-5111. They will then be directed to the appropriate organization where they can apply for assistance. 

To ensure donations are being properly managed, the fund is being hosted by the charitable arm of the Westborough Rotary Club. 

“They were looking for an organization that could handle the finances for them, looking for an outside organization to handle that,” said Westborough Rotary Club President Elliott Rittenberg.” 

The account is specifically for this fund and housed at Central One Federal Credit Union in Westborough.

“The work being done by the task force and the creation of this fund is indicative of the incredible community we have,” Marshall said. “We show that time and time again we come together to support each other.” 

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/WBCovidFund. Donations can also be made by check payable to “Westborough Rotary Fund, Inc.” with “COVID-19” in the memo line and mailed to Westborough Rotary Fund, c/o Central One Federal Credit Union, 40 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. 

Westborough – The Boston Lawnmower Company, located on Route 9 in Westborough, is welcoming back their customers with new store hours and many safety precautions to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Their equipment showroom will be open on a limited basis and is available by appointment by calling 508-898-3500.

All parts customers are urged to call in parts orders and pay via credit card over the phone. Customers for pick-ups are asked to remain outside, stay in their vehicle, and call the proper department and an associate will bring out their order.  For more information, visit www.bostonlawnmower.com.

Westborough

Monday, May 4

9:47 a.m. Connector Rd. Disturbance (general).

11:22 a.m. Old Colony Dr. Suspicious auto.

2:05 p.m. E Main St./Flanders Rd. Road/tree.

4:47 p.m. High St. Suspicious activity.

9:47 p.m. South St. Well-being check.

Tuesday, May 5

6:35 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

11:26 a.m. Orchard Hill Dr. Assault.

12:47 p.m. Old Colony Dr. Suspicious auto.

Wednesday, May 6

7:30 a.m. Lackey St. Suspicious activity.

10:09 p.m. Ruggles St. Well-being check.

11:48 p.m. Connector Rd. Disturbance (general).

Thursday, May 7

6:27 a.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

5:08 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

7:59 p.m. Connector Rd. Trespassing.

9:44 p.m. Spring Rd. Well-being check.

Friday, May 8

6:58 a.m. Lyman St. Vandalism.

8:59 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.

11:10 a.m. W Main St. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

1:25 p.m. Old Colony Dr. Suspicious auto.

1:50 p.m. South/Denny Sts. Erratic operator.

2:34 p.m. Jasper/W Main Sts. Erratic operator.

2:42 p.m. Homestead Blvd. Disturbance (general).

3:04 p.m. Haskell St. Larceny.

7:02 p.m. Arch St. Suspicious activity.

7:18 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

Saturday, May 9

6:45 a.m. Treetop Pk. Suspicious auto.

11:48 a.m. Lyman St. Larceny.

12:14 p.m. Milk St./Lawtons Way. Erratic operator.

8:51 p.m. North Dr. Suspicious auto.

Sunday, May 10

1:09 p.m. Lyman/Chauncy Sts. Suspicious activity.

5:14 p.m. Maynard St. Disturbance (general).

5:27 p.m. South St. Well-being check.

8:56 p.m. School St. Disturbance (general).

9:38 p.m. Ruggles St. Well-being check.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.