By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Board of Selectmen has voted to terminate the purchase and sale agreement associated with the property at 9 Grove St., citing environmental concerns.

As part of the town’s due diligence, the BOS authorized a soil study be done on the property, which was slated to be converted into a parking lot.

“When they did the Phase I study to see if there was a need for Phase II, the rationale was because the property next door, the fire department, did a Phase II, it would be in the best interest to move forward since the properties are contiguous,” BOS Chair Ian Johnson said. “We anticipated that, and it was included in the warrant article posted for the upcoming Town Meeting. In light of COVID situation, there are multiple rounds of budget cuts the town has been working with and we continue to expect revenue shortfalls.”

Johnson also pointed out that if the Phase II analysis determines it would be unwise to move forward with the property, the town would not recoup what it spent on the study.

“We don’t expect anything different than what is at the fire department, but question was, are we in the position to ask the town to spend the money at this time,” Johnson said.

The town entered into a purchase and sale on the property this winter; Town Manager Kristi Williams had come to the board saying there is not enough dedicated parking for town employees, and that the anticipated addition of bike lanes and outdoor café seating in the downtown area would further limit parking options downtown. The Grove Street property, adjacent to the Westborough Fire Department on Milk Street and in proximity to most of downtown, could add 24 parking spaces, said Williams at the time. The purchase, construction and required due diligence by town counsel was projected to cost an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 total.

Johnson said there is a possibility the town would pursue the property again in the future if circumstances allowed.

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – At a recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) heard a presentation from representatives of The Novak Consulting Group in regards to a recently-completed staffing study. Town Meeting appropriated $100,000 for the purpose study for all non-public safety departments last spring.

Michelle Ferguson, Novak senior manager of organizational assessment, and Joshua Rauch, Novak senior consultant, took the BOS through the report, which gives 53 total recommendations, including recommendations for five additional positions.

The study considers if each department is appropriately staffed and if existing staff is being utilized most efficiently. Novak met with 50 town staff members, and presented two surveys to the public, which garnered feedback from 102 residents and four businesses.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t get more business input,” BOS Chair Ian Johnson said.

He attributed the low response to the stress on business owners caused by the current pandemic.

An overview of the report during the meeting revealed the following suggestions:

• Streamline the town’s governance structure. Rauch said the town has over 50 groups, and there is some overlap between functional areas of these groups, and often some of them have positions that remain unfilled.
• Develop formal work plans and performance measures for town employees, including improving reporting relationships and span-of-control, specifically for the Town Manager. Rauch said the high volume of direct reports to the manager stunt her capacity to focus on strategic development, and that certain administrative assistants could be moved around to make for more efficient workflows.
• Create a human resources coordinator position. The town employs 230 people and human resources remains decentralized and paper-based.
• Create a public information officer position. Rauch reported that one of the main concerns in survey results was that people continued to identify a need for better communication.
• Further integrate the finance department by unifying the budget, streamlining existing processes and formally adopt financial policies.
• Create a consolidated community development office to include the building, zoning, planning, conservation, and economic development offices to streamline service and improve customer service.
• Create a full time public health nurse position to enhance public health capacity and make for more process efficiencies.
• Create a consolidated human services department to include senior and youth and family services to streamline case management and program eligibility requirements.
• Develop a prioritized informational technology (IT) work plan to inventory project requests, and create an IT liaison program.
• Develop a formal work plan for the library that maximizes the effectiveness of the renovated space, and update staffing schedule to enhance desk coverage.
• Establish formal cost recovery goals for recreation by defining acceptable subsidy thresholds and evaluate programs to ensure they meet subsidy expectations. Rauch also recommended pursuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for golf course management; management is currently contracted out, with that contract ending later this year, so he said this would be a great opportunity to compare outsourcing to the cost of insourcing.
• Restructure the Department of Public Works to consolidate roles and services, establish a stormwater utility and issue an RFP for automated meter infrastructure.

Ferguson said they found that overall the town is very lean with their staffing, and they didn’t see a lot of opportunities to eliminate staffing.

Selectman Syed Hashmi wondered about opportunities to regionalize some services with other towns. Ferguson said consulting with other towns was not part of the scope of this project, but said she saw several potential opportunities available with the school department for consolidation and collaboration of staff at town and schools.

“I think that’s your best way to start,” she said. “I think it would be more fruitful than looking outside.”

Selectman Allen Edinberg agreed he would also like to have seen more with regionalization within the report, especially with recreation and human services.

Johnson said he thought the report was very well done.

“People were concerned this was going to be a Christmas list and I was pleasantly surprised with what is here,” he said.

“I think it’s important for you to realize I won’t be coming to you asking for all of these things,” said Town Administrator Kristi Williams. “We will be talking to department heads, considering fiscal situation. It is going to be a long, thoughtful process.”

Westborough

Sunday, May 24

10:12 a.m. Capt Samuel Forbush Rd. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

12:14 p.m. Hopkinton Rd. Threats made.

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

Monday, May 25

12:40 a.m. Boardman St. Disturbance (general).

1:09 a.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance (general).

10:51 a.m. W Main St. Trespassing.

4:31 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

Tuesday, May 26

10:03 a.m. Hundreds Rd. Suspicious activity.

10:30 a.m. Ruggles/Denny Sts. Suspicious activity.

11:51 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

8:43 p.m. Fisher/Gleason Sts. Disturbance (general).

Wednesday, May 27

6:23 a.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance (general).

9:52 a.m. Cross St. Suspicious activity.

8:31 p.m. Jacob Amsden Rd./E Main St. Parking violation/complaint.

8:45 p.m. Wheeler Rd. Larceny.

9:25 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

Thursday, May 28

8:51 a.m. John St. Suspicious auto.

9:22 a.m. Wachusett View Dr. Larceny.

11:05 a.m. Turnpike Rd./Otis St. Erratic operator.

3:28 p.m. O’Neil Dr./W Main St. Accident property damage.

Friday, May 29

5:05 a.m. Steven Rd. Disturbance (general).

10:02 a.m. Union St. Suspicious auto.

11:25 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious auto.

11:57 a.m. Canfield St./Baylor Ave. Accident property damage.

12:33 p.m. Oak St. Assault.

12:54 p.m. Bowman St. Erratic operator.

2:39 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

3:47 p.m. Connector rd. Disturbance (general).

6:29 p.m. Colonial Dr. Well-being check.

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

By Adway S. Wadekar, Contributing Writer

Westborough – In response to the killing of George Floyd while being placed under arrest in Minneapolis, Minn. protests have been held all across the United States. In communities in central Massachusetts, peaceful vigils have been held to show solidarity with the Black community and to denounce the actions of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The town of Westborough held an anti-racism solidarity vigil on June 7 at the Bay State Common Green. Hundreds of town citizens attended to support the Black Lives Matter movement and to remember the lives that were lost due to racial inequality.

The evening started with a speech from the organizer of the event, Alla Baranovsky. The speech, admittedly short so that attention would not be detracted from the voices of color, focused on the purpose of the vigil. Baranovsky described the vigil as a call to action and encouraged the citizens of Westborough to pledge their support, economic and in other forms, with the ultimate goal of dismantling racial inequality that exists within the United States.

Several faith leaders addressed the crowd.

Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough acknowledged that as a white woman, she would never comprehend what it is like to be Black in America but promised to try to learn. In her remarks, she asked everyone present to take a step towards understanding the Black experience by simply “listening”.

This theme of indifference was noted by Pastor Audi Lynch of the Faithful Church of Christ in Dorchester, Mass. Lynch called on White allies to not be indifferent towards securing equality in America, rather, to play an active role in supporting this cause. He also asked everyone present to “remember their why”, for it is very easy for people to forget the reasons for which they are fighting.

Reverend Jeff Goodrich of Westborough’s Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Harpreet Singh, the co-founder of Gurdwara Sahib in Westborough and Sarah Schneider, the associate pastor of the Vineyard Church in Hopkinton, also addressed the crowd.

State Sen. Jamie B. Eldridge (D-Acton) spoke about his political intentions to work towards a fairer society. Eldridge referenced and voiced his support for the ten-point plan that was created by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to combat systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. “It’s not just about law enforcement… but it’s about voting rights, education, our healthcare system and changing those things is going to be incredibly difficult”, Eldridge said. He also called on his constituents to “hold their elected officials accountable”.

State Sen. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) also addressed the crowd, agreeing with Eldridge that “leadership at every level in government needs to change.”

“We need to create safe places and listen to Blacks and hear their stories,” she said. “We have a lot of hard work to do and a lot of heart work to do.”

Two students from Westborough High School also shared their thoughts on police brutality in the United States through spoken poetry. Claire Lord read her thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and her response to people when they say that “all lives matter” in her poem “Breonna Taylor should have been 27 on June 5”. Nanayaa Dadzie shared her experiences as a Black woman in America. She expressed her experiences of being catcalled and being yelled at walking with her family to a public library. Dadzie spoke on behalf of Black people in America when she said, “We will not be silenced. We refuse to be silent.”

The vigil ended with a moment of silence, as those who were able to kneel did so as a symbolic act of solidarity. During this moment of silence, an altercation occurred in opposition to the movement, but was quickly dispelled by town citizens surrounding the person responsible.

Westborough – The town of Westborough will be holding its annual Town Election this Saturday, June 13 at Memorial Hall, Town Hall, 34 West Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Candidates for elective office include:

Moderator (3 year term) – Vote for 1

John E. Arnold – Candidate for Re-Election

Town Clerk (3 year term) – Vote for 1

Wendy L. Mickel – Candidate for Re-Election

School Committee (3 year term) – Vote for 2

Lisa R. Edinberg – Candidate for Re-Election, and Raghu Nandan

Assabet Valley Regional Vocational District School (4 year term) – Vote for 1

Paul L. George – Candidate for Re-Election

Planning Board (5 year term) – Vote for 1

Vacancy

Trustees of the Public Library (3 year term) – Vote for 3

Patricia Fontes, William Linnane and Dorothy Mello, all Candidates for Re-Election

• Westborough Housing Authority (5 year term) – Vote for 1
• Joan Pavolis – Candidate for Re-Election

The election was originally scheduled for March 17 but was postponed due to the pandemic.

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Recreation Director Jennifer Kirkland met with the Board of Selectmen and Board of Health June 9 looking for guidance regarding opening fields and playgrounds as is permissible by the state on June 15.

For teams using the fields, she wondered if it was worth having organizers sign something stating they understand the guideline are prepared to do all the things they need to do to keep their team safe. Board of Health Chair Alan Erlich said he wasn’t sure what that would achieve unless there is a legal benefit because people are going to do whatever they want regardless of whether they sign something.

“It’s all about risk mitigation,” Selectman Allen Edinberg said. “For a business that makes an attestation and doesn’t honor it, it creates a liability. With respect to use of the fields, it might be good to ask the more formal organizations for a copy of what everyone is agreeing to, to make sure it’s at least as protective as the town is considering. It might alleviate some paperwork on our end.”

It was decided officials would seek advice from Town Counsel and the town’s insurance company.

As for playgrounds, Kirkland reported that some other towns are opening up their structures, but posting they are not sanitizing and disinfecting, reminding people about social distancing, and suggesting that if there are more than 10 people on the structure to wait or come back later. She asked what kinds of signage the boards would be comfortable with.

“If you open the playgrounds, the idea of social distancing goes out the window,” Erlich said. You just have to accept that. So you either close them, or use them at your own risk. My feeling opening playgrounds is there is some risk but it is reasonable for some people to expose themselves in that fashion.”

Board of Selectman Chair Ian Johnson agreed, saying that he didn’t want to put too many restrictions on the playgrounds.

“If we try to mandate things, we are going to get overwhelmed with calls and then we have to put our resources on monitoring playgrounds,” he said. “I think they should be open, and just put up a sign that we are not sanitizing and to use at your own risk.”

Westborough also cancels rec programs

By Jennifer Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough Recreation Director Jenn Kirkland reported at the June 2 Board of Selectmen meeting that the Recreation Commission had met and voted to cancel most playground and sports programs through the end of July.

The Recreation Commission also voted to close the beach at Lake Chauncy as well for the  summer.

“These decisions definitely weren’t made lightly,” Kirkland said. “The camp guidelines came out…many people were discouraged. It seems like they can’t even play kickball.”

She said there were so many layers of restrictions that it was difficult to figure out what the children can actually do at camp.

Kirkland said the plan is to offer as much as they can in terms of recreational activities that are typically individual sports anyway, like golf. The Recreation Commission plans to re-evaluate at the end of July to see if they can run some mini-programs in August. They may also consider a day program here or there instead of weekly programming. In the meantime, tennis and pickle ball courts are open, playgrounds are due to open in Phase III of the reopening plan, and trails and state parks are open.

“We understand people love the beach and it’s a resource, but don’t feel we can do it safely under the guidelines,” she said.

Restrictions would require more staffing for the beach, but the town would be able to sell less passes. She also cited the issue of re-education of the town in how the beach would operate, saying day passes wouldn’t be available and people would have to be turned away. Kirkland said she had been in touch with neighboring towns, and they are all shutting down their beaches as well.

The gates at the beach will be locked, and signs will be put up saying there are no lifeguards on duty and that the beach is closed. At this time, there are no plans to put up “no trespassing” signs.

“I think we have to be realistic and realize that people are going to be using the beach at their own risk,” BOS Vice Chair Shelby Marshall said. “We just have to do what we can to minimize liability.”

By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The combination of two enthusiastic, knowledgeable business partners with different expertise and backgrounds is the foundation of Perk & Parcel located at 276 Turnpike Road (Belmont Center) in Westborough. The unique concept of the business is a blend of a coffee bar and café as well as a convenient location to securely have your packages delivered.

Perk & Parcel opened in December 2019 and is now reopened after being impacted by COVID-19 closures. Co-owner Rick Mosher is optimistic that it will continue to thrive.

“It was quite a blow to have to shut down pretty much on our three month anniversary,” said Mosher. “Reopening is going well. We are getting walk-ins for takeout and a lot of online ordering through our website app.”

Perk & Parcel is currently open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for takeout and curbside service. The online ordering link is available through the website at www.perkandparcel.com. Menu changes and special promotion information can be found there or on Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to receive email updates.

Mosher manages the Perk side of the business. His background is in food service including experience as an executive chef in Boston, and he keeps up to date on current trends.

Chalkboards display the menu including cookies, muffins, croissants, and quiche. Salads, sandwiches, and Paninis are prepared on site using seasonal ingredients when possible.

Of course, it offers 13 different lattes, espresso, coffee, tea, and Nitro Brew. Customers also have a variety of milks to choose from including non-dairy options like almond, soy, oat or coconut.

The Parcel side of the business is managed by AJ Boles and offers a central delivery location for packages to be sent and picked up at your convenience. Currently, this service is complimentary and gives customers an option to avoid porch pirates or damage to their packages from shipping or weather.

Customers need to register their information online and ensure when ordering items that their packages are delivered to Perk & Parcel. When the package arrives, it is placed in a secure locker system and the customer is contacted with a pick up code for package retrieval.

“It’s safe and easy to use,” said Mosher.

There is also an environmental benefit of using a central delivery location – the number of trucks on the road is reduced, which reduces air pollution.

Any prepaid packages that are pre-labeled that you are sending can also be dropped off at Perk & Parcel.

“The staff is super friendly and go out of their way to help customers,” said Mosher. “We take pride in our service and attention to detail.”

Long term goals are to add locations, increase community outreach, welcome business meetings and scout groups, and add events that include students, such as a poetry slam night.  Free Wi-Fi is available.

Perk & Parcel’s menu and how to register to utilize the location to receive packages can be found on the website. Email questions to info@perkandparcel.com.

By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer

Westborough – When their annual service trip got cancelled this summer due to COVID-19, four local advocates refused to resign to a season of stagnant quarantine.

Instead, Ben Riela, Greg Xenos, Abbey Riela and Ella Hillfinger all approached their contacts at the national Appalachia Service Project (ASP) hoping to bring their charity work home with a special food drive for the Westborough Food Pantry, Saturday, June 27.

“There’s a ton of need just in our own backyard,” Riela said. “We kept seeing the need at food banks so we thought, we have this huge network at ASP…what if we used that power to do something here in town.”

ASP is an organization dedicated to bringing high school and college volunteers to economically struggling rural areas of the country like West Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.

In a normal year, ASP participants raise money for months before then traveling south to spend a week making common repairs to homes which owners could not otherwise afford.

“When you have all these problems, repairing a leak in our house, repairing the rotting floor or the uninsulated walls, that’s low on your to do list,” Riela said of the life situations of the homeowners he’s served in the past.

He noted that, over five years of trips he’s made, each family he’s worked with has been particularly hit by the effects of substance use disorder which has ravaged rural Appalachia for years.

As much as Riela and others say they look forward to their trip, however, Riela said he quickly understood, once the true scope of COVID-19 pandemic became clear, that he would be staying home this year.

“When I got sent home from college, I could kind of tell the trip was going to get cancelled,” he said. “The world was going to change for the foreseeable future.”

And things did change.

COVID-19 put thousands out of work in Massachusetts alone, exacerbating already oppressive situations for those struggling with poverty and food insecurity.

As COVID-19 forced some food pantries to cut back service, and as quarantine severed some food supply lines, locals risked going hungry. That triggered pleas for help from the pantries still operational.

“They’ve always needed help,” Riela said of Westborough’s pantry in particular. “The need has just been elevated with this downturn.”

At work over the months since ASP cancelled their trip, food drive organizers say they plan to host monthly drives throughout the summer. The first such event will, indeed, take place June 27.

Organizers like Riela ask interested donors to sign up for the event through a Google form or via email. On June 27, volunteers will circle through Westborough, picking up food items that donors should leave at the end of their driveways.

Altogether, Riela says he’s grateful to have found a way to still give back this summer all while also getting an inside look at the nuts and bolts of the charity world he’s participated in for most of his adolescence.

“It slowly became something that requires much more work than we thought,” he said. “…there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes.”

To register to participate in the June 27th food drive, fill out the following Google form https://forms.gle/Gy5tsF3qz5AoDad2A. Anyone with further questions should reach out to food drive organizers by email via westboroughfooddrive@gmail.com.

Westborough – After a three month delay, the town of Westborough finally held its annual Town Election on June 13. The election had been scheduled for March 17 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns about the pandemic as well as no contested races no doubt contributed to the low turnout. Just over four percent of the town’s eligible voters (522 out of 12,628) participated. There were 396 early and absentee ballots and 126 in person voters.

Re-elected were Selectman Ian Johnson; Town Moderator John Arnold; Town Clerk Wendy Mickel; School Committee member Lisa Edinerg; Assabet Valley Regional Vocational District School Committee member Paul L. George; Westborough Housing Authority member Joan Pavolis; and Trustees of the Public Library Patricia Fontes, William Linnane and Dorothy Mello.

Raghu Nandan was also elected to the School Committee and Timothy Koehler was elected to the Planning Board.

Westborough

Saturday, May 30

8:14 a.m. W Main St. Larceny.

8:19 a.m. Phillips St. B&E in MV.

4:01 p.m. Stratton Dr. Suspicious activity.

4:14 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

6:50 p.m. Milk St./Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

7:26 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

10:19 p.m. Roy St. Suspicious activity.

Sunday, May 31

1:01 a.m. Eli Whitney St. Suspicious auto.

10:42 p.m. Forrest Ln. Well-being check.

Monday, June 1

11:17 a.m. Charlestown Meadows Dr. Vandalism.

4:05 p.m. Oak St. Threats made.

10:49 p.m. Haskell St. Suspicious auto.

Tuesday, June 2

2:36 a.m. Milk St. Suspicious person.

1:42 p.m. Arch St. Vandalism.

3:51 p.m. Union St. Suspicious auto.

6:20 p.m. W Main St. Vandalism.

6:34 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

11:21 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.

Wednesday, June 3

12:13 p.m. Oak St. Threats made.

1:07 p.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

3:25 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

3:33 p.m. Capt Samuel Forbush Rd. Suspicious activity.

5:31 p.m. Flanders Rd. Trespassing.

Thursday, June 4

1:19 a.m. Cortland Dr. Suspicious activity.

5:51 a.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.

6:48 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

7:27 p.m. Chestnut St. Disturbance (general).

9:31 p.m. Belknap St. Suspicious auto.

Friday, June 5

12:06 p.m. W Main St. Disturbance (general).

12:59 p.m. Connector Rd. Larceny.

1:27 p.m. Deerslayer Ln./Ruggles St. Suspicious auto.

2:19 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious auto.

7:34 p.m. Lyman St. Trespassing.
9:23 p.m. Homestead Blvd. 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 – After a three month delay, the town of Westborough finally held its annual Town Election on June 13. The election had been scheduled for March 17 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns about the pandemic as well as no contested races no doubt contributed to the low turnout. Just over four percent of the town’s eligible voters (522 out of 12,628) participated. There were 396 early and absentee ballots and 126 in person voters.

Re-elected were Selectman Ian Johnson; Town Moderator John Arnold; Town Clerk Wendy Mickel; School Committee member Lisa Edinerg; Assabet Valley Regional Vocational District School Committee member Paul L. George; Westborough Housing Authority member Joan Pavolis; and Trustees of the Public Library Patricia Fontes, William Linnane and Dorothy Mello

Raghu Nandan was also elected to the School Committee and Timothy Koehler was elected to the Planning Board.

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Board of Selectmen and Board of Health met with Town Moderator John Arnold again June 16 to discuss the facilitation of Town Meeting, which is scheduled for this Saturday, June 20 at 12 p.m. at Westborough High School. Arnold reported there was another walk through earlier in the day to nail down logistics, and that there is a post-set-up walkthrough set up for Friday evening.

Several board members praised the group working on the project, but Selectman Allen Edinberg said he’d received a series of emphatic texts from a resident who was unhappy with the plans. The resident suggested having an indoor meeting was not safe, and that the meeting should be held outside. Further, the resident alleged the current plan was disenfranchising a significant portion of the community and putting themselves or family members at risk in order to participate.

“There is always a risk, and it’s really just about balancing the risks,” Arnold said.

A lengthy discussion was held about if the meeting could be held outside, and what the pros and cons of that would be. An outside meeting was discussed in a previous meeting, and was decided against because of things like weather, difficulty in erecting a tent, and inability to obtain a suitable projection unit.

Edinberg said one idea was to print out presentations, have people stay in their cars, and use the radio system to broadcast the meeting. Board of Health Member Alan Erlich said there were carbon monoxide concerns with having hundreds of cars idling in a parking lot.

“We believe the plan that’s been proposed represents a very reasonable balance,” he said.

Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Shelby Marshall said she thought it was too short of notice to have too many people to pivot. However, she did wonder if there was a better time overall to hold the meeting. Board of Health Chair Nathan Walsh responded that he didn’t see a better time, and that this may be the only window they have to hold the meeting because COVID-19 cases could start increasing again at any time now that the economy is opening back up.

The groups agreed to figure out a way to set up some appropriate outdoor seating for those who may be uncomfortable being inside.

By Jennifer Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Board of Selectmen recently considered a request from the Veterans’ Advisory Board to put flags on the rotary June 27 through July 4 in celebration of Independence Day.

Selectman Shelby Marshall said she realized the rotary was customary in placing the flags, but noted that people had been using the space recently to express their political beliefs. She wondered if some of the flags would inadvertently get damaged by demonstrators, and suggested maybe they should be placed in front of the Forbes Municipal Building instead.

After some discussion, selectmen decided to allow the veterans to use two of the four quadrants of the rotary – allowing demonstrators to face eastbound and westbound on the rotary – and complete use of the lawn in front of the Forbes Municipal Building.

“I think this is a good compromise,” Board of Selectmen Chair Ian Johnson said.

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Town Manager Kristi Williams told selectmen at their June 15 meeting that a large amount of trash was left in the parking lot of the town beach area over a recent weekend. The Recreation Commission voted a couple weeks ago to officially close Chauncy Beach for the summer, but the gates are still open.

“We want to get out to the community that we haven’t closed the parking lot, but that they need to pick up after themselves with the trash,” she said.

She said if trash continued to be an issue, she may ask selectmen to close the area altogether. This spurred a discussion about whether people should be allowed in the area at all. Selectman Syed Hashmi said he was concerned that people were using the area while there are no lifeguards and the water is not being tested.

“If we open the gate, we are opening the gates,” he said. “I worry about this.”

Selectmen Allen Edinberg agreed.

“I’m concerned that we create the impression that it’s OK to go in the water, but if we aren’t testing, we are potentially putting people at risk,” he said.

Selectman Shelby Marshall said she thought it was an equality issue, and that she has heard from many residents who doesn’t have any other way to cool off. She wondered if there was a way to continue testing the water for safety.

The board decided to put the issue on a future agenda.

Westborough – Though in-person Girl Scout activities are presently suspended, Westborough Girl Scouts have found ways to remain active. Westborough has 25 troops, with girls ranging from kindergarten Daisies to 12th-grade Ambassadors. Many of these troops have continued to meet virtually to earn badges and connect with the community.

Senior Troop 30506 recently completed their “Think like a Programmer Journey.” The girls explored how programmers use computational thinking to solve problems. Using the skills they learned, the girls created a COVID-19 Guide website to benefit their Girl Scout community. The website contains information on how to stay safe and healthy, as well as different activities to keep busy during quarantine. Check it out: https://sites.google.com/view/covid-19-guide/.

Brownie Troop 64883 wrapped up their cookie season by donating cookies to the UMass Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These girls have also been working to complete a Cybersecurity Badge which teaches them how to use technology safely. They learned not to share personal information or talk to strangers online. 

Junior Troop 30634 has been meeting weekly via Zoom video calls. These girls have been enjoying the social time while also working on badges such as Musician and Outdoor Art Explorer.

Senior Troop 11130 kicked off the year working on the “GIRLtopia Journey” which had the girls develop their vision of an ideal world. As hosts of the annual Girl Scout dance, they began planning and created a GIRL Power inspired dance playlist for their Troupe Performer badge. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the Girl Scout dance was cancelled but will hopefully be held at a later date. The troop continues to meet via Zoom and has hosted a guest speaker and participated in a virtual scavenger hunt.

Ambassador Troop 30125 has been working on the “Justice Journey.” The girls have investigated global environmental issues and created their own visions for change. In addition, some girls attended Dr. Martha Gach’s presentation, “Talking Local Climate: How You Can Help!” at the library and also helped with the Westborough Earth Day Clean Up.

This year, five Westborough Girl Scouts earned their Gold Award and 13 earned their Silver Award. Gold Award recipients are Holly Carew, Julie Carrier, Vidula Kunte, Carolyn McDermott and Lydia O’Connell. Silver Award recipients are Esther Antony, Zainab Anwar, Emily Bartee, Marieanna Das, Lehna Estes, Cassandra Geng, Annabelle Koshy, Rachel Martin, Katelyn McCarthy, Kayla Niece, Sanjana Pulaparthi, Meredith Swanson and Kimberly Telles. 

In addition, three of Westborough’s troop leaders were recently honored with the Volunteer of Excellence Award: Lisa Whitney-Scott, Ana Russo and Katie Chiarelli. Historically award winners are acknowledged at the annual Bridging Ceremony, however, this year the award recipients received flowers and posters delivered to their homes. 

The Girl Scouts’ textile collection drives will resume Saturday, May 30, and continue on the last Saturday of each month at Westborough High School, 90 W. Main St., from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Follow Westborough Girl Scouts Textile Recycling on Facebook for more information.

For more information about Westborough Girl Scouts, email westboroughgirlscouts@gmail.com.

By Caroline White, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Westborough High School has its very own climate change activist! Bridget Lord is an ambitious and dedicated junior who works with both local and international groups fighting for environmental health. After years of interest in this cause, last summer she decided to take action.

I have always been involved in Girl Scouts… A big part of Girl Scouts is about being outside and appreciating nature,” Lord said. “In late July 2019, I heard about the climate strikes that were going to be in September, and I realized that there wasn’t going to be one in Massachusetts, so I thought I needed to plan one.  Then Boston Climate Strike popped up so we started working together.”

Lord is involved in four groups: two local, and two international. Locally, she is the Founder and General Coordinator of Fridays for Future Massachusetts, and on the Policy Team of Boston Climate Strike. She also works with Polluters Out and Fridays for Future International, which include members from all around the world. She dedicates hours to these groups discussing and planning with other members and has attended numerous events such as strikes and community service days in order to take action.

“The December 6 Boston Climate Strike was probably my favorite,” Lord recalled. “We didn’t have much time to plan it so we knew we wouldn’t be having as many people, but it was a lot more energy I think. Everyone who was there was so much more motivated, and talking to the legislatures after was great.”

In addition to speaking with the state legislature, Lord has had the opportunity to collaborate with Bernie Sanders’s team. They met with Fridays For Future Massachusetts to discuss how they could work with the environmental activism group and talked about Sanders’s presidential campaign views on climate change.

“They helped us create a video about the Green New Deal,” Lord added.

The Green New Deal is an important aspect of Fridays For Future Massachusetts’s cause. Essentially, the group wants the economy to transfer so that workers are protected and more jobs are created that are environmentally friendly. They also want to be rid of fossil fuel infrastructure.

“We all know that fossil fuels are hurting the environment, so why would we keep using them?” Lord asked.

Recently, Lord had the chance to work with Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg through Fridays For Future International. The two have joined forces to create webinars on various areas of focus within the issue of climate change. Fridays for Future International has been holding these online talks every Friday in place of the strikes that have been prevented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These webinars feature different speakers, such as Naomi Klein, and are streamed publicly on YouTube and Facebook.

Lord encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote.

“A lot of people can vote and don’t understand the power of their vote, especially living in Massachusetts. You might think ‘Oh, we live in a blue state my vote doesn’t matter anyway.’ And educate yourself before you vote definitely.”

Westborough

Saturday, June 6

1:53 a.m. Sheffield Way. Suspicious activity.

8:46 a.m. Oak St. Larceny.

10:41 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

11:57 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

1:06 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious person.

1:29 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

2:53 p.m. W Main St. Larceny.

8:40 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Sunday, June 7

1:29 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

1:40 p.m. Fisher St. Suspicious activity.

3:49 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious person.

4:56 p.m. Brigham St. Suspicious auto.

7:06 p.m. W Main St. Disturbance (general).

7:21 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

7:44 p.m. W Main St. Disturbance (general).

9:16 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

Monday, June 8

5:15 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

7:32 p.m. Glen St. Suspicious auto.
7:54 p.m. Lyman St. Trespassing.

10:12 p.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

Tuesday, June 9

12:02 a.m. Armstrong Dr. Suspicious activity.

9:08 a.m. Computer Dr. Larceny.

4:37 p.m. E Main St. Burglary/breaking & entering.

10:41 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.

10:42 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

Wednesday, June 10

2:01 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

6:57 a.m. Sassacus Dr. Suspicious person.

10:29 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

6:49 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

Thursday, June 11

12:13 a.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

7:25 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.

11:32 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

12:21 p.m. Milk St. Disturbance (general).

4:31 p.m. Stagecoach Cir. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

10:37 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.

11:17 p.m. W Main St. Well-being check.

Friday, June 12

3:48 p.m. Summer St. Disturbance (general).

4:36 p.m. Upton Rd./Bowman St. Accident property damage.

4:53 p.m. Warren St. Larceny.

5:05 p.m. Otis St. Suspicious auto.

8:09 p.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

8:34 p.m. Crownridge Rd. Disturbance (general).

9:28 p.m. E Main 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.

March 29, 1933 – June 20, 2020

Manchaug – Jean M. (Leslie) Bisson, of Manchaug, formerly of Worcester and Westborough, passed away surrounded by family Saturday, June 20, 2020 after a period of declining health.

Jean was born in Worcester the eldest of five children of Joseph and Nellie (Tebo) Leslie. Raised in Worcester, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and then furthered her education earning two Master’s Degrees, and a Doctorate from several higher learning schools such as Becker, Anna Maria, Assumption, the University of Massachusetts, Radcliff and Northwestern.

Throughout her career, Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, in addition to a dedicated medical professional and educator. She worked as an administrative assistant and unit coordinator for the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and for the City of Worcester as a psychologist for special needs children before retiring.

Jean’s husband, Joseph “Ray” Bisson passed away in January of 1986. She is survived by three children, Andrea J. Quinn and her husband Terry of Southbridge, Jeffrey P. Bisson and his fiance Melissa Vernon of Manchaug, with whom Jean lived; Kenneth J. Bisson and his wife Laura of Charlton; two sisters, Joan Perna of Worcester and Mary Morrison of Rutland , five grandchildren of which she was so proud of, Ryan J. Quinn, Adam Quinn and his wife Maegan, Mitchell Bisson and his wife Alycia; Jacob and Dylan Bisson; two great grandchildren, Owen and Alec Quinn; nieces, nephews, and extended family members including her niece Susan Moisan who was very close to Jean. She is predeceased by her sister, Janice Bond and Brother Richard Leslie.

Jean was a true believer in higher education and the belief that a woman should be able to stand on her own two feet. She encouraged the people around her to continue to grow and learn through education and life’s experiences. Jean was an accomplished baker and enjoyed making special cakes for her family and friends. She was a passionate supporter of St Jude Research and hospital, and the ASPCA for animals. In her spare time, Jean enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, classic New England seafood, old movies, and Perry Mason reruns.

Jean’s funeral will be held Friday, June 26th at 11 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St. Burial next to her husband will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours are Private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN. www.stjude.org/donate.

The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Current seal features cotton gin invented by Eli Whitney; public hearing to be held in July

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – In response to public outcry that gained traction on social media over the weekend, the Board of Selectmen decided at their meeting Tuesday night to hold a public hearing in July regarding changing the town seal.

It was noted that since the discussion item had appeared on the agenda, numerous emails had been received by Town Manager Kristi William’s office, as well as selectmen themselves, on the subject. The selectmen noted that the communications on the whole, whether they were in support or opposition to a proposed change, were thoughtful, respectful and meaningful.

Resident Charlene Tebo approached the board with a presentation regarding the seal. She provided some background on the cotton gin, which appears on the seal and was invented by Westborough resident Eli Whitney in 1794. She said the invention revolutionized the slave trade due to increased productivity requiring larger crops and increased labor force, and said the cotton gin represents a sign of oppression.

“It’s really a matter of what is the image Westborough wants to show proudly on their seal to represent the community as a whole,” Tebo said. “Do we want to continue to display a device that contributed to slavery within the US, both in our community and as portrayed to the outside community as well? I feel like this is a time, with everything going on, we have to reflect on whether we are proud of the inventor or the invention.”

Tebo said the seal was created by students of the community for 250th birthday of the town, noting that the year was 1967, the latter end of civil rights movements.

“I’m not making any assumptions to anyone’s stance on segregation at the time, but it is important to understand racial dynamics at that time and understand how education was being presented,” she said.

Tebo said she has felt passionately about this for some time, and that she spoke about it at the town’s 300th birthday celebrations when the cotton gin was displayed prominently. But when she spoke up about it, she said, she was met with a negative response.

“With current climate, I brought it up again and it was received much differently,” she said. “I think this is a time to reflect upon the message our seal sends to people of color. Is it a message of inclusivity to the people of Westborough?”

She asked people to reflect on the impact of the seal being displayed on uniforms, town vehicles and town buildings. She asked them to consider the message that can send and the impact that can have on the relationship between local law enforcement officials and residents of community. So far, she has reached out to have dialogue with Police Chief Jeffrey Lourie and Sgt. Michael Daniels.

“When I first took over, I wasn’t a big fan of the patch,” Lourie said. “Now that that this has been brought up, I’m not objecting to upgrading our patch. I had very productive conversation with [Tebo]. I’ve seen the social media; we need to come together now and cannot take these things on the personal level. I think it’s something we should discuss.”

Tebo also presented some research about how self image and public image can impact the black community, citing a study that shows positive racial identity in black children is connected self esteem and contributes to academic success as well as positive emotional functioning.

“In perpetuating this, we are contributing to how the black community is viewed, as well as how the black community can view themselves,” she said.

Williams said any change of the town seal will need a Town Meeting vote, and that a new seal would have to be presented for consideration at that time as well. Tebo said lots of ideas for the new seal have been suggested on social media, including celebrating Eli Whitney in another manner (like as a father of American technology), the fact that Westborough is the 100th town in the commonwealth, celebrating various athletes from Westborough, focusing on farming, celebrating the Nourse family as abolitionists, a landscape and celebrating Sleigh manufacturing. Selectman Leigh Emery asked that a celebration of Nipmuc Nation be added to the list.

Williams recommended having the diversity and inclusion committee create the process of approving new town seal.

All of the selectmen were overwhelmingly in support of considering a new town seal.

“This is deeply personal for me because I grew up in a land where we’ve been killing each other over cast and creed for over a millennium, and are still killing each other,” Selectman Syed Hashmi said. “We have within each of us the power of a thousand suns to heal each other and this moment calls for that.”

Emery said there needs to be more conversation in a larger forum.

“I think we are having an unprecedented, culturally-diverse response to this,” she said.

Selectman Ian Johnson said he thought this was a great opportunity to get community involvement and discussion on an issue.

“People are energized,” he said. “Let’s capitalize on that. But I think we have to be thoughtful about these changes. They don’t happen overnight, and folks need to be tolerant over that.”

Selectmen Vice Chair Allen Edinberg said two years ago, the town created a vision and mission statement as part of it’s strategic plan, and that a new seal fits into this.
“The concept of engagement, welcoming, inclusion is embedded of what we inspire to be,” he said. “This sense of inclusion and community is part of our mission statement as well. The question I ask myself is, ‘Does our current town seal speak to that mission and what we aspire to be?’ and I’m not sure you can say yes to that and personally I don’t believe it is.”

Selectman Chair Shelby Marshall said she was humbled by the presentation and the dialogue shared.

“These times have made me much more self-reflective regardless of the views being presented,” she said. “I think we do ourselves a favor by listening to new ideas. I am continually struck by the positive nature of so many people saying the town seal doesn’t represent Westborough’s total history, and by changing the seal we don’t diminish the history.”

The financial impact of changing the seal on uniforms, town vehicles, stationary, etc. during already challenging fiscal times was brought up as an issue that will have to be considered if the seal is changed.

The board decided to organize a public hearing sometime in July. They also pointed out that there are three open positions on the diversity and inclusion committee if anyone would be interested in filling them.