By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Westborough – It was better late than never when the Westborough High School (WHS) class of 2020 gathered Aug. 1 for their outdoor graduation ceremony – albeit with pandemic-era safety measures. Most of this year’s 264 graduates attended.

The ceremony began with graduating senior Jennifer Brown singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Valedictorian Nishka Pant reminisced about memorable experiences with her classmates while also giving a shoutout to family and faculty. Class President Rhea Balasubramanian advised her classmates to find the power for a revolution of equality.

School Committee Chair Sara Dullea assured the graduating seniors that the entire town of Westborough rallied for them. Superintendent Amber Bock reflected on the range of emotions – from joy to pain – that they endured during the past six months.

Principal Brian Callaghan drew applause when he proclaimed, “We all made it!” Encouraging the graduating seniors to remember the positive side of recent challenges, he noted that they’re WHS’s only class whose senior year began and ended with a parade. He also commended their resilience for making the graduation ceremony occur.

“Congratulations to the great and gritty class of 2020!” Callaghan cheered.

(Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.)

Wardsboro, Vt. – Richard L. Fay, 73, of Wardsboro, VT., formerly of Westborough, MA, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, riding his bike on the back roads and trails of rural Vermont.

Dick was born on April 1, 1947 (yes, April Fool’s Day), in Worcester, MA. He grew up in Westborough and graduated from W.H.S. with the class of 1965.  He attended Union College in Kentucky and graduated from University of South Florida.  Dick taught physical education in the Westborough School System for 37 years, retiring in 2007 and moving to Wardsboro.

Dick had a great sense of humor and positive outlook on life. He like nothing more than joking with his co-workers and friends. He was a lover of all things in nature, the outdoors, gardening and was deeply dedicated to physical health and exercise. He leaves a legacy of grateful past students who adored him as their innovative physical education teacher. He made fitness fun. His love of Vermont was developed in his early years when virtually all his summer vacations were spent there.

He was active in his community, volunteering at the food pantry, maintaining the library garden, and performing in children holiday plays. Dick and his wife Carol were frequent worldwide travelers, having visited China, Iceland, Croatia, UK and all the US national parks, to name a few. He loved learning new and different cultures and, and of course, the varied cuisine.

Dick was predeceased by his mother, Ann, and his father, Charlie who lived in Westborough. He is survived by his loving wife Carol, daughters Elizabeth and Stephanie, sister Nancy and a large, eclectic group of family and friends in MA and VT.

A graveside service will be on Monday, August 3, at 11:00 A.M. in Pine Grove Cemetery, South St., Westborough. During the service, friends and family are encouraged to share stories and memories of Dick.

Westborough

Sunday, July 19

2:04 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

5:28 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Road/tree.

11:06 a.m. Flanders Rd. Disturbance (general).

7:39 p.m. Nourse St. Erratic operator.

9:09 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

10:53 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Monday, July 20

7:40 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

3:34 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

4:49 p.m. Milk St. Well-being check.

6:00 p.m. Arrested, Albert Essiam, 53, of 188 Austin St., Apt. 52D, Worcester, for op MV with registration suspended, OUI-liquor or .08%, marked lanes violation.

10:17 p.m. Quick Farm Rd. Suspicious auto.

Tuesday, July 21

12:26 a.m. Oak St. Trespassing.

10:19 a.m. E Main St. Erratic operator.

3:52 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious activity.

4:37 p.m. Milk St./Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.

6:44 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious activity.

7:51 p.m. Woodcrest Rd. Disturbance (general).

Wednesday, July 22

12:21 a.m. Bowman St./Upton Rd. Suspicious activity.

2:54 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

9:04 p.m. E Main St. Disturbance (general).

Thursday, July 23

1:07 a.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious auto.

8:22 a.m. Oak St. Disturbance (general).

11:00 a.m. W Main St. Vandalism.

3:18 p.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

3:22 p.m. South St. Trespassing.

4:04 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

5:46 p.m. Parkman St. Suspicious auto.

7:58 p.m. Arrested, Sean Conner, 29, of 2128 Kennedy Ave., Baltimore, Md., for OUI-liquor or .08%, unlicensed operation of MV, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

10:12 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Robbery.

Friday, July 24

2:36 a.m. Arrested, Terrence T. Depatie, 40, of 26 Gertrude St., Uxbridge, on warrant.

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

12:05 p.m. E Main St. Erratic operatic.

12:48 p.m. Chauncy St. Suspicious auto.

2:14 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

7:03 p.m. W Main St. Well-being check.

11:15 p.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. 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 – Damien R. Hughes, 27, of Westborough, was the victim of a fatal stabbing on the morning of Friday, July 31, 2020.

Born in Worcester, he was the beloved son of Ashley E. Tenczar Curran of Jamaica Plain, and was raised by his maternal grandparents, Maureen (Qua) Tenczar of Westborough and the late Gary Tenczar. He was raised and educated in Westborough and was a graduate of Westborough High School Class of 2011.

Damien was employed as a general laborer at Amazon. He enjoyed hiking, swimming, and being outdoors.

In addition to his mother and his grandmother, he is survived by his sister, Sydney Curran of Andover; his uncle, Jed Tenczar of Fall River; his close cousin, Rheanna Tenczar of Worcester; as well as his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his stepfather, Peter C. Curran.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, August 8, in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St. Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Westborough. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Gavin Foundation Development Department, 675 East 4th St., P.O. Box E-15, South Boston, MA 02127.

Proposal will come before voters at Special Town Meeting 

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – After several weeks of discussion in executive session, selectmen voted to purchase a 66.15-acre property at 31-33 Eli Whitney St. for $2.3 million.

They will pay for the property with a combination of funding from existing Walkup and Robinson Memorial Reservation, open space and sale of real estate accounts.

Open Space Preservation Committee Chair Mark Silverberg said this parcel, located near the Annie E. Fales Elementary School,  is one of the top five remaining existing largest residential parcels in town, and that its position adjacent to several other open space opportunities and existing lands made it desirable.

Timothy Buckalew, serving as representative from Walkup and Robinson and as vice chair of the Conservation Commission, said the parcel has lots of featuring, including limiting development in the area, which affects watershed, stormwater and runoff protection. He also said the town has been interested in this parcel since the 1980s.

“This is a great opportunity for town to preserve a great piece of land for conservation and future passive recreation,” Selectman Allen Edinberg said.

The vote Tuesday night allowed for the selectmen to execute a purchase and sale; the next step is for the land to be surveyed. Selectmen voted to include a 4.72 parcel of land on Eli Whitney Street as remaining under the care and control of the board of selectmen in order to construct parking and trailhead facilities. Once the land is surveyed and a proposed plan is completed, the selectmen

Westborough – Ruth M. Flemming, 101, formerly of Westborough, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020 at the Avamere at the Stratford Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ. She was the wife of the late Irving L. “Lin” Flemming.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ruth (Good) Lewis. She was raised and educated in Westborough and was a graduate of Westborough High School. Ruth was employed as a sales associate for Golden’s Dress Shop and also worked at V Arc prior to her retirement. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and had lived most of her life in Westborough.

Ruth is survived by one son, Barry L. Flemming and his wife, Jean (Hunnicutt), of Phoenix, AZ; two grandchildren, Kent Flemming and Carrie Flood and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Delilha and Dane Flemming. She was predeceased by a son, Alan Flemming.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 1:00 P.M. in Pine Grove Cemetery, South St., Westborough. A memorial service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will be planned for a later date after COVID.

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer 

Westborough  – Town Planner Jim Robbins has visited with multiple boards recently to discuss a proposed MassWorks Infrastructure Program. 

The project would address issues on Flanders Road. It would include a new signalized intersection at Flanders and West Park Drive Extension to support an existing industrial park and a new industrial road subdivision, and the widening of Flanders Road. The project is intended to relieve congestion at the Connector Road and Research Drive signal. It would improve safety on Flanders Road by reducing vehicle speeds, relieving current line of sight issues and improving turning movements. Additionally, people who have trouble entering or exiting their property along Flanders Road would have better opportunities to do so. 

It would also relieve congestion at the Route 9/I-495 interchange because a new road will allow people to leave West Park Drive and the Westborough Business Park and head east without having to get onto Route 9. 

“It is one of the top congested intersections of the commonwealth,” Robbins said. “In fact, it recently rose to the number one traffic nightmare in the state.”

That also means that by adding the proposed 1,800 feet of roadway are going to save thousands of commuters the hassle and environmental impacts of driving an additional 2.8 miles every day on Route 9 to enter and exit the park. 

The project would also install new signalized pedestrian crossing and promote the use of a bike/multipurpose trail that would run the length of West Park Drive, and new sidewalks. The trail would connect to a regional bike trail the town is hoping to build called the Boston Worcester Air Line Trail (BWALT), to be built on the old Boston & Worcester trolley line. 

This is a competitive grant program that provides the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities primarily for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur private development, and create jobs throughout the commonwealth.

Kevin Kuros, regional director for Mass Office of Business Development, was in attendance at Robbins’ recent presentation to the Economic Development Committee, and gave some insights to what might help the town receive a grant award. He said leveraging private investments and projects that are essentially shovel-ready are looked upon favorably. He said the community use portion of this particular project makes it more desirable. He told town officials that 92 applications for a requested $223 million were received last year, but that only about a third of applications were funded, with the average award being around $2 million. Town officials expect the project will cost about $2.5 million total. 

Robbins said the project meets the scope of the program by supporting economic development by encouraging job creation and improving access. He said the project also supports the economic development goals of the town’s master plan by reducing congestion and improving circulation while improving access for pedestrians and bikers. Further, he said the project fits into the region planning efforts for the comprehensive economic development strategy, the I-495 compact and the CMRPC plan for regional economic development.

Mark Verreault, senior vice president of Carruth Capital, manages the properties at the adjacent business parks. Carruth Capital will be partnering up with the town on the project. 

“Our motivation here is accessibility for both cars and bikes; they have terrible access,” Verreault said. “People in the area will be able to bike or walk to work. It’s a great amenity for the community to have.”

He said right now, there is a 25 percent vacancy rate at the park (30 percent if you include leased, but currently empty space), and that almost all of that vacancy is in buildings at the end of West Park Drive. He attributed that to the difficulty of accessing the area, and said after this project he expected to be able to market and lease those units. 

The Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Economic Development Committee have all endorsed the application. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Aug. 28.

By Peg Lopata, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Say the words “infectious diseases” and most will cringe. Others, such as Christopher Sassetti, 52, find them fascinating. As director of the Sassetti Lab, Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, at University of Massachusetts Medical School, his specialties are infectious diseases – specifically, tuberculosis and immunology.  

“Tuberculosis is a uniquely terrible infection,” Sassetti explained. “Despite the availability of antibiotics and massive control efforts, the disease still kills millions. My work focuses on how tuberculosis can persist despite both our immune response and antibiotic therapy. The fact that there is such a great need to understand this infection makes my work very satisfying.”  

Sassetti is driven to help others, whether in the lab, classroom or as a volunteer for the Special Olympics Unified sports program, his favorite volunteering gig.  

“It brings out the best in everyone,” said Sassetti.  

He’s also vice president of the Westborough Community Land Trust.  

“The Land Trust is a great organization,” he said. “My family has always loved the outdoors and it seemed natural to help preserve and maintain open spaces in town.”

The natural world has interested Sassetti since he was young. He majored in biology at Santa Clara University in California. 

“I always loved biology, particularly the forms of life that seemed unusual to me. I had a chance to work in a lab that studied really bizarre tropical parasites. That experience got me hooked on infectious diseases,” said Sassetti.  “I can’t imagine a job that’s more fun. We get to solve puzzles all day. I can dream up a new idea during my morning shower and try it out the same day.”  

Not surprisingly, Sassetti is extra busy during this pandemic and his experience with dangerous and highly contagious diseases is being put to good use.  

“As we have a lot of experience working with easily transmissible diseases, we’re doing our best to help our colleagues safely start new COVID research programs,” he explained. “I love working with a community of colleagues that all share the same goal. Every day I get to interact with a really interesting group of students, fellows and colleagues from all over the world. Seeing a new idea spread through this group and develop into insight that moves the field forward is really gratifying.”  

Sassetti is heartened by what the pandemic has brought out in people and is hopeful.  

“I am struck by how generously my neighbors and community have put their lives on hold to protect each other,” he said. “I am also impressed with the creative solutions we’ve all come up with to continue living our lives – from telecommuting and distance learning to drive-by birthday parties.”

He is confident that all of the research and clinical trials being conducted will provide answers about the virus soon.

“We’ve only known about this virus for a few months,” he noted. “With a bit more understanding, I’m optimistic that we’ll keep getting better at treating this disease. Patient outcomes have already been improving through experience. Though vaccine development is typically a decade-long process, I’m optimistic the combination of new technologies and testing strategies that are being applied to a COVID-19 vaccine could greatly accelerate this timeline.”   

Though Sassetti admitted that the pandemic “highlighted how tenuous our healthcare and economic systems are,” one cannot but help be infected by his optimism. Whether it’s weekends spent shoring up the old house he bought in Westborough, his work with the Special Olympics, protecting open spaces, or coming up with new ways to combat tuberculosis, one gets the sense Sassetti will continue to use his skills for the good of others.

By Brett Peruzzi, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Mary Taber knows that in these stressful times, even when people can’t meet face to face, being able to talk to a trusted therapist is more important than ever. But Taber, executive director of Pastoral Counseling Centers of Massachusetts, with offices in Worcester and Westborough, is still making sure its clients get the services they need.

“The majority of our current clients have continued to meet with their therapists, though referrals are way down,” said Taber. “During this coronavirus pandemic, we have been closed for face-to-face, in-house sessions, but all 11 of our therapists have continued to work from home. They are using various means of teletherapy, from phone sessions – the majority – to Facetime, Zoom or Doxy, a telemedicine site.” 

The team of therapists comes from a variety of clinical backgrounds, and includes social workers, psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, and a spiritual director.

Taber noted that one benefit of teletherapy is that office location and travel to the office are not issues. 

“Typically, we see clients from all over central Massachusetts, averaging from about 70 to 80 towns and cities, but there is no limit to that range. Someone may even be out of state, but working near central Massachusetts is what brought them to us,” she said. “Though people might be more comfortable meeting in person with a counselor, particularly if it’s the first time, we know that times are challenging and there is a lot of stress and anxiety in all our lives.” 

Clients do not have to be of any particular faith, nor have any spiritual tradition, Taber emphasized. 

“We are a regular counseling agency, but offer the additional benefit, for those looking for it, of having all of our therapists comfortable bringing anyone’s faith into the session,” she explained. “Perhaps half of the folks coming to us are interested in utilizing their faith in working with the issues that brought them to us.”

For anyone hesitant to commit to an extended treatment plan, Taber assures potential clients that this is not necessary. 

“There is no obligation to sign up for a commitment beyond the first session,” she stressed. “Having a trial session through telehealth might just be what would make a difference for someone during this pandemic.” 

Taber also cautioned potential clients against allowing potential costs to keep them from seeking help. “Though most of our clients have health insurance with mental health coverage, we hope to not turn anyone away,” she said. “We can offer a sliding scale and some help from our assistance fund to those who are in need and self-pay. To help provide counseling to those with significant financial needs, we rely on donations from faith communities, businesses, civic groups and individuals.”

“Even before this pandemic, anxiety has probably been the most frequent reason for contacting us,” Taber noted. “However, we see people of all ages – we have three child therapists – and for many reasons.”

These include depression, bullying, relationship issues, sexual abuse, alcohol and drug issues, separation and divorce, grief and loss, chronic illness, PTSD, parenting concerns and behavioral problems. 

“Regardless of where anyone is coming from or whatever their level of stress or need is,” Taber said, “we welcome the opportunity to be a helpful tool in their dealing with it.”

Pastoral Counseling Centers of Massachusetts may be reached at 508-366-4000 to leave a confidential message. Additional information is available at https://www.pccofma.org.

Westborough – In 2003, a semi-retired Pete Allen took his tennis partner’s advice and joined the Senior Core of Retired Executives (SCORE). Allen didn’t know what to expect and worried if he could really be helpful to a small business owner or manager. He soon discovered that his long career as a marketing executive enabled him to help almost every SCORE client who sought his advice.

Allen began his career at the Dennison Manufacturing plant in Framingham. He discovered marketing to be “more interesting than I had expected.” Sensing Allen’s talent, a marketing manager brought him onboard. Years later, still working together, Allen asked the manger, “What did you see in me?” The manager replied, “Ideas are one thing, execution is another. If I ask you to do something, it not only gets done, but gets done well.” 

Eventually, Allen was promoted to vice president of marketing with responsibility for all products nationwide.

In 1993 a pharmaceutical company knocked at Allen’s door. Allen wondered how he would transfer his skills, but soon mastered the challenge. 

“Marketing knowledge,” he said, “is needed in every business and the same skills are applicable under many different circumstances.

As a SCORE mentor, Allen has had ample opportunity to use his business expertise to help people with business-related decisions. And this is clearly something he is eager to do. Barb Smith’s Companion Pet Sitting and K-9 Hydrotherapy is one of Allen’s favorite success stories. Allen mentored Smith in the start-up phase of her now successful business and she still calls Allen for advice from time to time. 

SCORE mentors can prevent business disasters. When two airplane pilots who loved to cook approached Allen with their plans to open a restaurant, he asked them two questions: “Will you follow an example of a successful restaurant?” and “Do you have a business plan?” When the duo said they did not have a plan, Allen walked them through potential challenges, testing their level of preparedness. Without directly advising them against opening the restaurant, he saved them from the dire consequences of going forward with this idea.

As marketing chair for SCORE-Worcester Allen matches a person who clicks on the SCORE website “request a meeting” button with a SCORE volunteer who has the relevant skillset and is available to help. Meetings can be in-person. However, Zoom meetings are increasingly popular and of special interest during the pandemic lockdown.

At SCORE service and advice are free. 

“People sometimes ask, ‘What’s the catch?’ There is none,” Allen remarked. “It is rare that a SCORE client cannot benefit from consultation with a SCORE mentor.”

Allen is married to his childhood sweetheart, Kris, who is locally known for her book, “On the Beaten Path: Westborough, Massachusetts,” which was published by the historical society in 1984. 

“In Westborough,” said Allen with a big grin, “I am known as the husband of Kris Allen.” 

Allen noted he plans to compete in this summer’s New England Senior Tennis Foundation’s over 75 doubles tournament.

For more information about SCORE, visit https://worcester.score.org.

By Peg Lopata, Contributing writer

Westborough – Joshua Semeter, Ph.D., 55, doesn’t need vacations. As a scientist working in his own laboratory, he has a job where vacations aren’t needed because he is so excited about his work. Semeter studies a very active part of our atmosphere, the ionosphere, which is some 50 to 600 miles above the earth’s surface.  

Aside from his work and spending time with his wife, Heather, and three children, ages 16, 14 and 8, Semeter volunteers at elementary and middle schools to discuss science and engineering with students. He also has many interests outside the lab, including bicycling, reading short stories, tennis, and debating with his kids. He loves building things out of wood, cooking for his family and is fascinated with dragonflies and octopi.  

Could all that activity up above be the explanation for his high energy right here on earth? Perhaps he’s always been this way.

Semeter’s career began with a position at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. But something wasn’t quite right.  

“After three years at this company…I felt myself slipping perilously into a comfortable, suburban Connecticut existence,” said Semeter. “So, I considered grad school.” 

Then a fellow worker said Semeter would never quit his job to go to graduate school because next year he had earned three weeks’ vacation. Semeter realized, he said, that “I needed a career where vacationing is irrelevant.”  

To prepare for that type of career, Semeter enrolled as a doctoral student in electrical engineering at Boston University. While there, he looked for a research opportunity and discovered the Boston University Center for Space Physics (CSP). The interdisciplinary aspect of this department made the CSP the perfect home for him.  

An interdisciplinary approach to life and learning is Semeter’s modus operandi. As a high schooler, courses such as literature, French and music, had a more profound effect on him than science courses, teaching him about thinking, ideas, and effective communication. 

He applies what he learned then to his current studies of the ionosphere, an important part of the atmosphere because it reflects and modifies radio waves used for communication and navigation.  

“One of our current projects,” he explained, “is using a network of thousands of GPS receivers spread across the world to create global images of the ionosphere.”  

Another project involves non-scientists studying auroras, bright, beautiful, colorful bands of light that happen in the ionosphere.  

“In the polar regions of the world there are many who love to photograph the aurora,” he noted. “We are collaborating with these citizen scientists to find important phenomena in the aurora.” 

As part of this work, Semeter travels to beautiful places such as Alaska, Greenland and northern Scandinavia. 

The ionosphere is not the only love of Semeter’s life – music is also vital to him.  

“If I go too long without playing music, I feel like I’m suffocating,” said Semeter. He plays acoustic guitar, banjo, ukulele, electric bass and harmonica and performs with a local band called “No Guarantee.”   

Like the name of this band, Semeter recognizes that life is full of uncertainties. That’s not just a philosophy for him – it’s based on some fundamental laws of science. 

Explained Semeter: “There is a persistent flow toward greater entropy. We are caught up in it.  Resistance is futile. ‘Go with the flow’ is more requirement than advice.”  

So, does that mean we should accept falling into chaos?  Not according to Semeter.  

“Within this flow, we are self-aware and empathetic beings, free to decide what principles we will live by. The three precepts I try to live by are: be kind to yourself, be kind to others, seek the truth.”  

Westborough

Saturday, July 25

6:29 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

10:51 a.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

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

10:15 p.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

10:29 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Well-being check.

Sunday, July 26

11:48 a.m. Belmont St. Suspicious activity.

7:04 p.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance.

Monday, July 27

12:02 a.m. Windsor Ridge Dr. Disturbance (general).

12:13 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

12:43 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

1:50 p.m. N Lowell Rd. Suspicious activity.

3:36 p.m. Union St. Accident property damage.

4:23 p.m. Research Dr. Accident property damage.

7:06 p.m. Kay St. Disturbance (general).

9:23 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

Tuesday, July 28

1:08 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious auto.

1:51 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

11:32 a.m. Summer St. Suspicious auto.

12:01 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

5:39 p.m. Mayberry Dr. Well-being check.

8:05 a.m. E Main St. Well-being check.

10:22 p.m. Phillips St. Suspicious auto.

Wednesday, July 29

2:47 a.m. Sassacus Dr. Accident property damage.

7:35 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident – hit & run.

12:20 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Larceny.

5:22 p.m. Beach St. Well-being check.

Thursday, July 30

8:46 a.m. Hopkinton Rd. Larceny.

5:03 p.m. W Main St. Larceny.

7:44 p.m. Arrested, William Sciretto, 49, of 322 Lynwood St., Lynn, on warrant.

8:05 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.

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 – Barbara E. Martin, age 104 of Westborough, MA formerly of Madison, WI died on August 5th after an extended illness. Barbara was born in Hermansville, Michigan to the late Barbara and Anton Gebic.

Her extended family was part of a large Croatian-American population that immigrated to Northern Michigan in early 19th century. At the age of seven she, her two sisters and her mother returned to Croatia for two years and returned to Hermansville through Ellis Island. It was an adventure she never forgot. She finished high school in Hermansville, conversant in three languages.

After graduation she attended business school in Green Bay Wisconsin. She subsequently worked at Wisconsin Land and Lumber Company, which was later listed in the National Register of Historic Places. They manufactured the hard wood floors for most American homes.

In 1941 Barbara moved to Manistique, Michigan to work as office manager at Northwoods Lumber Manufacturing, again an historic landmark making wooden handles for America’s brooms. She met her husband Herbert there whom she married 1943 while he was on leave from the Army. They were together for 61 years until Herbert died in 2004.

Barbara lived in many midwestern states throughout her married life with Herbert as his corporate career expanded with J. C. Penney Co. She established friendships in each state and maintained them throughout her life. She was a great letter writer and chronicler of her daily life.  Barbara was an avid reader, gardener, sports fan, and conversationalist. She was always proud of her Croatian heritage.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Canty of Southborough, MA and many nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services will be held in Manistique, Michigan

By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Hundreds of families tuned in Aug. 12 to hear the latest iteration of the Westborough Public Schools (WPS) reopening plan.

“I want to acknowledge that we are all exhausted, frustrated and oftentimes confused about what to do,” said Westborough School Committee Chair Kristen Vincent. “We hope everyone recognizes we are doing the best we can, everything we can, with the best intentions and with all the resources available to make sure this year the best one it can be in during a global pandemic.”

Superintendent Amber Bock agreed, saying the administration is coordinating staged information from state entities as well as responding to feedback from parents and staff, as well as different pertinent organizations.

“It’s a lot of moving parts,” Bock said.

Bock also acknowledged some negative feedback that had come in,and been shared on social media.

“There are intense feelings about everyone wanting the best to their children,” she said. “It is certainly painful and upsetting and very sad to feel there are families who think we tried to underrepresent them. We are sorry for that and we will try to do the best we can…it was never our intent and that doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes. We care a lot about doing good work.”

She lamented being unable at the Aug. 12 meeting to get to the granular level of detail people wanted, but noted the purpose of the presentation was to give updates on changes to the draft plan so that it could be voted on by the school committee.

She noted the plans were the result of parent and staff surveys, meetings, DESE guidelines, faculty discussions, the parent feedback and Q&A session on Aug. 3 and a Board of Health (BOH) discussion and approval at their meeting Aug. 11.

Perhaps the biggest change presented from the original presentation was there will now be a phased entry return beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15. Complex learners will attend in school that week, while the rest of the student population will be remote. Complex learners are a range of students that includes those on specific IEP or 504 plans, those with language barriers, those with mental health issues and even those who have just moved into the district.

“Phased entry is compromised of what students and faculty need,” Bock said. “It provides time for personal attention, time to practice health and safety routines, develops confidence, and allows for early focus on students with complex needs.”

Bock also said she had received some negative feedback concerning complex learners.

“We are not communicating effectively what we are doing in a way that [families] have confidence,” she said. “It’s feedback we have to take, feedback we earnestly take. I want to be clear that we are deeply committed to meeting students IEPs and faculty on the ground care about getting their children service deliveries and are very anxious to get to them.”

Assistant Superintendent Daniel Mayer noted this remote week also had benefits for remote learners.

“This will be to build community, build an expectation, have students to meet teachers without masks on and create that bonding,” he said. “They will talk about what it is they should expect to see and experience and what the school day will look like.”

Then from Sept. 21 to Oct. 2, half of each cohort will attend on campus alternating days.

“This will guarantee we can have intimate conversations with students, how they are feeling and doing and making sure they understand the importance of health and safety protocols,” Mayer said.

Fridays have also been changed from alternating half days on campus to remote half days for all students. If there is a Monday holiday, the current cohort ill attend school that Friday and there will be no remote learning. Mayer noted these Fridays are not only a good time for the cohorts to interact and have a mask break, but are a chance to practice remote learning routines as it is possible school will eventually return to full remote.

Teachers return Aug. 31-Sept. 14 for training and planning.

“It is critically important for us to understand, we are asking faculty to come into school buildings and be in crowded places,” Mayer said. “We have to listen to them and put ourselves in their shoes.”

Bock also addressed health and safety updates, noting these tasks require ongoing planning and are continuously evolving due to changing health and science information as it comes in. There is ongoing communication with the BOH, and they are working to come up with daily metrics to track at each school. Custodial staff is being added, and shifts are being changed around to support extra sanitization during the day. A consultant was brought in to inspect and review HVAC systems, and HVAC systems have been cleaned and set for optimal functioning.

“It’s all about balance and mitigating risk,” Bock said. “You can’t just fill the air with a bunch of chemicals, you really have to have a cycle that’s thoughtful and a multi-tier responsiveness.”

The Health and Safety Committee includes at least one staff member from each school and will continue to meet weekly to review and revise protocols throughout the school year.

Important Updates

• Tuesday, Sept. 15 is the first day of school for students and from there will begin a phased hybrid implementation. Sept. 15-18 will be remote learning for most students, but complex learners will begin that week on campus. From Sept. 21 to Oct. 2, half of each cohort will attend on alternating days. Starting Monday, Oct. 5, the full hybrid plan will be implemented with full cohorts on alternating days.
• Fridays will be now be a remote half day for all students. If there is a Monday holiday, the current cohort ill attend school that Friday and there will be no remote learning.
• Families are being asked to commit to either the hybrid or standalone remote models. There will be opportunities to switch models at certain times, but Bock noted lots of families switching often will create disruption.
• Contract tracing will be done for students and staff who become symptomatic, are diagnosed or are quarantined, and families of close contacts will be notified appropriately. Contact tracing will also be tracked so trends can be spotted.
• For the standalone remote model, grades K-8 will be taught by WPS teachers, but high school will be taught mostly by Virtual High School (VHS) and WPS teachers where possible. WPS teachers will monitor VHS work done by students. VHS is already a popular program at the high school, and Bock said it is a model they have confidence in.
• For lunches, there will be additional lunch periods to reduce numbers, six foot distancing in seating inside and opportunities to use outdoor and other spaces to allow for masks breaks. Qualified students who choose standalone remote learning will still receive breakfast and lunch supports.
• For bussing, there will be cleaning and sanitizing before and after routes and students will hand sanitize when boarding. Masks will be required, and provided if necessary. Windows will be open as weather allows. There is a limit of 21 students per bus, with one student in each seat (or more than one of students are from the same family) on alternating rows.
• For recess, there will be hand sanitization before and after play and no shared materials or use of the play structure. Small cohort play groups will be assigned and if the children are outdoors at a distance of 10 feet or more, they can remove their masks. Bock noted the small cohort groups play time worked well in the summer program.
• For wellness and physical education, classes will be held outdoors as much as possible.
• For fine and performing arts, K-6 staff will travel to classrooms and students will have individual art/music kits for home and school use so that there are no shared materials. All performances have been canceled until at least January, and singing and playing of brass or woodwind instruments will not be allowed indoors.
• Daily staff travel between buildings will be eliminated or reduced.
• Appropriate face coverings include ones that fit snugly and it is recommended they be made of at least three layers. Inappropriate face coverings include bandanas, gaiters or fleece masks.

The school committee will have the final vote on the plan at their Monday, Aug. 17 meeting and the plan will be submitted to DESE that night. Vincent pointed out the conversation is ever-evolving and that families should expect to be getting lots of building based communication over the next month as administration continues to develop and then release information about cohorts, bus routes, schedules, class lists and daycare slots.

Thursday, Feb. 14, 1957 – Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020

Westborough – Joseph E. Bleakney passed away peacefully at the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI, on August 8, 2020, after a brief illness. Joe was born and raised in Framingham, one of four children to Charles W. and Rosemary Y. (Grant) Bleakney, Jr.

He was a graduate of the J.P. Keefe Voc. Tech. H.S. and worked over 25 years at Air Products prior to being employed as a fiber optics and telecommunications project manager with XO Communications.

With a way of spontaneously embarking on an adventure or stopping by to visit, family and friends alike could count on Joe to bring laughter and joy to those he loved; he most definitely was the life of the party. He enjoyed traveling and was an avid fisherman who would challenge himself to participate in as many derbies as he could. Most dear to Joe was his beloved children, Jillian and Adrian. His family recalls the dance Joe performed in the hospital room at the time of their births; his world revolved around them.

Joe is survived by his mother Rosemary of Northborough; his daughter Jillian E. Bleakney and her fiancé Patrick Brustas of Dracut; his son Adrian J. Bleakney of Los Angeles, CA; two brothers, Charles W. Bleakney III and his wife Pamela of Northborough and Edward Bleakney of CT, and a sister, Yvonne Bleakney. He also leaves his godson Chad Bleakney and his wife Tovah and their three sons, Charlie, Tanner and Bowie, all of Northborough. He also leaves his girlfriend, Cynthia Robert of Rhode Island.

Joe will be laid to rest privately alongside his father in Evergreen Cemetery, Hopkinton. There are no public services planned at this time. Please consider making a memorial donation in Joe’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.

Brewster – Theodore F. “Ted” Bullen, 87, of Brewster, formerly of Westborough, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Cape Cod Hospital. He was the husband of Virginia R. (Hunter) Bullen for nearly 67 years.

Born in Asheville, NY, he was the son of the late Harold Winthrop and Mabel (White) Bullen. He was raised and educated in Westborough and was a 1952 graduate of Westborough High School.

During the Korean Conflict he served with the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Ted was employed as a mechanical designer and served the town of Westborough as Building Inspector.

He was a talented oil and watercolor painter and finish carpenter. He enjoyed golf and games and had many friends, some dating back to high school whom he and his wife Ginny regularly socialized to create a lifetime of happy memories. He was a member of the Marine Corps League and had been a resident of Brewster and Estero, FL for over 20 years after retirement. He was a dedicated husband and a wonderful father, always eager to lend a helping hand, make people laugh with a joke, or share a remarkable experience.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Susan E. Rich and her husband John of Pomfret Center, CT, Scott D. Bullen and his wife Lorraine of Ashburnham and Theodore J. Bullen and his partner Alice Blaquiere of Webster; one sister, Karen Johnson of Flat Rock, NC; five grandchildren, Matthew Rich, Kristine Rich, Douglas Bullen, Dennis Bullen, Ryan Bullen and four great-grandchildren, Brianna Rich, James Rich, Cameron Bullen and Kyleigh Bullen.

His funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 18, at 11:00 A.M. at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. A calling hour will precede the service from 10 to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.

Westborough – Boston Lawnmower Company is having its annual tax-free weekend snow thrower sale on Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30. There will be big savings on select Ariens Snow Throwers including a free extended warranty on select models. The service department is also holding its annual Snow Thrower Service Special which offers free pick-up and delivery within the local area if you sign up by Thursday, Oct. 15.  Boston Lawnmower also has a fully stocked Parts Department for all of your parts needs.  If you need to update your outdoor power equipment, now is the time to check out their huge selection of overstock and demo inventory at reduced prices. Visit www.bostonlawnmower.com for more information or call 508-898-3500.

Westborough – Alan L. Mosher, 75, of Westborough, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham under Hospice care. His passing is the result of a recent terminal liver cancer diagnosis. He was the loving husband of Christine L. (Morin) Mosher for over 52 years.

Born in Marlborough he was the son of the late Everett and Mary (Sheldon) Mosher. He was raised and educated in Marlborough and was a 1963 graduate of Marlborough High School. He served as class president for three years and was a member of the National Honor Society. He also attended and graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Atlantic Union College in Lancaster.

Alan was a Physical Science teacher at the Curtis Middle School in Sudbury for 36 years prior to his retirement. He also did carpentry jobs, such as porches and decks. After retiring he worked part-time for Acton Ace Hardware.

He was an active volunteer for the Westborough Food Pantry, Habitat For Humanity, Matthew 25 in Worcester and the Work Camp Group Inc. with the Congregational Church youth of Westborough. He was a member of Trinity Church in Northborough and has been a resident of Westborough for over 50 years.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his two children, Heidi A. Pampalone and her husband, Peter, of North Grafton and Barry J. Mosher of Westminster; one sister, Jeanne A. Greene and her husband, Eric, of Greenfield, MA; two brothers, Dana S. Mosher and his wife, Siri, of Bow, NH and Keith A. Mosher and his wife, Janet Roberts, of Randolph, VT; two grandchildren, Nicolo and Julia Pampalone and many nieces, nephews and cousins who all loved and admired him very much.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Westborough Food Pantry, P.O. Box 502, Westborough, MA 01581 or to Trinity Church, 23 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532 or donate blood to the American Red Cross

Westborough

Friday, July 31

2:21 a.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious person.

2:36 a.m. Connector Rd. Suspicious person.

3:07 a.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious person.

1:35 p.m. Tanager Dr. Well-being check.

2:09 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Accident property damage.

2:42 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Threats made.

4:11 p.m. Shaker Way. Well-being check.

10:23 p.m. Connector Rd. Disturbance (general)

11:39 p.m. Charlestown Meadow Dr. Disturbance (general).

Saturday, Aug. 1

12:37 a.m. Charles St. Suspicious auto.

1:05 a.m. W Main/Ruggles Sts. Suspicious auto.

9:51 a.m. Lyman St. Suspicious auto.

10:26 a.m. Union St. Threats made.

10:57 a.m. Turnpike Rd./Lyman Sts. Erratic operator.

12:49 p.m. South St. well-being check.

6:46 p.m. Arrested, David Ward, 57, of 2 Leonard Dr., Southborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, negligent operation of motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.

6:50 p.m. W Main St. Suspicious auto.

9:47 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious person.

Sunday, Aug. 2

12:03 p.m. Computer Dr. Suspicious activity.

1:38 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

4:52 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious activity.

6:16 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

6:23 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

9:57 p.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance (general).

Monday, Aug. 3

1:03 a.m. Arrested, David Torres-Montes, 21, of 184 Broad St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, license not in possession, MV operator refuse to identify self.

8:19 a.m. Computer Dr. Threats made.

9:36 a.m. E Main St. Larceny.

11:04 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

7:47 p.m. Homestead Blvd. Suspicious activity.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

10:32 a.m. Milk St. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

5:19 p.m. Arrested, Linda F. Vandam, 31, of 60 Summer St., Westborough, on warrant.

7:59 p.m. Arrested, Kevin Alan Joaquin, 52, of 262 Hopkinton Rd., Concord, N.H., for disorderly conduct, interfering with a police officer.

8:55 p.m. Nourse St. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

1:04 a.m. Friberg Pkwy. Assault.

5:01 a.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious activity.

6:03 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious auto.

6:17 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

9:24 a.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

5:33 p.m. Arrested, Ernest David Charon, 47, of 46 Cross St., Leominster, for op MV with license suspended, no inspection sticker, fail to yield at intersection.

7:04 p.m. Union St. Disturbance (general).

7:43 p.m. Fisher St. Suspicious auto.

7:57 p.m. Cross St. Suspicious activity.

Thursday, Aug. 6

9:31 a.m. W Main St. Suspicious activity.

11:14 a.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious person.

12:02 p.m. Fisher St. Suspicious person.

1:20 p.m. Milk St. Annoying/harassing phone calls.

4:30 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

6:46 p.m. W Main St. Accident property damage.

7:57 p.m. Otis St./Smith Pkwy. Suspicious person.

8:01 p.m. Oak St. Suspicious auto.

9:48 p.m. Research Dr. Suspicious auto.

9:56 p.m. Walkup Dr. Suspicious auto.

Friday, Aug. 7

2:26 a.m. Computer Dr. Disturbance (general).

11:54 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Erratic operator.

1:55 p.m. Smith St. Well-being check.

3:21 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Otis St. Accident property damage.

6:54 p.m. Arrested, Kamal Afshari, 62, of 18 South St., Apt. 3fl, Westborough, for OUI-liquor or .08%, oper MV with license suspended for OUI, op MV with registration suspended, uninsured motor vehicle, possess open container of alcohol in MV.

8:19 p.m. Upton/Hopkinton Rds. Accident property damage.

9:21 p.m. Beach St. Suspicious activity.

Saturday, Aug. 8

8:27 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Well-being check.

9:23 a.m. Turnpike/Hundreds Rds. Road/tree.

9:33 a.m. W Main St. Larceny.

11:29 a.m. Upton Rd. Suspicious activity.

1:51 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

Sunday, Aug. 9

1:16 a.m. Beach St. Suspicious activity.

3:07 a.m. Arrested, Fabio Santos, 33, of 61 Lake St., Shrewsbury, for OUI-liquor or .08%, op MV with license suspended.

4:24 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Well-being check.

5:54 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan Corey Way, 47, of 11 Julia Dr., Bellingham, on warrant.

9:01 p.m. Computer Dr. Well-being check.

9:06 p.m. Mt Pleasant St. Disturbance (general).

9:40 p.m. Mt Pleasant St. Disturbance (general).

10:32 p.m. E Main St. Trespassing.

Monday, Aug. 10

9:41 a.m. Turnpike Rd. Suspicious activity.

1:30 p.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

2:08 p.m. Otis St. Accident property damage.

2:50 p.m. West St. Accident property damage.

5:30 p.m. Nichols Ter. Larceny.

5:51 p.m. Turnpike Rd. Disturbance (general).

Tuesday, Aug. 11

12:06 a.m. Brigham St. Suspicious activity.

1:05 a.m. Olde Hickory Path. Suspicious activity.

2:34 a.m. W Main St. Well-being check.

2:34 a.m. Flanders Rd. Well-being check.

6:46 a.m. Wheeler Rd. Disturbance (general).

10:48 a.m. Turnpike rd./Otis St. Accident property damage.

11:41 a.m. E Main St. Accident property damage.

5:16 p.m. Turnpike Rd./Park St. Accident property damage.

6:52 p.m. E Main St. Suspicious activity.

6:58 p.m. Milk St. Suspicious activity.

7:35 p.m. E Main St. 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/Quincy – Ann Marie Costa, 91, formerly of Westborough and Quincy, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2020 at the Coleman House in Northborough.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Marion (Kane) Costa. She was raised and educated in Quincy and was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School. She also graduated from the Chandler Secretarial School.

Ann was employed as a secretary for Howard Johnson Corporation and as an executive secretary for J. Hughes Associates. She enjoyed traveling especially to Maine and Cape Cod.

She is survived by five nieces, Andrea Collins and her husband, Patrick, of Westborough, Marsha Silver and her husband, Edwin, of Hopkinton, Lisa Giffee and her husband, Lawrence, of Worcester, Jayna Shea and her husband, Edward, of Mendon and Sheila Murphy and her husband, David, of Framingham. She also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was the sister of the late Andrew Costa, Jr.

A private funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund (checks payable to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or at www.jimmyfund.org.