Northborough

Sunday, Jan. 6

8:32 a.m. West Main St. Ambulance.

11:12 a.m. Main St. Accident: P.D.

1:45 p.m. Pleasant St. Ambulance.

Monday, Jan. 7

9:58 a.m. South St. Well-being check.

4:27 p.m. Summer St. Accident: P.D.

4:44 p.m. Otis St. Larceny.

9:40 p.m. East Main St. Ambulance.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

1:52 p.m. Arrested, Yale Beebee, 66, of 32 Milk Porridge Cir., Northborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, fail to yield at intersection.

10:56 p.m. Whitney St. Fire Dept. asst.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

12:46 p.m. Samuel Gamwel Rd. Fire Dept. asst.

12:35 p.m. East Main St. Animal calls.

8:33 p.m. Whitney St. Animal calls.

Thursday, Jan. 10

2:44 p.m. Arrested, Andrew Stephen Dow, 48, of 9 Eliot Rd., Northborough, on warrant.

4:23 p.m. South St. Accident: P.I.

5:35 p.m. West Main St. Accident: P.I.

9:24 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Well-being check.

Friday, Jan. 11

6:24 a.m. East Main St. Dog complaint.

10:54 a.m. Hemlock Dr. Ambulance.

3:44 p.m. Meadow Rd. Ambulance.

6:57 p.m. Arrested, Sara A. Fitzgerald, 28, of 26 Silver Lake Rd., Bellingham, for op MV with license suspended/revoked, speeding in violation special regulation, marked lanes violation.

9:52 p.m. Southwest Cutoff. Disturbance.

Saturday, Jan. 12

12:20 a.m. Arrested, Ahmed Naveed Saeed, 57, of 3 Elliot Cir., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle, child endangerment while under the influence.

1:59 a.m. Arrested, Gregory Yevgenyi Wawrzonek, 29, of 71 Brigham St., Northborough, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding in violation special regulation.

8:48 p.m. Centre Dr. Disturbance.

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 Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – At the Board of Selectmen’s Jan. 14 meeting, Town Administrator John Coderre reviewed a proposed amendment to legislation on agricultural composting, an issue which been ongoing in the town.

The Mass. Department of Food and Agriculture does not have an agriculture composting program. Large scale commercial composting taking place on agricultural land is automatically exempt from local ordinance, regulations and zoning.

State Senator Harriette Chandler’s office reached out recently to the town to see if Northborough would be interested in pursuing legislation again and that the office would file it on the town’s behalf.

Coderre consulted with town counsel and crafted a new proposed amendment which was given to selectmen at the Jan. 14 meeting.

Selectman Julianne Hirsch recused herself from the discussion because she stated that she is one of the plaintiffs in litigation against the owner of a composing operation in Northborough and believes that it is a general policy issue.

“We had previously worked through Senator Chandler’s office to file what was known as Senate Bill 407 to have impact and effect agricultural zoning issues that the town was dealing with,” explained Coderre.

Specifically, the legislation’s purpose was to remove agricultural composting from oversight of the Department of Agriculture Resources (DAR) and give it to sister agency, the Department of Environment Protection.

Although successful in getting through the legislative process, it was vetoed by Governor Charlie Baker.

“The thrust of the issue for us is that we believe that what we refer to as commercial composting at a very significant level does not belong in a residential neighborhood and it is not compatible. Just because it takes place on a farm, it shouldn’t be exempt from local land use regulations, zoning and Board of Health regulations,” Coderre noted.

The town had been very active with the DAR in providing amendments to their composting regulations but DAR still has not issued a final set of regulations, according to Coderre.

The proposed amendment before selectmen requires that the Department of Food and Agriculture establish an agricultural composting program and includes specific language requiring all composting projects and facilities to comply with local zoning, land use, conservation, health ordinances, bylaws and regulations.

“I am glad that Senator Chandler is still involved with this. I am very pleased to see that we are still going forward in pursuing this,” stated Board Chair Dawn Rand.

The rest of the board approved moving forward with the proposed amendment.

Northborough – A presentation on “What You Need to Know about Adolescent Brain Development” – an exciting and informative presentation featuring nationally recognized Dr. Ruth Potee, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m.

Potee is a leading expert in brain development and teenage risk taking. This program will allow parents and community members to understand the adolescent brain development and how it impacts teen growth as well as risk taking behaviors.  Participants will learn strategies to help keep teens safer, healthier, and substance free during their formative years (middle to high school age).

This event is open to the public. It is co-sponsored by the Algonquin Regional High School Guidance Department, the Northborough/Southborough Substance Abuse Coalition, Southborough Youth & Family Services, and the Algonquin Parent Teacher Organization.

The school is located at 79 Bartlett St., Northborough.

Northborough – Lawrence Milton Beatty, 77, affectionately known to all by Larry, passed away peacefully at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester Jan. 22, 2019. He has been surrounded for days by his closest friends and family.

Larry was born Dec. 19, 1941 in Worcester, a son to Milton L. and Shirley Mae (Lawrence) Beatty. He attended Northborough public schools and graduated with the Class of 1959 from the old Northborough High School. It was said that in school Larry had a very special “way with numbers” which followed him through his life.

After graduation Larry and several friends enlisted in the United State Army. Following basic training at Fort Dix Larry was sent to Fort Gordon for Military Police Training and Lackland Air Force Base where he received K-9 handler training. Larry loved his dog; they served closely together for several years. After successfully completing their training Larry and his canine partner were stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base where they provided security patrol services.

After completion of that duty Larry made his way to Fort Hood, Texas where he was eventually honorably discharged as a permanent corporal. During his career in the Army he was awarded the good conduct medal, was a marksman with a rifle, a sharpshooter with the M-1 carbine and an expert with his service pistol. Although assigned to Air Force Bases Larry was always quick to explain that he was regular Army if anyone questioned him.

Larry was always known as a hard worker and was proud that outside of military time, he lived and worked in Northborough for his entire life. During junior high and high school he was employed at Bigelow’s Nursery in Northborough. Upon returning home from the military in July of 1962, Larry began working at the former County Line Sand & Gravel in Berlin and the former Colonial Press Co. in Clinton. In early 1965 Larry began working as a special police officer with the Northborough Police Department. On Dec. 1, 1965, he joined the force as a full-time patrol officer under then Police Chief James E. Carbrey.

Larry was promoted to sergeant in 1983, a position which he served with pride and distinction until his retirement in September of 1993. One of Larry’s favorite assignments was working the voting polls on election days at the Marion Zeh School, where he enjoyed spoiling the ladies that worked there. After remaining single for almost 50 years he married the love of his life, Adele Kelly in July 1991.

People who knew Larry were well aware that he was a hard worker, a trait that he proved time and time again. While working a 40 hour week with the police department Larry also worked full time as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, a position he held for over 40 years. His knowledge of the town and people made him an invaluable asset to the police department.

Larry was also extremely active in the Vincent F Picard American Legion Post 234 of Northborough. He served as both commander and vice commander of “his” Post. Larry is still known by all members as the backbone of that organization; the one single person who held it all together. He was relentless in his support of the Post and was the significant force behind the return of Legion Baseball to Northborough. He attended every game, his support a major factor in its success. Larry was considered the “Life’s Blood” of Post 234 having a hand in almost every operational aspect of the organization.

He was known for his steadfast and unwavering attitude. If Larry liked you he would do anything for you and if he didn’t like you, well you were definitely aware of it!

Larry is survived by his step-sons, Geoff Kelly of Northborough and Scott Kelly of Worcester; his brother, Robert A. Beatty of Worcester; his closest cousin, Jackie Osman; cousins Marlene Grenier, Sharon Blood and Robin Williams, all of Florida, Jeff Osman of Marlborough, Brian Osman of North Carolina, and numerous other cousins. He also leaves his best friend, Edward “Dusty” Shead.

Memorial contributions to support the Northborough Post 234 Baseball Team, in Larry’s memory, may be made in care of Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234, 402 West Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.

Calling hours with be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 4-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m., at Trinity Church of Northborough, 23 Main St. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.

Northborough – Mark Lieberman passed away Jan. 23, 2019; he was 72 years old. He was the loving husband to Beverly F. (Shack) Lieberman.

Mark was born in New York City and raised in Chicopee, a son to the late Melvin and Elinor (Seltzerman) Lieberman.

After studying at UMass-Amherst, Mark started his lifelong career in the Information Technology field as a systems engineer and director of IT.  He was a longtime employee at Prime Computer and National Computer Systems, Inc. While at NCS he met the love of his life, Beverly. Soon after, Mark and Beverly were married.

Mark and Beverly together shared their passion for life. Motorcycle road trips, attending the Porsche Club of America – Rambles, and piloting their own private plane were a few of the numerous activities they would share over the 23 years of marriage.   Fond memories of their flying days included whale sightings as they flew to Nantucket for their $100 hamburger lunches! Mark looked forward to sporadic trips to Foxwoods, playing a good hand of poker, and sharing his dry humor with friends and family.  He was an amazing and competitive racquetball player.

Besides his wife, Beverly, Mark is survived by two sons, Curtis Lieberman and his wife Kimberly of Kirkland, Wash. and Troy Anderson and wife Debbie of Wash.; a step-daughter, Tabatha Carsus and her husband Jason of Northborough; six grandchildren, Megan, Mark, Danielle, Brittany, Devin and Torey; a great-granddaughter, Saphira; a brother, Harvey Lieberman and his wife Barbara of Portsmouth, R.I.; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves his beloved Alaskan malamute, Kodiak.

A time of visitation with Mark’s family will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, from 12-2 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough.

His family respectfully suggest that memorial contributions in Mark’s name be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 (www.jDRF.org).

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Boston/Northborough – Lifelong music lover Dave Buda of Northborough has worked as a professional electric bassist since his early teens. In addition to freelance performing, he’s now an assistant professor teaching the next generation of bassists at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Raised in Stoneham, he fondly remembers seeing his father perform concerts as a jazz drummer with big bands in Boston and Worcester. Additionally, he observed his mother teaching ballet while accompanied by a pianist.

“Music is in my unconscious,” he noted. “I’ve always loved rhythm, growing up with my dad being a drummer and my mom being a dancer. I couldn’t have been luckier.”

As a junior high school student, Buda learned to play drums, saxophone and other instruments. His preference, however, was another sound he heard on recordings by the band Kiss and a particular Stevie Wonder album.

“When I heard Stevie Wonder’s album ‘Songs in the Key of Life,’ I wanted to be part of that sound,” he relayed. “The electric bass was versatile, so I could play all kinds of music.”

Discovering a passion for his instrument of choice, Buda studied privately with music and bass teachers. After playing school dances with other junior high musicians, he got his first paying job with a top-40 band consisting of adults known as The Massachusetts. He gained on-the-job training while performing several years with the band along the East Coast from New England to North Carolina.

“School went by the wayside from eighth grade into high school because I was up late nights, travelling with the band,” he acknowledged. “I remember the displeasure of other band members at my first gig because at the time I approached the bass too much as a solo instrument. I didn’t have enough experience playing in an ensemble. I was a bit wild as a player, so they needed to rein me in. I learned by doing, persevering the fire and getting to the other side.”

Freelance work increased after Buda graduated from Stoneham High School in 1985. He frequently played electric bass in road show orchestras at Boston-area theaters. His first was the 1994 revival of “Grease” with Rosie O’Donnell as Rizzo at the Wang Theatre.

In 1995, Buda began a 15-year stint with the Boston Pops soon after Keith Lockhart became its conductor. Buda got the chance to perform with the orchestra’s guest artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Patti LaBelle, Martina McBride and Aaron Neville. His most memorable tour with the Boston Pops featured the internationally-acclaimed jazz vocal group New York Voices.

“The electric bass was very strong in the New York Voices’ compositions, so that tour was a lot of fun for me.”

Freelance work continued throughout the 1990s with road show orchestras. As his favorite, Buda cites “Rent,” which made its first stop on a national tour at Boston’s Shubert Theatre in 1996. The Obie, Tony and Pulitzer Prize Award-winning musical spotlighted struggling artists under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

“’Rent’ was a real breakthrough for me,” Buda said. “I loved that the band was onstage as part of the show. I also loved its message about characters with HIV living a day at a time and finding real life.”

A Berklee faculty member since 2000, Buda shares with students lessons learned from decades of performing various musical styles.

“The only thing that will keep you going in the music business is your passion for music,” he advised. “The actual business challenges your resolve to stick with it. But if you love music, then it’s almost like you have no choice.”

photos/submitted

Northborough

Sunday, Jan. 13

12:18 a.m. Settlers Rd. Ambulance.

10:24 a.m. Jethro Peters Ln. Dog complaint.

12:50 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Well-being check.

Monday, Jan. 14

10:29 a.m. Arrested, John Tarrance Artey, 19, of 22 Jones St., Worcester, for larceny under $1,200.

3:49 p.m. Main St. Accident: P.D.

4:26 p.m. St. James Dr. Well-being check.

Tuesday, Jan. 15

10:32 a.m. Harris Ave. Breaking and entering.

12:36 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Accident: P.D.

8:38 p.m. Arrested, Matthew E. LeDuc, 49, of 52 Summer St., Apt. A, Northborough, for OUI liquor 2^nd offense, marked lanes violation, fail to wear seat belt, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

10:37 p.m. West Main St. Disturbance.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

3:13 p.m. Church St. Fraud.

5:43 p.m. Centre Dr. Fire Dept. asst.

9:36 p.m. Shops Way. Well-being check.

Thursday, Jan. 17

3:21 p.m. Avalon Dr. Disturbance.

6:37 p.m. Main St. Accident: P.D.

9:30 p.m. Northgate Rd. Fire Dept. asst.

Friday, Jan. 18

1:44 a.m. Arrested, Alan Albert Zisk, 31, of 28 Park St., Apt. 2, Clinton, for negligent operation of motor vehicle, OUI liquor, fail to stop/yield, improper storage of firearm, leave firearm in vehicle, carrying a firearm while under the influence.

10:01 a.m. Northgate Rd. Fire Dept. asst.

8:36 p.m. Church St. Well-being check.

10:27 p.m. Main St. Disturbance.

Saturday, Jan. 19

6:33 a.m. Arrested, Joseph Daniel Polli, 42, of 28 Ayrshire Rd., Worcester, on warrant.

11:51 a.m. Shops Way. Assault.

1:23 p.m. Greenland Cir. Ambulance.

10:33 p.m. Church St. Accident: P.D.

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 Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer

Northborough – The Algonquin Regional High School boys’ basketball defeated Shepherd Hill by a score of 78-62 in a game played Jan. 29.

Algonquin freshman Alex Karaban was the game’s top scorer with 24 points while Mike Spataro added 12 points and Brian Duffy netted 11.  Algonquin made liberal use of their bench as 12 players tallied points.

With the win, Algonquin improves to 11-4 on the season while Shepherd Hill falls to 4-10.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – “Music is power,” noted Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) student Camron Nodoushani on Jan. 22 at an afterschool concert performed by the school’s Inclusion Choir.

Camron and Matthew Richardson were partners in a joint public relations project called Operation Inclusion through their school’s DECA club that revolved around inclusion in their school. This concert was the conclusion of the project that began at the beginning of the school year last September.

DECA prepares high school and college students academically with a focus on community involvement, professional responsibility and leadership.

“I’m taking a DECA-related class called Business Research and the goal of the class is to pick a category and pursue a topic or idea, so my category is public relations, where we hold a public relations campaign to help raise awareness,” Matthew explained.

Through brainstorming and his involvement with the school’s Best Buddies program, Matthew was inspired to use that as a platform for their project – raising awareness of the need for inclusion of people with intellectual developmental disabilities.

“Since Matt joined Best Buddies, he told me about the negative stigma and stereotypes surrounding people with intellectual disabilities,” Camron said, thinking it was a good subject for their project.

“Essentially it’s just a way to help them make friends and get involved in the school,” Matt remarked. “We partnered with the Best Buddies Faculty Advisor Kevin Haussmann to be our sponsor and he has helped guide us and get us where we wanted to go.”

“Matt and Camron came to me in September to advise them on making connections and conceiving of a public relations project to promote our school’s diverse and talented students,” noted Haussmann, who is also the Unified Track coach. “In particular they sought to find a way to promote awareness of students with different abilities. Some are members of our Best Buddies chapter, some sing in our Unified Choir, and other’s play on our school’s Unified Basketball or Unified Track and Field teams.

“Both Matt and Camron exhibited an impressive commitment, meeting weekly with me to give updates and ask for input. Besides planning and executing a marketing campaign for the Business Research class, they each developed a deep passion for making our school more inclusive and recognizing those students who are often not as well connected to their peers,” he said.

Other events that Camron and Matthew organized as part of their campaign included an inclusion in the workplace event, a Skype conference call with Best Buddies jobs program participant Dudley Williams, who works in Boston at John Hancock. They also held a Unified Track information session at which existing team members shared with potential team members the mission and opportunities that exist with unified sports at ARHS.

When asked how successful Operation Inclusion had been, Camron said that they have had a pretty good turnout for all of their events, so he thinks they have been successful.

“We are singing for the joy,” remarked Lori Diamond, choir director of the Inclusion Choir. “They are helping with general awareness; we are still a newer club and a lot of folks are surprised when they hear about us… We are very grateful to have this opportunity.”

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – Fire Chief David Parenti appeared before the Jan. 14 meeting of the Board of Selectmen to introduce two new Firefighter/Paramedics. Ioanis Pintzopoulos and Brian Hatch were sworn in by Town Clerk Andrew Dowd before the selectmen, town officials, colleagues and family.

Pintzopoulos graduated in 2004 from high school and attended Salem State College where he received his degree in elementary education and American studies in 2008.

“I guess he decided he wanted something different so he went to school to become an EMT and now he is in school to be a paramedic at Quinsigamond Community College,” Parenti said. “HE is expected to graduate in May and then he will attend the Fire Academy.”

Hatch, Parenti said, “is a local boy.” He graduated from Algonquin in 2015 and is currently attending Quinsigamond Community College.

“Both Ioanis and Brian were hired directly from our force which is really nice,” Parenti noted. “Both are great hires and we are really excited about them.”

“The chief has really high standards for people that he brings into his department and it speaks well to you and your motivation and to the paramedic degrees, so congratulations,” stated Selectman Jason Perreault. His remarks were echoed by the other selectmen.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – After over 100 citizens signed a letter of petition in December citing concerns with open meeting laws and public records, Town Administrator John Coderre discussed those concerns with the Board of Selectmen at its Jan. 28 meeting.

The letter was initiated by Mitch Cohen and signed by 122 other residents.

“We write with substantial concern regarding the Town’s inconsistent following of the Open Meeting Law and Public Records Law,” stated the letter in its opening line.

Related to this concern, the letter noted, is that the posting of meeting minutes and agendas has not been done “in a timely manner.” The citizens noted they were also concerned with how the Board of Selectmen appointments are made.

Other concerns included: encouraging citizen involvement by advertising all open positions; recording and broadcasting all public meetings via Northborough’s public access television; and hosting Open Meeting Law training.

“What I thought I would do is try to put together a little bit of information to frame up some of these issues so you know where we stand on a few things,” Coderre stated at the Jan. 28 meeting.  “I think there are a few things that are going to require action by the board.”

“The long and the short of it as we look down the list, and I had the Town Clerk go through everything and basically do an audit of where we are and what became evident to me was some administrative  oversight in terms of approved minutes not getting  posted up on the website,” he added.

Coderre said he has rectified this through the Town Clerk who will watch to make sure that minutes are getting posted. He did say that it wasn’t a violation of the Open Meeting Law but it is a good practice.

Coderre reminded the board that appointment made by the board is its policy and that they may want to visit that at a subsequent meeting.

Relevant to public access television, which is under negotiation for renewal, Coderre noted that the industry is changing and cable subscriptions are down. There is uncertainty of its future, he said, adding that it is not free and the budget does not allow for coverage of every single meeting.

“We’ve offered Open Meeting Law training in the past and most recently with the town of Southborough…it is something we take very seriously… but here’s the key, it’s up to the individual,” Coderre said.

He also stated that no one takes transparency “more seriously” than the board, his staff and himself. The evidence is in the award winning budget, he noted, as well as “the clean audits and the Annual Town Report.”

“These are things that we do on a day to day basis that are important to us and I think that we are very good at and we will continue to focus on these things,” Coderre added.

The board agreed to put the policy for making Board of Selectmen appointments on their next agenda for review.

Cohen was in attendance at the meeting. He said that he is pleased that the issue of board appointments will be addressed but the number of committees that don’t post their minutes on the website is concerning.

“I think this is a first good step. I think that there are a number of issues that were addressed,” he said.

Northborough – Dennis M. Litwinetz, 75, passed away peacefully Feb. 1, 2019 at Rose Monahan Hospice House, while surrounded by the love of his devoted family.

Dennis was born and raised in Nesquehoning, Pa., a son to the late Michael and Olga (Sobol) Litwinetz. He was a member of Nesquehoning High School’s class of ’61. It was during this time he met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and future wife of 50 years, M. Jane Trevena.

After high school, Dennis honorably served in the U.S. Navy, and upon his return enrolled in Penn State University where he earned a BS in Computer Science and later, a Master Degree from University of Lowell graduating with high honors.

Dennis worked most of his career as an electrical engineer for Digital Equipment, Compaq, and Hewlett Packard Corp and held patents for his work. Even in his retirement he enjoyed tinkering with old computers.

He looked forward to going out for Sunday morning breakfasts and was a New England sports enthusiast as well as a loyal follower of Penn State football. More than anything Dennis loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife M. Jane, Dennis leaves a daughter, Laura J. Litwinetz and partner Kevin Kelly of Quincy; a son, Jason M. Litwinetz and his wife Tina of Rutland; and his precious granddaughter, Kaitlyn, whom he was so proud to babysit for. Dennis also leaves a brother, Paul Litwinetz and his wife Susan of Boulder, Co., and four nephews, Michael and Greg Touchton and Matthew and Bill Trevena. Dennis shared a special bond with Matt and Bill and considered them more as sons than nephews. Dennis also leaves his childhood friend, John Kominitsky, and close friend, Bernie Hall.

Dennis’ family respectfully request any memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 (https://parkinson.org) or to the Rose Monahan Hospice House, c/o VNA Care-Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Dr., Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Dennis’ funeral will be held at in the funeral home Friday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. Burial will military honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough –  paid his annual visit to the Board of Selectmen at their Jan. 28 meeting to discuss findings from the FY2018 Audit Report. Overall results revealed that Northborough is a fiscally sound entity with a low debt ratio.

“The town has worked hard over the past several years to maintain a strong financial position…It has approximately $8.3 million in its unassigned fund balance. Despite these reserves, the budget process for the next few years will continue to be challenging,” Fraher stated in a report he filed with the town.

He said that in using auditing standards relevant to control deficiencies, there were neither material weaknesses nor significant deficiencies in FY2018 which was great news. The town also has been diligent in compliance with grant requirements.

Fraher then reviewed the town’s funding of OPEB (post-employment benefits.) Northborough has been funding OPEB since 2015. With a liability of $42,578,794 as of June 30, the town had built a trust fund with a balance of $2,438,950 as of the same date. The recommendation is that the town should continue its funding.

The budget presented at the Annual Town Meeting last April was within 2 percent of the actual amount expended which, according to Fraher, is the “sweet spot.” If the percent gets too low, then the budget is so tight that a bad year would pose problems for meeting expenses.

“One of the really smart things that the board approved many years ago was to really try to keep the Free Cash number that is being allocated to the operating budget at a fixed level,” Fraher noted.

He also said that when bond rating agencies look at towns, they look at cash reserves and stabilization funds. Northborough is in a good place. Since 2015 Northborough have been consistently appropriated at least $200,000 annually to stabilization.

Bond rating agencies also look at what towns’ plans are relative to and what they are contributing to their pension and OPEB funds, realizing that it is going to take a long time to fund their liabilities. Northborough has exhibited a commitment to the growth of this line item.  A challenge is that the liability is a moving target.

“It is nice that it’s sort of a status quo situation in terms of how our community is run and how the finances are approached,” remarked Selectman Leslie Rutan.

“We talk about what we can afford, your job and the financial planning committee’s job and the appropriations committee’s job and my job is to make sure that as a corporate entity, we are clear about what we can afford,” stated Town Administrator John Coderre.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – Town Administrator John Coderre presented a first place award certificate to the selectmen at their Jan. 28 meeting that he received at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) 2019 Annual Meeting and Trade Show Jan. 19 in Boston.

The award was in Category 1 (population of 12,500 and up) of the MMA’s Annual Town Report contest. Northborough’s competition included neighboring communities as well as towns such as Concord and Wellesley.

Coderre shared the judging criteria for the contest which included cover design and layout; logical arrangement of material; presentation of statistics and data; summaries of the town’s achievements and evidence of local planning for the future; and practical utility of the report, which enhances the citizen’s understanding of town government.

Coderre credited his assistant, Diane Wackell, for much of the work of coordinating the report. “It shows our dedication to producing great information, great documents and putting this stuff out there in a user-friendly format for our residents,” Coderre remarked. “I know you are appreciative of the work of the staff does to bring in this level of excellence.”

Selectman Jason Perreault noted that this isn’t the first time that Northborough has won this recognition. They have received this honor at least three times.

Northborough – Brenda Demers, a Realtor with Mathieu Newton Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, will be hosting a free First Time Home Buyer’s Seminar on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m., at 6 Maple St., Suite 202, Northborough.

Joining Demers will be Attorney David Chyten and Dan Jaros, a senior loan officer with Prestige Home Mortgage.

They will help walk you through the process of buying your new home, from the pre-approval stage, searching for homes, making an offer all the way to the purchase and sale and the closing.

Call 508-779-7777 to register as seats are limited or email brenda.demers@mnsir.com

Lunch will be served. Attendees can also enter for a door prize.

By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer

Northborough – Northborough Cub Scout Pack 25 and Pack 28 held their annual Pinewood Derby at Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough on Jan.27. Thirty-five scouts and two siblings participated this year as an excited crowd of family, friends and mall goers cheered from the sidelines.

Scouts from Lincoln Street School and Marion E. Zeh School make up Pack 25 and Pack 28.

The four overall winners of the event were Andrew Cullen, Ephraim DuPont, Clark Bezzant, and Dylan Somers. First grade Tiger Scouts Tony Alfonso, Henry Bezzant, and Landen English enjoyed their first race experience as they took the top honors in that division.

First introduced in 1953, the Pinewood Derby is one of the great traditions of Cub Scouting. Scouts build their own cars, which are then raced against one another. The event promotes sportsmanship, craftsmanship and a lot of family fun.

Each car reflected the individuality, personality and interests of each scout–there were no two cars alike.

The event is made possible each year due to the dedication of parent volunteers and den leaders.

Photos/Liz Nolan

Northborough – Raymond D. Sanzone, 77, passed away peacefully Feb. 7, 2019 at UMass Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a short period of declining health. Ray was a devoted husband for 54 incredibly wonderful years to Carol A. (Dellavolpe) Sanzone and an amazing, supportive and truly great Dad to his four children of whom he was extremely proud.

Ray was born in New Haven, Conn., son to the late A. Charles and Nellie (Chiari) Sanzone. During his time at the University of New Haven, he served in the Naval Reserves. Upon graduation, he began his active duty at the Naval Station Great Lakes and then later served at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, as a Naval Corpsman. Following his discharge, he attended Columbia University in New York where he got his Masters in Hospital Administration and was awarded a Certificate of Fellowship from the American College of Hospital Administrators.

Shortly after graduation, Carol and Ray relocated to Holliston, where they resided for 48 years, moving to Northborough in 2017. Ray devoted 36 years to the medical industry, serving as CEO for both Brookline Hospital and Tewksbury Hospital.

An avid golfer, Ray belonged to golf leagues both locally and on Cape Cod, and never turned down an opportunity to join a foursome. Ray was never afraid to take on any home improvement challenge from small fixes to the complete rehab of a ski house in Wardsboro, Vt. and a beach house in Harwichport. Ray was a voracious reader who always had more than one mystery novel tucked in his briefcase, but he was best known for his affable sense of humor, positive approach to everything and willingness to generously offer a smile and his support to anyone who needed it.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Carol; his four children, Carrie Parks and her husband John of Northborough, Raymond Sanzone Jr. and his wife Jane of West Redding, Conn., Stephen Sanzone of New York, New York, and Chuck Sanzone and his wife Deirdre of Stowe, Vt. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Hayley Sanzone, JC Sanzone, Raye Parks, Marley Parks, John Parks, Stephen Sanzone, Carson Sanzone, Charlie Sanzone and Dara Sanzone, as well his beloved sister, Claire Bauknecht and her husband Paul of Hamden, Conn.

Ray enjoyed a life of distinction and positivity and as such the family will hold a celebration of his life in the upcoming months where we hope you will join us and share in an afternoon of happy memories.

Any donations should be made in Ray’s name to the Northborough Public Library ( c/o Friends of the Northborough Library, 34 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532 or www.northboroughlibrary.org to support those who shared his love of reading.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.

By Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer

Northborough – The Algonquin Regional High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams squared off against their Shrewsbury counterparts in a doubleheader Feb. 8.

In the first game of the evening, the Shrewsbury girls defeated Algonquin 50-42.  Shrewsbury freshman Carrie Hess was the game’s top scorer with 18 points, while captain Jalycianna Horton added 16 points.  Naraylee Baez and Emily Genga both scored 12 points each for Algonquin.  The Shrewsbury girls improve to 11-6 on the season with the win, while Algonquin falls to 3-13.

In the nightcap, the Algonquin boys defeated Shrewsbury 80-52.  Brian Duffy scored 27 points, and freshman Alex Karaban contributed 21 points.  John West scored 20 for Shrewsbury.  The Algonquin boys improve to 14-4 while Shrewsbury falls to 6-8.

photos/Jeff Slovin

Northborough – Betsy J. (Gleason) Rothman, 61, passed away Feb. 8, 2019 at the UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus, after a period of declining health.

Betsy was born in Oneida, N.Y., a daughter to James C. and Barbara H. (Machold) Gleason, attended Oneida High School, and SUNY-Brockport graduating in 1980.

Betsy worked for the former Dennison Manufacturing company where she proved herself highly successful in sales and marketing prior to dedicating her time to the raising of her daughter, Katie.

Betsy became certified in elementary special education and for several years worked at the Marion E. Zeh School in Northborough, as well as tutored numerous children; her impact on children’s lives was immeasurable. She made friend wherever she went and was known for her big heart and ability to always offer a “lending hand” at a moment’s notice without ever expecting anything in return. She loved traveling, the Christmas Season, and listening to music. Above all, her family took precedence.

Betsy is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Ronald M. Rothman; her cherished daughter, Katie A. O’Mara of Northborough; her mother, Barbara H. (Machold) Gleason of Palm City, Fla.; a brother, James C. Gleason of Saratoga, N.Y.; and many extended family and friends.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 5-8 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A funeral Mass and burial will take place Saturday, Feb. 16 in Betsy’s hometown of Oneida, N.Y.

Please visit Betsy’s Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com for more information, or to leave a condolence.

Northborough

Sunday, Jan. 20

3:58 a.m. West Main St. Ambulance.

1:17 p.m. Avalon Dr. Fire Dept. asst.

6:28 p.m. Green St. Disturbance.

Monday, Jan. 21

11:00 a.m. Milk Porridge Cir. Dog complaint.

11:54 a.m. Wiles Farm Rd. Well-being check.

5:09 p.m. Lydia’s Way. Scams.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

2:14 a.m. Cyrus Way. Fire Dept. asst.

12:18 p.m. St. James Dr. Well-being check.

4:09 p.m. Avalon Dr. Fire Dept. asst.

Wednesday, Jan. 23

9:14 a.m. Solomon Pond Rd. Accident: P.D.

4:34 p.m. East Main St. Animal calls.

4:35 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Well-being check.

9:01 p.m. East Main St. scams.

Thursday, Jan. 24

8:40 a.m. South St. Fire Dept. asst.

11:45 a.m. East Main St. Accident: P.D.

12:54 p.m. Bearfoot Rd. Fire Dept. asst.

Friday, Jan. 25

9:46 a.m. Main St. Trespass.

1:18 p.m. West Main St. Fire Dept. asst.

3:24 p.m. Arrested, Mark J. Glennon, 54, of 132 Maple St., Northborough, on warrant.

Saturday, Jan. 26

12:11 p.m. Shops Way. Fire Dept. asst.

9:46 p.m. Southwest Cutoff. Disturbance.

Sunday, Jan. 27

2:10 p.m. Arrested, Frank Jacob Peacock, 33, of 29 Centre St., Natick, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, no inspection sticker.

6:41 a.m. Shops Way. Accident: P.D.

6:37 p.m. Arrested, Paisly Politano-Franz, 28, of 126 Sterling St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for larceny under $1,200.

Monday, Jan. 28

2:16 a.m. Arrested, Marina Victoria Kaluzny, 23, of 219 Hudson St., Apt. 1, Northborough, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, fail to notify RMV of name/address change.

9:34 a.m. Reservoir St. Fire Dept. asst.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

1:35 p.m. Blueberry Ln. Ambulance.

7:06 p.m. West Main St. Disturbance.

7:40 p.m. Shops Way. Trespass.

Thursday, Jan. 31

12:03 a.m. Church St. Disturbance.

4:32 p.m. Davis St. Accident: P.D.

5:13 p.m. Arrested, Mark Michael Hughes, 29, of 21 Charina Rd., Northborough, on warrant.

Friday, Feb. 1

10:27 a.m. Wesson Ter. Ambulance.

2:19 p.m. Hudson St. Accident: P.I.

Saturday, Feb. 2

1:38 a.m. Arrested, James W. Speaks, 23, of 122 Dartmouth St., Marlborough, for speeding in violation special regulation, marked lanes violation, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, OUI drugs, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

3:30 a.m. Arrested, Jaimelee Howard, 22, of 2 Shore Terr., Millbury, for intimidate witness, and Jake Richard Wilga, 19, of 33 Sutton Rd., Millbury, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, leave scene of property damage, op MV with license suspended/revoked, improper operation of motor vehicle.

5:17 p.m. Main St. Fraud.

6:31 p.m. Thayer St. Accident: P.D.

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.