Northborough Local News and Events | Breaking News MA

Northborough – Representatives of different religions will introduce their traditions with activities, crafts and snacks Saturday, March 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Trinity Church of Northborough, 23 Main Street. Kids and young adults through grade 12 are welcome. Children through grade 8 should be accompanied by an adult. A $1 donation per child will benefit Northborough Helping Hands. Register by Sunday, March 17, at https://bit.ly/2IaQERc.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Northborough – On the homepage for the Boros Cares 4 Troops website, it says “Sometimes the smallest act of kindness has the biggest impact on someone’s day!”

That is a mission that members of the nonprofit volunteer group strive to accomplish in various ways throughout the year.

The organization, BC4T, as it is known, was started by four Northborough women, Leslie Arsenault, Karen Brewster, Beth Davison, and Michelle Gillespie, as a way to show support for deployed troops and veterans here at home.

(Leslie Arsenault’s son U.S. Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, a Bronze Star recipient, was killed in action while deployed in Afghanistan in 2014.)

The group’s first mission was to create care packages for deployed troops. They have also held a number of events to raise awareness for their efforts including raising funds for a scholarship, hosting road races and cornhole tournaments, participating in the town’s annual parades and festivals, hosting social events such as veterans meet & greets, and fundraiser partnerships with local restaurants.

Each Friday on its Facebook page the group asks followers to participate in RED FRIDAY. The initiative began in 2005 by military supporters who wanted to show support for the service members who protect our freedoms and way of life around the world. More specifically, it is for service members deployed as RED stands for “(R )emember (E )veryone (D)eployed”. Hence, supporters wear the color red on Fridays.

BC4T also reaches out often to local veterans to show their support. This past Valentine’s Day, the group sent personalized cards that also contained a gift card to a local business as a way to thank the veteran for their service. They also on occasion, if they can, support individual needs and requests.

“We just really want to expand our random acts of kindness, in the hopes that other will follow,” Gillespie noted. “What they did for us was so important – we just want to acknowledge that.”

One local veteran, William Griffin, who served in the Korean conflict, noted how happy he was to receive the unexpected Valentine’s Day card from the group.

“I was very excited but also felt like I didn’t deserve it, because it was an honor to serve my country and I know how fortunate I was to come home okay. So many others didn’t,” he said. “But I am grateful for this kindness – it means a lot.”

As the former director of the Central Massachusetts Veterans District, Adam Costello knows BC4T well. An U.S. Army veteran, he now is the veterans coordinator for Easter Seals Massachusetts.

“Boros Cares 4 Troops is an excellent group of volunteers who are constantly doing great things in the community,” he said. “These random acts of kindness have a larger positive impact on the community than most people realize. They are what makes us a community, rather than a group of people who just happen to live close to one another.”

For more information on how you can support BC4T, visit www.bc4t.org or its Facebook page Boros Cares 4 Troops.

Northborough – Jeffrey “Jeff” S. Svendsen, 57, passed away unexpectedly in his home March 21, 2019.

Jeff was born Nov. 19, 1961 in Bloomington, Minn. A longtime resident of Shrewsbury, Jeff most recently lived in Northborough. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Bloomington, Minn. and from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Jeff was a prolific athlete earning All-State soccer goalie honors in high school while later playing on the hockey team while attending Iowa State University. He continued his involvement in sports, later coaching his sons’ Shrewsbury youth hockey teams and little league baseball teams.

Jeff worked many years in the semiconductor industry and was currently employed by Cumberland Farm Corporation as Manager of Distribution. He had been with Cumberland Farms for over a decade.

Jeff was a genuine, giving person who would gladly help anyone in need. Hardworking and determined, he never backed down from challenge. Jeff was smart and had a knack for solving problems. He enjoyed the outdoors and traveling, especially going on road trips to see new places in nature. He was also an avid Boston sports fan who loved to catch a Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, or Bruins game whenever he could. However, Jeff’s true joy was his children. Nothing made him happier than watching his children grow up doing what they love. Whether it was his sons playing sports or his daughter dancing, he was always there showing his unconditional love and support.

He leaves his three children, Jeffrey, Ryan, and Kaitlyn Svendsen and their mother Danielle Svendsen, all of Shrewsbury; his parents Bernard “Mike” and Joan (Voelker) Svendsen of Bloomington, Minn.; a brother, Greg Svendsen and his wife Karen of Eagan, Minn.; a brother, Kurt and his wife Andi of Eden Prairie, Minn.; and a sister, Amy (Svendsen) Clark and her husband Chris of Erie, Colo. He also leaves his nieces, Dana, Kari, Annika, and Karina, nephew Nik, and cousin Alex. Jeff was predeceased by his uncle, Dave Svendsen.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jeff’s name can be made to The Svendsen Children’s Education Fund, Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union, 484 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

A visitation with Jeff’s family was held March 25 in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home. Funeral services and burial will be held privately.

By Kate Tobiasson, Contributing Writer

Northborough/Southborough – The wild and unbridled beauty of mustangs roaming the west is unmatched by any other American Pastoral. These horses have been running in herds across the continent for centuries, and are protected by the Bureau of Land Management under federal law. This act ensures that these animals will continue to roam freely for generations to come, and works to maintain the health and balance of the herds.

The program periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of the removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption or purchase. Over 11,000 mustangs have been placed into private care through Mustang Heritage Foundation events and programs since 2007. There are nearly 50,000 horses currently in holding facilities across America.

“Unfortunately, they stay in holding for years because there are so many of them. They have adoption events, where the pretty looking horses are taken,” explained local Algonquin Regional High School senior, Gabby Jordan.

To help the less flashy and visually appealing horses are left in holding for longer periods of time,so the Bureau established the Extreme Mustang Makeover Event. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event in order to recognize and highlight the value of mustangs through a national training competition that showcases the beauty, versatility and trainability of these rugged horses. With approximately 120 days to tame a wild horse, trainers from across America compete for cash and prizes while displaying the trainability of American Mustangs in hope of finding a suitable adopter or purchaser.

This year, Jordan decided to join the competition and is currently training her Mustang, “Foxy” in hopes of helping her find her forever home.

An equestrian since the age of five, Jordan is excited to be taking her training to the next level.

“I have already learned so much from her. It is a raw feeling. I have to get into the mindset of a horse, because she is truly a wild animal,” she smiled. “The biggest thing that I have been paying attention is my body language and how I interact with her. I have to establish a way that I can interact with a horse. She doesn’t have the same background knowledge or experience as a domestic horse. I have to take the role as a lead horse to help her learn how to be comfortable being with a human.”

Training a wild horse isn’t for the faint of heart, and Jordan’s journey with Foxy is only four short months long. This is truly an extreme challenge, but Jordan seems undaunted by the task.

“Foxy was a little skittish and flighty, but she is also very curious. She can be a little bit fiery, which is why we called her Firefox,” laughed Jordan. “I want to pursue a job in the horse industry. This is a huge step for me in my development as a trainer. I really like the way that I get to connect with a horse. There is something about growing a connection with an animal that is so big and strong… It becomes your life; it is not just a hobby.”

Jordan has been working to manage her final months of school with training Foxy and her other horses, who is boarded locally at Quick’s Farm in Westborough.

“It is a little difficult to balance taking care of Foxy, who is currently in Rhode Island with my friends who are working with me and with their Mustangs for the first month. The four of us are working together right now, which is good for Foxy, but it is hard to drive to her- I’ll bring her to Westborough at the end of the month,” she said, grateful for the support of all who have helped her with her journey. “I’ve been riding with Lance DiGiovanni since I was in fifth grade. He has been a huge part of my life; he has taught me about riding and caring for horses. He grew up in France and has a classical dressage background. I’ve appreciated learning from that point of view, because it has shaped my values as a trainer.”

Jordan’s adventures with her Mustang Foxy are just beginning, as is her career with horses. Jordan will plans to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall, where she hopes to study equine business management and compete with their equestrian team.

The grace, beauty and spirit of Mustangs is unparalleled, and Gabby Jordan is doing all that she can to use her experience to change the life of one of these magnificent creatures.

Northborough/Acton – Mikayla A. Brogna passed away March 24, 2019. In her short life she had many struggles, including mental illness and substance abuse. She was 23 years old.

Mikayla was a bright and talented young woman who found solace through her poetry and artistic composition of original songs. She loved to DJ and was passionate about music in every way. She taught herself to play the guitar as a young girl and was incredibly talented. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh.

Mikayla grew up in Acton and lived there for most of her life. She recently moved to Northborough with her dad where she had a part time job and was working hard to make a good life for herself.

She leaves her father, Paul C. Brogna of Northborough; her mother, Amy L. Brogna of Maynard; her maternal grandmother, Noreen Code of Acton; her paternal grandparents, Gerald Brogna of Northborough and Mary Steibli of Cornville, Ariz.; and her aunts and uncles, Wendy Russo, William Brogna, Susan Hursh, Gerald Brogna, Richard Brogna, Catherine Derderian and Michael Brogna. She also leaves her many cousins, some really good friends and her beloved cat that she referred to as “Man Cat.”

Her funeral Mass was celebrated March 29 at St. Rose of Lima Parish of Northborough, with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery of Woburn.

Mikayla’s family respectfully request memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mass. Chapter, 529 Main Street, Suite 1M17 Boston, MA 02129, or www.NAMI.org.

To leave a condolence for Mikayla’s family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.

Northborough – Louis W. Rydant, 93, passed away peacefully at his home March 5, 2019, with family by his side. He was born in Saugus, the son to the late Joseph W. and Eva A. (Collett) Rydant.

Immediately following high school graduation in 1943, Lou joined the U.S. Navy and honorably served his country as a Radioman during WWII aboard the USS Tarawa CV-40 and the Korean War. After completing his active duty, he remained in the U.S. Naval Reserves until his retirement as a Chief Petty Officer in 1985. His 42 years of naval service was one of the signature events of his life.

In 1957 he commenced employment with the Northborough Water Department and remained there until his retirement 36 years later as Superintendent of the Northborough Water and Sewer Department.

He was a tireless worker, always working two or three jobs to ensure his family was provided for – “because that’s what dads do.” He and his wife provided an initial home to more than 25 foster children and ultimately became adoptive parents themselves. He taught us life was not always fair and that we needed to push on and “figure it out.” His breadth of knowledge was boundless; his skill at fixing things knew no boundaries; his frugality was legendary; and his willingness to do anything and learn new things to help his family was most admirable.

Granddaughter Erin sums up reflections of all the grandchildren when she says, “As a kid, I always looked forward to the adventures I would have with Grandpa. He always made sure we had fun. Whether we were hunting for trolls in the sewer, eating fresh honeycomb from his bee hives, picking blueberries in the woods, or climbing a childhood favorite (of all the granddaughters) backwoods Hamburger Rock, he would always encourage [our] sense of adventure. He would tuck us into bed and tell us “Little Louie” stories, often reminiscing about a local favorite, Chet’s Diner. As I got older, I always looked forward to his letters. He was one of the few who could still put pen to paper in the most entertaining way. I still have some of his letters with tales of his own adventures, sprinkled with humor.”

Louis is survived by his three children, Maureen Wright of Hauser, Idaho, Albert Rydant and his wife Karen of W. Chesterfield, N.H., and Margaret Rydant of Northborough; four grandchildren, Kimberley Gateb, Erin Smith, Tara Holbrook and Cher Jacobson; and three great-grandchildren, Jaelyn Chagnon, Abigail Holbrook and Calvin Holbrook. He also leaves a sister, Lorrie Goodrich of Schenectady, N.Y.

To honor Lou’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. A private graveside memorial will take place on family land in Idaho at a later date.

To leave messages of condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.

Memorial Donations in his memory may be made to his favorite charity: St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325, 1-800-341-2235 (https://www.stjo.org).

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Members of Sustainable Northborough (l to r) Megan Harrington, Joanne Kennedy, James A. Vander Poel, Jeanne Cahill, Sravya Tanikella and Celeste Ramirez
Photo/Melanie Petrucci

Northborough – At last year’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM), a citizen petition brought forth by Sravya Tanikella, an Algonquin Regional High School student, to ban single use plastic bags was passed over. Tanikella will be back this year’s ATM April 22, with a new citizens’ petition. This time she won’t be alone.

Sustainable Northborough was formed because several like-minded residents agreed with the ARHS student. Through various connections, they came together and met in December 2018. Members include Jeanne Cahill, Janet Cason, Joanne Kennedy, James A. Vander Poel, Megan Harrington and Celeste Ramirez.

“We all have come together and understood that these are issues that need to be addressed,” Tanikella said. “Last year was to spread awareness but now we are really trying to get it out and get it through.”

Cahill said that the two reasons why the petition failed last year was because of technicalities in the language of how the proposed bylaw was written, and it was mentioned at Town Meeting that there was a bill to ban plastic bags before the state legislature. That bill has since died and the process went back to square one.

“The other thing that I remember hearing was that they didn’t think the town had enough time to learn about it,” added Vander Poel.

The group has gone one step further to create an additional petition to reduce the use of Styrofoam with a polystyrene bylaw petition.

The petition for the Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw, if passed, will eliminate single use plastic check-out bag use in Northborough. As such, retail establishments will provide bags that are a recyclable paper bag, a compostable and marine degradable plastic bag or a reusable checkout bag. The ban would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Similarly, the petition for a Polystyrene Reduction Bylaw will prohibit food establishments from dispensing prepared food using expanded polystyrene in disposable food containers. This will also go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

“It stalled last year [plastic bag ban petition] so we went to the Town to let them know that we were going to do this and we met with the Recycling Committee, the Town Engineer and the Health Agent and we got input as to what would make a sounder bylaw that would sync with Northborough’s existing regulations on solid waste,” Cahill explained.

She said the town government hasn’t given any opinions per se on these bylaw proposals but did indicate that if passed, they wanted to make sure that the bylaws are going to work and be enforceable. They are waiting to hear feedback from Town Counsel.

Tanikella and fellow ARHS student Megan Harrington have reached out to local businesses and provided them with pamphlets. Many of the larger businesses have already moved in this direction. However, the primary concern from some of the smaller businesses was the cost.

Several other neighboring communities have adopted plastic bag bans and polystyrene reduction bylaws including Shrewsbury, Westborough and Hopkinton. Tanikella said that she received assistance from the team in Shrewsbury behind their polystyrene ban that recently passed.

The ATM will start Monday April 22, at 7:30 p.m. at ARHS,. 79 Bartlett St. For the full ATM warrant visit www.town.northborough.ma.us.

police log logo Northborough

Sunday, March 17

6:14 a.m. Shops Way. Well-being Check.

4:09 p.m. Lincoln St. Fire Dept. asst.

5:48 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Accident: P.D.

Monday, March 18

9:41 a.m. West Main St. Vandalism.

9:52 a.m. Southwest Cutoff. Larceny.

2:20 p.m. Main St. Fraud.

3:14 p.m. East Main St. Ambulance.

Tuesday, March 19

3:36 a.m. West Main St. Ambulance.

11:22 a.m. Main St. Well-being check.

4:02 p.m. Shady Lane Ave. Ambulance.

Wednesday, March 20

1:45 a.m. Arrested, Valeriu Simionel, 28, of 6 Mount Vernon St., Apt. E, Worcester, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle.

6:48 a.m. Southwest Cutoff. Accident: P.D.

10:24 a.m. Washington Rd. Ambulance.

3:06 p.m. Whitney St. Ambulance.

6:09 p.m. Dunia Ln. Disturbance.

Thursday, March 21

3:45 p.m. Arrested, Thalles A. Barbosa, 25, of 46 Gibbs St., Apt. 1B, Worcester, for unlicensed operation of MV, warrant.

10:03 p.m. Arrested, Doel Tirado, 33, of 47 Greatbrook Valley St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for op MV with license suspended/revoked, miscellaneous MV equipment violation, warrant.

Friday, March 22

6:46 a.m. Main St. Accident: P.D.

11;13 a.m. Tri Corner Cir. Scams.

3:27 p.m. West Main St. Vandalism.

4:37 p.m. Samuel Gamwel Rd. Scams.

Saturday, March 23

2:01 a.m. Arrested, Daniel Coelho Martins, 24, of 255 Pond St., Ashland, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding in violation special regulation.

9:11 a.m. Shops Way. Ambulance.

2:24 p.m. Sawmill Dr. Ambulance.

8:38 p.m. Arrested, Joshua Daniel Hecky, 28, of 3224 NW 1^st Ave., Cape Coral, Fla., for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, possess firearm without FID card, poss large capacity feeding device, improper storage of firearm, poss ammunition without FID/LTC, unlawful possession of loaded firearm.

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 Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer

Manoj Padki (far left) poses with his fellow Fireside barbershop quartet members
Photo/submitted

Northborough– In the spring of 2017, Manoj Padki stood alongside his Fireside Barbershop Quartet members and sang a stirring rendition of Billy Joel’s “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” to a captivated audience and judges at the Boston Regional Harmony Sweepstakes a Cappella Festival.

“We knew we hit our groove on stage and did a good job; we did not know how good our performance was,” recalled Padki. “We went in there with no expectations and were really flabbergasted when they announced us as the winners! That win afforded us the chance to go to the national competition…and gave us a small grant to produce our first CD.”

That exciting springtime evening was one of the highlights of the Berlin resident’s journey as a barbershop quartet singer. This spring, he’ll share what he’s learned from that journey with members of a new class he will teach at the Northborough Senior Center. “Singing in Rounds” is scheduled to start Wednesday, April 17, and continue every Wednesday for eight weeks.

In the class, Padki will lead his students in singing rounds of varying levels of complexity. The class will explore everything from relatively easy songs such as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” to more challenging ones like “Dona Nobis Pacem.” But, ultimately, the class will be about more than singing rounds.

“This class is about building a community of singers,” Padki said. “Although my class targets singing rounds, I intend to use rounds as a starting point to get more and more people singing together a cappella.”

Padki, who’s a baritone for Fireside, has known for many years how much joy that form of singing can bring. He joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1992. Since then, he has sung with various barbershop quartets and choruses, and he currently directs REHarmonix, an a cappella ensemble in Hudson. He has also traveled throughout the country and parts of Canada to perform in competitions, and he has sung at nursing homes and has delivered many Singing Valentines.

However, what he enjoys the most are the friendships he’s made.

“Singing together opens you up, and you connect with your fellow singers on a deep level,” Padki shared. “And to add to my joy, my daughter and son are also barbershoppers now. I am happy to pass on the legacy of this wonderful art form to the next generation.”

In the class, he hopes that singing together will bring his students benefits such as a greater sense of wellbeing, improved memory and new friendships.

“Singing in a chorus literally rejuvenates your whole body, mind and spirit and has the potential to change your life,” Padki said. “That is my hope for the participants in this class.”

For information and to register for the class, call the Northborough Senior Center at 508–393–5035. For more information about Fireside barbershop quartet, visit www.firesidequartet.net.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

(l to r) Northborough Rotary Club Members George Pember, Addison Redfield, Skip Doyle and Joe Marco cook pancakes at the Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

Northborough – The aroma of pancakes, sausage and freshly brewed coffee greeted over 200 guests on March 24 at the Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School, located at 31 Maple St. in Northborough, when the Northborough Rotary Club held their 48th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Jazz Pancake Breakfast.

Members of the Rotary’s Interact Club, an even dozen, were also in force and helped serve coffee and clear tables.

Pat Doyle, the club’s former president, said that in the 48 years of raising funds for scholarships they had raised approximately $500,000. Last year they awarded $7,000. That was only possible, she said, due to the support of local businesses who bought advertising space on their breakfast placemats.

“I’d also like to acknowledge our major sponsors who include the Shay Family, Tougas Family Farm, Central One Federal Credit Union and A.J. Tomaiolo’s Restaurant, and so many others.” Doyle added.

A “jazz” pancake breakfast wouldn’t be complete without the stylings of the Sunnyside Swing Band from Westborough and Worcester based Joy of Music Program (JOMP) whose members are high school freshmen. There was also a 50/50 raffle.

Representatives from the Town Common committee were also on hand to sell bricks in support of future enhancements of the soon to be built project. They expect ground breaking to take place any day. Bricks are available for $100 and information can be found by visiting the Facebook page Northborough Town Common- Buy a Brick Fundraiser.

The club also collected items for their Nutrition 68 program. Presently based at Proctor School, it provides backpacks filled with food for students who receive free lunches; many of whom experience hunger over the weekend. Backpacks are designed to help get them through a weekend which is the equivalent of 68 hours. Rotary hopes to expand the project to the town’s other schools.

For more information about the Northborough Rotary Club, visit its Facebook page.

Photos/Melanie Petrucci

Northborough Rotary Interact member Sravya Tanikella, Molly Martinez, Gina Cranford, Northborough Rotary Interact member Andrew Yang and Northborough Rotary Club member Pat Doyle, enjoy comradery and coffee at the Rotary Pancake Breakfast

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – In a joint public hearing with the Appropriations Committee, Town Administrator John Coderre delivered the proposed FY2020 budget to the Board of Selectmen at their March 25 meeting. This budget will be voted on at the town’s Annual Town Meeting, Monday, April 22.

The $66 million budget was developed with a long-term perspective. It reflects level services and no significant changes with the exception of hiring a facilities manager in January 2021.

Revenue projections are expected to be modest with limited state aid and new growth. The Algonquin Regional High School assessment, solid waste and recycling, and the regional retirement assessment are the primary budget drivers.

“Everybody talks about sustainable budget practices; this is the balance that you need to have in order to be sustainable. You can’t sacrifice long-term needs for short term wants,” stated Coderre.

His budget balances service, staffing, new building and equipment against long-term debt, infrastructure, unfunded liabilities, taxes and affordability.

The $66,016,688 budget, before factoring the enterprise funds (water, sewer and solid waste), is an increase of $2,178,498 over FY2019 or 3.41 percent.

The tax impact on the average home value of $460,091 is estimated to be $361 which is based on a 3-percent estimated increase in values over FY2019.

“We have shifting enrollment at our regional high school which we share with Southborough. That shifting enrollment in turn is shifting the assessment significantly onto Northborough this year,” Coderre said. “In order to meet a level service budget and in order to meet the minimum needs of the Algonquin Regional High School, we are going to have to dip into our levy capacity by about $900,000.”

Coderre stated that Northborough has the tax levy capacity to dip into which is an enviable position to be in. Not many communities have that luxury.

Approximately 80 percent of the town’s revenue comes from property taxes. FY2020 expectations include 8.8 percent coming from state aid, 2.6 percent in Free Cash, 6.8 percent from local receipts and 1.4 percent from other sources.

Projected expenditures in FY2020 include 58.6 percent going to schools and 21.3 to the operating budget. Insurance and benefits have been stable and is expected to be 13.3 percent. The remainder will be applied to debt and interest, OPEB, state assessments, stabilization and capital.

“The one staffing position that is being proposed is a facilities manager position. This position has been long overdue,” remarked Coderre. “It is an absolute priority.”

He said that his office is overloaded and the volume of issues and building-related items that he and the assistant town manager are dealing with makes this additional staff person a critical need.

This position is budgeted to come online in January for the remainder of the fiscal year with a $50,000 salary and will be fully budgeted for in FY2021.

Board Chair Dawn Rand inquired what the unused tax levy capacity was to which Coderre replied that it was about $2.8 million and they are planning on using $900,000 for next year.

Selectman Tim Kaelin supported Coderre’s argument in favor of hiring a facilities manager. The value of the hire to the community would exceed the salary expended.

Seventh-grade science teacher Jessica Eisenlord works with students, Samantha Capes, Isabella King and Jessyln Baez, while they learn about glaciers through the use of virtual reality glasses.

Northborough – Robert E. Melican Middle School students now have the opportunity to explore faraway places and discover new things with the use of Virtual Reality (VR) glasses, thanks to a grant from the Northborough Education Foundation (NEF).

NEF awarded the grant of $10,700 to Principal Michelle Karb this past September. With the funds, she was able to purchase 50 Apple iPods and 50 Homido Mini VR glasses to make up two sets per classroom. The VR sets offer the students the ability to take virtual field trips where they can be immersed in the lessons by visualizing what they are learning about without having to leave the classroom.

“Thanks to this grant,” Karb said, “students at Melican will be able to view and appreciate the world in which they live like never before, and it will play an important role in the continued growth of Melican students as global citizens.”

Michael Groccia, instructional technology specialist at the school, has used the VR sets to teach sixth-grade students about population density and the impact it has on living standards. Through the use of the VR sets, the students were able to see firsthand how this has affected cities like Mexico City and Tokyo.

“The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in classrooms has engaged Melican students and provided high-interest learning activities, as well as transported them to places such as Mexico City, Tokyo, and the Greenland Ice Shelf,” said Groccia. “Visiting these faraway places through virtual reality has given students a unique perspective and opened them up to appreciating areas of the world unfamiliar to many of them. The immersive experience of virtual reality field trips is another way for students to master learning objectives.”

When asked about the use of the VR glasses, seventh-grader Samantha Capes, said: “It gave us a chance to really experience what our teachers have been talking about … Plus it was very fun!”

In September 2018, NEF awarded $68,000 to 20 grant recipients. Along with Melican, Marion E. Zeh, Fannie E. Proctor, and Marguerite E. Peaslee elementary schools all received grants for VR sets to be used for virtual field trips.

The Northborough Education Foundation (NEF) is a volunteer-run organization that provides Northborough teachers and administrators with the resources necessary to improve curriculum, programs and services beyond the level supported by the annual school budget. For calendar year 2019, NEF has the generous support of platinum sponsor, Sullivan-Kreiss Financial.

Donations can be mailed to Northborough Education Foundation, PO Box 1094, Northborough, MA 01532. For questions about NEF or how a business can become a sponsor, visit www.northboroughed.org.

Photos/Sue Ogar

Danielle Lebeouf (middle) shows her seventh-grade science students what the inside of a glacier looks like through the use of virtual reality glasses.

Northborough – Mary L. Robinson-Domack, 71, passed away at home March 31, 2019, after losing her second battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of 37 years to John A. Domack.

Mary was born in Worcester, a daughter to the late Walter F. and Wilberta A. (Friars) Robinson. She was raised in Northborough and lived in Princeton for 20 years prior to returning to Northborough in 2003 to be near to her family.

For over 20 years, Mary worked as a dispatcher for ComGas/NStar and Eversource; she retired in 2003. Prior to that Mary worked numerous years as a dispatcher with the Northborough Police Department.

She enjoyed reading and looked forward to spending time with her large extended family. Mary was like the mother hen of the family; people could trust her with their problems and expect honest advice in return.

Besides her husband John, Mary is survived by her two brothers, Walter and Fred Robinson, and her three sisters, Beatrice Girouard, Barbara Stone, and Elsie Robinson, who was also considered Mary’s best friend. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was especially close to her great-nephews Eddie and Jason Cooley.

Mary’s family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the nurses of Notre Dame Hospice for the care and support shown during Mary’s final days.

It was Mary’s wishes to have her final arrangements private. There are no public services planned.

Please consider a donation in Mary’s name to the Northborough Food Pantry, 37 Pierce Street, Northborough, MA 01532.

Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough, is assisting the Domack family with arrangements.

Northborough – Say “Hello Spring” at Northborough Crossing, 9012 Shops Way, on Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a special springtime celebration.

Attendees are invited to take photos with the Easter Bunny, decorate a planting pot, and enjoy music by DJ Peter, balloon art and face painting. The event is free, open to the public and will be held in the parking lot in front of Old Navy.

Northborough Crossing is an exceptional, open-air shopping center situated atop a scenic hilltop, located just off Route 9 and Route 20 in Northborough. Experience the first Wegmans in Massachusetts, in addition to major retailers like BJ’s Wholesale Club & Gas, T.J. Maxx, PetSmart, Homesense, and Kohl’s. Complementing the national retailers are an eclectic mix of shops, including Pottery Barn Outlet, Jos. A. Bank, The Paper Store, Old Navy, ULTA Beauty and so much more.

For more information visit www.northboroughcrossing.com.