By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – Chilly and damp weather didn’t prevent over 250 people, including school groups, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, individuals and families from fanning out over the town on April 27 to take part in the Louise Houle Annual Town Clean-up Day.  The event was sponsored by the Northborough Community Affairs Committee and the Northborough Women’s Club. A continental breakfast was provided from Wegmans, Dunkins and Chick-fil-A. Participants received a complimentary reusable shopping bag.  Non-perishable food items were also collected for the Northborough Food Pantry.

Northborough – Trinity Church will be hosting a workshop on escalation and relationship abuse on Sunday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m., 23 Main St.

“Escalation” is an engaging, emotional 1.5 hour film workshop transforming the way students view and discuss relationship abuse. This program is intended for teens in their Junior year and above as well as parents. The video does represent relationship violence and could be triggering.  There will be staff on hand for those that need someone to speak with.

Sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084dafa92ca31-onelove

For more information contact Sherry Clark at trinitycenorthboro@gmail.com.

Northborough – The Northborough American Legion Post 234, 402 W Main St., Northborough will be hosting a “Meet the Candidates” night on Monday, May 6, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in preparation for the local election to be held Tuesday, May 14.

This year there will be contested races for Board of Selectmen and the Northborough Southborough Regional School Committee Partial Term.

There will be five minutes for candidates to introduce themselves and explain their reasons for running followed by open questions from the audience.

http://www.town.northborough.ma.us/Pages/NorthboroughMA_News/026657A6-000F8513

All candidates have been invited and 8 of the 9 candidates will be in attendance.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/479460915923369/

and http://evite.me/RchVQbfAkg.

By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer

Northborough – Despite building momentum by their opponents from Worcester South High School, the Algonquin Regional High School boys’ volleyball team secured a comfortable 3-0 win at home April 26.

The Tomahawks (4-1) started strong against the Colonels (3-2) winning handedly in the opening set of the day. Things got closer in the next frame with Algonquin winning just 25-17, before the teams battled hard in the third and final set to a 25-21 decision in the Tomahawks’ favor.

With the win, Algonquin holds the second best record in the Mid-Wach league, but, having not played a league game this year, sit in third place overall. They’ll soon be changing that however with matchups against local foes Leominster and Marlborough in the immediate future.

Northborough – As Northborough voters go to the polls for the town’s annual election on Tuesday, May 14, they will likely run into many of their friends and neighbors. That’s because all voting, for the first time, will take place at the Melican Middle School, 45 Lincoln St. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be two contested races – one seat on the Board of Selectmen and one for the Northborough Southborough Regional School Committee. Voters will also be asked to approve $3.5 million to acquire land located for a new fire station to be built on Monroe and West Main streets.

Northborough

Sunday, April 7

7:33 a.m. Arrested, Nastashia M. Wilson, 24, of 199 Belmont St., Apt. 2, Worcester, on warrant, speeding in violation special regulation, impeded operation.

4:58 p.m. Rutland Rd. Disturbance.

Monday, April 8

9:53 a.m. Lincoln St. Ambulance.

2:47 p.m. Arrested, Steven C. Amidon, 60, of 35 Ferncroft Rd., Shrewsbury, for OUI liquor 4^th offense, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured MV/trailer, attaching a plate, number plate violation, no inspection sticker, negligent operation of motor vehicle, drink alcohol from open container in MV.

5:18 p.m. Winter St. Ambulance.

Tuesday, April 9

6:42 a.m. Arrested, Ashanti Jasmine Maness, 23, of 7 Whitfield St., Apt. 2, Boston, on warrant.

11:06 a.m. Green St. Ambulance.

3:10 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Accident: P.D.

Wednesday, April 10

3:26 a.m. Wesson ter. Animal calls.

2:45 p.m. Shops Way. Ambulance.

Thursday, April 11

1:31 a.m. School St. Fire Dept. asst.

2:29 a.m. West Main St. Ambulance.

12:29 p.m. Beverly Rd. Fraud.

1:00 p.m. Otis St. Fraud.

4:29 p.m. Main St. Disturbance.

9:35 p.m. Arrested, Darlene Lynda Carreras, 33, of 107A Broadmeadow St., Marlborough, on warrant.

Friday, April 12

11:28 a.m. Lyman St. Disturbance.

3:38 p.m. Winter St. Fraud.

4:23 p.m. Hamilton Rd. keep the peace.

Saturday, April 13

4:22 p.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Well-being check.

11:50 p.m. Crestwood Dr. Disturbance.

Sunday, April 14

9:48 a.m. Cherlyn Dr. Ambulance.

2:56 p.m. Shops Way. Dog complaint.

11:56 p.m. Brewer St. Fire Dept. asst.

Monday, April 15

11:48 a.m. Belmont St./Route 9. Larceny.

6:40 p.m. Village Dr. Ambulance.

Tuesday, April 16

9:03 a.m. Church St. Accident: P.D.

12:18 p.m. Deacon St. Well-being check.

2:39 p.m. Main St. Fraud.

7:43 p.m. Pleasant St. Disturbance.

Wednesday, April 17

1:51 a.m. West Main St. Fire dept. asst.

9:59 a.m. Church St. Ambulance.

3:28 p.m. Hudson St. Accident: P.D.

Thursday, April 18

1:26 p.m. West Main St. Scams.

9:07 p.m. Beeman Rd. Ambulance.

Friday, April 19

12:48 a.m. Arrested, Steven Randall Swartwout, 57, of 68 Oak Ave., Apt. B, Northborough, for OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, marked lanes violation.

2:33 a.m. Whitney St. Disturbance.

10:49 a.m. Main St. Scams.

4:04 p.m. Birch Hill Rd. Ambulance.

Saturday, April 20

3:40 a.m. Whitney St. Disturbance.

4:56 p.m. Tomblin Hill Rd. Accident: P.D.

5:20 p.m. Elizabeth Dr. Well-being check.

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

By Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury High School Colonials softball team defeated Algonquin Regional by a score of 11-4 in a game played May 4.

Kimmy Chhoeuk has two hits, including a two-run home run in the fifth inning for Shrewsbury.  Riley MacCausland singled, tripled and scored three times, and four players banged out doubles in the victory.  Sami Moulton pitched a complete game and struck out six.

Mia McAuliffe has two hits, including a triple for Algonquin.

With the win, Shrewsbury improved to 6-3 on the season while Algonquin fell to 3-7.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – The meeting room at the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234, was packed on May 6 when candidates for Northborough’s Town Election gathered at a forum organized by Laura Ziton and Edward Bombard.

Moderator Mitch Cohen, Northborough Free Library trustee, reminded the audience that the election is Tuesday. May 14.  All precincts will vote at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St., and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be two contested races in this year’s election.

Incumbent Selectman Leslie Rutan will be challenged by political newcomers Jason McDonald and Millie Milton.

Chris Covino, a candidate for the one year position on the Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee was unavailable but his challenger Sean O’Shea was in attendance at the forum.

Also present were incumbents running unopposed: Michelle Gillespie-Planning Board, Frederick George, Jr. – Moderator, Keith Lebel – Northborough K-8 School Committee and Joan Frank- Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee.

The theme expressed by all candidates in their opening remarks was transparency.

Rutan was asked a question pertaining to the town’s Master Plan and what actions the Board of Selectmen should take in its implementation.  

“…I don’t think that the Board should act until we’ve heard recommendations by the appropriate committees and get as much public input as possible,” she replied.

McDonald and Milton were asked about what areas of community involvement they have had to prepare them for this role, noting it being their first foray into town government.

“I’ve done a lot of hands-on volunteering; Cub master, various coaching and have attended many of the Town Meetings to be a part of the process…I truly believe that municipal government is the purest form of democracy …,” McDonald stated.

“…I have for the past five or six months been going to many of the Board meetings… and one of the things that I’ve been able to do is to see how things are communicated, what people are talking about…,” responded Milton.

O’Shea was asked about working with a new superintendent and building a strong relationship.

“Greg Martineau will be the new superintendent and the benefit is that he has already established a working relationship and trust with a lot of entities in town and the school board…,” O’Shea said.

A recording of the forum may be found online at this link.

Northborough – Sponsor a backpack (or two or three) and help a Northborough student begin next school year positively.

The Northborough Helping Hands Assoc. Inc. (NHHA) is gearing up for its 12th annual Backpack Drive, which will continue to benefit students in need in the Northborough public schools, grades K-12, for the 2019-2020 school year.

Last year, 86 backpacks were donated with the generous support of businesses, organizations and individuals.

Each year the need continues and expenses increase. The projected fundraising goal is $3,000. Each new backpack is accompanied by grade appropriate school supplies. Donation will be accepted until Friday, May 31. Sponsor an elementary school backpack for a $35 donation or a middle school/high school backpack for a $50 donation.

Donors will receive recognition in NHHA’s post project press releases and on its website and Facebook page.

The NHHA will also be holding a pottery night at PYOP, 290 W. Main St., Friday, May 17, from 6-9 p.m. to benefit the drive.

The cost to participate in the event is $35 per person and allows you to choose from a large variety of pottery pieces to design and paint with the guidance of PYOP staff. Participants are not required to be there at the start of the event or to stay for the entire event.

Register at https://bit.ly/2IOX6gC.

NHHA is a long time nonprofit, service oriented organization in Northborough. For more information or to donate, visit www.northboroughhelpinghands.org.

For your convenience, donations for the Backpack Drive can be made online on by clicking on this link: https://northboroughhelpinghands.org/backpack.html. Donations can also be mailed to NHHA, Attn: Backpack Drive, P.O. Box 383, Northborough, MA 01532.

Questions can be emailed to backpacks@northboroughhelpinghands.org.

Northborough – The Northborough Knights baseball team is headed to the historic site of the Baseball Hall of Fame to play in the Cooperstown 12U Baseball Tournament at the legendary Cooperstown Dreams Park. The Northborough Knights are hosting several fundraisers in May and June to raise funds for the tournament.

Yard Sale/Bake Sale

The Knights will man a yard sale/bake sale table at the Assabet Community Yard Sale Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, 215 Fitchburg St., Marlborough. Check out what’s for sale while you enjoy freshly baked treats and iced coffee. There will be books, toys and household items for sale.

Cornhole Tournament

A Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser will be held Tuesday, May 14, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Ground Effect Brewing, 312 Main St. The event is a single elimination tournament with cash prizes for first and second place. Advanced tickets are required to enter. Tickets are $40 for a two-person team. Ticket sales will close 24 hours prior to the event or when sold out. All players with a paid ticket will receive a complimentary 5 oz. draft. Enter to win a variety of raffles.

Wine Tasting

Paired, Poured & Plated, 290 W. Main St., Northborough, will offer a specially curated tasting of up to four wines Wednesday, May 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. These wines will be complemented by a savory selection of cheeses as well as a full helping of expert pairing advice. Premium craft beers will also be available for tasting.

May Madness Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

A youth basketball tournament will be held Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clinton High School, 200 W. Boylston St. Boys and girls in third to eighth grade may participate. The fee is $60 per team of three to four players. Payment may be made by cash or check upon arrival.

Teams are guaranteed three games. The event will include a concessions stand, prizes and a raffle.

To sign up, email Marion at nboro.cooperstown@gmail.com by Wednesday, May 22, with team name and each team member’s name, grade and email address.

Worcester Bravehearts with the Northborough Knights

Join the Knights to cheer on the Worcester Bravehearts for an exciting minor league baseball game on Monday, June 10, at 6:35 p.m.

Come check out the fun as the Bravehearts take on the North Shore Navigators at the Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester.

Tickets are $12 and include a Bravehearts hat. The Launch-A-Ball Fundraiser will benefit the Knights.

To purchase tickets, contact Rebecca Roman at nboro.cooperstown@gmail.com or 978-815-5282. Payments can be made by cash, Paypal (Paypal.me/nboroknights) or check made payable to Northborough Cooperstown Knights.

Kickball Tournament

The Knights will host a kickball tournament for students in grades K-5 Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St., Northborough. Teams are limited to 10 participants per team. Registration fee is $100/team or $10/player. Deadline for registration is Saturday, June 8. All registration and waiver forms must be completed and payment received by this date.

Send registration, waivers, and payment to: Doug Pulsifer 26 Mayflower Road, Northborough, MA 01532 or email it to nboro.cooperstown@gmail.com.

Checks may be made payable to Northborough Cooperstown Team. Payment may also be made through Paypal ( Paypal.me/nboroknights) or Venmo (@Douglas-Pulsifer-1).

Team parents will be emailed after June 8 with the approximated time of the first game

For more information about the Northborough Knights or the fundraising events, visit http://northboroughknights.com/.

To the Editor:

When I think of how I want my government to reflect our values, the first thing that comes to mind is representation. Even though we collectively live in the same township, we don’t all think alike. Our different perspectives should be reflected by our leadership. We are not all of one mind and to expect that unanimous decisions are the only way to govern, is hasty.

It’s time once again, to vote for a new representative that will carry out our best interests at heart. We should not just choose a candidate based solely on rhetorical promises or banners of experience, rather one that sees issues and offers potential solutions to those issues. This year Northborough voters have a choice of three candidates for selectmen. Based on my research thus far, I feel that Millie Milton is the best choice for this year’s race. She is a small business owner with a great deal of experience in working with the town and its processes, as well as offering a product that invites economic improvement to Northborough’s downtown. What better way to bring diversity to this Board than a person who finds success by listening to her clientele?

Millie has been very involved in our community and has invested her time to attend many board and committee meetings to establish a working knowledge of what’s been going on in town. In addition, she has reached out to individuals to hear their concerns and ideas, so that she has firsthand knowledge of what our residents and business owners need.

Millie brings a diverse perspective with mature curiosity. Northborough needs a downtown revitalization and that takes more than just a new Master Plan. Millie has already done the ground work and put her money where her mouth is with her Bistro, let’s let her share her expertise and creativity to bring a unique set of tools to the Board of Selectmen.

It’s time to try a new approach to economic development, downtown revitalization, and problem solving. Vote for Millie Milton for selectmen on May 14th . I know I will.

Respectfully,
Allen P. Arsenault
Northborough

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Leslie Rutan for Northborough Board of Selectmen. Her experience on both the School Committee and Board of Selectmen has given her the knowledge and the patience needed to get things done and complete complex projects, such as the beautiful renovation of Lincoln Street School. Leslie is very approachable and listens to her constituents. She regularly attends School Committee meetings to keep up to date on things happening in our districts. Northborough has many new changes coming, with a fire station in the early stages of planning and a new Master Plan underway, her expertise and ability to be in touch with residents will be greatly needed!
Please vote for Leslie Rutan on May 14, 2019.

Suzy Cieslica
Northborough

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – Northborough Town Clerk Andrew Dowd recently announced that all voting in future elections will be centralized and will take place at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St. The Town Election on Tuesday, May 14, will be the first to be held at this new location. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are two contested races – one seat on the Board of Selectmen and one on the Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee. Voters will also decide the fate of the next phase of the Fire Station Building project.

The May 14 ballot includes:

• Incumbent Frederick A. George Jr. seeks re-election as town moderator;
• Incumbent Leslie Rutan is running for another three-year term on the Board of Selectmen, challenged by Jason T. McDonald and Millie Milton;
• Incumbent Michelle Gillespie seeks another three-year term on the Planning Board;
• Incumbent Keith R. Lebel seeks another three years on the Northborough School Committee;
• Incumbent Daniel L. Kolenda (Southborough Candidate) seeks another three-year term on the Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee;
• Incumbent John G. Frank (Northborough Candidate) seeks another three year term on the Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee;
• Christopher D. Covino and Sean P. O’Shea are running for one seat for a one-year term on the Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee.

Ballot Question 1 pertains to the new Fire Station, specifically a debt exclusion to pay for the bond issued to acquire the land and pay for related site costs, owner’s project manager services, and architectural design services.

For more information visit www.town.northborough.ma.us or email townclerk@town.northborough.ma.us.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – The meeting room at the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234, was packed on May 6 when candidates for Northborough’s Town Election gathered at a forum organized by Laura Ziton and Edward Bombard.

Moderator Mitch Cohen, Northborough Free Library trustee, reminded the audience that the election is Tuesday. May 14.  All precincts will vote at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St., and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be two contested races in this year’s election.

Incumbent Selectman Leslie Rutan will be challenged by political newcomers Jason McDonald and Millie Milton.

Chris Covino, a candidate for the one year position on the Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee was unavailable but his challenger Sean O’Shea was in attendance at the forum.

Also present were incumbents running unopposed: Michelle Gillespie-Planning Board, Frederick George, Jr. – Moderator, Keith Lebel – Northborough K-8 School Committee and Joan Frank- Northborough/Southborough Regional School Committee.

The theme expressed by all candidates in their opening remarks was transparency.

Rutan was asked a question pertaining to the town’s Master Plan and what actions the Board of Selectmen should take in its implementation.  

“…I don’t think that the Board should act until we’ve heard recommendations by the appropriate committees and get as much public input as possible,” she replied.

McDonald and Milton were asked about what areas of community involvement they have had to prepare them for this role, noting it being their first foray into town government.

“I’ve done a lot of hands-on volunteering; Cub master, various coaching and have attended many of the Town Meetings to be a part of the process…I truly believe that municipal government is the purest form of democracy …,” McDonald stated.

“…I have for the past five or six months been going to many of the Board meetings… and one of the things that I’ve been able to do is to see how things are communicated, what people are talking about…,” responded Milton.

O’Shea was asked about working with a new superintendent and building a strong relationship.

“Greg Martineau will be the new superintendent and the benefit is that he has already established a working relationship and trust with a lot of entities in town and the school board…,” O’Shea said.

Frank was asked about vaping and its impact to the high school and measures to prevent it.

“I think we have to be more diligent … we have to make sure that our students have a safe environment to go to school every day…,” she said.

Lebel answered a question regarding a program that will offer free tuition for full day kindergarten.

“Yes, we are already in the process of undertaking the free full-day kindergarten…We decided on a five year plan but we hope we can transition sooner than that,” he said.

George, who has been the town’s longtime moderator, spoke about the importance of participation at Town Meeting.

“Education is important and I think some people are a bit intimidated…I plan to work with the Town Clerk to do seminars on what is Town Meeting..,” he said.

Gillespie answered a question about her vision for downtown revitalization.

“…I actually think that one of the best ways to move forward  and to frame downtown is the  use of some of the buildings  that appear unoccupied…I think having the new Fire Department downtown will start framing downtown…” she noted, while referencing the Town Common. “As you pull all these together you’re starting to see your town come together.”

After questions from the audience including the use of White Cliffs, the Master Plan and the affordability of Northborough, candidates provided their closing remarks before the forum’s conclusion. A recording of the forum may be found online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOnY_sfze_J5tIE6lkVy7w?view_as=subscriber.

Northborough – Jane Williams Durkin, 61, passed away peacefully at home May 6, 2019 after a brief period of declining health.

Jane was born in Denver, Colo., the daughter to Col. and Mrs. Wayland Whitney Williams. As a military child she spent her childhood in Nebraska, Washington, D.C., and Newport, R.I., where her father taught at the Naval War College. They eventually settled in Hamilton, N.Y.

Jane attended Hartwick College and was taking courses at the University of Vermont when she met her husband, Sean Patrick Durkin. They moved to Northborough in 1983 when Sean started his own construction business. Jane worked for a time with her sister-in-law, Kathleen, for Durkin Painting before retiring to become a full-time mother to her sons, Sean and Connor.

Jane adored her boys and loved being a mother and homemaker. She was very active in all of their school and sports activities, including soccer, baseball, and hockey.

Jane had a great sense of humor, was warm, witty, and generous. She was also fiercely loyal to her family. Sometimes this world was too harsh for her sweet and sensitive soul. Jane, now you are at peace.

Jane is survived by her sons, Sean Patrick Jr. and Connor Williams; her husband, Sean Patrick Durkin; her brother-in-law, Joseph Durkin and his wife Suzanne of Northborough; a sister-in-law, Kathleen and husband Michael Borsuk of Boylston; her brother-in-law, Michael Durkin of Northborough; and nieces and nephews. Jane was predeceased by her brothers, Trey Williams of Madison, N.Y., Stephen Williams of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gregory Williams of St. Louis, Mo.

Friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours Wednesday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The Joseph S. Durkin Relief Fund, c/o St. Mary’s Credit Union, 100 W. Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.

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

Northborough – Juliette “Julie” George-Anne DuPont (May 27, 1936 – April 11, 2019) passed away at her home April 11, 2019.

Julie was born and raised in “Southie” Boston. Her blended family fostered independence and hard work. After high school, she joined the Blue Cross Blue Shield where she started in the mailroom and eventually was promoted to upper level management. At a time when few women were advancing in the corporate world, Julie achieved great success.

In 1959, she married Emil (Bill) Dupont of Marlborough. Their shared passions included travelling, camping, searching out a great bargain, and caring for their beloved pets. Together, Julie and Bill established Warbonnet Farm in Northborough, dedicating themselves for over two decades to breeding, raising, and showing Appaloosa horses.

Julie and Bill co-founded the Yankee Appaloosa Association in order to garner the enthusiasm of other horse owners. In retirement, Julie and Bill continued to support the rights of animals, as well as other worthy charities such as Wounded Warriors, The Salvation Army, Helping Hands, The Elephant Sanctuary, and PETA.

Julie prided herself on answering the questions on the TV show Jeopardy faster than the contestants. She loved an occasional excursion to Mohegan Sun. She was also the master at stretching a meal. She was a proud member of the National Republican Party, donating both time and resources to the right. Most recently, she became a licensed thoroughbred owner in Massachusetts.

Julie is remembered with love and gratitude by her extended family, the O’Neills, the Sawyers, the Doreys, and the Benoits, as well as her close friends and neighbors.

Burial in Howard Street Cemetery was private. There are no public services planned.

Northborough – Priscilla E. Freeman passed away after a decline in health May 6, 2019; she was 64 years old.

She is survived by her eight children, Edward Devine of Framingham, Judith Devine of Worcester, Michael Devine of Framingham, Christopher Francis of Whitinsville, Timothy Devine of Marlborough, Bridgette Bianchi of Florida, Marilyn Gelinas and her husband Evan of Blackstone, and John Duprey of Marlborough. She also leaves one brother, William Freeman of Marlborough.

Priscilla enjoyed being outside in nature, a good cup of coffee and the color blue. She found pleasure in dancing and solace in religion.

Per Priscilla’s request, there will be no public services.

Please consider making a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.alz.org).

Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough, is assisting Priscilla’s family with all arrangements.

Northborough – Charles William Longfellow, 87, affectionately known as Charlie by all, passed away in Framingham Union Hospital May 8, 2019 after a period of declining health.

Charlie was born and raised in Saugus, a son to the late Walter Whitcomb and Ruth Ethel (Nourse) Longfellow. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserve’s submarine service during his senior year and graduated Saugus High School, class of 1950. From 1951-55 Charlie served in the Air Force as a helicopter flight mechanic. Charlie was flight crew on high wind helicopter testing on Mt. Washington and a flight mechanic on a cross country helicopter flight in a record setting three days and proudly recalled using his mechanical skills and minimal available supplies to keep the copter in the air.

In 1956 he married the love of his life, Elaine Ruth Porter. They settled in Connecticut where Charlie went on to work in the aircraft industry at Pratt & Whitney as an experimental flight test mechanic and then as estimating supervisor for Combustion Engineering. After 4 years in Ohio as a plant manager, in 1979 the family moved to their current home in Northborough. He retired in 1996 as a Sr. Construction Engineer at RCI Riley Construction of Worcester.

Charlie is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Elaine; four children, Eric and his wife Marina of Waterbury Center, Vt., Cheryl Grant (her husband the late John Grant) of Westford, Kevin and his wife Regina of Nashua, N.H., and Gail Senecal and her husband Robert II of Deer Isle, Maine; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves his lifelong friends George Emberly and Bill McAdoo. Charlie was preceded in death by his siblings, George, Charlotte Navarro, Jean Raymond and Herbert.

A devoted family man, Charlie was loved by his family. He was more than a provider and teacher to them, he put his family first before his needs and was a true role model for all who knew him. He enjoyed a good round of golf, spending time in Florida and tinkering with anything mechanical. He was a longtime member of the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234.

Calling hours will be held Friday, May 17, from 4:30-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Charlie’s funeral will be held Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m., in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation in Charlie’s memory to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

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

A Psalm of Life

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,

Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined end or way;

But to act, that each to-morrow

Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

Funeral marches to the grave.

Northborough – William S. Randall, 82, of Northborough, died April 8, 2019 at the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Worcester.

He is survived by his son, Russell Randall and his fiancé Heather Hill of Willington, Conn.; daughters Deborah Randall of Grafton, Laurie Morse and her husband Keith of Millbury, and Jeanne Davies of Worcester; his brother, Richard of Florida; and sister Patricia of Waltham, as well as five grandchildren, Jason, Christopher, Sean, Sarah and Adam, and a great-granddaughter, Emilia.

Bill was born in Newton, the son of the late William S. Randall Sr. and Helen Murphy. He graduated from Our Ladies of Catholic School in Newton. He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology to become a machinist.

He was employed as a machinist at Adcole Corporation before retiring in the early 1990s and previously founded his own carpet business. Bill served in the Navy during the Korean War.

He enjoyed sports, boating and hot rods as well as spending time with his family.  Bill was a co-founder of the Northborough Youth Hockey Association.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough, is assisting the family with arrangements.

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Northborough – On April 18, Colleen Crowley, accompanied by fellow Lions Club members Ron Jones and Rick Cayer, dropped by the Trinity Church in Northborough to present a check in the amount of $10,000 toward the purchase of a new stove for an upcoming kitchen renovation project.

“Trinity Church does a lot of events for the community and the community holds a lot of events here, so they are doing a major kitchen renovation. They will have a brand new kitchen and one of the big ticket items is they needed a new stove,” Crowley stated. “The money we’re donating for this stove comes from our annual golf tournament which is coming up on Monday, June 17, at Juniper Hills Golf Club.”

The Northborough Lions Club donation of $5,000 combined with an anonymous Lions Club member’s $5,000 donation will cover the cost of the new commercial stove needed for the renovation taking place this coming summer.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Lions that they are willing to support this project,” said Reverend Valeria Schmidt. “We believe that it is going to benefit more than just our church and we do appreciate their support for community meals and other ministry that we do for our town of Northborough.”

Tom Danforth, church member, said that the project will begin in June and they hope to have it completed in time for Applefest.

Schmidt noted that, once completed, it will be one of only a few in Northborough that will be a certified, restaurant-grade ServSafe kitchen.

Nancy Robbins, member of the Kitchen Renovation Committee, said that the church is still in need of additional funds. As such, the church is accepting donations. Checks, earmarked for “kitchen project,” can be sent to Trinity Church, 23 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.