editor@southboroughnews.com

Archived Page 203

April 10, 2011 - April 16, 2011

April 16, 2011 - The St. Matthew's Youth Ministry held an Easter egg hunt, arts and craft event earlier today.

 

April 16, 2011 - Thinking it was springtime and ready for grass, the belties found a way out of their winter home and crossed Breakneck Hill Road to "greener" pastures.  Here they are shown in the community garden until the entire fence line can be checked on the grassier fields.  In most years the cows are dutiful and wait until the group of humans line up and stop the cars, not this year.

ARHS Events and News:

Upcoming Events

SAT Prep Class information
mynutrikids.com accepting payments

4/25 One Last Chance to Buy a Year Book Online!
4/4-4/15 Spring Food Drive

4/9, 4/30 Senior Girls Self Defense Class
4/15 Sophomore Parent Breakfast, 7:30 am
4/18 - 4/22 April Vacation

4/22 Junior Prom Committee Fundraiser

5/4 Junior Safe Driving Day 9-2

5/6 Mid-Point Term 4 for Seniors
5/7 SAT's @ ARHS, 7:45 am
5/7 Junior Prom @ Lake Pearl, 6 - 11 pm

5/12 APTO mtg, Principal's conf room, 7pm
5/12 - 5/22 Art Show - Wrestling Room
5/17 Mid-Point Term 4
5/17, 5/18 MCAS - Math

5/25 - 5/27 Senior Class Exams
5/27 End of Term 4 - Seniors

5/30 Memorial Day - School Closed

5/31 Senior Obligations/Graduation Practice

5/31 Senior Class Night, 7:00 pm
6/1, 6/2 MCAS - Science

6/1 POP's Night, 7:30 pm

6/2 Senior Ball @ Wachusett, 7:00 pm

6/4 SAT's @ ARHS, 7:45 am
6/5 Graduation, 2:00 pm
6/14 Awards Night - Gr 9,10,11, 7pm

WASHINGTON DC TRIP

The display case outside the high school auditorium has gotten very crowded

since the students in the music department returned from The Spirit of America

Music Festival in Washington DC on April 3rd. In addition to unloading

all the suitcases and instruments, the students proudly unloaded 8 trophies for

their outstanding performances in this annual festival, which is sponsored by

Performing Arts Consultants Music Festivals and attended by schools

throughout the country.

Ninety-nine students from Algonquin performed, many in more than one ensemble.

The results were impressive:

Concert Choir - First Place, Silver Rating

Camerata Singers - First Place, Gold Rating

Chamber Choir - First Place, Gold Rating - Grand Champion Choral

Symphonic Band - First Place, Silver Rating

String Orchestra - First Place, Gold Rating

Wind Ensemble - First Place, Gold Rating - Grand Champion Instrumental

MICCA festable

and here are the results....

Group:

9th Grade Chorale Bronze

Concert Choir Silver

Camerata Singers Silver

Chamber Singers Silver

Symphonic Band Bronze

Wind Ensemble Silver

Concert Band Merit

DRAMA NEWS

OF MICE AND MEN directed by drama teacher Maura Morrison, advanced

to the final round of competition at this year’s Mass. Educational Theater

Guild Festival and performed at The John Hancock Hall on March 31st.

Sophomore Mike Buck won his third acting award and Algonquin was chosen

by the backstage crew at the Hancock to win The Stage Manager’s

Award. Congrats to the cast and crew for this effort. Thanks to art teachers

George Hancin and Danielle Pianka for their work on our set and for helping

to chaperone this three-day event in Boston.

For more information about this state competition, please go to

www.metg.org

ART NEWS

Art All-State

Congratulations to ARHS junior,

Hayley McKie, who was chosen to

participate in this year’s Art All-

State program. Art All-State is a

2-day art workshop held at the

Worcester Art Museum. The best

junior art students from all over the

state are nominated. They then go

through a judging process to finally

be picked to participate in this

weekend art-making event.

Post Prom Party

New England Sports Center in Marlborough immediately

following the Junior Prom on May 7th.

Junior parents will be receiving a letter detailing the party

This year’s event marks the 17th anniversary of the Junior

and drugs. Junior parents, please encourage your teenagers

We still need volunteers to:

· Chaperone (12 – 5 am, non-junior parents only)

· Distribute tickets during lunch periods the week of

To volunteer, please contact Lisa Luongo at 508-393-

If you have any questions, please contact Sue Distler at

The Annual Easter Sunrise Service sponsored by the United Parishes of Southborough will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2011, at 6:30 AM. The service will be held at Hopkinton State Park in the Marina Area.

You are invited to join with members of the Southborough

Christian Community in a celebration of the Resurrection.

St. Matthews Church,  Southville Road, Southborough, MA

Wednesday 7:00pm Lenten Mass Schedule

April 13 April 20

Palm Sunday – April 17

Regular Mass Schedule

Holy Thursday – April 21

7:30pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – April 22

3:00pm – Stations of the Cross

7:30pm – The Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday – April 23

7:30pm – Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday – April 24

7:30am – Mass (Church)

9:00am – Mass (Church and Parish Center)

11:00am – Mass (Church and Parish Center)

No 6:00pm Mass this day

St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 20 Boston Road, Southborough MA

SCHEDULE

Sunday, April 17, Palm Sunday - Regular Mass Times

Monday, April 18, Daily Morning Mass - 9:00 am

Tuesday, April 19, Daily Morning Mass - 9:00 am

Wednesday, April 20, Daily Morning Mass - 9:00 am

(followed by Adoration until 6:00 pm)

TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday – April 21

7:30 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper *

(followed by Adoration until 11:00 pm)

Good Friday – April 22

3:00 pm – Stations of the Cross

7:30 pm – The Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday – April 23

7:30 pm – Easter Vigil *

Easter Sunday – April 24, 2011

7:30 am – Mass

9:30 am – Mass

11:30 am – Mass

* Traditionally bells are rung at the Gloria on Holy Thursday and

at the Easter Vigil. If you would like to bring a small bell to

church to join in this joyous praise to God, feel free to do so.

St. Mark’s Episcapal Church, 27 Main Street, Southborough, MA

• Holy Week schedule begins with Reading of the Passion and Eucharists at 8, 9, and 10:45am on Palm Sunday, April 17th.

  • Holy Wednesday, April 20   12 noon Holy Eucharist

  • Maundy Thursday, April 21   6pm Soup Supper, 7pm Foot Washing and Eucharist, 8pm - midnight Gethsemane Vigil

  • Good Friday, April 22           12 noon The Way of the Cross for Children,            7pm Liturgy with Reserve Sacrament

• Easter Celebration Services  8am Holy Eucharist, 9 & 10:45am Festival Choral Eucharists, 10:15am Easter Egg Hunt for children

First Community Church of Southborough, 137 Southville Road, Southborough, MA

Easter Sunrise Service

“He is risen, He is risen indeed”

Arise early and dress warmly to see the sunlight glistening off the water

and listen to the variety of bird songs joyfully filling the air all around.

Join us at Hopkinton State Park on Easter Sunday morning, April 24 for our annual Sunrise

Service sponsored by the Lay Council of The United Parishes of Southborough. The service will

begin at 6:30 AM at the end of the parking lot next to the marina. In case of steady rain, the

service will take place at First Community Church.

Reverend Paul Sanderson will deliver the Easter reflections.

wind advisory remains in effect until 7 am edt Sunday
A wind advisory remains in effect until 7 am edt Sunday.
Locations, central and eastern Massachusetts, northeastern Connecticut, as well as Rhode Island. It also includes eastern hillsborough county in southern New Hampshire.
Hazards, strong winds.
Winds, southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
Timing, the strongest winds are expected between midnight and 6 am Sunday morning.
Impacts, the strong winds may result in the downing of some large tree limbs and isolated power outages.
Precautionary/preparedness actions,
A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 31 to 39 mph or gusts will range between 46 and 57 mph. Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, possibly causing isolated power outages. Driving can also be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
 

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

T-hawks of the Month

April – 2011

Zack Allor

Shelby Wagner

Ashley Armstrong

Peggy Healy

Dani Edmands

Matt Doyle

Mike Leone

April 16, 2011 - Soccer filled the fields around Southborough today.

TROTTIER MUSICIANS BRING HOME THE MEDALS!

The Trottier Middle School Orchestra working with one of the MICCA judges, Jeffrey Meyer, Assistant Professor, Director of Orchestras at Ithaca College.
 

Southborough’s Trottier Middle School Band and Orchestra, under the direction of the incomparable Jamison Clark, continued their astonishing season by medaling at the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Annual Concert Festival last weekend in Wrentham. The 7th & 8th Grade Concert Band received silver, while the Orchestra and 6th Grade Concert Band received bronze medals.  “The kids played their hearts out” said Jamie Clark, who added that while they always strive for gold, “this year’s competition was exceptional.”

The mission of MICCA is to encourage and support high performance standards for High School, Middle School, and Elementary School musical organizations.  The festival helps improve performance by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified judges.  After each performance, the ensembles meet with a judge who works with the students on the pieces they have just performed.  “The Ensemble Workshop is a very valuable aspect of the festival” said Mr. Clark.  (contributed photos.)
 

The Trottier Middle School 6th Grade Concert Band
 

The Trottier Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Concert Band
 

Business Roundtable Discussion at the Southborough Library, Thursday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m.
  Business men and women:  how well do you know your library? The Southborough Library will host a Business Roundtable Discussion on Thursday, May 5, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Area business people are invited to this informal discussion – an effort for the Library to learn about the needs of the business community and to present resources available at the Library for area businesses.
The Southborough Business Roundtable Discussion will take place in a meeting room on the lower level of the library, located at 25 Main Street, at the junction of Routes 30 and 85. Refreshments will be served.
This Roundtable Discussion, sponsored by the Library, is one result of the Library’s recent survey and focus group sessions for the Library’s long-range plan. A priority for the Library is to reach out to all segments of the community including business people, to develop resources to satisfy the cultural and informational needs of all. Come join us for a business discussion and explore opportunities to learn more and meet new people at your public library Thursday evening, May 5. For more information about this or any event at the library, please call 508-485-5031.
 

Daniel A. Custer, 79, of Southborough died on April 12, 2011 at Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehab. of Westborough. He was the husband of Betty (Dean) Custer for the past 46 years. Born in Minnesota, he was the son of the late Dr. Daniel and Nellie (Cahill) Custer and the stepson of the late Dr. Lucille Custer. Dan worked for Astrodata in Anaheim, Calif. developing instrumentation amplifiers for the NASA space program. He moved to Epsco in Westwood, in 1964 and continued with that work. He then worked for Nexus designing modular amplifiers and continued with Digital Equipment Corp (DEC) and Data General. Dan was a consultant for many years in the analog electronics field. He was an avid sailor with a boat at the Edgewood Yacht Club in RI. Several time he rented a yacht and sailed around the Virgin Islands. Dan C. was friend of Bill's and very active member of AA. In addition to his wife he leaves his children, Mark Custer of CA; Michael Custer of Nevada; Matthew of New Mexico; Mitchell of Ariz.; a cherished granddaughter Sarah Custer, a grandson Ryan and three great-grandsons. He is predeceased by a brother Benjamin Custer. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 15, from 4-7 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St. Southborough (Morrisfuneralparlor.com). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 2 PM at the Morris Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to American Lung Assoc. 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004 or Disabled American Veterans, Att: GIFT PROCESSING PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

April 13, 2011

Subject:  Westboro CSX Transflo Site

I am writing this letter as a concerned citizen.  I’m very worried about this CSX chemical transfer yard being proposed right in the middle of one of our drinking water aquifers.

I’ve heard CSX talk about this being a “risk free” venture.  As my grandfather use to say, nothing is without risk. 

I remember hearing about some serious derailments that the Providence & Worcester Railroad had last year.  Something like three in a row and the Federal Railroad Administration was doing an investigation.  So I got on-line this past weekend.

Lo and behold, I saw photo’s of tank railcars lying on their side next to a CT river.  So much for no risks.

 www.norwichbulletin.com       "Frequent train crashes spark investigation"  November 12, 2010 article.

My fellow citizens, I ask a simple question.  Why should we take a risk with our drinking water?

Sincerely,

Jack Lane, Westborough, MA (your neighbor)

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

Junior Varsity

April 15, 2011 - the ARHS JV tied the game 5 - 5 yesterday at Westborough.

April 15, 2011 - ARHS varsity played a tough game but lost to Westborough 12 - 10.

Southborough Community Gardens at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land

2011 Gardener’s Agreement:

• The plots can be fenced at the individual’s expense.

• Plots must be kept free of debris.

• Gardeners must dispose of waste and litter after every use.

• Each plot must be cleared of fences, stakes, non-vegetative matter and debris by date to be determined by the Garden Coordinator.

• Unattended watering is not permitted.  Please notify the garden coordinator of any leaks in the water line.  All faucets must be turned off when not being used and hoses returned to stations.

• Gardeners must supervise children in the community gardens at all times.

• Pets must be leashed and supervised at all times.

• Only vegetables, herbs, and annuals can be grown in the garden plot.

• Gardeners must maintain their plots regularly and are responsible for weeding the walkways around their plots.  If gardeners abandon their plots for any reason, they must notify the Garden Coordinator.

• If a plot becomes unkempt, the Garden Coordinator will give a 10-day notice to clean it up.  At that time, the coordinator may re-assigned it or till it in.

• Gardeners are encouraged to use insect and disease controls and fertilizers that are organic, or derived from natural materials.  Such fertilizers include compost, rock dusts, meals made from plants, etc.  Pest controls include soaps, oils, plant extracts, etc.  Use of chemicals that have the potential to harm the environment by runoff or other means are prohibited.

• Gardeners must participate in the organized work associated with the Community Garden, such as putting the hoses away and composting.

• The Town of Southborough provides the land, the plowing of the land in the spring, and a water outlet with hoses.  Gardeners are responsible for bringing their own gardening tools.  Garden tools can be stored in the shed, but the Coordinator can place limits on storage to ensure the shed does not become overcrowded.

• A composting pile will be available for organic matter. 

• Gardeners are responsible to remove all non-organic waste from the site.

• Please enjoy the cows from behind the fence.

• Parking is allowed from dawn to dusk on the driveway adjacent to the garden and at the conservation land trailhead.  Parking in the Harding Botanicals lot is not permitted.

• I understand that neither the Garden Coordinator, the Conservation Commission nor the Town of Southborough is responsible for my actions.  I THEREFORE AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS THOSE LISTED ABOVE FOR ANY LIABILITY, DAMAGE, LOSS OR CLAIM THAT OCCURS IN CONNECTION WITH USE OF THE GARDEN BY ME OR ANY OF MY GUESTS.

• Still have questions?  Please contact Garden Coordinators Debbi Molinaro and Joyce Greenleaf at southboro.garden@yahoo.com           Happy Gardening!

Garden Agreement

Faces of Town Meeting

     April 13, 2011 -Town Meeting packed it up around 10:30 PM last night.  One article that kept everyone in attendance was article 20 and 34 both requesting $14, 248.25 for reimbursement to four town employees for legal fees and expenses that were incurred in the “pizzagate”.  Article 34 presented in a petition to be included in the warrant was brought forth and then postponed indefinitely.  Article 20 was then amended to include a sum of $7,124.12 as a compromise to Southborough residents and the employees involved.  There was some discussion on the articles but it had begun with Selectman Rooney saying that we could be in the hall for nights debating the issue and that the town should move on.  The article passed at the lower amount.

     Also passing were several CPC funded articles.  The regular set asides for open space, historic preservation, community housing, administration and discretionary were passed with no problem.  Also passing with no problems was Article 26 for monies to the Southborough Affordable Housing and payment of the Chestnut Hill Bond Article 27.  A round of applause for Adam Wolfset who has spoken to Community Preservation “Committee, the Southborough School Committee and the Board of Selectmen and the Southborough Recreation Department prior to this meeting with a plan and asking for permission to attain Eagle Scout status with the building of a volleyball court at Neary.  An article for CPC funding for an historic district designation for Main Street was indefinitely postponed in order to gather more information by the presenters.  The biggest CPC article controversy came with article 30 for the building of a splash pad and playground at South Union School.  An amendment to reduce the amount from $133, 00 to nearly $97,000 was presented.  The splash pad previous to town meeting had been deemed expensive to run and maybe not a suitable option at this time.  However, the Recreation Department wished to go ahead with a playground.  The pros of the project were it could bring in more revenue for the Recreation Department, the playground would be great for the south side of town, it could be utilized during school hours as playgrounds on school property cannot be used during school hours (South Union is not used as a school any longer but as the Recreation Dept and art center.)  Voters opposed to the project said this was not the time and place for a playground with the economy the way it is.  CPC chairman Andrew Mills explained that these are funded from the community preservation act which each community that has passed this legislation collects a percentage of the real estate tax that can be used within strict guidelines for only those items that are stated within the act.  The money can go for use on open space/recreation, historic preservation and affordable housing.  The CPC money cannot go to fund other items in town like budgets for police and fire or roads.

     The fire department will get new thermal imagers, there will be a new committee set up to look at alternative government in town and monies were spent for replacement of some equipment and upkeep of town buildings.  All in all the town’s budget will be hovering just over $44 million which means most homeowners will see a little over 2.4% increase in the tax bill.

SOUTHBOROUGH’S

21st ANNUAL

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011

8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

To adopt a favorite part of town, please call Southborough’s Department of Public Works at 485-1210 or visit their location next to the Transfer Station that morning to sign up and pick up trash bags.  Coffee and pastries will be served at 8:00 AM.  T-shirts will be distributed on a first come basis.

PLEASE BRING WORK GLOVES

Stop by the Town Gazebo after the clean up for

pizza, soda and ice cream beginning at 11:30 AM.

A rain date has been set for Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Sponsored by:

The Rotary Club of Southborough, The Department of Public Works,

Southborough Open Land Foundation, NSTAR, Polar Beverages,

Domino’s Pizza of Southborough, Red Barn Coffee Roasters,

Theracopia Massage Therapy and Wellness Center,

Mauro’s Market and Al Cass, Inc.

April 13, 2011 - A few girl scout troops showed up at town meeting to sell snacks and coffee to the town meeting members while another troop had carried the flags for the opening ceremony.  (shown in photo after the opening).

Jewish Holidays in the Boroughs

By EJ Dotts

Over the course of the past year, Beth Tikvah Synagogue, Chabad of Westboro and the Boroughs Jewish Community Center have collaborated on a series of very successful Jewish holiday events, funded in part by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts. Bringing the strengths of the three organizations together allows us to put on better programs that attract the breadth of the Jewish community.  In addition to providing outstanding programs for the members of the participating organizations, we are able to reach out to new and non-affiliated members of the community; providing Jewish individuals, Jewish families, and interfaith families a warm welcoming environment. Another advantage of these large programs is that the students in our respective schools get to see that they are part of a larger Jewish community and have an opportunity to experience the diversity that exists within that community. 

The year got off to a terrific start when all three organizations worked together to put on the High Holiday Happening on Sunday September 12, which included a variety of activities: decorating the Succah, making holiday cards, and baking challah.  One of the special activities that day was Israeli dancing taught by Ronnie Efrat.  It was so successful, that the Boroughs JCC now offers Israeli dancing every Thursday night at 8:30 PM. The next collaboration was between Beth Tikvah Synagogue and the Boroughs JCC.  Our evening began with a Havdallah service led by our youngest students and continued with a yummy potluck dinner which featured a Latke Cook-off.  Besides the delicious food, there were creative chanukkiah contests, dreidel tournaments, games and crafts. 

Purim brought all three organizations back together again for the Purim in the Circus.  The main room was set up to look like the inside of a circus tent. We even had kosher cotton candy and a clown making balloon animals.  A main event of the day was a very special megillah reading by Rabbi Green that included a slide show with the students from Beth Tikvah and Chabad of Westboro in the roles of the main characters of the Purim story.  Unlike the previous two events, this one took place during our Religious School hours and so it was important that there be an educational component.  Our students not only learned the mitzvot associated with Purim, they got to experience them: they heard the Megillah and they created and sent Mishloach manos (food gift packages) to friends and family members.  While they did not eat a purim feast per se, they did get to enjoy hamentaschen dipped in chocolate.  As they do every week, the students put money in their class tzedakah boxes.  

On Sunday morning, April 10, the Chabad of Westboro brought their Matzah Factory and students to Beth Tikvah Synagogue.  Rabbi Green taught all the students and our guests from the community about the rules of making matzah for Passover.  The students combined the flour and water and made their matzah within the required 18 minutes.  After they made the matzah they got to enjoy them.  Then Rabbi Green had the students and guests pretend to be the Israelites leaving Egypt and had them go through the parting of the Red Sea.

Beth Tikvah Synagogue is a warm, inclusive, egalitarian, and fully participatory congregation.  It is an inviting, joyful and spirited community which provides a special opportunity for families to grow together under a Jewish umbrella. Beth Tikvah Religious School accepts students from families who are not members of Beth Tikvah on a space available basis.  If you are interested in joining the congregation, we offer a 50% discount on your first year’s membership dues.  Please contact Molly Secrest, our membership chair, at 508-366-6984. Enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year will begin on May 1, 2011.  For more information on our religious school programs, please contact Cindy Avergon at cavergon@aol.com . 

The Boroughs Jewish Community Center exists to enhance the educational, social, and cultural lives of our members and the communities in which we live. Beyond serving as a gateway to the Jewish Community in our area, the Boroughs JCC offers programs, events, resources, and social services to all members of our communities, regardless of faith or culture.  All events offered by the Boroughs JCC are open to all regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age disability, or economic condition.  In addition to a NAEYC Accredited Preschool, the Boroughs JCC offers a range of programs for families and adults including Science Sundays, Israeli Dancing, Parents’ Night Out, the Spiritual Film Series, and more.  They also offer school vacation and summer programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and children in grades K to 3.

Chabad of Westboro offers educational, religious, and social services to the entire community regardless of background and affiliation in a warm and welcoming setting.  Membership is not required.  In addition to their Hebrew School which provides a wholesome Jewish experience in a homey environment, Chabad of Westboro offers a Bat Mitzvah club, Friendship Circle which brings together teenage volunteers and children with learning disabilities, and special adult education classes.  To learn more about Chabad of Westboro or to schedule an appointment to see Chabad Hebrew School, please call Dvora at 508-366-0499, or email Dvora@chabadwestboro.org  

Beth Tikvah Synagogue, Chabad of Westboro and the Boroughs JCC are looking forward to further collaborations in the future and hope to include even more Jewish organizations from the Boroughs and Central Massachusetts.  If you would like any more information on any of these organizations and the programs they offer, please check out their websites, www.bethtikvahsynagogue.org , www.chabadwestboro.org , www.chabadhebrewschool.us  , and www.boroughsjcc.org .

The Pumpernickel Puppets will be returning to the Southborough Library!

Join us for a showing of

PETER RABBIT

Thursday, April 21

11:00 AM

All welcome~ No registration necessary

Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

April 13, 2011 - ARHS Girls JV Lacrosse took on Marlborough yesterday for a win.

April 13, 2011 - The varsity team won 12 - 2 yesterday in Marlborough.

April 12, 2011 - There were more than enough voters that came to town meeting last night to deal with the town's business at hand.  Interesting start to town meeting when voters were asked to support several articles that represented costs associated with just recently ratified town employee contracts.  All passed with just a bit of controversy.  When the Selectmen began to talk about the school teachers raises, the school committee responded by saying although it had been ratified by the teachers it has not been ratified by the school committee as of the town meeting and that discussion should not occur about it.  A few articles later, resident Al Hamilton put a hold on nearly every individual town budget.  Mr. Hamilton wanted a more pro-active approach for the citizens of Southborough to have a say in the budgets.  The first few budgets that he held, he offered amendments that would ultimately cost taxpayers 0% increase (if all budgets were accepted with the amendments he was about to offer).  One of the more controversial budget items was the Reserve Fund that was supported by the Selectmen at $150,000.  The article was eventually voted in its entirety after failure to gain the needed votes for the amendment to pass.  Several articles later, Mr. Hamilton withdrew his holds which allowed the Town meeting body to consider the majority of budget articles as one and pass them.  That left just a few holds on the Fire Department, Southborough Schools, Algonquin Regional High School and debt retirement articles.  The increase for the fire department represented purchase of new AED devices.  According to Fire Chief John Mauro the existing AEDs are very old and need replaced.

     Dr. Charles Gobron did a very animated presentation on why town meeting members should support the school budgets without the cuts proposed by Selectmen and the Advisory Committee.  In one slide for support of the Southborough K-8 budget, Dr. Gobron showed that the Advisory Committee cut of $145,000 would mean $36 for the average home owner while eliminating some vital programs and teachers.  Mr. Gobron outlined where the money went including spending less with in- house teacher aids rather than sending special needs students out of district.  Classroom size was a  debate between Selectman Rooney who supported larger class sizes and residents that emphatically said Southborough should set the standard for Quality education.  Dr. Gobron and several residents made sure the audience knew about the fantastic bands, sports teams, and reading awards that have made headlines lately.  After much discussion, with several residents disapproving of the clapping after speakers, the article passed.  The budget for the Algonquin Regional High School also passed after discussion on the one million dollars that has been going back and forth in legal proceedings with the Town of Northborough.  Selectmen Boland pleaded his case once again that the million Dollars should be divided as written in the original Northborough Southborough Regional agreement.

     In other Town Meeting news it was a welcome announcement from Selectman that there will be a new Southborough police cruiser courtesy of Fay School and St. Mark’s School pilot donations.  Mr. Rooney since elected to the board has been in negotiations with the eighteen tax-exempt organizations in town to raise revenue.

Don’t forget to come back to town meeting tonight.  Trottier School, 49 Parkerville Road, 7:30 PM.  Articles can be reconsidered, so if you supported articles last night you should be there tonight.

See you there!

April 12, 2011 -  Shawn Mattioli and Katie Therese Podyma (contributed photo)
 

Ron and Martha Ann Mattioli, of Southborough, announce the engagement of their son, Shawn Michael Mattioli, to Katie Therese Podyma, daughter of Michael and Lori Podyma, of Hamburg, N.Y.

The future bride is a 2006 graduate of Frontier High School in Hamburg, N.Y., and a 2010 graduate of Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa., with a bachelor of science degree in music education with a concentration in voice. She is a teacher in Alexandria, Va.

The future groom is a 2006 graduate of Algonquin Regional High School and a 2010 graduate of Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa., with a bachelor of arts degree in intelligence studies. He is employed as an intelligence analyst by SRA International Inc. in Alexandria, Va.

An August 2012 wedding is planned at The Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda, Md., officiated by the groom's cousin, Msgr. William Kane.

Kathleen Jean Kinz, 49, of Southborough, passed away in her home on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Born at Ft. Belvoir, Va., she was the daughter of Jean (Carey) Kinz, of Southborough, and Robert and Beatta Kinz, of Framingham. A lifelong resident of Southborough, Kathy worked at Fay School for a number of years and was also a local yoga instructor. Kathy was an avid athlete and, in 2001, captured the women's national distance title at the Great Floridian Triathlon; that same year, she competed in the world championship Hawaii Ironman Triathlon where she received the Isuzu Go Further Award in recognition of her achievements. Kathy was known throughout the community as a caring and compassionate person, always willing to help anyone and everyone in need. In addition to her parents, Kathy is survived by her five children, Jennifer (Smith) Whittier, of Michigan; Kelly, Kathryn, and Jacqueline Smith, all of Southborough; and Robert Smith of Marlborough; and two grandchildren, Hannah and Emily. She is also survived by two brothers, Steven Kinz of Marlborough, and Douglas Kinz, of Framingham; one sister, Susan (Kinz) Maggioni, of Wellesley, and her former husband, Gregg Smith, of Marlborough. Calling hours are Monday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Matarese Funeral Home (www.mataresefuneral.com), 325 Main St. in Ashland. A funeral service will be celebrated Tuesday, April 12, at 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 240 Hemenway St., Marlborough, with private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Murphy Sisters Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 920537, Needham, MA 02492.

Dorothy N. (Hatch) Pendleton, 101, died at her home on Saturday, April 9, 2011 surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Herbert P. Pendleton. Mrs. Pendleton was a 1931 graduate of Simmons College in Boston. After raising her children she worked at the Framingham Public Library as a librarian for over 20 years. She was a long time member of Eastern Star, Orient Chapter in Framingham and the Southborough Womens Club. She is survived by her children, Beverly Folkes of Holliston; Bruce Pendleton of Moultonborough, NH; 7 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 14, from 4 to 7 PM at the Morris Funeral Home 40 Main St. Southborough (Morrisfuneralparlor.com) A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 15, at 10 AM at the Morris Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Rural Cemetery in Southborough. Memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to Brookhaven Hospice, 6 Beech St. Framingham, MA 01702

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

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Calling Volunteers to Work for Wildlife Mass Audubon is hosting its annual Statewide Volunteer Day and you're invited! Saturday, April 30, 2011 9 am to noon Join us for a day of family fun as we spruce up our trails and gardens and dive into other spring cleaning projects. See our list of participating wildlife sanctuaries for more details (below) and sign-up online today! There are plenty of activities planned for all ages and abilities, whether you're looking for kid-friendly work (planting native wildflowers) or more strenuous activities (clearing brush). We can also provide a community service verification letter after the work is done. Greater Boston and North Shore   Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton: Invasive Plant Removal; Pine Tree Planting; Spring Cleanup Boston Nature Center, Mattapan: Trash Tracking; New Nature Play Area Spruce Up; Butterfly Garden Prep; Orchard and Garden Restoration Habitat, Belmont: Invasive Plant Removal; Trail and Garden Maintenance Ipswich River, Topsfield: Trail Mulching; Garden Clean-up; Buckthorn Cutting and Removal Moose Hill, Sharon: Garden Spruce Up; Trail Maintenance; Trash Tracking Rocky Hill, Groton: Trail Building; Prepare Wildlife Sanctuary For Public Opening Visual Arts Center, Canton: Bird Garden Prep; Nature Play Area Creation; Shrub Planting   Central & Western Massachusetts Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester: Stream Cleaning; Wildlife Habitat Creation; Trail Reblazing; New Trail Connector Creation Laughing Brook, Hampden: Children's Garden and Nature Play Area Creation; Invasive Plant Removal; Trail Cleanup   Southeast, Cape Cod & Islands Allens Pond, Dartmouth: Shrubland Restoration; Butterfly Garden Prep Felix Neck, Edgartown: Butterfly Garden Prep; Invasive Plant Removal; Picnic Table Building Long Pasture, Barnstable: Butterfly Mosaic Trail Prep   North River - South Shore, Marshfield: Spring Clean Up; New Native Garden Prep; Trail Maintenance Wellfleet Bay, Wellfleet: Non-Native Plant Removal; PV Array Area Cleanup; Tree Maintenance   For more information and to sign up, visit www.massaudubon.org/workforwildlife, call 781-259-2161, or e-mail volunteers@massaudubon.org. Mass Audubon 208 South Great Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773 volunteers@massaudubon.org

Town Meeting Opens

April 11, 2011 - Town meeting opened up with the girl scouts tonight.  The meeting covered up to Article 7 the town budget which was finally completed around 11:30 PM.  Town meeting will convene once again tomorrow night at the Trottier School at 7:30.  There may be a chance someone might call back a vote on the previous articles, plus there are the rest of the warrant articles which include some equipment, overlay article, legal fees on a few articles including that of the ARHS battle of the one million dollars and another for reimbursement to town employees that was incurred in the fall of 2010, there are the Community Preservation articles and items that concern all town residents.  So come out and support your town.

 

April 11, 2011 -

A 9-1-1 call was received at 6:49 PM Sunday reporting a fire in a room in a home on Skylar Drive.

 

Firefighters responded and found a fire involving a computer desk, which had been extinguished prior to their arrival.

 

An electrical problem in the house earlier in the day prompted a call to National Grid. While power was being restored to the home, a fire started in a surge protector/power strip, which was attached to the underside of the computer desk. The fire singed a wall and the ceiling of the room.

 

Smoke detectors in the home alerted the owners of the fire.

 

Firefighters checked to ensure the fire had not extended to hidden wall, ceiling, and attic areas, then used a ventilation fan to remove the smoke from the home.

 

No injuries were reported.

 

Firefighters left the scene at 7:50 PM.

 

April 11, 2011 - Residents met with Selectmen Bill Boland at the Senior Center Saturday to voice their opinions and concerns about what is happening within town.

April 11, 2011  - A nesting pair of bluebirds have returned to their box.  Blue birds have nested in this box at this site for the last twelve years. Two of those years they have nested and raise young twice in one year.

Welcome spring by shopping locally at Gulbankian Farms Garden Center and Florist Shop.  They have pansies and cut flowers. Looking for that last minute gift? You will find candles, Stonewall Kitchen foods, Webkins toys and many more items throughout the store.

 

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

Annual Town Meeting

April 11, 2011
7:00 pm at the P. Brent Trottier Middle School

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting
April 11, 2011

2010 Annual Town Report

April 10, 2011 - St. Matthew's Church hosted a wine and soup tasting event to benefit the Mary Aikens/Murphy faimily scholarship funds for high school seniors.  Deadline for applications is May 2, 2011.

April 10, 2011 - Southborough' s Civil War monument takes center attention on the common in front of the Town House.  It was 150 years ago that the start of the war divided families and friends as this nation divided.

Southborough meet

April 10,  to April 15, 2010

Southborough Library  website:  Click here

Senior Center Activities

Sports and Recreation

ARHS Sports Photos by Chris Wraight www.thawkspix.com

April 10, 2011 - Varsity Boys vs. St. John's on Apr 9th, they lost 7-6.