THE TOWN CRIER - Mendon-Upton Town Crier

May 28, 2021 | Vol. 13 No. 9 | www.TownCrier.us | 508-529-7791

Est. 2007 • Mailed FREE to all 12,800 addresses in Milford.

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Action Deferred on Geriatric Authority’s $1 Million Request

By Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/Columnist

The Geriatric Authority of Milford’s request for $1 million from the town to help offset deficits at Countryside Health Care facility and keep it operating will not going to be acted upon at this past Monday’s Annual Town Meeting, according to the Finance Committee’s report to Town Meeting Members dated May 12.

The Finance Committee’s recommendations for both the article the $1 million and a second article seeking special legislation to allow the Geriatric Authority flexibility in how it repays its debt payments to the town both clearly state “This article will be passed over.”

The Geriatric Authority discussed its request at a series of Finance Committee meetings last month and earlier this month. A meeting was scheduled for May 8 for a subset of Finance Committee members to meet with Geriatric Authority officials for a more in-depth review of its financials. The Town Crier learned a decision was made that day not to go forward with the request at this time.

Select Board Debates “Big Brother”

Watching EmployeesBy Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/Columnist

Raising the specter of “Big Brother” and questioning whether they could impose a policy on other elected officials, the Select Board this month sent a proposed policy on town employees using social and other electronic media back to Human Resources for further review.

HR Director Kristin Melpignano met with the BIG BROTHER p 8

Memorial Day Wreathes

The Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford donated eight handmade wreaths created by Gina Hylander and Lisa Dubois to the Veterans Advisory Council of Milford. The wreaths were placed at each location of the

state marker honoring veterans along routes 85 and 109 for Memorial Day. Shown, l-r, are back row-Council members Steve Petak, Frank

Andreotti,Jr. and Jason Mack; front row-Gail Reichert, President of the Greenleaf Garden Club and Jo-Ann DeMaria Morgan, Council Chair. Milford will not have its traditional Memorial Day Parade but a listing

of events in town can be found on page 3 of this issue. The Milford Historical Commission Museum in Memorial Hall will also be open on May 31. To read columns about the Museum and Memorial Hall, the town’s Civil War Monument turn to page 4 and 6. Contributed photo

Annual Town Meeting Approves $116.6-million Budget

By Kevin Rudden Staff Reporter

Milford Town Meeting Members this past Monday night, May 24, approved a $116,608,846 operating budget for the new fiscal year beginning on July 1. Two attempts to amend the budget – including a request to cut the School Department budget by $728,378 – were easily defeated.

Harold Rhodes proposed the school budget cut, saying it would bring the increase to the same percentage rise as the budget for Fiscal Year 2021 – which ends on June 30 – over Fiscal Year 2020. If, after further study, more funds are needed, the school budget could be increased at the fall Special Town Meeting, he suggested. Rhodes said not enough justification for the proposed $55,975,378 budget had been provided by school administrators.

While Michael Visconti agreed with Rhodes on cutting the request, School Committee Chair Meghan Hornberger and Finance Committee Chair Christopher Morin disagreed with the amendment. State aid to Milford’s schools has increased by 32 percent over the past four years, and the town should be spending that money on the schools, not on road repairs, Morin said. Both he and Hornberger said the requested increase accounted for programs deferred from the current year due to budgetary uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The other proposed budget amendment – adding $1,000 to the Select Board’s general expenses line item to fund Citizens for Milford’s annual clean-up day – was ruled out of order by Town Counsel Charles Boddy. He said it would create a non-balanced budget and involved town taxes funding a private group’s event.

In his report to Town Meeting Members, Morin said the budget process to create the Fiscal Year 2022 budget left little room for extras. “In all my years on the Finance Committee, this is the tightest budget I’ve ever seen,” he said, noting that when all projected revenues and expenses are accounted for, there is just $2,000 left as “surplus.”

Morin also noted the budget plans call for leaving $4.5 million in unspent tax levy capacity – money the town could spend but chooses not to. “That is tax savings to you,” he said to the town’s property owners.

The Personnel Board succeeded in gaining an 81-38 vote to appropriate $40,000 for a new Classification and Compensation Plan, in spite of the Finance Committee’s recommendation to take no action on the request. Boddy, HR Director Kristin Melpignano, and Personnel Board members Tarik Miranda and Jodie Nosiglia spoke in favor of the request. “We need to address this now. It’s an important issue. It’s not something we can put off,” Melpignano said.

A change in the Personnel By-law giving Melpignano jurisdiction over non-financial portions of employee records and Town Treasurer control over the financial portions was approved by an 84-19 vote.

All 26 articles on the warrant were discussed and voted upon during the four-hour meeting, which was conducted remotely using Internet-based web conferencing software and voting systems.

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Milford Town Crier2 MAY 28, 2021

Submitted by Elise BogdanValley Tech

The Visual Arts Department at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School hosted Arts Heals: The Senior Perspective on Friday, May 7. During the creative event, the sidewalk outside of the school transformed with color and meaning as seniors created unique chalk murals on the theme of resilience, showcasing how art heals and raised funds to help prevent teen suicide. The weather cooperated, and students and faculty were able to view the finished artwork.

Art Heals was open to all seniors, not just those taking an art class. It served as an in-school field trip for 143 seniors and a formative assessment for those enrolled in Honors Art School Prep and Senior Art Studio. Non-art students had to preregister to reserve their chalk and 3’x3’ square space to create their masterpiece. All students had to submit a concept about resilience for review before participating. Robin Brown, LICSW, a Mental Health Counselor in the School Based Health Center, spoke with the art classes about the importance of mental health and creativity.

Visual Arts Instructors Ashley Maclure and Kelly Garabadian said thanked everyone involved in the successful event saying. “ We appreciate the support of our staff chaperones, our alumni mentor, and of course, our generous sponsors. The event

raised over $700 to benefit the mission of the National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide.”Visiting Artist Arielle Gordon, a 2017 graduate of Blackstone Valley Tech, a senior in her last semester at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston had an opportunity to provide insight while viewing the artwork of Ava Lanoue of Blackstone, a senior in the

Business & Entrepreneurship program. Gordon noticed Ava’s shoes placed at the top of her workspace appeared as if they were ready to walk down the path of her mural. The accidental placement was a nice touch to her multimedia masterpiece. Gordon said, “It is exciting to see a thriving Art program with so many students engaged in creating meaningful

Artwork.”This program was supported in part by grants from the Cummings School Service Fund, the Blackstone, Millville, Northbridge, and Upton Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For more details and to view the artwork, visit ValleyTech.k12.ma.us/CreativityForaCause.

Art Heals: The Senior Perspective

One of the images created during the Valley Tech Art Heals: The Senior Perspective on May 7. The chalk art done on the

school sidewalks emphasized resilience and raised funds for the National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide. BVT photo

Visiting Artist Arielle Gordon, a 2017 graduate of Blackstone Valley Tech, in her last semester at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, provided constructive insight while viewing the student-

artwork at the Arts Heals event. BVT photo

Heart, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group

MBCC Against the Tide 2021Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, MBCC, will host two virtual events each

with a seven-day participation window: Against the Tide June Virtual Event, June 20 – 26, and Against the Tide August Virtual Event, August 8 – 14. The virtual event components include one-mile recreational or competitive swims, half-mile recreational swim, 5K or 10K runs, three-mile walk, half-mile stand-up paddleboard, and two-mile kayak. For participants who are looking to challenge themselves, there is an Aquathon option, consisting of a competitive one-mile swim followed immediately by either a 5K or 10K run. New in 2021, the event will feature a half marathon option for the June event and a full marathon for the August event.

Additionally, MBCC is hoping to offer an in-person event on Saturday, August 14 at DCR’s Nickerson State Park featuring a one-mile swim, 5K or 10K runs, and a three-mile walk. The in-person event is pending state approval. If, due to COVID restrictions, MBCC is not able to host this event in-person, all registrations will be transferred to the Against the Tide August Virtual Event.

Registration for both the virtual and in-person options is $40 for an individual participant, and $100 for a family registration (up to five family members). To learn more about all of the registration options or to make a pledge, please visit the MBCC.org/swim or by calling 1-800-649-MBCC (6222).

2021 Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Federal Communications Division has announced an emergency benefit for eligible households that can provide up to $50 per month towards residents’ broadband service.

Eligibility requirements are broad: income that is at or under 135 percent of the poverty guidelines, or participate in certain federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Lifeline, or school meal programs. Eligible residents may qualify if they have received a federal PELL grant, or have had a job loss or furlough during the pandemic and have an income below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers.

Milford residents can apply at Xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/ebb for Comcast users, while those on Verizon may visit Verizon.com/home/promo/emergency-broadband-benefit

Providers may also waive debts owed them by eligible individuals.Additionally, residents may also qualify for a $100 discount on a purchase of a

computer, laptop, or tablet.For more information, visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org or call 833-511-0311.

On Thursday, June 10, Cornerstone at Milford Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 11 Birch St., Milford will hold a virtual presentation, Heart, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s

Support Group at 5:30 p.m. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what caregivers are

going through. Participants will also learn about proven strategies to help caregivers better care for a family member. Contact Director of Compass Programming Jenn Hozempa at 508-473-0035 or jhozempa@

cornerstonemilford.com for more information and the virtual meeting invitation.

Milford Town Crier 3MAY 28, 2021

Celebrating the Class of 2021 All Through Milford

The Milford High School parade to honor the Class of 2021 was held on Saturday, May 15. Families and friends of the soon-to-be graduates came out along to the parade route, which started and

ended at Milford High School. The parade is a way for the public to celebrate the graduates since the commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 6, will only accommodate a limited number of guests. Shown top and bottom photos are seniors waving to the parade watchers. Pictured in the

center are seniors, l-r, David Pacella, Jacob White, Austin Morgan, Mario Lee (in the car standing), Carter Scudo, Will Carter, Eric Doucette, Jimmy Calarese and Landon Watson.

Jim Calarese Town Crier photo

A Token of Remembrance

Nicholas DeMaria age 96 gets ready for “Poppy Days” with the help of his great-grandsons David Monroy age 6, on the left, and Nicholas Monroy age 3. DeMaria is a Life Member of the Sgt. John W. Powers Post #59 American Legion, Milford. The Monroy brothers are members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #59.

“Poppy Days” are sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit# 59 and will be held in conjunction with Memorial Day. DeMaria and other volunteers will be selling

poppies outside various retail locations in the greater Milford area. Milford American Legion photo

Milford Memorial Day Observances

The Milford Veteran’s Council has announced the following observances of Memorial Day on Monday May 31. The day begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. for veterans at the Italian Vets, 4 Hayward Field, followed at 9 a.m. by ceremonies at the Italian American Veterans Memorial.

At 10 a.m. in lieu of the parade there will be a town-wide Memorial Day Ceremony at Calzone Park, at the intersection of Main and Beach Streets to honor all the men and women from Milford who have died during wars fought by the country. The Ceremony will include laying of a wreath created by the Greenleaf Garden Club, music performed by a student soloist and trumpeter, plus a solemn salute to the fallen.

Thanks is extended to the Garden Club, the Veterans’ Service Officer for his guidance and to the first and second grade Brookside students who sent messages to 50 veterans in town.

At the conclusion of the Ceremony all in attendance are invited to a meet with the veterans.

Also a tent will be set up at the site Vietnam the 50th Massachusetts to award lapel pins, authorized by the United States Government, to any eligible Vietnam Era Veterans. Veterans qualifying for the medal must have been honorably discharged and served between November 1, 1955 to May 5, 1975. All veterans who served during that period are eligible.

The Milford Historical Commission Museum in Memorial Hall will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. and residents are welcome to browse the many military-related artifacts.

Also in the afternoon a flag retirement ceremony will be held at the Italian American Veterans Hall at a time to be announced. Any resident with a flag that needs to be retired should drop it off at the Italian American Veterans Hall before May 31.

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Publishers ofUpton-Mendon Town Crier

Published the 1st & 3rd Friday and mailed free to all 5,800 addresses in Upton and

Mendon, MA.

Milford Town CrierPublished the 2nd & 4th Friday and mailed free to all 12,800 addresses in Milford, MA.

Town Crier Publications, Inc. reserves the right to reject material it deems unfit for publication in a family newspa-per. We reserve the right to edit any submitted articles as needed. We regret typographical errors in ads but will not take financial responsibility for them. We will reprint at no charge that portion of the ad in which the error appears.

PUBLISHERAlfred C. Holman

Office: 508-529-7791 ext. 222Cell: 508-889-1067

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MANAGERMarilyn C. Holman

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EDITORJane Bigda

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ADVERTISINGLORI TATE

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Upton, Mendon, Uxbridge, Northbridge COLETTE ROONEY

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Milford, Hopedale, Bellingham, FranklinSUSANNE ODELL FARBER

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PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

UPTON-MENDONJune 4, 2021 • Deadline May 25 June 18, 2021 • Deadline June 8July 2, 2021 • Deadline June 29

July 2 - August 2 VACATION

MILFORDJune 11, 2021 • Deadline June 1

June 25, 2021 • Deadline June 15July 9, 2021 • Deadline June 29

July 9 - August 3 VACATION

TOWN CRIER PUBLICATIONS 48 Mechanic Street, Upton, MA 01568 | 508-529-7791 | TownCrier.us

INDEXOpinion ....................................................... 4 School News ....................................... 12-13Sports ................................................. 15-16

Special SectionsCOVID-19 ................................................... 5Home Improvement ................................ 10Summer Fun ........................................... 8-9

Opinion

NOTES & NOTATIONSBy Jane Bigda

RUMINATIONSBy Kevin Rudden

Graphics: Christin Barnett

Calling all Graduates!Graduating from High School or College this Spring? Our

Milford Souvenir Graduation Issue is June 11.

Want to be included? Send a brief graduation announcement, (50 words) as a Word Document AND a 250 DPI photo jpg attached to an email to Jane Bigda, [email protected]. Include the graduate’s name, parents’ names, hometown, high school or college, college degree and future plans.

Deadline is May 28. Submissions are NOT NEEDED for graduates of Milford High School,

Nipmuc or Blackstone Valley Tech; our reporters cover those graduations.

Read this Town Crier OnlineTo read the May 28, 2021 Milford Town Crier online, go to TownCrier.us. In the left-hand column click Online Newspapers and scroll down to Milford Town Crier PDF Archive. Click on MTC 21.05.28.pdf

Memorial Day, Born from the Civil War

Following years of increasingly polarized political views, the United States was torn apart on the morning of April 12, 1861, when the South Carolina militia began shelling, Fort Sumter, a federal garrison in Charleston harbor. The Civil War had begun.

South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860. In February 1861, it was joined by Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to form the Confederacy. By summer Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia were added to the insurgency.

The four-year southern rebellion killed 620,000 Americans, freed 3.9 million enslaved people and changed the course of the country.

It also resulted in the beginnings of our Memorial Day celebrations. Reacting to the loss of men in every part of the Union, people in the post-war North held spring memorials decorating graves to remember the war dead.

By 1890 each northern state had declared Memorial Day, May 30, a holiday. Later, Memorial Day was set aside to honor all the U.S. war dead and in 1971 declared a federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Locally, observances became more organized after the state holiday was declared and monuments were erected.

Milford built its Civil War Monument, Memorial Hall, in 1884 at 30 School St., where the town’s first cemetery was sited after the graves were moved in the mid-1800s. Designed by Milford architect, Frederick Swasey, the three-story, Richardson-Romanesque style building was constructed of Milford granite and Longmeadow brownstone. It included meeting rooms for the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and the Milford Town Library from 1886 to 1986. Currently the Milford Historical Commission uses the building, which houses the town’s historical museum. Memorial Hall was added to the to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The names of the hundreds of Milford men who served in the Civil War and Spanish American War are inscribed on Honor Roll tablets in the building’s foyer. Raised lettering on the risers for the 22 granite steps leading to the second floor list the names of the principal Civil War battles. Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, cast in bronze, was attached to the front of the building in 1935.

While all the U.S. war dead should be honored on Memorial Day, perhaps this year it would be good to remember those men who fought over 150 years ago to save the nation.

The following 159 men from Milford died while serving during the Civil War. Adams, John Q.; Adams, William P.; Anson, Ezeriel W.; Ball, Eli G.; Barber, John P.; Barber, John

Waldo; Bell, John; Bennett Eugene G.; Bergin, Luke; Bliss, John G.; Brown, George G.M.; Burke, William; Burns, James; Burns, John; Cahill, Timothy; Callaghan, Robert; Carpenter, Hiram; Carpenter, Willard; Carr, George A.; Chamberlain, Calvin W.; Cheever, Nathaniel; Cheney, Frank; Claflin, Henry A.; Clere, George; Collins, Patrick; Cooley, John J.; Cotterell, Robert; Cronin, Patrick; Cummings, Thomas; Dawson, Anthony E.; Day, Samuel; Delaney, Richard; Dillon, Patrick; Doherty, Hugh; Donnegan, John (Denningham); Dunn, Peter, Jr.; Dunton, Henry C.; Eames, George A.; Ellis, George H.; Farrell, Cornelius; Farrington, John E.; Finnerty, Francis; Finton, Patrick; Fisher, Amasa H.; Fisher, Charles A.; Flannegan, John; Fletcher, George E.; Flynn, Daniel; Flynn, Patrick; Foley, William; Gallagher, Owen; Gehagan, John; Gibbons, Barney (Bernard); Gillespie, Edwin C.; Gleason, Jess D.; Goodnow, Charles E.; Greenlaw, Theophilus; Griffin, John; Guild, Charles A.; Hamon, John; Hennelley, Bartholomew; and Henry, James.

Plus, Herrick, George W.; Higgins, George S.; Holbrook, Charles; Holbrook, James M.; Holien, Patrick; Holland, William; Holmes, Otis W.; Horton, Andrew; Horton, Charles A.; Howard, Oleran; Hoyt, Amos; Hoyt, William W.; Hubon, Thomas; Hurley, Patrick; Hutchins, Matthew; Johnson, Alva L.; Johnson, Edward E.; Johnson, William H.H.; Johnson William; Jordan, Michael; Jourdan, James; Kane, Patrick; Keenan, Hugh; Keenan, John; Kelley, Marcus; Kenney, Patrick; Kenney, Thomas T.; Larkin, Michael; Leonard, Lawrence; Littlefield, Albert E.; Luddy, Simon; Lyon, John; McCowan, James; McDermott, John; McDonald, Daniel; McEphrain, James; McGlone, Hugh; McGovern, James; McTeague, Dominic; Mahan, Walter; Mann, Noyes; Meehan, Bernard; Milan, Michael; Mitchell, Marcus; Mitchell, Riley; Morrissey, John; Mullen, John; Murphy, Cornelius; Murphy, Jerry; Murphy, Patrick; and Murphy, Thomas.

Additionally, Nolan, Patrick; O’Connor, David; O’Donnell, William; O’Neil, Charles; O’Neil, Jeremiah; O’Neil, John; O’Shea, Daniel; Peard, Robert; Penniman, Jephtha; Pond, Edwin F.; Price, Allen C.; Riney, Timothy; Ring, Jeremiah; Rowe, William; Rutledge, Thomas; Shaugnessey, Michael; Shepherd, John A.; Shine, Thomas; Smith, Alden B.; Smith, James C.; Spear, Seth A.; Spear, William R.; Spellman, Thomas; Stevens, Eliott A.E.; Stoddard, Warren; Stone, Liberty W.; Stowe, Walter A.; Sullivan, John; Sullivan, Michael; Sullivan, Simeon; Swan, John J.P.; Sweeney, Dennis; Sweet, George W.; Taylor, Jotham L.; Taylor, Orrin S.; Tienan (Tynan) Thomas; Tucker, Albert H.; Walcott, Harrison T.; Wallace, Patrick; Wallace, Robert; Warren, Hosea; Welch, Thomas; Wilkinson, Edwin; Wilkinson, Walter; Williams, Daniel; and Wynn, Daniel.

Suggestions for Cleaning Up Countryside Financials

The trouble with newspaper deadlines is that between them and the actual date something appears in print, events keep happening.

So it was with our last issue, where events concerning the $1 million request for Countryside Health Care marched on before the issue showed up in your mailboxes. In fact, the trustees (the Geriatric Authority of Milford) had already decided, by the time you read the May 14 issue, not to go ahead with their request at this past Monday’s Annual Town Meeting.

But, the whole situation surrounding the request takes a big bite out of Milford’s vaunted municipal finance reputation. The town is, after all, supposedly one of the best run towns in the state in terms of its financials.

Yet, until March, few if any town officials knew that a quasi-governmental agency responsible for a quarter of the town’s debt might be on the brink of financial failure – meaning that $11 million-$12 million in debt might not get paid back. And such a failure to repay might be coming just when the town might be borrowing six or seven times more than that to buy the Milford Water Company’s assets.

And, evidently, the Geriatric Authority didn’t have a clear enough picture of just where its finances stood. First it needed the $1 million ASAP; then, it didn’t.

Here’s my first suggestion: Whatever process is needed, Finance Director Zachary Taylor or his designee and the chair of the Finance Committee or his designee need to become an ex officio members of the Geriatric Authority as soon as possible. Those two additions will give the town’s financial folks greater insight into the Geriatric Authority’s $12 million or so annual financial operations.

Here’s my second suggestion: Just as Countryside has a medical director, it needs to have a strong financial director. As in someone paid in the six-figure range who will know where the operation stands financially in real time.

If Countryside wants to use the town as its borrowing agent to get lower interest rates, then it’s only logical that the town gets to impose some conditions like these.

It’s common practice in private industries that borrowing money or taking in venture capital means those lenders or investors get to put people on the company’s board of directors and even get to select key managers – like a chief financial officer – so they can watch their investments.

Since everyone values Countryside and wants it to endure, it should be a no-brainer to beef up its board and management capabilities to make sure that happens.


COVID-19

COVID BANS ARE BEING LIFTED...STAY SAFE!

St. Jude Pediatric Virologist Supports

COVID Vaccinations for ChildrenWith children as young as 12 able to get the COVID vaccine, Miguela Caniza,

MD MPH, Director of the St. Jude Global Infectious Diseases Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital today encouraged parents get their children vaccinated as soon as possible:

“Vaccinating children for COVID-19 is a key component to reaching the two-thirds threshold necessary to obtain herd immunity and stop the pandemic from continuing to spread and mutate,” said Dr. Caniza. “This week’s emergency authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 to 15 is an important step in helping to control this virus in a safe and effective way for a larger percentage of the population.”

When the coronavirus first emerged, Dr. Caniza urged her colleagues of infectious disease leaders from 24 countries who were gathering at St. Jude to set aside their agendas and immediately focus on the virus. Those discussions led to the establishment of a registry tracking COVID-19 in childhood cancer patients around the world. She and her colleagues were recently featured in the Commercial Appeal for their initial and continuing efforts to track the emergency of the novel coronavirus in children.

“Children and teenagers are highly mobile populations attending schools, sports, extracurricular activities and intersecting more often with various age groups including caretakers and older family members,” Dr. Caniza continued. “Because of the high percent of children and teenagers being asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, most likely they will be effectively spreading during a very contagious period, and even more so, if they don’t follow the standard precautions (distancing, using masks and practicing hand hygiene).”

Dr. Caniza concluded, “The COVID virus has come to stay with us and our best defense against minimizing long-term impacts on our society is to achieve herd immunity. As the research continues to bear out the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccine use in children, it is likely these vaccines will become part of the current 14 routine vaccination in childhood.”

5" x 7.5" Milford Town Crier

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Massachusetts Lifts Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions

By Chris VillaniStaff Reporter/Columnist

Massachusetts will usher in Memorial Day weekend with open bars, unlimited guest lists at holiday barbecues, and the potential for packed stands at Fenway Park as the state lifts the remaining COVID-19 restrictions it had in place during the waning days of the health crisis.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said all businesses will be able to operate without limitations effective Friday, May 29, and the state of emergency declared more than a year ago will come to an end on June 15.

Baker had set a goal to vaccinate 4.1 million Massachusetts residents by July 4. But, due to one of the highest vaccination rates in the country and the largest for a state of more than five million people, Massachusetts is on track to hit that mark next week.

In addition to bringing an end to COVID-19 restrictions, the state will also rescind its face covering order on Friday and replace it with a face covering advisory that lines up with the guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Face coverings will be mandatory for anyone riding on public or private transportation systems, including ride shares, livery, taxi, ferries, the MBTA, and Commuter Rail.

Masks will also be mandatory in healthcare facilities and other settings which host vulnerable populations, such as congregate care. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to wear masks especially in indoor settings or when social distancing cannot be practiced.

The gathering limit, which had been set at 250 people for outdoor events, will also be rescinded effective May 29.

The state recently updated its guidance for schools. As of May 18, masks are no longer required for outdoor activities like recess and children in K-12 schools are allowed to share objects in classrooms. The administration has promised updated guidance for summer camps, which also includes no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.

Baker declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 10, 2020. The declaration afforded him broad authority, which was largely unchallenged by the legislature and upheld by the courts, to enact measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.

The governor issued dozens of orders over the past year-plus, limiting the size of gatherings, capacities at businesses, and putting in place restrictions for travelers coming in and out of the Commonwealth.

Bars, nightclubs, and theme parks are among the industries set to open as part of the final phase of Massachusetts’ reopening. Baker had promised this phase, dubbed “the new normal,” would begin when vaccines were widely available. Today there are 975 locations in Massachusetts where people can get vaccinated against COVID-19, the administration said.

State Approaches 4 Million Fully Vaccinated Residents

Milford Still at Moderate Risk for the DiseaseBy Chris VillaniStaff Reporter/Columnist

More than 3.4 million Massachusetts residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH), a number equal to just over half of the state’s population.

Nearly 63 percent of those living in Massachusetts have received at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, which require two injections, or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The progress puts the state on track to fully vaccinate more than four million residents by the beginning of June, more than a month ahead of the previous July 4 target date.

With the number of vaccinations on the rise, the number of COVID-19 cases in the state has continued to dwindle, even as businesses reopen and gathering limits are eliminated. Milford was still considered a “moderate risk” community for spread of the disease in the Thursday, May 20 weekly DPH report, but all of the metrics show the virus in retreat. The town added 50 new COVID-19 cases in the two-week snapshot displayed in the report and showed a positive test rate of 2.88 percent. The daily incidence rate was 12.2 cases per 100,000 people.

For a town Milford’s size to be considered moderate risk, it has to average more than 10 cases per 100,000 people or show a 5 percent positive test rate.

Mendon, Upton, and Hopedale all added fewer than 10 cases over the two-week span in the May 20 data set, meaning they are all considered to be the lowest risk category. Bellingham, Medway, and Hopkinton were all considered “green,” or low risk, based on their numbers.

The number of high risk communities in the state, which had once numbered well over 100, was down to just two in the May 20 data: New Bedford and Lawrence.

Statewide, the estimated number of active COVID-19 cases had dropped below 10,000 to 9,804 as of Monday, when 188 new cases were reported. The seven-day average of positive tests was 9.92 percent and 258 COVID-19 parents were in the hospital, including 71 in intensive care and 40 intubated.

More than 17,465 confirmed deaths of Massachusetts residents have been attributed to the virus.


Charles River Bank Promotes Lopes to Assistant Controller

Charles River Bank President & CEO Jack Hamilton announces Catrina M. Lopes has been promoted to Assistant Controller. Lopes joined Charles River Bank in January of 2016 as a teller. In March of 2018, she was promoted to Marketing & Sales Coordinator. As Assistant Controller, Lopes will be performing Accounting and Finance functions including Financial Reporting, Account Reconciliation, Daily Cash Management, Month End Closing Process, Investments, Fixed Assets, Accounts Payable, Wire Transfers, and ensuring that the Bank’s systems and processes are maintained in accordance with GAAP, under the direct supervision of the Controller.

Lopes graduated with honors from the New England School of Financial Studies, a two-year intensive program for emerging bank leaders. She completed research projects related to many critical banking functions including finance, asset-liability management, human resources, marketing, and lending, concluding with a team project simulating management of an actual bank.

Currently, Lopes is enrolled in D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in a dual degree program – Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Finance (MSIF). She expects to graduate in 2023 with concentrations in Corporate Finance and Investments. Lopes earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine in 2013.

“Financial Management is what I aim to specialize in with my dual Master’s degree, and it’s reassuring that the Bank sees so much potential in me. I look forward to learning as much as possible and continuing my journey here at Charles River Bank,” Lopes said.

“We are so fortunate and proud to have a multi-talented and driven professional like Catrina on our team. We see so much potential in her and I look forward to seeing what the future brings her,” Hamilton said.

When Lopes isn’t working, she enjoys spending her time outdoors and relaxing.

Catrina Lopes

Milford Area Chamber of Commerce EventsAREA-The Milford Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) will be holding the following events. To register visit MilfordChamber.org, email [email protected], call 508-478-6700 or stop by the offices, 258 Main Street, Suite 306, Milford.MetroWest Networking Group, Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 a.m. at Encompass Fitness Center, 27 Milliston Rd., Millis.Honor Scholars Night, Saturday, June 5, online event to honor local graduating high school seniors in the top 10 percent of their class; sponsors are being sought. Contact the Chamber for information.Nine and Dine Golf Tournament, Monday, June 28 at Shining Rock, Northbridge. Practice at noon followed by shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner included.

Summer Flea MarketsUPTON-The Upton VFW Post 5594 will hold a series of Summer Flea Markets beginning Saturday, June 12 at the Post headquarters 15 Milford St. (Rt. 140), Upton. The markets will be held the second Saturday of each month through October 9, weather permitting. Vendors and craftsmen are welcome to purchase spaces for $10 or $15 with a banquet sized table. Reservations are not required. Call post member David Kennedy, 508-529-3314 or contact on the Upton VFW Facebook. All proceeds benefit the post.

Twice Blessed Thrift ShopHOPEDALE-Twice Blessed Thrift Shop at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Hopedale is open the first Saturday of the month from 8:20 a.m. to noon. The Saturday, June 5 opening will feature spring and summer clothing for all, plus sizes for men and women plus women’s accessories and jewelry. For more information like Twice Blessed Thrift Shop Hopedale on Facebook.

Calendar

Murphy’s Eats, Sweets and Treats FundraiserASHLAND-Members of the Milford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary will hold a fundraiser at Murphy’s Eats, Sweets and Treats, 16W. Main St., Ashland on Friday, June18 from 4 to 8 p.m. Murphy’s will donate 10 percent of all the sales during those hours to help raise funds for the Auxiliary. Any monies raised will support the hospital’s patients and departments. All are invited to come and show support. Auxiliary meetings are now held on the second Tuesday of the month from September to June on Zoom. Community members are encouraged to join the Auxiliary and share their time and talents. To join or for more information call 508-422-2099, or visit MRMC/Auxiliary @milreg.org.

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Mendon Town-Wide Progressive Yard SaleMENDON-The Friends of Mendon Elders progressive yard sale is back and will take place Saturday, June 12 beginning at 7:30 a.m. Rain date is June 13. The yard sale will begin at the Mendon Senior Center, Providence St., where shoppers can purchase the Master List of Sales Directory with map of the town included, for only $2 then progress throughout the entire town. Over 40 homes participated in 2019 with folks coming from miles around.The Friends is a 501.c.3 non-profit supporting the Mendon Senior Center programs and facility. Call Friends Vice President Sue Carlson at 508-473-6614 or the Senior Center at 508-478-6175 for more information.

The Milford Historical MuseumThe Milford Historical Commission Museum, located in Memorial Hall, 30 School St will be open

to visitors Memorial Day from 2 to 4 p.m. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.Unfortunately, Milford will not hold a Memorial Day Parade or speaking program in Draper

Memorial Park this year. Visiting the Museum to view the military artifacts and uniforms from various branches of the service and wars will be an alternative way to honor those who gave their lives while serving the country.

Milford has one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in the state. All the items were carried by Milford men and stored in the attic for many years. A new World War I exhibit has been added and there are also many artifacts from World War II.

Bob Andreola, who celebrated 50 years as Chairman of the Historical Commission, donated an American Legion Powers Post # 59 baseball uniform worn by Dr. Joseph Murray in 1935. It is now on display.

Milford’s industries, such as, the boot and shoe, granite, straw, cigar, tile and glass are in a display case and the Lyn Lovell Research Room is filled with history books and pictures on the town. Early maps are also available for viewing.

The Museum is opened every Thursday 1 to 4 p.m. and meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. For further information, please call 774-462-3316 x 2100 or 508-473-8571 or email [email protected].

Moments from the Past

Submitted by Anne Lamontagne Milford Historical Comission

Milford Cultural Council Seeks Community Feedback

The Milford Cultural Council is conducting a short survey on the Milford Town website to gather information on how to allocate state funding for programs and projects for the next few years. The survey will be live until the first week in June and can be found at MilfordMA.gov/milford-cultural-council.

As a local partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Milford Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Milford residents, thereby contributing to the vitality of our community and economy.

Parents for Music Bottle & Can Drive Parents for Music Bottle & Can Drive will be held on Saturday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Milford Redemption Center, 161 E. Main St., Milford. Bring empty bottles and cans with deposits to the Milford Redemption Center. Volunteers will do the sorting. All proceeds will benefit the Milford Public Schools Music Program.

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Police Memorial Day Honors Milford OfficersBy Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/Columnist

Back in 1961, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the Milford Police Department has followed the tradition of celebrating Police Memorial Day on the middle weekend of the month. This year’s observance, like last year’s, took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have experienced a challenging year in policing nationwide,” Milford Sergeant Kara Maguire, president of the Milford Police Association said. Locally, five officers contracted the novel coronavirus, she said.

“This year, I ask you to do two things for our Police Department. Please say a prayer for our fallen and their families: Harry Butler in 1916 and Sergeant [Walter] Conley in 1980. We also ask that you say a simple prayer for our members who respond to the same types of calls that our brothers never returned from,” Maguire said.

Speaking of Butler and Conley, Acting Police Chief James Falvey noted, “We honor their courage and express our gratitude for serving their community, laying down their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.”

“These officers go to work every day, not only to protect but to serve the citizens of this community every day,” said Select Board Chair Michael Walsh. He urged residents to say “Thank You” to Milford’s police officers.

“We have heard your words of support loudly,” said Sergeant Kara Maguire, president of the

Milford Police Association.

Milford Organizations Unite for Mother’s Day Grab and Go

More than 200 seniors had a very special Mother’s Day this year when they received a free meal at a Grab n’ Go event held at the Milford Senior Center. Several area senior communities contributed meals, including Cornerstone at Milford, Blaire House of Milford and The Residence at Whitcomb House. Gallo Moving & Storage, a local moving company that has assisted many seniors in making the transition to Assisted Living, also pitched in.

The event was coordinated by Rebecca Carrington, Cornerstone at Milford’s Director of Community Relations, who reached out to local senior-focused organizations to make it happen. Each organization contributed around 50 lunches, ranging from lobster rolls to chef prepared chicken dinners and catered lunches from Panera.

From left to right: Patricia Truitt of Blaire House, Kim Austin and Donna Coakley-McGowan of Whitcomb House, Rebecca Carrington of Cornerstone at Milford, Chris Higgins and Tony Gallo of

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Milford Senior Center

The Milford Senior Center continues to be closed to the public but is offering monthly and weekly zoom classes and activities for those interested. Contact Director Sue Trotta Clark to attend. Senior Center staff continues to be available by phone at 508-473-8334 or emailing [email protected].

Monday, May 31Senior Center Closed for Memorial Day

Free Weekly Live Fitness Classes (via Zoom):

MondayPilates with Instructor Marcella Pannenborg, 9 a.m. Barre Above© with Instructor Rebecca Tredeau, 10 a.m.Pound©, 11:15 a.m.Safe Exercise with Instructor Shirley Areano, 1 p.m.

TuesdaysFitness Center Open, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must schedule appointmentChiWalking for Fitness (Outdoors) with Instructor Jean Gillis, 8:30 a.m. Express Muscle & Abs with Instructor Robin Johnston, 9:30 a.m.

WednesdaysFitness Center Open, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must schedule appointmentStrength & Balance/Fall Prevention with Instructor Rebecca Tredeau, 10 a.m.Zumba with Instructor Rebecca Tredeau, 11:15 a.m.Facebook Live Circuit Workout, 12:30 p.m.

ThursdaysFitness Center Open, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must schedule appointmentYoga with Instructor Marsha Mancuso, 9 a.m.Safe Exercise with Instructor Shirley Areano, 1 p.m.

FridaysMindful Steps (Outdoors) with Instructor Jean Gillis, 8:30 a.m. Monthly Meetings: Please contact Kim for more information at 508-473-8334

First Tuesday of the MonthWomen’s Group, 1 p.m.

Second Tuesday of the MonthBereavement Group, 9 a.m.

Third Tuesday of the MonthBook Club, 10 a.m.Writer’s Group, 11 a.m.

Fourth Tuesday of the MonthFortune Cookie Club, 11 a.m.

First Thursday of the MonthLow Vision Support Group, 10 a.m.

Last Thursday of the MonthMen’s Group, 10 a.m.

Fridays (beginning in June)Crafting with Laura, Call 473-8334 for further details

Wednesdays and Thursdays by Appointment: Janet Iacovelli, RN, will be available to offer blood pressure assessments, medication consultations, referrals, and preventative health care advice. This service is funded by the Milford Board of Health and administered through Salmon VNA.


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Planners, ConCom Approve Disc Golf Course on Dilla St.

This plan shows the layout of the proposed nine-hole disc golf course to be built next to Louisa Lake. Courtesy Milford Parks Department


The Milford Planning Board voted unanimously on May 18 to approved plans by the Parks Department to build a disc golf course on the so-called “Consigli property” next to Louisa Lake. The Conservation Commission gave its approval the following day. The course could be constructed and open to the public by late summer or early fall, according to James Asam, Parks and Recreation Administrator.Similar to golf, disc golf is played on nine-hole or 8-hole course. Instead of hitting a small ball with a club, players throw a Frisbee-like flying disc at a target. “It’s just like a regular golf course, where it flows through the design,” James Asam, Parks and Recreation Administrator, explained to Planning Board members. The entrance to the course will be from the Louisa Lake parking lot, he explained. The course is nine “holes” with double “buckets” at each hole to allow players to choose a “yellow” course or a “white course” or both, he said. Town Engineer Mike Dean vetted the proposed project, noting 31 more parking spaces will be added to the existing Louisa Lake parking lot. Several site walks to review the project included members of the Conservation Commission – which has jurisdiction over the property – as well as an abutting property owner from nearby Quinshipaug Rd. “I’ve been working with Jimmy [Asam] through this process,” Dean told Planning Board members.Following the two board meetings, Asam told the Town Crier that about 30 volunteers from Milford and area towns have volunteered to help construct the disc golf course. Depending on availability of materials, it could be open as soon as August with a goal of being open this fall, he said. Each course hole will range from 180 feet to 520 feet in length.The Professional Disc Golf Association claims more than 120,000 members play at more than 8,000 courses in 54 different countries. Asam, who has been playing disc golf for several years, told the Select Board last month that it takes about 45 minutes to play a nine-hole course.The town purchased the 42-acre Consigli property in 2002 for recreational purposes.

Consultant: Range Mitigation Means No Danger to Apartments

The dotted lines in this plan by Fort Hill Companies, LLC show that the proposed The Residences at Stone Ridge II apartment complex lies just outside of the

“surface danger zone” from the adjacent Milford Police Department firing range.


A consultant hired by The Gutierrez Company – the developer proposing to build the 296-unit The Residences at Stone Ridge II apartment complex off Deer St. under the state’s Chapter 40B affordable housing law – told the Zoning Board of Appeals earlier this month that a small mitigation to the adjacent Milford Police firearms training range “should prevent a negligently discharged round from reaching the proposed development.”

The ZBA has been meeting regularly to review the proposed development, with its last sessions with The Gutierrez Company held on April 7 and May 5, and the next scheduled for June 2. The proximity of the decades-old firing range to the proposed apartment complex and the potential for a stray round to reach it has been a major concern by ZBA members.

William Lyons, president and chief executive officer of Fort Hill Companies, LLC of Hudson, explained to ZBA members on May 5 that resurfacing the ground between the range’s firing line and the end impact berm and the top of that berm with six inches of topsoil and grass would reduce exposure to rocky ground that could cause ricochets. The treated area would result in a “dispersion

angle” being reduced from 30 degrees to 10 degrees on the right and left sides of the range, he explained.

At the 10-degree angle, the “surface danger zone” around the range would not include the proposed apartment complex, Lyons said. “The development which is proposed is to the south of that surface danger zone,” he stated. “We took a lot of time thinking about this development and doing what is necessary to protect the residents of this development,” he added.

Former Police Chief and now Selectman Thomas O’Loughlin told ZBA members the mitigation would be adequate to protect the apartment complex’s residents. He also noted that in all the decades the range has been used, “We’ve never had a single round go out of the police range.”

ZBA member John Dagnese said the sounds of gunfire might attract children to want to explore the range area and suggested fencing it in with an eight-foot high fence topped with barbed wire. He also noted the “surface danger zone” would prevent any further development on the remainder of the Stone Ridge acreage. “There are currently no development plans for that land,” Israel Lopez, Managing Director of Development for The Gutierrez Company, said.

Lopez said his company would support an eight-foot high fence and is willing to donate money for the town to do the range improvements.

Other items being discussed in the April and May meetings were size and placement of a sewage pumping station and overflow tanks, a helipad area to support any potential emergency evacuations, and reducing the number of units. Chairman David Consigli proposed a reduction to 260 units and Lopez said his company might consider a 10 to 15 unit reduction.

◆ BIG BROTHER from front page

board on May 10 to review five proposed policies covering social media, acceptable use of technology, having a fragrance-free work environment, whistleblower protection, and working remotely. The proposals are “common workplace polices that the Town of Milford should adopt to create uniform standards that can be used to benchmark behavior and can both guide employees proactively and be employed as a defense in a potential legal proceeding,” she explained.

Almost immediately, Selectman Paul Mazzuchelli requested the policy review be done the way that he and Chairman Michael Walsh were used to when they served on the School Committee – namely, to have a “first reading” where members offered comments that were incorporated into a “second reading” or subsequent reviews before being adopted.

Mazzuchelli also voiced his concern about the monitoring of employees’ use of social media, websites, and e-mail. “Who’s monitoring the monitors?” he asked, saying he feared “big brother” might

monitor people randomly. Language is missing to explain the “how and the why,” he commented. “It doesn’t explain that,” he said.

The policy should make sure that employees do not get “targeted because of political retribution,” Mazzuchelli commented. He also noted most employees frequently use e-mail to send a quick message to family members and asked, “When are you stepping over the line?” in terms of misusing town technology.

“We want a reason why we’re doing this put into the policy,” Mazzuchelli said, so that an employee can’t say, “They’re picking on me” or “I didn’t vote or for that person.’”

Town Counsel Charles Boddy reminded everyone that any e-mail written and sent on a town-owned computer is a public record under state law, but added Mazzuchelli had raised “very legitimate concerns.” Boddy added, “Nobody should just be snooping randomly through other people’s stuff.”

IT Director Chris George said the

only way someone’s e-mails could be looked at now is by a specific request from Melpignano, Boddy or Town Administrator Richard Villani. Boddy suggested nothing be done until “They get a complaint.” He also suggested looking at other town’s policies to see how they look at things.

Selectman Thomas O’Loughlin raised the issue of whether the Select Board could impose the policy on other elected officials or employees hired by an elected board.”I think we should take another walk through it,” he said. If someone doesn’t like what an elected official says, “I don’t see another step outside of the voting booth,” he commented.

Walsh weighed in by saying he liked Mazzuchelli’s idea about having several readings on proposed policies. “Let’s go back and look at everything” and then come back with revisions, he said.

“It’s definitely needed. It just needs to be tweaked a little more,” Mazzuchelli said.

The board took no action on the other policies Melpignano discussed.


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Recent Actions by Milford Select Board

By Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/Columnist• Presented citations to seven Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 2,

recognizing them and the projects they completed: Justin Braza – installing a memorial bench for Aaron Zenus at Stacy Middle School; Thomas Morelli – cataloging headstones at Grove Street cemetery into the Billion Graves online database ; Joel Ross – creating a bike repair station on the Upper Charles Trail; David Pacella – assembling hygiene kits and providing them to Catholic Charities to give to people in need; Paul Mahoney – cataloging headstones at the Purchase Street cemetery into the Billion Graves online database; Jeremy Neves – creating Birthday Boxes and donating them to the Daily Bread Food Pantry to give to families in need; and, Jake Mandile – performing conservation work in the grassland area of West Hill Dam. “They all did a fine job,” their Scoutmaster, Joe Mahoney, said. “Congratulations for the hard work you did,” Selectman Paul Mazzuchelli, who achieved the rank of Star Scout, said. “I commend each of you,” Selectman Thomas O’Loughlin added. “It’s a tremendous distinction,” said Town Counsel Charles Boddy, himself an Eagle Scout and father of an Eagle Scout and a Life Scout. (May 10)

• Transferred the Common Victualler license and Common Victualler All Alcoholic Beverages license held by Two Medals, LLC doing business as Restaurant 89 at 89 Main St. with Michael Montecalvo as manager to new owner DeGee, LLC doing business as Restaurant 89, with Ian Hunter as manager. Hunter previously worked as an executive chef at several restaurants, including 89 Main St. when it was called Trattoria 89. (May 10)

• Met with Brendan Rickert, Bryan Cole and Lauren Cole to discuss creating an ad hoc committee to study whether to create a dog park in town. The three already talked to the Highway, Parks, Health and Legal departments about their idea, Rickert said. With 2,000 dogs licensed in own, “There is a need,” he said. If the own creates a committee, it can apply to a private foundation for a grant toward the $200,000 average cost of building a dog park, Lauren Cole explained. “This is a very good idea,” Mazzuchelli said. O’Loughlin said the dog park in Medway is used by residents from other towns, including Milford and Franklin. “There just aren’t any places to go,” he said, adding, “I think it’s a matter of finding the location.” Chairman Michael Walsh noted, “If we have the opportunity to do something positive in the community, we should do it.” The board agreed to talk to the group again in two weeks, after the three discuss the request with Town Administrator Richard Villani, Animal Control Officer Keith Haynes, Town Engineer Mike Dean, Highway Surveyor Scott Crisafulli and Parks Director James Asam. (May 10)

• Villani reported three new firefighters have joined the Fire Department and will be attending fire academy training from the end of July through October. (May 10)

• Villani reported the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded the town a grant to help fund the cost of recycling mattresses. (May 10)

• In his latest update regarding Amazon’s trucks and delivery vans, O’Loughlin reported that the DEP is now looking into complaints about noise from trucks at the new Amazon warehouse facility on National St. bothering Howard St. residents. (May 10)

• Accepted the resignation of Harold Rhodes from the Personnel Board. (May 10)

• Appointed alternate member James Dorval as a full member of the Personnel Board and Brian Long as an alternate member. (May 10)

• Accepted the resignation of Joseph Lutfy from the Draper Memorial Park Revitalization Committee. (May 10)

• Appointed Robert Speroni as a temporary Local [Building] Inspector and as alternate Building Commissioner (May 10).

Recent Actions by Milford Town Boards

By Kevin RuddenStaff Reporter/ColumnistPlanning Board• Approved an amended site plan, allowing Tarik Miranda to open a take-out restaurant at 8

Central St. (May 18)• Voted to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on a variance

request by Hopedale Turnaround, LLC to divide a lot at 25 Maple St. to separate the cell tower portion of the property from the portion containing a house. The proposed cell tower lot will need variances from the lot size and frontage requirements and the proposed house lot will need variances from the lot size, frontage and side yard requirements, according to Town Planner Larry Dunkin. (May 18)

• Voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to the ZBA on a special permit request by Anne Dawson of 3 Silva St. to build a supplemental apartment in her home. Dunkin said the application did not include the required engineered site plan and proposed floor plan. (May 18)

• Voted to send a favorable recommendation to the ZBA on a special permit request by Alberto Ortolano to build a 13-foot by 33-foot addition to accommodate a supplemental apartment at 2 Sunnyside Lane. The recommendation was conditional provided a difference between the site sketch and the engineered site plan is resolved. (May 18)

Zoning Board of Appeals• Allowed Robert and Karen Dignazio of 13 Gordon Dr. to withdraw without prejudice their

variance request to construct a third stall to their existing garage. “Without prejudice” means the application can be submitted again at any time. (May 13)

• Continued until June 10 special permit and variance requests by Rosemary Ferreira and Manuel DaCosta to construct a 4-foot by 24-foot addition to their house at 7 Jennie D. Lane. Board members asked that an updated site plan and proposed construction plan be submitted. (May 13)

• Granted E.G. Cutler, LLC of Hopedale a variance to split a parcel of land at 21 Highland St. two new lots, with the new one having 75 feet of frontage where 90 feet is required, 10,860 square feet where 15,000 square feet is required, and having 75 feet of width where 100 feet is required. Town Planer Larry Dunkin’s memo to the board noted the Zoning Board had turned down the same request last December. Three different abutting property owners spoke out against the request, all saying any house built on the new lot would be too close to neighboring properties.

Milford MeetingsResidents are encouraged to check the town’s Web site at MilfordMA.Gov concerning the latest status on posted meetings, including cancelations or other special instructions on agendas for virtual or call in meetings. For additional information needed, contact the appropriate Board or official.

Monday, May 31Town offices closed for Memorial Day

Wednesday, June 2Zoning Board of Appeals, Notice of Hearing, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 8BVT-Policy Subcommittee Meeting, Principal’s Conference Room, 5 p.m.

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The Importance of Home Inspections, and more. Attendees will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Sweepstakes to win gift card is subject to complete official rules and along with seminar registration information are available at UniBank.com. To enter, individuals must register and attend the seminar. No purchase or account required to enter or win. All seminar attendees will receive a $500 mortgage closing cost coupon from UniBank.

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Milford Resident Raises Over $1,100 to Fight HungerOn May 2, Maria Soto-Santa, of Milford, laced up for Project Bread’s 53rd annual Walk for Hunger, raising more

than $1,100 to help get food to kids and families during the continuing COVID-19 hunger crisis. She was among thousands of virtual participants who walked in their own neighborhoods. At present, the Walk for Hunger has raised over $1.1 million for statewide hunger relief programs, helping the one in six households struggling to afford food.

This was Soto-Santa’s second Walk. Her first in 2015 was as a teen member of a team. “I wanted to do something for the greater good,” she said. This year she walked in honor of her grandmother Maria Rodriguez who grew up under the Franco dictatorship in Spain, experiencing food insecurity. “To my grandmother, food was the language of love,” said Soto-Santa, “so raising funds to feed others in need was a way to honor her memory.” Her grandmother passed away in 2020.

Soto-Santa said she was lucky not to be severely impacted by COVID-19 but realized many others have been. Beyond illness and death, the pandemic has resulted in people not being able to get the basics needs of life such as food, she said. Soto-Santa added, “I needed to do something to help them.”

She raised funds for the 2021 virtual Walk by postings on her social media accounts. Well over half of the $1105 she raised came from strangers. “It was wonderful that people supported me because they saw the need and not because they knew me,” said Santa-Soto. Friends and family members did contribute, with one relative giving a sizeable donation in memory of her own mother, who also did the Walk in the past.

Santa-Soto did her virtual Walk on Milford’s Upper Charles Trail and hopes to do it again the future when people from across the state will gather at one site.

Historically, the Walk for Hunger, the nation’s oldest continual pledge walk, takes place the first Sunday of May on the Boston Common. This year’s virtual event included Facebook Live check-ins throughout the day

Money raised through the Walk funds Project Bread’s hunger-relief, ensuring kids have reliable access to food, helping individuals and families directly, and advocating at state and federal levels for expedited relief for those in need. Funds also support community organizations helping people access food now and ensuring towns have the needed resources to respond to the ongoing hunger crisis.

Donations are being collected through June 30 by visiting ProjectBread.org/walk.

People experiencing food insecurity may call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline, 1-800-645-8333, for confidential assistance or visit ProjectBread.org/get-help.

Maria Soto-Santa helped raise $1105 to fight COVID-19 related hunger for families and children during Project Bread’s 53rd Annual Walk for Hunger in

early May. Daniel Leifer photo

Lufty Named to Mass Developmental Disability Council

Milford resident Paul Lutfy was named to the Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council n May 10. Born in Milford, Lutfy and his wife MaryLou have long been advocates for not only their son who has Cerebral Palsy, but all developmentally disabled children and adults in this state.

They are the parents of two boys, one who is a 27-year-old has severe Cerebral Palsy and is medically fragile. Lutfy has worked with many legislators and advocacy groups on basic rights for the developmentally disabled and will continue to be a voice for their rights. As he said, “I figured if I complained enough hopefully I can make a difference.”

Massachusetts RMV Warns of Text Phishing Scam

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is cautioning customers to be aware of a text phishing scam that has been reported in the Commonwealth and in other states. The scam reportedly involves customers receiving text messages, claiming to be from the “DMV,” that direct them to click on a provided link to update their personal identifying contact information. Customers can identify this type of text as a phishing scam because it includes “DMV.” In Massachusetts DMV is not the name of the Registry of Motor Vehicles; in Massachusetts, the name of the

Registry is abbreviated as “RMV.” Any text using the phrase “Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DMV” should be deleted.

Please note that the RMV does not send unsolicited requests for personal and/or contact information to customers by text. Any communication by text from the RMV would be as a result of a customer-initiated request or transaction.

For the latest Registry updates and information, please check Mass.gov/RMV or follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV.


School NewsExtra CreditsMilford Public School Activities and EventsBy Scott CalzolaioStaff Reporter

District-wide: News for and by students, The Scarlet, is available online at MilfordScarlet.com. Done by Milford High students, the newspaper is looking for new writers for the 2021-22 school year. Contact an adviser, if interested.Grab-and-Go meals will be offered for the remainder of the school year on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Memorial Elementary School from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. plus 5 to 6 p.m. Milford High and Stacy Middle School bus routes are posted on MilfordPublicSchools.com. Milford received a $16,000 grant from CHNA-6 to support I Can See the Board Now, a project to help reduce the incidence of vision-related learning problems by removing barriers to early vision screenings for students at Brookside and Memorial Elementary Schools and increase accurate referrals to eye care specialists. No school on Memorial Day, May 31 and the school year ends June 11.

Milford High School: The tentative schedule of senior events includes June 3, Awards Night for invited students and two guests; June 4, Senior Night for students only with a June 2 rain date; and June 6 Commencement for graduating seniors and six guests on the Turf Field, rain date June 5. Other important dates are National Honor Society Induction, June 8, rain date June 9, and Dick Corbin Athletic Awards, June 12, rain date June 13.

Stacy Middle School: Congratulations to sixth graders, Adrianna Turner and Christian Rocha, for earning completion certificates for the American Student Assistance (ASA) Solve Together: Tomorrow’s Leaders Tackling Today’s Challenges contest. The national contest had students tackling one of four challenges related to real-world problem such as climate change and building a Martian colony. Done on the student’s own time, the contest fostered critical thinking, communication, creativity, decision making, and collaboration skills. Teacher facilitators were Celeste Sallye, Health, and Melissa Harvey, Reading.The Student Council and Mind Matter’s Society are working to beautify their campus. Student Council members held a Spring cleanup and meet every Wednesday afterschool to pick up debris, as the Mind Matters Society is working to develop a school garden. Interested students can volunteer at the main school office.

Woodland Elementary School: Principal Tim Kearnan welcomes new council members, recognizing them for the value of Responsibility, which students demonstrate by doing the things they need to do, even when no one is looking. Congratulations to these new Principal’s Council Responsibility members:Grade 3: Katheryn Acero Andrade, Luis Tobar, Carlos Caguana Saeteros, Noah Sampaio, Samson Gelmini, Marley Valenca, Keagan McNeil, Danny Beals, Destinee Mancia, Kaylee Files, Cooper Roderick, Jannah Al Sheikh, Kaya Mercure, Livia Nascimento, Cora Mandrik and Ethan Guilbeault.Grade 4: Owen Scovil, Lily Harbachuck, Michael Ridolfi, Junior Freeman, Owen Shepherd, John Duchi Quizhpilema, Adrian McDavitt, Felipe Castro Tacuri, Alexa Reneau, Aleah Acquafresca, Rebecca Canto, Ella Knapp, Santino Pellegrini, Sean Donelan and Ingrid Muyulema Chimborazo.Grade 5: Isabela Pimentel, Reese Ballard, Saanvi Sindam, Malak Alsheikh, Juliana Senna, Khryss Doyon, Brendan Day, Grace Sweeney, Dylan Alvarado, Alycia Scher, Iyanna Correa, Maddie Nowak, Davi Oliveira, Giovanna Dos Santos Souza, Gabriella Nosek and Rykelme Rocha.Lisa Duarte’s class studied Pop Art, learning to use bright-colored images from popular culture to create simple, eye-catching works of art. Their art is displayed in the Milford High School Teacher Resource Center.

Memorial Elementary School: April showers bring May flowers was the theme for Memorial students as they explored interdisciplinary concepts through art, math and science. Self-portraits created with geometric shapes, reflected the seasonal concepts and weather, which are displayed outside the main office.

Brookside Elementary School: Thank you for your service! was a theme Brookside students took to heart by creating books for Milford veterans. The books, filled with letters, quotes, and thanks, were mailed to veterans. Students and staff enjoyed working collaboratively on the project

Shining Star Preschool: Shining Star Preschool welcomed Brookside and Memorial Elementary School to begin Kindergarten screenings for the 2021-2022 school year.Magnifying glasses in hand, Shining Stars investigated the life cycle of Butterflies exploring the butterfly’s bodies, stages of development, while learning the scientific process. Working with peers, students drew conclusions, noted their discoveries, and what more they wanted to learn about butterflies.

Family and Community Network: Visit MilfordPublicSchools.com/Milfordfcn for programming.

Holocaust Survivor Speaks of the Dangers of Hatred and Intolerance

By Scott CalzolaioStaff Reporter

Milford High School students were presented with an ever-rarer opportunity last week, as Holocaust survivor, Janet Applefield, joined them on Zoom.

Janet, Krystyna Gustava, Applefield took on many identities over the course of World War II. With a falsified birth certificate, Aryan looks, and a few strokes of luck, Applefield survived the war that ripped through her hometown in Poland, and eventually was reunited with her father as a refugee.

Of the over 50 million killed in the Holocaust, 1.5 million were children. Applefield said that only 11 percent of Jewish children survived in areas under German occupation, and she was one of them.

In 1939, when Applefield was four-years-old, chaos erupted. Applefield described horror after horror, as her extended family was separated, worked to the bone, and killed.

“My father told me he was awakened by explosions,” she said, remembering that September first in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. “My father sent me to my other grandparents’ home, and when we arrived, everyone was packing up too.”

From there, a six-year journey of trusting strangers, changing names, and practicing lines in case of capture was her whole life.

Meanwhile, her mother was killed, and her father was put into slave labor. He spent the war making electrical cables, burning bodies, and sneaking peeks at the picture of Applefield he kept with him at all times.

He survived the camps, was shot in the jaw, and fled to the United States after the war, in 1947, with a bullet wound near his chin, and his daughter in tow.

As survivors of the darkest chapter in modern history grow older, the importance of hearing their stories is of paramount importance. But, refugees didn’t speak up about what they had witnessed for decades. This, said Applefield, was because “the crimes were unspeakable.”

“It took a long time for people to feel as if they got some distance,” she said. “I didn’t talk about my experiences until the late 70s early 80s maybe.”

She felt as if her story wasn’t one of suffering in comparison to one like her father’s. But as time went on, the importance of her own experiences became apparent to her.

Speaking to thousands of students every year, Applefield’s story serves as a warning, she said.

“It’s my hope that each and every one of us will speak up against intolerance,” she said. “The hope is to promote greater awareness and understanding of the dangers of hatred.”

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BVT Students Earn 71 Medals at Massachusetts SkillsUSA Submitted by Elise BogdanValley Tech

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School students had an opportunity to test their vocational-technical competency at the 47th Annual 2021 SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership and Skills Conference Championship. Demonstrating skills learned at BVT and applied during the competition, the Valley Tech students won 71 medals - 39 gold, 18 silver, and 14 bronze.

During the Massachusetts competition, BVT also had five National Voting Delegates, and Hunter Claflin of Douglas was elected to serve as a State Officer. The second stage of the SkillsUSA series consisted of a six-day Zoom format schedule with a live competition day at BVT on April 30.

The SkillsUSA Championships showcases the best career and technical education students in the nation through competitive events. Students compete in hands-on technical exams designed and judged by industry leaders

and officials to celebrate career technical education.Following their outstanding performance, BVT’s gold

medalists will represent the Commonwealth by competing at the National Leadership and Skills Conference Championships held virtually throughout June. The complete list of medalists is available at ValleyTech.k12.ma.us/skillsusa.

The following BVT students, organized by hometown, earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the SkillsUSA State conference:Hopedale

National Delegate Elect: Carter BeardGold: Gabriel Chaves-Silva, HVAC/R; Anna Dykhoff, Prepared SpeechAshley King, Entrepreneurship; Julia Pellegrini, Precision Laser Imaging; Silver: Rohit Kaushik, Information Technology Service;Bronze: Elora Loughlin, Basic Health Care;Camila Ramirez, Major Appliance Technology

MendonNational Delegate Elect: Samantha StephensGold: Naomi Tsuda, Commercial BakingSilver: Kathyrn Surbey, Major Appliance Technology;

MilfordGold: Christopher Mason, Urban Search & Rescue;Kioni Sankofa, Precision Laser ImagingSilver: Joel Awuku-Asante, HVAC/R;Colin Chambless, Mobile RoboticsBronze: Mayra Desousa, First Aid/CPR;Kaitlyn Manzi, Medical Terminology;Tifuh Tah, Principles of Engineering Technology;Joseph Tutela, Commercial Baking

UptonNational Delegate Elect: Kirsten DinsmoreGold: Chloe Terrell, EntrepreneurshipSilver: Kirsten Dinsmore, Restaurant Service

Dean’s ListThe following local students were named to the Dean’s List

at their respective schools. Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.: Giovanna Paterno Clemson, University, Clemson, S.C.: Samantha RiordanSouthern New Hampshire University, Manchester, N.H.:

Jason Bridges and Danielle Foley. President’s List a 3.7 or higher GPA-Matthew Hunter MacKenzie Lavoie, Jessica Watkins, Gianna Brucato, Brendan Grady and Ashely Santo

University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.: Julia Riordan

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Milford Principals Switch Roles in District

Complied by Scott CalzolaioStaff Reporter

Woodland Elementary School welcomes two new Assistant Principals.

The first is Melissa Pivonka, currently one of the Assistant Principals at Stacy Middle School, where she has been for the past year and a half. She’s replacing Caridad Lopez, who is taking over as Principal at Stacy Middle School.

Pivonka will bring a broad range of educational experience’s to her new role, including her time at Stacy, as a High School Vice Principal in Boston for two years, and as an Instructional Coach.

Prior to her administrative career, Pivonka taught History and Social Studies at Marlborough High School, Quabbin Regional High School, and Cushing Academy for eight years.

Pivonka earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology at the College of the Holy Cross and her Master in Education from Boston University.

The second Assistant Principal is Leah Church, currently Woodland’s English Learner Coordinator, a role she filled for two years.

She has been an EL Coordinator and Teacher in Marlborough, an EL Teacher in Lowell, and a Grade 3 and Grade 5 Teacher in Rhode Island. Church earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Roanoke College; plus two Masters in one in Elementary Education from Providence College and the second in School Administration from American International College; plus a CAGS (Curriculum Development) from Fitchburg State College.

Pivonka and Church will start their roles as Woodland assistant principals on July 1.

Brookside Puts Pen to Paper for Memorial DayBy Scott CalzolaioStaff Reporter

As the age of COVID-19 dwindles, and masking and social distance restrictions loosen, some events are still unsafe, such as the traditional Memorial Day Celebration at Brookside Elementary School. Students traditionally hold a musical tribute to which the town’s veterans are invited.

As part of the celebration, Media Specialist at Brookside, Maureen Rice, puts up a bulletin board each year displaying photos of veterans for Memorial Day. But with the annual musical tribute cancelled last year as well as this year, the display was the only way the school community could say ‘thank you.’

“It’s an important holiday that went a bit overlooked last year,” she said.Rice thought there must be another way to celebrate the community’s veterans, so she went to work.A few weeks ago, Rice started collecting “thank you” letters. She went into each classroom and talked about what

Memorial Day is all about. She then asked students in all grade levels to write a letter to the town’s veterans.The idea turned into a 20-page “note” for the veterans and active service members from the Milford area, written by

the school’s students in kindergarten through second grade.Brookside Principal, Eric Elmore, said that calling off the school’s annual ceremony for the second year in a row was

a little discouraging. Rice’s idea and dedication to the subject, he said, goes “above and beyond.”“We finally found a way that we can honor them [the veterans] and to say thank you for their dedication and their

service,” he said.The book went out to 60 veterans, and more are being sent out to active service members.“The veterans seem very grateful to be remembered on Memorial Day,” Rice said reflecting on the feedback the

school has received. Brookside student Vanessa Vincotta had a very special reason to write a letter for the school book. Her father, who

is in the military, has served overseas and is still on active duty in the United States. Though a bit shy, it’s easy to tell Vanessa loves her father and for what he does. She read her contribution to the book in a small voice, but with a full heart.

She said, “Thank you for protecting the country, and I am proud of you!”


Annual fundraiser to support The Salvation Army of Milford Help us reach our goal to raise $25,000!More than 500 flags are installed on home and business lawns across Milford, Hopedale & Mendon starting Memorial Day. Every flag symbolizes hope & our patriotic spirit as our community recovers from the impact of COVID-19.

Flags, installed by The Salvation Army of Milford and volunteers, stay up until July 4th and are reinstalled for Labor Day, 9/11 & Veterans Day. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army of Milford’s emergency assistance program and helps those who are struggling financially and need feeding, utility, and holiday assistance.

Show your support today!Return completed form with your check made out to the “Fly the Flag Project” to: The Salvation Army, Fly the Flag Project | 29 Congress Street | Milford, MA 01757or visit: give.salvationarmy.org/flytheflag

Each flag and staff remains the property of The Salvation Army in Milford.

❏ YES! I would like to reserve flag(s). ❏ I don’t have a spot for a flag, please accept my donation .

PLEASE CHECK BOX BELOW:❏ Individual Home Order ❏ Corporate/Business Order

NUMBER OF FLAGS:

❏ 1 flag — $50❏ 4 flags — $175

❏ 8 flags — $325❏ 12 flags — $450

❏ 20 flags — $750❏ Other

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Name:

Company:

Address

Phone:

Email:

My flag is in honor of:

QUESTIONS? Major Marcus Jugenheimer (339) 502-5937 [email protected]

MHS Boosters Club Golf TournamentRegister today for Milford High School Boosters

Club 9th annual golf tournament to be held on Thursday, June 17 at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. This fun-filled day supports Milford student-athletes and athletic department. Registration, is $110 for a student golfer and $125 per adult golfer or $660 for a foursome, includes 18 holes, a golf cart,

lunch, swag bag and raffles. Not a golfer but want to support the fundraiser? A variety of sponsors are being sought. To register to play or to be a sponsor visit 9th-annual-scarlet-hawks-charity-golf-class.perfectgolfevent.com/registration or email [email protected].

Summer Camp RegistrationThe Milford Community School Use Program is accepting registrations for our Summer Day

Camp & Specialty Camps for town residents and youngsters attending Milford Public Schools. Summer Day begins June 28 and will run for six weeks ending on August 6, between the hours

of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Day Camp, for students who have completed grades K-7, includes many indoor/outdoor activities matched to grade level, arts and crafts, indoor swimming and special activities. Lunch will be provided daily.

Specialty camps include baseball, basketball, softball, STEAM, jazz, volleyball, cooking, baking, soccer, tennis, track and field, college essay writing, hockey, football, PreK programs and more. A complete listing of offerings is available at MilfordCommunity.com

Registration can be done online or by paper accompanied by payment. Payments are made payable to: Town of Milford – MCSUP and can be mailed or delivered to: Milford Community School Use Program, 31 West Fountain Street, Milford, MA 01757.

All camp participants are required to submit a physical including immunizations by Wednesday prior to the start of the program. Participants will not be allowed to participate if this document is not on file.

All camps comply with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and be licensed by the local Board of Health. COVID-19 protocols will be followed and are subject to change.

Living with the Ribbon 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Living with the Ribbon 2nd Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 28 at Blackstone National Golf Club, 227 Putnam Hill Rd., Sutton. The day begins at noon with registration followed by a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Registration is $125 per player or $500 foursome. Price includes standard golf package and dinner. To register visit, Living-with-the-Ribbon-Golf-Tournament-2021-6198.perfectgolfevent.com

For more information or questions email [email protected] or [email protected]. Follow on Facebook at Living with the Ribbon Instagram: living_with_the_ribbon_2015.

Proceeds benefit Living with the Ribbon, a foundation which provides undergraduate and graduate scholarships to students pursuing higher education in a field of healthcare and research grants to assist in funding cancer research. It also supports families facing a cancer diagnosis and makes donations to hospitals and cancer centers in the form of items of need or funds.

Free Concerts All Summer LongHopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) Summer Art Series will include 21 free

outdoor music concerts, three art exhibits, and three theatrical presentations. The summer kicks-off with the Corbett Family Summer Concert featuring Hot Acoustics on Saturday, June 19. Concerts take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic and a blanket or chairs for their comfort. Food trucks and artisan vendors will be on-site at select concerts. All music concerts are free, but tickets are required by reserving at HopArtsCenter.org. Donations to the HCA are appreciated.

The three theatrical events from Enter Stage Left Theater, include Firebringer, a new stone age musical; a children’s production of Willy Wonka Jr., and a night of one act plays in A Play, a Pint, and a Pie. Tickets are available for purchase online.

And finally there are three free exhibits: Art in Bloom, on display now through June 24; All the World’s a Stage, an outdoor sculpture exhibit running from June 19 through September 30; and an exhibition of the work of Linda Hoffman & Ariel Matisse, July 5 through August 27.

The 2021 Summer Arts Series is generously sponsored in part by Phipps Insurance Agency and MAPFRE Insurance. Additional sponsors may contact Development Director Katie Broach, [email protected].

2021 Summer Arts Series June 19: Hot Acoustics (Classic Rock)June 25: Willie J Laws (Texas Blues / R&B / Soul)June 26: Nate Aronow Nextet (Jazz)July 2: Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers (Classic Rock / Blues) July 3: Ken Willinger Quartet (Jazz)July 9: Chris McDermott Band (International Jazz/Blues/Soul)July 10: Michael Chasse Quartet (Jazz)July 16: Chris Fitz Band (Memphis Blues) July 17: Stoney’s Wicked Din (Jazz)July 23: Ayla Brown with special guest Rob Bellamy (Country) July 24: MetroWest Jazz Project (Jazz)July 30: Back Pages (Classic / Modern Rock)July 31: Racky Thomas Band (Country / Blues / Boogie) August 6-7, 13-14: Firebringer, a new stone age musical (Theater) August 20-21: Willy Wonka Jr. (Children’s Theater)August 28: A Play, a Pint, and a Pie (One-Act Plays September 3: Neil & The Vipers (Rock / Blues / Rockabilly / Surf) September 4: Drivin’ Blind (Rockin’ Blues)September 10: Gary Backstrom (Rock / Jazz / R&B)September 11: Bruce Marshall Group (Rock / Blues / Rockabilly / Surf) September 17: Zach Innis & The Honeybees (Country Rock) September 18: Dwayne Haggins (Country Blues / Soul)September 24: Michelle “Evil Gal” Wilson (Jazz Plus) September 25: Rumble Kats (Rockin Blues)

Blackstone Valley Tech Hosts Annual Golf Tourney Calling all golfers, register now for BVT’s 22nd annual golf tournament to be held

on Monday, June 14, at Highfields Golf & Country Club. A fun-filled day of golfing will benefit the Valley Tech Education Foundation and Athletic Department activities and programs.

Registration is $150 for an individual golfer $125 per person for foursomes, includes 18 holes on the championship course, a golf cart, delicious snacks, a silent auction,

and raffles. Not a golfer? Sponsor a tee, a putting green, or a cart to display a company name in the program and during the event.

For all tournament details, to view sponsorship opportunities, donate a raffle item, access the online golfer registration and payment portal, visit ValleyTech.k12.ma.us/golftournament. Register today.


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High School Sports Getting Back to Normal

MHS Baseball Youngsters Gaining Valuable Experience

By Chris VillaniSports Reporter/Columnist

The Milford High baseball team has been off to an up and down start to the 2021 season, but head coach Alex Dion has been happy for the chance to get several of his younger players some experience at the varsity level.

“We have played well at times and not so well at other times, I think we are still figuring out what type of team we are going to be,” Dion said. “But the future is bright for this program with the number of young guys getting valuable experience right now.”

Some of the Scarlet Hawks’ youngest players are taking on some of the most important roles on the team. Sophomore Evan Cornelius is batting in the cleanup spot and hitting close to .400 with three doubles through the first seven games. He’s been a starting pitcher for MHS and has seen time behind the plate and at first base.

Keith Lee, a freshman, started three games at catcher for Milford last week. The infield tandem of Damien Carter and Sean McGee are also freshmen.

“The numbers aren’t always great, but they are young kids who are going to get 50-plus at bats as freshmen,” Dion said. “That is really going to pay dividends moving forward.”

Milford earned its first two wins in the Hockomock League’s Kelly-Rex Division by sweeping Attleboro behind the pitching of seniors Westin Solomon and Mario Lee. Solomon, who is also the Scarlet Hawks’ leadoff hitter, tossed a complete game against Attleboro with nine strikeouts. At the plate, he is hitting over .300 with an on base percentage of .462.

“On the mound he has really been lights out for us,” Dion said. “He has been super reliable and we are going to expect that from him the rest of the way.”

Milford has shown flashes of being able to play with the best, hanging with a strong Franklin team and knocking off Attleboro twice. At other times, the inexperience has shown, Dion said, so finding consistency will be paramount moving forward.

The coach said it starts with the pitching staff and not walking opposing hitters and giving MHS a chance to stay in games late. The other side, he said, is the offense and putting together more quality at bats.

“This has to be a learning experience, they have to show up every day with the same attitude and a willingness to learn and compete,” Dion said. “Hopefully we start to see some results from all the hard work they are putting in.”

Milford Fielding New Boys’ LAX Co-OpBy Chris VillaniSports Reporter/Columnist

After missing a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Milford boys’ lacrosse team returned this season with a larger roster than it would have had thanks to the addition of some athletes from Hopedale.

“It’s been a pleasure so far,” said MHS head coach Jacob Scordato. “We were able to get some guys from their program and from the start of the season, the guys have meshed very well.”

MHS has been led by a strong senior class, including goalie Evan Hazard. “He has been in net for us for the past four years and he is having an outstanding season,” Scordato said. “He is leading the league in saves, he sees a lot of shots in this league.”

Senior Jack LeBlanc has been a factor on both ends of the field and has been key to the Scarlet Hawks’ offense as the face-off man. His ability to help MHS gain possession has boosted the work of Jake Ligor, who has found the back of the net multiple times on the season so far. Hopedale’s Tyler Small has also been integral to the attack, with Scordato calling him one of the key facilitators on the offensive end.

Milford began the season with just one victory over its first seven games. Scordato admitted the transition back to the field after not playing in 2020 has presented a challenge.

“Not being with the guys for a full year definitely has its disadvantages,” he said. “But as soon as we got together on the field, things did start clicking. They all work hard and they are a talented bunch.”

Another challenge has been depth. Even with the addition of Hopedale players, Scordato said the numbers are lower than what he would like. But the group he has is a dedicated bunch committed to ironing out some of the “little things” that can make a big difference in the course of a game, like solid communication on defense or controlling the field on the clear.

Scordato said he is pushing each of his players to be the best individuals they can be so that they can grow and lift the program together.

“We have a bunch of hardworking guys on this team and they are focused on getting better every day,” Scordato said. “The coaching staff and I hold them to a high standard: we want them to leave the program every day better than the way they found it.

After a year of cancelations, masks, and games played to empty stands, high school athletes are

finally beginning to regain a taste of normal competition as the state eases restrictions on youth sports.

Effective May 18, athletes competing outdoors were allowed to drop the masks. Indoor sports may soon follow, and the elimination of capacity restrictions as of Saturday, May 29 could pack the stands sooner than later.

As the restrictions mostly came to an end, Milford Athletic Director Peter Boucher praised his athletes for the way they handled the many curve balls thrown their way. Using a phrase of his that students have come to know, he called their ability to adapt “galactically phenomenal.”

“They have been absolutely unshakeable,” Boucher said. “They have answered every bell, any time we asked for something, they did it. If we wanted them to put a cement block on their head to compete, I think they would have done it.”

The AD added: “they have done nothing but impress me and I think everyone else in this town.”

With three indoor sports competing this spring — boys’ volleyball, wrestling, and cheerleading — some masks and crowd spacing is still required. Speaking ahead of

a planned league meeting on Wednesday, Boucher expressed confidence that the Hockomock League, which Milford belongs to would follow the broader health guidance and relax the strict two-family-member-per-student-athlete policy that had been in place for indoor competitions.

The pandemic has brought a tremendous amount of hardship to young people, including athletes who missed out on games, tournaments, and at times entire seasons. But Boucher noted that it has also forced both them and their coaches to be more creative and adapt. And it has fostered an even greater appreciation for having the ability to play.

“Just putting on that uniform has taken on a whole new meaning,” Boucher said.Some restrictions may still be in place in the coming weeks as the spring season finishes,

including those that seem contradictory to the point of being a little silly. Wrestlers, for example, should not shake hands even though their sport involves extended full body contact.

But the signs of an abating pandemic have trickled down to high school sports and the surest sign will be seeing the faces of athletes as they compete against one another and celebrate with their teammates. Boucher said getting to the point where masks would not be needed has been something he’s hoped for.

“The kids running around on the track, in lacrosse, the cardiovascular sports with the kids having masks on, it’s been a challenge,” he said.

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Milford Wrestling Taking Advantage of Delayed Season

Sports

MHS Volleyball Rolling in 2021 Season

Milford wrestlers are pleased to have their season underway. Shown is a

match against Foxborough. MHS photo

Milford hosted King Philip in a recent volleyball match. The Scarlet Hawks won and hope to be on their way to competing

for the Central Mass title. MHS photo


After missing a season last year, Milford High boys’ volleyball coach Andrew Mainini said the 2021 campaign has been a bit hectic. The season is being played at an accelerated pace and the Scarlet Hawks have had to work to bring everyone up to speed on both skills and the culture and expectations that come with playing for one of the area’s premiere programs.

The team has been up for the challenge, racing to an 8-1 start through the first nine matches of the year.

“We definitely want to be competitive for a Central Mass. title this year,” Mainini said. “We want to keep building day-to-day on our skills and the one word I keep stressing to them is ‘discipline.’ We need to be more disciplined and it’s something we are working on.”

Milford won its first eight Hockomock League matches, suffering a lone non-league defeat against St. John’s High School of Shrewsbury. The Hawks are focused on beating their remaining non-league foes

while also competing within the league, Mainini said. Milford has about 30 players in the high school program this

year and the number doubles when the middle school program is included. Several veteran players have stepped into leadership roles, including hitter Felipe Guerra.

“He is our leading attacker and our leading passer,” Mainini said. “He is a super well-rounded player and he leads by example.”

Julio Da Silva has been another key cog for the Hawks as a strong offensive weapon. Mainini also credited Da Silva with being a goal leader during practices. “He has stepped into the role of trying to keep our athletes focused and on task,” the coach said.

Senior libero Jose Nugra has been a constant presence in the backcourt and a quarterback on the court, directing younger players as to where they should be on defense. “Fundamentally he is strong,” Mainini said. “And he has served as a model for others trying to learn the game.”

The veteran players have helped the coaching staff play catch up after not playing in 2020. Mainini described the process as trying to identify gaps in players’ skills and knowledge and plug

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Milford wrestling coach P.J. Boccia admitted to being a little bit nervous when the wrestling season kept getting delayed due to it being the highest of high contact sports and amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But the season is underway and the Scarlet Hawks have scored impressive wins over Franklin and a previously-unbeaten Stoughton team despite having a young roster.

“The win over Franklin was a signature win,” Boccia said. “They have gotten the better of us the past few years and they are a very well coached team, so we were excited to get that win.”

Boccia said his team is strong top to bottom. Thanks to a waiver that allowed eighth graders to compete, Milford is able to fill out every spot in its lineup and does not have to forfeit any matches. The Hawks also roll out seven sophomores in the lineup along with a pair of juniors and two seniors.

Junior captain Danny Alves has been a strong wrestler at the 152lb weight class. Seniors Nick Yohn at 220lbs and Devin Duest at 182lbs — two more MHS captains — are also having great seasons, Boccia said.

Milford has opted to wrestle indoors even though it means wearing masks.

“They rip off sometimes but the kids have done a great job getting used to wrestling with them on,” Boccia said. “I know some teams are wrestling outdoors but we put on an outdoor tournament about 10 years ago and the mats get hot and they get slippery so right now, we are sticking to inside.”

MHS has 10 matches on the schedule and then will turn its attention to a planned dual meet tournament that will take the place of the usual individual tournaments at the end of the wrestling season. Boccia said it’s a format in which his team could excel.

“We are one of the only teams with a full lineup top to bottom,” he said. “We have close to 30 guys and that’s after losing a couple of starters to lacrosse and baseball, their usual spring sports.”

The young and talented lineup is a main reason why Boccia hoped this season would eventually launch.

“I thought the year would be a learning experience for the kids,” he said. “This experience they get this year will help us next year and the year after.”

those holes while also allowing his older players to come into their own.

“We have a lot of athletes in the program still trying to figure out who they want to be as leaders,” he said.

THE TOWN CRIER - Mendon-Upton Town Crier

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