Nov. 29, 1911 ~ Feb. 8, 2019

Marlborough – Mary C. (Roque) Lyons, 107, of Marlborough, formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully Feb. 8, 2019 at Marlboro Hills Health Center, with her family by her side, after a period of declining health. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of over 60 years, Edward L. Lyons.

Mary was born Nov. 29, 1911 in San Miguel, Azores, Portugal, a daughter of the late Francisco and Maria (Conceicao) Roque. She was raised in Somerville, where she lived for 101 years, until she moved to Marlborough. Mary has her own park bench in Somerville that was dedicated to her on her 100th birthday.

Mary was a devoted homemaker, who dedicated he life to raising her family and caring for her home. Mary enjoyed sewing, doing needle work and even made her own oriental rugs. She was a devout Catholic and her faith remained constant throughout her life.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Carole A. Lally and her husband John of Hudson; two grandchildren, Cherlye A. Rhuda and her husband Jeff of Beverly and John C. Lally of Dennis; and three great-grandchildren, Justin Rhuda, Blake Rhuda and Caci Rhuda. In addition to her parents and beloved husband Edward L. Lyons, she was also predeceased by eight siblings.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours Thursday, Feb. 14, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, followed by a procession to Saint Michael Parish, 21, Manning St., Hudson, for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial and Committal Services at Saint Bernard Cemetery in Concord.

Marlborough – As part of an ongoing effort to provide youth in Marlborough with outstanding educational resources, Marlborough Public Schools is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest to address the needs of kids in the community who need them most.

With the help of a Title 1 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Marlborough Public Schools has been given the opportunity to hire two teachers to tutor members at the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest’s Marlborough Clubhouse during afterschool hours. Julie Dutczak, a teacher at 1LT Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School, and Julie Catanzaro, a certified teacher at Marlborough High School working as a behavior technician, have been hired to tutor.

The goal of the tutoring program is to address the achievement gaps often seen in the academic performance of youth.

“The clubs do an excellent job providing a safe, fun afterschool program to many of our students, and it is our hope to aid in the academic piece beyond the classroom,” said Mary Murphy, assistant superintendent of teaching & learning.

The program will run twice a week through the end of the 2018-2019 school year at the Marlborough Clubhouse, located at 169 Pleasant St. Throughout the program, tutors will be in communication with the student’s teachers to ensure that they are on the right path to academic success.

“The Marlborough Public Schools is proud to partner with an organization who promotes social, educational, physical, and cultural programming for the benefit of our children,” said Michael Bergeron, superintendent of Marlborough Public Schools. “I cannot thank Chris Duane [president & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest] enough for being willing to jump in with us to create something unique for our kids. I am excited for the future possibilities in working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest.”

Marlborough Public Schools is looking forward to growing the program and partnering with other youth organizations in Marlborough to continue to foster academic achievement in all youth.

Marlborough – Frances H. (Mullahy) Sullivan, 82, of Marlborough and formerly of Milford, died Feb. 7, 2019.

She was born in West Roxbury, the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Reilly, and was raised in Watertown. She was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown and later received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from the former Holliston Jr. College.

Frances worked for Lowes’s Theater for 20 years, retiring as manager at the Natick location. She also was an administrative assistant for BayPath Elder Services.

She was an avid reader and an Atlanta Braves, Bruins and NE Patriots fan, and more than anything she was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She leaves a son, Donald D. Sullivan, and his wife Elena of Marlborough; two daughters, Mary G. Sullivan of Natick and Kathleen A. Sullivan of Northbridge; two sisters, Eleanor Desmond of Newton and Mary Veno of Waltham; nine grandchildren, Donald, Michael, Nuala, Christopher, Danielle, Rosemarie, Joseph, Amanda and Kassandra; eight great-grandchildren; and nephews, nieces and cousins. Her grandson, Brian J. Sullivan of Worcester, died Dec. 2, 2018.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 12 in Immaculate Conception Church of Marlborough. Following cremation, burial will be private.

All are invited to sign her online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

Marlborough

Friday, Feb. 1

11:03 a.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Fraud/forgery.

2:37 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Assault.

3:09 p.m. Williams St. Burglary/B&E past.

3:46 p.m. Hanlon Dr./Minehan Ln. Suspicious MV.

4:29 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Larceny.

5:46 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious MV.

7:54 p.m. Hemenway St. MVA property damage only.

10:59 p.m. Williams St. Suspicious MV.

Saturday, Feb. 2

5:48 a.m. Farm Rd. Disturbance.

11:04 a.m. Silver St. Disturbance.

3:50 p.m. Royal Crest Dr. Fraud/forgery.

9:04 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Disturbance.

9:48 p.m. Arrested, Igor HF Miranda, 21, of 195 East Main St., Apt. 60, Marlborough, on warrant.

11:59 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Suspicious MV.

Sunday, Feb. 3

12:10 a.m. Boston Post Road West. Disturbance.

8:42 a.m. Arrested, Carolyn Pierce, 36, of 54 Grouse Ln., Centerville, on warrant.

12:15 p.m. Lakeside Ave. Suspicious activity.

12:17 p.m. East Main St. Suspicious activity.

3:28 p.m. Northboro Road East. MVA with injuries.

5:01 p.m. Water St. Vandalism.

9:18 p.m. Arrested, John Hawkesworth, 22, of 16 Mustang Ave., Marlborough, for marked lanes violation, possess open container of alcohol in MV, OUI liquor, revoked registration, uninsured motor vehicle.

Monday, Feb. 4

10:03 a.m. Prospect St. Harassment.

10:05 a.m. Springhill Ave. Larceny.

1:27 p.m. Arrested, Cesar Alexander Piedra, 34, of 6 Marien Ln., Marlborough, on warrant.

3:33 p.m. Versailles Threats.

4:15 p.m. Cook Ln. Disturbance.

4:28 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

6:26 p.m. Lakeside Ave. MVA with injuries.

9:59 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

Tuesday, Feb. 5

2:59 a.m. Lakeside Ave. Erratic operator.

5:01 a.m. Boston Post Road West. Disturbance.

6:43 a.m. D’Angelo Dr. MVA property damage only.

8:11 a.m. Royal Crest Dr. MVA property damage only.

8:20 a.m. Red Spring Rd. Disturbance.

12:01 p.m. Bartlett St. Larceny.

5:10 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Erratic operator.

6:27 p.m. Huntington Ave./Lincoln St. MVA property damage only.

8:27 p.m. Fairmount St. Disturbance.

11:43 p.m. Union St. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, Feb. 6

12:52 a.m. Mechanic St. Fraud/forgery.

5:25 a.m. East Main St. Disturbance.

Thursday, Feb. 7

9:12 a.m. Newton St. MVA property damage only.

12:12 p.m. Russell St. Suspicious activity.

12:52 p.m. Sawin St. Threats.

12:55 p.m. Arrested, Alvaro Gregorio Lopez, 26, of 224 West Main St., Apt. 6, Marlborough, on warrant.

3:57 p.m. Williams/Gleason Sts. MVA property damage only.

5:45 p.m. Concord Rd./Sudbury St. Erratic operator.

10:41 p.m. Arrested, Daniyomal Carmona-Diaz, 22, of 14 Estabrook Ave., Marlborough, for red light violation, unlicensed operation of MV, attaching wrong plates, uninsured motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, receive stolen motor vehicle.

10:56 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious MV.

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

Those holding gift cards urged to call Attorney General’s office

By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – A popular Marlborough restaurant, Allora Ristorante was shut down as of Feb. 7, leaving those who have gift cards to the restaurant, wondering what will happen next.

According to court documents, the restaurant, located at 139 Lakeside Ave, was ordered to shut its doors due to over $50,000 owed to property owner, Breazzanno Properties, Corp. of Sudbury, for back rent, taxes and water bills.

A sign currently posted on the door reads, “This restaurant has closed. Landlord has taken back control of property.”

Allora opened in 2007 in what previously had been home to two well-known restaurants, 109 Lakeside and The Oxford.

Calls to the restaurant owners and the property owner were not returned by deadline.

Last week the restaurant’s website posted “With great sadness, Allora Ristorante has closed its doors.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank our guests for their support over the past 12 years, many who we are proud to call our friends.”

Social media has been heating up as customers realized the restaurant had closed rather quickly. Tim Fong, the owner of Lavender, serving Asian cuisine, located in the Sudbury Plaza on Boston Post Road and Lavender Too in Framingham,  has confirmed that he’s interested in opening, what would be his third location, in Marlborough and that the Lakeside Avenue property is something he’s looking into.

If customers have gift cards, Bob Luz, president of the MA Restaurant Association said though he was “unaware” of Allora’s closing, people can contact the Attorney General’s office.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy & Response Division, Consumer Hotline is      617-727-8400.

By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer

Marlborough –   The City Council has approved a seven-year tax increment financing agreement (TIF) requested by Candela as it plans to move to vacant space at 251 Locke Drive. Candela is planning to move its headquarters and research and development operations from Wayland to Marlborough this year.

Candela is planning to bring 200 jobs to the Marlborough space and add 50 new jobs by 2020 and an additional 50 jobs by 2022, according to documents the company submitted to the state’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council.

The global aesthetic device company plans to lease 50,000 of the nearly 160,000 square feet at 251 Lock Drive. The entire building has sat vacant since Verizon moved out of the facility. Candela has stated that it intends to spend $5 million in in capital expenditures to build out the space to meet its needs and will move $1.5 million in research and development related equipment from Wayland.

“Investment in Marlborough means new job opportunities for our residents and additional tax revenue to ensure that the tax burden does not fall solely on our residents,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant in a letter to the City Council.

Candela’s technology allows for doctors to perform procedures including body contouring, hair removal, wrinkle reduction and tattoo removal.

The company does business is nearly 100 countries with offices in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK, Australia, China, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Marlborough – Pauline M Clement 89, lifelong resident of Marlborough, passed away Feb. 11, 2019, surrounded by family. She was the last of nine children.

Pauline worked at Diamond Shoe, Marlborough Footwear, and Rockport companies for over 45 years. She had many lifelong friendships.

She enjoyed country music, playing cards, Bingo and going to yard sales, most of all spending time with family.

Pauline was often seen walking downtown Marlborough and always refused a ride!

Pauline is survived by two sons, Stanley Clement and wife Stephanie and Steven Moura, and was predeceased by Florindo Moura and their daughter, Cynthia. Pauline has six grandchildren, Michael,Christie, Justin, Joshua Clement, Paige, Rachel Moura; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews and friends.

Pauline was truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, from 2-4 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough, followed by a service in the funeral home at 4 p.m.

By Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer

Marlborough– On February 2, more than 100 congregation members came together at the Immaculate Conception Parish for a celebration. In English, Spanish and Portuguese, they prayed a Rosary of thanksgiving, a Catholic devotion that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, the namesake of the church. The beautiful event was held to thank God that nobody was hurt and the church survived the accidental Jan. 20 fire that ripped through an upper part of the church.

The church, which was founded in 1854, has been coping with the fire’s aftermath with gratitude and faith. It has remained optimistic and has made strides in restoring the building.

“We always look with the eyes of faith,” Reverend Steven Clemence, the church’s pastor, said. “Instead of asking why, we always thank God and give thanks that God is bringing us together because of the fire.”

And the native of Brazil is also thankful for other things. Not only is he grateful that he and Reverend Andrea Filippucci, one of the church’s parochial vicars – who both ran toward the flames with a fire extinguisher after being notified by the church’s security monitoring company – escaped unharmed, he’s grateful that the church wasn’t destroyed. He said that firefighters told him that if the fire had raged for two to five minutes more, it would have been incinerated.

Although the upper sacristy (the area where the priests prepare for Mass) and everything in it, including vessels, books, vestments, the sound system and the lighting system, was consumed by the fire and the upper church and its organ, paintings, walls, lighting system and sound system incurred significant damages, the lower church was only affected by smoke, water and heating system problems. Restoration specialists were immediately brought in to clean the church.

“The church was closed for about a week,” Clemence said, adding that all Masses are being held again in the lower church, which is handicap accessible.

Since the restoration of the upper church will take several months and the damage is still being assessed, there will be more obstacles to overcome. But some of the greatest challenges have been emotional ones.

“We’re here to be open to serve the people,” Clemence said, noting that he was frustrated when he couldn’t devote more time to pastoral responsibilities. “I had to dedicate 100 percent to the issue of re-opening.”

He also explained that some items that were lost were tremendously meaningful to priests and the congregation. Some were items that had been given to the parish in memory of parishioners’ loved ones. Some were items that were treasured by the priests.

Clemence said that one of those items was an alb (a vestment worn during Mass) that he wore when he was ordained a priest in 2014.

“It always helped me to remember the first time I put it on,” Clemence recalled.

But he focuses on the blessings. Clemence appreciates the efforts of the fire departments of Marlborough, Hudson and Northborough, the hospitality of area priests and the encouragement and support of the community, including people such as Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Marlborough’s mayor, Arthur G. Vigeant.

“It was very touching how the whole community supported us,” Clemence shared, adding that in a sometimes divided world, compassion united people. “We are all children of God.”

By Lori Berkey, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – Ten years ago a group of oncology nurses sat down to figure out how to address the unmet needs they were witnessing every day among those affect by cancer. They decided to form a nonprofit organization, Cancer1 Source, to help bridge the gap. The agency they founded is situated on Cedar Hill Road in Marlborough, with the work they do helping people statewide.

Mary Lou Woodford, one of the organization’s founders, recalled that she and the other founders identified things the cancer patients and their families needed to be successful in their treatment plan that were not being provided. Many of the services they lacked were not covered by traditional insurance.

“As a group of oncology nurses,” Woodford said, “we hoped to make a difference by working with other nonprofits that help cancer patients. Our goal was to create one source where patients could go to access whatever they needed. This was our primary motivation for starting Cancer1Source.”

The mission of Cancer1Source is “to advocate and provide support for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship of cancer through patient assistance, education and research.”

The Cancer1Source team has organized and implemented numerous programs since its establishment. One service they started is the provision of breast prosthetics for women who have had a mastectomy and are unable to afford implants. They also set up an arrangement for patients to access relevant and current cancer information and tools for cancer patients, families, and caregivers.

“One of our most rewarding initiatives has been our cancer genetic testing program,” Woodford said. “Prior to our program, low-income women in Massachusetts did not have access to cancer genetic testing.”

Cancer1Source has been offering genetic testing to anyone in Massachusetts who qualifies since the organization launched in 2009. To date, Cancer1Source has provided over $1 million in cancer genetic testing to state residents.

Woodford gave an example of how one family was helped by this service. A woman, she said, was diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago, and therefore did not have genetic testing. Her daughter and granddaughter wanted to know if they were carriers of the genetic mutation that puts them at greater risk for breast cancer. However, since the patient did not need this test for treatment, the testing is not covered by Medicare. The daughter could not have afforded the testing without the help of Cancer1Source.

According to Woodford, one of the agency’s key accomplishments is gaining approval from the Office of the Inspector General in the federal government to provide co-pay assistance. Helping people with services they may not be able to otherwise afford is what Woodford said drives her continued involvement with the organization.

As for the organization’s goals for the future, Woodford said she aspires “to continue helping residents of Massachusetts manage their cancer journey the best we can.”

Cancer1Source relies on donations and volunteers to provide all of their services. For more information, to donate or inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit the organization’s website, www.cancer1source.org.

Marlborough – Jeffrey A. “Jeff” Shown, 62, died surrounded by his family Feb. 16, 2019 after a long illness. He was the husband of Mary Schofield, to whom he was married for 16 years.

He was born in Alameda, Calif., the son of Terrence Shown of Oregon and Ann (Colpit) Shown of California, and lived in Hudson for many years before moving to Marlborough 40 years ago.

Jeff worked as CAD design engineer for BAE Systems in Lexington until being forced to stop working due to his health.

He was an avid motorcyclist and was a longtime member of the National HOG (Harley Owners Group). Jeff enjoyed golfing and was a longtime Patriots season ticket holder, owning ticket since 1987.

Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Shown and his wife Donna of Hudson and Alex Shown of Milford; two brothers, Ken Shown of Southbridge and Terry Shown of Florida; and one sister, Jennifer Hemmerly of Ohio. He was “Papa” to three grandchildren, Olivia, Chloe and Eliana, and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, at 10 a.m., at Saint Bernadette’s Church, 266 Main St., Northborough. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, from 5-8 p.m., in the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St. Marlborough.

Memorial contributions can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Program in Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors (Multidisciplinary Center), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Marlborough – Victoria M. (Butler) Gavin, 66, of Marlborough, died Feb. 13, 2019 at Marlborough Hospital. She was the wife of Edward J. Gavin for the past 27 years.

She was born in Nahant, the daughter of the late Theodore and Shirley (Mason) Butler, and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, class of 1969. She was a medical transcriptionist for Boston Children’s Hospital for the last 20 years.

She enjoyed the beach, mountains, long drives with her husband Ed, and loved to gaze at the stars. She also enjoyed crocheting and quilting.

Besides her husband, she leaves a son, Ethan M.E. Gavin of Marlborough; two daughters, Sarah L. Bernardi of Marlborough and Amanda L. Gavin of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; three sisters, Rosamond Puleo of Nahant, Carolyn Arduini of Montreal and Sandra Rhodes of Texas; and many nephews and nieces.

A private celebration of Victoria’s life will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.

Marlborough

Friday, Feb. 8

9:30 a.m. East Main St. MVA property damage only.

11:30 a.m. West Main St. Suspicious activity.

1:51 p.m. East Main St. Larceny.

2:14 p.m. Granger Blvd. MVA property damage only.

2:17 p.m. Wagon Hill Rd. Fraud/forgery.

8:44 p.m. East Main St. Disturbance.

9:26 p.m. Hayden St. Erratic operator.

Saturday, Feb. 9

1:40 a.m. Jefferson St. Suspicious MV.

1:43 a.m. Hosmer St. Suspicious MV.

10:01 a.m. Bolton St./Blaiswood Ave. MVA property damage only.

11:16 a.m. Arrested, Christopher C. Colwell, 60, of 31 Medway St., Norfolk, on warrant.

11:48 a.m. Towne Laundry. Disturbance.

2:22 p.m. Florence St. MVA property damage only.

3:22 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

5:26 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

5:28 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Disturbance.

7:23 p.m. Oakcrest Ave. Fraud/forgery.

9:01 p.m. Fairmount/Onamog Sts. Disturbance.

10:49 p.m. Berlin Rd. Burglary/B&E past.

Sunday, Feb. 10

1:06 a.m. Arrested, Maria G. Karalis, 54, of 125 S Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, on warrant.

10:03 a.m. Farm Rd. Fraud/forgery.

10:49 a.m. Maple St. Disturbance.

3:33 p.m. Apex Dr. MVA property damage only.

4:48 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

4:52 p.m. Arrested, Ashley Mae Dodge, 25, of 460 Boston Post Road East, Apt. B705, Marlborough, on warrant, shoplifting by asportation.

9:51 p.m. Cotting Ave. Disturbance.

11:24 p.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Suspicious activity.

Monday, Feb. 11

4:07 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Suspicious activity.

8:16 a.m. Dalton/Berlin Rds. Suspicious MV.

9:18 a.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

10:46 a.m. Northboro Road East. Larceny.

11:09 a.m. Main St. Larceny.

1:48 p.m. Martin St. Fraud/forgery.

3:40 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Assault.

4:28 p.m. Boston Post Road West. MVA property damage only.

5:02 p.m. Arnold St. Annoying phone calls.

6:49 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Larceny.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

4:07 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Suspicious activity.

6:55 a.m. Lincoln St. MVA property damage only.

11:19 a.m. Bolton St. Suspicious activity.

12:09 p.m. Schofield Dr. Larceny.

1:26 p.m. Union St. Threats.

1:37 p.m. Ames St. MVA with injuries.

2:54 p.m. Church St. MVA property damage only.

4:04 p.m. Weed/Florence Sts. MVA property damage only.

5:41 p.m. Hosmer St. MVA property damage only.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

12:08 a.m. Union St. Disturbance.

12:20 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

8:23 a.m. Concord Rd. MVA with injuries.

8:55 a.m. Arrested, David Donizete Dossantos, 34, of 63 Arthur St., Apt. 5, Quincy, on warrant.

10:20 a.m. Apex Dr. Larceny.

12:37 p.m. Gaucher Cir. Fraud/forgery.

12:58 p.m. Glen St. Harassment.

1:20 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

5:22 p.m. Main St. Disturbance.

7:20 p.m. Bolton St. MVA property damage only.

9:10 p.m. Main St. Disturbance.

10:14 p.m. Apex Dr. Suspicious activity.

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

Marlborough – The Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St., is offering free upcoming special events for kids and teens.

On Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 10-11 a.m., children ages 3 and up with a caregiver can enjoy a drop-in craft with Ms. Tricia.

A Portuguese story time and craft with Ms. Larissa will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, from 11-11:45 a.m. For ages 3 and up. No registration necessary.

Teens in grades 6 to 12 are welcome to the new Manga and Anime Club Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Talk about your favorite manga and anime series, make series recommendations for the library’s collection, and share your input about what this club should be. Registration appreciated, but not required.

For more information, call 508-624-6900.

For times and days of events, or to register online, visit the calendar of events at http://bit.ly/MarlboroughLibraryEvents.

Marlborough – On Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., the Marlborough Historical Society will present “The Steam Coffin” at the Peter Rice Homestead, 377 Elm St., Marlborough. This event is free and refreshments will be served. Parking is directly across the street.

John Laurence Busch, author of “Steam Coffin” will tell an incredible tale of the first Steamship – the “Savannah.” Busch is an independent historian who focuses upon the interaction between humanity and technology, with a particular specialization in the first generation of steam-powered vessels. He has devoted years of research to discovering the true story of Captain Moses Rogers and the steamship “Savannah.”

In 1807, a brilliant, creative, and controversial American by the name of Robert Fulton declared his intent to build an experimental “steamboat,” which would be used to initiate a continuous passenger service between New York City and Albany, New York. With the success of his North River Steam Boat, Fulton showed that it was possible for a person to use an artificial power to alter both their location and the amount of time it took to change it.

Moses was one of the first steamboat captains in history, taking command of one of Fulton’s first rivals, the “Phoenix.” In the years immediately following Fulton’s success, running these steamboats on rivers, lakes and bays became a normal and accepted part of American life. But taking such a vessel on a voyage across the ocean was a different proposition altogether. Experienced mariners didn’t think it could be done. These early steamboats, they declared, were just too flimsy and unwieldy to withstand the dangers of the deep.

But Moses believed otherwise. Combining his knowledge of the old mode of transport (sail) with the new mode of transport (steam), he set out to design a vessel that was capable of overcoming the many perils of the sea. This craft would be not a “steamboat,” but a “steamship,” the first of its kind.

Marlborough – Sister Yvonne Millman, 74, (Sr. M. Susan Margaret), a Sister of St Anne, died February 16, 2019 in Marie Esther Health Center in this city.

A Marlborough native, she was the youngest of three daughters born to George and Regina (Martel) Millman. She was a graduate of the former St. Anne Academy, joined the Sisters of St. Anne in Marlborough and pronounced vows in 1964.

She began her teaching ministry in schools staffed by the Sisters in Worcester, Easthampton, Holyoke, Webster, and Ludlow in Massachusetts and in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Sister Yvonne earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Anna Maria College (Paxton) and a graduate degree in Religious Education from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. She was a certified Pastoral Associate and Spiritual Director.

In more recent years, faith education brought Sister Yvonne to Parish ministry and Religious Education. During this time, in addition to her regular parish roles, she also implemented ‘’Protecting God’s Children,’’ a child sexual abuse protection plan and trained in ‘’Rainbows,” a children’s bereavement program.

Sister Yvonne was involved with Interfaith Clergy groups, the RCIA, and coordinated hospital visitation and other outreach services. She served as Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at the Chapel of the Nativity in Barrington, N.H., and at St. Charles parish in Meredith, N.H. She was a Pastoral Associate at Immaculate Conception Parish in Marlborough and at St. Michael Parish in Hudson.  When she retired, she was the Director of Religious education at St. Mary Parish in North Grafton.

Always ready to serve, Sr. Yvonne accepted to be a member of the Sisters of St. Anne Associates Coordinating Team, and a member of the Leadership team’s administrative council. She enjoyed a variety of interests especially times spent with family and friends, travel, baking, music and poetry.

Sister Yvonne was predeceased by her parents and her two sisters, Jean Babcock and Beverly Jutras. She will be grieved by her dear uncle, Norman Martel, and her nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, numerous cousins, much loved friends and colleagues, and her family of the Sisters of St. Anne.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 3:30 – 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. at St. Anne Convent, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m., in the convent Chapel, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752, or to a charity of your choice.

Marlborough – Six youth and two adults from St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Marlborough, headed south for the February school break. Rather than a typical tropical vacation destination, their goal was Washington, DC, where they not only engaged in traditional volunteering at a food bank and a soup kitchen, but also spent a full day on Capitol Hill. While there, they met with ELCA Advocacy, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s ministry that works for change in public policy through political channels on behalf of biblical values such as peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease.

“This year’s mission trip demonstrates a changing understanding of youth education in the ELCA,” said Pastor Joseph Graumann, who along with youth leader Sarah Maston, chaperoned the group that included Zach, Caitlyn, and Samantha Gogan, Emily Haley, Abby Maston and Emma Keledjian. In addition to finding out about the church’s priorities in Washington, the group met with their local elected officials and had a full tour of the Capitol.

Also on the agenda for the five-day trip was a visit to Luther Place Memorial Church, built in Washington, DC in 1873 as a memorial to peace and reconciliation following the Civil War. The neo-Gothic building resembles the shape of a ship, and is well known for its stained glass windows picturing twelve reformers. Luther Place has renovated neighborhood row houses, opened its doors to the homeless and later formed and worked with a multi-denominational coalition to open a facility to shelter and house people in need, and founded the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, now a national program that places hundreds of volunteers with social-justice oriented organizations.

For more information about St. Stephen Lutheran Church, visit www.saintstephenlutheran.com  or the church’s Facebook page.

By Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – The Marlborough High School Panthers girls’ basketball team defeated the Grafton High School Indians by a score of 64-35 Feb. 25, in a first round Central Mass. Division 2 playoff game.

Marlborough’s Lucy Cappadona was the game’s top scorer with 24 points, while Leanne Wydom scored 12 and Ciara Shanahan scored 10.

Jenna Gordon led Grafton’s scoring with 11 points, while Haley Nielson and Abigail Rogers both scored 9.

Marlborough advances to play Groton-Dunstable on Thursday evening, Feb. 28, while Grafton concludes their season with an overall record of 10-11.

photos/Jeff Slovin

Marlborough

Thursday, Feb. 14

8:44 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

8:51 a.m. Boston Post Road East. MVA property damage only.

2:45 p.m. Union St. Threats.

2:46 p.m. Union St. Assault.

3:24 p.m. Lizotte Dr. Vandalism.

4:30 p.m. Westboro Rd. MVA property damage only.

5:13 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

6:30 p.m. Hayden St. Well-being check.

8:43 p.m. Lincoln St. Disturbance.

10:59 p.m. Washington St. Suspicious MV.

Friday, Feb. 15

4:12 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious activity.

10:28 a.m. Stone Hill Rd. Larceny.

11:20 a.m. Lakeside Ave. Larceny.

2:10 p.m. Union St. Threats.

3:39 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Assault.

4:40 p.m. Arrested, Lisa J. Ford, 49, of 137 Howe St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, on warrant.

6:46 p.m. Arrested, Daphne Debrosse, 29, of 9648 Boca Garden Cir. N, Apt. B, Boca Raton, Fla., for identity fraud, larceny over $1,200 by single scheme, forgery of document, attempted larceny by single scheme, receive stolen property -$1,200.

Saturday, Feb. 16

12:44 a.m. Arrested, Marclesio Texeira Dasilva, 26, of 45 Boston Post Road East, Apt. 7, Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended.

8:02 a.m. Boston Post Road East. MVA with injuries.

9:43 a.m. Algosi Rd. Suspicious activity.

12:51 p.m. Rice St. Suspicious activity.

5:38 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Parking violation.

10:37 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

Sunday, Feb. 17

12:09 a.m. Harvard St. Disturbance.

12:10 a.m. Highland St. Assault.

6:14 a.m. Lincoln St. MVA property damage only.

11:13 a.m. Maple St. Disturbance.

2:32 p.m. Christie Way. Harassment.

4:20 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Disturbance.

Monday, Feb. 18

2:19 a.m. Lincoln St. Animal complaint.

8:52 a.m. Linda Cir. MVA property damage only.

12:14 p.m. Newton St. Fraud/forgery.

1:06 p.m. Boston Post Road East/Peters Ave. MVA property damage only.

2:46 p.m. Elm St. Harassment.

7:45 p.m. Bolton St. Larceny.

Tuesday, Feb. 19

3:45 a.m. Framingham Rd. Suspicious MV.

11:24 a.m. Boston Post Road West. MVA property damage only.

12:51 p.m. West Main St. Larceny.

1:36 p.m. Arrested, Joshua A. Mossey, 26, homeless, on warrant.

2:52 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Disturbance.

4:20 p.m. Mill Street South. MVA property damage only.

6:10 p.m. Lincoln St. MVA property damage only.

6:22 p.m. Applewood Dr. Fraud/forgery.

Wednesday, Feb. 20

8:17 a.m. Northboro Road East. Assault.

11:11 a.m. Muir Way. Fraud/forgery.

12:05 p.m. East Main St. Fraud/forgery.

12:21 p.m. East Main St. Fraud/forgery.

2:14 p.m. Applewood Dr. Harassment.

2:56 p.m. Cotting Ave. Disturbance.

4:01 p.m. Ash St. Suspicious activity.

5:58 p.m. Farm Rd. Suspicious MV.

10:53 p.m. Arnold Street Ext. Suspicious MV.

Thursday, Feb. 21

5:29 a.m. Lincoln/Bond Sts. MVA property damage only.

8:43 a.m. Boundary St. MVA property damage only.

1:43 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Vandalism.

3:06 p.m. Witherbee Ter. Disturbance.

4:28 p.m. Florence St. MVA property damage only.

5:08 p.m. Lincoln St. Suspicious activity.

5:18 p.m. Pioneer Trl. Harassment.

Friday, Feb. 22

12:17 a.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Auto theft.

1:05 a.m. Ames Pl. Suspicious activity.

4:20 a.m. Wakefield Rd. Animal complaint.

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

By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – Former Marlborough Community Development Agency (MCDA) Director Doug Bushman said many colleagues in city government would openly suggest during his tenure that his was the easiest job in town. He agreed

“It was easy because of my staff,” he said. “It all comes down to the team that you build.”

Over seven years before he left for a new position in Fitchburg, Bushman hauled in an estimated $13 million in state and federal funding for an array of projects. His agency completed renovations on the Main Street and Bolton Street housing complexes it oversees and, before he left, had already secured $5.5 million to pay for work on the Eisenhower-era Pleasant Street complex.

Among other work, Bushman also recently helped score an $800,000 community development block grant, a first for the city since 2011.

As he was the entity on the phone with lawmakers to win funding like that, Bushmen defers at least some credit to the staff of which he speaks so highly.
“I gave them the tools to succeed,” he said. “[Then] I got out of their way. They were able to do their jobs and I was able to do mine which was grab as much resources and make sure that once the money came in, that the money was spent.”

Indeed, Bushman does pride himself in the hiring decisions he made and the “tens of thousands of dollars” he subsequently devoted to funding programs to educate his staff.

That type of leadership that values education is a style from which he personally benefited at the beginning of his own career working in public housing in 1997 in New Briton Conn.. There, he went to graduate school where his then current boss from the New Briton Housing Authority doubled as his professor.

That style of leadership is one Bushman could instill largely because he said he feels he was able to come in to Marlborough and put his personal stamp on the department rather quickly after taking control.

Some of those facts, however are also why he decided to leave the city late last year for his Fitchburg job.

There, Fitchburg, which is three times Marlborough’s size, had recently separated its housing authority from what was a joint authority with Leominster.

“It’s very rare for a public administrator to be given twin challenges: a much larger agency to run, and almost relatively a brand new agency [that you can make your mark on],” he said. “Those were two things that are very difficult to turn down.”

Still, though, leaving Marlborough, Bushman was quick to say, was an immensely challenging decision. As he does leave it behind, he continues to thank his former colleagues, and look forward to replicating what he had in Marlborough in future jobs.

“The seven year run was just phenomenal,” he said. “I look back and I hope it’s not the high point of my career, but it was a great run.”

By Valerie Franchi, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – A young nonprofit collaborative organization is providing assistance to Brazilian residents in Marlborough and throughout the Metrowest region. ProGente Connections offers Portuguese and English language classes, education on immigrants’ rights and advocacy, and opportunities for cross-cultural experiences.

Seven religious entities came together in 2014 to create ProGente, including the Bethel Presbyterian Church in Marlborough, two New England ministries, and four Episcopal churches in Hudson, Framingham, Walpole and Medway.

According to Executive Director Lori Mills-Curran, there is certainly a need for the organization, considering the large population of Brazilian residents in Massachusetts.

She noted that, while it is impossible to know the exact population of Brazilian residents, the U.S. Census Bureau has named the Boston metropolitan area as the region with the third-highest population in the country. And, according to the website ePodunk that profiles communities in the United States, Framingham ranks fourth-highest among U.S. cities and towns with Brazilian populations, and Marlborough is ranked 10^th.

“ProGente means ‘for the people’ in Portuguese,” she said, which describes the group’s grass roots approach.

The organization’s Português Plus program is a language and heritage program for children ages 5-14. Led by a small group of dedicated teachers, classes are held in Marlborough and Framingham on Saturdays throughout the school year from September to June. The classes focus on Brazilian culture and geography, with art, music, crafts, folklore, and drama. To encourage participation, fees are kept low, just $55 per month with discounts for families with multiple children, and scholarships are offered.

Like all of the program’s teachers, Marlborough resident Marta Abrenhosa Dos Santos was educated in Brazil. She moved to the U.S. about 20 years ago, and after having her son, decided teaching Portuguese was what she wanted to do.

“I had friends who were proud that their children didn’t speak Portuguese,” she recalled. “That didn’t sound right. I thought they should be staying in touch with their heritage.”

Without any formal training, she dedicated some of her time to teaching her son Portuguese beginning when he was 4 years old. Now 19 and in college, he is finding that being bilingual has advantages in the work force.

“It has opened up opportunities for him,” Dos Santos said.

After this experience, she decided that she wanted to help bring the Portuguese language and culture to more Brazilian-American children.

In 2014, she joined Português Plus as an intern, and also interned at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in the Portuguese as a Second Language program. She found it difficult to find a Portuguese language teaching degree program in the U.S., so she earned her bachelor’s degree online through a Brazilian university in 2015. The same year, she was hired as a regular teacher for Portuguese Plus.

She teaches children ages 4 to 6, the first of three levels offered. She said the children love to learn and she loves encouraging an interest in their heritage.

“I believe it is a gift to give to the kids,” she said, adding that it allows them to develop stronger relationships with their family members still living in Brazil.

The teachers also have the children participate in events that help keep the culture alive, such as traditional songs, dances and plays. ProGente also holds an annual gala and celebrates Festa Junina, the traditional Brazilian harvest festival in June. Dos Santos said the children in her class love to watch classic Brazilian cartoons as well.

She now has a 4-year-old daughter and Dos Santos intends to make sure she learns her native language and heritage.

“It is important that our heritage continues with the young people,” she noted.

The organization received startup funds from the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, but they are in need of donations to continue their work.

For more information or to donate, visit www.pgcmetrowest.org.