Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• School Committee Discusses AB Forward and Enrollment, Vote Expected on January 22
• Community Preservation Committee Votes to Approve Six CPA Projects
• Boxborough to Host Annual Winterfest on January 31
• Mark Your Calendars, Boxborough Voters: Two Town Meetings and Two Town Elections
• Select Board Discusses Property Tax Bill Error, Special Town Meeting & Special Town Election
• Town of Boxborough Concludes No Operational “Override” Needed
• Finance Committee Votes Warrant Articles for Special Town Meeting
• Planning Board Unanimously Approves OSCD Special Permit for The Park at Beaver Brook
• Holocaust Remembrance Day Speaker Coming to Sargent Memorial Library

 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns. 

  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• A Conversation with Barbara Shapokas, Fine Artist
• Select Board December Meeting Recap: Town Meeting “Clickers” and Police Department Staffing
• Meditations with Ann: The New Year
• Finance Committee and Select Board Meet for “Budget Saturday”
• New Year Resolutions: Help Us Make Boxborough News Better
• Annual Census (Street Listing) Sent to All Boxborough Residents
• Housing Board Discusses Status of Affordable Unit on Summer Road
• Finance Committee Addresses Property Tax Bill Error
• Sustainability Committee Discusses Climate Action Plan, 2026 Priorities
• FSBC Recommends 984 Mass Ave for Fire Station, Town To Vote in March

 If you live or work in Boxborough, it’s likely that you’ve driven through the intersection of
Massachusetts Ave and Stow Road. There, on the second floor of the 1832 brick building on the
corner, is The Art Studio – the gallery and workspace of fine artist Barbara Shapokas.
  Many of Shapokas’ paintings on display against the building’s historic beams will look familiar to Boxborough residents: “Ice House, Steele Farm: February Light,” “Boxborough Town Line,”
“Barn on Stow Road,” and “Steele Farm: Late August.”
  Originally a self-described “city girl” from New York, Shapokas has lived in and painted
Boxborough for the past two decades.
  Flagg Hill Conservation Area is Shapokas’ favorite place to go for inspiration. “I’ll go…with my
colors and sketch book,” she explains. “I’ll photograph and sketch… I’ll sit in my car if it rains or
snows and watch the beauty of the landscape happen.” She paints, usually with pastels, in her
studio.
  About ten years ago, Shapokas began renting the second floor at 25A Stow Road. She opened The Art Studio and taught painting classes before the Covid pandemic, then closed for several years until its end.
  Now, she teaches private classes to high school students as well as “mature artists.” She is
considering teaching remote painting classes and potentially hosting an “art talk” group session
for artists to talk through artistic challenges. 
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

At its meeting on January 6, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) addressed a citizen’s concern regarding an error in the recent property tax bills showing past due balances from the second quarter.  
  FinCom members asked Boxborough Finance Director Hoghoa Le to explain how the error could have occurred. Le said she believed that while property taxes were paid by residents, the Treasurer/Collector’s office failed to post payments in Vadar, a software program used by the town to track revenues and expenses. Digging deeper, FinCom members asked what methods are used to reconcile taxes collected in each quarter versus revenues recorded in Vadar and suggested that the town consider an audit of the Treasurer/Collector’s office to level set the department. 
  Boxborough News followed up with the Treasurer/Collector’s office and learned that the only residents affected were those that mailed their property tax payments to the lockbox facility used by the town. 
  The lockbox is a bank-operated facility that receives payments through the mail and deposits the funds in the town’s bank account. An electronic file is then sent to the town and uploaded into Vadar by town employees. The second quarter property taxes were not uploaded to the town’s software and, consequently, when the tax bills went out in December, it showed a balance due for the second quarter added into the third quarter tax bill.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

At their meeting on January 8, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted to recommend 984 Mass Ave as the best location to build the town’s new fire station.
  The Committee voted unanimously to ask the Boxborough Select Board to place two articles on the March 9, 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant. The first article asks voters to approve the town’s purchase of 984 Mass Ave for $2.4 million. The second article asks voters to approve $2.8 million in funding for the next step of the fire station project, the “design and bid” phase. These two funding requests will also require a separate ballot vote, scheduled for March 17.
  The FSBC met twice in one week, on January 5 and 8, to compare the three remaining sites under consideration: 984 Mass Ave, 1300 Mass Ave, and 72 Stow Road.
  At the end of the January 5 meeting, the FSBC voted unanimously to remove 1300 Mass Ave from consideration. On January 8, the Committee reconvened to decide between the remaining properties – 984 Mass Ave and 72 Stow Road.
  Although the conceptual cost of building a fire station at the 72 Stow Road property is estimated to be $2.6 million cheaper than building at 984 Mass Ave, all committee members were in favor of recommending 984 Mass Ave. The stated reasons for choosing 984 Mass Ave included the fact that it is closer to areas of town that are more densely populated; that it is the Fire Chief’s preferred site; and that it is located on Mass Ave and thus would be more “visible.”
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Finance Committee Reports Actual FY26 Tax Rate “Slightly Higher” Than Estimated
• Zoning Board Approves Special Permit Application for “Building Trade” Use at 975 Mass Ave.
• Boxborough Board Briefs: Planning Board and Housing Board
• Land Stewards and Boy Scouts Preserve Access on Have Not Pond Trail
• Community Preservation Committee Holds Public Hearing on Six Final CPA Fund Requests
• School Committee Begins Discussion on Final Four AB Forward Options
• Select Board Discusses FY2027 Budget and “Clickers” for Town Meeting
• Town Hosts Back-to-Back Holiday Celebrations, Invites Volunteers to Light Town Menorah December 15-22
• Sustainability Matters: Wrapping It Up

 

  At its meeting on December 8, the Boxborough Select Board heard a preliminary budget presentation by town administration and discussed whether the town will need to pursue a Proposition 2 ½  override.
  At its last meeting on November 24, the Board had discussed the likelihood that Boxborough would need a Proposition 2 ½ override next year and voted unanimously to direct the Town Administrator to prepare two draft budgets, one assuming that the override vote passes and one as a contingency in case the override vote were to fail.
  After hearing the town’s budget presentation, Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg opined that because the preliminary “A Budget” appears to come in under the levy limit, the town may not need to pursue a Proposition 2 ½ override and may not need an alternative “B Budget.”
  Finance Committee (FinCom) Chair Tony Newton cautioned that there are “a lot of unknowns” at this point in the budget process and that it is too early to conclude that an override is not needed. The budget process will continue with the town’s “Budget Saturday” meeting on Saturday, January 3.
  The Board also heard a presentation from Town Clerk Becky Harris about potentially implementing an electronic voting system (also known as “clickers”) for a future Town Meeting. Harris, on behalf of herself and Town Moderator Dennis Reip, recommended that the town not pursue electronic voting at this time due to the financial and logistical costs not outweighing the potential benefits.
  However, several Board members expressed their support for electronic voting, noting that it may make proceedings more efficient and may decrease the “peer pressure” of public voting, allowing voters to “vote their true preference.” The Board asked Harris for additional information, which she is expected to bring to the Board’s next meeting on December 22.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

On Saturday, December 6, the Boxborough Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC) hosted the town’s annual tree lighting at the Boxborough fire station. An estimated 350 people came out to join the countdown, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and listen to the Blanchard BrassWind Ensemble and Blanchard Chorus. Kids made ornaments, got their faces painted, and rushed to get a candy cane from Santa Claus when he arrived by fire truck.
  “It was a great event,” PCCC Chair Jennette Kollman reported at the Select Board meeting on the following Monday. “We had 40 gallons of hot chocolate and none left over.”
  On Sunday, December 14, the PCCC will kick off the second annual town menorah lighting, also at the fire station. On the first night, the PCCC will light the menorah at 5 p.m. with complimentary refreshments and a craft table for kids.
   “I'm excited to see this celebration grow in our second year of hosting a town menorah lighting,” said Kollman. It's a great opportunity to bring the entire Boxborough community together to celebrate this festive holiday.” The town’s menorah was designed, built, and donated to the town last year by the Kollmann-Klein family.
  On subsequent nights, from December 15-22, local families will lead the lighting at 6 p.m. each night. To help light the menorah, email the PCCC at pccc@boxborough-ma.gov.
  “It's a fantastic way to share your Hanukkah traditions with our Boxborough community,” said Kollman. “It's also a giant menorah that is a lot of fun to light with your neighbors!”
     This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

This fall, a team of local scouts partnered with the Boxborough Land Stewards to reinforce one of the wettest sections of the Have Not Pond trail, installing new boardwalks that will improve access for hikers year-round. The collaboration brought together community volunteers of different ages with a shared goal to preserve access to Boxborough's natural spaces.
  Land Steward Dave Barnett explained that the site had long struggled with flooding. "Both sides of the board were flooded, so it was clear that work had to be done," he said. When water levels finally receded, scout Will Mucci, his father, and another scout used wood from Steele Farm to build new boardwalk sections and stabilized them with rocks gathered on site. "Will worked on the biggest, the wettest spot I know of," Barnett added.
  The collaboration began when the scouts reached out for service hours connected to conservation. Barnett, a retired ecologist, sees these partnerships as essential to keeping trails accessible. "Boardwalks are key to preserving the public's ability to enjoy the meadows and wetlands," he said. He also noted that climate change and invasive species are increasing the workload for stewards and volunteers.
     This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Water Resource Committee Considers Further Studies of Water Quality
• Recreation Commission to Explore Cricket Field at Flerra Field
• School Committee Votes FY27 Budget Guidelines, Hears Enrollment Report
• Select Board Discusses Town Budget Policy, Override
• Meditations with Ann: “Pick Up Leaves” Exercise
• Local Students To Compete in FIRST LEGO League Challenge
• Planning Board, Select Board Receive Updates on Boxborough2030 Master Plan, Climate Action Plan
• AB Forward Steering Committee Advances Four Reorganization Options to School Committee
• Emergency Generator to be Installed at Sargent Memorial Library
• FSBC Begins Drafting Warrant Articles While Waiting for Site Study Results

 

On December 2, the AB Forward Steering Committee, with an audience of roughly 60 people, voted to send four district reorganization options to the School Committee for further consideration: Options 3v2 (close Merriam school, maintain five K-6 schools), Option 4 (merge Merriam and McCarthy-Towne schools, maintain five K-6 schools), Option 5v2 (partial grade-band model), and Option 6 (consolidate to three K-6 schools).
  These four options were chosen from a list of thirteen possible district reorganization options developed by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District’s consultant DM Group in connection with the “AB Forward” strategic planning and reorganization initiative.
  The AB Forward Steering Committee includes administrators, school committee members, educators, and parents and is charged with guiding the district’s work with the consultant.
  Notably for the Boxborough community, Option 5v1 will not move forward to the School Committee. Option 5v1, the “full grade-band” model, would have converted Blanchard Memorial School, the district’s only elementary school located in Boxborough, into a school for only Pre-K and Kindergarten students – with students moving to other schools for grades 1-3 and 4-6. Steering Committee members noted that they had heard significant opposition to Option 5v1 from the Boxborough and Blachard communities.
  Throughout their discussion, committee members grappled with the concept of student disruption and debated whether to prioritize minimal student disruption at the risk of inequitable impact or prioritize equity at the risk of more widespread disruption.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

In early November, Town Administrator Mike Johns received the news that $100,000 in state funds have been earmarked for the purchase and installation of an emergency generator at the Sargent Memorial Library.
  A team from the Town, including Library Director Peishan Bartley, DPW Director Ed Kukkula, DPW Building and Grounds Team Leader Fran Flynn, Police Chief John Szewczyk and Fire Chief John Kivlan worked with State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Dan Sena for over a year to secure the funding for the emergency generator.
  In response to a request for comment, Johns stated that the emergency generator is needed to establish the library as a “continuity of operations location to run municipal government and a cooling/warming center, as well as a place where families can gather and charge personal devices in case of emergency during Town power loss.” 
  “The only other municipal facilities with backup generators are the police and fire departments, but they are not large enough to serve as an emergency operations center (EOC) for public safety,” Johns said. “...the “library, as the more modern facility, is much better suited for the generator than Town Hall.”
  Planning has been underway since 2024, when the town used $10,000 of “American Rescue Plan Act” (ARPA) funds to do the electrical design work for the generator. According to Johns, the $100,000 earmark will completely cover the acquisition and installation of the generator. Johns said that the town is beginning work on the request for proposal (RFP) and will bid the work “as soon as possible.” Installation will “hopefully be complete by spring.”
      This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

In a joint meeting of the Boxborough Select Board and the Boxborough Planning Board on Monday, December 1, Town Planner Alec Wade and Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson presented on the Boxborough 2030 Master Plan progress and the Boxborough Climate Action Priority Plan, respectively.
  Wade began by defining what a master plan is, giving a brief history of Boxborough’s Master Plan, and outlining the progress that has been achieved to date. A master plan, Wade said, “is the comprehensive roadmap that every community sets forth to become what it wishes to be…Boxborough is committed to being a rural and engaged community–that means maintaining the rural character that we always talk about, while continuing to provide a community that’s engaging for a diverse range of populations.”
  Originally written in 2002 and updated in 2015 as “Boxborough2030”, the town’s vision for 2030, Wade explained that the Master Plan sets both aspirational and tangible goals for the community and proposes actions and timelines to implement those goals.
  According to the 2026 Annual Progress Report, currently in development and scheduled to be published in early 2026, the success of a Master Plan can be measured by the number of actions completed and in progress. Wade explained that a total of 125 action items were developed in 2015, and he noted that 86% of the Plan has been “engaged,” meaning that goals have either been “completed” or are “in progress.” He then highlighted “2025 Areas of Success,” which included actions by the Economic Development Committee, the Sustainability Committee, and the Sargent Memorial Library.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Town Will Honor Boxboro Regency at Annual Tree Lighting Celebration December 6
• Town Administrator Michael Johns Reflects on Three Years in Boxborough
• AB Forward Steering Committee Votes to Eliminate Five Reorganization Options
• Finance Committee: Town Will Seek Operational Override of Proposition 2 ½ for Fiscal Year 2027
• FSBC Receives Site Reports, Awaits Further Site Study Results
• Blanchard Principal Mike Votto Sleeps on School Roof
• Library Revives Cookbook Club for Potluck Gatherings
• Planning Board Approves 975 Mass Ave Contractor Storage Facility

 

On Saturday, December 6, the Boxborough Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC) will host Boxborough’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration starting at 4 p.m.
  For the second year in a row, the town will light the evergreen green in front of the Boxborough Fire Station, 502 Mass Ave.
  This year, the PCCC has invited representatives from the Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center (242 Adams Place) to flip the switch and light the tree.
  “We are lucky to be part of Boxborough’s tight knit community,” said Boxboro Regency General Manager Christina Phanord in response to a request for comment. “Over the years our team at the Boxboro Regency has worked with the community through good and difficult times, and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship.  We are honored to be asked to light the tree at Boxborough’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration this year.  We are thankful to be part of this supportive community, and we are excited to be lighting the tree to kick off the holiday season!”
  After the tree is lit, students from Blanchard Memorial School will perform holiday tunes and student volunteers from a “Destination Imagination” STEM team will host a face painting table and a craft table, where kids will be invited to decorate wooden ornaments. Cookies and hot chocolate will also be provided.
  Once the music concludes, Santa Claus will make his way down Mass Ave by fire truck and arrive at the station to greet children and give out candy canes.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

Three years ago, Town Administrator Michael Johns arrived in Boxborough with a firm belief in an “open door policy.” Three years later, he still stands by it. “Any resident, business owner, staff member, or board or committee member can call or stop by any time…it’s important to maintain communication.”
  So how often does he get an unexpected knock at the door? “Every day” says Johns, “and I welcome that… I welcome any and all interaction. It does come with a price, and that’s ‘time’ – the weeks spill over into the weekend. But that’s okay… it comes back to passion… and the passion I have for this job.”
  Johns lives in Wrentham; he commutes 50 minutes to Boxborough and 50 minutes back home each day. But Boxborough’s “community culture” drew him in.
  Boxborough is “welcoming and collaborative” said Johns. The Town Hall staff have collaborative relationships with the volunteer boards, and the boards have collaborative relationships with the many engaged residents. The Boxborough community “knows what it values and knows what it wants to be,” even if the community “sometimes disagrees on how to get there,” Johns observed.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

On the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, with temperatures near freezing, Blanchard Memorial Principal Mike Votto climbed a shaky extension ladder to the roof of the school where a nylon tent and sleeping bag awaited him. True to his word, Principal Votto slept overnight on the roof of the school to fulfill his promise to the students, who raised over $25,000 for the Blanchard PTF’s “Fun Run” fundraiser to benefit the school.
  And while the kids had a pleasant 60-degree day in October for the Fun Run, it was mid-November by the time Votto had a clear spot on his calendar to complete the task. The days were getting short, the nights were getting cold, and Votto wanted to fulfill his promise while it was still fresh in the students’ minds. Winter was coming. Finally, last week, Votto cleared his schedule and set up the overnight adventure.
  Were there any surprises? “Yes,” Principal Votto recalls, “first there was the media coverage!  Channel 5 came out the night of the event, Channel 7 was there in the morning when I waved to the buses from the roof, and the Boston Globe even covered it.  Then there was the flaky WiFi coverage. I set up a Read Aloud over Zoom with over 100 students joining, but the connection up there was so bad the kids couldn’t see the pictures.  And there was wildlife, too.” At least one bat knocked on the tent during the night, inspecting the rooftop stranger.
  In all, Votto, who has never camped out in freezing weather before, said the event was exciting and fulfilling.  The principal clearly gets a charge out of interacting with and challenging the students, and has loved every moment of his six years at Blanchard so far. 
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• FSBC Identifies 984 Mass Ave as Potential Site, Narrows List to Three Sites
• A Sweet Grand Opening for Thinking Flower
• Boxborough Celebrates Veterans Day
• School Committee Discusses “AB Forward,” Encourages More Community Feedback 
• Select Board Accepts Food Security Program Donations, Holds Civic Academy Graduation
• Boxborough Police Chief Szewczyk Announces Holocaust Remembrance Day Speaker
• Thirteenth Annual Veterans Day Breakfast Held at AB High School
• SPCP Explores Communication between Boxborough Police, Community 

At their meeting on November 13, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted unanimously to move forward on only three potential fire station sites: 984 Mass Avenue, 1300 Mass Avenue, and 72 Stow Road.
  Other sites that the FSBC has studied and now “dropped” are 502 Mass Ave (current fire station) and 700-832 Mass Ave. The committee also briefly discussed 296 Middle Road and 276 Middle Road as potential sites but agreed that neither are worth exploring this late in the process.
  The FSBC decided to narrow their focus due to the committee’s dwindling time and resources. The committee has roughly $65,000 left in their budget and is working towards a March 2026 Special Town Meeting.
  With not enough money and time to continue studying all sites, the committee asked Boxborough Fire Chief John Kivlan his opinion on how he would rank the sites. Chief Kivlan responded that his first choice would be 984 Mass Ave, followed by 1300 Mass Ave, followed by 72 Stow Road. Chief Kivlan explained that he has concerns about sightlines at the 700-832 Mass Ave site and believes that the “program” (operational needs) will not fit at the 502 Mass Ave site.
  Committee members agreed that Chief Kivlan’s three preferred properties are the most promising based on all the information gathered to date and voted unanimously to proceed with only those three sites.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

 

At the November 10 Select Board meeting, Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk announced that Holocaust survivor Werner Salinger will visit Boxborough in January to meet with the public and share his story in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
  Salinger personally experienced Kristallnacht as a child, emigrated to the United States with his family, where he was a neighbor of Albert Einstein, and then returned to Germany as a U.S. soldier post-World War II. Salinger’s visit is a rare opportunity for community members to speak with someone who experienced the horror of the Holocaust.
  Chief Szewczyk felt the community and police officers could benefit from a discussion with a Holocaust survivor. "We are excited to continue to strengthen the bond between the police department and the community as we grow and learn together with those we serve," stated Szewczyk.
  For this event, the chief is collaborating with the Lappin Foundation, which seeks to educate youth about Jewish identity and is helping to arrange this opportunity to meet with Mr. Salinger. The Lappin Foundation recently did a presentation for students at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, and the foundation has also helped police officers visit Holocaust museums to provide them with cultural training on the Jewish experience.
  The event will be held at 7 p.m. on January 27, 2026 at the Sargent Memorial Library. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. More details will be released in the coming months.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

At their meeting on November 6, the ABRSD School Committee continued to discuss the “AB Forward” initiative. District Management Group consultant Joe Costello and Superintendent Peter Light answered a series of questions submitted in advance by School Committee members.
  “AB Forward” is a strategic planning and reorganization initiative to “create an updated strategic plan as well as a set of 3-5 actionable options for district reorganization that could guide district operations for the next 5-10 years.” The nine reorganization options involve different combinations of closing or merging elementary schools and/or buildings; reconfiguring schools and/or buildings by “grade bands”; and shifting sixth and/or eighth graders to different schools.
  With respect to questions about the costs and savings of the various reorganization options, Costello emphasized that AB Forward is not intended to “fix” the district’s budget challenges. Instead, the initiative is intended “to create opportunities for more flexible organization of schools and programs.” Costello noted that his team is working on additional financial and staffing details about the reorganization options, which will be presented at the next AB Forward Steering Committee meeting.
  There were also several questions directed toward the school committee members about their role in the AB Forward process. In January, the School Committee will vote to decide how the schools will be reorganized, but members have thus far refrained from explicitly advocating for or against the options currently on the table.
  One question asked why Committee members are not speaking out for or against any options. Another queried as to how the members plan to use the public feedback that has been collected.
  Committee members explained that – at this point in the process – they want to be unbiased, keep an open mind, and hear feedback from the community so that they can consider all perspectives and opinions as they move towards an eventual vote.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Housing Board Finalizes HOPE Program and Supports Changes in State Regulation
• Meditations with Ann: What Can I Do About Foot Pain?
• Planning Board Continues Public Hearing for The Park at Beaver Brook
• Boxborough Police Officer Teaches Women’s Self Defense Class
• Boxborough Moms and Daughters Support Girls Sports with “Own Your Game” Apparel
• Eyeing Override, Finance Committee Discusses Two Budgets for FY2027
• Thinking Flower Bakery and Coffee Shop Will Open its Doors on November 10
• Food Security Program Helps Boxborough Residents in Need

 Motivate and inspire athletes. Build confidence. Keep girls in sports. These are the goals of “Own Your Game,” a Boxborough apparel start-up run by a team of two mother-daughter duos: Magda and Kiley Lyons and Christina and Alyssa Mazzone.
  The moms have been friends since before their daughters were born; their daughters have grown up together. They teamed up to launch Own Your Game (OYG) about a year ago.
  “During our usual daily catch-up we discussed how cool it would be to do something that we were passionate about,” said Christina. “That led us to our kids and how sports has been such a positive part of their lives, in particular for our girls. We also discussed how fortunate they are to play sports at a competitive level and not all kids are afforded that luxury.” 
  Magda and Christina wanted to create a clothing brand that was affordable, fun to wear, and would inspire girls to stick with sports. They and their daughters “brainstormed in Magda’s living room,” coming up with a name, a logo, and product ideas. Professionally, the two moms are in chemical engineering and cybersecurity, but they quickly jumped into the world of sourcing apparel, designing logos, and building a business.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

At its meeting on November 4, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) continued to discuss the town’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) operating budget in broad terms. 
  Using an historical 10-year average increase in the levy (taxation) of 5.5% and the levy limit of 4.3%, the town has projected a shortfall in the operating budget for FY27. Under the circumstances, the town will seek an operational “override” of Proposition 2 ½ for FY27 at Annual Town Meeting in Spring 2026 and at the ballot. 
  Proposition 2½, approved by Massachusetts voters in 1980, limits the amount of revenue a city or town may raise from local property taxes each year to fund municipal operations. This amount is known as the annual levy limit.  An “override” increases the amount of property tax revenue a community may raise and becomes part of the base for calculating future years' levy limits. The result is a permanent increase in taxing authority.
 Given the uncertainty of the outcome of an override vote, FinCom plans to develop two separate operating budgets for FY27: Budget “A” if the operational override is approved by voters, and Budget “B” if the operational override is not approved by voters.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

Last week, Town Administrator Michael Johns and Assistant Town Administration Rajon Hudson brought together town officials and volunteers to launch a “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” Boxborough Food Security Program in response to nationwide uncertainty surrounding access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. According to town administration, Boxborough has more than 150 households (representing more than 250 individuals) who rely on SNAP benefits.
  The program encouraged Boxborough residents to donate gift cards and food, or make a contribution to the Boxborough Community Services Gift Account.
   In just one week since the program was launched, many donations have been received. In a widely circulated email that included town officials and local groups, Boxborough Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks noted that as of Thursday, November 6, $1,750 has been donated to Boxborough’s Community Services Gift Account and more than $5,000 worth of gift cards were donated from generous Boxborough residents and the UCC Boxborough church.
  Trinks stated that in the last few days, she has provided gift cards and food vouchers to residents totaling $1,575. She also reported that the food donation bins at Town Hall, UCC Boxborough, and the library have been full and that the Acton Food Pantry has asked the town to store the donations until they (AFP) have space to receive donations again.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• School Committee Wades into 2026-27 Budget Challenges, “AB Forward” Details
• Blanchard PTF “Fun Run” Brings in More Than $26,000, Popsicles, and Rooftop Camping
• “AB Forward” Conversation Continues at Blanchard Community Forum
• UCCB Hosts Successful Fundraiser for Cuban Families
• Select Board Discusses Transfer Station Stickers, Approves Coffee Shop Liquor License
• With SNAP Uncertainty, Town Launches Food Security Program
• DiscoverSTEM Event Returns to ABRHS on November 7

 At their meeting on October 27, the Boxborough Select Board began a discussion about transfer station sticker enforcement and potentially increasing the cost of a transfer station sticker.
  Boxborough Department of Public Works Director Ed Kukkula reported to the Board that his department has recently increased enforcement of (and education about) the town’s transfer station sticker policies. Residents who wish to use the Boxborough transfer station must purchase a transfer station sticker each year. The cost of the sticker is $150 or $180 per year, depending on when it is purchased. The sticker is free for senior citizens and those with an Affordable Housing Trust Waiver.
  Kukkula explained to the Board that the transfer station is currently “in the red” and the deficit is increasing each year. He noted that while the town’s total tonnage stays roughly the same each year, the town’s costs to dispose of the waste is increasing.
  Chair Hilberg stated, “I think we should raise the cost of the sticker; private hauling has gone up substantially and we haven’t.” She then clarified that she is not in favor of charging a fee to seniors for a sticker. Hilberg indicated that the conversation about both enforcement and sticker fees will continue at a future meeting.
  The Board also approved an On-Premises Restaurant All-Alcoholic Beverages License for Thinking Flower Coffee Shop, Inc. of 629 Mass Ave, Suite C, after a brief public hearing. During the hearing, Thinking Flower owner Divya Suryaprasad, a pastry chef, described the pastries and coffee she will offer in her “small-scale coffee shop and bakery” and explained how having a liquor license will help make her business “more sustainable.” Suryaprasad expects to open Thinking Flower in early November once she receives her final permits from the Board of Health.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

At their meeting on October 23, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee held two separate but intertwined discussions about the AB Forward reorganization initiative and the 2026-2027 school budget.
  The Committee first heard a presentation on AB Forward from Joe Costello, a representative of ABRSD’s consultant District Management Group.
  “AB Forward” is a strategic planning and reorganization initiative to “create an updated strategic plan as well as a set of 3-5 actionable options for district reorganization that could guide district operations for the next 5-10 years.” The nine reorganization options, released earlier this month, involve different combinations of closing or merging elementary schools and/or buildings; reconfiguring schools and/or buildings by “grade bands”; and shifting sixth and/or eighth graders to different schools.
  The Committee then moved on to preliminary discussions about the district’s 2026-2027 budget. The district’s multiyear projection model shows that the biggest budget drivers are salary and benefits, including health insurance costs. Superintendent Peter Light emphasized that no matter which AB Forward reorganization option is ultimately chosen, the AB Forward initiative “may not fully solve the problem,” given the budget gaps shown in the model.
  Next, the Committee discussed draft Budget Guidelines for the 2026-27 school year. The budget guidelines are the School Committee’s instruction to the administration about how to develop the budget. School Committee Vice Chair for Boxborough and Chair of the Budget Subcommittee Adam Klein stated that although there is a desire for a “level services” budget, that is, a budget that maintains the current services, the towns of Acton and Boxborough have indicated that they cannot provide the funding that would be necessary for a level services budget.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

On Tuesday, November 11 at 11 a.m., Boxborough veterans and supporters will gather at the Veterans’ Tribute Memorial on the grounds of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue for the town’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
  The ceremony will honor those who have served in the Armed Forces and recognize Boxborough veterans for their service.
  Boxborough resident and veteran Ron Vogel has served as the master of ceremonies for the town’s Veterans Day ceremony since 2021, when the Veterans Tribute Memorial was completed and the town held its first Veterans Day observance there.
  Vogel served in the United States Navy on active duty from 1966-1968 and “served aboard the destroyer USS Forrest Sherman, destroyer number 931.”
  “I hope that when people come out for the Veterans Day ceremony they will reflect upon the sacrifices of veterans and their families throughout the years and appreciate what they’ve accomplished and given us,” said Vogel.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

On October 22, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee and Acton and Boxborough leadership convened to discuss their separate and shared fiscal challenges as the district and towns stare down another difficult budget season.
  Elected officials from both towns used the opportunity to convey to the School Committee that town operational budgets are tight. Throughout the largely collaborative conversation, inevitable tension arose between the competing “needs” of the towns and the school district.
   As one Acton Finance Committee member said, “every kindergartener needs to learn how to read… [and] every senior needs to be able to eat. We need to be able to ensure that a baseline is met for everyone.”
  Boxborough Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg’s comments emphasized that Boxborough takes a conservative approach to its budget and that “there isn’t much there to cut” to make room for increasing assessments from the district. She noted that the town is trying to fund a much-needed new fire station and needs to ensure that budget decisions are “fair to everybody.” 
  Boxborough Finance Committee Chair Tony Newton shared that Boxborough is expecting to pursue an operational override next year. He noted the importance of having a “sustainable” budget year over year without large fluctuations and having a “consistent” approach between the town and the school in terms of “how much pain we share….”
  During the School Committee’s comments, Chair Tori Campbell emphasized that “we are in a place where we can’t meet the needs that our students have… we’re all looking at things we don’t have the resources to meet…”
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

At its meeting on October 23, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) determined that it does not currently have enough information to prepare warrant articles for the Special Town Meeting (STM) scheduled for December 15, 2025. Instead, the committee asked the town to move the STM to March 9 (with February 24 as a back-up date). The Town Administrator agreed to check logistics for a March 9 STM and take this request back to the Boxborough Select Board, which meets on Monday October 27.
  Committee members discussed what information they will need in order to prepare warrant articles and determined that they will not have all the relevant information until early December. Due to the lead time required to create, finalize, print, and mail a Town Meeting warrant, the STM cannot take place until late February or early March.
  At STM, the FSBC is expected to ask for land purchase approval(s), as well as funding for the design and bid phase of the project.
  The FSBC also approved another contract amendment with Context Architecture for $43,500 for additional engineering and cost estimation work that will help the committee compare the four sites that remain under consideration (502 Mass Ave, 72 Stow Road, 1300 Mass Ave, and 700-832 Mass Ave.).
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Boxborough to Honor Veterans at November 11 Ceremony
• Boxborough Select Board and Finance Committee Attend School Committee’s “Tri-Board Meeting”
• FSBC Asks Town to Push Special Town Meeting to March 2026
• Select Board Discusses Ideas for Future Town Meetings, Tables Special Town Meeting Decisions
• Boxborough Discovers Local Businesses at “Village for a Day”
• Recreation Commission Briefs
• Diwalifest Shines a Light on Community
• Planning Board Opens Hearing on New England Tree Masters Application
• Water Resource Committee Finalizes Comprehensive Water Resources Report, Presentation to Select Board on October 27

 

The Boxborough Recreation Commission (Rec Com) is seeking Community Preservation Act funding to replace playground equipment at Flerra Meadows next year.
  The Rec Com recently submitted a preliminary application to the Community Preservation Committee seeking an estimated $310,000 of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to replace the large main playground structure and swing set, as well as add surfacing required for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the application, the $310,000 estimate reflects the total cost of the project. 
  “Over the years, the current large structure has seen a lot of wear and tear,” said Rec Com Chair Hilary Greven, “so we are looking to install a new large structure to complete the improvements to the playground, providing a safe and exciting playground for residents and the hundreds of children who attend Flerra Summer Playground.”
   On October 2, the Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously that the project was eligible for CPA funding and could move on to the final application stage. The Committee expects to hold public hearings on this and all other FY2027 CPA funding requests on December 4.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

As the pickleball season winds down, players at the Liberty Fields courts are already looking ahead to the spring season, and they have one simple message for Boxborough: come play!
  Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of racket sports like tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is typically played on a smaller court, about a third of the size of a tennis court, with either two or four players using lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The goal of the sport is simple: rally the ball back and forth over a low net without letting it bounce twice or outside of the court.
  In Boxborough, players in their thirties through their seventies, with occasional teens joining too, gather at the Liberty Fields courts (1100 Liberty Square Road in Boxborough) throughout the week for "open play," where anyone can drop in and join a game.
  Boxborough resident and pickleball organizer Mark Marlow has also facilitated beginner-only sessions, making it easier for newcomers to learn and play comfortably.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

At their meeting on October 16, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) authorized consultant Context Architecture to study a new potential site for the town’s new fire station.
  The location of the site was not disclosed to the public. Town Administrator Michael Johns reported to the FSBC that a landowner had approached him the day before the meeting with an offer to sell the town a certain piece of land for the fire station. Johns noted that the land is centrally located in town and that the price of the land may be “attractive.” The Committee agreed that the consultant should investigate the site, at a cost not to exceed $20,000.
  Committee members also discussed whether the FSBC should ask the Select Board to move the Special Town Meeting (STM), currently scheduled for December 15, 2025, to January 2026 so that the committee has more time to prepare its warrant articles.
  Over the past several weeks, the FSBC has repeatedly discussed - but not decided - what type of funding or other approvals (e.g., land purchase approvals) they may seek from voters at the STM. The warrant articles for a December STM must be finalized next week.
  Committee members noted that they may not have enough information by next week to decide which site(s) to bring to Town Meeting voters. Several members seemed to be in favor of pushing the STM to January 2026; however, the committee did not formally ask the Select Board to move the STM and will revisit the issue at their meeting next week on October 23.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

The 2025 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting was called to order by Town Moderator Dennis Reip at 7:14 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14 in the Parade Room of the Boxboro Regency Hotel with 412 voters and about 30 nonvoters in attendance.
  Article 1 of the Fall Town Meeting proposed amending the Town’s zoning bylaw to allow a new ‘Public Safety’ use in all areas of the town. An amendment was immediately proposed not to allow this in the Agricultural/Residential (AR) and Residential 1 (R1) zoning districts. After 30 minutes of debate, this amendment was defeated by a counted standing vote of 128 to 264. Discussion then commenced on the original Article 1 motion. After a brief debate, this article, which required a two-thirds vote, was passed by a counted standing vote of 284 to 115, or 71%.
   Article 2 was a zoning article to allow the maximum size of a public safety building in the Town Center district to increase from 15,000 square feet maximum to 25,000 square feet maximum by Special Permit. This passed quickly by the required two-thirds margin with a hand vote called by the moderator.
  Article 3 was a “sense of the meeting” (non-binding) article asking whether voters would be open to paying up to $6 million dollars more than the 72 Stow Road site base cost to build a fire house elsewhere in town. Fire Station Building Committee Chair Mary Brolin outlined the four sites currently under consideration and the cost differentials for each. After the longest debate of the evening, this article was defeated 109 to 115.
   Article 4 was also a “sense of the meeting” article that asked voters if they would be open to exploring the design and construction of a new fire house using high-level Green Construction methods, realizing that this might add $1 million to the cost. This passed by an overwhelming majority with a hand vote called by the moderator.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• 2025 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting, Night One: Municipal Zoning Changes Pass
• 2025 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting, Night Two: MBTA Zoning Passes
• BHB Discusses Estate Planning Options Available to Affordable Unit Owners
• Boxborough Open for Business at “Village for a Day”
• Recreation Commission Working Towards 2026 Flerra Playground Improvements
• FSBC Authorizes Study of New Undisclosed Site, Considers Pushing Special Town Meeting into 2026
• “Come Play!” Boxborough Pickleballers Invite Beginners to Join
• ABRSD School Committee Discusses “AB Forward” and Upcoming Tri-Board Meeting

  At its meeting on October 9, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) continued to discuss what type of funding or other approvals they may seek from voters at the Special Town Meeting (STM) scheduled for December 15, 2025. Warrant articles for the December STM must be finalized by mid-October.
  The FSBC is considering four different sites for the fire station: 502 Mass Ave. (the current fire station site), 72 Stow Road, 1300 Mass Ave., and 700-832 Mass Ave. The three sites not currently being used for a fire station would need to be purchased by the Town; a land purchase would need to be approved by Town Meeting. The FSBC is also expected to seek funding to design the fire station building.
  The committee spent much of their meeting walking through the “phase one matrix” site comparison tool that they used earlier this year to compare several potential sites, including two still on the table – 502 Mass Ave and 72 Stow Road. The committee added 700-832 Mass Ave and 1300 Mass Ave to the matrix and inserted ratings for those sites. When the matrix was complete, 1300 Mass Ave scored the highest (396 points), followed by 72 Stow Road (392 points), 502 Mass Ave (371 points), and 700-832 Mass Ave (327 points).
  At their next meeting on October 16, the FSBC will continue the site selection conversation using the “phase two matrix” and information from Fall Town Meeting on October 14 and 15 – including the outcomes of the two “sense of the meeting” articles and the outcome of the public safety zoning vote. The FSBC is then expected to decide what warrant article(s) they will bring to voters at the December Special Town Meeting.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  On Tuesday, October 7, ABRSD’s consulting firm District Management Group (DMGroup) presented nine district reorganization options to the AB Forward Steering Committee. The much-anticipated reorganization options were released to the public four days earlier and are available on the AB Forward website: https://www.abschools.org/read-the-plan.
  “AB Forward” is a strategic planning and reorganization initiative to “create an updated strategic plan as well as a set of 3-5 actionable options for district reorganization that could guide district operations for the next 5-10 years.”
  At least some of the reorganization options would, as currently presented, involve changes to Blanchard Memorial School, the district’s only elementary school located in Boxborough.
  In one variation of reorganization, option #5, the “full grade-band” model, Blanchard would house all Pre-K and kindergarten for the entire district. Students would then move to other buildings for grades 1-3 and grades 4-6. In options #7 and #8, Blanchard would become a K-5 school, and sixth grade would move to the Junior High School.
  According to the regional agreement between Acton and Boxborough, there must be one school located in Boxborough, but the agreement is silent as to the configuration of the school.
  There will be an in-person community meeting at Blanchard Memorial School on Monday, October 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will also be a community meeting in Acton on October 21 and a virtual meeting on October 30.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  On Sunday, October 26, the Boxborough Fire and Police Departments will host their fifth annual “Truck or Treat” at the fire station, 502 Massachusetts Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon.
  As in past years, kids are encouraged to wear their costumes (no toy weapons please) and trick-or-treat at the vehicles parked in the fire station parking lot.
  Vehicles will include police cruisers as well as a fire engine, tanker/tenders, and an ambulance. New this year will be the fire department’s recently delivered “utility terrain vehicle.”  
  Public safety personnel will give out candy, and kids will have the opportunity to sit in each of the vehicles, take pictures, and learn more about various public safety initiatives. Boxborough Police K9 Koda and handler Officer Bressi are also expected to attend and give a short K9 demonstration. The event typically averages about 400 participants each year.
  “The Boxborough Fire and Police Trunk or Treat event provides a safe and festive atmosphere where children and families can positively interact with police officers,” said Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk. “We are excited to see all the terrific costumes and share Halloween treats with all those in attendance.” 
  Last year, visitors were treated to an appearance by Boston Medflight. Fire Captain Jason Malinowski noted that any outside agencies participating will confirm availability closer to the event date - and all are subject to emergency calls.
  “Come and have fun,” said Captain Malinowski. Parking will be available across the street at Blanchard Memorial School.
 

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• ABRSD Releases District Reorganization Options, Seeks Feedback Throughout October
• Fire Station Zoning Debate Expected at Fall Town Meeting on Tuesday
• Boxborough Fire and Police to Host “Truck or Treat” on Sunday October 26
• Finance Committee Discusses Free Cash and FY2027 Budget
• Community Preservation Committee Reviews Six Preliminary CPA Fund Requests
• Planning Board Preps for Fall Town Meeting
• Fire Station Building Committee Revisits Site Selection Matrix, Discusses Budget Approach

At its meeting on Tuesday, September 30, the Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF), comprised of representatives from the Select Board, the Finance Committee (FinCom), the Planning Board, the School Committee, and the Library Trustees, discussed the logistics for Fall Town Meeting (FTM), scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday October 14 and 15 at the Boxboro Regency, the FTM warrant, a preliminary overview of the December Special Town Meeting (STM), and the outlook for the fiscal 2027 budget year.
  Town Moderator Dennis Reip reviewed FTM logistics. Registered voters will have an opportunity to voice their opinions for and against each warrant article at one of two microphones labeled either “yes” or “no”. 
  Reip also said that there may be a motion for a written ballot, rather than a voice or standing vote. BLF participant Maria Neyland stated that she heard that some residents want a written ballot because of pressure from neighbors to vote a certain way. Reip said that any registered voter can make a motion for a written ballot on Town Meeting floor. The motion requires a simple majority to pass.
  With respect to the warrant, there was some discussion about whether Article 1, which proposes to change Boxborough’s zoning bylaw to allow public safety buildings “by right” in any zoning district, would be amended on Town Meeting floor. Reip said that any amendment would have to be within the “four corners” of the warrant.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

Diwalifest 2025 will be held at the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough on Sunday, October 12 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with a rain date of Sunday, October 19). The event is open to all and free to attend.
  Boxborough News reached out to festival organizer Deepika Prakash to answer questions about the upcoming celebration.
  Q: What is planned for this year's festival? Anything new?
  A: Diwalifest focuses on food and culture, and every year we invite local businesses, dance schools, and community members to perform. Guests can expect dances representing many regions of India, performed by both youth and adults. In addition, there will be family yoga, children’s activities, Diya lighting, and story time. We like to keep some of the performances a surprise — you’ll just have to come to the festival to see what’s in store! New this year, we’re especially excited to welcome the first 100 children with a special gift: each will receive a traditional clay diya, symbolizing light. They’ll then be able to decorate it at our kids’ activity tent and take part in the community diya lighting ceremony. We’re also introducing a lively Indian karaoke band, Bindis and Bangles, making their debut at Diwalifest. And of course, crowd favorites like NEMM’s Dhol (Drums) will be back with their high-energy beats that always get the crowd moving.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

On September 29, almost 30 Boxborough residents turned out to hear Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan speak about fraud prevention at an event sponsored by the Boxborough Council on Aging.
   Over the years, Ryan’s office has handled a wide variety of scams perpetrated in Middlesex County – everything from government impersonators, “grandparent” scams and home repair scams.
  In one case, an economics professor was told she won the lottery and would have to pay taxes upfront. She turned over $1 million to the scammers and never saw a penny from the lottery. In another case, an accomplished physician received a call that she was being investigated by the Department of Treasury for possible drug money laundering. They told her they could help “clean the money”, if she sent funds to the Secret Service. After sending $600,000 she started to get suspicious and put an end to the scam. In almost every case, the scammers are never found and the money is never recovered. 
  Ryan said “scammers are very good at what they do. There is always a piece of truth in what they say.” They may know something about their victim that makes the scam more believable. 
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

Plans are underway for “Village for a Day,” an event sponsored by the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) intended to promote local businesses and organizations and help experience and envision a walkable town center in Boxborough.
  The event will run on Saturday, October 18 (rain date October 25) from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take place in multiple locations, including Middlesex Bank Plaza, the UCC Church lawn, and on Stow Road. The EDC has invited local businesses and organizations to either set up a “pop-up” location with a canopy or conduct an open house at their own location during the event. The public will be encouraged to walk along the route to visit various businesses and vendors. Food will be available for purchase, and there will be live music and kids’ activities.
  Town Planner Alec Wade and Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson are working with the Boxborough Department of Public Works Director Ed Kukkula and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to lay out temporary crosswalks at the intersection of Middle and Stow Roads and Route 111. Additionally, they’ll be making room for a temporary sidewalk on the west side of Stow Road from Route 111.
      This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Town of Boxborough Opens ‘Swap Shed’ at Transfer Station
• BXB-TV Launches “BXB Community Buzz” Podcast
• Zoning Board Approves Special Permit for Thinking Flower Bakery
• Town Sees New Faces at Fall Town Meeting Info Night
• Diwalifest Returns to Boxborough on October 12 – Q&A with Festival Organizer Deepika Prakash
• Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan Offers Guidance on Fraud Prevention
• Boxborough Leadership Forum Discusses Upcoming Town Meetings and FY2027 Override
• Meditations with Ann: Why Movement Matters
• “Village for a Day” Event Set for Saturday, October 18

 At their meeting on September 25, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) discussed what type of funding or other approvals they may seek from voters at the Special Town Meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025.
  The FSBC plans to use their next two meetings to select a site (or sites) using the “matrix” site comparison tool that they used earlier this year, and also decide what warrant article(s) they will bring to voters at December Town Meeting. 
  The Committee is considering four different sites for the fire station: 502 Mass Ave. (the current fire station site), 72 Stow Road, 1300 Mass Ave., and 750-832 Mass Ave. The three sites not currently being used for a fire station would need to be purchased by the Town; a land purchase would need to be approved by Town Meeting. The FSBC is also expected to seek funding to design the fire station building.
  The Committee discussed whether to bring a single recommended site to Town Meeting or present options for multiple different land purchases and allow Town Meeting voters to choose which site to pursue. FSBC members expressed differing views on how many sites should be presented to voters, and the Committee did not make a decision.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

At its meeting on September 22, the Boxborough Select Board discussed a potential change to Town Hall’s hours of operation. Boxborough Town Hall is currently open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Fridays. Full-time Town Hall employees work from home on Fridays.
  Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg began the discussion by explaining that she has heard complaints from multiple residents about Town Hall being closed on Fridays.
  She explained that these complaints stem both from the inability to conduct business at Town Hall on Fridays and from the perception that full-time employees may be getting paid for a day they are not actually working. The Board discussed the importance of providing good customer service to the town and also the advantages of offering employees a “remote work” day on Fridays – such as attracting talent, improving employee morale, and improving productivity.
  Town Administrator Mike Johns responded that he is open to exploring other options for Town Hall hours but noted that it will be important to “define the problem” before finding a solution. For example, if the problem is one of customer service, a solution may be to add evening hours one day per week. Johns agreed to research surrounding towns’ hours of operation and bring back a proposal to the Board to potentially adjust Town Hall’s hours. 
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 
 

FreeBee Market Saturdays have been buzzing with energy all season long, and the final community market on Saturday, October 18 promises to be a true celebration of the 2025 season. As always, FreeBee Market takes place on the side lawn of the United Church of Christ Boxborough (UCCB) at 30 Middle Road from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 Like last year’s October market, the Boxborough Community Center will transform into a free Halloween costume shop, where families can pick out festive outfits and decorations.
  Interested in contributing gently-used costumes to the FreeBee Halloween shop? Donation bins are set up at Sargent Library, Blanchard School, and the UCCB side porch.
  At UCCB, Pastor Fran Graveson will lead a Blessing of the Animals—all furry, feathered, and scaly friends are welcome. There will also be free cookies to sweeten the day.
  Of course, no FreeBee finale would be complete without the crowd favorites: the bouncy house, fun crafts, and local community groups.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

The Boxborough Swap Shed, made possible by a collaboration between the Boxborough Sustainability Committee, Planning Department, and Department of Public Works, will open its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 27.
  The Swap Shed, located at the Boxborough Transfer Station at 550 Codman Hill Road, will be staffed by volunteers and is expected to be open when the Transfer Station is open, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  However, the Swap Shed hours are volunteer- and weather-dependent. The Sustainability Committee’s “Energize Boxborough” website includes expected hours of operation, as well as volunteer information and donation guidelines: https://www.energizeboxborough.org/actions/3872.
  Boxborough News reached out to Sustainability Committee Chair Kate Davies to learn what the Swap Shed is all about, and what residents can expect when they visit the Swap Shed.
  Q: What is a swap shed?
  A: A 'swap shed' is a community resource that encourages folks to share gently used, functional items in order to reduce waste, promote reuse, and save money on waste disposal. Based on the adage that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” swap sheds are typically located at a community’s transfer station or recycling drop-off center. Our swap shed is located at the Boxborough Transfer Station at 550 Codman Hill Road. 
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.