On Monday, November 11, more than 80 people came together at the Veterans’ Tribute Memorial at the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough to honor veterans and their families.
  Included in the crowd were representatives of the Boxborough Fire and Police Departments, town employees and officials, Boxborough Scout Troop 1, and students and teachers from the Boxborough Children’s Center preschool.
    Ron Vogel (Navy veteran) opened the ceremony noting that this was its fourth year. He read the names of the four Boxborough veterans who had passed away in 2024. The Boxborough Minutemen then fired a musket solute, followed by Select Board chair Kristin Hilberg and the Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Ami Scheen (town employee and service member sibling) and Thomas Yeakley of the Scouts read the Governor’s Veterans’ Day Proclamation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
   Alan Rohwer, chair of the Historical Commission, outlined the history of Veterans’ Day, which began with a commemoration of the armistice that ended the fighting of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
  Town Administrator Michael Johns (naval aviator and proud parent of multiple service members) delivered remarks about Veterans’ Day being a time to reflect, to recognize, and to express our deep gratitude to not only to those who served in uniform but also to the dedicated families who supported them.
  Navy veteran Garrett Green related his service during the Vietnam War not only as a “blue water” sailor on the battleship New Jersey but as a “brown water” sailor on the rivers of Vietnam.
  Lastly, Rick Barrett (Navy and Army reserve) and his daughter Mikayla (active duty Air Force) laid a wreath on the monument while Maddie Sjoblom, a Blanchard School alumna, played taps. 
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  The Boxborough Well-Being Committee invited Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk to its November 7 meeting to discuss Boxborough’s involvement with and commitment to the Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN). Chief Szewczyk spoke about the need to train Boxborough police officers in protocols for dealing with domestic violence calls. If his budget permits, he plans to send one Boxborough officer to the DVSN training in the Spring of 2025 and include funding in next year’s budget to train an additional officer.
  Szewczyk also explained that Boxborough police officers work closely with both Susan Lemere, the town’s Co-Response Clinician, and Wendy Trinks, the Boxborough Community Services Coordinator. Officers are trained to understand that an interaction with a resident does not have to be “huge” to make a referral to the Community Services department, which can help residents find needed resources.
  Lemere spoke about her role in working with the police department to provide crisis services and emotional support for victims and families of domestic violence and other high stress situations, including mental health behavioral incidents.
  In other matters, the committee voted unanimously to support an application to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for increased funding for the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), currently in its ninth year of implementation. The program currently provides a $250 monthly stipend to 14 Boxborough families. Community Services Coordinator Trinks, who manages the program, has asked for an increase in the stipend to $500, which would increase funding from $44,050 in Fiscal Year 2025 to $69,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. If the application is approved by CPC, it will go to Annual Town Meeting (ATM) for a vote.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  On Tuesday, November 26, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will hold a live public informational meeting to present the design for the proposed bridge replacement project at I-495 and Route 111 in Boxborough. The meeting will be held in the Grange Room at Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  At the meeting, MassDOT will “share construction staging and timing as well as traffic management plans with the Boxborough community. Information about how to receive project updates will also be provided.”
  The event announcement from MassDOT states, “The bridge carrying Route 111 (locally Massachusetts Avenue) over I-495, though safe for all users, has reached the end of its useful lifespan and must be replaced. Replacement of the structure will provide the traveling public with a new bridge with a 75-year design life span built to modern design guidelines for clearance above I-495, shoulders to aid in drainage, and accommodations for non-motorized users. Construction operations for the bridge replacement will begin in December 2023 with major operations anticipated to run to fall of 2026. Staged construction will be used to keep traffic moving on Route 111. Changes to the intersections abutting the bridge will help avoid congestion and queued traffic on the I-495 mainline.”
  Additional information about the meeting and the project can be found at https://bit.ly/48LUE3q.

  On Saturday November 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., United Church of Christ Boxborough will showcase its 91st Merrie Christmas Fair. A Boxborough tradition since 1933, this local fair continues to evolve and grow, including the fair’s commitment to the environment and becoming a “greener” event.
  “When you shop for handmade items created by your neighbors, you are not only getting something unique, but you are also buying one less item from a big-ticket store or Amazon,” says this year’s fair co-chair Mary Pavlik. “Not only that, but your money also supports this community church and its partnerships, and ten percent of this year’s profits will go directly to North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity.”
  “Sustainability is important to the Boxborough church,” says church member Kellie Senghas, a part of the Attic Treasures team. “Caring for the world’ is one of our three central mission statements. Each year at the fair we strive to make the whole event greener. For instance, our Sugar Plum café uses compostables to avoid plastic waste. Attic Treasures fills the Grange Room at Town Hall with donated items that need a new home. We just love the process of receiving items from individuals who don’t need them anymore and then seeing them leave with new people who are excited to buy and enjoy them.”
  These treasures are available at very low pricing deliberately. “Many people do their shopping for the holidays right in Attic Treasures,” says Kellie. “Not only are the items affordable and in good condition, but a recycled gift also helps keep them out of landfills,” she adds. “Our goal is to have nothing left to throw away.  We have arranged for items not purchased at the end of the fair to be donated to organizations such as Household Goods and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. A triple win for the community.”
  The Merrie Christmas Fair will take place at 723 Middle Road, Boxborough, in the church, the community center, and Town Hall. For more information, contact the UCC Boxborough office at 978-263-7387.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  The annual Science Family Night at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS) will be held on Friday, November 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the ABRHS cafeteria.
  Elementary-aged children and their families are invited to interact with high school students representing various STEM clubs, including Science Team, DNA Club, Envirothon, Girls in Science, Neuroscience Club, and others.
  Students from these clubs will have fun, hands-on activities to share with children as they learn about engineering, forensics, biotechnology, health, chemistry, and other topics.
  An admission price of $5 per family will be collected at the door. Snacks and drinks will be sold.
  Brian Dempsey, a Boxborough resident and science teacher at ABRHS since 1996, helps to organize the event, which typically brings about 150 attendees to the high school.
  “Children look up to the high schoolers with admiration and, at some level, they see their future selves in them,” says Dempsey. “In fact, some of the ABRHS presenters remember participating when they were younger. It is a great feedback model that builds excitement and interest in STEM fields in the community.”
  As for the high school students, Dempsey says, they “build leadership skills and confidence while increasing their knowledge of a scientific or engineering topic. My philosophy is (that) the best way to learn a concept is to teach what you know to other people.”
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  On Thursday, November 7, the Boxborough Police Department (BPD) K-9 Unit Koda made her first “on-the-job find” following the completion of her National Certification from Drugbeat Professional K-9 Certifications.
After 280 hours of training, Koda can track people and recover evidence at the command of her handler, Officer Maxwell Bressi. Koda and Bressi trained alongside K-9 units in multiple surrounding towns, including Chelmsford, Littleton, Pepperell, and Westford, with the understanding that police dogs are a resource shared by the region.
  On the morning of November 7, Bressi and Koda got the chance to put their skills and training to the test when Acton Police submitted a mutual aid request for a K-9 track, following a motor vehicle crash from which the operator fled the scene. Upon arrival, K-9 Koda was able to obtain a scent article from the crashed vehicle and track the operator through a wooded area, through a neighborhood, and across Main Street to an address where the suspect was subsequently identified and placed in custody.
  No one is more proud of Koda’s certification and her first successful track than her handler, Officer Bressi. A resident of Boxborough since 2019 and a police officer since 2016, Bressi said that it has long been a dream of his to work with a K-9 unit.
  “We’re just the dummies behind the leash,” he mused, as he raved about how smart and capable Koda has proven herself to be in the nearly six months they have been training together. “She doesn’t know she is a cop or I am a cop,” Bressi said, “but she knows her job is to find things and be rewarded.”
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  Sarfaraz Mushtaque, most recently a police officer with the Boxborough Police Department (BPD), has been decertified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  In a Voluntary Decertification Agreement effective October 17, 2024, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (“Commission”) permanently revoked Mushtaque’s certification to work in law enforcement in Massachusetts. Mushtaque’s name will also be added to the National Decertification Index.
  According to Mushtaque’s Voluntary Decertification Agreement (“Agreement”), the Commission has the power to revoke an officer’s certification if it finds the “officer is not fit for duty as an officer and the officer is dangerous to the public” or if it finds “a pattern of unprofessional police conduct that…may escalate.”
  The Agreement explains that the Commission found these criteria were met. The Commission’s findings of fact include an incident where Mushtaque “failed to turn in his agency-issued firearm and radio” in 2021 at the end of his employment with another department, as well as allegations of misconduct brought by Mushtaque’s ex-girlfriend in 2023.
  Mushtaque was employed by the Boxborough Police Department from July 28, 2023 to August 31, 2023.
  When asked to comment, Police Chief John Szewczyk stated, “The Boxborough Police Department did an excellent job of immediately investigating a complaint and taking prompt action working in conjunction with the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission (POST). This is a great example of the new POST reporting system working properly and being utilized for what it was intended for. The Boxborough Police Department will continue to maintain the highest standards for all police department employees while always emphasizing transparency and accountability.”
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

 

  At its meeting on November 7, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) heard from Town Administration Michael Johns about a zoning issue concerning the potential fire station site at 700 Massachusetts Avenue. The Committee decided to pause all study of 700 Massachusetts Avenue and seek a written legal opinion on the zoning issue.
  The FSBC also heard a presentation from consultant Context Architecture (“Context”) about a site assessment report for 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the site of the current fire station). The Committee authorized Context to move forward with additional studies on 502 Massachusetts Avenue.
  With respect to 700 Massachusetts Ave, T.A. Johns reported to the Committee that there are zoning restrictions applicable to the property that limit the allowable square footage to a number below the fire station “program” requirements. Accordingly, the town would need to apply for and be granted a “use variance” by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in order to construct a fire station on the site.
  Town Planner Alec Wade informed the FSBC that he would not be in favor of the ZBA granting such a “use variance.” T.A. Johns relayed town counsel’s opinion that a “use variance,” if granted, would likely be difficult to defend on appeal. The FSBC agreed that T.A. Johns should obtain a legal opinion in writing from town counsel about the zoning issue, but did not take the property “off the list” of potential sites.
  With respect to 502 Massachusetts Avenue, the site assessment report showed how the footprint of a new fire station might fit at the site of the current fire station and flagged certain potential challenges for further investigation. Overall, said Jeff Shaw of Context, “although there are many challenges, many of them can be overcome and the project generally could proceed on this site….” The Committee authorized Context to pursue further investigation concerning wetlands demarcation, septic sizing, well size, and an “auto turn analysis.”
  The FSBC’s next meeting will be Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m. in hybrid format. They are also planning additional public forums regarding the “phase one” site selection matrix on Wednesday, December 4 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday, November 17 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.
  The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war reenactor to join the Company.
  Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
  All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
  For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

 

  Now that we are no longer focused on our gardens, we can head inside and keep gardening with house plants. Here are a few tips.
  If you are a dedicated fertilizer, it is time to give that up until April. This is a time for plants to rest.
  Make sure your plants are not too close to windows where the leaves will get cold and keep them away from heaters and vents.
  As I adjust to my gardens going to sleep, I might treat myself to a new plant. If you decide to do that, check the plant out carefully before you buy it. Look for yellowing leaves and brown spots. We only want to bring healthy plants into our homes.
  One of my favorite indoor plants is an amaryllis. You may have received one as a gift. Right now, you can buy an amaryllis bulb and plant it. Make sure the bulb is firm. The bigger the bulb, the more flowers!
  Planting is really very easy. Just put some good quality potting soil in a plastic tub; add some warm water until the soil is just moist, not soggy; stir with your hand; then fill the pot halfway with soil and put the bulb in. Ultimately, you want the top third of the bulb exposed. Fill in around the bulb, firm the soil, and water lightly to settle it around the bulb. Place in a sunny location where temperatures stay above 60, and only water when dry.
  Amaryllis can get really tall so make sure to rotate the pot so the stalks don’t lean toward the light and topple over. You can also stake them, but I never do. If this all seems too complicated, you can buy them already potted up. It can take 6 to 12 weeks for blooms, but be patient, and you will be rewarded with weeks of color.
  The Boxborough Garden Club invites you to join our activities. Please email Flo Hanover at fhanover10@gmail.com for more information.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  On the first weekend of November, the Friends of the Boxborough Library held their Fall Used Book Sale in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library.
  Anne McNeece, President of the Friends of the Boxborough Library, stated, “The Friends of the Boxborough Library would like to thank everyone who helped make our recent book sale a success. Thank you for donating such a wonderful selection of books, and a special thank you to everyone who helped sort and arrange the books! Thank you also for coming to the library to buy books. Because of your support, we will continue to be able to provide the community with museum passes and exciting programs for both children and adults.”
  The Friends of the Boxborough Library holds two used book sales each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. The used books are donated by the public, and proceeds from the book sales support library programs and museum passes.

  On October 30, Mark Samuel McEnnis, a 41 year old male from Mason, New Hampshire, was arrested on a warrant for the following charges in connection with the “Rainbow Fish” vandalism incident: (1) Malicious or Wanton Defacing or Damaging of Property, and (2) Property Damage to Intimidate.
  McEnnis turned himself in to Boxborough Police Headquarters and has a court appearance scheduled for October 31.
  “Boxborough Detective Sergeant Bowolick worked diligently in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police’s Hate Crimes Awareness and Response Team to ensure this case was investigated promptly and thoroughly. The Boxborough Police Department has zero tolerance for crimes of this magnitude as all individuals, regardless of background, should feel safe in our community,” stated Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk.
  On October 14, the Boxborough Police Department was made aware of vandalism to a “Rainbow Fish” symbol hanging below a street sign for The Episcopal Church / The Church of the Good Shepherd on Central Street in Boxborough. The “Rainbow Fish” image appeared to have been covered with white spray paint.
  The Boxborough News article about the vandalism incident is available at
https://tinyurl.com/BoxboroughSign

  The Boxborough Recreation Commission has announced that Boxborough’s annual WinterFest will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Steele Farm, 484 Middle Road, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The rain/snow date will be Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Says the Recreation Commission, “Come and warm up with friends and neighbors around the bonfire. Enjoy great music from singer/songwriter Sara Rice, and try your hand (and feet) at a human foosball game for all ages. We hope to have many local vendors attend, including Live4 Physical Therapy in West Acton, who will be offering injury prevention and strength training classes this spring at Liberty Field using the new adult fitness equipment there.”
  “Be sure to bring your sleds to see how far you can make it down the hill with friends and family. Please feel free to enjoy the day as well by hiking through our beautiful conservation trails at Steele Farm. … Come on out, say hi to your neighbors, and participate in all that winter has to offer in beautiful Boxborough.”
  Food and drink at WinterFest will be available for purchase from the Fat Rooster food truck from Farm 359 in Littleton (sandwiches and soups) and Under the Stairs Brewing Company of Harvard.

The Boxborough Sustainability Committee and Office of Land Use and Permitting are exploring ways to reduce the amount of household waste and waste-related greenhouse gas emissions that are generated by Boxborough residents.
  They are asking residents to share their thoughts on household waste reduction strategies by completing a short (approximately 5-10 minute) Waste Reduction Preferences Survey.
  The survey is available at https://tinyurl.com/TrashSurvey24
  Survey respondents will be entered into a raffle drawing to win a backyard tumbler compost bin. The drawing will take place at the upcoming Sustainability Committee meeting on November 14 at 7 p.m.
  The information gathered from the survey will help the town prioritize future household waste reduction efforts. It may also be used to guide Boxborough's upcoming Master Plan update and provide input into a future Climate Action Planning process.

  The Town of Boxborough cordially invites town veterans and all residents to attend the 2024 Boxborough Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, November 11 at the Veterans Tribute Memorial on the grounds of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and will take place rain or shine.
  Parking is available at the library parking lot and also at the Blanchard Memorial School. If parking at the school, use the bridge walkway to get to the ceremony site.
  The Veterans Day ceremony recognizes the commitment and dedication of Boxborough’s veterans and their families. The town looks forward to honoring all of those who have served in the armed forces.
  More information about Boxborough’s veterans’ services can be found on the Town’s website at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/281/Veterans-Services. Boxborough Veterans Services Officer James MacRae is available by appointment and has regular office hours at the UCC Boxborough Church at 723 Massachusetts Ave every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact James MacRae at 978-929-6614 to make an appointment.

  The Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) has awarded business improvement grants to two Boxborough businesses: Two Friends Chocolates and a brand-new business venture, Thinking Flower.
  Two Friends Chocolates has received a grant award of $13,324 to implement an online ordering system, increase staffing capacity, and improve advertising abilities. This is owner Lavanya Selvaraj’s second award from the town’s grant program. She received her first grant of $20,000 in September 2023 and has used the funds to expand her business, including offering hot drinks as well as a “s’mores station.”
  Thinking Flower owner Divya Suryaprasad has received a grant award of $15,000 to put towards establishing a new business, a coffee shop, bakery, and wine bar located next to Middlesex Bank, at #629-C Massachusetts Ave. The grant award comes with a number of conditions, as Suryaprasad is still in the process of applying for the permits, licenses, and Board of Health approval required to open her business. The business is expected to open in 2025.
  The EDC also recently considered a grant application from current Boxborough business Pink Dog Spa, but the applicant withdrew the application before an award decision was made.
  The Boxborough Business Grant Program, funded by Boxborough’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation, provides up to $20,000 in matching funds as a forgivable loan to small Boxborough businesses that meet the requirements of the program. The program is now winding down; October 31 was the final deadline for applications.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

 

At its October 24 meeting, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee did a “first read” of a draft FY2026 budget development schedule and budget guidelines. The budget schedule and guidelines can be accessed at https://bit.ly/48uc58n.
  The schedule lists January 30, 2025 as the date of the superintendent’s preliminary budget presentation, with a vote on the preliminary FY26 budget scheduled for March 13. The FY26 final budget vote is scheduled for March 20.
  The draft budget guidelines, developed by the School Committee’s budget subcommittee, ask the district for a budget with an “increase of no greater than 3%” and goes on to identify six priorities, including reducing kindergarten tuition and keeping class sizes within School Committee guidelines.
  Later in the meeting, School Committee member and Boxborough resident Liz Fowlks reported to the committee about the school budget concerns expressed at a recent Boxborough Finance Committee meeting, including feedback that the district “keep the assessment as low as possible.”
  In response to a question from a committee member about the Boxborough Finance Committee’s feedback, Superintendent Peter Light commented that “we had a very big ask of the two communities last year, and I think both Boxborough and the town of Acton recognized that we were in an extraordinary budget year and both had put plans that they may have had on hold in order to allow us to move forward and seek the override and be able to fund the schools….”
  Superintendent Light went on to acknowledge that Boxborough has been working towards building a new fire station for a long time and said, “I think it’s just important from our lens to understand where we do hear concerns, it’s because there’s a feeling probably in the two towns that they’ve had to defer priorities of their own in order to help us maintain the quality of education. I don’t think it’s a desire to see us reduce the quality of education but to live within the fiscal realities of the two towns….”
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

  At its meeting on October 29, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) took a close look at a “very preliminary” FY2026 budget model, with the goal of providing the Acton-Boxborough School Committee with information about Boxborough’s budget limitations as the School Committee begins their FY2026 school budget process.
  FinCom began their discussion by walking through the FY2026 budget model and looking at early estimates of capital expenses, revenues, operating budget, and free cash. Based on the model, FinCom concluded that the town’s FY2026 budget – not including the “assessment” that the town pays to the school district – would likely increase by 5% from the last fiscal year.
  From there, FinCom concluded that Boxborough can only afford a 6% increase to its school “assessment” without exceeding the town’s levy limit.
  The “levy limit” is the maximum amount of property taxes that can be raised in a given fiscal year. Exceeding the levy limit would require a Proposition 2 ½ override. Proposition 2 ½ refers to Massachusetts law that restricts how much a town can increase property taxes from year to year. A Proposition 2 ½ override requires a ballot vote and would allow the town to raise taxes above the levy limit.
  There was disagreement among FinCom members about whether asking the School Committee to limit Boxborough’s assessment to a 6% increase was reasonable or not.
  The FinCom’s understanding, based on an October 15 meeting with School Committee Chair Adam Klein, is that limiting Boxborough’s assessment to a 6% increase would limit the overall school budget to a 1.97% increase from last year’s budget. A “level services” school budget would require a 3.53% increase from last year’s budget.
  Several FinCom members expressed the opinion that the assessment limitation was reasonable because Boxborough had to make significant budget cuts last year in order to afford last year’s 15% assessment increase. They stated that the School Committee needs to “work with us” to keep costs down this year.
  At least one FinCom member disagreed, stating that limiting the school budget in this way is “unrealistic” and that Boxborough should be “more supportive” of the schools.
  Ultimately, the FinCom agreed to take a “conservative” approach at this early stage of the budget process and communicate to the School Committee that Boxborough’s current modeling suggests that the assessment must be limited to a 6% increase, in order to avoid needing an override.

  On Tuesday, November 5, Boxborough voters went to the polls to cast their votes in national and state elections and weigh in on the state ballot questions.
  The Boxborough Town Clerk’s office released preliminary results just after 10 p.m. on Tuesday night. The following voting data comes from the preliminary results.
  In the race for President of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, received 2284 votes from Boxborough voters. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, received 765 votes from Boxborough voters.
  In the race for Senator in Congress, Elizabeth Warren, the Democratic candidate, received 2149 votes from Boxborough voters. John Deaton, the Republican candidate, received 953 votes from Boxborough voters.
  On the state ballot questions, Boxborough residents voted as follows:

• Question 1, “State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature”: 2178 Yes, 812 No
• Question 2, “Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement”: 1654 No, 1434 Yes
• Question 3, “Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers”: 1649 Yes, 1359 No
• Question 4, “Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances”: 1867 No, 1179 Yes
• Question 5, “Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers”: 1710 No, 1346 Yes

  The Town Clerk’s complete “Preliminary State Election Results” can be found on the town’s website at https://bit.ly/3CcHwbg.

What is the value of a summer camp experience for a child? According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, attending a summer camp “increases chil- dren’s self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, and values and decision-making skills, from the beginning to the end of a session” (Lessons from Camp, HGSE, 2016). The Doli Atamian Campership Program, an all-volunteer organization that raises funds to send income-eligible children from Acton and Boxborough to camp, has been working since 1995 to provide these critical opportunities for all. DACP is named after long-time Acton resident and Acton Housing Authority Director Doli Atamian, who championed the cause of making sure that every child, regardless of eco- nomic status, was valued and cared for. By raising funds from individuals, churches, businesses, and civic orga- nizations, DACP funds scholarships of $300 to provide summer enrichment for children who may not otherwise be able to afford the experience. Our board works closely with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and the Housing Authorities in both Acton and Boxborough to identify children who would benefit from a scholarship. In 2024, 124 scholarships were granted and families chose a variety of camps and activities ranging from theater camps to sports camps to NARA park summer passes and more. The response from families at the end of the summer illustrates the importance of the work of DACP. From one parent “The scholarship helps immensely. The campership opens up different options that I would not be able to afford on my own” From a camper: “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I think it was a privilege to be there, and I had a lot of fun with my friends. Theater camp was the best.” DACP is actively fundraising for the 2025 season and welcomes all donations. To learn more about the Doli Atamian Campership Program or to make a donation, please visit www.doliatamiancampership. com. Other than non-profit fees, postage, and paper, ALL donated funds go directly to camperships. A summer camp experience is valuable for children who often have no access to recreational areas and limited opportuni- ties to explore new interests and skills. DACP is here to provide for the children of Acton and Boxborough and appreciates the support of the community in making a summer experience available for all.

The Town of Boxborough has announced the several “ways and dates” to vote in the upcoming November 2024 election.
More information can be found on the town’s announcement here: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=386
Residents can vote early on one of ten in-person early voting days. Early in-person voting will take place at Town Hall on Saturday, October 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, October 21 through Thursday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, October 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday, October 28 through Thursday, October 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents can also vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Finally, residents can vote by mail. Ballots must be received by the Town Clerk on or before November 5 at 8 p.m.
Contact the Boxborough Town Clerk’s office at 978-264- 1727 with any questions.

Now that we have reached mid-October, it is time to prepare for another very busy garden season: fall clean-up. I like to consider the birds and pollinators when making my clean-up plans. These days I try to leave some plants for the birds, some for the native bees which nest in the hollow stems of plants, and some for the butterflies which pupate and winter over in plants. Important plants to leave standing are coneflowers, sedums, black-eyed susans and
joe pye weed.
However, there are some plants that ought to be cut down in the fall: peonies, iris and lilies. I also cut down plants that may have gotten really messy or dried out due to the drought, such as astilbe. I hold off on cutting down ornamental grasses until early spring.
In years past we have removed leaves, but leaving some leaf debris is now considered good for the gardens. Leaves create a natural mulch and fertilize soil as they break down - and serve as a habitat for wildlife. So, if you decide to let some leaves remain, use a rake to spread them out so plants won’t be smothered, or chop them up with your mower and then put some back on the beds. Once we are finished cleaning up, we also add a layer of compost to the beds.
If you still have pots of annuals outside, you can keep them going just a little longer by covering them in the evening with a sheet or old shower curtain when a frost is forecast. Eventually, I give in and empty my pots of annu- als, and depending on my time and energy, I may make a colorful display with mums, cabbages, ornamental grasses, and some cold tolerant annuals like pansies. Some years, I will just take out the annuals and wait until late fall to fill my pots with greens from the yard.
This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

At their October 10 meeting, the School Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent Peter Light about the “Vision of a Graduate” project.
The “Vision of a Graduate” project is intended to address a “big picture” question about what the community and other stakeholders want the school district to do for stu- dents. In particular, the “Vision” will define the “knowledge, skills, and habits of mind” that students should have by the time they graduate high school.
Superintendent Light laid out the timeline for the proj- ect, which will include surveys and other public engage- ment in November, a “visioning workshop” in January, a draft “Vision” in February, more feedback through the spring, and adoption by the School Committee by the end of the 2024-25 school year. The district will then begin the process of implementing the “Vision,” by making adjust- ments to school curriculum and programs.
After the Superintendent’s presentation, the Committee was joined by State Representative Danillo Sena, State Representative Simon Cataldo, and State Senator Jamie Eldridge. Each legislator gave a short presentation on legis- lative updates and priorities, and School Committee Chair Adam Klein spoke about the district’s challenges and needs from the state. The legislators then responded to comments and questions from Committee members.

At its meeting on October 8, Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) Rajon Hudson updated the Personnel Board about a number of the town’s human resource initiatives.
Hudson is working with Guardian Information Technologies to develop townwide cybersecurity aware- ness training for both staff and volunteers. He expects the training will commence within the next two months.
The town has put together a negotiating team that includes the town administrator, assistant town administra- tor, chief of police, fire chief, DPW (Department of Public Works) director, and the Finance Committee chair to begin the negotiation process with the three collective bargaining units: police, fire and DPW.
With respect to staffing, the town currently has two Administrative Assistant openings; one in the Treasurer/ Collector’s office and the other in the Land Use and Permitting department. The town is also interviewing for the Recreation Services Coordinator position approved at ATM in May 2024. Additionally, the fire department is interviewing firefighters/EMTs for two openings due to resignations.
In other matters, the Personnel Board continues to work on updating the employee handbook, harmonizing job descriptions with the Classification and Compensation Schedule, and finalizing the Governance Structure docu- ment.

On Thursday October 3, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) met and discussed preliminary requests for FY26 Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. Four preliminary requests were reviewed in order to determine whether these requests are eligible to receive CPA funds. The CPC voted unanimously that all four requests are eli- gible for CPA funding.
The CPC will hold public hearings on CPA funding requests on December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
The first request was proposed to the Committee by Wendy Trinks, the Boxborough Community Services Coordinator, who manages the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). Trinks presented a request for $69,000 of CPA funds for the BRAP, up from $44,000 in FY 2025.
The second, third, and fourth requests were presented via written proposals only. The Recreation Commission submitted an early proposal for an unspecified amount of funds to go towards the development of a softball field on a portion of land donated to the town by Ruth Landry.
Next, the Committee reviewed a request for $10,000 from the Conservation Commission as the annual CPC con- tribution to the Conservation Trust Fund, which would be used for expenses related to acquiring, improving, monitor- ing, and otherwise maintaining new and existing parcels in town.
Lastly, the Committee reviewed a request from the Cemetery Commission for $9,500 for funding the continu- ing project of repairing, cleaning, restoring, and resetting of headstones, monuments, and other stone work in the town’s two cemeteries.
This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

At their hybrid meeting on October 10, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) debriefed on Trash Talk, reviewed results for the household waste reduction survey, and discussed upcoming priorities.
Members of the committee shared feedback from the educational “Trash Talk” event held at the end of September. The event was well attended with over 30 participants.
The BSC continues to gather feedback from residents on household waste reduction preferences to guide the town’s strategy of waste reduction plans. Of the respondents who have completed the survey so far, preliminary results show that most residents engage in the recycling of textiles, electronics, and furniture. In contrast, approximately 50% of respondents don’t compost, suggesting this could be an area of improvement for Boxborough.
Residents who complete the survey may opt in to a raffle draw. The online survey will remain available until the next committee meeting on November 14 and is available at https://tinyurl.com/BoxboroughTrashSurvey.
The committee unanimously voted to encourage the Select Board to apply for a Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) municipal technical assistance award. The SMRP technical assistance program, if awarded, provides municipalities with up to 80 hours of expert help from a MassDEP Municipal Assistance Coordinator (MAC) on a single recycling or waste reduction project.
This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

At its meeting on Tuesday, October 1, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (5 - 0) to grant a special permit for a change of use in a nonconforming structure at 60 Codman Hill Road, changing the use of the property from “Professional Office Use” to “Assembly Group A-3 Use” for purposes of religious worship, which is an allowed and protected use within the zoning district.
Travis Snell, the owner of 60 Codman Hill Road, outlined the history of his efforts to lease the space, noting that the building has been vacant since he purchased it in 2021. According to Snell, the changing market has limited the interest in office space on Interstate 495. Snell was con- nected to Reverend Bryan Tomes of Crossroads Community Church, who was interested in leasing the space. Rev. Tomes told the ZBA that the church “has a vision to broad- en [their] circle” and has “outgrown [their] current space” in Fitchburg, which is why they are moving to Boxborough.
Snell stated that the building exterior will not change. Rev. Tomes is working with Cornerstone Architects to rede- sign and build out the interior space to serve the church’s needs. Church services will take place on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
ZBA members asked questions regarding the adequacy of parking and expressed concerns on the impact to neigh- bors.
To grant the special permit for a change of use in a non- conforming structure, the board needed to consider wheth- er the change will not be substantially more detrimental than the original use. Acting Chair Shawn McCormack said that he was inclined to find that the use is not detrimental and to grant the permit with some standard conditions, including adherence to fire, building, and health codes.
Under Section 3 of the Zoning Act (Chapter 40A), cit- ies and towns are generally prohibited from regulating or restricting “the use of land or structures for religious pur- poses.”
This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

On Sunday, October 27, the Boxborough Fire Department and Police Departments will host their fourth annual “Truck or Treat” at the fire station from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
As in past years, kids are encouraged to wear their cos- tumes (no toy weapons please) and trick-or-treat at each of the town’s fire trucks, a police cruiser, and other guest vehicles, which will be parked in the fire station parking lot.
Public safety personnel will greet the kids and give out candy and have a few activities planned. Kids will have the opportunity to sit in each of the vehicles, take pictures, and learn more about various public safety initiatives.
“We are thrilled to announce the fourth annual Truck or Treat event, which is a key part of our ongoing SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program,” said Boxborough Fire Chief John Kivlan. “With October being Fire Prevention Month, this event gives us a wonderful oppor- tunity to engage with the youth of Boxborough in a safe, enjoyable setting, where they can learn important fire safety lessons and have fun collecting treats. We extend our sin- cere gratitude to all community members who participate, as well as our local partners who help us make this event a success each year.”
“The Boxborough Police Department always looks for- ward to the Truck or Treat event as a way to connect with children and families in a fun and exciting environment,” said Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk. “We are look- ing forward to seeing all the terrific costumes, so please join us.”

Diwalifest 2024 will be held at the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough on Sunday, October 20 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is open to all and free to attend. The organizers of Diwalifest answered questions from Boxborough News about the celebration. Responses have been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.
Q: What is the significance of Diwali? What does it cel- ebrate?
A: Diwali signifies victory of light over darkness. In many parts of India, Diwali also signifies the beginning of a new year.
Q: When and how is Diwali typically celebrated?
A: It is celebrated every autumn on the darkest day of the lunar month, coinciding with the new moon. Like many Indian festivals, the way it is observed differs from family to family. However, a common thread in all these celebrations is the lighting of the simple clay lamp known as a Diya.
Q: How and when did Diwalifest start?
A: Diwalifest marks the culmination of a four-year jour- ney, initiated by Ms. Deepika Prakash, who first petitioned the school committee in 2017 to close schools in obser- vance of Diwali. Once the schools were closed, we real- ized we needed something more—a celebration where we could embrace our heritage and invite everyone to join us. Every festival shares two essentials: people and food, and Diwalifest is for everyone!
Q: Who organizes the festival?
A: The lead organizer of Diwalifest is Deepika Prakash. There are four core youth founders as well who help put this event together: Aarya, Arjun, Anika and Suravi. Ms. Arpita Pathak, owner of Gurukool in Littleton, organizes the cultural program at Diwalifest .
Q: Previous festivals have included food, crafts, and per- formances. What is planned for this year’s festival? Anything new?
A: Diwalifest focuses on food and culture. With that in mind, we invite local businesses, dance schools, and com- munity members to perform. There will be dances repre- senting many different regions of India performed by youth and adults. We will also have family yoga, kids’ activities, Diya lighting, and story time at Diwalifest. We like to keep the actual performances a surprise so you’ll just have to attend the festival to find out!

At their October 10 meeting, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted to drop further study of the 975 Massachusetts Avenue site primarily due to the cost of purchasing the land.
Town Administrator Michael Johns reported to the com- mittee that he had a second meeting with the owner of 975 Massachusetts Avenue, who stated that the price of the land would be $3.5 million. After discussion, the FSBC voted 6 to 1 to take the property off the table and not invest further time and resources into studying it.
This leaves three remaining potential fire station sites: 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the current fire station loca- tion), 72 Stow Road, and 700 Massachusetts Avenue.
The FSBC next heard an update on the 700 Massachusetts Avenue site. TA Johns reported that he has spoken to the owner several times via email and is gathering additional information about the site. Although there are a number of constraints, the committee agreed that it is worthy of further study by Context Architecture (Context), the town’s consultant.
The FSBC then turned to the “matrix,” a tool designed by Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) firm Vertex to be used for comparing and evaluating the three remaining potential fire station sites. Committee members discussed the purpose of the matrix, how it will be utilized by the committee, and the relative weighing of various metrics. They will continue discussion of the matrix at a future meeting.
The FSBC also discussed a recent Stow Road site visit and plans for the upcoming public forums. The forums will be held Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. via Zoom; and Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library.
This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

 

The town of Boxborough purchased Steele Farm in the fall of 1994. The Steele Farm Committee will host a 30th anniversary celebration on the property at 484 Middle Road on Saturday, October 19 between 2 and 4 PM. This event will feature seasonal refreshments and tours of the barn and Boxborough’s only remaining ice house.  There will also be displays of various farm implements. While the public cannot tour the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse, there will be a “look in”  and pictures of the interior will be available.  This is a great chance to come and see and celebrate all the work that has been done!  All are welcome including canine companions.

Due to popular demand, the Friends of the Boxborough Library used book sale will continue as a three day event. The weekend will start with a Preview Sale for members on Friday, November 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door).  The main public sale will take place on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Everything Must Go sale will be held on Sunday, November 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.  Standard size bags will be provided; pay $3 to fill each bag however you like.
The sale will take place in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. Proceeds from the sale of books will go toward additional library programs and museum passes.
Please support this sale by donating your gently used hard covers, paperbacks, and audiovisual items and attending this sale.  Books will be accepted from Monday, October 28 through Thursday, October 31 at the library during regular library hours. Please do not donate VCR tapes, magazines, or any material in really poor condition.

 

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM
Location: Parker Damon Building, Upper Parking Lot, 11 Charter Rd, Acton, MA  01720
Registration is not Required.
Donations accepted:
Clean, unstained baby/children's clothes size newborn to 10/Medium (NO socks, shoes, or underwear)
Gently used maternity clothes (NO undergarments)
Donation drop offs will be accepted at the following locations through Saturday, November 9. Please sort and label bags/boxes of clothes by size to help our volunteers!
47 Ethan Allen Dr. Acton
124 Great Rd. Acton
8 Heather Hill Rd. Acton
48 Washington Dr. Acton
62 Chester Rd. Boxborough
This is a FREE and PUBLIC event. Anyone can donate, and anyone can come "shop" at the event. Please be sustainable and bring your own shopping bag. This is a great opportunity to pass on hand-me-downs and help our neighbors! Any items remaining at the end of the event will be donated to local charities.
FOOD DRIVE: We will also host a food and diaper drive for the Acton Food Pantry during this swap. There is an urgent need for baby formula, baby food (jars, pouches, snacks & cereal), and diapers (especially size 5-6). Food drive donations will only be collected at the event on November 10. (Feel free to donate directly to the food pantry or via their Amazon wishlist if you cannot make it! https://www.actonfoodpantry.org/food)

Friday October 25, 5:30PM-9:30PM
"Nashoba Valley Neighbors” are hosting their Annual Game Night and Open House with a Halloween theme featuring games, costume contest and prizes!
Refreshments provided. Please bring a dish to share for the pot luck dinner.  All are welcome.
Meet at the Nagog Woods Club House, 102 Nonset Path  Acton.

Saturday October 12, 3:00PM-5:00PM
Please join the "Nashoba Valley Neighbors" group for the Adopt a Street road Cleanup event.  All are welcome!
Following clean up the crew will go to Crossroads Café in Acton for dinner.
Meet at the CVS Plaza,  344 Great Rd.  Acton.

Come One, Come All! The South Acton Church famous Rummage Sale is back!! Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 35 School Street in South Acton. The bargains will be Fabulous!
Upstairs, we’ll have delicious baked goods, scrumptious soups, veggie wraps, and beef and vegan chili --- perfect for lunch or take-out! Also, we’ll have our famous frozen entrees, terrific to keep in the freezer for a fast and healthy dinner. Downstairs will be all the deals! Clothes for all ages, housewares, toys, jewelry, and lots of special items, all at stunning bargain prices.
Come check us out!

Article by: Lee Slade and Nancy Settle-Murphy
Casino Royale, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW), will be held on Saturday evening on November 16 at the beautiful Wedgewood Pines Country Club, Stow.
Last year’s Casino Royale fundraiser and silent auction raised over $40,000, which helped to underwrite the vital community support A-B United Way and its grantees provide to residents throughout the A/B community. Organizers anticipate this year’s event will be even bigger and better. For more information and tickets, go to abuw.org/casino.

 

Wednesdays, 10:30-11:45am                                                                         
Open to all seniors/free
This group is an opportunity for people to talk about present or recent major issues of the day. Each member is expected to offer or suggest a topic or issue for the group to engage in. Members are expected to actively participate as a leader or as a learner. Facilitated by Sal Lopes.

Friday, October 18th, 9:45am                                               
Open to Acton residents
Town Manager, John Mangiaratti will be here to give updates from the Town, answer your questions and listen to your suggestions and concerns. Acton TV will be filming it live.

Thursday, October 17th, 1:30-2:30pm                                                     
Open to all seniors/free
Drop by the Senior Center to chat with Acton PD Officer Stackhouse & enjoy a free ice cream provided by the Acton Police Association! Also on hand will be the Department’s wonderful comfort dog, Zane.

Thursday, October 17th, 10:30-11:30am                                      
Open to all seniors/free
Join Val Walker via Zoom to celebrate the life & works of Mary Oliver and explore selected poems about the power of awe & wonder. Oliver boldly declares she is “willing to be dazzled” in her poem The Ponds and in the same spirit, we can enjoy more poems dedicated to her life-affirming attitude to living with openness and wonder. Contact the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov to register & receive the Zoom link. Val Walker, MS, Author, Educator, Blogger for Psychology Today, www.ValWalkerAuthor.com

Wednesday, October 16th and 30th, 3:00-4:30pm          
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
This month the group meets on Wednesday rather than the usual Tuesday.
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for a group that meets via Zoom which offers practical and emotional support. New participants are always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov.

Wednesday, October 16th, 9:00am-2:00pm                                              
All are welcome
The Friends of the COA have been collecting vintage costume jewelry all summer long. Your opportunity to purchase some gifts, a fashion accessory or special occasion memento at remarkable prices. Don’t miss it!

Tuesday, October 15th, 1:00-2:00pm                     
Open to all Acton residents/free
If you missed last month’s program, you have another chance to learn about the qualifiers and benefits of Eversource's "R2" Discount Rate Program and how participating in Acton Power Choice, the Town's electricity program, can help you reduce your electricity costs. You'll also learn how to determine who your electricity supplier is and how much you're paying for electricity. Please bring all pages of a current Eversource electric bill with you to the presentation. Acton Community Services Director Laura Ducharme and Council on Aging staff will be on hand to answer questions about Eversource's "R2" application process. Julie Harris from MassPowerChoice, the Town's consultant for Acton Power Choice (APC) will answer questions about APC. If you would like to enroll in APC, you can do so on the spot if you have a current Eversource electric bill with you!

Tuesday, October 15th, 11:00-12noon                                                   
Open to all/free                                                  
Participants will learn from other grandparents and experts about legal strategies and practices, ways to relieve the stress, and resources available. For additional information, contact group leader Joe O'Leary of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at 978-760-0360.

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear. Telephone: 978-929-6652  Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov
Website: www.actoncoa.com/  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon