1655 - 276.5 ppm • Ten Years Ago - 391.02 ppm

CO 2

One Year Ago - 413.32 ppm •

October 7, 2022

Vol. XLIII No 45

Last Week - 415.57 ppm

One American Dollar

GROTON ELECTRIC LIGHT HELPS FLORIDIANS RECOVER FROM DEVASTATION OF IAN School Capital Expenditures Move Forward After Debt Exclusion Vote In Dunstable by Marlena Gilbert Dunstable’s second attempt for a Groton-Dunstable Regional School capital debt exclusion cleared the way for various capital expenses to get underway. The Director of Business and Finance, Sherry Kersey, provided an update on the status of capital projects at the September 14, 2022, school committee meeting. • The high school football stadium project has been underway. Currently, the district is awaiting a soil test. It was initially scheduled for September 19 but was pushed off to the 30th of this month. • The press box is currently under renovation, and the sound system equipment was delivered and is scheduled to be installed. • Net fencing has been ordered for fence repairs, and the goal posts/scoreboard are on track with the new field installation: storage sheds and batting cage repairs. • The high school driveway has been repaired, the catch basins replaced from the entrance to the tennis courts, and the security camera installations are in progress. • Benches and bleachers will be started soon. • The School Committee accepted the donation of new banners that will replace the old banners that run along the driveway entrance of the high school from the Groton Dunstable Athletic Booster Club. • The material to replace deteriorated stair treads at various schools has finally arrived, and that repair is being scheduled with the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District's maintenance staff. • All eight ductless splits have arrived, and the electrician has been scheduled to install them at the Middle School and Swallow Union. However, the delivery of the ductless splits was staggered due to the storage space needed for the units. • The concrete walkway repair at Boutwell, roof recoating at the Middle School North, wooden fence repairs at the high school, fence repair at the softball field behind Middle School North, and the Peter Twomey Youth Center are underway. • PFAS mitigation discussions are ongoing and expected to be added capital costs to Dunstable and Groton. On October 2, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued a new drinking water regulation setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (called PFAS6). PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexContinued On Page 8

GELD sent a team to Florida on storm duty to help restore power. Jon and Evan from GELD arrived in Jacksonville with 21 other bucket trucks and 4 digger derricks from New England. GELD is proud to support other public utilities in their time of need - Public Power supporting Public Power.

CPC Recommends Using $250,000 of Historical Funds To Pay for Elevator in Prescott School Should This Money Go For An Elevator When Historic Prescott House is Under Threat of Demolition? • “Out of Cycle” Appropriation Would Reduce Funds Available for Other Historical Projects Next Year • Fall Town Meeting Will Grant or Deny Approval of Funding Request by Robert Stewart Under time pressure from the Town Manager, the Select Board and the American Disabilities Act Coordinator, the Community Preservation Committee voted 4-2 to consider a request for CPA funds five to six months ahead of the normal funding cycle to pay for installation of an elevator at Prescott School. After approving what is termed an “Out of cycle” funding request, the Committee then voted 5-1 to recommend to Fall Town Meeting that $250,000 be taken from the Historical Fund or bucket within available

CPA funds. Voters will consider final approval at Fall Town Meeting on Oct. 22. Town Manager Mark Haddad made the presentation to the Committee at the bequest of the Select Board. Haddad said the town is under a tight deadline from the state if the town hopes to receive a grant of $250,000 to help pay for the $500,000 cost of installing the elevator. Haddad made those comments at the CPC meeting on Monday, Sep. 26 and told the Committee that the grant application was due to the state on Friday, Sep. 30. Haddad stated to the Committee, “So because of that and because of the desire to get this done, I am seeking an out-of-cycle application.” Haddad told the Committee that after the application is received by the state, the town should hear whether or not the

grant is received by December. He also told the Committee that if the grant is approved, the money would have to be spent by June 30, 2023 – by the end of the current fiscal year. With Fall Town Meeting Story only a couple Bob’s weeks away, Haddad said he put a placeholder on the town meeting warrant so he could place an article on it should the Committee agree to recommend appropriating out-of-cycle funds from the historical bucket for this project. Haddad assured the Committee that if they don’t agree to move forward with the request, he would not put the article on the warrant. He also added that the Select Board wanted to put a caveat in the article stating that if the grant money is not received, the $250,000 would automatically Continued On Page 4

Groton Memorial Town Forest: 100 Years of Conservation Leadership by Joshua Vollmar Groton has a unique anniversary to celebrate in 2022: a century since the creation of the Memorial Town Forest, which now comprises much of the land between the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers in the southern part of West Groton. Today, the forest is 513 acres, one of the largest pieces of conservation land in town, having grown from the original 125 acres set aside at Town Meeting on February 22, 1922 as a living memorial to those Grotonians who gave their lives in World War I. When the forest was created, it was the first parcel of conservation land in Groton, and the second town forest in the

state. In many ways it grew out of the imagination of William P. Wharton, who could hardly have envisioned that a hundred years after this first conservation land was designated, the town would have more than 10 square miles of conservation land – nearly a third of its land area – with a network of more than 100 miles of trails. The Town Forest sits in a glacial river delta that has been stewarded for thousands of years by the Nipmuc and Nashaway peoples. With easy access to the Nashua and Squannacook, it is not surprising that a Native American village likely existed in the area. But the traits that caused the area now included in the Town Forest to be favored by the indige-

nous population were not as appealing to the English settlers who arrived after the town was incorporated in 1655. The west side of the Nashua River was difficult for them to access without a bridge, and far from the center of the settlement and the safety in numbers it provided. Thus, even though land in what is now West Groton was being laid out to the proprietors of the town by the late 1600s, it took a few decades before houses were built and English settlers began to live in the area. According to tradition, the first English child born in Groton on the west side of the Nashua River was Samuel Shattuck, Continued On Page 2

P2

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM

Groton Memorial Town Forest: 100 Years of Conservation Leadership Continued From Page one

who was born in 1726. It was also in the 1720s that the first bridge was erected over the river within Groton. With limited access, the land that is now the Town Forest was only gradually turned into farmland, although some sections were converted earlier than others. The area known as “The Island,” surrounded by the Dead River and the Nashua in the eastern part of the forest, became farmland decades before the rest of the forest, because it was originally connected to the east bank of the Nashua by a thin strip of land called “The Neck.” The current channel of the Nashua did not exist at the time, and instead the river flowed around “The Island” through what is now the Dead River. “The Island” and “The Neck” were part of the Farnsworth farm in the first half of the 1700s, which extended from Shirley Road down to the river. However, in a spring flood, probably in 1750 or 1751, “The Neck” was washed out, creating the channel that the river has followed since. Aside from “The Island,” the northern part of the Town Forest began to be farmed after 1740, when part of it became the homestead of William Parker, who is most noted as the maternal grandfather of the merchant

princes Amos and Abbott Lawrence (see the author’s article in the January 21, 2022 edition of the Herald). This homestead was expanded by later owners, reaching 178 acres by the time it was sold to the town in 1822. The town purchased the property to

dents of the community who could not support themselves. Long before federal welfare programs, town farms were where those who could not find employment and support themselves because they were disabled, elderly, or orphaned,

cook Junction, before heading up what is now the driveway to the Groton (Senior) Center. On the opposite side of the Nashua River from the forest, the Groton School opened in 1884. One of the original teachers at the School, William Amory Gardner,

The town purchased this farm in 1822 as a ‘Poor Farm’ or almshouse in what is now the northern section of the Town Forest. At the time, the state mandated that towns provide support for residents who could not care for themselves usually for reasons of disability or other infirmity. Long before federal welfare programs, such farms cared for residents who could not support themselves. Groton’s Town Farm was operated from 1822 until the last three residents were moved to Fitchburg in 1929.

use as the Town Farm, also called the Poor Farm, centered around the almshouse, also known as the workhouse, or later, the infirmary. At the time, the state mandated that towns provide support for those permanent resi-

among other reasons, and had no wealth or family to help them came to rest. They were expected to contribute to the tasks on the farm in return for room and board. Groton’s Town Farm was operated in the north part of Continued From 1822 Page until One the Town Forest from the last three inmates were moved to Fitchburg in 1929. By that time, however, much of the land of the farm had already become part of the new forest. Much had changed over the course of the nineteenth century. The Peterborough & Shirley Railroad had been built along the Squannacook River, on the western boundary of the Town Forest today, and up through the center of West Groton in 1847. Another branch, the Brookline & Pepperell Railroad, opened in 1892, leaving the older line to the west of the Town Forest at what was called Squanna-

ultimately acquired a large amount of land in what became the Town Forest. Gardner was the nephew and adopted son of Isabella Stewart Gardner of the eponymous museum, and the scion of one of the most elite socalled Boston Brahmin families. His offer to donate the 58 acres of land he owned around the Dead River got the ball rolling on creating the Town Forest. William “Billy” Pickman Wharton picked up this ball. Wharton was also from an elite family. Billy Wharton attended Groton School and graduated from Harvard, having been a classmate of FDR at both, but initially was uncertain of what to do with his life. So, he returned to a place he loved: the woods of Groton, building a “fishing shack” next to Baddacook Pond in 1905. He soon realized that

his passion was the natural world. Wharton first dove into the study of birds. In 1912, he purchased an estate on Broadmeadow Road known as Five Oaks with his inheritance, and subsequently became one of the first people in the country to get a federal bird banding permit. He soon was inspired to move into land conservation after a 1913 trip to Europe, during which he visited the Black Forest in Germany and learned about forest management. He began buying up more land in East Groton after his return, expanding his original tract near Baddacook Pond until he eventually owned more than 720 acres – he would eventually donate this land in 1968 to the New England Forestry Foundation, an organization he helped to found in 1944. But well before that, during his tenure on the Groton Select Board (1921-1924), Wharton had seen the possibilities of a Town Forest after Gardner’s offer to donate his land. While many were hesitant to accept this, considering it a burden on the town, Wharton pushed the idea forward, speaking at Town Meeting and convincing the town to take 67 acres of the old Town Farm and combine it with Gardner’s adjoining land to form the Town Forest. It is thanks to Wharton that the Forest was created a century ago in 1922.

The Groton Memorial Town forest is 513 acres, one of the largest pieces of conservation land in town, having grown from the original 125 acres set aside at Town Meeting on February 22, 1922 as a living memorial to those Grotonians who gave their lives in World War I.

P3

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM

Letter From Ukraine: I am A Child Of Independent Ukraine It is customary for a weekly newspaper like the Groton Herald to limit reporting to local happenings. National, international, and global news used to be separate and distinct from the concerns of the weekly newspaper, but not anymore.

the series on large canvases. I am currently working on the Protected project in Austria. I am grateful to Erica for this opportunity. I am grateful to everyone who supports Ukraine now.

Now global and national issues like global warming, fanciful disputes over election integrity and the War in Ukraine have a direct impact on our town - an outsize impact that would have been difficult to imagine 20 years ago. In the meantime, technology has expanded our ability to report meaningfully on the local impact of global news. And these global issues deserve coverage too because they can deeply affect our town. The following letter from Ukraine by Halyna Andrusenko was arranged by the Groton Herald through Grotonian and Ukrainian-American Hanna Melnyczuk. She arranged for a friend to write this letter and she translated it from the Ukrainian. We believe it offers readers a unique perspective on the War.

“Wrapping what I love symbolizes the desire to protect it, but the absurdity of this protection indicates my helplessness.” Self-portrait by Halyna Andrusenko

My first drawing was made in the basement, with the beginning of the war Self-portrait 24.02.2022 22:21. [See above]

veryone talked about the threat of war, but I did not believe it. I did not think that this was possible. I thought that it was ridiculous when people spoke about it. But just in case, I stopped turning off the sound on the phone before going to bed and bought a lot of chocolate.

In the middle of the night, we decided we had to leave, but we didn't know where to go. We decided everything along the way. Our trip lasted almost two weeks; we stayed with friends in Berdychev, with strangers in Chernivtsi, in a hostel. Then the city of Lviv became a long-term stop for Anton and me. Friends sheltered us there.

On February 24, a few minutes before 5 o'clock in the morning, I woke up from my brother's call. He said in a calm very voice “Gal, it's started... just calm down, don't worry, but quickly pick up your things and come to us, we are going south to our parents’ home, Kyiv is being bombed.”

One day while walking through the center of Lviv, my attention was drawn to the sculptures on Rynok Square. They had a bizarre appearance, as they were wrapped in a protective material. I thought about the impact of the threat bombings made on the appearance of the living space.

I woke up my boyfriend, “Anton, war!”

The protective material with which the sculptures were wrapped for the purpose of preservation seemed to have reborn them by making them similar to new art objects. There was a transformation into new forms in which the image of war appeared.

by Halyna Andrusenko

E

He brushed his teeth for a long time and slowly. I ran around the apartment and threw some things into our backpacks. At the same time, we called our friends. Everyone already knew, but no one knew what to do about it... There were already traffic jams and commotion on the street. The journey took more than an hour. My brother Evgeny, his wife Hanna, their two little daughters Polina and Elina, our cousin Valentin and his girlfriend Anna were already waiting for us under his brother's house. We hugged. As it turned out not only the capital, but also almost all other cities were being bombed. All the roads had insane traffic jams. Driving anywhere was impossible. No matter where you drove, there was an attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south. We just stayed and waited, spending almost the whole day and part of the night in the cold basement.

That's how I started working on the series of works I call Protected. Drawing calmed and distracted me, and the detail of this act introduced a meditative state. It was an emotional rescue. Over time, a new idea began to emerge, which is related to the previous concept, but the attention shifted to what is important and dear specifically for me and what I want to protect and preserve, but I didn’t feel strong enough to influence the course of events. For example, this image of wrapped protective material around my parents (see next image), who live in the south of Ukraine and do not want to leave, regardless that the terri-

News Reporter Russell H. Harris

Photography Steve Lieman

Executive Editor Russell H. Harris

Production Manager John MacLeod

Eyes + Ears On Beacon Hill Bob Katzen, Beacon Hill Roll Call

News Editor Deborah E. Johnson

Sports Editor Matt Detora

Senior News Reporters Connie Sartini Robert Stewart Marlena Gilbert

Sports Reporter Robert Mingolelli Online Edition Kim MacLeod

Correspondents Nancy Ohringer Barbara Scofidio Advertising Sales Russell H. Harris John MacLeod

Artists are now acting as a cultural front, and their visual language speaks about the lived experience of the war, showing the world the terrible realities of Ukraine now. This is why we are participating in the project "Don't Close Your Eyes", the main goal of which is to attract the attention of the world and call for help for Ukraine.

tory of southern Ukraine is particularly dangerous now and is something I can’t change. The image of my niece on the swing, our house where I was born, our dog, a book about one of my favorite artists, Morandi, which I left in Kyiv when I fled the war without having finished reading it. These are very different things in terms of scale and value, but which are important to me and which were threatened with the beginning of the war. I don't want to lose them. Wrapping what I love symbolizes the desire to protect it, but the absurdity of this protection indicates my helplessness. Recently visiting my parents, we embodied this idea together in the form of a performance, with photos and videos. It was a very sensual experience for me. Also, after returning to Kyiv, I began to research the preservation of cultural monuments in

Groton Artist Hanna Melnyczuk

the capital. I was interested in sculptures that are protected by sandbags. They have a completely different look, very monumental and also associated with the image of war. Thanks to the invitation of the Austrian artist Erika Navas to her studio in Egendorf, I have had the opportunity to continue

[email protected] Publisher Deborah E. Johnson

The American artist with Ukrainian roots, Hanna Melnyczuk is one of these people. She wanted to have an exhibit in America of the works of Ukrainian artists on the theme of war. Having received a message on Instagram from Hanna, I felt that, in addition to participating in the exhibition, I can do something more for Ukraine on a larger scale by showing a larger world the images that Ukrainian artists were making in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

This letter was written in Ukrainian and translated by Groton’s Hanna Melnyczuk. Below is the opening of the letter written in Ukrainian which uses the cyrillic alphabet. «ДИТИНА НЕЗАЛЕЖНОЇ УКРАЇНИ» Всі говорили про загрозу війни, а я не вірила. Я не могла подумати, що це можливо. Мені навіть було смішно з людей, які допускали таку можливість. Але на всякий випадок я перестала вимикати звук на телефоні перед сном і

978-448-6061

Advertising and News Deadline: Tuesdays at noon. Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8:00- 2:30 Closed Thurs & Fri. Email is Checked & Monitored Subscription: $45 per year. THE GROTON HERALD (U.S.P.S. Publication Number 534-810) is published 47 times a year, weekly except Christmas week, 2 week of July and first two weeks of August for $45 per year by Groton Herald, Inc., P.O. Box 610, Groton MA 01450. The Groton Herald also publishes an online version of the content of the print version of the paper at www.grotonherald.com. For the purposes of a subscription, print and online versions are the same product. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. Periodical Postage at Groton, MA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GROTON HERALD, P.O. BOX 610 GROTON, MA 01450.

P4

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM

CPC Recommends Using $250,000 Of Historical Funds To Pay For Elevator In Prescott School Continued From Page One

be turned back to the Community Preservation Fund. With that explanation and the time deadlines involved, members of the Committee weighed in on their thoughts and questions about the unusual out-ofcycle request for funds and the deadlines involved. Member Richard Hewitt questioned not only the deadline pressure but also the urgency of considering this request outside the normal funding process for the appropriation of CPA funding. Hewitt stated, “…We’ve talked about out-of-cycle applications being something really needing a compelling reason – health, safety, danger. Certainly, a large grant or something would qualify for that. But, if (the grant) could just be re-applied for next year and be in line with everybody else. That’s my concern. That, in effect, an out-of-cycle application is jumping the line. And, I’m not convinced that it’s necessary to do that at this time.” Haddad responded by saying, “The funding for this is coming out of fiscal year 2023 money, not fiscal year 2024 money. So it’s money that you had available for fiscal 2023 applications that wasn’t expended.” Haddad also noted that the timing of the grant application is critical because of uncertainty in the mar-

ket place. He told the Committee, “Construction costs are escalating at a rapid pace. I’m just afraid that if we wait a whole year, given what’s going on with the market, it may cost more than what we’re asking for.” ADA Coordinator Michelle Collette added that when the town did a self-evaluation plan on handicap access to townowned buildings, Prescott School was on the list. Collette noted that all items included in that plan had been completed with the exception of the elevator in Prescott School which everyone knew at that time would be an expensive project. She stated, “The compelling need is that all people should have access to every floor in the building, unimpeded access. So it’s really under the American with Disabilities Act, an urgent matter.” Committee member Anna Eliot shared the same concern expressed by Richard Hewitt especially in considering the request for funds outside the normal process. She also noted that when voters approved $80,000 for the design and engineering of the elevator at Annual Spring Town Meeting, it was stated then there would not be a need for any additional funding from the town and that the state would pay for the construction.

She stated, “There are just too many inconsistencies in this particular application. There is handicap accessibility to this building in both the first floor and the basement. So why do we have to rush through this and spend another $250,000 of taxpayer money to subsidize businesses…So, I have a lot of reservations about this application.” Committee Chair Carolyn Perkins said she would like the Committee to vote on the request at the conclusion of their discussion. She said the vote would be a two-step process with the Committee first voting on whether to accept the request as an out-of-cycle application. The second vote would be to recommend the project on its merits. Member Anna Eliot moved that the Committee not accept the request as out-of-cycle application. That motion failed because it did not receive a second from other committee members. Committee member Dan Emerson then made a motion that the request be accepted as an outof-cycle application. Member Russ Burke seconded the motion and there was discussion on that motion. Member Bob DeGroot said he had concerns about depleting funds from the historic bucket of available money. He stated, “I have a concern about

the historic (fund) and the fact that it’s going to be potentially completely depleted by this project, leaving a far lesser sum available for upcoming projects, historic-related projects…I know there are a number of others, but right now this just cuts the line when there’s a number of other historic related things that may be brewing during the normal cycle.” While DeGroot didn’t specify what historic projects may be upcoming, it is known that the Prescott House on Old Ayer Rd. is being planned for demolition by Groton Hill Music Center. Funds from the CPA Historic bucket could potentially be used to form an arrangement with Groton Hill Music Center possibly to save the building. Another potential use of the historic bucket fund is preservation of the extensive private collection of Earl Carter that contains Groton documents and ephemera. Haddad responded to DeGroot by noting there was approximately $500,000 in the historic bucket fund and that there’s $500,000 in the unallocated fund. He explained that funding the request for the elevator could either come out of the historic fund or the unallocated fund. He also repeated that money in the historic fund was unexpended in fiscal 2023 and was available for

appropriation. Haddad also noted that more money will be added to the historic fund in fiscal year 2024 as part of the annual CPA surtax on property in town and that money can be used for historic projects, open space preservation and affordable housing. The first vote to accept the request as an out-of-cycle application was approved on a 4-2 vote with Richard Hewitt and Anna Eliot voting not to support an out-of-cycle application. The second vote to approve the request on its merit and recommend it to Fall Town Meeting was approved on a 5-1 vote. Hewitt voted with the majority to recommend the project to Fall Town Meeting. Member Anna Eliot was opposed to bringing the request to town meeting. With that approval, Haddad indicated he would place an article on the warrant for Fall Town Meeting asking that voters approve taking $250,000 out of the CPA historic fund. If voters approve the article, bids would go out the following week and Haddad said that bids on the project should be received sometime in December. The project would have to be completed by June 30, 2023 to receive grant funds from the state and Haddad and Committee members acknowledged it is a tight timeframe.

Nashoba Tech’s Veterinary Education Is For The Birds . . . Dogs, Cats & Other Pets The partnership between Nashoba Valley Technical High School and Angell Animal Medical Center is really for the birds. And the dogs and the cats -- just about any pet, for that matter. In 2015, Nashoba Tech added Veterinary Assisting to its technical offerings because one of the industries in dire need of employees is veterinary science. Shortly after, Angell Animal Medical Center opened its Angell

Dr. Laurence Sawyer, DVM, medical director for Angell at Nashoba said that Angell can’t operate at full capacity. They have the doctors, and they have the demand but the support staff is sorely lacking. at Nashoba animal clinic inside the school, where juniors and seniors in the Veterinary Assisting program can gain valuable hands-on experience. Now, the partnership is starting to pay dividends, as four Nashoba Tech graduates are working for Angell – two at the in-school clinic, and two at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Woburn. “There is an incredible shortage,” said Dr. Laurence Sawyer, DVM, the medical director for Angell at Nashoba. “Angell can’t operate at full capacity. They have the doctors, and they certainly have the demand.” Between the doctors and the demand, however, is the support staff, and that’s what is sorely lacking.

That’s where Nashoba Tech’s Veterinary Assisting program comes in. Ann Marie Greenleaf, chief of staff at Angell Animal Medical Center, said she’s happy to see students graduating, earning their certificates as veterinary technicians, and entering the workforce. “The Nashoba Valley Tech students who have graduated and gone on to work for the Angell network are doing very well,” Greenleaf said. “They bring a level of knowledge that allows

them to integrate well with our existing teams. Anything they do not know, they will learn on the job as they are taught by more experienced technicians.”

how they would use their degree, and if the essay is satisfactory, they can enroll in the Penn Foster program, which is 100 percent funded by Angell.

An enormous part of the equation is the fact that Angell will pay for enrollment in an online program through which qualifying students can pursue further education in the veterinary sciences once they graduate from high school.

“They can work and earn money while they pursue their degree,” Greenleaf said.

Greenleaf said students who have worked for Angell for six months can submit an essay on

In three to four years, students can earn their Associate’s degree and take the test to become a certified veterinarian technician, or CVT, and receive a $5,000 bonus. They can then, if they choose, go on to earn their Bach-

elor’s degree, again paid for by Angell. It all begins, though, at Nashoba Tech. “Having the clinic onsite has given students real-world experience in dealing with the public and learning how a veterinary clinic functions,” said Kate Hawkins, one of the Veterinary Assisting instructors at Nashoba Tech. Eryn Tormey, a 2019 graduate of Nashoba Tech from Shirley, is Continued On Page 8

P5

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM

Groton Police Log Week of September 19 Week of Sept 19, 2022 During the week of September 19, dispatch answered 1166 calls for service. The following is a summary of just a few of those calls. Police officers responded to 15 abandoned 9-1-1 calls; all ended up being accidental dials on cell phones. The police department investigated six suspicious activity calls; all were unfounded. There were five crashes this week and the fire department responded to 14 fire service calls. Emergency responders went to 15 calls for medical aid; three patients refused further treatment after being treated by EMS. September 19, 2022 At 8:56 AM, a resident called to report that a bear got into their chicken coop either sometime last night, or early this morning. Residents should bring in their bird feeders (if they are still out!); bears are beginning their feeding frenzy before they hibernate. Feeders can come back out once bears have hibernated, which is usually sometime midDecember. For more information on how to live alongside our black bear population, please visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-blackbears September 20, 2022 At 4:10 PM, an officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Main St. when they observed a vehicle whose vehicle registra-

tion had expired. A query of the operator showed that they had an open arrest warrant out of Ayer District Court. The operator was arrested for the warrant. September 21, 2022 At 7:45 PM, an officer was driving down Farmer’s Row when they located a vehicle pulled over. The officer checked on the operator, who stated they were lost and looking for the Groton School. The officer had the motorist follow them to the school.

September 24, 2022 At 10:30 AM, officers were dispatched to Mill Run Plaza for a report of a patron in one of the restaurants causing a disturbance. The reporting party stated that the individual was acting odd, inserting themselves into people’s conversations, and

being disruptive. Upon arrival, the subject had willingly left the store; officers spoke to the individual about their behavior, and advised that the business owner had removed them from the store. September 25, 2022

At 4:08 PM, a resident called to complain that there was a large gathering at a local field. The caller described the group as showing up with three grills and several long tables. Officers checked on the gathering, who had a permit from the town to use the field.

September 22, 2022 At 10:34 PM, both police and fire were dispatched to one of the dorm buildings at Groton School for fire alarm activation. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a student had left popcorn in the microwave for too long. We would like to remind everyone that most microwaves now have a popcorn setting. If you use this button, you will have (almost) perfectly popped popcorn and won’t accidently set off any fire alarms. September 23, 2022 At 10:41 PM, a motorist called and advised dispatch that there was an owl in the roadway that wasn’t moving. The owl appeared stunned. A few minutes later, the motorist called back and said that the owl flew off and appeared to be fine. Motorist should note that sometimes owls are confused by our car’s headlights, and it takes them a minute or so to recover.

Groton supports Florida in time of need. GELD sent a team to Florida on storm duty to help restore power.

P6 OCTOBER 7, 2022

Ava Buchmann receives the aerial pass under pressure, taking an excellent first touch and turning to progress the ball up the field. Photo by Matt Detora

Ava Buchmann knocks the ball beyond the Hudson full-back and out paces her down the wing, G-D's bid to break the tie late depended heavily on crosses coming in from the right wing. Each team created chances and earned corner kicks late, however both defenses held in the final minutes to conclude the match in a 1-1 draw. Photo by Matt Detora

Girls Varsity Soccer Groton-Dunstable's Girls Varsity Soccer team picked up some positive results last week: Chelmsford (W 2-0), Shepherd Hill (W 4-1) , and Hudson (T 1-1), Quabin (W 4-1). The good run of games is reflective of the hard work in practice. Head Coach Sean Murphy's focus in training has been on the first touch, adjusting the younger players to the speed of the varsity game, moving the ball quicker and cleaner, maintaining possession, and combining in space. Coach

Murphy added, "I think over time these girls are starting to realize how good they are and how good they can play if they trust themselves and their teammates and the system. Lately they are playing with more confidence and I believe that makes a big difference." The Girls Varsity squad will look for better results in a second match against Marlborough and Leominster at home on 10/11 and 10/13, as well as settle the draw in the away fixture at Hudson on 10/20

Aubrey Stark steps into a shot. Photo by Robert Mingolelli

Friday night football. GD against North Middlesex always guarantees a huge enthusiastic, hometown crowd. Photo courtesy Robert Mingolelli

The Groton-Dunstable Athletic Captains sport the pink "Groton-Dunstable Stronger Together" shirts in support of breast cancer awareness. All proceeds went to cancer research. The effort was led by Varsity Volleyball Head Coach Heather Barlow, who lost her sister to cancer five years ago. Over 400 shirts were printed and sold, with all the athletic coaches buying the shirts for their players. The shirts will be worn by the players of each team at a home game in October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Students can enter a raffle to win free Bruno's Pizza by sending a selfie wearing the shirt, at a G-D home game, to [email protected]. Front row: Abby Flynn, Ryenne Barros, Ellie Petros, Abby Burgess Back row: Isabelle Frazier, Harrison Palmer, John Devereaux, Declan Hann, Mia Trawick

P7 OCTOBER 7, 2022

Groton Senior Golf League Final Standings (Top 4 Teams) 1st Place: 2nd Place:

3rd Place:

Groton-Dunstable rises at the net to contest the shot. Photo courtesy of Derek Helmer

4th Place:

Girls Varsity Volleyball

The Girls Varsity Volleyball team continued their good form last week, and faced two challenging opponents, prevailing over South Lancaster in five sets on Wednesday, and ending up on the losing end of five sets against Hudson. Their six game win streak early in the season has the volleyball team feeling confident about their 8-3 record, and poised to enter the postseason focused and prepared mentally. In a year that could have been more of a developmental year, having lost seven seniors, Head Coach Heather Barlow credits the players' hard work in the off-season, competing in club volleyball, for their progress and preparedness for this season. In addition to the returning players

stepping up, freshman Alexa Gendron has made immediate contributions to the team. Kaelyn Engeian's 3.1 kills per set, Svea Sullivan's 1.1 aces per set, and Michelle French's 12 blocks lead the team in the stat categories. The talented roster is thriving on the court with their two senior captains, and four year Varsity players, Isabelle Frazier and Abby Burgess, Abby whose 2.5 digs per set is also a team lead. The team will be aiming to complete several season sweeps over familiar opponents in the coming weeks, and will await a matchup in the Central Massachusetts postseason tournament, followed by the state tournament.

Captain Finn Bernard (#18) breaks a tackle against North Middlesex. Photo by Robert Mingolelli

Team 12 (427 points) Lyda Budry, Dave Jones, Mac McMillian, Jeff Atwood Team 5 (424 points) Rick Salon, Jack Mullin, Allen King, Mimi Giammarino Team 10 (421 points) Chuck Vander Linden, Bud Robertson, Jean Ciano, Tim Fields Team 2 (416 points) Andy Palmer, Bob Arsenault, Walter Cinsavich, Sandy Ehlinger

Most Individual Points (top 4) Flight A:

Flight B:

Flight C:

Flight D:

Rod VanGuilder (110), Jane Barrett (109), Chuck Vander Linden (107), Tied: Lyda Budrys & Ed Joyce (102) Tied: Jack Mullin & Vince Pothier (112), Dave Jones (110), Tied: Bud Robertson & Don Torgersen (109) Jenifer Evans (116), Walter Cinsavich (113), Dave Hallinan (109), Ron Hersch (105) Judy Anderson (131), Jeff Atwood (119), Mimi Giammarino (112), Sandy Ehlinger (109)

Groton Senior Golf League Most Improved Jane Barrett (30%), Walter Cinsavich (26.5%), Mimi Giammarino (21.1%), Jack Mullin (7.7%)

Groton-Dunstable Senior Will Vogel (#3) takes down Patriots quarterback Michael Reardon. Photo by Robert Mingolelli

Scoreboard

Field Hockey Quabbin 4, GD 0

“Annie Apigian (24 saves) had a great game in net for GD. Julia Furman and Jenna Koch kept the game very competitive, with exceptional play,” Coach Rachel Connerty. Leominster 8, GD 1 Lauren Haggerty: Goal

Girls Soccer Valley Tech 3, GD 1 GD1, Hudson 1 Daria Giorgi-Woodford (Hudson): penalty kick goal Ava Buchmann: Goal, assisted by Cassie Prechtl

Girls Cross Country Tues Oct 4 Oakmont @GD Just the team results, I'm running more on this next week, senior night

Volleyball GD 3, South Lancaster Academy 2 "We barely won in 5! Lancaster played super scrappy defense, and we had several players who had to step up to cover for some missing players,” said Coach Heather Barlow. Hudson 3, GD 2 24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 15-9. GD 3, Fitchburg 0 25-22, 25-11, 25-9

Golf

Billerica 2, GD 0 Proceeds from the game were donated to raise funds for Austin Capone who is battling cancer.

No. Middlesex 31.5, GD 22.5 Ryan Bushnell: 35 GD 3, Fitchburg 0 25-22, 25-11, 25-9

GD 4, Quabbin 1 Goal Scorers: Alexa Hardy, Anna Rose Martel, Ella Trawick, Ava Buchmann

GD 207, Littleton 211 Rob Flynn 38, Ryan Bushnell 39, Cole Biegel 41

Cam Lesser: 6 Saves

Boys Soccer Hudson 4, GD 1 Westboro 3, GD 0

Boys Cross Country Tues Oct 4 Oakmont @GD

Football North Middlesex 33, GD 13 Zach Romich 30-yard TD pass to Caden Woolfrey Nate Bushnell: 25 carries, 147 yards, TD Will Vogel: 2 sacks

Cheryl King Broker/Co-Owner (978) 270-0553

Margaret Roberts Broker/Co-Owner (508) 254-1456

Locally owned and operated for over 40 years!

Sara Zambuto (978) 273-1675

Caroline Duong (214) 579-1957

We Need Homes! • Our buyers are in need of homes • Home prices are still high • Inventory remains low

Let’s see if we have a match! MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT

Michelle Sticklor (978) 495-0635

Contact Us Today:

(978) 448-3031 [email protected]

Karen Alsheimer (978) 621-4548

Steve King (617) 306-7514

P8

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM

Enthusiastic conducting at Groton Hill Music class. Photo by Steve Lieman

School Capital Expenditures Move Forward After Debt Exclusion Vote In Dunstable Continued From Page One

Photos at Groton Hill Music School by Steve Lieman

Nashoba Tech’s Veterinary Education Is For The Birds . . . Dogs, Cats & Other Pets Continued from Page 4

working at Angell at Nashoba along with fellow 2019 alum Carley Robinson of Lowell. Meanwhile, 2022 graduates Angelina Herbst of Ayer and Roslynn Rhodes of Pepperell, are working at Angell Animal Medical Center while completing the Penn Foster program. Tormey earned her degree in Veterinary Tech at New England Institute of Technology before the Penn Foster program was offered. While at Nashoba Tech, she worked in the Angell at Nashoba clinic. Now she’s back working full time. “They know me, and I’m happy and comfortable with the people who work here,” Tormey said. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and they’ve brought me where I am today. It’s like a big family here. They’re very encouraging and very motivating. They push me to be more than what I think I can be.” Tormey is exposed to all aspects of working in an animal clinic, including reception, treatment, surgery and anesthesia. “Surgery is one of my favorite days,” she said, adding that now she’s helping today’s upperclassmen at Nashoba Tech get to where she is. “Having the clinic at Nashoba allows students to really explore what it is like to work in a general practice,” Greenleaf said. Nashoba Tech Superintendent Dr. Denise Pigeon said the working relationship between the school and the clinic is exactly what was envisioned in 2015. “We are so grateful to have this partnership with Angell and to give students the chance to work together with the staff at the clinic,” Pigeon said. “It’s a tremendous benefit for our students.”

anesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). The high school has its well; therefore, it is required that water be tested for these chemicals. A letter from the MassDep describes the results for the high school, which indicate that the levels of PFAS chemicals are above the acceptable level. This letter clearly states “this is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.” In response to these test results, bottled drinking water is being purchased for use at the high school and used by the GDRHS Food Service in any food preparation that requires water.

In addition, the MassDep had verified that water use for irrigation, toilets, and washing hands is safe because it is not being consumed. Representatives from Pepperell, Dunstable, and Groton will be meeting on October 6, 2022, to discuss the possible opportunity and cost to tie into an alternative water source. While solutions are explored, the district's cost for bottled water is manageable to allow proper time to exhaust all options and identify the most efficient solution. The Superintendent advised, “this is not a high school problem, as there are abutters that will also require mitigation plans. However, unlike the high school, there is financial assistance from the DEP for abutters.”

Happenings

P9

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM Groton Interfaith Council Faith, Coffee & Friends + Seeking New Members Groton Interfaith Council (GIC) seeks to foster inclusion within our local vibrant communities. Our theme for the coming year, ‘Unity in the Face of Division’ will celebrate many of the unique qualities our community offers to its residents. GIC is looking to increase faith representation within our group by including individuals of faiths not currently represented. If you or someone you know might be interested in connecting with our focused and inspiring members, we invite you to attend our next joyful public gathering of Faith, Coffee & Friends on Sunday, October 23 at 3 p.m. at Groton Senior Center. 163 West Main Street. With open and loving hearts we’ll share approaches to unity in our daily lives. Refreshments will be offered. Please note GIC’s next monthly meeting will be held on Monday, November 7 at 7 p.m., First Parish Church minister’s office, 3 Powder House Road (next to Groton’s Old Meeting House). RSVP to either or both events: grotoninterfaithcouncil@gmail .com

Periwinkle Studio Offers Special Classes Periwinkle Studio, located INSIDE the Prescott School Community Center is offering special classes for Early Release days. Early release ArtPak Kids ages seven-14. Small glass projects, including stained glass, fused glass and mosaic. Fridays 1-2:45 p.m. $30, including materials Oct. 7 - stained glass spider webs: beautiful glass webs with giant sparkly spiders Oct. 21 - felt succulent terrariums: hanging terrarium filled with felt succulents, pebbles, seaglass and critters Oct 28 - stained glass Halloween/fall projects: pre-cut shapes to foil and solder for suncatchers Bug Hotels! Monday Holiday Special session: Ages seven-14 Monday, October 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Create a warm and cozy home for our beneficial bug friends that hibernate! We will be using all natural materials in a wood house base. (We will be using a glue gun) $35. All materials provided. Limited space! Stained Glass Intensive for Teens 13 & up Thursdays 3-5:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $265 including all materials. (Typically, small class size so lots of individual instruction. Classes do not have to be consecutive weeks) Students will learn the basics of stained glass: creating a pattern, cutting glass, foiling and soldering. Completed panel is usually up to 16x20 Stained Glass Basics to Creation for adults Thursdays 6-8:30 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $265 including all materials to make a 16x20 panel. This is a fun creative group class. Registration is rolling so new beginners start every week! Five sessions can be used consecutively or to fit your schedule! Drop-in stained or fused glass: Available Wed.-Sat, call the shop to arrange a time! All ages, 7adult ($55-60, flexible times) www.periwinkleglassworks for more class opportunities or to register or call the shop Wed.Sat. for more info. 508-341-4740.

Yellow birch leaves are blowing on Harlan Harlan has not been found and is being covered in yellow birch leaves. The birches are really dropping their leaves. A few trees are already bare. There is even a

good size paper birch tree off the trail on the ground in sight of Harlan. With the hemlock and white pine are also all these smaller birch trees. Right along the trail are a couple Indian cucumber root(Medeola virginiana). This time of year they have bluish purple tiny berries. A cluster of three small leaves atop the stem turns partly red so makes them easy to spot. There is a second whorl of six leaves or more leaves which are green. Also along the trail is a clump of the red berried partridgeberry(Mitchella repens) creeping close to the ground. The evergreen leaves are only about half an inch long, opposite, roundish, shiny, green with white veins. The woods are coloring up. Get out and enjoy the changing scenery and keep your eyes pealed for the illusive gnome.

Groton Town Forest Trail Race Groton Town Forest Trail Race, sponsored by the Squannacook River Runners and part of the WMAC's Grand Tree Trail Race Series will be held Sunday, October 16 starting at 163 West Main Street, Groton. Races start at 12:30 p.m. for the 9.5-mile and 12:40 p.m. for the 3.4-mile race. The two courses tour the scenic

Groton Town Forest with no road crossings.Both racecourses combine narrow dirt roads and winding single lane trails. Each course contains varied terrain, with many roots, rocks, leaves and hills. While not large, the hills are steep. Preregistration is available via: http://www.grotontftr .freeservers.com. Day of race registration is available at 163 West Main Street, Groton.

Margaret Fuller and Elizabeth Bishop: Two Women of Central Massachusetts Pulitzer-Prize winning biographer Megan Marshall will present “Margaret Fuller and Elizabeth Bishop: Two Women of Central Massachusetts,” on Sunday, October 23, at the Groton Center, 163 Main Street, in West Groton. The public is invited to attend this lively exploration that inspired Marshall’s immersive and prize-winning biographies, Margaret Fuller: A New American Life and Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast. Born a century apart, Fuller and Bishop’s lives and passions converge in fascinating ways. They had their important differences: Margaret Fuller was a public figure, a social reformist, and essayist. The author of Woman of the

Nineteenth Century, she was the first female war correspondent and full-time book reviewer. A poet (and painter), Elizabeth Bishop confined her eloquence to the page. She won the Pulitzer Prize for her collection: North & South/A Cold Spring (1955), taught at Harvard, and has been called by the New York Times critic, Larry Rohter, “one ofthe most important American poets” of the 20th century. Fuller received a carefully cultivated intellectual upbringing (part of which was in Groton); she associated with many of the best minds of her day. Bishop’s family background was less fortunate. Both struggled from childhood with questions of identity, and

purpose. Each led off- beat, colorful lives of outstanding accomplishment and distinction. Megan Marshall, award-winning scholar and Emerson College professor, brilliantly recreates the lives and times of these remarkable women. Her presentation is cosponsored by the Groton History Center and the Groton Public Library, with thanks to funding from the Groton Commissioners of Trust Funds. The program follows a brief business meeting of the Groton Historical Society. Space is limited; register to attend by selecting the event from the GPL calendar at gpl.org. For more information visit www .grotonhistory.org or email [email protected]

Youth Ministry Coordinator First Parish Church of Groton, MA First Parish Church of Groton, Unitarian Universalist (UU) is a vibrant congregation seeking a part-time Youth Ministry Coordinator (YMC) to play a key role in mentoring and supporting the spiritual development of the congregation’s youth, help the congregation embrace and nurture youth leadership and amplify the voices, presence, and leadership of youth ages 14-18. This position is for mid-August through mid-June (44 weeks per year), 10 hours per week, including most Sunday mornings. The YMC will report to the minister and work collaboratively with staff, lay leaders and volunteers to plan programs and activities which support the spiritual growth and development of the congregation’s youth, based on UU principles and the congregation’s values. They will co-create an empowering, inclusive, and safe environment for youth; seek to develop relationships with the youth and nurture their relationships with one another; and support the youth as full and valued members/leaders of the congregation. Compensation: $20/hour. Sunday morning attendance is expected three Sundays per month, mid-September through mid-June. Additional weekly hours may be flexible and include supervision and mentoring. YMC must be at least 25 years of age. In keeping with Safe Congregations Guidelines, a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check will be administered before hiring. Consistent with our mission, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other individuals from historically marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. To read the job description in full, check out our website www.uugroton.org. To apply, send a letter of interest with relevant experience to Rev. Elea Kemler at [email protected],

CLASSIFIED ADS NEVEJANS ROOFING: All types of roofing and repairs, specializing in rubber. 26 years experience. All work Guaranteed. Licensed and insured MA Lic 072475. 978-649-1111 NEED HELP CARING FOR A LOVED ONE? Look no further. Many years of experience. Personal care, light house work and meal prep. Rides to appointments, errands, etc. Reasonable rates, Call Kathy 978-407-8786 PET SITTING/WALKING I am an avid animal lover and would take excellent care of your pets. I can also do house work. Flexible hours and reasonable rates. Call Kathy 978-407-8786

$9 per week for 34 words or less, prepaid deadline Tuesday, noon.

P 10 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Middlesex Probate and Family Court 10-U Commerce Way Woburn, MA 01801 (781) 865-4000 Docket No. MI22P5063EA Estate of: Elizabeth Chase Lienhard Date of Death: 08/20/2020 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Todd Lienhard of Groton MA requesting that the Court enter a

Public Notices

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM formal Decree and Order and for such relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Todd Lienhard of Groton MA and Stephen O. Chase of Boston MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 10/28/2022.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administra-

tion directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Maureen H Monks, First Justice of this Court. Date: September 30, 2022 Tara E. DeCristofaro, Register of Probate 10/7/2022 B

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GROTON TOWN MEETING There will be a Fall Town Meeting on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 9:00 A.M., Groton Dunstable Middle School Center for the Arts, Main Street, Groton, MA. The purpose of this Town Meeting will be to vote on articles contained in the October 22, 2022 Fall Town Meeting Warrant being mailed to all residents on October 7, 2022. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. SELECT BOARD John F. Reilly, Chair Rebecca H. Pine, Vice Chair Matthew F. Pisani, Clerk Alison S. Manugian, Member Peter S. Cunningham, Member October 7 and 14, 2022 A

Obituaries Martha (Beck) Parker Martha (Beck) Parker, 96, of Westford passed away peacefully, September 25, 2022 at her daughter’s home surrounded by the love of her family. Born July 11, 1926 to Pelagia (Szwed) and Nicholas Beck. Raised in Springfield, MA she went on to graduate from Mass Amherst and on to get her Masters Degree at Fitchburg State University. Martha began her career as an elementary school teacher and ended her career as a psychological therapist. Her entire life was serving and helping all beings and the planet in many ways. Martha had a strong desire to advocate for all right, whether it be social justice, environmental causes, political, human rights, animal rights, etc…She loved exploring nature, she especially loved trees and being one with the outdoors often finding tranquility wherever she ventured off to. Martha was an activist all her life. For many years she was a part of the Concord Peace Vigil, a group who met every Friday morning, for over 20 years, in Concord center, to walk in silence “for all who suffer because of war.” This was her regular practice. She also marched in Boston, New York City and Washington

D.C. against injustice, war, environmental causes, gun reform, human rights and more. She enjoyed art, literature/ reading, dance, poetry, music and T’ai Chi. Her greatest joy however was spending time with her family and traveling the world. Martha had an active spiritual life. She was raised in the Russian Orthodox tradition in childhood. She explored many of the world’s religions and ended up in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, where she raised her children, accepting all spiritual paths.

Martha is survived and will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Joan E. Parker-Roach and her husband Patrick of Groton, Massachusetts and Christina M. (Parker) MacDougall and her husband Peter of Juneau, Alaska; her four grandchildren, Jennifer A. (MacDougall) MacLeannain and her husband David, Dylan P. Parker-Roach and his wife Ashlee Daoust, Ian A. MacDougall and his fiancé Mallarie Yeager and Ross P. MacDougall and his partner Kimberly Fitzgerald; her great-granddaughter, Muira Sky MacLeannain; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, fellow activists and many friends. She is the sister of the late Helen Beck Morrill and Gregory Harry Beck. All services will be held privately per Martha’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to one of her favorite organizations: The World Wildlife Fund, the ASPCA, the Humane Society or the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council.) Arrangements entrusted to the Westford Healy Funeral Home, Westford, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.westfordhealy.com.

Mary “Eileen” Locapo Mary “Eileen” Locapo, 93, of Dunstable, formerly of Pepperell, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. Eileen was predeceased by her husband Domenic Locapo. Born in Lowell on September 08, 1929, Eileen was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret (Downes) O’Brien. Raised and educated in Lowell, Eileen attended Lowell High School graduating in 1947. Soon after she would meet Domenic. The two married and moved to Pepperell where they raised their family. They owned and operated a local chicken farm and eventually established Lomar, a commercial real estate development company. Eileen enjoyed spending her winters in Ft. Lauderdale and summers on the lake. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, celebrating holidays, birthdays and any other special occasion. Some of her favorite days were St. Patrick’s Day, Derby Day and Christmas Day. Beyond everything, she was her Grandchildren's biggest fan.

In addition to her late husband Domenic, Eileen was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Margaret (Downes) O’Brien, her siblings, John O’Brien, Very Reverend Charles H. O’Brien O.P., Dorothea Fleming and Margaret Stone. She is also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Sandra Locapo. She is survived by her children, W. Brian Locapo and his wife Gloria of Dunstable, Daniel Locapo of Pepperell, Suzanne

Deshler and her husband Albert of Dunstable, and Ann Marie Denomme and her husband John of Dunstable. She is also survived by her 9 Grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, Nicholas, Domenic, Michael, Emily, Nicole, Anthony, and J.D. as well as 11 great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy in her later years. Family and friends gathered to honor and remember Eileen for a period of visitation on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton. Eileen’s funeral Mass was held on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace worshipping at Saint Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell Street, Pepperell. She was laid to rest beside her husband following the Mass at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 10 Jersey Street, Pepperell. Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Groton. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit: www.badgerfuneral.com.

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM

P 11

P 12

People

THE GROTON HERALD | OCTOBER 7, 2022 | GROTONHERALD.COM