Home Care In Grafton, MA

GRAFTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced that Eastern equine encephalitis has been detected in additional mosquito samples collected on Sept. 11 in Sutton and Southbridge.

These findings raise the EEE risk level to high in Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton and Webster, and to moderate in Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Millbury and Northbridge.

The first EEE-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts in 2023 were announced on Sept. 1 from Douglas and Southbridge. There have also been mosquitoes with EEE and a donkey with EEE infection identified in Rhode Island and EEE-positive mosquitoes in Connecticut close to the Massachusetts border. No human or animal case of EEE has been detected in Massachusetts so far this year.

“While EEE is a rare disease, it can cause severe disease resulting in hospitalization and death,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein. “Risk is high enough in several towns that we recommend rescheduling outdoor events.”

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths, and five human cases with one death in 2020.

It is recommended to use insect repellent when outdoors. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found at https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases.

MARLBOROUGH – Professional Automotive on Mechanic Street has taken a big step toward its expansion plans.

On Sept. 6, the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee approved a special permit that will allow the business to use an adjacent building, a former glass shop. Rick Mariano, a trustee for Marco Realty Trust and Professional Automotive Service, first went before the City Council seeking the special permit earlier this summer.

The vote was 4-1, with Councilor Laura Wagner voting against the special permit after voicing concerns regarding the Village District zoning in which the property is located.

Other councilors supported the special permit.

“It’s something we could use,” said Councilor Sean Navin. “The city would benefit.”

“It’s going to be attractive, functional,” added Councilor Donald Landers Sr.

Professional Automotive plans to install two garage doors along the side of the building; a new bathroom; an equipment storage platform; and three automotive lifts.

The permit would still be subject to the Site Plan Review Committee in accordance with the city’s Site Plan Review ordinance.

Under the conditions for the special permit, all auto repair activities will take place indoors. All loading and unloading shall take place within the site and not on Mechanic Street; and no deliveries of materials or equipment or shipments from the site shall be permitted on Sunday.

Professional Automotive would also maintain the right-of-way for 7-9 Mechanic St.

The maximum hours for auto repair activities (excluding administrative and maintenance operations, and employees arriving and leaving before and after shifts) shall be Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The City Council voted to send the permit application to the city solicitor during its meeting on Monday, Sept. 11; it will come back to the council in the near future.

Spring is in the air, and that means it's time for some serious spring cleaning! Instead of tossing out the old, lets breathe new life into it at our upcoming recycling event! Join us for a day of decluttering, community, and environmental action. We're accepting a wide range of electronics, including TVs, computers, and more. Help reduce e-waste and learn about sustainable practices.

Boy Scout Troop 106 is hosting an Electronics Recycling Event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday May 4. The collection event will be held in St. Mary's Church parking at 17 Waterville Street. The event will also feature Free Scrap Metal Drop Off as well as a Clothing Donation Drive.

All electronics, appliances, items with a plug and/or batteries, as well as bicycles in any condition will be accepted and recycled for a small cost as follows:

Cost to You:• $5 each for Computers, Laptops, Video Game Consoles, DVD Players, VCR’s, Small Printers, Radios, Alarm Clocks, Speakers, Table Lamps, Fans, Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Projectors, Power Tools, Drills, Cameras, Clocks, Trophies, Frying Pans and Cookware, Holiday Lights, Other Small Electronics.

• $10 each for Small Household Appliances, Vacuum Cleaners/Roomba, Toaster Ovens, Ceiling Fans, Floor Lamps, Air Fryers, Electric Grills, Hot Plates, Small Radiators, Keyboard Pianos, Coffee Makers, Ice Makers.

• $20 each for Flat Screen Computer Monitors, Microwaves, Dorm Sized Refrigerators, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Artificial Christmas Trees, Water Coolers, Large Printers/Copiers, Leaf Blowers, Chainsaws, Heat Lamps, Heaters, Fire Extinguishers, Propane Tanks (Empty).

• $25 each for TVs up to 26,” CRT Monitors, Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves, Dishwashers, Large Appliances, Outdoor Grills, Treadmills, Exercise Equipment, Snow Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Rototillers, Power Washers, Large Yard Equipment, Water Tanks.

• $30 each for TVs between 26” and 35,” Large Refrigerators, Ride-On Lawn Mowers.

• $35 each for TVs over 36”

• $40 each for Projection TVs

• NO CHARGE (Cash Donation Recommended): Cell Phones, Bicycles in any condition, Video Game Media and Accessories, Wires, Cables, Chargers, Car Batteries, Household Batteries, VHS/DVD’s, Keyboards, Tablets.

When you arrive, please follow the cones and directions from the workers. Bring your vehicle as close to the truck or dumpster as possible. Feel free to remain in your vehicle, our workers will unload your items for you.

Residents from all towns and communities are welcome to recycle. The event will be rain or shine. Computer hard drives will be destroyed during the recycling process, but can be removed on-site at the event for an additional charge. Cash payment is preferred, but checks will be an acceptable form of payments over $30, as well as Venmo, Zelle and Cash App.

For more information or if you have additional questions, email [email protected]

GRAFTON – Ashley Paulsen is the new face of Grafton athletics.

On July 6, Grafton High School announced that Paulsen would become the school’s new athletic director.

Paulsen enters the job at a time when many Grafton athletic programs are finding great success.

“For me, I love that right now we’re on this wave of all the athletic programs in Grafton thriving,” she said. “We’re really excelling. My hope is to continue on that wave.”

Paulsen was born and raised in Framingham, graduating from Framingham High School in 2009. Afterward, she attended Arizona State University, majoring in business and corporate communications. An elite-level gymnast, Paulsen was involved in athletics throughout high school and college.

After working at T.J.Maxx’s corporate office, Paulsen decided the traditional 9-to-5 desk job was not for her and decided to get more involved in athletics. She began substitute teaching and coaching gymnastics.

Eventually, Paulsen took a “leap of faith” and decided to apply to be Framingham’s assistant athletic director. For the past four years, that position gave Paulsen an inside look into managing athletics programs.

Last July, while still working in Framingham, Paulsen bought a house in Grafton with her boyfriend and quickly fell in love with the town.

“We [are] fully immersed in this amazing community. We definitely see our future here, and we just love everything about what this community stands for,” Paulsen told the Community Advocate.

Just as she was settling into Grafton, the athletic director position opened up.

“I feel like sometimes all the stars just happen to fall into place. Right time, right place. The Grafton job had opened. I applied, and here we are now,” she said.

Although Paulsen hopes to have many winning seasons in the future, her primary goal is making sure each Grafton athlete feels supported and has an excellent experience. Paulsen has an “open door policy;” anyone can enter her office to chat about anything.

“At the end of the day, these four years of high school are so critical for adolescent athletes. Ensuring that all athletes have a positive experience is definitely number one for me,” she said.

Paulsen anticipated that her first year would be “full of learning.” She said she’s not the type to “say ‘this is the way I want to do things’ and start making drastic changes,” but she’s already making an effort to learn about the athletes, coaches and the school community.

She arrives at the high school on most weekdays at 6:45 a.m. to take videos, meet students during summer workouts, watch the youth summer camps, and prepare social media posts.

“I’m very tech savvy, so I’ve been making Instagram highlight reels [and] all the things that kids love nowadays on social media,” she said.

Paulsen sees athletics as a centripetal force, and she can’t wait for her first year at Grafton High School.

“I think there’s no better feeling than Friday night going to the football game, being with all your friends, being immersed in the culture. I think it’s a great way to establish lifelong friendships and be part of your school community,” she said.

Paulsen was preceded by Kevin Anderson, who began his duties as the Ashland Public Schools athletic director on July 1. Anderson led Grafton athletics for three years prior to his departure.

GRAFTON – Nomination papers are now available for the annual Town Election, which will take place on Tuesday, May 21.

Any registered Grafton voter may pull papers. These may be obtained by contacting the office in advance for an appointment (emailed preferred) at [email protected] or 508-839-5335, ext. 1300.

Papers must be returned to the registrar of voters, through the town clerk’s office, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, for certification.

Nomination papers must contain the names of at least 50 registered voters of Grafton, but candidates are urged to submit more than the minimum number required in case some names or signatures cannot be verified.

Candidates may withdraw their nomination papers up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 18.

The seats available are:

Select Board – (one) – three-year term available (seat currently held by Raymond Mead)

Board of Library Trustees – (three) – three-year terms available (seats currently held by Douglas Bowman, Stephanie Teixeira and Aaron Vandesteen)

Planning Board – (two) – three-year terms available (seat currently held by Robert Hassinger and Justin Wood)

School Committee – (two) – three-year terms available (seats currently held by Laura Often and Elizabeth Spinney)

Housing Authority- (one)- five-year term available (seat currently held by Shawn McAvey)

Polls on Election Day will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

Precincts 1, 2, and 3 at Grafton Middle School (22 Providence Road)

Precincts 4 and 5 at Millbury Street Elementary School (105 Millbury St.)

Presidential Primary – March 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register Feb. 24). Early voting from Feb. 24 to March 1, times and location TBD.

Annual Local Election – May 21, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register May 3). Early voting TBD.

State Primary – Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register Aug. 24) Early voting Aug. 24-31, times and locations TBD.

State Election – Nov. 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register Oct. 26). Early voting Oct. 19-Nov. 1, times and locations TBD.

Annual Town Meeting – May 13, 7 p.m., high school auditorium (last day to register May 3).

Semi-annual Town Meeting – Oct. 21, 7 p.m., high school auditorium (last day to register Oct. 11).

For information, contact the town clerk’s office at 508-839-5335, ext. 1300, or visit https://grafton-ma.gov/271/Town-Clerk.

GRAFTON – Nomination papers are now available for the annual Town Election, which will take place on Tuesday, May 21.

Any registered Grafton voter may pull papers. These may be obtained by contacting the office in advance for an appointment (emailed preferred) at [email protected] or 508-839-5335, ext. 1300.

Papers must be returned to the registrar of voters, through the town clerk’s office, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, for certification.

Nomination papers must contain the names of at least 50 registered voters of Grafton, but candidates are urged to submit more than the minimum number required in case some names or signatures cannot be verified.

Candidates may withdraw their nomination papers up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 18.

The seats available are:

Select Board – (one) – three-year term available (seat currently held by Raymond Mead)

Board of Library Trustees – (three) – three-year terms available (seats currently held by Douglas Bowman, Stephanie Teixeira and Aaron Vandesteen)

Planning Board – (two) – three-year terms available (seat currently held by Robert Hassinger and Justin Wood)

School Committee – (two) – three-year terms available (seats currently held by Laura Often and Elizabeth Spinney)

Housing Authority- (one)- five-year term available (seat currently held by Shawn McAvey)

Polls on Election Day will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

Precincts 1, 2, and 3 at Grafton Middle School (22 Providence Road)

Precincts 4 and 5 at Millbury Street Elementary School (105 Millbury St.)

Presidential Primary – March 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register Feb. 24). Early voting from Feb. 24 to March 1, times and location TBD.

Annual Local Election – May 21, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register May 3). Early voting TBD.

State Primary – Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register Aug. 24) Early voting Aug. 24-31, times and locations TBD.

State Election – Nov. 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last day to register Oct. 26). Early voting Oct. 19-Nov. 1, times and locations TBD.

Annual Town Meeting – May 13, 7 p.m., high school auditorium (last day to register May 3).

Semi-annual Town Meeting – Oct. 21, 7 p.m., high school auditorium (last day to register Oct. 11).

For information, contact the town clerk’s office at 508-839-5335, ext. 1300, or visit https://grafton-ma.gov/271/Town-Clerk.