Shrewsbury Real Estate Information

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – It was the most destructive and disruptive, weather related phenomenon to hit central Massachusetts since the tornado of 1953.  A storm that caught many of us here in Shrewsbury completely off guard.  There had been weather forecasts saying we would likely be getting some freezing rain that night, and even a few weather folks that speculated about ice damage – but few could have imagined over 2 billion dollars worth of destruction, with people out of power in Worcester county for up to 3 weeks, as crews from around New England came in to repair downed power lines.

The morning of December 12th was nothing short of surreal.   While the ice was certainly pretty to look at, the destruction was evident just by looking out our window at the trees lying scattered about.  What struck me most, however, was that cracking sound – almost like gunshots – that seemed to be coming from everyone around, as trees – burdened by the weight of the ice, broke in half from the load.   Driving through some of the harder hit areas of town that morning, it was unbelievable.   Road’s like Colton Lane were virtually impassible, as neighbors armed with chain saws helped each other out trying to clear the roads for emergency vehicles.  In Worcester, the National Guard was mobilized with Humvee’s to try and get through the streets, and for over a week, they worked to free some neighborhoods from the grip of the frozen mess.

Most of Shrewsbury was back online within a day or so, thanks to our friends at SELCO, but just north of us in Holden, Sterling, and Boylston it would be weeks without power and without heat for many residents.  This years Halloween storm was described by many as having been worse in it’s widespread power outages, and it clearly was – yet we didn’t see the actual property destruction that the ice storm brought.

Now three years later, it certainly could happen again – but are we more well prepared?  I would guess that there are hundreds of more homes in town with generators than there were three years ago, and if you don’t already have one, I sure recommend it.   In fact, Home Depot in Shrewsbury was virtually sold out of them just the other day, and was expecting another shipment.  Why not just pick one up, and have it handy in case emergency should strike?   Better still, have a small transfer switch installed on your circuit breaker box so that in the event of a power failure you can just plug the generator in and run your house normally.  It will be the best $500 you’re likely to spend to ensure your families safety and security in times of emergency.

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – This was one of the events that I look forward to all year – the visit of Santa Clause to the center of Shrewsbury.  Brought here by our friends at Heald and Chiampa, Santa arrived in style.  The reindeer had wisely stayed away today, (probably afraid of some of the elves), and so Santa came to town courtesy of the Shrewsbury Fire Department, and arrived to a waiting crowd of over 100 well wishers.   The frigid temps didn’t dampen the spirit, as kids lined up all around the Sumner house for their opportunity to take their spot on Santa’s  lap.  Several brought along their lists, and took the time to tell Santa they’d been nice all year!  Gifts went out to all the kids in attendance, and our hosts for the day provided everyone with a warm fire, fresh munchkins, and hot cocoa a plenty.

This has truly become an amazing tradition here in Shrewsbury, and I know we all send out our thanks to John, Jim and Dave for always being kind enough to roll out the red carpet for the kids.

Of course, for me, I got just the present I wanted, which was the chance to take pics of my favorite elf, back again from last year – a year older, and just as adorable!   Here are some fun photos for you to enjoy!

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts - Storm debris collection is progressing very well in Zone 3 which is the area north of the centerline of Rte 9 and west of the centerline of Rte 140. Work in Zone 3 should conclude by December 9th and work will then begin in Zone 4 which is the area north of Rte 9 and east of Rte 140. Final passes have been made on Zones 1 and 2 and for much of Zone 3 and those areas and specific streets are now closed out. By the close of business on Monday, Zone 3 will be fully closed out.Residents are reminded that it is imperative that all debris be free and clear of any stone/masonry walls, landscaped areas, light poles & guide wires, fences, walkways or other objects in the yard. The debris removal program is intended for the collection of large branches and limbs that were damaged in the October 29-30 storm. Residents are asked not do cut down trees or trim tree limbs that were not damaged in the storm. Debris judged to be non storm related will not be picked up.Branches and limbs are to be stacked neatly curbside and not on the street or blocking any sidewalk with the butt ends all facing in the same direction. The length of branches and limbs shall be 4′ to 8′ and be of a diameter of 1″ to 15″. No stumps are to be brought to the curb. Please do not mix yard waste bags within the pile of branches and limbs.Each street will receive two passes with a weekend to occur between the first and second pass.The cleanup of small branches and limbs left behind will be the responsibility of each homeowner. Residents are reminded that brown paper bags for leaves and yard waste are available at area supermarkets and home centers.The Town will not be responsible for any lawn damage caused by the removal process.If residents wish to hire at their own expenses a contractor to pick up storm debris please be sure to hire only Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) certified companies. The list of certified companies can be found at

http://www.massnrc.org/pests/albdocs/CompAgrmntWORCMay2011.pdf or by calling the ALB Eradication Program Office at 508-852-8090.Questions regarding the debris removal program should be addressed to John Knipe, Superintendent of Streets, at 508-841-8513 or Town Managers Office at 508-841-8508.

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – Join the Worcester Sharks as they host the 3rd annual High School Hockey Showdown between the varsity boy’s hockey teams from Shrewsbury High School and Algonquin High School on Saturday, January 7th at the DCU Center!SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – Join the Worcester Sharks as they host the 3rd annual High School Hockey Showdown between the varsity boy’s hockey teams from Shrewsbury High School and Algonquin High School on Saturday, January 7th at the DCU Center!3:30pm – DCU Center doors open4pm – Varsity teams take the ice for the SHOWDOWN!7pm – Worcester Sharks vs. Providence BruinsAdvanced tickets are ONLY $12!One ticket gets you TWO great hockey games! After the High School Hockey Showdown, catch the Worcester Sharks as they host the Providence Bruins on “Check Yourself – Beat Cancer” Night to benefit the 15-40 Connection, presented by Columbia Tech.Sharks Players will wear a specialty jersey to be auctioned off during and after the game to benefit the 15-40 Connection. The popular local band Probable Cause will be playing in the Charter Zone in between games (approx. 6-7pm).For ticket information, please call Marina Riva at the Worcester Sharks front office at 508-929-0565 or visit www.SharksAHL.com.

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – Today, we pause for a moment to reflect on the historical inflection point that was Pearl Harbor, 70 years ago.   How different the world, as we know it, would be, had the attack not taken place, and had the “day which will live in infamy” just have been like any other day.

This day, the Shrewsbury High School student council was able to honor our Shrewsbury veterans with a donation to go towards the rebuilding of the WWI monument in front of Beal School.   That project has been ongoing for over a year, and is getting closer and closer to it’s goal each week.

Receiving the check from student council representatives Nicole Rapp, Amisha Nehra and Madison Taylor, are local veerans Art Dobson and Norman Vandal.

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – On Sunday, January 29, 2012 the Rotary Club of Shrewsbury will hold a Death By Chocolate fundraising event from 1 to 4 pm at Cyprian Keyes in Boylston. Local businesses and non-profit groups will participate to be chosen as the best in five chocolate categories – cake, brownie, cookie, candy and unique chocolate dessert.
This is going to be a fun, family event that they expect will draw 300 to 500 people to sample chocolate creations from some of the area’s finest restaurants, bakeries, chefs, caterers and confectioners. Participants include Buca di Beppo, Chartwell at WPI, CocoBeni Confections, The Classy Cupcake, Hebert’s Candy, Price Chopper, Shrewsbury Girl Scouts, Something Sweet, Stop & Shop, Struck Catering, Wegmans and Wicked Good Cookies.
They are seeking sponsors and silent auction donations for this special community event. The Rotary Club of Shrewsbury is a community service organization. 50% of the funds raised from Death by Chocolate will go directly to the Paton Playground Rebuild project. Remaining proceeds will go to benefit local community projects including 2nd Grade Literacy Day, St. Anne’s milk program, high school scholarships, and Shrewsbury Youth/Family Services.
All sponsorship packages include event tickets and provide great visibility for you and your business and are available at the following levels:

* $ 1,000 Chocolate Cake Sponsor Includes publicity in local media, name included on sponsor display at event, 10 free tickets to the event ($150.00 value) & an individual sponsor recognition plaque inscribed with your name and displayed in the new Paton Playground area.

* $500.00 Chocolate Brownie Sponsor Includes name on sponsor display at event, 6 free tickets to the event ($90.00 value) and your name inscribed on a group sponsor recognition plaque and displayed in the new Paton Playground area.

* $250.00 Chocolate Cookie Sponsor Includes your name on the display at the event and 4 free tickets to the event ($60 value).

* $125.00 Chocolate Chip Sponsor Includes your name on display at the event.

* Silent Auction Donation

For more information about sponsoring this exciting event, contact Moira Miller, at moira@townisp.com

Former Shrewsbury superintendent John Collins at last years awards, with Moderator Chris Mehne

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – On November 4th, a local resident was arrested at the corner of Spring Street and Main by Ward Hill Ski area.   She was held on multiple charges, including Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Assault and Battery on Ambulance Personnel, resisting arrest, operating under the influence, and other charges.   This same party was arrested back in March of 2010, charged with assault and witness intimidation.  You can read more at the November 4th arrest logs at http://shrewsbury.net/?page_id=6989

SHREWSBURY, massachusetts – As you may know by know, the town of Shrewsbury has generously stepped up to help residents affected by the Halloween snowstorm, by sending out crews to pick up  fallen tree limbs and other debris.  The collection of those items begins today, November 7th, and the town has been divided into 4 different cleanup zones as shown in the photo to the left.  You also have the option of hiring your own independent tree specialist, and this is a requirement if you have broken branches up in the trees themselves, as the town will only be collecting things already down by the street.  If you do opt to hire an independent person, it’s vital that they be certified to work in Shrewsbury, which is under full Asian Longhorn Beetle Quarantine.   Using a non-certified tree person can subject you to a fine.  The information below from the town clearly lays out the collection process, and also contains the link to all of the ALB certified tree removal specialists.

——————–——————–To assist residents in the cleanup of storm debris resulting from the October 29-30 snowstorm, a debris removal program from residential areas (single family to four family addesses) will begin on November 14th.All residents in all areas are advised to bring their storm debris to the curbside immediately.It is imperative that all debris be free and clear of any stone/masonry walls, landscaped areas, light poles & guide wires, fences, walkways or other objects in the yard.The debris removal program is intended for the collection of large branches and limbs that were damaged in the October 29-30 storm. Residents are asked not do cut down trees or trim tree limbs that were not damaged in the storm. Debris judged to be non storm related will not be picked up.Branches and limbs are to be stacked neatly curbside and not on the street or blocking any sidewalk with the butt ends all facing in the same direction. The length of branches and limbs shall be 4′ to 8′ and be of a diameter of 1″ to 15″.Each street will receive two passes with a weekend to occur between the first and second pass.The cleanup of small branches and limbs left behind will be the responsibility of each homeowner. Residents are reminded that brown paper bags for leaves and yard waste are available at area supermarkets and home centers.The Town will not be responsible for any lawn damage caused by the removal process.If residents wish to hire at their own expenses a contractor to pick up storm debris please be sure to hire only Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) certified companies. The list of certified companies can be found at http://www.massnrc.org/pests/albdocs/CompAgrmntWORCMay2011.pdf or by calling the ALB Eradication Program Office at 508-852-8090.Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the upcoming Curbside Yard Waste Collection Program that will commence on November 7th to November 12th , November 14th to November 18th and November 28th to December 2nd.Leaves, grass, and yard waste may be bagged in large brown bags (ex. Small debris, such as twigs and branches) and lined up at the curb for collection. Limbs and branches that are less that 3 inches in diameter may be tied in bundles no more than 4 feet long and no more than 18 inches in girth. Do not pile bundles; lay them in a rowalong the curbside for collection by 7:00 AM on regular rubbish days.Residents on a corner lot are reminded not to pile debris or other materials as to obstruct the visibility of drivers.Questions regarding the debris removal program should be addressed to John Knipe, Superintendent of Streets, at 508-841-8513 or Town Managers Office at 508-841-8508.Yard & Waste Collection questions should be addressed to Board of Health at 508-841-8512.

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – In it’s continuing objective towards the development of a long term strategic plan for the district, the Shrewsbury School Committee heard last night from an esteemed panel of local hiring managers who discussed with the members the types of things they are looking for in evaluating new employees.  By gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of what human resource managers are looking for, it’s hoped that the committee will be better able to prioritize funding objectives for the future, and continue to turn out a group of graduates ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

The speakers for the evening were Michelle Jones-Johnson, Director of Human Resources at UMass Medical School, Heather Haley, Corporate Recruiter for Hanover Insurance, and Ted Coughlin, Treasurer of the Coughlin Companies, and Chairman of Worcester Technical High School.  The topics they spoke of went far beyond the basics of obviously wanting students with adequate skills in reading, writing, and the sciences, but went on in describing some of the less tangible key qualities they were looking for.   Well beyond the basics we traditionally think of as being taught in the classroom, they spoke of a need for creativity, of strategic thinking, and an agility that goes above the simple ability of test-taking.  Ms. Johnson spoke specifically of seeing people who are actively out looking to make a difference in the community around them, and questioning authority – respectfully, of course, when warranted.   In fact, both she and Ms. Haley addressed my question of how new graduates can successfully compete in an over-saturated pool of candidates with long experience in their fields. They stressed that while it was certainly dependent on the type of position being filled, new graduates had the advantage of being free from being held back by the notions of what may have been tried before.  They can look at things from a totally fresh perspective – something which is a huge asset in any organization.

Another item the panelists spoke of as being the key to success was the ability to balance being a leader, and being a team player.  Ms. Jones-Johnson specifically spoke of the atmosphere at UMASS Medical School as being one of constant collaboration, with groups always meeting to review what has been done, what they’re currently doing, and how they could do it better moving forward.  Candidates who can demonstrate the ability to work in groups, to lead when needed, to follow when appropriate, always rise to the top.   She also spoke, as did Mr. Coughlin, about exposing students to career paths much earlier than we do now.  Many students are going off to college with little to no idea of what they ultimately want to do, and graduating burdened with debt, in a field that they really don’t have interest in.   Mr. Coughlin discussed having students starting as early as sixth grade putting together a “portfolio” of achievements and skills which will be able to demonstrate their specific competencies to hiring managers, and even admissions officers down the road. he also stressed the huge need for students who may not be choosing the college route, but rather attending a technical school to move directly into the burgeoning workforces that, in many fields, are still without enough qualified people to fill their role.  As the so-called “professional fields,” have seen a glut of highly talented people looking for work, the trade skills have become a far more tempting target for many graduates, and allow for a tremendous amount of flexibility in choosing where one may want to settle down.  I’ve spoken to several people lately in the professional fields who wanted to move to a warmer climate, and have been actively looking for jobs in the corporate world that would enable them to move to the Southern Florida area.  With over a year gone by, they still haven’t been able to find a position there, yet a skilled master plumber, or electrician would have a job there in an hour, because their skills are still in such incredible demand.

This was just a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand from the people in the field who actually are making the hiring decisions.  It dovetailed perfectly with last weeks meeting in which we had the opportunity to hear from the admissions officers at several local universities who laid out what they were looking for in evaluating applicants to their schools.   By bringing in such groups, hopefully something we’ll continue to do in the future, we can truly hone our focus to turn out the most qualified students from the Shrewsbury Schools.