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David Joyner performs at the annual Millennium Gospel Choir concert at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Photo/Courtesy of David Joyner

At 61, a Southborough man found singing — now he’s with the Boston Pops

By Shealagh Sullivan Contributing Writer SOUTHBOROUGH — David Joyner didn’t always know he could sing. Holding a tune was one thing, he said. But performing? That was...
Frank Masiello and his wife, Ann, of Shrewsbury met Pope Francis during a trip to the Vatican City in 2018. Photo/Courtesy

Shrewsbury man recalls meeting Pope Francis in Vatican City

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY – The world has been mourning Pope Francis’ death since his passing on April 21. A Shrewsbury resident remembers him...
Don White built his audience and fan base as a singer-songwriter at the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus in Westborough.

Singer-songwriter Don White keeps audiences laughing

By Nance Ebert Contributing Writer LYNN – Rarely has a musician gotten as much mileage out of poking fun at his hometown as singer-songwriter Don White,...
Westborough local Luanne Crosby performs songs that span decades and genres for the community on the third Wednesday of every month at the Westborough Library. (Photo/Courtesy Luanne Crosby)

For Luanne Crosby, music is the key to happiness, togetherness

By Laney Halsey Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – Luanne Crosby’s musical journey began with her first talent show at age 5, leading her to travel the world...
Walter Castagna is Shrewsbury’s longest-tenured municipal employee. (Photo/Evan Walsh)

Meet Walter Castagna, Shrewsbury’s longest-tenured municipal employee

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY – In 1985, the charts were dominated by Whitney Houston, A-ha, and Madonna. It was the year Blockbuster opened, “New...
Paul and Karla Reuter (Photo/Evan Walsh)

By raising dogs, Northborough couple helps those in need

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH – First, there was Toby. Then Hank, then Hamlet.  Then came Bruno and Bailey, Bunky and Ringo, and Ramsey and Raja....
After 286 days in space, Needham native and astronaut Sunita Williams is back on Earth. Photo/Courtesy of NASA

Splashdown: Needham native and astronaut Sunita Williams returns to Earth

By Brett Peruzzi Managing Editor NEEDHAM – After 286 days in space, Needham native and astronaut Sunita Williams is back on Earth. Williams, 59, splashed down...
Former FBI agent John Connolly was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder related to his relationship with the late Boston mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger.

FBI agent John Connolly crossed the line with mob boss Whitey Bulger

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer BOSTON - Boston born and disgraced FBI agent John Joseph Connolly Jr. crossed the line in his relationship with the late...
Nelson Ball, a 93-year-old Westborough resident, stays active by working part-time, playing trombone in a local band, and playing pickleball.

A passion for community and pickleball has helped Nelson Ball reach icon status in...

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – Nelson Ball has been called the “father of pickleball” in Westborough. And it all started with one fateful “pop.” While...
Fred the Baker, portrayed by actor Michael Vale for Dunkin’ Donuts TV commercials in the 1980s, became an iconic figure for the brand, with his catchphrase, “Time to make the doughnuts.”

It was always ‘time to make the doughnuts’ for Fred the Baker

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer REGION - Although Michael Vale, aka Fred the Baker, passed away in 2005, he is still Dunkin’ Donuts’ most iconic advertising...