01545 | Issue 001 | March 14, 2026
01545
Shrewsbury, MA
Issue No. 001
March 14, 2026
[email protected]
The latest Shrewsbury news, right to your inbox.
In this issue
Shrewsbury just won the largest municipal recycling grant in Massachusetts history — $2.7M from the EPA
The town's emergency alert system was hit by a ransomware attack — here's what to do now
Girls hockey is in the Final Four after a double-overtime upset of No. 2 Notre Dame of Hingham
🏛 Town Hall
Town's Emergency Alert System Hit by Cyberattack — Change Your Password Now
All residents
In Brief
CodeRED — the third-party emergency notification platform used by Shrewsbury and thousands of other municipalities — was hit by a ransomware attack. User account data including names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and passwords may have been compromised. CodeRED has taken the affected system offline and the Town is transitioning to a new platform. If you had a CodeRED account and reused that password anywhere, change it now on every account where you used it.
Annual Town Election — Nomination Papers Due March 17
Potential candidates
In Brief
The 2026 Annual Town Election is May 5. If you're considering running for Select Board, School Committee, Planning Board, or Town Meeting Member, nomination papers are available now from the Town Clerk. Candidates need 50 signatures (10 for Town Meeting Member). Completed papers must be submitted to the Registrars of Voters by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17 at Town Hall, 100 Maple Ave.
Sharps Disposal Location Has Changed
In Brief
Residents can now drop off up to 2 sharps containers per visit at Shrewsbury Fire Department Headquarters, 11 Church Road. The previous drop-off location at Town Hall is no longer accepting sharps.
😊 Shrewsbury Smile
A dose of good news
Shrewsbury Wins the Largest Municipal Recycling Grant in Massachusetts History
On March 3, the Town announced a $2.7 million EPA grant through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program — the single largest ever awarded to a municipality in Massachusetts, and the second-largest in all of New England. Shrewsbury was one of only 17 communities selected from a nationwide pool of 307 applicants. The grant funds a new Recycling Drop-Off Center at the DPW on South Street where residents will be able to drop off electronics, hazardous waste, paint, gasoline, antifreeze, and more — right here in town. A curbside food waste program and a community tool library are also in the plans. Much of the credit goes to Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager Gosia Stolarska, who led the two-year application effort after an unsuccessful first attempt.
Sponsored
Your business here — reach thousands of Shrewsbury neighbors every issue.
[email protected]
📋 Development Watch
A running tracker of active development and construction projects across Shrewsbury. Updated every issue.
Hearings
335 Maple Ave — Spag's Redevelopment
Spagtacular LLC seeking approval for 270 apartments, a 20,000 sq. ft. supermarket, car wash, bank, and retail on the 25.5-acre former Spag's warehouse site. Residents have raised questions about Route 9 traffic, fire and water infrastructure, and building height. Planning Board hearings ongoing — next date TBD.
Approved
409 South St — Friar's Farm (196 units)
196-unit rental development, 25% affordable under Chapter 40B. ZBA approved in January. Developer Criterion Development committed to sidewalk extensions, school bus stop, and Route 20/South St intersection improvements. Permitting phase underway.
Proposed
Elizabeth St — Housing Authority Expansion (up to 21 units)
Housing Authority exploring 21 affordable units on undeveloped land at Elizabeth Gardens, near Coolidge Elementary. $30K in state predevelopment funding secured. Feasibility study underway — formal developer RFP would follow.
Planned
Route 20 Corridor Improvement
DPW project adding sidewalk and shared-use path along Route 20 between South St and Valente Dr in Shrewsbury. Fixes high-crash intersections, adds eastbound travel lane. Construction start: Fall 2026.
Sponsored
Your business here — reach thousands of Shrewsbury neighbors every issue.
[email protected]
🏫 Schools
Superintendent Search: All Public Sessions Complete — Decision Expected Soon
Parents · All residents
In Brief
All four public meet-and-greet sessions with superintendent finalists are now complete. The candidates — Todd Bazydlo (SHS Principal), Tiffany Ostrander (Coolidge Elementary Principal), Dr. David Thomson (Wilmington Interim Superintendent), and Reuben Duncan (SAU 47 NH) — each met with residents at Beal Elementary followed by formal School Committee interviews. The committee is now deliberating. A decision is expected soon. Dr. Sawyer retires July 1.
Measles Alert: What Shrewsbury Families Should Know
Families with children
In Brief
The Central MA Regional Health Department has issued a measles advisory for the region. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. The MMR vaccine is highly effective — two doses provide about 97% protection. If your children's vaccinations are not up to date, contact your pediatrician now. Unvaccinated adults who may have been exposed should also consult a doctor.
30 Years of Mandarin Education — Celebrated in Shrewsbury
In Brief
Shrewsbury Public Schools and the Massachusetts Beijing Chinese Language School marked 30 years of Mandarin education in the community in late February, alongside the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse). The program started with just $6,000 in seed funding and has grown into one of the district's signature offerings.
🏒 Sports
Girls Hockey in the Final Four — Maddie Mrva Scores in Double Overtime
Colonials fans
In Brief
Shrewsbury's girls hockey team has reached the MIAA D1 Final Four after Maddie Mrva scored 1:39 into the second overtime to defeat No. 2 Notre Dame of Hingham — after trailing 2-0 after the first period. The Colonials beat No. 16 Belmont in round one, then No. 2 Notre Dame in round two. Goalie Adrianna Boucher has been outstanding throughout. The program won the D1 title in 2023. Final Four date and opponent TBD.
Sponsored
Your business here — reach thousands of Shrewsbury neighbors every issue.
[email protected]
🤝 Lend a Hand
Ways to plug in and help out in Shrewsbury right now.
🥫
Shrewsbury Food Pantry — Volunteers Needed
The Shrewsbury Food Pantry at First Congregational Church, 19 Church Rd. serves residents year-round. Volunteer shifts available for sorting, client assistance, and distribution. Pantry hours: Mondays ~10:30 AM until supplies last. St. Anne's Parish (130 Boston Turnpike) also runs a pantry Mondays 10:30 AM–12:00 PM.
🛤️
Trails Committee — Trail Workdays Throughout 2026
Shrewsbury's all-volunteer Trails Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the Senior Center. Trail workdays run year-round — projects include power line connections, Eaton Pond Park, and a new footbridge. No experience needed.
🎓
RISE Program at Maple & Main — Stop In and Support
The RISE program (ages 18–22) runs Maple & Main, a retail shop in Shrewsbury Center staffed by students with disabilities building real-world work experience. Stop in, shop local, and support the program. Donations also welcome.
👴
Senior Center — Volunteer Visitors Welcome
The Shrewsbury Senior Center welcomes volunteer visitors year-round. The Memory Café meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 11:15 AM–1:00 PM, for residents living with dementia and their care partners.
Shrewsbury Youth Soccer — Spring 2026 Registration Open
Spring 2026 registration is open now for players U5 through U14. Spots fill quickly — sign up soon. Season runs approximately 8 weeks with games on Saturdays. Must be a Shrewsbury resident to register.
🏡 Real Estate
Market Snapshot — March 2026
In Brief
Shrewsbury's housing market heads into spring on solid footing. 329 homes sold over the past 12 months at a median of ~$630,000, up roughly 2% year over year. Homes spending a median of 74 days on market. For the full weekly deed transfer list — buyer, seller, address, and price — see the Community Advocate or search the Worcester Registry of Deeds.
$630K
Median Sale Price
▲ 2% YoY
329
Homes Sold (12 mo.)
Shrewsbury, MA
74
Median Days on Market
As of March 2026
📅 Coming Up
MAR
17
Town Election Nomination Papers Due 5:00 PM · Town Hall, 100 Maple Ave · Town Clerk →
MAR
31
Shrewsbury Historical Society Scholarships Due Two $500 scholarships for graduating seniors. Mail to: PO Box 641, Shrewsbury MA 01545 · [email protected]
APR
6
Voter Workshop — "How to Stay Election-Ready" Senior Center · 12:30 PM · All residents welcome · Details →

Keep Reading