jul-dec 2025 features 

(20-NOV-25) On the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, with temperatures near freezing, Blanchard Memorial Principal Mike Votto climbed a shaky extension ladder to the roof of the school where a nylon tent and sleeping bag awaited him. True to his word, Principal Votto slept overnight on the roof of the school to fulfill his promise to the students, who raised over $25,000 for the Blanchard PTF’s “Fun Run” fundraiser to benefit the school. 

The idea to camp on the roof actually arose several years ago, while Votto was working with Blanchard’s then-principal Dana Labb. “What if we came up with a fun reward for the students if they exceed the year’s fundraising goal,” Votto remembers musing. “Like, spending the night on the roof of the school.”  Of course, the weather was warmer when they conceived the idea, and there was little risk of exceeding the fundraising goals in those years.  

But the idea lingered, and this year as the fundraising exceeded the $20,000 initial target and reached $22,000 on the day before the Fun Run, PTF Vice President Michelle Norris brought it up again. “What about it, Mike?” Norris chided. “Should we post this challenge on social media?”  Votto made a quick check with Superintendent Peter Light, who fully supported the idea, and gave the go ahead. “Why not?” Votto said. “If the kids can raise $25,000 by tomorrow, I’ll sleep on the roof.”

The fun run raised over $26,000.

And while the kids had a pleasant 60-degree day in October for the Fun Run, it was mid-November by the time Votto had a clear spot on his calendar to complete the task. The days were getting short, the nights were getting cold, and Votto wanted to fulfill his promise while it was still fresh in the students’ minds. Winter was coming. Finally, last week, Votto cleared his schedule and set up the overnight adventure.

Were there any surprises? “Yes,” Principal Votto recalls, “first there was the media coverage!  Channel 5 came out the night of the event, Channel 7 was there in the morning when I waved to the buses from the roof, and the Boston Globe even covered it.  Then there was the flaky WiFi coverage. I set up a Read Aloud over Zoom with over 100 students joining, but the connection up there was so bad the kids couldn’t see the pictures.  And there was wildlife, too.” At least one bat knocked on the tent during the night, inspecting the rooftop stranger.

In all, Votto, who has never camped out in freezing weather before, said the event was exciting and fulfilling.  The principal clearly gets a charge out of interacting with and challenging the students, and has loved every moment of his six years at Blanchard so far.  

“I didn’t sleep great, but I was warm enough, and it was really important to show the students that a person must fulfill a promise.”

When asked what he will do to top this challenge, Votto got serious. “Our focus now is AB Forward. We can get back to fun after we have a solid plan for the future of the district.”

(13-NOV-25) On November 11 at 11 a.m., despite the overcast and near freezing temperatures, almost 100 people came together at the Veterans’ Tribute Memorial at the Sargent Memorial Library to honor veterans and their families. Included in the crowd were representatives of the Boxborough Fire and Police Departments, Town employees, staff and officials, Boxborough Scout Troop 1, and the Acton-Boxborough Madrigal singers.

Boxborough resident Ron Vogel, a Navy veteran, opened the ceremony, noting that this was its fifth year. He read the names of the four Boxborough veterans who had passed away in 2025 and those of the six Boxborough men etched on the memorial wall who died in service.

Select Board member Priya Sundaram and the Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Madrigals, who sang ‘America the Beautiful.’ After a musket salute fired by the Boxborough Minutemen, Boxborough Community and Social Services Administrative Assistant Ami Scheen and the scouts read the Governor’s Veterans Day Proclamation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   

Boxborough Historical Commission Chair Alan Rohwer outlined the history of Veterans Day, which started with a commemoration of the armistice that ended the fighting of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

Town Administrator Michael Johns, naval aviator and proud parent of multiple service members, started his remarks by reminding everyone that we live in an area where the earliest chapter of our nation’s history was written. “This is a story that began with ordinary citizens, including Luther Blanchard, becoming extraordinary patriots.” He urged everyone, when they look at the flag, to “remember that the colors mirror qualities we see in the veterans among us: red for courage, white for honor, and blue for loyalty.” Veterans, he said, “remind us that freedom is not inherited but earned and defended by each generation and that patriotism is not division but devotion, not words but deeds.”

Scheen also shared a message from the Town’s Veterans Services Agent James MacRae. In his remarks, MacRae noted that “Veterans Day is set aside each year to honor those who have served in the armed forces because remembrance matters. Remembrance is more than reciting history; it is reaffirming the bond between the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made on our behalf. Celebrating Veterans Day keeps the story alive, reconnects civilians and veterans, offers gratitude in action, prompts reflection and responsibility, and preserves legacy.”

Lastly, Army veterans and Boxborough residents Nancy Warren and Wayne Richardson laid a wreath on the monument while Maddie Sjoblom, a Blanchard School alumna, played taps. Ron Vogel ended the ceremony by thanking all who had attended and also all who had a part in creating the monument.       

Boxborough Veterans’ Services Agent James MacRae (978-929-6614) has regular office hours at Boxborough Town Hall Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., appointments preferred. Additionally, MacRae is available to veterans, dependents, and veteran widows and widowers on additional days and times by appointment.

More information about Boxborough’s veterans’ services can be found at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/281/Veterans-Services.  

(13-NOV-25) On Monday, November 10, Thinking Flower owner Divya Suryaprasad officially opened the doors to Boxborough’s first bakery and coffee shop. State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Dan Sena  joined members of the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC), Boxborough Select Board, and town administration to congratulate Suryaprasad on her accomplishment and thanked her for “investing in Boxborough.” 

Flanked by her supporters, Suryaprasad cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially opened the doors at 629 Mass Ave (next to Middlesex Bank). A line of eager customers filed in from the rain to taste Suryprasad’s artisan pastries and hot and cold coffee drinks.

“Thinking Flower is a forward thinking small-batch artisan bakery specializing in handcrafted viennoiserie (croissants) and cakes baked fresh daily, paired with specialty coffees sourced from a local roastery,” Suryaprasad previously told Boxborough News. The shop has a seating capacity of 25, with several small tables, one larger communal table, and a counter along the front window.

Currently, Thinking Flower’s hours are Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Boxborough Select Board approved an On-Premises Restaurant All-Alcoholic Beverages License for Thinking Flower on October 27. Suryaprasad is awaiting approval from the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). If approved, Suryaprasad may extend her hours into early evening.

In 2024, Suryaprasad was awarded $15,000 from the EDC’s Boxborough Business Improvement Grant Program. EDC member Rich Guzzardi attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. When reached for comment afterward, Guzzardi responded, “Thinking Flower Bakery is a great addition to Boxborough’s local business community, providing a warm and comfortable place for residents and visitors to enjoy excellent baked goods and coffees. Divya has done a tremendous job with the space, has hired experienced staff, and is serving amazing baked products.”

(15-OCT-25) As the pickleball season winds down, players at the Liberty Fields courts are already looking ahead to the spring season, and they have one simple message for Boxborough: come play!

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of racket sports like tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is typically played on a smaller court, about a third of the size of a tennis court, with either two or four players using lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The goal of the sport is simple: rally the ball back and forth over a low net without letting it bounce twice or outside of the court.

In Boxborough, players in their thirties through their seventies, with occasional teens joining too, gather at the Liberty Fields courts (1100 Liberty Square Road in Boxborough) throughout the week for "open play," where anyone can drop in and join a game. 

Boxborough resident and pickleball organizer Mark Marlow has also facilitated beginner-only sessions, making it easier for newcomers to learn and play comfortably. 

Around ten players typically gather at two allocated courts and, based on this year's success, Marlow hopes to expand the program to next season.  He has asked the Boxborough Recreation Commission to officially recognize the beginner sessions and provide three courts for play. While the times vary, most sessions take place in the mornings, and players plan to continue their meet-ups until the Recreation Commission closes the courts based on weather conditions, typically around mid-November.

To get involved, residents can download the app “TeamReach” and join the community with the code 01719PB for updates and scheduling.

"Boxborough is already an awesome community," said Marlow, "...part of having a good retirement is staying healthy, and pickleball is a great way to do that. Enjoy the sport and enjoy the community."

Players describe pickleball as more than just a sport: it is a way to stay active, build friendships, and strengthen local connections. "For years, I came to the fields around 6:30 in the morning to exercise," said Lew Blatt, who joined right after retiring. "Mark (Marlow) formed a beginner group, and I instantly made six to seven new friends. Exercise and socialize, just the thing I needed for my retirement."

Christine Marlow, who voted for the pickleball courts at a town meeting years ago, echoed that sentiment. "It gives me a chance to play at my own level, exercise, and make new friends," she said. "I want more Boxborough residents to start playing. Beginners shouldn't feel intimidated; it's a relaxed and fun way to learn."

For others, the draw is the mix of fitness and friendship. Mahendran and Suresh, two regulars at the court, both discovered the sport through friends. "We actually became friends after playing here. It's a great combination of badminton and tennis," said Mahedran. "You get physical and mental fitness while building a community, too. It's awesome, and I've met so many new people."

Even as the outdoor season ends, there are opportunities to stay involved. "There are private clubs to join at low cost," said Mark. "Join us in the spring… It's a beautiful thing."

Whether you're an athlete or someone looking for a new hobby, the message from the Boxborough pickleball community is clear: grab a paddle, show up on a Saturday morning, and be prepared to get addicted.

(1-Oct-25)  The Town of Boxborough has partnered with Littleton Community Television (LCTV) to launch its own podcast, “BXB Community Buzz.” The podcast is hosted by Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson. Three episodes have been released so far. The first is a conversation between Hudson and LCTV Executive Director Mark Crory about the Boxborough Civic Academy. The second episode is hosted by Hudson with guest Alec Wade, Boxborough’s Town Planner. In the third, Hudson speaks with Boxborough Fire Chief John Kivlan.

The town’s goal is to release new episodes roughly twice per month, with Hudson hosting a new guest each time. The podcast came about when Hudson spoke with LCTV Program Director Judy Reid and Executive Director Mark Crory about creating some “buzz” about Boxborough Civic Academy by generating content and coverage for the program. Hudson and Crory recorded the first episode and two weeks later, Hudson went back to the LCTV studio with Alec to record the second episode about Fall Town meeting.

The BXB Community Buzz airs on the BXB-TV “Government Channel” several times a week. It can been seen on local channel 9 (Comcast users) or channel 39 (Verizon users). The podcast is also available on BXB-TV video on demand (https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/boxborough), BXB-TV’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@BXB-TV) and on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5quczeoVX91rK1rjuFIlXO). 

The LCTV studio is also available for community members to create programming. LCTV is hosting a two-night video production workshop on October 1 and October 8 for anyone who wants to learn about the services offered at their studio. Contact LCTV/BXBTV at 978-540-2488 or lctvstaff@littletonma.org. 

(1-Oct-25) On September 29, almost 30 Boxborough residents turned out to hear Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan speak about fraud prevention at an event sponsored by the Boxborough Council on Aging. Over the years, Ryan’s office has handled a wide variety of scams perpetrated in Middlesex County – everything from government impersonators, “grandparent” scams and home repair scams. 

In one case, an economics professor was told she won the lottery and would have to pay taxes upfront. She turned over $1 million to the scammers and never saw a penny from the lottery. In another case, an accomplished physician received a call that she was being investigated by the Department of Treasury for possible drug money laundering. 

They told her they could help “clean the money”, if she sent funds to the Secret Service. After sending $600,000 she started to get suspicious and put an end to the scam. In almost every case, the scammers are never found and the money is never recovered. 

Ryan said “scammers are very good at what they do. There is always a piece of truth in what they say.” They may know something about their victim that makes the scam more believable. So how does one know if they’re being scammed?

First, the scammers will put constant pressure on the victim saying they need to hurry up and make a decision or send them something, like a gift card, cash or even gold bars. The victim may receive multiple calls from a variety of sources claiming to be with the IRS, the Secret Service, the FBI or some other federal agency, making the scam more credible while putting pressure on the victim to do something.

Second, scammers often tell the victim not to tell anyone or it may impact their lives in some way. For example, the “grandparent” scam involves someone pretending to be a grandchild saying they’ve been arrested and need bail money or were in an accident and need money for medical expenses.

Artificial intelligence is being used to imitate a person’s voice. The victim is asked to not tell anyone, especially the parents. Ryan said, “the more isolated someone is, the more likely they will fall victim to a scam.”  Ryan’s advice is to “slow it down.” Tell someone else the story before doing anything.  

She also advised not to pick up calls from unknown callers. “Phishing” is a technique used to see if a phone number is still active. If the call is picked up, the “phisher” knows it’s an active number and can sell the number to scammers. Sometimes scammers show up at a house. They often say they just did some work for a neighbor and ask if they can do the same work at that house, like replace gutters or pave a driveway.  

They pressure the homeowner to act quickly and might ask to be paid in cash. They take the money and never complete the work.  Ryan says, “if you didn’t initiate a request for the service, you don’t need it.” She also advised homeowners to think twice about letting people inside their house, even though scammers may intimidate or threaten the homeowner.  

Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk said “fraud happens more often than you think.”  His advice is to report the fraud to the Boxborough Police Department at (978) 264-1750.  Materials provided by Ryan’s office included these additional tips: 

1. Beware of any calls, emails or other communications with an “urgent” demand for money or payment, those seeking to verify personal information or offers that seem too good to be true.  

2. Never send money to a person you do not recognize where you cannot verify their identity and do not download attachments or click on links in unsolicited emails or texts.

3. Carefully review emails or correspondence from organizations seeking charitable donations.  The best practice is to make donations directly on the organization’s website.

4. Beware of fraudulent emails that appear to be from reputable sources asking for personal information; check URL links, email addresses, and look for spelling errors and poor-quality logos.  If you are a victim of a scam, you can report it to the Boxborough Police Department at (978) 264-1750. You can also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or go online to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

(25-Sep-25) The Boxborough Swap Shed, made possible by a collaboration between the Boxborough Sustainability Committee, Planning Department, and Department of Public Works, will open its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 27.

The Swap Shed, located at the Boxborough Transfer Station at 550 Codman Hill Road, will be staffed by volunteers and is expected to be open when the Transfer Station is open, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, the Swap Shed hours are volunteer- and weather-dependent. The Sustainability Committee’s “Energize Boxborough” website includes expected hours of operation, as well as volunteer information and donation guidelines: https://www.energizeboxborough.org/actions/3872. Boxborough News reached out to Sustainability Committee Chair Kate Davies to learn what the Swap Shed is all about, and what residents can expect when they visit the Swap Shed. 

Q: What is a swap shed?

A: A 'swap shed' is a community resource that encourages folks to share gently used, functional items in order to reduce waste, promote reuse, and save money on waste disposal. Based on the adage that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” swap sheds are typically located at a community’s transfer station or recycling drop-off center. Our swap shed is located at the Boxborough Transfer Station at 550 Codman Hill Road.  

Q: Why is the town opening a swap shed? Who were the drivers of this project?

A: The Town is opening a swap shed because it is a smart investment for our community - it gives residents access to a range of items in good working condition, while also reducing how much waste we pay to dispose of. For a community like Boxborough, where we place a lot of value on 'thriftiness' and 'care', there's a lot to like about a swap shed.  

This project was a long time in the making, and it has been a community-wide effort. Francie Nolde, the previous Chair of the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (or the BSC as we call ourselves), was one of the original drivers behind the project, along with Richard Garrison, another member of the BSC, who continues to be a dedicated champion.

Fran Spayne, a resident who supports both the BSC and the Wellbeing Committee, has also been a key driver. The Planning Department and Department of Public Works have been essential partners - without their help and guidance we would not have a shed today. We've received helpful feedback and support from the Town Administrator, the Select Board, the Wellbeing Committee, and the Financial Committee.

And of course, all the members of the BSC and additional volunteers have helped to paint and prepare the shed, and several folks are prepared to show up and help run the shed when it opens this Saturday. But going forward, we will need more support to make sure the Boxborough Swap Shed becomes the fantastic resource we know it can be - there are plenty of ways to still get involved!  

Q: What types of common household items can be brought to the Boxborough swap shed?

A: The BSC and partners have developed a fairly comprehensive set of donation guidelines after reviewing examples from other towns and considering our own community interests and needs. 

To be accepted, items must be clean, dry, safe, and in good working order. If these conditions are met, then examples of items that will likely be accepted include household items such as dishware, glasses, silverware, pots and pans, small furniture items (no large or upholstered furniture), small appliances such as irons, toasters, coffee makers, fans, vacuum cleaners, and lamps, picture frames, or small decorative items (no pillows or upholstery). 

Some books, toys (no stuffed animals), and small equipment will also likely be accepted. The complete list is posted at http://bit.ly/3IF4paS, as well as on the Energize Boxborough website, and on the bulletin board attached to the front of the shed.

Q: Who decides what items are accepted or not accepted at the swap shed? What happens if a resident accidentally brings something to the swap shed that is not an accepted item?

A: Donations must be approved by a Swap Shed volunteer before being left - volunteers may refuse any item based on condition, space, or safety concerns. Please do not leave items outside the Swap Shed when it is closed - any items left without approval are likely to be discarded. 

When possible, volunteers will provide resources regarding other donation or recycling options for items that cannot be accepted at the swap shed, but some items may not be reused or recycled, and the owner of the item is always responsible for proper disposal.  

Q: Does one need to drop something off in the shed in order to pick something up from the shed?

A: No! Boxborough residents can use the shed for donations and/or adoptions as needed.   

Q: Can the swap shed be used (for drop off and/or pick up) by residents who have not purchased a transfer station sticker from the town? 

A: To access the Swap Shed, all users must show proof of Boxborough residency status. A transfer station sticker is strongly encouraged; this is the easiest way to demonstrate proof of residency and a right to access the Transfer Station. For fall 2025, we will also experiment with access to the shed for residents who show another proof of residency (for example, a utility bill and photo ID). 

However, if monitoring access becomes a burden for Swap Shed volunteers or Transfer Station staff, or if any other significant challenges arise regarding access to the shed or the Transfer Station in general, this policy may have to change.  

Q: Who will staff the swap shed? Can residents still volunteer to help?

A: The swap shed will rely on volunteers to stay open. The more dedicated volunteers we have, the more hours we can keep the shed running. Any resident interested in volunteering can complete the following form https://forms.gle/sux2b5YomQRVXbnj7 or email me at kdavies@boxborough-ma.gov. 

Q: What will happen to items that are dropped at the shed but not claimed by others? Will they be sent somewhere else after some amount of time? 

A: The BSC and friends are working closely with other local donation organizations, such as Household Goods, to make sure that donated items find their way to a good home whenever possible. We will continue to refine this system once the shed is operating.    

Q: Anything else you'd like residents to know about the swap shed? 

A: The Boxborough Swap Shed will be open this Saturday 9/27 for donations and adoptions. Please come by to say hi, and check out your new community resource!  

(11-Sep-25) The FreeBee Market will celebrate the season with a special Harvest Fair Community Market on Saturday, September 13, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the UCC Boxborough side lawn across from Town Hall. In true harvest-fair spirit, the event will feature a petting zoo of farm animals sponsored by Middlesex Bank, along with a tractor for photo opportunities, and displays from the Boxborough Historical Society and Agricultural Commission.

Local organizations will join in the festivities, including the Discovery Museum with hands-on magnet activities, Household Goods, the Boxborough Emergency Reserve Corps, Acton Boxborough STEM, and the Acton Boxborough Cultural Council.

Inside the Community Center, visitors can enjoy live salsa dancing and learn about an upcoming Cuban fundraiser at UCC Boxborough this October.  And, of course, it wouldn’t be a harvest fair without plenty of free fresh local produce - much of it gleaned from area farms and gardens - ready to share with neighbors.  Come join the celebration, connect with the community, and enjoy the bounty of the season at this joyful local event.

(4-SEP-25) On a warm August afternoon, Boxborough News sat down with Pastor Fran Graveson, the newly installed minister of the UCC Boxborough. This is Pastor Fran’s first time leading a ministry after interning at other churches for two years. She began leading UCC Boxborough in March 2025.

Pastor Fran’s path to the ministry was a long and winding road. A Blackstone Valley native, Fran graduated from Bryant University with a degree in finance and worked for 30 plus years in corporate accounting for TJX, Hanover Insurance, and several smaller companies.  

Raised as a Catholic, Fran says that she’s always been “church connected,” but “ebbed out of church” in her twenties. Then, when pregnant with her son, she wanted to be “back in the game,” so that her son would have a religious education opportunity. But her politics didn’t agree with the Catholic church, so she started “church shopping.” Through a favorite English teacher, she connected with a UCC church in the Blackstone Valley.

Fran’s life took various turns (a divorce, leaving the church again, coming out LGBTQ), which led her to seek to understand herself and her relationship with God. She met her wife, joined a new church, and began bible studies that she says  “opened (her) up to realizing that church wasn’t what (she) thought it was or the Bible wasn’t what (she) thought it was.”  “I started (Bible study) because there were a lot of people who were using the Bible against me as an LGBTQ person…I started digging in and learning about progressive Christianity that was available to me. I learned that it was such an open heart experience. It was really about continuously growing and continuously feeling hope and love growing in your life. And it turned into something deeper and more meaningful than just defending myself from others. Those were the seeds that continued to grow for about ten years.” 

A conflict she experienced in a church struck her deeply. Fran recalls thinking, “that’s not God….That might be the church experience I just had, but that’s not God.” She believed “that God was saying, ‘keep looking– I’m still here’.” So, in 2018, she enrolled in seminary at Boston University (BU) and earned a Master of Divinity degree in 2021.

After graduating from BU, Fran interned at churches in Framingham and Worcester. She has done extensive work with marginalized populations, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ persons. She has also served as a chaplain at an assisted living facility.

When asked about why she applied to UCC Boxborough and what her goals were for her pastorship, Fran conveyed her excitement. “UCC Boxborough has a strong history of supporting the community…it has always been a light in the town…This church has a reputation of being open and affirming…doing community work.” She is taking time to understand the priorities of the congregation, “learning the church and figuring out what we are called to do together…and to do it all in the light of hope.”

This fall, the church will focus on Hope. According to Pastor Fran, hope includes opening our hearts and “the ability to do actions that help (bring about) change” to people’s lives. It’s about making connections with the congregation and becoming more visible to the broader community. “The challenge is showing people that the church can be wider and more open than stagnant rituals and rigid beliefs…We need to be together, holding each other and protecting each other...focusing on what we can do…to bring love and hope in this world.” In that light, the church is organizing a fundraiser for people living in Cuba this fall. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cuba-benefit-concert-with-sol-y-canto-tickets-1611092764829

Many people in the Boxborough community may remember the UCC’s youth programs and mission trips that existed prior to the pandemic. Bringing young families back to the church and focusing on rebuilding the youth programs through service projects and art projects is one of Fran’s goals. She wants to build something that provides an experience. “It’s not about believing, memorizing…it’s about experiencing,” she says.

We wrapped up our conversation by asking for some fun facts about Fran. She describes herself as an “academic bible geek” who loves toiling in her flower gardens and visiting the ocean. She and her wife own an antique house and have one cat. 

Sunday, September 7, is “Rally Day Sunday” at UCC Boxborough. It is a “welcome back” celebration of joy and kindness that begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit https://boxboroughucc.org/events-2/?event=19334

(22-AUG-25) At Two Friends Chocolates, chocolate is not just a treat. It’s an art form, carefully crafted by owner and chocolatier, Lavanya (“Lala”) Selvaraj. 

Selvaraj opened Two Friends Chocolates at 629 Massachusetts Ave in Boxborough in 2020 after starting the business in her Boxborough home in 2016. The business has been the recipient of two Boxborough local business grants and has evolved from making chocolates and hot cocoa to serving up hot and cold “drinking chocolate” as well as “sparkler” cold fruit drinks. 

Boxborough News reached out to Selvaraj to learn more about her chocolate-making process from idea to shelf. 

Boxborough News: How do you come up with ideas for new chocolates?

Selvaraj: “As makers, we thrive on bringing unique products to market—never replicating what already exists. We always listen to our customers’ needs, using their ideas as sparks of inspiration that guide us back to the drawing board, where we creating something entirely our own. For instance, when many asked us for a caramel-based treat, we didn’t just release another caramel - we developed our Caramel Barrels, a fresh concept built from the ground up. Similarly, while the viral Dubai bar has been widely replicated, we made a conscious decision not to follow that trend. Instead, we challenged ourselves to go above and beyond, creating a truly original offering: the Pistachio Kunafa Mendiant, with a never-before-seen flavor and design profile. Ideas ignite the process—but our craft lies in transforming those ideas into distinctive, original creations.”

Boxborough News: When you have an idea for a new flavor, how do you test it out before deciding to sell it? And how long do you typically work on creating a new product before it's ready to sell?

Selvaraj: “Before an idea becomes a flavor, and a flavor becomes a product, it goes through multiple rounds of creation, tasting, and refinement. The timeframe for this process varies, depending entirely on the complexity of the flavor, the ingredients involved, and the product itself. Some creations come to life quickly. For example, our Pistachio & Cranberry became a product almost exactly as it was imagined. Others, like our Rose & Tahitian Vanilla, went through several stages of development, each round fine-tuned until our team finally declared it ‘charming and elegant.’ At the heart of it all, our bottom line remains the same: a product only reaches the market after it has passed rigorous market testing, quality checks, and taste trials. Nothing less makes the cut.”

Boxborough News: Are all your chocolates made at your retail store location in Boxborough? 

Selvaraj: “Yes, all our chocolates are handcrafted at our main location in Boxborough. We also operate a dedicated studio in Markham, Ontario, to serve our Canadian market. At the moment, I personally handle all aspects of the chocolate crafting. I’m supported by a dedicated six member team who efficiently manage our retail shop, drinks hangout, extensive packaging operations, and the many behind-the-scenes processes that make everything possible.”

Boxborough News: What's the process for making truffles? How long does the process take? How many truffles do you make in each batch?

Selvaraj: “The handcrafting truffles is a meticulous multistep process. From hand-painting the molds, to crafting fresh batches of chocolate ganache, molding, and detailing- truffle crafting is split between a few days. Our batch sizes range from a minimum of 250 units to over 1000 units/ day depending on the season.”

Boxborough News: How many different kinds of ingredients are in an average truffle? Where do you get your ingredients?

Selvaraj: “Our Truffles are crafted using premium Belgian chocolate and other high-quality ingredients - locally sourced whenever possible. Each creation is guided by its unique signature flavor profile, so the exact number and type of ingredients can vary widely. We source our ingredients from carefully selected suppliers. We source our very popular bar packaging from an exclusive papermaker in Florence, Italy.”

Boxborough News: How often do you make more product? Are you making new chocolates every day? 

Selvaraj: “We restock our chocolates on an as-needed basis to ensure absolute freshness. With both our chocolate shop and a steady stream of wholesale orders to fulfill, chocolate crafting is part of our daily routine. That rich, decadent aroma that greets you when you step into the shop? It’s the result of our ongoing chocolate-making process happening right in the studio—freshly made, every single day.”

Boxborough News: What are your most popular chocolates?

Selvaraj: “Chocolates are always the most popular!! Throughout the year, we create a curated selection of seasonal specials—delicate Fall leaves, Halloween pops, special truffle boxes and Bar packages for Thanksgiving. The shop transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas, a celebration for New Year's, and is filled with hearts for Valentine’s Day. We walk into Spring right after; we have a fan following for our Easter eggs and Mother’s Day Truffle Collection and more. So yes, our chocolates are popular, and so are our signature French-inspired chocolate drinks, whether it’s a cozy indulgence in winter or a refreshing treat in summer.”

Two Friends Chocolates is located in the Middlesex Bank Plaza at 629 Massachusetts Ave.  The retail shop is open Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

(21-Aug-25) During the summer of 2024, Boxborough resident Jim Rober contacted Boxborough News about volunteering to help with photography. An award-winning photographer, Jim has an extensive portfolio that includes landscapes, portraits, events, and news. He recently earned his press credentials with the International Association of Press Photographers. 

Jim first became interested in photography at age 12 when his parents bought him a Kodak Instamatic camera. Rober says that he started just taking “goofy” photos and having fun. In high school, a teacher offered him an opportunity to learn how to develop photos in the dark room, and that really piqued his interest in the art of photography. His parents then bought him a 35mm camera, and he started experimenting, taking detailed notes that included which settings he used for each photo so that he could learn how the camera worked.

As a teen he received an Ansel Adams book as a gift, which inspired him to explore the art further. He began taking classes at Bridgewater State University, focusing on film, television, and theater. He was hoping to become the next Oliver Stone (an award-winning movie director). On campus, he had his own TV show called “Wide Angle.”

While at Bridgewater State, Jim earned first place in the Boston Globe Photo awards for a black and white photograph of two Sycamore trees titled “Outnumbered.”  A few years later, he entered another photo in the Globe contest that showed Birch trees hanging over a house, titled “Shadows,” and won third place.

In 1993, Jim took a photo at Mass Maritime Academy during a snow squall. The sun was setting and both bridges took on a gold tone reflection in the water. He showed the photo to his father, who named it “Bridge Over Tranquil Waters.” Jim entered the photo in the Rockland Trust Bank Art Show and won an award. Another family member displayed the photo in his office, where it was admired by many of his co-workers who asked about purchasing a copy.  That was his entry into professional photography.

Jim furthered his photography studies in an eight-week course at Stonehill College. The focus of that class was portraiture. He learned about lighting and how to pose a subject. After he completed the course, he invested in lighting equipment and a 2 ¼ format digital camera. At that point, Jim began shooting in digital format exclusively.

When asked what his favorite subjects are to photograph, Jim listed many: people, horses and equestrian events, fireworks, and nature. Jim is particularly drawn to waterfalls, noting how “each is unique.” And he loves shooting fall foliage. About a year ago, he began exploring astrophotography. He finds that Boxborough and Harvard provide many opportunities to photograph the stars.

Jim’s photos have been published in the Brockton Enterprise, the Patriot Ledger, and in several corporate publications and regional magazines. He lived in Brockton for many years and served on the Board of Directors for Brockton Community Cable. Jim’s interest in photo journalism led him to pursue certification with the International Association of Press Photographers. Early in 2025, Jim applied to the Association by providing a portfolio, submitting to a background check, and indicating his area of interest (lifestyle and magazine). A few weeks later, Jim was approved and granted a press ID that allows him access to newsworthy events.

Boxborough News asked Jim if he had any advice to aspiring photographers. He responded, “Figure out what you like to shoot, read books…start with a medium-priced camera…matching the camera’s capabilities to what you want to shoot…” Consider  “what you’re drawn to…look, study it, close your eyes, how do you see the image…You have control over how you want the shot to look.” To learn more about Jim and view a sample of his portfolio, visit his website: roberphotography.com 

(24-July-25) On Saturday July 19 the Ask Me Fair was held at the Sargent Memorial Library. This recurring event, presented by Open Door Theater and Think Outside the Vox, with support from the Mass Cultural Council and Acton-Boxborough Community Compass, was a chance for community members to meet people with different backgrounds and experiences to improve their understanding of fellow community members who have experienced marginalization.  This year there were roughly 30 participants, including children, teenagers, young adults, and seniors, mainly from Boxborough and Acton. One family came all the way from Shanghai!

The fair was first created in 2019, when a student from Blanchard experienced hate speech by a fellow student directed to her because she is Jewish. The affected student and her mother, Sam Gould, who runs Open Door Theater, decided to use this as an opportunity to educate other people in the community about their differences and hopefully improve understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness we all carry within us.

According to the Open Door Theater website, “The Ask Me Fair provides safe spaces for intentional and respectful conversations that will promote empathy, acceptance and tolerance while dispelling stereotypes and fear of those who are different. We hope that the unfamiliar can become known and understood through thoughtful questions and answers; and that people of different backgrounds and experiences can educate, learn from, and appreciate each other.” This year, there were five presenters: Via, Jae, Kwaku, Mona, and Evvy. The presenters and attendees all gathered in the large meeting room of the library, where Gould introduced the presenters and then sent them to individual meeting spaces in other parts of the library. Attendees were divided into groups and given 15 minutes to meet with each presenter and ask questions. 

Via is a Hard of Hearing producer, artist, and activist with a background in public relations, events, and accessibility. They use they/she pronouns. She is the marketing and communications manager for Think Outside the Vox (Vox) and presents music shows at the Museum of Science Planetarium. They identify as queer, Latinx, and communicate with English and ASL. Via said they grew up in New Jersey, but came to Boston for college and graduated Boston University in 2022. She joined Vox in early 2024, where she does marketing, access coordination and learned open captioning.  

Jae is a veteran of the Ask Me Fair, having participated every year since the first event. Jae, who also goes by Nala, is a queer trans nonbinary neurodivergent Asian American. Adopted from Southern China and raised in Acton, they are an illustrator, costume designer, actor, diversity and cultural consultant, and advocator for diversity and positive representation of minority groups in the media. 

Jae identifies as multi-marginalized. Kwaku, who was born in Ghana, is a Blind musician, teacher, and audio describer. He mentors blind/low-vision youth, writes poetry with the Boston Blackseed Writers, and recently performed his show Beyond the Blackbox, an all original Afro-fusion/spoken word show in a dark black box to educate the audience on blind-centered culture. When talking to Kwaku, it is quickly apparent that he has a deep love for music. He graduated this year from Berklee College of Music, where he studied many formats. He also embraces spoken word poetry and is starting to think about how to combine his poetry and music interests.  

Dr. Mona Minkara is legally blind. She is a bioengineering professor and PhD researcher with her own laboratory. Mona has traveled the world unassisted, using only public transportation, gone on a space flight, advocates for disability inclusion in space, conducted experiments in zero-gravity, and so much more. Mona said her primary interest is “the why of things.” She grew up on the south shore of Boston as a Muslim woman who lost her sight quite suddenly at the age of 7. She was playing with her toys, and suddenly they weren’t there anymore because of macular degeneration. Because of her love of science, she completed a PhD in chemistry and is now conducting a project to model lung molecules, which have a unique ability to fight disease.  

(11-July-25) On Saturday, June 21, friends and neighbors gathered to celebrate the spirit of Boxborough at the 57th annual Fifer’s Day festival, hosted by the Boxborough Minutemen Company and the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC). The day started with the 40th annual traditional four-mile “Fifer’s Four” road race, with 46 finishers. In the men's division, Vasili Kariolis won the race with a time of 20:55. In the women's division, Kate Warwick won the race with a time of 26:01.

The Fifer’s Day parade stepped off from Blanchard at 11 a.m. and proceeded down Massachusetts Avenue before turning left on Stow Road down to Flerra Meadows. Spectators along the route waved to fire trucks, local scouts, the Boxborough Minutemen, the Blanchard band, and others.  At Flerra, PCCC Chair Jennette Kollmann announced the recipient of this year’s Golden Fife award, John Markiewicz, and this year’s Parade Marshal, Kirby Dolak of Littleton Community Television. Kollman also recognized two students from Blanchard Elementary chosen to represent two of Boxborough’s historical figures, Luther Blanchard and Lucy Hager. 

The traditional volleyball tournaments began soon after and proceeded through most of the afternoon, with enthusiastic players and spectators. There were twelve volleyball teams across two divisions (Open and Players). “Wicked Squicken” won the Open playoff for the second year in a row; “Team Bodacious” won the Players playoff.

Festival-goers enjoyed plenty of food and drink throughout the afternoon; the Minutemen reported going through 150 sausage subs, 350 burgers, 150 hot dogs, 150 chicken sandwiches, and 200 pounds of potatoes for fries. Unused potatoes, onions, rolls, mustard, ketchup, and cooking oil were donated to the Acton Food Pantry. The Minutemen estimated “as many as a thousand or more” in attendance throughout the day. 

Other highlights included the live music, UCC Boxborough’s famous strawberry shortcake, choosing a white “Fifer’s Day 250” t-shirt, and a corridor of almost 80 booths by local businesses, artisans, nonprofits, and volunteer groups.

"We had beautiful weather for Fifer's Day this year, and a great turnout,” said Minuteman Lieutenant Rich Grady. “‘It takes a village’ to bring all the facets together -- the Minutemen, the Town, volunteers, musicians, crafts people, and more -- and it brings out the village vibe that makes Boxborough special.”