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Local Business
Amory’s Tomb
by Mark Alston-Follansbee
Local ingredients and a community resource are the two values Amory’s Tomb owners and brewmaster brothers-in-law Allen Quinn and Richard Barren have built their business on. “We’re from the area and opened here because we thought we’d fit right in with the vibrant scene,” said Allen. “Maynard is a fun community, lots of artists, and we feel right at home.”
Allen’s older brother introduced him to European beers before craft beers took off here. Feeling those beers were superior to what was available locally, Allen read all the books and magazines he could find and “they changed my perspective on beer at an early age,” according to Allen. Enter the new brother-in-law to the family and eventually, after years of being friends, in 2011 Richard asked if Allen was ever going to do anything with all the equipment he had to make his own beer.
They agreed to brew beer once a week. After three weeks they upgraded their equipment. After a few years and starting to make larger batches, they started talking about opening a bar. Allen is the third generation of his family to have business in Maynard and both men continue to have day jobs: Allen in real estate and Rick as a shop foreman.
And the name of the bar, Amory’s Tomb? Allen lived across from Glenwood Cemetery and would give directions to his house by saying, turn at Amory’s Tomb, using the large family crypt in the cemetery as his focal point. Rick and Allen didn’t want an industrial park brewery, they wanted to be downtown, and thought the name appropriate for their operation.
Amory’s Tomb first opened for four years where Makiin is now. In 2019 Rick and Allen opened the Beer Garden, perfect timing for the upcoming pandemic. As soon as restaurants were allowed to open, a few weeks after the shutdown, they were ready to go. The bar had to close but a new bar will be opening on the other side of the Beer Garden, at 58 Main Street. Until the bar opens, the Beer Garden is open every Saturday from noon to 6pm.
The brothers-in-law split responsibilities with Allen designing the recipes for their beer and Rick overseeing production. Allen figures he’s created over 180 unique beers and they generally carry about 30 different beers. The new bar will have small production for Tap Room releases, something like four beers on draft for the Garden and 12-16 drafts inside. They also partner with a brewery in Newburyport to produce beer they distribute to three states. After the bar is running smoothly, they plan on having a kitchen that focuses on a complete Sunday brunch and lots of bar food in the evenings.
Serious about being a local business and supporting the local economy, Allen and Rick source as much as possible from New England. It takes about four square feet of growing grain for a pint of beer. Massachusetts doesn’t grow that much anymore so Amory’s Tomb gets most of their grain from Maine. They also are trying to regain that original idea of a village tavern, having communal seating and being a space where friends can meet but also where people can hold meetings and be a place that is safe for working through some of the issues we are dealing with here in Maynard.
Town Hall
Water in southeast Maynard: A brown water issue made clear(er)
Explanation of Periodic sediment and color issues in 537 Maynard residences in the southeast of Maynard, all served by our Old Marlboro Road (OMR) well water sources and filtration plant.
Source: Bob McCarthy and Town Administrator, Townwidemall.com, and Town Websites
The Maynard Water and Sewer Division on the Town website, as well as the Maynard Advantage and Townwidemall, have previously reported on long term water system issues and plans. This month we are reporting on requests to find interim solutions to deal with a color contamination issue for affected residents in the southern part of Maynard.
The Select Board asked the Water and Sewer Division of the DPW to review the cause and scope of the contamination problem and examine some possible solutions.
While some review was on the Select Board agenda on March 5, 2025, specific plans on remedies are still in review. There is however a lot of information to help residents understand the relatively long history and current status better as well as some interim solutions to consider if you are in the impacted area of town.
Brief background for context:
- The Town of Maynard’s water comes from eight groundwater sources. Four sources are 40 to 70 feet deep and constructed in sand-and-gravel deposits that overlie bedrock; they are located in the southern half of Maynard. The remaining three groundwater sources are approximately 400 feet deep into bedrock and located in the northern half of Maynard.
- Maynard’s 3-Phase water improvement plan is designed to address water quality and pumping capacity issues over the long term (see previous Maynard Advantage issues mentioned above for details about Phase 1 near completion and Phases 2 and 3 and critically needed investment strategy for our town’s financial health).
- Some residences in the southeast corner of town are experiencing higher levels of sediment and color in their water as pumping from OMR infiltrates further into the distribution system. Maynard is experiencing increased discoloration due to many factors. The first is the degradation of the aquifers on the southern half of Town. Drought conditions can lower the depth of water in the water sources so pumps pull more sediment and color that the filtration plant can’t fully clear. The historic high yield pumping has caused an increase in discoloration. The second is older infrastructure, as the old cast iron pipes (many are very old) have produced iron deposits which can also discolor the water.
- Even before the recent temporary reduction in water supply, due to a fiber optic communication cable damage incident at our newest well source that was caused by animal intrusion, over the last few decades about 537 residences in the southeast corner of Maynard have experienced periodic elevations of color and sediment that affect shower, bathroom fixture discoloration, stained laundry, and of course safe but unappealing drinking water at the kitchen water taps. This can only be fully remedied by costly upgrades to current filtration plant design or long term changes to other water sources, and these are in long range plans being actively pursued.
So, what is being done now in the short term?
- The Water and Sewer division of the DPW is continually increasing efforts to improve water quality and answers all inquiries made about Maynard residents’ water. Some color issues result from different causes and staff can suggest the most appropriate action for a resident’s individual concern. This communication is best initiated through a discolored water report form found on the website at the link below. Some solutions are relatively easy to diagnose and remedy in a short timeline. Others will take costly treatment plan upgrades to fully address color and this will take longer, but the town can guide residents to the most appropriate and affordable interim steps to reduce causes and/or install home filters to remove color from water for those affected.
Discolored Water Concerns
Maynard Water and Sewer Division is aware of recent reports of water discoloration in households located near the Old Marlborough Road Water Treatment Plant. The discoloration is caused by excessive organic material that cannot easily be removed due to plant design capability. This increase in excessive material is due to increased raw water degradation in the Concord River Basin which is related to the ongoing state-wide drought conditions. The Water and Sewer Division are monitoring water conditions and evaluating all options to alleviate the discoloration. When temperature allows, flushing will occur to temporarily relieve the discoloration in highly reported areas. Please continue to report any discolored water through this form: DISCOLORED WATER FORM
For more review of our Water system and what impacts quality and pumping capacity, please also take advantage of this link which is actively being updated with new and relevant information to this and other water topics: See https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/257/Water-Sewer
For more information on similar color problems in other MA communities:
Boston Globe article on statewide increases in discolored water March 6, 2025
Vote upcoming for next Fiscal Year(FY) 2026 Budget
Source: Bob McCarthy and Town Administrator, Townwidemall.com, Peggy Brown and Town Websites
The Town Charter requires the Select Board to complete an FY2026 balanced budget proposal to post in the Annual Town Meeting warrant by April 15 for town’s citizens to vote on.
This current time period provides voters an opportunity to better understand our town budget in the planning stage and to have our voices heard about the town’s operating budget prior to voting at the May town meeting on May 19, 2025. It is useful to remind readers that town meeting voters are the legislative body that approves the budget that will be proposed in April by the Select Board. This year, there are some very tough choices to prioritize, and this publication will devote some of our March, April and May editions to this topic. Please also see last month’s issue for more background.
Also, please mark your calendars for a ‘Town Hall’ Budget Voter Information Forum for Tuesday April 8 (start time to be announced) in the Roosevelt Room in Maynard Public Library.
Below is a summary of the materials presented to date working toward a probable Proposition 2 ½ override proposal to cover expenses requested by Maynard Public Schools and the lease of a Senior Center location for which current projected revenues are lacking. The budget agenda item at the March 4th Select board covered the revenue limits and various other override options and voting procedures to combine or vote separately on these items to close this budget gap.
While many budget requests for both personnel and expenses/equipment are identified each fiscal year, local and state revenue projections, overall economic outlook and other factors can often result in funding limits and difficult priority review and/or cuts to these requests. The Select Board published an overview of guidance last October based on projections of these limits here: Archive Center • Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Process and Goals An excerpt follows:
October 1, 2024
To: All Departments, appropriate Boards, Commissions and Committees
From: Select Board
RE: Policy Statement for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget
Select Board issues the following policy statement relating to the budget for the next fiscal year, 2026:
As a structural deficit is projected between planned expenses and estimated revenues, significant scrutiny should be expected in drafting the budget.
In developing your FY26 departmental budget requests, you should include any contractually obligated adjustments for all employee wages and salaries. Adjustments to non-contracted employee wages or salaries should be limited. Additionally, budget requests should factor contractual increases to expenses, including license and registration fees, and market and industry trends.
FY26 budgets should be submitted as level-funded from the current fiscal year FY25 budgets. Any requests for adjustments to line item expenses should be accompanied with supporting documentation sufficient to justify the amount of the request. Ideas for new or increased revenue opportunities are encouraged.
A Small revenue Pie that requires priority choices
Priorities were discussed at the Feb 8 Budget Review (see February 17 Maynard Advantage) where Select Board Chair Jeff Swanberg polled members of the Town Staff, Select Board, School Committee, Finance Committee and Capital Committees for their view on priorities that have been proposed to permanently increase the town tax levy beyond the Prop 2 ½ limit to cover funding for expenses that would produce deficit spending. As of that meeting, Town Administrator (TA) Gregory Johnson had outlined budget items that are increasing well beyond recent year increases (especially Employee Benefits), items that could be funded by free cash, those that could be reduced or postponed with the least impact on services and some that could be proposed in an override per this graphic:
Further scrutiny of state and local data and review of the priorities expressed in the Feb 8th meeting culminated in a discussion on four possible override items at the March 4th Select Board meeting. These were:
- Maynard Public School increase from the TA recommended budget of either S700,000 or $1.4M (still under review)
- Lease cost for a new location for the Maynard Senior Center, currently occupying the Maynard Golf Course clubhouse back room
- Increase to cover Maynard Solid Waste and Recycling that has significantly increase well beyond the trash sticker collected revenue (this year by approximately $550,000
- Addition of a Deputy Fire Chief
Further discussion proposed perhaps focusing on only two or three override options because an alternate plan for solid waste sticker revenue shortfall is being considered (TBD) and addition of a deputy fire chief could be considered in the future.
This yields a rough proposal with a couple of options considered for school funding and Senior Center lease (a new added expense) override funding beyond the already proposed 2.5% increase in the TA recommended Schools budget of $572,368.
It is important to note that based on past average tax bill history in the DLS and the current FY 2026 TA recommended budget, average tax bill will likely increase ~$325 to $380 before any overrides are added on and debt issuances will increase this base value in the next few years for the duration of the capital projects we add in future years.
The top 2 charts were created by Peg Brown in a FB post on March 4, 2025 to show the approximate increase on average tax bills over and above the amount allowed by Prop 2 ½. The bottom is one of the scenarios proposed to the Select Board by TA Gregory Johnson at the March 4 Select Board meeting. Others can be found in the the agenda item 11.b attachments for that meeting on Boarddocs here.
The difficulty of sharing these priorities and justifications with the voters was discussed as well and a proposal was made by Select Board Member David Gavin to hold a less formal information and Q and A session (Town Hall-type voter update meeting on current proposals) to listen to voter input and concerns. Others agreed and It is now being planned for April 8 at the Maynard Public Library with the start time to be announced. If you are concerned about the extent of the above proposals, or want to understand the justifications better or simply have any unanswered questions, we encourage all who can attend to make time for it. It is likely to be recorded for later viewing as well.
For more…
Presentations from the Town Administrator (TA) Gregory Johnson and School Superintendent Brian Haas at the Feb 8 budget review can be found on BoardDocs here:
TA Presentation: JOINT BUDGET REVIEW FISCAL YEAR 2026 Select Board Finance Committee
Maynard Public Schools Presentation:
Other information on Select Board page
Please check the above links for additional information as the budget is further reviewed and refined up to April 15th.
For further background and guidelines on budget responsibilities from the Town Financial Policy Manual found on the Select Board website department page above and a direct link here.
FINANCIAL POLICY MANUAL – | Maynard, MA
“The Government Finance Officers Association considers it of the greatest importance for an explanation to be included as a part of the legislative discussion (town meeting), explaining the key issues of importance included in the budget document. It is equally important to distribute this information to the general public to give them a greater understanding of the issues confronting the community.
The Select Board ’s budget proposal shall provide a complete financial plan of all general and enterprise funds and activities for the ensuing fiscal year, and accompanying budget message, and supporting documents.
The budget message from the Select Board shall explain the proposed budget for all Town agencies… describe the important features of the budget, indicate any major differences from the current fiscal year in financial policies, expenditures, and revenues, together with the reason(s) for such changes… “
Community Voices
Erik Hansen
A Life Bathed in Art
by Armand Diarbekirian
Erik was born and raised in Englewood, NJ and grew up in the Manhattan suburbs immersed in the city’s art culture. He graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in art history. Although Erik took some art courses in college, his true passion was photography, and he studied this form of art at the School for Visual Arts in Manhattan. His photographic skills developed as a commercial photographer in Manhattan, San Diego and Boston. He gained his experience with on-the-job training. These skills, especially lighting, allowed him greater freedom and expression. His natural theatrical imagination in his artwork bloomed.
His dominant focus in his art was the constant employment of imagination. Because of his creative inventions, various themes wandered into new and exciting visions. He was interested in art that brings something from the inside out rather than capturing observations of the outside world. It’s a process that demands a deep exploration of states of mind and mystery. Art and beauty surrounded his growing up, including his house, where his parents filled their museum like home with Hopi masks, paintings and sculptures.
Erik and his wife Kathy moved to Maynard in August of 1994, and they fell in love with it from the start. He was an ArtSpace studio artist from its inception in 2001, and founding member of 6 Bridges Gallery. Erik was a consisten strong and committed advocate for the arts in Maynard. Following a trip to Iceland he was struck by the murals in Reykjavik, so he decided to bring a similar vibe to his hometown. As a member of Maynard’s Cultural Council, Erik organized outdoor murals calling his vison “Maynard as a Canvas”. The aim was to transform unappealing walls into attractions and works of art. He didn’t stop there and he, along with other artist lovers, was instrumental in getting Maynard designated as a Cultural District
A faithful supporter of his fellow artists, Erik and his wife Kathy regularly attended shows and openings throughout the region. He’d enter an exhibit space and immediately light up the room with his harmonious spirit.
His impact on the art community of Maynard was evident at a Celebration of Life on February 8, where an at-capacity crowd attended to honor him at the Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center. He was known as an explorer, learner, artist and friend, loved by all who knew him. The remembrance of his rich legacies will remain with us forever.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Katherine Belisle, daughters Kyra and Ariel and four fantastic grandchildren. Donations in Erik’s honor may be made to ArtSpace Maynard.
Events
Maynard Book Festival
After a few years on hiatus, the Maynard Book Festival is back!
Come join the fun, meet authors, and learn about new books. There will be authors of different genres and for various ages of readers, including bestselling author Marjan Kamali, award-winning children’s author and illustrator Bob Shea, historical fantasy author Hester Fox, journalist and bestselling Pete Rose biographer Keith O’Brien, Poet Laureate of Worcester Oliver de la Paz, Isabella Stewart Gardner biographer Natalie Dykstra, and more!
Poetry events will be held at Felixology bookshop in Maynard. All other events will take place at Maynard Public Library.
The bookselling partner for the festival is The Silver Unicorn Bookstore. The festival is funded by the Friends of the Maynard Public Library and the Maynard Cultural District.
Save the Date!
The Spring ArtWalk is an evening of art and music hosted on the first Saturday in May by businesses throughout downtown Maynard. Enjoy activities, exhibits and musical performances as you stroll along the streets in the heart of the Maynard Cultural District.
Education & Library
Alex Gwozdz
by Mark Alston-Follansbee
Alex Gwozdz, a senior at Maynard High School, recently became the 2024-2025 Division 5 Indoor Track State Champion in the 55 meter hurdles! He set a new personal and school record and is going to compete in the Nationals at the Armory in New York City March 15 and 16. While not impossible, it is difficult for an athlete from a small school like Maynard’s to advance this far.
“It’s very exciting for me personally,” said Alex. “I went out for track in 8th grade to get faster for football, but then I discovered I loved running. By my sophomore year I started thinking about Nationals but never thought it would be in the 55 meter hurdles.”
Hurdles, arguably the hardest event in track, drew Alex in immediately; he was drawn to do what no one else was willing to try. Eighth grade track was difficult for Alex and he had some doubts about continuing. But Shawn Burke, a Maynard realtor and champion hurdler at Cambridge Rindge and Latin who helps coach the track team, started working with Alex in 9th grade and “I really started to like it. Having a hurdles specific coach was a lot of help,” Alex said. “Shawn knows so much about hurdling and I improved a lot my freshman year. Shawn shows up for every meet, offers to help me with everything, and is really helpful with my form. ”
Coach Burke said, “Alex’s work ethics are hands down the best I’ve seen in my four years at the high school. Coming from a big school and reaching the highest point in high school including winning the New Englands and the Junior Olympics, I knew exactly what it would take to reach that level. Alex is always striving to be better. Both on and off the track. He’s an amazing leader and someone that every track team needs. The great thing is, he will be even better during outdoor season. So, I can’t wait to see what he does there.”
Track coach Brenda Sullivan said, “Alex is one of the hardest working athletes we have. Despite breaking his back he went through the healing process and got right back to it. He is tenacious, listens and executes. He is so deserving of his new title, he has done the work and keeps pushing to improve every time he competes.”
Broke his back? At track meets participants are able to have two track and two field events. Sophomore year Alex decided to compete in the high jump (unless it happened playing football) and got two stress fractures that required him to wear an inflexible body brace all summer. His tenacity in healing his back allowed him to play football all four years. Alex lettered three years in football and four in track.
“Maynard High School and the Track team are very excited about Alex’s win,” said Public Schools Athletic Director Michael Arria. “As soon as we found out, we announced it to the community to celebrate the victory. This is something that not only Maynard High School and the Track Coaches can be proud of, but also something the Town of Maynard should be excited about. So we wanted to be sure that as many people as possible knew.
“Alex’s accomplishment is absolutely amazing,” said AD Arria. “It is just as impressive as any team State Championship, if not more, as an individual event. I can attest to Alex’s work ethic, as I have seen him working on his craft, many times by himself, throughout the whole year. As the Athletic Director, I am proud to see his hard work pay off in a big way.
“State Championships in all sports at all levels are rare and hard to achieve,” AD Arria said. “In my four years in Maynard, we have not had a win at States in Indoor or Outdoor Track, which speaks to how impressive Alex’s win is. In my four years in Maynard, we have not had any other Track athletes compete in Nationals. It is a tough task to get to the point where you are able to compete at that level, so again, very impressive for Alex to be able to get to that level.”
Alex’s awards in both track and football are too numerous to mention but he is excited “that people are talking more about track” since his success at the state level. “Maynard likes the big sports – football, basketball, and baseball.” Alex said, “but now they care more about track. I encourage everyone to give track a shot; you won’t know until you try it.”
Alex credits support from family (who have attended almost every game or meet every year), friends and teammates to help him achieve his success. Izzy Burke, daughter of Shawn and Alex’s girlfriend, and Alex both won the 55 meter hurdles recently at a New Balance meet in Boston. Alex will keep running and is excited to run in college, deciding now between Bentley and Penn State. Here’s hoping Alex has a great experience at Nationals and continues his success during the outdoor track season.
Don’t Miss Mean Girls Jr. at Fowler!
Around Town
History of The Maynard Clock Tower
by Priscilla Sandberg
One of the most iconic structures in Maynard is our beloved clock tower. The complex wooden structure was built by Levi Cheney, a Maynard resident, who was an accomplished carpenter having built many homes in Maynard in late 19th and early 20th century.
The 12-foot square tower was constructed on top of the brick stair tower of Building 8 in the mill complex. The original tower was built in 1870 and served as the east stair tower for Building 8. The tower measures 85 feet from the ground to the top of the copper dome.
The clock faces are nine feet in diameter with a face on the four sides of the clock tower. Behind each face is a metal shield eight feet in diameter and three and a half feet from each face. These shields hold five 60-watt bulbs a piece and light the clock faces. Originally the light for the clock was generated by a water wheel.
The clock mechanism is in the middle of the tower. There are two winders with cables and weights, one for the timer and one for the striker. They are wound with a crank handle done by hand. It took three men over an hour to crank the weights to the top of the clock each Monday morning. The mechanism is an eight-day system.
As for our friend Levi, he was born in 1851 in the Asa Smith house at 84 Summer Hill Road. Cheney was very active in Maynard. He served as selectman for six years, was on the board of assessors, overseers of the poor and town finance committee. He also oversaw the remodeling of the Bancroft School. He was a well-known local contractor and builder.
The clock tower has served as an enduring symbol of both the history and future of Maynard. Next time you pass by, don’t forget to look up.
Powder Mill Road Corridor Initiative Update
by Bill Nemser, Planning Director
Maynard’s first phase of the Powder Mill Road Initiative zoning was completed in May of 2024 with the creation of Subdistrict A of the Powder Mill Overlay District (PMOD A). PMOD A contains the former Stratus campus at 111 Powder Mill Road. This property consists of four parcels with just over 37 acres.
Originally conceived as a single overlay zoning district, after extensive public outreach, the Planning Board concluded that the area would be best served by the creation of several sub districts: each recognizing existing characteristics of the exiting area.
The Planning Board continues to work on creation of the remaining sub zoning districts. The goal says Planning Director Bill Nemser is to both ensure the new districts protect and improve existing neighborhoods while cultivating new development consistent with the Town’s overall vision for the corridor as determined by the public. From 2020-2022, the Towns of Acton and Maynard worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create a long-term, community-oriented strategy for the corridor to guide how future growth occurs. From 2022-2024, the Towns again worked with MAPC to implement the strategy’s recommendation to create an overlay zoning district that supports walkable, mixed-use developments, advances complete streets transportation options, and expands access to the Assabet River.
The Planning Board believes the remaining zoning sub districts will be ready for fall Special Town Meeting if held (if not on the first Town Meeting scheduled).
Bid Awarded for Development of Old Fowler School Property at 61-63 Summer Street
Source: Bob McCarthy, OMS and EDC and Town Websites
At the March 5th meeting of the Economic Development Committee (EDC), The Director of the Office for Municipal Services (OMS), Steve Silverstein, reported that a bid has been awarded to Marchese Development to build a 38 rental unit apartment complex with 12 units being designated affordable housing. The agreement includes preservation of historic elements of the property, including the restored cupola and facades, access on the grounds for a playground and gardens and potential for space for a senior or community center.
From the Marchese Development website, a description of their Springfield MA project:
“Community Integration: Situated in a prime location, the development provides residents with easy access to local amenities, public transportation, and the vibrant community of Springfield.
This project underscores our dedication to innovative development solutions that enhance urban living while preserving the character of existing structures. By converting underutilized commercial spaces into residential units, we contribute to the growth and revitalization of the community.”
From the Request for Proposal:
VI. Goals of the 61-63 Summer Street Sale and Development
The sale and development of the Property shall accomplish the following goals:
A) Preserve beloved architectural and landscape features of the parcel. The former Fowler Middle School was designed in the 20th Century Renaissance Revival style, with its exterior in red brick detailed in brick and pre-cast stone. The southern façade, along Summer Street, is an aesthetic treasure for the surrounding community and for the Town in general. Additionally, the George Washington Auditorium cupola was recently renovated thanks to funds from the Community Preservation Committee. Finally, the parcel contains a sizable amount of green space, including trees, along the Summer Street frontage. Conservation is a key philosophic element and goal of Maynard and its residents.
B) Provide financial benefits to the Town via a combination of sale price and annual real estate tax revenue or payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT); provide other benefits to Townspeople, i.e., amenities open to the public As a small, dense town, Maynard recognizes that development of any of its parcels needs to be executed in such a way as to maximize tax inflows while minimizing municipal costs. Additionally, the Town is open to creative ideas in the redevelopment of 61-63 Summer Street that are consistent with Maynard’s Master Plan, Community Development Principles, and Housing Production Plan, but especially those strengthen community bonds and improve the quality of living across the greater community.
One specific, and popularly supported, idea for a public amenity is the building of a Senior Center. Equally acceptable as a variation would be a Community Center that has a section dedicated to programming for Maynard’s Senior population.
In coming issues we will provide updates on the purchase process and other development agreement details.
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