By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

Marlborough – The City Council Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee will present a report and recommendations on establishing a local medical marijuana treatment center later this month. In March, councilors approved a temporary moratorium to the end of June, pending development and clarification of legal issues before pursuing local regulations and policy.

No residents appeared in favor or against a local center at a public hearing held during the  June 2council meeting. Councilor-at-Large Mark Oram asked that a map designating a recommended radius of allowable locations be included in the presentation to be made by the committee. Councilor-at-Large Katie Robie, a member of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, said that a map will be included to help define areas for consideration.

Presently under study is a bylaw that would include 1,000-foot setbacks from not only schools, daycare facilities and parks, but senior housing and retirement communities as well. The zoning change is to reflect that “these centers are located in such a way as to not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of either qualifying patients or the public at large.”

Also to be considered are the traffic flow and safety of the area, neighborhood character and social structure, impact on the natural environment, and adequacy of utilities and other public services.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Marlborough – Over 80 golfers gathered at the Marlborough Country Club June 3 to play in the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce’s (MRCC) 40^th Annual Premier Golf Outing (PGO).

Susanne Morreale Leeber, the chamber’s president and CEO, noted that through the years, the PGO had been held in all kinds of weather, good and bad. She was thrilled, she said, that the 40^th outing would be on a day that was warm and sunny.

“It’s a beautiful chamber of commerce day!” she said.

Many of chamber’s events held throughout the year were serious occasions, she added, designed to help the region’s businesses do business.  And although the PGO was a great way to network, she added, it was “also a chance to have fun.”

Just as importantly, she noted, the PGO this year was serving as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of MetroWest.

“As part of our 40^th anniversary celebration we are working to raise money to send 40 kids to summer camp this year,” she said.

Before the tournament, golfers had the chance to try their luck on a putting green sponsored by Marlborough Savings Bank.

Other sponsors included Executive –Holologic; Major – DTZ, Boston Scientific and Boyd Coatings Research; Supporting – Al Brodeur’s South Street Auto; Print – D3 and Media – WCRN, WXLO, Metro West Daily News,  Hudson Sun and the Marlborough Enterprise.

Others donors for the event included Main Street Café, Dunkin Donuts, Body Mind and Spine, Wayside Ford,  and Marlborough Nissan.

Photo/Bonnie Adams

Photo/Bonnie Adams

Photo/Bonnie Adams

Photo/Bonnie Adams

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Photo/Bonnie Adams

Photo/Bonnie Adams

Photo/Jacqueline Vissat

Marlborough – Mary Ann Chesna, 87, of Marlborough, died Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Westborough Kindred Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Marlborough and a lifelong resident of the city, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Rose (Kastant) Chesna. She was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, the Holy Rosary Sodality, and the Marlborough Seniors.

Miss Chesna is survived by her sisters-in-law, Edna Chesna of Southborough and Mary Chesna of Florida; her niece, Joanne McNally and her husband David of Southborough; her nephew, James Chesna and his wife Mandy of Hudson; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was also the sister of the late James, William, and Josephine Chesna and Sadie Gould Gagatano.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, June 10, from 11 – 11:45 a.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough, followed by a graveside service at 12 noon at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Beach Street, Marlborough.

Marlborough – Marjorie Ellen (Knight) Fougere, 98, formerly of Marlborough, died Friday, June 6, 2014 in Concord, N.H. She was born Aug. 20, 1915 in Gardner to Harry O. and Lillian (Day) Knight.

She graduated in 1937 from Fitchburg Teachers College and taught third grade at the Eli Whitney School in Westborough, until she met and married Gerald Milton Fougere. She then busied herself raising her three sons and helping her husband run Gerald’s Pharmacy in Marlborough.She later worked as a receptionist for Dr. Richard Martino in Northborough, retiring in 1995. Soon after, she moved to Concord, N.H. to be nearer to family.

Mrs. Fougere was a longtime supporter of the community and was actively involved in the First Church in Marlborough Congregational for many years. She was a founding member of the Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough, and was named as an Honorary Member for her outstanding contribution to the development and enhancement of the Garden Club. In addition, she had been a member of the former Marlborough Women’s Club and the Marlborough Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by her sons, Peter Fougere and his wife Melrose of Portsmouth, N.H., Robert Fougere of Warner, N.H., and James Fougere and his wife Mary of Barnstead, N.H. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Elizabeth, Patricia, Emily, and Annie Fougere, as well as many loving family members and friends. She was predeceased by Gerald, her husband, and by her brother, Richard Knight, and her sister, Ruth Pepper.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, June 10, from 5 – 7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marjorie’s honor to the Havenwood-Heritage Heights Tree of Life Program, Havenwood Heritage Heights, 33 Christian Ave., Concord, NH 03301 (www.hhhinfo.com/support-us/ways-to-give).

Marlborough- Elizabeth A. “Beth” (Izzo) Kelleher, 75, of Marlborough, died the evening of Friday, June 6, 2014 at Milford Hospital after a seven-month battle with cancer. She was the wife of Richard R. Kelleher, celebrating 55 years of marriage on April 12.

She was born, raised, and educated in Marlborough the daughter of the late Rudolph and Louise (Kirkpatrick) Izzo. She was a 1956 graduate of Marlborough High School and a graduate of Burdett Secretarial School in Boston.

Beth was a librarian for 10 years, retiring in 2000. In her earlier years, she also worked at Marlborough High School in the office and library. Following her graduation from Burdett, she was an executive secretary at Raytheon.

Beth was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, and she was a former member of the Marlborough Jr. Women’s Club.

As a lifelong resident of Marlborough, Beth’s friendly and familiar face was known to many. Her diverse interests touched many areas of the community. She loved to read and participated in many book clubs, and she enjoyed travelling and tending to her herb and ivy gardens. Her motto was to always carry a banana and a book in your purse.

She was quiet, caring, and humble and when least expected she would throw out quite the zinger. Her devotion to her husband was unparalleled …and she always supported his decision regardless of the cause. More than anything, she loved her husband Dick and her children and grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she leaves two daughters, Diane M. Taralli of Marlborough and Maureen E. and her husband Jay Laramie of Auburn; two sisters, Jean M. and her husband William McGee of Uxbridge and Susan L. Yeaton and her husband Gerald of Marlborough; three grandchildren, Olivia, Adam and Elyse; many nephews and nieces; many in-laws; and her dear friend, Carol Daley of Marlborough.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m., in Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street. Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 12, from 4-8 p.m., in the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.AutismSpeaks.org or www.BartonCenter.org.

All are invited to sign Beth’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

Marlborough – Linda Sue Butler, 69, of Marlborough, passed away in her home Thursday, June 5, 2014, surrounded by her family, friends, and horses.

She was born, raised and educated in Ithaca, N.Y., the daughter of the late Mollie (Parker) Butler and Dr. Karl D. Butler. She received a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University in 1966 and a M.A.T. in English from Cornell University in 1969.

Linda taught at Weston Middle School for 31 years, retiring in 2006. During those years, she challenged students to examine their experiences and push their boundaries through creative writing. She also helped shape young lives and enrich the lives of many peers in her role as the assistant principal of Weston Middle School.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and began the tradition of an entertaining hymn story during the Sunday meeting. She loved the outdoors, enjoying snow skiing, kayaking trips, fly fishing, gardening, and undertaking major landscape projects at her home. Her greatest love besides her daughter Julia was her horses and equestrian sports.

Linda was blessed with an insatiable curiosity for living things and enjoyed sharing her boundless knowledge and good humor with all who interacted with her. Her energy and lust for life knew no limits.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Julia Parker Head; her former husband, James R. Head; her brothers, Doug, John, Don, and Robert Butler; a score of nieces and nephews; and her beloved ponies, Cody and Rhyme. She also leaves behind many dear friends from her professional and personal lives.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, June 13, at 6 p.m., at Linda’s home, 80 Dudley St., Marlborough. Following the service, calling hours will be held from 7-9 p.m. in her home. Those attending are encouraged to dress in casual attire and bring flowers from home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough.

All are invited to sign Linda’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

Marlborough – The Marlborough Brigham Family Trust announced the start of its second year of grant-making to benefit the greater Marlborough community. For the 2014 grant year, the trust is offering a total of $40,000 in grants to qualifying nonprofits.

Marlborough nonprofits seeking financial support for programs and activities that directly benefit the Marlborough community can apply for up to $6,000 for these programs and activities. Each grant application must be in the form of a 500-word (maximum) essay that clearly delineates the target beneficiaries; the goal(s) of the program/activity; the amount being requested; and a brief explanation of any other funding sources. Applicants must also include proof of their 501(c)(3) status.

Applications should be mailed to Marlborough Brigham Family Trust, P.O. Box 221, Marlborough, MA 01752 and must be postmarked between July 1 and Sept. 1. Awards will be announced in November.

For additional information, visit www.BrighamTrust.org.

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

Marlborough – To protect the city’s financial health, Mayor Arthur Vigeant asked the City Council to approve transfers of $2 million that will shore up both the stabilization fund and its obligations to future retirees for benefits. At the June 2 meeting, the mayor also asked for transfers totaling $150,000 to pay off employee compensatory time that has been accruing for several years.

The $2 million transfers will, if approved, bring the stabilization fund to more than $7 million, and the future obligations fund to more than $4 million. The request was referred to the Finance Committee for study and recommendation.

Compensatory time, known informally as comp time, are hours overtime that are not “paid” in cash, but rather as time off. When this comp time accrues, the value grows annually because of raises and inflation.

“Working with the union leadership and Personnel Director David Brumby, we sought to rectify the situation and bring about some long-term cost savings by paying out comp time now rather than at a later date with a higher rate of reimbursement,” the mayor said in his communication to councilors.

“Steps have now been put in place to ensure that moving forward comp time is not left to accrue and carry over into the next calendar year,” Vigeant said.

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

(l to r) Darren McLaughlin, Abigail Mangsen, Cathy Mogavero, Ashley Beauchamp and Susanne Morreale Leeber.

Marlborough – Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) members met with families of college-bound students June 5 for the annual Scholarship Night at Wayside Racquet and Swim Club.

The presentation was emceed by Darren McLaughlin, who serves multiple roles. He’s the general manager of Wayside, president of Marlborough Regional Community Foundation (MRCF), and chair of MRCC’s Scholarship and School to Business committees.

The evening barbecue was sponsored by Hologic, Inc., a Marlborough-based developer, manufacturer and supplier of products with an emphasis on women’s healthcare needs. The Giselle R. Rodriguez Hologic Scholarship for $2,000 was presented to Jayna Dixon, a Marlborough High School (MHS) graduate.

Through MRCF, MRCC awarded $1,000 scholarships to Cassidy Grace, MHS; Jaqueline Rocheleau of Marlborough, Advanced Math & Science Academy; Nicholas Seymour of Marlborough, Marian High School; Tanya Tovar of Westborough, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (AVRTHS); and Andrew Wienen, Hudson High School.

Wayside presented two scholarships totaling $1,500 to MHS graduates Cassidy Grace and Kelsey Hanahan.

Jayna Dixon, Marlborough High School graduate and recipient of the Hologic Scholarship (center), with representatives of Hologic, Inc.: (l to r) Brenda Geary, regulatory affairs specialist; Anne Liddy and Mike Carenzo, assistant general counsel; and Joyce Bourgeois, senior paralegal.

Also acknowledged were the recipients of the first Catherine Gregory Mogavero Business and Professional Association Award: AVRTH sophomore Abigail Mangsen and MHS graduate Ashley Beauchamp. Mogavero recently retired as MRCC executive vice president.

To further help the cause, the 20^th annual Run/Walk for Fun to benefit the MRCC Scholarship Fund will be held Wednesday, June 18, beginning and ending at Wayside. Same-day registration begins at 5 p.m.; the run/walk begins at 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is available online at firm-racing.com.

(l to r) Darren McLaughlin, Kelsey Hanahan and John Grace representing his daughter, Cassidy.

(l to r) Darren McLaughlin, Andrew Wienen, Tanya Tovar, John Grace representing his daughter Cassidy, Nicholas Seymour, Susanne Morreale Leeber and Paul Rocheleau representing his daughter Jaqueline with his sons, Tim, 8, and Nicolas, 10.

Marlborough

Friday, May 30

10:49 a.m. Briarwood Ln. Larceny.

3:05 p.m. Crystal brook Way. Fraud/forgery.

5:10 p.m. Prospect St. Suspicious activity.

5:45 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Harassment.

5:54 p.m. Pleasant St. Disturbance.

6:41 p.m. Sawin St. Trespassing.

Saturday, May 31

12:19 a.m. Jacobs Rd. Past B&E/burglary.

1:47 a.m. Kevork Ave. Suspicious MV.

2:33 a.m. Arrested, Michael S. Hurst, 54, of 624 Boston Post Road East, Apt. 6, Marlborough, for disturbing the peace.

3:59 a.m. Arrested, Cheryl L. Rahilly, 54, of 276 Main St., Apt. 13, Marlborough, for violating abuse prevention order.

11:02 a.m. Arrested, John A. Duprey, 20, of 34 Central St., Apt. 6, Marlborough, on warrant.

7:14 p.m. Lakeshore Dr. Harassment.

7:58 p.m. Kirby St. Fraud/forgery.

9:08 p.m. Arrested, Karen L. Leduc, 51, of 165 Chestnut St., Marlborough, for disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, shoplifting $100+ by asportation, resisting arrest, possession of Class B drug, receiving stolen property +$250.

11:58 p.m. Dartmouth St. Disturbance.

Sunday, June 1

9:22 a.m. Arrested, Roberto Ortiz, 52, of 18 Spring St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, for operating MV with license suspended/revoked, miscellaneous MV equipment violation.

10:42 a.m. Boston Post Road West. Auto theft.

1:45 p.m. Boundary St. Suspicious MV.

5:09 p.m. Main St. Vandalism.

8:57 p.m. Arrested, Jose Dossantos, 48, of 319 East Main St., Apt. J9, Marlborough, for marked lanes violation, possession of open container of alcohol in MV, unlicensed operation of MV, OUI liquor.

9:09 p.m. Arrested, Brian D. Sloan, 61, of 24 Auburn St., Marlborough, on warrant.

11:36 p.m. Lincoln St. Disturbance.
Monday, June 2

1:11 a.m. Belleview Ave. Disturbance.

8:46 a.m. Arrested, Angela Marie Whitney, 42, of 415 High St., Apt. 2, Clinton, for improper use over $250 of credit card (3 cts), larceny over $250 by single scheme (6 cts), forgery of check (4 cts), larceny of credit card.

10:08 a.m. Royal Crest Dr. Fraud/forgery.

10:46 a.m. Arrested, Michael Connolly, 56, of 100 Phelps St., Apt. 11, Marlborough, for A&B, impeding an investigation/intimidate witness.

11:48 a.m. Maple St. Threats.

1:35 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan B. Monteiro, 36, of 8A Elm Pl., Marlborough, for A&B, malicious destruction of property -$250.

2:49 p.m. Broad St. Domestic disturbance.

5:25 p.m. Donald Lynch Blvd. Suspicious activity.

9:20 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

11:52 p.m. East Main St. Suspicious activity.

Tuesday, June 3

1:11 a.m. Arrested, Devin M. Connolly, 30, of 100 Leoleis Dr., Marlborough, for OUI liquor, MV lights violation, marked lanes violation.

6:23 a.m. Arrested, Michael S. Hurst, 54, of 624 Boston Post Road East, Apt. 6, Marlborough, for disturbing the peace.

9:00 a.m. Royal Crest Dr. Fraud/forgery.

1:05 p.m. Lakeside Ave. Past B&E/burglary.

2:11 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Past B&E/burglary.

3:42 p.m. Brimsmead St. Harassment.

4:42 p.m. Mount Pleasant St. Fraud/forgery.

6:11 p.m. Hudson St. Vandalism.

6:31 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Threats.

8:18 p.m. East Main St. Suspicious activity.

8:50 p.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

11:15 p.m. Arrested, Omar Mendoza, 34, of 85 Broad St., Apt. 213, Marlborough, on warrant.

Wednesday, June 4

12:53 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious MV.

6:53 a.m. Witherbee Ter. Drug investigation – unfounded.

8:11 a.m. Glen St. Suspicious activity.

9:42 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Threats.

9:54 a.m. Donald Lynch Blvd. Past B&E/burglary.

12:03 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

12:53 p.m. Hemenway St. Threats.

5:58 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

9:45 p.m. Avalon Dr. Suspicious activity.

12:23 p.m. Hemenway St. Threats.

5:58 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

9:45 p.m. Avalon Dr. Suspicious activity.

11:39 p.m. Broad/Lincoln Sts. Suspicious activity.

Thursday, June 5

12:18 a.m. Bolton St. Disturbance.

1:24 a.m. Lincoln St./Huntington Ave.

8:36 a.m. Oakcrest Ave. Suspicious activity.

11:36 a.m. Arrested, Losvin Alfonso Cruz-Garcia, 31, of 302 Boston Post Road East, Apt. C9, Marlborough, for A&B.

3:47 p.m. Garabed Blvd. Medical.

4:49 p.m. Maple St. MVA with injuries.

7:01 p.m. Arrested, Trevor James MacNeill, 21, of 36 Tavitian Blvd., Marlborough, for vandalism of property, attempting to commit crime.

8:57 p.m. Arrested, Kevin M. Pettijohn, 54, of 15 Edinboro St., Marlborough, for MV lights violation, OUI liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, operating MV with license suspended.

10:13 p.m. Lincoln St. Suspicious MV.

11:34 p.m. Weed St. Suspicious MV.

Friday, June 6

12:15 a.m. Pleasant St. Suspicious activity.

1:37 a.m. Arnold Street Ext. Suspicious MV.

6:34 a.m. Hemenway St. Medical.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

Marlborough – Pauline A. (Roy) Adams, 70, died Saturday, June 7, 2014 at her home after a period of failing health. She was the wife of the late Paul Adams, who died in 1997.

She was born in Fitchburg, the daughter of the late Henry and Claire (Rufiange) Roy, and lived in Marlborough for 55 years.

Mrs. Adams worked as a cook at the former Andrea Restaurant in Southborough for over 33 years, and also worked for the Sodexo company in Marlborough for 16 years before retiring in 2010.

She was a longtime member of the Marlborough Fish and Game and enjoyed bowling, shooting sports, and computer games. Above all else, she enjoyed being in the presence of her family and friends.

She is survived by three sons; Michael Adams and his longtime girlfriend Carol Myers of Whitinsville, Richard Adams and his wife Livia of Marlborough, and Roy Adams and his wife Ann Marie of Scotts Valley Ca.; two brothers, Robert Roy of Vermont and Roger Roy of Ohio; two sisters, Shirley Gurley Honulik of New Hampshire and Jane Enman and her husband Doug of South Carolina; two grandchildren, Paul and Lyndsi; one great-grandchild, Jiah; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Linda and Dennis Demers, Judy and Leon Roberge, Lana and Harry McKinney, Carol and Roger Ela, and Joyce and Jim Cumerford; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Cammile Roy.

Visiting hours at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home, 95 West Main St., Marlborough, will be held Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 – 11 a.m. A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the Children’s Christmas Party at the Marlborough Fish and Game, 1 Muddy Ln., Marlborough MA 01752.

Marlborough – Henry C. Gennari, 85, of Marlborough, died Monday, June 9 2014 after a brief and unexpected illness. He was the son of the late Charles and Julia (Alberti) Gennari.

He was the loving husband of Rheta M. Gennari for almost 55 years; the devoted father of Charles Gennari and his wife Lisa of Southborough, Christine Regan and her husband Brian of Hollis, N.H., Lawrence and his wife Denise of Weston, and James and his wife Lisa of Sudbury; and cherished grandfather of Jonathan, Samantha, Kenneth, Heather, Thomas, Henry, Louisa, Rebecca, and Ava. He is also survived by his sisters, Angela O’Toole of Lancaster, Rose Camden of Marlborough, and Connie Mauro of Southborough, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Henry was a 1948 graduate of Marlborough High School, where he excelled in football and made friendships that sustained him his entire life. He was a combat veteran and the recipient of a Purple Heart for his valiant service in the Korean War.

A lifelong resident of Marlborough and a bricklayer for more than 50 years, he served on the building committees for Marlborough High School and the expansion of the Marlborough Public Library.

His passing leaves a hole in many hearts. Henry was a lifelong member of St. Anne’s parish in Marlborough before its closing in 2004, after which he sustained his faith through the regular gathering of a small community of friends.

No calling hours will be held and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Marlborough Public Library Foundation, c/o Margaret Cardello, Director, 35 West Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752 or to any organization committed to building a bridge among people.

Marlborough – Claire (Seymour) Auger, 79, of Marlborough, died Sunday, June 8, 2014. Born and raised in Marlborough, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Seymour and the late Yvonne (Pariseau) Seymour Boivin and the wife of Joseph Auger.

Claire had been employed as a code striper for the Phalo and Belden Company, Shrewsbury for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Zukoski and her husband Bruce of Marlborough; her granddaughters, Kristin and Ashley Maurice; and her great-grandson and the light of her life, Gabriel. She was also the sister of the late Roland Seymour.

Visiting hours were held June 11 at the Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 12, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Beach Street, Marlborough.

By Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer

Lisa Padula and her cat Corwin (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – Last month, millions of people were amazed when they learned that a California tabby named Tara selflessly rescued her owners’ 4-year-old by chasing away the dog that was attacking him. Lisa Padula, a veterinary technician, wasn’t surprised at all.

“All cats can be very territorial and protective of their families,” she said.

Padula’s love of cats and knowledge of feline behavior has not only enriched her life, but the lives of others as well – both two- and four-legged.

Padula, who lives in Marlborough with her husband Paul and their six originally feral cats, has loved felines since she was a child. For most of her life, this love has inspired her to study the behavior of both feral and domesticated cats.

“Most likely, I could tally up years of what I call field knowledge,” she said. “Just sitting in the woods, and having a passion to understand them. Also helps to have a can of tuna or sardines handy!”

A member, along with Paul, of the Feline Conservation Federation for more than 25 years, Padula’s fascination with cats has led to a number of opportunities. When she started volunteering at Compassion Veterinary Clinic in Marlborough in 1998, she had no idea that her work with animals would be so successful that she would be offered a job three months later.

Known for her insights into cat behavior, she’s been working there ever since. Padula has also written articles concerning wildcat husbandry, and has worked with Jungle Encounters, an organization involved with wildcat conservation and education.

“It is a rewarding experience to do what one loves, and enjoy doing it,” Padula said. “Healing animals, emotionally and physically, has a profound impact on one’s life. It is also rewarding to help clients to have a better understanding and relationship with their animal companions.”

For those interested in adopting a feral, semi-feral or stray cat, Padula wants them to know the difference between each one. While all are domestic cats, strays were born and raised in households, but are now lost or abandoned. Semi-feral cats are lost or abandoned felines that lived in households once, but have learned to survive outdoors. Like strays, they “can usually be socialized to live with people they trust,” Padula said. Feral cats, however, were born in the wild, generally avoid people, and stay out of sight during the day. Padula advises “adopting a well-socialized feral kitten from local cat rescue groups … is helpful. Adult feral cat behaviors can be quite intense, and difficult for most to tolerate.”

In the future, Padula dreams of running her own cat sanctuary.

“It would be wonderful to have a facility with a natural setting for small exotic cats, too old to be on exhibit or be used for educational purposes any longer,” she explained. “A quiet safe place where they can live out their lives with grace and dignity. They would be lovingly cared for by veterinary professionals and students who wish to learn more about small exotic cats.”

Meanwhile, Padula continues doing what she loves – helping cats. For this, many pet parents and their furry friends are very grateful.

Carter, 5, drives the Patriot Ambulance with sister Katie driving along.

Marlborough – Marlborough Hospital, with support from DCU Kids and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3565, presented Safe Summer Fun Day June 7 at the hospital campus. The event featured lots of safe and fun activities for kids including inflatables, doctor dress-up, and raffled toys and bikes all day.

The event is run to bring awareness about using safe practices when having fun in the summer, including wearing a helmet when biking, washing hands, wearing sunscreen and more. Members of public safety were there to show off their trucks, including the Marlborough K-9 unit, ambulances, and a fire truck.

The biggest draw of the event was the free bike helmet fitting and giveaway for all the kids that attended.

Photos/Peter Worrest

Mary Fay and son Cameron, 3, meet Officer Ken McKenzie and Kaiser.

Two young volunteers, Patrick Spicer and Zachary Jackson, local sophomores, hand out free cotton candy.

The line waiting for bike helmet fittings at Marlborough Hospital’s Safe Summer Fun Day.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Nicholas Jaworek celebrates getting a hole-in-one.
Photo/submitted

Marlborough – For a golfer, the ultimate achievement is when they get a “hole-in-one.”  Most golfers never do so. Nicholas Jaworek, who describes himself as “not really that good,” had never made one either and never thought he would. But that all changed May 30 when he played a round at the Berlin Country Club. And he truly believes, he said, that he was able to do so that night thanks to his father, Michael, who had passed away just days before on May 24.

The past year has been difficult for Jaworek and his family. His mother, Pamela, passed away last July. Michael and Pamela had owned the popular restaurant, The Diner, for the past 14 years.

Golf was always something Jaworek had enjoyed playing with his father and his grandfather, Walter “Varge” Jaworek.

“My grandfather is very good and still plays at age 91,” Jaworek said. “My dad was really good, too. He loved it. We actually buried him with one of his clubs.”

“But I am not at all, I’m pretty much below average,” he added.

Each week Jaworek plays golf at the Berlin Country Club with his good friends, Jon Palaina, Dan Urato, and Brian Courchiane. To honor his father’s memory, he decided to play a round the evening of May 30 with his father’s clubs.

“They all obviously had known what I was going through, “he said. “So it was pretty emotional. I just tried to play each hole like my Dad had played.”

As the foursome approached the fourth hole that evening, Nick chose a 9-iron from his father’s bag and took his shot.

“It had a perfect trajectory,” he recalled. “It bounced once and then disappeared. I threw my arms up in disbelief and looked up to the sky. All I could say was ‘Thanks, Dad!’ I absolutely 100 percent believe that my Dad helped me get that shot.”

Shortly after that, a single military jet broke through the clouds and flew over the course. Jaworek’s friends joked that his father had arranged for that as well, he said.

The celebration continued at the clubhouse after they had finished playing.

“When you get a hole in one, you have to buy everyone a drink!” Jaworek said. “But that’s ok. Almost everyone knew what I had gone through so they were really happy for me.”

The next morning Jaworek received a text message from Urato.

“I like to think I have seen a lot in my life. I’ve traveled a lot. I have had some great times with my friends. I have felt some unexplainable emotion. I’m not certain I will ever see anything like I saw today. Simply amazing,” the message said.

“I know my parents were up there smiling down and enjoying the moment,” Jaworek said. “It was so nice to have that happy moment in the midst of this sad time.”

As far as using his father’s clubs for future rounds, he was not sure, he said.

“But I will never use that particular club again,” he added. “That’s going to be kept aside.”

The grand opening of the new Savers store in Marlborough is celebrated.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Marlborough – Nearly 100 shoppers joined city officials June 12 to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Savers Thrift Store in the 222 Boston Post Road Plaza (Route 20). Also present was Ken Alterman, the company’s president and CEO, who flew in from Seattle for the event.

Before the store officially opened for the day, Alterman greeted those gathered, including the store’s employees, and spoke a bit about the company’s background and shared some statistics.

Savers, Inc., founded in 1954, is a privately held for-profit international thrift store chain with locations in 31 states as well as some in Canada and Australia. The Marlborough store is the 337^th location and the 15^th to open in Massachusetts. Savers’ business model is that it offers a local charity a place for clothing to be donated at each of its stores. The company then purchases and resells those items. But nearly ¾ of the items are never sold, he noted, but rather are donated to third world nations.

“We are the largest provider of used clothing to developing countries,” he added. “We were green before we knew green was good.”

The Marlborough store’s nonprofit partner is the Epilepsy Foundation of New England.

William Braunlich, the organization’s treasurer, thanked Alterman and said the relationship actually was a “three-legged stool.”

“The donor gets a tax receipt, the foundation sells the goods to Savers and Savers gets relatively low-cost goods,” he said.

“So I want you to be the most successful store – sell, sell, sell!” he told the employees.

In an interview after the ribbon cutting, Alterman acknowledged that there had been a “few hurdles” to clear with city officials in order to open the new store.

“It hasn’t always been easy but I appreciate their efforts because I know how much they care about their city,” he said. “And I have to say, out of all the grand openings I have done, this one has had the most officials present. That shows me how much they care.”

Marlborough was an ideal site, he said, for a new store.

“We look for places with a broad economic area, places with a strong work ethic,” he said.

“Our demographic is the middle-income,” he added. “We appeal to people who need to shop and to those who want to shop, who are looking for a bargain.”

Alterman noted that thrift is an “understood” concept to many. Savers stores are “clean, organized, and well-merchandized,” he said, with a large turnover of items.

“Most items are sold within the first 10 days,” he said. “The entire store turns over every three weeks.”

What also sets Savers apart from many other second-hand stores is the partnership they have with charities.

“We have about 200 partnerships among our locations,” he said. “They love it – once you’re in, you’ll never want to leave!”

Roger Gauthier, the store’s manager, noted that the store has hired 60 people, with the majority being full-time.

“About 85 percent of them are from Marlborough or Hudson,” he added.

By the time the store officially opened at 9 a.m., the line of anxious shoppers stretched down the entire sidewalk of the plaza. First in line were Kaia Fye of Wayland and Patty Soobitski of Charlton. The women noted that they had shopped at several of the chain’s other locations and were excited that one was opening in Marlborough.

“Like everyone, we’re just here because we like a good bargain!” Fye said.

The new store is located at 222A E. Main St. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.savers.com for more information.

Photos/Bonnie Adams

The store is ready.

Eager shoppers await the store’s opening.

Ken Alterman, the president and CEO of Savers, Inc., speaks with the Marlborugh store employees before the store opens.

William Braunlich, the treasurer for Epilepsy Foundation of New England, speaks at the ceremony.

Roger Gauthier, the store’s manager, speaks at the ceremony.

By Joyce DeWallace, Contributing Writer

Tania Benedetto is surrounded by her recent Teacher of the Year awards. (Photo/Joyce DeWallace)

Marlborough – Kindergarten teacher Tania Benedetto was recently named the 2014 Teacher of the Year in her school district by the Masonic Lodge. Her award plaque, signed by Mayor Arthur G. Vigeant reads, “Tania has been a dedicated teacher in the Marlborough Public Schools for over 17 years, most recently as a kindergarten teacher at the Kane Elementary School. Along with her kind, caring and giving nature, Tania is a dedicated and talented teacher whose classroom emboldens the growth of her students’ self-esteem and skills.”

“I’m lucky that I can do what I love,” chirped the bubbly Benedetto.

Growing up as the daughter of local accountant, Paul Benedetto, she always thought she would follow in his footsteps until she took her first accounting course at Bridgewater State College and realized that was not the field for her. Her mother, Judy Benedetto, was a reading specialist in Westborough and encouraged her daughter to try at least one education course.  Benedetto did. Her first taste of education was the “Introduction to Early Childhood Education” class, and she was hooked.

“I had an assignment to make a lesson plan that day and teach it to preschoolers the following Friday,” she recalled. “It was a blast!”

She went on after college to earn a Master’s degree in education from American International College and has taught kindergarten since 1996.

She explained that a large percentage of the town’s residents speak English as a second language, many emigrating from Brazil with Portuguese as their native tongue. Others have come from Mexico and Guatemala and speak Spanish. Still more speak various Indian dialects. That means that when their children enter kindergarten, some are bilingual and others know very little English.

“If you can just get them to feel comfortable, they just blossom,” Benedetto said. “The kids say the most interesting things. Because they’re bilingual, sometimes they say the most precious things. One little boy with a cold said, ‘My nose hurts like a thousand tissues.’”

When asked what makes Benedetto such a good teacher, Principal Steve Silvestri said: “She’s incredibly talented, caring and understanding when she works with the children. She’s really collaborative with the staff and has great relationships with the parents. What makes her special is that she has all these traits. Our staff is a real family.”

Benedetto praised her fulltime paraprofessional, Ann Coleman.

“She’s extraordinary and highly dedicated and hardworking,” she said. “We make an excellent team.”

She also praised the rest of the school staff.

“The other teachers and colleagues are my support system,” she said. “We help each other and learn from each other every day. I feel so lucky to be working in my school with such dedicated people. They’re like family. I love my job. I feel very fortunate to be a teacher.”

Marlborough – Congresswoman Niki Tsongas announced June 14 that the Clinton and Marlborough Fire Departments have been awarded federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

The Marlborough Fire Department will receive $22,500 for an air refill station and the Clinton Fire Department will receive $278,255 for station upgrades.

The AFG Program was created because fire departments often have difficulty purchasing proper equipment and funding training programs.

“These Fire Departments received these needed federal funds through a competitive grant process, which speaks to both the quality of their applications and the departments in general,” Tsongas said. “Given the constraints on state and local budgets, competitive grant funds such as these help to maintain public safety in our communities and provide first responders with access to the resources they need to save lives.”

Marlborough will use the federal grant monies to replace a compressor for the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) compressor system, according to Fire Chief James Fortin.

“The current system was put in during the early 1990s and has long outlived its capacity. This grant opportunity could not come at a better time,” he said.

“I’m grateful for Congresswoman Tsongas’ efforts to work with our community and secure federal assistance to upgrade our public safety equipment,” said Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “Federal grant opportunities like the SCBA grant are a valuable component to supplementing our local resources and help ensure our first responders have the resources and equipment they need.”

By Bill Shaner, Contributing Writer

Special Olympics Director of Communications Chris Richie participates in a Friday 5K last year. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – On June 27, Special Olympics Massachusetts will kick off the summer with their first Friday 5K of the season.

“It’s an easygoing event, an easy way to get involved in the local community and make a difference at the same time,” Director of Communications Chris Richie said.

The Special Olympics put on the first Friday 5k last June, and did another in September, the idea being to open and close the summer with some light exercise and community participation.

“We serve people with intellectual disabilities, but the main thing we’re doing with that service is sports,” Richie said. “Sports is a catalyst for so many things for people, whether it’s health and fitness or wellbeing, whether it’s inclusivity, community engagement, breaking down certain barriers.”

Richie said that after having noticed so many people working in the community that surrounds the Special Olympics headquarters at Yawkey Sports Training Center in Marlborough, it would only be natural to get a race together.

“Just imagine you’re on your own street and you talk to your neighbors, reach out to them,” Richie said. “We invite anyone in the area to come out on their lunch hour.”

Reflecting the casual nature of the race, most participants sign on the day of. Last year, the June race had roughly 80 participants, most of them worked in the area. A few teachers at Marlborough High School ran down after finishing their finals and hopped right in, Richie said. All that’s required is a donation of $25 and running shoes.

The June 27 race will start around 11:30 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. First place for both male and female runners will receive a prize, and t-shirts will be printed for all runners.

Though Richie spearheads the event’s organization, he admitted to taking the back seat when it comes to the actual race.

“I try to keep my time around 20 minutes,” he said. “But that’s just because I’m making sure everyone’s feeling good on the course.”

Special Olympics Massachusetts just finished their annual summer games in Boston and this month will be sending a delegation of 90 athletes, volunteers and family to the Special Olympics U.S. Games, a national competition held bi-annually.