The teams from the Marlborough Police Department and local churches pose together after the soccer match played to raise funds for David Badaro, who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – The Marlborough Police Department and a group of Brazilian pastors and priests from Marlborough churches met on the soccer field June 7 to raise money for David Badaro, an 11-year-old fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

David is entering his third month of chemotherapy and will begin radiation therapy toward the end of the summer. The event will help David’s family with their significant medical bills and other expenses.

In front of a crowd of about 140, the two sides battled it out at ForeKicks in Marlborough, who generously donated the field. Members of the Marlborough Police Department, including Chief Mark Leonard, lieutenants, sergeants, and patrol officers, faced off against pastors and priests from eight different local churches: Pastor Halessandro Andrade from Assembleia de Deus Palavra de Fe; Pastor Danilo Gomes from Igreja Batista de Marlborough; Father Adriano Albino de Castro from Immaculate Conception Church; Pastor Michel Santos from The Hope Church; Pastor Roberto Paiva and Gilmar Boaventura from Igreja Ministerio Internacional Rios de Aqua Viva; Pastor Jose Antonio Pereira from Bethel Presbyterian Church; Pastor Eduardo Sampaio from Assembleia de Deus Philadelphia Ministry; and Pastor Mauricio Holanda from Igreja de Cristo.

Officer Rafael Faria was one of the officers who played in the match.

“It was a fantastic game, especially since David played,” he said. “He is really good – better than any of the officers!”

In fairness, David played half of the game with the officers and half with the “Brazilians.” He scored four goals.

“His dream is to become a professional soccer player,” Faria said.

According to Faria, the fundraiser was a big success. The game raised about $3,300 in addition to another $2,500 online. After hearing about David, Cops for Kids with Cancer donated another $5,000.

Although the Brazilian team won – “of course,” said Faria – both sides felt like winners after the game.

“It was for a great cause,” Faria said, adding that hopefully after treatment, David will be cancer-free.

Donations are still being accepted online at http://www.gofundme.com/Davids-Soccer-Game?forcedesktop=1.

Marlborough High School Teacher of the Year Shannon Phypers with District Music Coordinator Jonathan Rosenthal (left) and music teacher Gary Piazza. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – Marlborough High School (MHS) vocal music teacher Shannon Phypers was named MHS Teacher of the Year June 6 during the school’s Underclassmen Faculty Awards.

Marlborough

Friday, June 6

8:17 a.m. South St. Suspicious activity.
8:42 a.m. Donald Lynch Blvd. Suspicious MV.

9:12 a.m. South Bolton St. Disturbance.

12:52 p.m. Neil St. Past B&E/burglary.

1:35 p.m. Bolton St. Drug offense.

2:50 p.m. D’Angelo Dr. Threats.

5:26 p.m. Arrested, Jesus A. Benitez, 23, of 30 Everett Gaylord Blvd., Worcester, for larceny over $250.

5:51 p.m. Maple St. Past B&E/burglary.

6:45 p.m. Ghiloni Park. Suspicious activity.

10:43 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious MV.

Saturday, June 7

3:31 a.m. Newton St. Disturbance.

8:32 a.m. Redbud Way. Larceny.

8:42 a.m. Maple St. Domestic disturbance.

1:45 p.m. Essex St. Threats.

6:43 p.m. Bolton St. Harassment.

9:39 p.m. Royal Crest Dr. Disturbance.

10:33 p.m. Curtis Ave. Domestic disturbance.

Sunday, June 8

1:15 a.m. McEnelly St. Suspicious activity.

1:20 a.m. Lakeside Ave. Larceny.

5:09 a.m. Lakeside Ave. Suspicious activity.

8:46 a.m. Lambert St. Disturbance.

9:55 a.m. Northboro Road East. B&E into MV.

6:33 p.m. Arrested, Erica L. Richards, 29, of 85 Broad St., Apt. A430, Marlborough, on warrant.

9:08 p.m. Locke Dr. Suspicious MV.

9:16 p.m. Bolton St. Disturbance.

9:28 p.m. Bolton St. Erratic operator.

11:03 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

Monday, June 9

2:25 a.m. Ryan Ct. Suspicious activity.

6:43 a.m. Hudson St. Animal complaint.

8:07 a.m. Devens St. Larceny.

12:09 p.m. East Main St. Larceny.

4:20 p.m. Main St. Harassment.

5:13 p.m. Lincoln St. Suspicious activity.

6:19 p.m. Arrested, Ayngel M. Locklear, 38, of 59 School St., Apt. A419, Northborough, for A&B.

7:52 p.m. W Main/Hayden Sts. Suspicious MV.

10:52 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Vandalism.

11:13 p.m. Liberty St. Suspicious MV.

Tuesday, June 10

12:43 a.m. Arrested, Travis Jay Zindle, 22, of 28 Mill Street Central, Marlborough, on warrant.

2:02 a.m. Arrested, Jennifer A. Melo, 33, of 100 Tower St., Apt. 612, Hudson, for shoplifting by asportation, possess Class C drug.

7:17 a.m. Robert Rd. Vandalism.

10:19 a.m. Union St. Vandalism.

11:43 a.m. Forest St. 209A violation.

12:39 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Auto theft.

3:36 p.m. Main St. Past B&E/burglary.

5:14 p.m. Bigelow St. Suspicious activity.

6:28 p.m. Hildreth St./Curtis Ave. MVA with injuries.

7:20 p.m. Washington St. Domestic disturbance.

10:17 p.m. Laviolette/Broad Sts. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, June 11

12:46 a.m. Arrested, John M. Skorker, 42, of 61 Fairmount St., Apt. 7, Marlborough, on possess Class B drug, warrant.

7:07 a.m. Arrested, Luis L. Arroyo, 36, of 83 East Main St., Apt. 1R, Marlborough, for A&B with dangerous weapon, A&B.

8:54 a.m. Union St. Vandalism.

9:07 a.m. Upland Rd. Fraud/forgery.

9:50 a.m. Arrested, Paul R. Canty Jr., 67, of 273 West Main St., Apt. 5C, Marlborough, for B&E building nighttime for felony, indecent A&B on person 14 or over.

1:25 p.m. Broad St. B&E into MV.

2:18 p.m. Bolton St. Suspicious activity.

3:01 p.m. Cedar Hill St. Fraud/forgery.

3:44 p.m. Highgate Rd. Larceny.

4:17 p.m. Main St. Trespassing.

7:49 p.m. Main St. Threats.

Thursday, June 12

1:04 a.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Suspicious MV.

1:39 a.m. Bolton St. Parking violation.

6:45 a.m. Rice St. Suspicious activity.

7:49 a.m. Pleasant/Spring Sts. MVA with injuries.

8:11 a.m. Fitchburg St. Disturbance.

11:49 a.m. Arrested, A. Tracey Bradshaw, 52, of 103 Blueberry Ln., E Brookfield, for larceny over $250 by single scheme.

1:45 p.m. Sumner St. Past B&E/burglary.

3:25 p.m. Farm Rd. Suspicious activity.

4:36 p.m. Highland St. Disturbance.

6:12 p.m. Main St. Fraud/forgery.

6:31 p.m. Phelps St. Disturbance.

9:27 p.m. Lincoln St. Harassment.

Friday, June 13

12:25 a.m. Boston Post Road West. Disturbance.

3:19 a.m. Woodland Dr. Suspicious activity.

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.

Kindergartner Wallace Guzman De Oliveira shows his mother Nancy Guzman his award-winning work of art. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – On June 5, the Francis J. Kane Elementary School celebrated the arts with displays, portfolios, a basket raffle and an ice cream social. The Kane Night of the Arts is a popular annual spring event at the school.

David Badaro (wearing the black cap) poses with some friends at the game. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – The Marlborough Police Department and a group of Brazilian pastors and priests from Marlborough churches met on the soccer field June 7 to raise money for David Badaro, an 11-year-old fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

David is entering his third month of chemotherapy and will begin radiation therapy toward the end of the summer. The event will help David’s family with their significant medical bills and other expenses.

In front of a crowd of about 140, the two sides battled it out at ForeKicks in Marlborough, who generously donated the field. Members of the Marlborough Police Department, including Chief Mark Leonard, lieutenants, sergeants, and patrol officers, faced off against pastors and priests from eight different local churches: Pastor Halessandro Andrade from Assembleia de Deus Palavra de Fe; Pastor Danilo Gomes from Igreja Batista de Marlborough; Father Adriano Albino de Castro from Immaculate Conception Church; Pastor Michel Santos from The Hope Church; Pastor Roberto Paiva and Gilmar Boaventura from Igreja Ministerio Internacional Rios de Aqua Viva; Pastor Jose Antonio Pereira from Bethel Presbyterian Church; Pastor Eduardo Sampaio from Assembleia de Deus Philadelphia Ministry; and Pastor Mauricio Holanda from Igreja de Cristo.

Officer Rafael Faria was one of the officers who played in the match.

“It was a fantastic game, especially since David played,” he said. “He is really good – better than any of the officers!”

To be fair, David played half of the game with the officers and half with the “Brazilians.” He scored four goals.

“His dream is to become a professional soccer player,” Faria said.

According to Faria, the fundraiser was a big success. The game raised about $3,300 in addition to another $2,500 online. After hearing about David, Cops for Kids with Cancer donated another $5,000.

Although the Brazilian team won – “of course,” said Faria – both sides felt like winners after the game.

“It was for a great cause,” Faria said, adding that hopefully after treatment, David will be cancer-free.

Donations are still being accepted online at http://www.gofundme.com/Davids-Soccer-Game?forcedesktop=1.

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Beth Donahue and her mother, Gina, lead a Zumba session. They instruct a weekly class for GMPI at Wayside Racquet and Swim Club in Marlborough.

Region – Guests of all ages enjoyed the eighth annual Community Fun Fest to benefit Greater Marlborough Programs, Inc. (GMPI), held June 14 at the Marlborough Moose Family Center 1129. Festivities included a barbecue, games, crafts, raffles, dunk tank, face painting, Zumba, inflatable amusements and special guest Flippo the Juggling Clown.

GMPI serves over 300 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the Metrowest area. Services include residential, respite, family support, and social and recreational programming.

The Community Fun Fest is a primary fundraising opportunity to support the social and recreational services, which receive minimal state funding.

For more information about GMPI, visit gmpinc.org.

Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.

Good sport Cole Dubois, 14, volunteers to sit in the dunk tank to fundraise for GMPI.

(l to r) Veronica Vojackova, her daughter Maya, 9, and her stepson Anthony Ross, 8, enjoy snacks.

Elizabeth Whapham, a volunteer from St. Stephen Lutheran Church, sells raffle tickets.

Marlborough – Francis R Sloan Sr., 98, of Marlborough and formerly of Framingham, died Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at MetroWest Medical in Framingham. He was the husband of the late Gerry (Webb) Sloan, who died in 1993.

He was born and raised in Framingham, the son of Homer A. and Hannah L. (McGrath) Sloan. He was a graduate of Framingham High, and worked in the Framingham school department maintenance section.

Fran served with the US Army during World War II with the 9th Coast Artillery in Boston and Newburyport. He later was reassigned to a gun crew with the newly formed 548th Field Artillery Battalion and shipped over to Scotland. The 548th then headed for France giving fire support for the ground troops as they headed for Germany and into Berlin.

He leaves three sons, Francis R. Sloan Jr. of Framingham and Kenneth J. and Jeffrey S. Sloan, both of Marlborough; a daughter, Missi (Sloan) Borges of Ashland; two granddaughters, Jennifer A. Lecesse and Lynnet Jo-Ann Sloan; and two great-grandchildren, Sophia Rose and Michael Francis Lecesse.

A private family service is planned. Any flowers may be sent to the VA hospital in Chelsea. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough. All are invited to sign Francis’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

A volunteer cooks up burgers at last year’s Convoy of Hope event in French Hill. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – Last year a small group of people had a big vision of what could be accomplished if they worked together to help those in need with food, practical resources, entertainment and friendship. The day-long “Convoy of Hope” event was held in October at Stevens Park, off Broad Street, in the French Hill area of the Marlborough.

“And it all worked,” said Pastor Deborah Kerr of New Hope Community Church in Marlborough, coordinator of this year’s Convoy of Hope to be held again in October.

“Over 1,000 people received a hand of compassion and hope and I expect the number to at least double this year,” she said.

Her enthusiasm and sincere thoughts of continuing success were based on the dedicated response of local church leaders and members, business employees, city employees and individuals who attended a lunch held June 4 to kick off the event and begin the planning process. Mayor Arthur Vigeant has pledged his support and offered assistance wherever needed.

Residents of the French Hill area and other guests of honor received lunch, haircuts, family portraits, clothing, shoes, groceries, medical screenings, and other supplies. Many visited the social services tent which connected people with helpful programs as well as the prayer tent for spiritual guidance.

Bob Kays, owner of the Prospector Bar and Grill on Lincoln Street, will return with his team and provide hot dogs and hamburgers again this year. Cindy Zomar, representing Assabet Valley Regional Technical School, offered to help solicit donations of footwear as Kerr stated that last year’s sponsor was unable to participate this year.

Tony Evangelous, a Marlborough Police Department Community Policing member in the French Hill area, had high praise for the successful event conducted last year in which he participated.

“I am looking forward to taking part again this year as I saw firsthand how much everyone enjoyed the day. They got so pleased with a haircut, a pair of shoes, and just enjoying a stress-free day,” he said.

Convoy of Hope was founded in 1994. The goal of the faith-based, international, humanitarian relief organization is to bring help and hope to those who are impoverished, hungry and hurting. Many are working families living in, or on the fringes of, poverty.

Jason Bachman, outreach director for Convoy of Hope, spoke at the kick-off luncheon.

“Our goal is that every guest be valued, respected and treated as a guest of honor,” he said. “We want people to see potential instead of poverty by telling them that hope starts here. We may not be able to change the choices people make, but we can definitely increase the choices that they have.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation may send it to Marlborough Convoy of Hope, 204 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752. For additional information or to volunteer as an individual or group, contact Kerr at 508-277-0240.

Marlborough – Margarita L. “Rita” Mitchell died Saturday, June 21, 2014 after a long period of failing health.  She was the wife of the late Kenneth Mitchell who died in 2000.  They were married for 58 years.

She was born in Marlborough, the daughter of the late Dominico and Elizabetta (Fallovolita) Lepore, and lived there all of her life.

Mrs. Mitchell worked in the print and production room for the Raytheon Corp. in Marlborough for many years. She also worked part time as a waitress at different restaurants in the area, and because of her love of baking did all the baking for the former Keepers II restaurant in Marlborough.

Mrs. Mitchell, along with her husband, loved Halloween and had the busiest house in the neighborhood in most years. She enjoyed Bingo, going to the dog track and other forms of gambling, and spent many hours tending to the flowers in her garden.

She is survived by one daughter, Jayne Stokes and her husband Ron of Marlborough; two grandsons, Troy Gipps and his wife Monique and Stephen Gipps; two great-grandsons, Silas and Hollis Gipps; and one sister, Alice Kavanaugh of Southborough. She was predeceased by seven brothers, John, Paul, Michael, Fred, William, Henry and Bob, and two sisters, Mary Burdick and Deena Bourgeois.

Her funeral will be held Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m., in the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home, 95 West Main St., Marlborough. Burial will be at a later date. An hour of visitation will be held Saturday morning, from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rita’s memory to St. Bernadette’s Church, 266 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532

The family would like to thank the Marlborough Hills staff for their kindness and compassion during Rita’s three-year stay.

Marlborough

Friday, June 13

10:28 a.m. Laviolette St. Larceny.

11:16 a.m. Bolton St. Disturbance.

2:11 p.m. Maple St. Suspicious MV.

3:07 p.m. Bolton St. Threats.

3:25 p.m. Sumner St. Disturbance.

5:16 p.m. Tavitian Blvd. Animal complaint.

6:47 p.m. Lakeshore Dr. Suspicious MV.

8:18 p.m. Arrested, Joshua A. McKenzie, 26, of 56 Frye St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, for operating MV with license suspended/revoked, civil possession of Class D substance, warrant.

Saturday, June 14

12:41 a.m. Minehan Ln. Disturbance.

1:18 a.m. Arrested, Jason R. Libby, 47, of 32 Main St., Apt. 6, Marlborough, for A&B, and Sherry M. Fournier, 48, of 141 Howe St., Apt. 2, Marlborough, on warrant.

2:40 a.m. Woodland Dr. Suspicious MV.

11:19 a.m. Newton St./Granger Blvd. Domestic disturbance.

12:45 p.m. Greenwood St. Parking violation.

1:11 p.m. East Main St. Parking violation.

4:04 p.m. Essex St. Larceny.

4:40 p.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Threats,

4:53 p.m. Pleasant St.  Suspicious MV.

6:22 p.m. Arrested, Jonathan N. Wicklman, 24, of 959 Concord Rd., Marlborough, for A&B, violating abuse prevention order.

8:01 p.m. Howe St. Suspicious activity.

9:15 p.m. Howe St. Suspicious activity.

9:35 p.m. Liberty St. Domestic disturbance.

9:57 p.m. Silver Leaf Way. Threats.

Sunday, June 15

12:14 a.m. Longley St. Disturbance.

1:46 a.m. Arrested, Joseph Hubbard, 21, of 342 Lincoln St., Apt. 310, Marlborough, for A&B on police officer, resist arrest, possess of open container of alcohol in MV, violation of city ordinances.

3:13 a.m. East Main St. Suspicious activity.

6:47 a.m. Millham St. Vandalism.

9:25 a.m. Farm Rd. Animal complaint.

1:55 p.m. Goodale St. Larceny.

5:27 p.m. Lincoln St. Threats.

6:05 p.m. Stevens St. Fraud/forgery.

8:33 p.m. Phelps St. Harassment.

10:36 p.m. Chestnut St. Domestic disturbance.

11:38 p.m. Broad/Chestnut Sts. Assault.

Monday, June 16

3:09 a.m. Court/Weed Sts. Vandalism.

3:24 a.m. Hosmer St. Suspicious activity.

8:41 a.m. Elm Pl. 209A violation.

12:31 p.m. Neil St. Past B&E/burglary.

2:18 p.m. Gay St. Larceny.

3:21 p.m. Arrested, Alexandria M. Cox, 22, of 31 Helen Dr., W Boylston, for larceny under $250, warrant.

6:40 p.m. Arrested, Khleid J. Martin, 30, of 194 Broad St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, for registration sticker missing, operating MV with license suspended.

7:41 p.m. Witherbee Ter. Harassment.

8:11 p.m. Mount Pleasant St. Domestic disturbance.

8:47 p.m. Court St./Granger Blvd. Suspicious activity.

8:52 p.m. Arrested, Raymond W. Lorette, 42, of 29 Briarwood Ln., Apt. 4, Marlborough, for disturbing the peace.

10:59 p.m. Concord Rd. Suspicious MV.

Tuesday, June 17

12:12 a.m. Arrested, Stacie Monahan, 45, of 30 Elm St., Gloucester, for operating MV with suspended/revoked license, possession of Class B drug, uninsured motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, unregistered motor vehicle, warrant.

2:35 a.m. Arrested, Cheryl L. Rahilly, 54, of 276 Main St., Apt. 13, Marlborough, for violating abuse prevention order.

2:47 a.m. East Main St. Suspicious MV.

9:39 a.m. Orchard St. Disturbance.
9:53 a.m. Chestnut St. Harassment.

12:22 p.m. Donald Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

2:44 p.m. Springhill Ave. Fraud/forgery.

2:57 p.m. Pleasant St. Past B&E/burglary.

3:38 p.m. Hildreth St. Disturbance.

4:08 p.m. Pleasant St. Larceny.

4:20 p.m. Tavitian Blvd. Assault.

5:38 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Threats.

6:13 p.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Domestic disturbance.

6:42 p.m. Arrested, Royale D. Hogan, 35, of 58 Emmett St., Apt. 1, Marlborough, on warrant.

7:21 p.m. Benjamin Rd. Larceny.

9:42 p.m. Reservoir St. Suspicious activity.

11:20 p.m. Ringold St. Suspicious MV.

Wednesday, June 18

1:01 a.m. Bolton St. Suspicious MV.

2:44 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious MV.

9:05 a.m. Lincoln St. Vandalism.

10:38 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Larceny.

12:43 p.m. Hemenway St. Suspicious MV.

4:34 p.m. Pleasant St. Past B&E/burglary.

5:22 p.m. Arrested, Michael Saltz Samuelson, 23, of 1717 Pleasant St., Barre, for assault, wanton destruction of property +$250.

6:59 p.m. Arrested, Melissa J. Evans, 32, of 12 Central St., Apt. B, Hudson, for forge or utter forged credit card (3 cts), improper use of credit card over $250, larceny of credit card.

9:40 p.m. Main St. Harassment.

11:49 p.m. Arrested, Jessire Dasilva, 27, of 450 Boston Post Road East, Apt. 612, Marlborough, for A&B (4 cts), resist arrest.

Thursday, June 19

12:45 a.m. Main St. Suspicious activity.

2:52 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious activity.

7:05 p.m. Concord Rd. Vandalism.

10:01 a.m. Mechanic/Hudson Sts. Assault.

10:52 a.m. South Bolton St. Suspicious activity.

11:46 a.m. Harrison Pl. Disturbance.

3:08 p.m. Howland St. Harassment.

3:13 p.m. Ames Pl. Past B&E/burglary.

3:38 p.m. Witherbee St. Fraud/forgery.

7:41 p.m. Lilac Cir. Fraud/forgery.

10:30 p.m. Huntington Ave. Disturbance.

11:18 p.m. South St. Suspicious activity.

11:47 p.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

Friday, June 20

12:11 a.m. Broadmeadow Rd. Disturbance.

12:18 a.m. Belmont St. Suspicious MV.

12:41 a.m. Main St Vandalism.

2:06 a.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

3:02 a.m. Parmenter St./Broadmeadow Rd.

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.

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Bianca de la Garza, former WCVB-TV news co-anchor (back, second from left), and Barbara LaGrenada, UWTC director of volunteerism (fifth from left), are joined by participants in last year’s Tools for Schools program at the Marlborough Community Cupboard. (Photo/Molly McCarthy)

Marlborough – As students begin enjoying their summer break, the United Way of Tri-County (UWTC) has started preparing its annual Tools for Schools program. For over 15 years, the program has provided children with backpacks full of grade-appropriate supplies for their return to school. Last year, UWTC partnered with 28 companies and 17 community agencies to distribute 738 backpacks for students in kindergarten through grade 12, 370 of which were in Marlborough.

Overseeing the program at the Marlborough Community Cupboard (MCC) in the Walker Building is Barbara LaGrenada, director of volunteerism.

“Every year the need seems to increase,” she said. “We provide the backpacks to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them to get their kids ready for school. The community agencies we work with know the guidelines and they feel the same way we do; we want to make sure that the right children get these backpacks.”

There are several ways that businesses, organizations and individuals can help including a monetary donation for UWTC to purchase a backpack with supplies. The cost of a filled backpack is $25. Donations by credit card can be made online at uwotc.org/backpack.

Another option is to sponsor a child by providing a filled backpack. UWTC will provide a list of grade-appropriate supplies along with the recipient’s first name, age, gender and the student’s backpack design request. The filled backpacks can be picked up by volunteers or delivered to MCC.

Businesses are encouraged to conduct a school supply drive at a central location. UWTC will provide collection boxes, email blurbs and additional materials to support the drive. The donated supplies can also be picked up by volunteers or delivered to MCC.

Volunteers are needed to assist with sorting supplies and assembling backpacks; matching requests with donations; picking up donations from corporate partners; and making deliveries to community agencies.

The backpacks will be distributed to students the week of Monday, Aug. 11. LaGrenada knows from firsthand experience that volunteers will be rewarded by the reaction of the backpack recipients.

“I always enjoy seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get the backpacks that they requested,” she said.

For more information about helping with Tools for Schools, contact Barbara LaGrenada at 508-370-4902 or Barbara.LaGrenade@uwotc.org.

Skip Gaston (left) and Ron Andrews await the start of the ride.

Marlborough – Motorcycle riders and passengers gathered June 21 for the first annual Marlborough Police Department Motorcycle Ride to benefit the Special Olympics Massachusetts.  The event was staged under the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) program.  The 60-mile ride through the Metrowest area, began and ended at the Special Olympics Massachusetts Yawkey Sports Training Center, 512 Forest St.   Participants included police officers from several Massachusetts towns.  The ride was followed by a barbeque for all riders, passengers and spectators.

Police officers from area towns participate in the first annual Marlborough Police Department Motorcycle Ride.

Photos/Andrea Adams

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

A volunteer cooks up burgers at last year’s Convoy of Hope event in French Hill. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – Last year a small group of people had a big vision of what could be accomplished if they worked together to help those in need with food, practical resources, entertainment and friendship. The day-long “Convoy of Hope” event was held in October at Stevens Park, off Broad Street, in the French Hill area of the Marlborough.

“And it all worked,” said Pastor Deborah Kerr of New Hope Community Church in Marlborough, coordinator of this year’s Convoy of Hope to be held again in October.

“Over 1,000 people received a hand of compassion and hope and I expect the number to at least double this year,” she said.

Her enthusiasm and sincere thoughts of continuing success were based on the dedicated response of local church leaders and members, business employees, city employees and individuals who attended a lunch held June 4 to kick off the event and begin the planning process. Mayor Arthur Vigeant has pledged his support and offered assistance wherever needed.

Residents of the French Hill area and other guests of honor received lunch, haircuts, family portraits, clothing, shoes, groceries, medical screenings, and other supplies. Many visited the social services tent which connected people with helpful programs as well as the prayer tent for spiritual guidance.

Bob Kays, owner of the Prospector Bar and Grill on Lincoln Street, will return with his team and provide hot dogs and hamburgers again this year. Cindy Zomar, representing Assabet Valley Regional Technical School, offered to help solicit donations of footwear as Kerr stated that last year’s sponsor was unable to participate this year.

Tony Evangelous, a Marlborough Police Department Community Policing member in the French Hill area, had high praise for the successful event conducted last year in which he participated.

“I am looking forward to taking part again this year as I saw firsthand how much everyone enjoyed the day. They got so pleased with a haircut, a pair of shoes, and just enjoying a stress-free day,” he said.

Convoy of Hope was founded in 1994. The goal of the faith-based, international, humanitarian relief organization is to bring help and hope to those who are impoverished, hungry and hurting. Many are working families living in, or on the fringes of, poverty.

Jason Bachman, outreach director for Convoy of Hope, spoke at the kick-off luncheon.

“Our goal is that every guest be valued, respected and treated as a guest of honor,” he said. “We want people to see potential instead of poverty by telling them that hope starts here. We may not be able to change the choices people make, but we can definitely increase the choices that they have.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation may send it to Marlborough Convoy of Hope, 204 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752. For additional information or to volunteer as an individual or group, contact Kerr at 508-277-0240.

Fourth-grader Nicholas Roca helps bury the time capsule. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – On June 19, Jaworek Elementary celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, there was a reception for current and former district leaders, city officials and school alumni. Current students participated in a commemorative tree planting and the burying of a time capsule. Additional photos of the celebration can be viewed on Jaworek Elementary School’s homepage at www.mps-edu.org. Under “schools,” click “Jaworek.”

By Zenya and Alexandra Molnar, Contributing Writers

Runners take off at the starting line of the Run for Fun 5K road race hosted by Wayside Racquet and Swim Club.

Marlborough – On a sunny almost-summer evening June 18, runners took their mark at the Wayside Racquet and Swim Club for the 20^th annual 5K Run for Fun road race. The 3.1-mile race in Marlborough, held as a fundraiser for the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) scholarship fund, drew 330 men and women of all ages and abilities.

The Run for Fun is unique because it is the only race in the area that takes place on a weeknight. Traffic is stopped for the start of the race, and then the course takes runners along Routes 9 and 20 where they run alongside traffic.

Wayside’s general manager Darren McLaughlin has been working at the club for almost 30 years and has organized the run since its initiation. This year’s run had its second largest turnout, compared to a record 362 participants in one of the race’s earlier years.

For the first 10 years of the race, the proceeds, totaling $20,000, were distributed to the Marlborough Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. After that program was cut from the city budget, McLaughlin chose to allocate the funds to the MRCC scholarship fund, for which he was the chair at the time.

Runners in the middle of the pack set out on the first part of the course, flat terrain blocked from traffic.

Over the past nine years, the race has contributed $76,000 to the fund which benefits students at area schools, including Marlborough High School, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School and Hudson High School.

McLaughlin thanked “all the community supporters who run and sponsor the race because it’s a real community event. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do with the scholarship fund.”

McLaughlin also thanked Fiske Independent Race Management who has managed the race operations for the past 20 years.

Photos/Zenya Molnar

Three runners make the final sprint across the finish line.

The first group of runners crossed the finish line in a little over 18 minutes.

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

Marlborough – The extraordinary shift of solid waste to the recyclables collection program saved the city more than $450,000 during the last 12 months, according to city officials. This compares to costs the city would have had to pay to the collection and disposal contractors under the former method.

“Recent figures suggest the city is now recycling more than 42 percent of curbside solid waste compared to an average of 13 percent for the four years leading up to the new program,” Thomas Temple, Department of Public Works (DPW) assistant commissioner of operations, wrote in a report to residents.

“Our second year results have been amazing, but we still have more work to do,” he noted, citing steps being taken to engage large multi-family and condominium facilities. “We will soon be implementing our new recycling program within the schools in an effort to eliminate large quantities of recyclable products from its waste stream and educate our young people about the importance of recycling.”

In his report, Temple thanked residents for making the second year successful and urged all to encourage friends, neighbors and family members to recycle.

As in the past, missed pick-up, damaged containers and associated issues can be reported on the DPW hotline at 508-624-6910, ext. 7700. Problems can also be reported on the city’s homepage: www.marlborough-ma.gov, click on “Marlborough Works” and follow the simple instructions.

Marlborough – For the past nine years, more than 900 local children from low income families have received a nutritious lunch three times a week, through the Marlborough Summer Lunch Program.  Without this successful program, these children, who receive free breakfast and lunch in the public schools during the school year, would be without food on a regular basis.

Many eligible students receive the free food at the Marlborough Police sub-station on the corner of Lincoln and Broad Streets each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  Lunches are also distributed at the Richer Elementary School and Marlborough High School for students enrolled in the respective summer school programs.  Lunches, consisting of a meat and cheese sandwich, a piece of fruit, snack and a 100 percent juice box, are prepared early morning at the Metro Church on Elm Street.  Each year church parishioners graciously provide the space for volunteers to gather. Summer lunch coordinators are Peggy Ayres and Jean Peters.

Residents are urged to consider making a tax deductible donation to help keep the program going.   All check donations should be made payable to Marlborough Children’s Summer Lunch Program and may be dropped off or mailed to at the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce office, 11 Florence Street , Marlborough.

Marlborough – The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) will be celebrating its Annual Lobster Fest Wednesday, July 23, at the Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event is an evening of delicious signature food, music, dancing, and cash bar along with networking opportunities. Entertainment for the evening includes music by Flashback and Solo Guitarist Mike Pascarella. The menu includes lobster, steamers and mussels, BBQ chicken, clam chowder, red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, corn bread, watermelon, ice cream from Dairy Queen, and many more special surprises.

“This event gives all of us a chance to relax, to enjoy, celebrating with great food, great entertainment and great people within the beautiful surroundings of the historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn,” said Susanne Morreale Leeber, CCE, president and CEO of the MRCC.

Tickets are $50 each if purchased before Friday, July 11; $60 each after. Ticket purchases for this event must be made in advance by contacting the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce no later than July 21.

Sponsors for the evening include: Boston Scientific, Marlborough Savings Bank, Hologic, RKG Financial, Greater Marlboro Programs, Inc., Jeffrey Schaffer business attorney, Minuteman Press, Ken’s, Savers, Dairy Queen and Best Western Royal Plaza.

The MRCC can be reached at 508-485-7746, marlcham@marlboroughchamber.org or www.marlboroughchamber.org.

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

Among the many members of the Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club who attended the Juniors Annual Conference held in May were Diane McCurley (standing, fourth from right), and Marilyn Perry (standing, third from right).

Marlborough – A 30-year member of the Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club, Diane McCurley, was installed as the 2014-2016 junior director of the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) of Massachusetts, Junior Membership, at the Juniors Annual Conference held in May in Marlborough. Two Marlborough club members, Marilyn Perry and Sheila Shea, have held the position in the past.

“In my new position I represent the 500-plus juniors at international conventions and state and New England regional meetings,” McCurley said. “I will hold meetings for juniors in the fall and spring as well as President’s Day in August to inform club presidents about GFWC projects and programs and also help them solve any administrative problems they may encounter and guide them in their role as leaders of their clubs.”

At these meetings she will share the many programs and offerings introduced at the international convention she attended recently in Arizona.

McCurley has chosen “Embrace Diversity” as the theme for her administration.

“This signifies the diversity not only of our members but also the great variety of projects offered through GFWC clubs. The symbol is a circle of multi-colored hands, surrounding the GFWC logo,” she said.

Her focus project is “Youth Villages,” an organization that serves at-risk youths through family-centered intervention with the goal of best outcome for the child, whether within or outside the family unit. They also serve young adults who age out of foster care with assistance in finding housing, educational opportunities and life skills, according to McCurley.

“I am looking forward to serving as director especially now as Marlborough Juniors celebrate their 50^th anniversary this October,” she said.

(l to r) Ken Hancock and Jesse Hamil of Marlborough, Cheryl Miller of Milford and Nicole Ferrara of Roslindale participate in the Heartbreak Hill 5K. (Photo/submitted)

Marlborough – Runners from around the region participated in the seventh annual Heartbreak Hill 5k Run & Walk to benefit the Franciscan Hospital for Children June 14. The race was held in front of Boston College’s O’Neill Library.