Marlborough – Natalie N. (Williams) Parker, 41, of Marlborough, died Aug. 3, 2018 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after suffering a brain aneurysm. She was the wife of Brian S. Gordon for the last 10 years.

She was born in Trinidad and Tobago, the daughter of the late Gurtan Williams and Beatrice Burris, and was a graduate of Framingham High School, class of 1995. Following graduation, Natalie enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she honorably served for 17 years before being medically retired.

She was stationed throughout the world, including Germany, Turkey and Iraq, and was an Iraq War veteran.

She was an assistant manager for FedEx. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters. Natalie enjoyed a wonderful sense of humor, and was respectful and dignified.

In addition to her husband, Brian, she leaves three daughters, Chamyra (18), Hattie (14) and La Grace Parker (12); three brothers, Leroy Burris, Hollis Nichols and Ricky Williams all of Tobago; a sister, Pinky Burris of Tobago; and many nephews and nieces.

A funeral service with military honors will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m., in the funeral home. A time of visitation will precede the service from 8:45-9:45 a.m. in the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made at www.CollinsFuneral.com to assist with Natalie’s funeral expenses.

Marlborough – The 2018 Parade Committee has been working diligently for its 67th Marlborough Labor Day Parade to be held Monday, Sept. 3, at 12 p.m.

Nostalgia will punctuate this year’s parade. Those who are planning to attend can look forward to seeing the return of the Hallamore Clydesdales, the full Aleppo entourage of miniaturize motor vehicles and colorful clowns, many New England bands including the UMass Lowell Marching Band and the local Color Killer band, and numerous floats all led by Grand Marshal Bobby Butler (NHL player, Olympian and resident) and the music of the Marlborough High School band.

As the years have passed, costs have increased and the needs and the demands of the community have changed. This year, Representative Danielle Gregoire offered to sponsor a unique mode of transportation for our dedicated veterans, a comfortable, classic Boston Trolley. Last year’s heat prevented our senior veterans from participating, thus breaking their longstanding tradition.

“Each year’s parade takes many hours of planning and preparing,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “It’s a large team effort between our Parade Committee, as well as the support of numerous community participants and supporters. We are thrilled to see so many groups taking on the float challenge and the outpouring of enthusiasm for this 67-year-old tradition.”

There is still time to participate in making this year’s parade great by committing a sponsorship level. Visit marlboroughlabordayparade.com to learn about the levels of giving and their benefits. Checks can be made out to City of Marlborough and sent with the sponsorship form that can be downloaded from the website to Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St., 4th floor, Marlborough, MA 01752 – MLDP.

In addition, if you or your organization have any questions about volunteering or ways you can earn community service hours, contact the city’s Program Coordinator Leanne Cordischi at lcordischi@Marlborough-MA.gov or 774-463-9517. Volunteers can also sign up at marlboroughlabordayparade.com.

By Dakota Antelman, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – Teams of area Special Olympics gathered at ForeKicks sports complex in Marlborough July 21 for a high stakes qualifying tournament for the bocce tournament of champions later this year.

Sprawling across roughly a third of the ForeKicks facility for much of the day, the event attracted teams from across the region. For Special Olympics organizers, who run a variety of events throughout the year for people with special needs, the sport of bocce and events like the one in Marlborough, are a perfect fit.

“It’s a great game for abilities of all levels,” said organizer Vicky Dinatale. “It’s a low impact game which, especially for our older athletes, is good because it’s something they can do. It’s just a great game to get people out and moving.”

Special Olympics of Massachusetts has held this qualifying event at ForeKicks for years, Dinatale said. This year, like those others, its top teams are excited to move on to the Tournament of Champions in August of this year.

For more information about Special Olympics Massachusetts, visit www.specialolympicsma.org.

Marlborough – Heidi L. Hershberger, 58, died Aug. 4, 2018 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, the daughter of the late Glenn E. Hershberger and Marilyn (Keener) Hershberger of Wadsworth, Ohio. She lived in Marlborough for the last 22 years.

Heidi worked as a Research Associate for Proctor and Gamble, Associate Director of Project Management for MTRA and was currently working as Director of Strategic Partnerships for Boston Scientific.

Heidi will always be remembered as an avid gardener who was always willing to offer advice to friends and colleagues. Co-workers looked forward to her Christmas cookies and Heidi never disappointed. Her favorite vacation place was Acadia National Park where she spent two weeks each year volunteering on trail maintenance projects.

Besides her mother, she is survived by three sisters, Glenna Hershberger, Susan Breen, and Amy Hamlin, and her long-time best friend, Martha Plaza, plus many cousins and relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Sept. 7 in the South East Link at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Please join us from 2-4 p.m. for visitation. Sharing of memories, photos and laughs will be from 3-3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Acadia at www.friendsofacadia.org.

Marlborough – Zoraida (Colon) Diaz, 63, of Marlborough and Framingham, passed away peacefully Aug. 11, 2018, at Oak Knoll Health Center in Framingham, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Zoraida was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Angel Colon and Andrea Torres. She was raised and graduated from school in Bayamon and later settled in Framingham and Marlborough.

Zoraida loved spending time with her family and was an amazing mother and grandmother. She enjoyed shopping and having her hair and makeup done. True to her Puerto Rican heritage she was an excellent cook and a generous and caring person. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Amongst her many heartbroken survivors, she leaves behind her beloved husband, Antonio Roman; her son, Carmelo Mojica of New Hampshire; her daughter, Annette Garcia and her husband Joaquin Carranza of Framingham; four grandchildren; two brothers; four sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation Thursday, Aug. 16, from 9-10 a.m., at Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough, immediately followed by a procession to Saint Stephen Church, 221 Concord St., Framingham, for an 11 a.m. celebration Mass of Christian Burial and interment at Saint Stephen Cemetery in Framingham.

Marlborough – Arlene Pearl of Marlborough, formerly of Pittsford, N.Y. and Little Neck, NY, died Aug. 12, 2018. She was born Nov. 28, 1932 in the Bronx, N.Y. to the late Ella and Daniel Levy.

She is survived by her loving children, Margery Pearl Gurnett (Denis Gurnett) and Daniel Pearl (Shelagh Ellman-Pearl), as well as her devoted granddaughter, Lily Pearl.

As a young woman, Arlene traveled alone to far-flung locations to deliver air tickets for her mother’s travel agency. In 1952, she proposed to and married Paul Pearl, and together they raised their children in Little Neck. Arlene and Paul moved to Pittsford to be near Margery, and lived there for 14 years.

Arlene’s world grew a lot smaller when her beloved Paul died in early 2016. Arlene subsequently moved to the Boston area to be near their son’s family.

Arlene was a person of many interests, including travel, finance, golf, bowling, dancing, art, yoga, cooking and nutrition. She enjoyed her frequent shopping trips into Manhattan while maintaining the family home.

Services were conducted privately in Massachusetts with immediate family. Arlene will be interred at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, N.Y.

Arlene’s family will be receiving visitors Monday, Aug. 20, 6-9 p.m., at 15 Buffalo Run, Southborough.

Marlborough – Chester W. Zakrzewski, 92, of Marlborough, formerly of North Falmouth and Newton Lower Falls, died Aug. 11, 2018 at his home.

Born in Abington, he was the son of the late Franciszek and Konstancia (Tamkum) Zakrzewski and the husband of the late Branislawa “Blanche” (Grybos) Zakrzewski, who died in 2017.

Mr. Zakrzewski began his active military service in 1944 with the 59th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, serving in the European Theatre. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart for his service.

A graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology, he was Vice President at GCA Corporation, David W. Mann Division.

Following his retirement and move to North Falmouth, he was active with the Falmouth Newcomer’s Club and Capers, played bridge and poker, as well as golf, and enjoyed bowling and social trips. He loved the family gatherings and was an avid Boston sports fan.

He is survived by his sons, Ted Zakrzewski and his wife Barbara of West Arlington, Vt., Bob Zakrzewski and his wife Mindy of Framingham, and Jay Zakrzewski and his wife Mary of Marlborough; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Tilton and her husband Stephen, Lindsey Camilucci and her husband Drew, Bill, Dan, Alex and Lizzie Zakrzewski, Stephanie Fair and her husband David, Sarah McGaha and her husband Dave, and Nicky Zakrzewski; and his great-grandchildren, Jack Camilucci and Joshua Fair. He was also the brother of the late Edward and Frank Zakrzewski, Stasia Wolnet and Jean Balutis.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Aug. 17, from 5-7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 148 Brook St., Wellesley.

Donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America (www.dav.org) or the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave. #6, Waltham, MA 02451.

Marlborough – At a recent meeting, the Marlborough Lions Club presented scholarship award certificates to three students. Marlborough High School student Meredith St. Paul will attend the University of Massachusetts, Boston; Carley Devin is a Hudson High School graduate who plans to attend the University of Rhode Island; and Sarah Good is a graduate of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School and plans to continue her education. All three recipients are pursuing careers in nursing.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

As a young man, Dan McGrath loved music, playing guitar as well as singing and writing songs. But as he got older and family responsibilities took up more of his time, it became just a hobby that he could indulge in now and then.
But now that his children are grown, McGrath is ready, at age 60, to really pursue his passion to make music.
“It’s always been my dream to put out an album,” he said.
McGrath noted that he is not restricted to one genre of music, but rather enjoys playing many types.
“I like all types – bluegrass, Americana, blues, rock, country,” he said.
Currently McGrath plays with a group, Junction 109, along with band members Mark Hamilton, Bucky O’Hare, Mike Tworoger and Jeff Urato.
Although many might wonder that he is finally following his dream of seriously pursuing music at age 60, doing things differently is nothing new to McGrath. An accident many years ago resulted in him losing part of his right arm. Nonetheless, he does not let that stop him from playing guitar. It is just part of who he is.
“When people ask me about how I ‘play guitar like that,’ I just reply ‘The same way you get to Carnegie Hall. Practice, practice, practice,’” he said.
“I play guitar every day and just try to get better and better,” he added.
About three years ago, McGrath entered a singer/songwriter contest sponsored by The Guitar Center. Also entering that contest was Scott Mulvahill, a talented young bass player from Nashville who has played with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs.
When Mulvahill had announced on his Facebook page that he would donate his talents and perform on a track for one of his fans, McGrath submitted a clip and then was thrilled when he was chosen.
As a result, Mulvahill played upright bass on Junction 109’s first EP, “Shine On.” With McGrath singing lead vocals, the song is a love song of sorts with tinges of bluegrass and Americana in it.
McGrath also is grateful to Hamilton, he said, for his support. Hamilton, who is Junction 109’s drummer, is also the owner of Caveman Studio, located in Northborough.
“Without Mark and his technical skills none of my music would be possible. He handles everything from drumming and recording to creating the website,” McGrath said. “He is also responsible for the videos I have on YouTube. Mark is the backbone of Junction 109 music and deserves all the credit he can get. “
As much as McGrath enjoys performing, he is also thankful that his music gives him the opportunity to give back to others in need.

“One hundred percent of every purchase I receive from my downloads or CDs go to St. Jude’s Research Hospital and Team Sharing,” he said.
Team Sharing is a nationally based nonprofit group formed to help parents who have lost a child to substance abuse disorder.
“It’s such a huge problem,” McGrath said. “I know so many people who have lost family members to this disease.”
A resident of Marlborough for many years, McGrath now lives in Weymouth with his wife, Robin. The couple has three adult children- Callie, Loren, and Adam and two grandchildren, Olivia and Jackson. Everyone is supportive of his passion to play music, McGrath said.
In fact, Adam is a musician as well, playing the drums as part of the group, Birnam Wood.
“He’s really good,” McGrath said of his son. He also plays the guitar and writes songs of his own. Sometimes we play together for fun.”
For more information visit www.junction109music.com as well as their Facebook page.

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Marlborough – When he starts classes later this month at Marlborough High School, Andrew Fraser, 14, will have quite a vacation story to tell his friends. The rising freshman did not spend time as many of his classmates most likely did, on Cape Cod or anywhere else in New England for that matter. Rather, he, along with his 21 teammates, competed for Team USA’s U-14 division in the World Junior Ball Hockey Championships in Nitra, Slovakia, during the week of June 25 to July 1. That week, Andrew, one of the team’s goalies, helped Team USA win silver, with host Slovakia winning the gold medal.

Andrew has played the sport of ball hockey since 2009 in the Hudson Youth Dek Hockey League.

“I really enjoy it,” he said. “It’s fast-paced and a lot of fun.”

Dek hockey is derived from the sport of street hockey which is still played in thousands of tennis courts, driveways, and parking lots as well as streets, across the globe. As in ice hockey, dek hockey includes stickhandling, passing and shooting, and three periods of play. It does not, however, allow body checking. Leagues and tournaments are played in official rinks on an all- weather playing surface and under the Official Street Hockey/Dek Hockey Rules.

When Andrew first started playing dek hockey, he was a defenseman, before switching to goalie.

Although playing that position can be very stressful, he insists he rarely feels it.

“I just get in my zone,” he said. “I actually like when a game is tied because it’s really competitive then. I don’t really get stressed. I just play my game.”

That cool, calm composure earned him the attention of the national team coaches who invited him to tryouts in Pennsylvania and then Massachusetts. After making the cut as one of two goalies, he attended training camp with the rest of team before traveling to Slovakia.

During the world tournament, Andrew played in goal for all or part of five of the six games.

The USA team was comprised of players from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In their division, they competed against players from Slovakia and Team Europe. Players in the higher age groups were from a number of other countries from around the world.

Accompanying Andrew on the trip were his parents, Cristina and Rick, and sister, Elizabeth.

Andrew notes that although he is a huge Boston Bruins fan, he does not consciously model his play style after any goalie in particular. But his mom, a Bruins fan herself, said she feels that he is similar to former goalie Tim Thomas, who made himself a name (and won the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s best goalie) with his freewheeling style.

Going forth, there is one more goal that he and his Team USA teammates want, he said.

“We want to go back to [worlds] and win U-16!” he said.

For more information on dek hockey, visit www.hudsondekhockey.com.

Marlborough

Friday, Aug. 3

8:47 a.m. Woodcock Ln. Fraud/forgery.

12:15 p.m. Chestnut St. Suspicious activity.

2:43 p.m. Lakeside Ave. Disturbance.

3:07 p.m. East Main St. Suspicious MV.

7:41 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Trespassing.

8:51 p.m. Pleasant St. Disturbance.

9:25 p.m. Hosmer St. Fraud/forgery.

9:51 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Fraud/forgery.

Saturday, Aug. 4

12:22 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Burglary/B&E past.

1:24 a.m. Concord Rd. Suspicious MV.

3:35 a.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

10:08 a.m. Granger Blvd./Newton St. Suspicious activity.

4:12 p.m. Lakeside Ave./Felton St. MVA with injuries.

4:36 p.m. Dufresne Dr. Larceny.

5:31 p.m. Lincoln St. Vandalism.

6:35 p.m. Hosmer St. Disturbance.

8:39 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

Sunday, Aug. 5

9:27 a.m. Briarwood Ln. Harassment.

3:29 p.m. Robin Hill St. Suspicious activity.

4:58 p.m. East Main St. Suspicious MV.

7:55 p.m. Liberty St. Larceny.

8:09 p.m. Tucker Ave. Disturbance.
9:17 p.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

10:08 p.m. Ames St. Disturbance.

Monday, Aug. 6

12:13 a.m. Washington St. Disturbance.

6:08 a.m. West Main St. Suspicious activity.

8:14 a.m. Pleasant St. Suspicious activity.

9:01 a.m. Briarwood Ln. Fraud/forgery.

9:59 a.m. Maple St. Fraud/forgery.

1:35 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

1:57 p.m. Royce Rd. Vandalism.

2:59 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Larceny.

7:30 p.m. Libby Ave. Fraud/forgery.

8:19 p.m. Stow Rd. Trespassing.

9:45 p.m. Newton St. Suspicious MV.

9:53 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Vandalism.

10:06 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

Tuesday, Aug. 7

12:26 a.m. Howland St. Suspicious activity.

7:22 a.m. Silver St. B&E into MV.

9:42 a.m. Winter St. B&E into MV.

10:42 a.m. Jonas Ct. B&E into MV.

1:22 p.m. Mill Street Central. Suspicious activity.

4:03 p.m. Arrested, Mark L. Domenici, 42, of 23 Hemans St., Apt. 12, Worcester, for B&E daytime for felony/person in fear, possess Class A drug, warrant, and Nancy M. Gilley, 37, of 50 Fruit St., Apt. 3, Worcester, for receiving stolen property +$1,200.

Wednesday, Aug. 8

8:37 a.m. Lincoln St. Disturbance.

10:03 a.m. Williams St. Suspicious activity.

5:18 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Threats.

5:20 p.m. East Main St. MVA with injuries.

8:56 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

10:23 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

10:37 p.m. First Rd. Suspicious activity.

Thursday, Aug. 9

12:37 a.m. Hosmer St. Suspicious MV.

2:35 a.m. Howland St. Suspicious MV.

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 Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

Marlborough – Knights of Columbus Council 81 was formed in Marlborough Sept. 9, 1893 and is observing its 125th anniversary serving Immaculate Conception and St. Matthias Churches. Members are proud to be among the historic first 100 councils formed during the earliest years of the order, which is one of the largest Catholic men’s fraternal organization s in the world with nearly two million members.

A gala celebration of promoting charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism will take place Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Marlborough Country Club, with Grand Knight Roland Johnson, leader of the local group, presiding.

Also participating will be Knights of Columbus District Deputy and Past Grand Knight Michael Gibson of Marlborough.

An active member since 2007, Johnson said: “As a Catholic family man, I have always had a strong faith, but once I joined the K of C it broadened my faith and enriched me in ways I was not aware of before – taking part in various charitable activities, helping the elderly, assisting in home projects for those who cannot do various physical labor or even assisting or doing what we can for our veterans.”

The local chapter is involved in various events throughout the year. Each October members raise money on Columbus Day weekend passing out Tootsie Rolls to raise funds for people with intellectual disabilities. They recently partnered with the Special Olympics to volunteer in their events and to cheer the teams on. During the year they join forces with other councils and support the Worcester State Hospital, have a pizza party, and play games. Some members help veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, wheeling them around, and enjoying their stories and future plans. This past winter and spring they worked extensively with a local mother who needed a wheelchair ramp built and installed for her young son.

Proceeds from the anniversary event will be distributed among the three local organizations that Marlborough Knights support – Special Olympics, Veteran Support Alliance, and Roland’s House homeless shelter. They also support a variety of Marlborough school clubs and sports activities, the food pantry, and Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital golf tournament.

Marlborough – Lena M. (Canova) Thorpe, 96, died Aug. 19, 2018 after a long period of failing health.

She was born in Marlborough, the daughter of the late Michael and Maria (Bux) Canova, and lived here all of her life.

Lena worked at the former Bat State Abrasives for 30 years and was a longtime member of the Bay State Abrasives Retirees Association. She was also a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Marlborough, a founding member of the Saint Jude Guild at the church, and served as a chaperone for the I.C. Junior Drum and Bugle Corp.

Lena was known as “Nana” to every child who crossed her path. She donated countless hours to not only her own children, but the many children in the Marlborough community. She served as group leader for Girl Scouts and was a member of the mothers club of the Boy Scouts Troop 4.

She was a volunteered many hours at the Marlborough Boys Club and served as a corporator for the club.

She is survived by four children, Douglas Thorpe and his wife Wanda, Linda Straw and her husband Dwight, Daniel Thorpe and his wife Beth, Suellen Curtis and her partner Steve; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m., in the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com) of Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Marlborough

Friday, Aug. 10

8:20 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Larceny.

10:21 a.m. Apex Dr. Suspicious MV.

10:34 a.m. Boston Post Road East. Fraud/forgery.

10:47 a.m. Hosmer St. Harassment.

9:04 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Vandalism.

9:29 p.m. Williams St. Disturbance.

Saturday, Aug. 11

12:58 a.m. Main St. Suspicious activity.

2:43 a.m. Arrested, Jefferson Desouza, 29, of 32 Wilson St., Marlborough, for unlicensed operating of MV, warrant.

10:52 a.m. Mill St. South/Brigham St. Fraud/forgery.

12:19 p.m. Arrested, Wade A. Wheeler, 24, of 139 Pleasant St., Apt. 4, Marlborough, for op MV with license suspended.

3:14 p.m. Concord Rd. MVA with injuries.

8:30 p.m. Boston Post Road East/DiCenzo Blvd. Suspicious activity.

9:20 p.m. Pleasant St. Suspicious activity.

10:33 p.m. Church St. Disturbance.

11:53 p.m. Arrested, Ana Carolina Goncalves-DeAlme, 19, of 336 East Main St., Apt. 4, Marlborough, for vandalize property, A&B with dangerous weapon.

Sunday, Aug. 12

1:30 a.m. Millham/Elm Sts. MVA with injuries.

3:16 p.m. Essex/Church Sts. Suspicious MV.

3:41 p.m. Apex Dr. Disturbance.

5:17 p.m. Fairmount St. B&E into MV.

7:22 p.m. Farm Rd. Disturbance.

9:35 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Suspicious activity.

Monday, Aug. 13

2:08 a.m. Arrested, Raymond Joyce, 26, of 17 Cross St., Apt. B10, Marlborough, on warrant.

11:36 a.m. Bolton St. Threats.

2:45 p.m. Hamilton Cir. Suspicious activity.

3:20 p.m. Broad St. Disturbance.

3:50 p.m. Essex St. Larceny.

8:03 p.m. Prospect St. Harassment.

9:57 p.m. Spring/Frye Sts. Disturbance.

10:43 p.m. Mechanic St. Larceny.

Tuesday, Aug. 14
12:23 a.m. Union St. Disturbance.

5:14 a.m. Main St. Disturbance.

5:17 a.m. Maple St. Suspicious activity.

8:35 a.m. Apex Dr. Vandalism.

6:43 p.m. Springhill Ave. Suspicious activity.

7:26 p.m. Newton St. Suspicious MV.

9:12 a.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. B&E into MV.

10:25 p.m. Arrested, Hudson Correa, 22, of 83 Mill Street Central, Apt. 2, Marlborough, for unlicensed operation of MV, leave scene of property damage, OUI liquor, marked lanes violation .

11:15 p.m. Pleasant St. Suspicious activity.

Wednesday, Aug. 15

12:26 a.m. East Main St. Suspicious activity.

12:54 a.m. Phelps St. Suspicious activity.

2:51 a.m. Cross St. Disturbance.

9:18 a.m. Arrested, David J. Foster, 25, of 11 Sayles St., Southbridge, on warrant.

12:44 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Suspicious activity.

1:02 p.m. Boston Post Road West. Auto theft.

2:08 p.m. Royal Crest Dr. Harassment.

4:25 p.m. Union St. Disturbance.

4:50 p.m. Briarwood Ln. Disturbance.

7:34 p.m. Concord Rd. Suspicious MV.

8:48 p.m. Elm/Pleasant Sts. Suspicious activity.

11:15 p.m. Boston Post Road East. Disturbance.

Thursday, Aug. 16

4:12 a.m. Lincoln St. Disturbance.

7:08 a.m. Brigham St. Suspicious MV.

10:16 a.m. Lincoln St. Fraud/forgery.

3:33 p.m. Arrested, Paul W. Liebgott, 44, of 10 Straton Dr., Hudson, on warrant.

6:30 p.m. Union St. Suspicious activity.

7:45 p.m. Kirby St. Disturbance.

9:53 p.m. Brimsmead St. Larceny.

10:21 p.m. Donald J. Lynch Blvd. Suspicious activity.

Friday, Aug. 17

12:17 a.m. Bronte/Christie Ways. Suspicious activity.

12:25 a.m. East Main St. Suspicious activity.

1:05 a.m. Orchard St. Suspicious MV.

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 – Maureen Kelleher Curley, 79, of Marlborough, died peacefully Aug. 20, 2018.

She was born March 4, 1939 in Cambridge, the only child of John and Katherine O’Callaghan Kelleher, hardworking Irish immigrants. She spent her early years in Watertown, and graduated from Mount Trinity Academy. After graduation, she attended Framingham State College.

Shortly thereafter, she met and married the sweet love of her life, William F. Curley Jr. of Wayland. He literally swept her off her feet, a dashing young man in a Cadillac, who, on their first date, wooed her with her very first lobster dinner. Together, they created a life in Marlborough, building a home and filling it with six children of their own.

They were always welcoming to countless cousins, aunts and uncles from Ireland, neighbors, beloved exchange students from Japan, who quickly became family, visitors and friends from near and far. There was always a pool party, cookout, summers on the Cape and lots of hockey, flashlight tag and Wiffle ball games.

The greatest joy and pleasure in her life came from her children and grandchildren. She was the mother of Billy, Molly, John, Maureen, Daniel and Christopher and the mother-in-law of Karen Curley, Dawn Curley and Christopher Dawson. She was also the grandmother of Molly and Jake Curley of Falmouth, Ian and Blake Curley of Weston and Rory and Callie Dawson of Rhode Island.

She peacefully and in a state of complete grace went home to God. We can only assume that she was joyfully reunited in peace and serenity with her very own angels in Heaven waiting for her, her children who predeceased her, our beloved Molly and John.

We often called her “The Cat” because she seemed to have nine lives. She fought hard against the battles life seemed to throw her way and she ALWAYS went down swinging. Although she was tiny, she was incredibly fierce. We will miss her terribly.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the scholarship fund created in memory of our brother, John: The John J. Curley Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. John’s High School, Shrewsbury, MA, 01545. She would love that.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Aug. 24, from 5-7 p.m., at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthias Church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.

Marlborough – While many cite fun activities and good memories, the youth of Saint Stephen Lutheran Church in Marlborough added “life-changing experiences” to their summer vacation.

The 2018 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Youth Gathering in Houston earlier this summer made a big impact. Teens Caitlyn Gogan, Samantha Gogan, Zach Gogan, Matt Haley, Abby Maston and Sam Maston were accompanied by Deb Gogan and Sarah Maston of Hudson and Saint Stephen Pastor Joseph Graumann of Marlborough. With 30,000 young people and leaders assembled in one place, speakers who inspired, community service that encouraged further action, and connections made with individuals and groups, there was ample opportunity to make memories.

What surprised Sam Maston “was the sheer numbers. Thirty thousand people is very hard to visualize and imagine, and not until the first night with everyone gathered in the stadium did I know what 30,000 people looked like.”

Small numbers mattered, too, Samantha Gogan remarked.

“I was impressed by the seemingly small connections that we made in the stadium and in the gathering in general, like flashing our lights across and doing patterns during the mass gathering, high-fiving everyone, and trading bracelets,” she said.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that much joy and kindness in one space before,” Sam added.

Both Sam and Samantha agreed that speakers offered powerful stories and insights. Theologian and author Nadia Bolz-Weber “talked about how God’s grace really is for everyone,” Sam noted. The Rev. Will Starkweather told his story, of “darkness and self-harm,” and how with faith he came to realize, “there’s grace for everything, because God’s grace is never-ending.”

Samantha spent her community service day learning about human trafficking.

“It is important that people are made aware of it,” she said, adding that she wants to share her new awareness locally. “I want to bring the Red Sand Project to the church or the school. You put red sand into the cracks of sidewalks to represent the people and cases who fall through the cracks and don’t get the help they need. The project helped me to understand human trafficking and what we can do to help stop it.”

A takeaway for Sam was a realization that “God really changes everything. This was exemplified through all the stories I heard during that week, and am only beginning to truly grasp.”

Marlborough – The Marlborough Country Club announced they are hosting their seventh annual Military Appreciation Day Golf Fundraiser at Marlborough Country Club, 200 Concord Road, Tuesday, Oct. 16. Military Appreciation Day will provide a day of golf and dinner, free for all active and retired military and their families. Non-military are welcome to attend as well for $75. The day will start with a 9 a.m. check-in, 10 a.m. shotgun start, and dinner with raffle winner announcements following golf at approximately 3 p.m. Funds raised from this event will benefit Mass Soldiers Legacy Fund, a charity that provides educational assistance grants to the children of Massachusetts service members who died in the War Against Terrorism.

With only 120 open spots, this event sells out every year. Registering early will prevent being put on a waitlist for cancellations. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Dria at 508-485-1660, ext. 10, or visiting www.marlboroughcc.com/mad. Deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Marlborough – The trustees of the Marlborough Brigham Family Trust announced the opening of this year’s grant cycle. Marlborough nonprofits seeking financial support for programs and activities that directly benefit the Marlborough community are invited to 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 or activity; the amount being requested; and a brief explanation of any other funding sources.
Applicants must also include proof of their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status (not needed for applicants who have previously submitted their proof).
Applications should be mailed to Marlborough Brigham Family Trust, P.O. Box 221, Marlborough, MA 01752, and must be postmarked between now and Friday, Sept. 14. Trustees will screen applications and identify those most aligned with the spirit of the trust. Awards will be announced in November.

By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – As part of the Marlborough’s Board of Health’s Resilience Project, Cathleen Liberty, director of public health, Patricia Moran, public health nurse, and Abigail Chrisafideis, public health intern, are working together to promote public health and wellness throughout the community.

The type of programs that the three women have been tirelessly working on involve programs and activities that promote health and wellness among youth and low-income communities.

“What I had proposed was a comprehensive media strategy to educate the community on adverse childhood experiences, otherwise known as ‘ACES,’” Liberty said. “It has been proven that there is a definitive correlation between childhood trauma and later adult health issues like anxiety, obesity, depression and more.”

Chrisafideis and Moran held a few focus groups within the community, at schools, daycares and other venues. They concluded that there is a need for more education to bring awareness to those responsible for looking out for the welfare on the community’s youth, such as parents, bus drivers, daycare providers, teachers and others.

“The number of children who have suffered from early childhood trauma is staggering,” Moran said. “This directly affects the child’s development in a negative way. The younger ones are considered a higher risk. ACES is all about what we can do to help fix the problem. We learn to ask the question, ‘What happened to you?’”

Crisafideis, a junior nursing major at Worcester State University, took advantage of the internship opportunity.

“This was a great way for me to get experience in the field of public health,” she said. “I also interviewed a couple of police officers in town. I got their feedback on the work that they do with adverse child experiences…. They have to call child services when someone arrives. Their protocol is changing to a more trauma care approach where they take the mental health aspect into it. … The police work has become more open and understanding to mental health. If they are dealing with a drug addict, for example, instead of going directly to jail, this individual can go to a treatment facility.”

The immediate strategy was to create something that the community could take with them. Posters, postcards and bookmarks were sent out into the community and Crisafideis created a Facebook page and website.

The team created a slogan, “Break the Cycle – Be Trauma Aware,” along with a 15-second ad that will run for seven days on all the screens at the Regal Cinemas.

For more information, visit Marlborough Board of Health Resilience Project website, https://tinyurl.comyccznzck.

By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter

Marlborough – September has been declared Recovery Month throughout the country. In recognition of the observance, the Addiction Referral Center (ARC) and the Recovery Connection are co-sponsoring Marlborough Recovery Day Friday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Union Common.

Several groups and organizations throughout the area will be present to educate residents on treatment and mental health services that can enable those with a substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. Guest speakers, a live band, a barbecue, children’s table, and resource fair will be featured. Literature for those addicted and their families and friends will be available.

“Last year’s event was very successful,” stated ARC Director Marie Cheetham. “We talked with many who needed help and those who have friends and family members who are also benefiting from the interaction with people who are now on a road free from addiction.”

In extending an invitation to all, Brandon Tupper, program director of the Recovery Connection, said: “The Recovery Connection and the ARC are extremely excited to be collaborating on this event once again and invite all to attend and discover the great work that is being done to fight the disease of alcoholism and drug abuse and recognize the beauty that getting well can bring.”

Guest speakers include State Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), Shawn Merrill of Brockton Team Challenge, and Cheryl Juaire, a starter of the local chapter of GRASP (Grief Recovery after a Substance Passing). Juaire and another Marlborough mother, Kathy Leonard, who lost their sons to heroin overdose in 2011, met at GRASP meetings in the Lowell area and recognized a need to offer help to others locally.

The ARC was established 45 years ago as a drop-in center on Lincoln Street by a few individuals who went on a quest to remain sober from alcohol addiction. The ARC, now at 33 Main St., offers daily meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Alanon. The mission of the Recovery Connection is to provide a safe, judgment-free zone where individuals support and encourage their peers to lead valued and fulfilled lives through their own vision of recovery.