Girl Scouts Collect Supplies for Underprivileged Children

Three local girl scouts are working on their Silver Awards, and helping out a lot of kids by doing so.

Do you have a favorite kindergarten memory? In a flyer circulating at the local schools, that's what Girl Scouts Ruth Ricciuti, Gabriella Thompson and Isabella Masciarelli are asking. While many do have those wonderful memories, they are reminding other students that "some children don’t have those great experiences." The scouts, from Troop 30484, are working on their Silver Award Project, which involves helping to give underprivileged children a good start to the new year. Collection boxes placed at the four elementary schools in Northborough will a place to collect new school supplies, as well as gently used books, to support the needy children in Worcester. Those boxes will be in the lobby of the schools through Jan. 18. "The girls are …

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United Way Accepts Record-Breaking Donation from Wegmans

Wegmans gives United Way a huge check.

Information courtesy of United Way of Tri-County The United Way of Tri-County accepted a check from Wegmans Food Market for more than $25,000 last Friday.  The generous donation will go directly to supporting local community efforts, including food security initiatives in MetroWest. Wegmans Food Market, though new to the area, is very familiar with donating to United Way charities and the company prides itself on giving back to the communities they serve. United Way of Tri-County Research and Development Director Cindy Turner was on hand to accept the donation: “Wegmans is a strong supporter of the United Way of Tri-County. Not only in their generous donations of pledges from employees. But, also in volunteer time from their employees, as …

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Parker Swan Awarded Good Scout Award by Knox Trail

Longtime Northborough resident Parker Swan will be honored at the Good Scout Dinner.

Submitted by the Knox Trail Council Lisa Braccio and Parker Swan will be honored at the 2012 Northborough/Southborough Good Scout Dinner held to be held on Nov. 14 at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough. The social hour starts at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:55 p.m. Proceeds of the annual event will benefit the Boy Scout’s Knox Trail Council. The BSA Knox Trail Council serves thousands of youths in 21 towns in the greater Metro West area. Swan, a resident of Northborough, is married to Claire Swan, and both are ardent supporters of their communities and families. Parker is best characterized by his own words: “We have always believed in volunteerism and in giving back to God and the community for all the blessings we have …

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TELL US: Who Makes a Difference in Northborough?

Help showcase people who are doing great things in your community with our new feature, Count Us In.

Your neighbor who volunteers at the library, your child’s bus driver, and the Little League coach in your community may not seem to have much in common at first glance. But Patch’s new initiative, Count Us In, aspires to bring together all Good Samaritans by highlighting residents who are exemplary at making your community a more positive place. Northborough is an exceptionally giving community, as is evident by the many dedicated volunteers in town, as well as the charitible groups, organizations and centers that can be found here. Northborough's Helping Hands, The Northborough Food Pantry, the American Legion, Birthday Wishes, The Neighbor Brigade, the Northborough Woman's Club, the Friends of Northbrough Recreation, Friends of the …

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Wegmans Care Team Volunteers at United Way

The Wegmans Food Market Care Team recently volunteered in Framingham.

Submitted by Jeanie Flyn, United Way of Tri-County The Wegmans Food Market Care Team recently volunteered at the United Way of Tri-County, located at the Pearl Street Cupboard and Cafe in Framingham. Wegmans Food Market has consistently supported the United Way’s food security initiatives, as part of their commitment to the local communities in which they operate. Their exemplary community giving corporation has given more than 305 pounds of dairy products, 322 pounds of baked goods and over 63 pounds of produce. In addition, numerous volunteers have donated countless hours on behalf of the United Way of Tri-County. The United Way is a community building organization that brings people together to care for one another. The United Way …

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LETTER: Thank You to Fresh Air Volunteers

The executive director expresses gratitude to the many volunteers of the Fresh Air Fund during volunteer week.

It is with sincere gratitude that I recognize the tireless efforts of Fresh Air Fund volunteers in Central Massachusetts as the country celebrates National Volunteer Week. Their commitment to helping New York City children is exemplary for all community members and truly embodies the spirit of the 2012 National Volunteer Week theme, “Celebrating People in Action.” Fresh Air volunteers work in several capacities throughout the year in 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada to help make The Fresh Air Fund’s programs possible. Dedicated Fresh Air host families open their homes and share the everyday joys of summertime with their Fresh Air guests. Our local volunteer leaders—many of whom are also hosts—serve on our local committees, plan …

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Rotary Club Donates Defibrillator to Senior Center

Thanks to some fundraising by the Northborough Rotary Club, the Senior Center now owns a defibrillator.

Now, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Northborough Rotary Club, the Northborough Senior Center owns something it hopes it won't have to use: a defibrillator. Skip Doyle, chairman of the Foundation Committee for the Rotary, and Ken Golden, president of the Rotary Club, informed the Board of Selectmen of their donation at a meeting last week. The Rotary club raised $1,000 toward the purchase of the defibrillator, which was matched by a grant, which raised the $2,000 needed. "We’re very happy to be able to do this for the Senior Center, and we’re hoping the occasion doesn’t come up where it has to be used," said Doyle. Jeff Amberson, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, added, "We're lucky that we have such a dedicated Rotary Club. …

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Coat Collection Warms the Town

The Helping Hands coat collection was a success.

On Friday, residents brought some 300 coats to the Town Hall in a collection facilitated by Helping Hands of Northborough. The coat drive will clothe those in Northborough who are in need, as well as 32 families living in transition at the EconoLodge. Excess coats will be donated to Westborough Youth and Family Services, said organizer Heather Capes. Businesses in town such as The Exchange Boutique served as drop-off centers, and Zee Cleaners dry cleaned all the donations, free of charge.

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Mom's the Word

Take Time to Thank Volunteers

Northborough is run on volunteers. Take a look around and be sure to thank one.

Now that the school year is underway, many sports, religious education classes, scouts, clubs and organizations that have been on summer break are gearing up for the new year. Most of these organizations are run on volunteer hours and wouldn’t be as successful without the commitment of so many people. Most volunteers don’t expect to be specially recognized, but it only takes two simple words to let them know they are appreciated: Thank You. Thank you to service organizations that provide so much to the residents of Northborough. The hours incorporated into the planning of Applefest weekend are mind boggling. This year's event was another huge success. Northborough Helping Hands Association, Inc., which organizes the Thanksgiving baskets, …

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