By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant welcomed residents age 60 and over to the 36th annual Mayor's Senior of the Year Dinner, held May 23 at Marlborough High School (MHS). He had participated in the event previous years as city council president. This year as mayor, Vigeant expressed his personal appreciation for the opportunity to recognize a resident, who needed to be at least age 90, for outstanding contributions to the city.
“As I go through my first year in office, I enjoy going to different events, but the Senior of the Year Dinner is really special to me,” Vigeant told the guests. “There are many seniors who have done so much for this community over the years. Who is that special person I can name who went the extra mile?”
Searching for the ideal recipient, Vigeant said he did not need to look further than his roots on Main Street where he started his accounting practice 28 years ago. At that time, he befriended a fellow downtown businessman who owned Concannon's, a stationery and gift store.
“The perfect Senior of the Year for 2012 is my good friend, John Noble,” Vigeant announced. “John had a legacy before I started in the city 28 years ago and he has not slowed down.”
A 1942 graduate of MHS, Noble enlisted in the Army and served throughout Europe in World War II including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart and discharged with three Battle Stars on his European Theater Ribbon. Returning home, Noble became active in the local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.
Since 1975, Noble has served as chairman of the Board of Directors at Marlborough Savings Bank. He is the past president of the Marlborough Merchants Association and has contributed his expertise with the Downtown Village Association and Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. Prior to his retirement as a downtown businessman, he was named the 1986 Business Person of the Year.
Noble has the distinction of being named the first Heritage Hero at the 12th annual Marlborough Heritage Festival in 2007. The honor is given to a resident who has helped promote or preserve the city's heritage. Noble has been active with the Marlborough Historical Society, Marlborough Historical Commission and Olde Marlborough Inc. In 2006, he was honored as grand marshal of the Marlborough Labor Day Parade.
Noble is also a past recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award presented by the Marlborough Rotary Club and he is still active with the organization, Vigeant noted.
“I walked into a Rotary Club meeting for a fundraiser about a month ago and John was there, still raising funds for people in need,” Vigeant relayed. The mayor also noted that anyone who has ever attended the Rotarians” annual Turkey Shoot has undoubtedly seen Noble lending a hand for many years.
Jennifer Claro, who started last year as executive director of the Marlborough Council on Aging, said she enjoyed her second experience with a Mayor's Senior of the Year Dinner.
“It's great anytime we can do something special for our senior community,” Claro said. “And it's an opportunity to honor someone like Mr. Noble for his contributions in the military, in civic organizations and fundraising efforts.”
Dinner was served by city councilors, including City Council President Patricia Pope, who also was glad to see Noble recognized.
“John has done a tremendous job for our city and he continues to do so,” Pope said. “You go to events and still see him selling tickets there. If I can be like John, then I want to be 90.”