Marlborough to host 'Dancing with Celebrities"
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER Darren McLaughlin receives a dance lesson from his instructor and dance partner Theresa Frias before his dance debut at the Dancing with Celebrities: Marlborough Style competition Friday Sept. 28.

Marlborough - Dancers were busy this week putting the finishing touches on their dance routines in preparation for the second annual "Dancing with Celebrities: Marlborough Style" event Friday Sept. 28.

The dance event, hosted by the Marlborough Junior Woman's Club (MJWC), begins at 8 p.m. at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel.

The MJWC underwrites two annual scholarships, as well a providing ongoing financial and service support to various or- ganizations throughout the community.

The local dancing competition is similar to the televised "Dancing with the Stars" show. MJWC member and competitor Elizabeth Young explained that the volunteer dancers get a few dance lessons from dance professionals, and then perform various ballroom dancing routines for the audience.

After the performance, the audience will fill out a ballot and choose the top three male and female performers. Winners of the event will receive trophies, and after the performance the audience is invited to join in an evening of dancing.

The dance instructors volunteering their services include Ray and Anette Gonzalez, of Salsa Storm, and Dennis Frias and Theresa Frias.

Darren McLaughlin, the general manager of the Wayside Racquet and Swim Club, will be the celebrity dancing with Theresa Frias. According to McLaughlin, he has gotten by without taking dance lessons before.

"I always faked the Lindy when I had to," he said.

He has enjoyed the learning experience, though.

"Theresa is a good instructor," McLaughlin said. "It has been a good time."

Proceeds from this event will fund a portion of the Marlborough Hospital Healing Garden and the club's 2007 contributions to the community.

At the event, the MJWC is also collecting canned goods, which will be donated to the Food Pantry.

Young is happy to be competing in the event.

"It has been fun meeting so many new people … and I would do anything for a good cause," Young said.

Other local Marlborough celebrities competing include Patrick Hogan, police officer and candidate for mayor; Karen Kisty, executive aide to Mayor Nancy Stevens; Alycia Leduc, wife of State Rep. Stephen P. LeDuc; Dottie Manning, co-founder of Our Danny Cancer Fund; John Polanowicz, president and CEO of Marlborough Hospital; Dawn Tsai, president TSAI Design; Nicholas Tselikis, postmaster of Marlborough; and Chris Zito, disc jockey from WXLO.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $25.