Community walk benefits the 'stars'
By Jennifer K. Gray Contributing Writer

PHOTO/JENNIFER K. GRAY Mykayla Best, 8, participates in the Shining Stars walk every year.

Marlborough - On Sept. 29, members of the community put on their walking shoes and participated in an event to benefit the stars. No, these aren't Hollywood stars or even stars that light the sky.

These are Marlborough's own shining stars, autistic children who need additional support and services.

The Shining Stars of Marlborough is a local nonprofit organization that raises funds to support autistic children in the Marlborough Public Schools. Approximately 50 to 60 autistic children are in the school district.

The fifth annual walk was held at the Marlborough Fish and Game. Funds raised at the event will go toward a variety of programs and events, including activities that give children on the autism spectrum the opportunity to interact in appropriate social environments.

Robin Temple, a member of the Shining Stars, explained that the proceeds from the Shining Stars fund-raising events go toward many activities.

Henry Dilling, 8, shows Harold Morse his lucky "raffle ticket."

"We have and will use the monies raised for different things," Temple said. "We have helped fund an afterschool social program and a Saturday sports program. We have helped teachers with a monetary contribution to go towards them taking the applied behavior analysis (ABA) certification test. We took a bunch of children on a tour of Fenway Park one year and the kids loved it. We have bought things for the classroom that don't come under school expenses, and so much more."

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Temple explained that typical children's programs and activities can be very difficult for children on the autism spectrum.

"Our kids like to play as much as any other, but for some of them organized sports are just too difficult," she said. "They need appropriate socialization with the public and their peers. We all want the best for our kids and for them to be the best that they can be."

Participants in the walk gathered pledges and donations from sponsors, walked through the grounds of the Marlborough Fish and Game, and then enjoyed a barbecue and live music by Wes and Joe. Local businesses contributed raffle prizes. The children enjoyed the sunny fall day by playing ball and other games in the field next to the pavilion.

This is the second year that Harold and Amanda Morse have supported the walk and other Shining Stars events. Harold enjoys helping the organization.

"This is a really good group and we like to support this great bunch of kids," Harold said.

The Shining Stars of Marlborough is planning to hold an October yard sale at the Navin Rink on Bolton Street. If you have items you would like to donate for the sale, call Ray and Anne Dilling at 508-481-724. For more information about the organization or to make a donation, call Robin Temple at 508-485-9433.