letters to the editor
Dismas House seeks volunteers

Dear editor:

Dismas House has been reconciling former prisoners and society for the past twenty years. A large part of our success has been the patient stewardship and support from area volunteers, especially parishes such as St. Luke's of Westborough and St. Rose of Lima of Northborough, as well as individual actions by many parishes, families, and others seeking a way in which to give of themselves in a dynamic stewardship for those less fortunate. Many of our volunteers recognize their own good fortune in life, and are searching for way to give back, and to teach their children the important values of service to others. Breaking bread with our residents is a tangible way to teach children the importance of service to others, and to give back to our communities.

We seek to strengthen these bonds and reach out again to families, church social ministries, schools doing special service projects, and confirmation classes to serve the former prisoners at two of our homes - Dismas House and Almost Home - by breaking bread and sharing dinner with those struggling to reconnect with our communities. It is through such service that strong relationships enable our men and women to reenter society successfully. As Westborough residents, we have been thrilled with the commitment and service from a wide range of people in the community.

Homelessness and incarceration are clear warning signs of isolation from community, and it takes the development of healthy relationships to make our communities whole again. If you are interested in helping out, please contact us at 508-799-9389 or visit us online at www.dismashouse.org.

Dave McMahon Co-Executive Director Dismas House of

Massachusetts

Worcester

Candidate thanks supporters, voters

Dear Marlborough voters,

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who supported my bid for school committee. When I entered this race, my goal was to bring fresh ideas to the committee. I also wanted to make sure that all members of the committee were actively engaged in working towards higher quality education for all students.

That said, the election results are a strong indicator that we will be heading in the right direction. With Margaret Dwyer and Katherine Hennessy, we have the new faces and fresh ideas needed to keep the positive momentum going well into the next term.

In the end, what matters most with the school committee race is that the children of Marlborough come out ahead. Our children are the real winners in this election!

Congratulations to Kathleen Robey, Margaret Dwyer, and Katherine Hennessy on a successful positive campaign. Thanks to Joe Delano for four years of advocacy on behalf of our children. Best wishes in your new role as Ward 1 Councilor.

Regards,

Monica M. Burnett

Marlborough

Former police chief, wife support Jessica's Law

To the Editor:

We applaud Representative [Karyn E.] Polito's initiative to bring Jessica's Law to Massachusetts. There are so many crimes that already have mandatory minimum sentencing, and it is hard to think about any crime that is worse than sexually abusing children.

It is important that we pass Rep. Polito's legislation: House Bill 1688 to keep sex offenders off the streets and away from our children much longer. Judges in Massachusetts are not required to sentence sex off enders to serve any jail time, and there are too many stories in the news about child rapists being let back on the street after only a year or two.

We need to come together to support House Bill 1688 and prove to Beacon Hill that they must act to keep our children safe by establishing serious sentences for sex off enders. If we can get enough public support for this bill, legislators will have to move this bill forward!

Respectfully, Chief Glenn R. Parker, Retired Westborough Police

Department

Mary Ellen Parker

Letters

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