Community Development Corp. marks five years

Marlborough - Marlborough Community Development Corporation (MCDC) is currently preparing for changes in staff and board membership. This month, MCDC will see the addition of former City Councilor Maura Navin Webster to its board of directors.

Webster will join the current board, which includes Chris O'Keeffe as president, Brian Palmer as clerk, Phil Hodge as treasurer and remaining members Michelle Herlihy, Duncan Power and Larry Reeves.

Webster stepped down from the City Council in late 2007 to assume a new job with the American Heart Association.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the important work of our community on a different level," Webster said. "I have watched MCDC grow and hope to help with its efforts to bring about positive change and strengthen our neighborhoods and community as a whole."

MCDC is also preparing for a new executive director. Trish Settles, who has served as executive director since May 2004, is leaving in April to assume a planning position with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission located in Worcester.

"Trish's leadership will be sorely missed," O'Keeffe said. "The CDC has come a long way under her leadership over the last four years. We congratulate her on a job well done and wish her luck in her new role … We hope she will continue to be involved as her schedule allows."

Settles expressed her appreciation of the Marlborough community.

"I have really enjoyed working with everyone and have learned so much during my time with MCDC," she said. "I am not going far. You may still see me on the Rail Trail, in the supermarket, or at the gym. Marlborough is such a great community."

Now celebrating its fiveyear anniversary, MCDC has saved Main Street trees, coordinated several community cleanups, facilitated an extensive planning process regarding the Assabet River Rail Trail, assisted first-time homebuyers, and hosted numerous community conversations about the closing of St. Mary's Church, public transportation, cultural diversity, code enforcement, and more.

In the coming year, the group anticipates more community wide conversations about intercultural interactions in Marlborough, placement of new benches and other amenities on the Rail Trail, a first-time home buying class in May, community cleanups, and more.

MCDC will begin recruiting for Settles's replacement immediately and members hope to fill the position before the end of May.

To learn more about MCDC or to view the job announcement, visit www.marlboroughcdc. org.