By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Southborough – More than 1,000 area residents gathered at Trottier Middle School early Thanksgiving morning for the 5th Annual Southborough Thanksgiving Day Gobble Wobble: Run, Walk or Wobble. The event featured a 5K race, a two-mile walk and a free kids fun run, providing entertainment for the entire family. Residents of all ages from Southborough and surrounding towns participated in this community event organized by the Friends of the Southborough Recreation Department (FOSR), a 501c3 organization.
After a rendition of the National Anthem by local performer Jennifer Garden, runners and walkers started the run/walk. Leading the pack was Major Dan Kolenda, a member of the community who served as an Army judge advocate in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. The runners and walkers headed toward Neary School and then north onto Parkerville Road. Back at Trottier School, where the finish line was, collections were set up for the Southborough Food Pantry, in conjunction with Marjorie Coldwell, and for U.S. troops overseas, headed by Army mother Deb Depp Wilson. Yummy Mummy Brownies, owned by local Melissa Roiter, offered wrapped brownies and blondies for purchase at a reduced price with a percentage of the proceeds going to FOSR.
The Last Mile Race Management Company provided race management, including the placement of timing chips on bibs with pins. The MYLAPS starting line system offered finish-line results printed during and after the race, with results posted online and printed award sheets. The Gobble Wobble garnished cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers: first place – $300, second place – $200 and third place – $100. In addition, all pre-registered adults received a long sleeve athletic shirt and Table Talk Pie and every child who participated in the Fun Run received a medal and free pass to Trombetta's Farm.
The founders of FOSR (including Kristin O”Rourke, Jill Dratch, Kate Poultney and Melissa Shields) worked with Doreen Ferguson, director of the Recreation Department, to make the fund-raiser a success.
Sponsors of the Gobble Wobble include: Roche Brothers, Table Talk Pies, British Beer Company, Wee Care, Long Automotive Group, Domino's, Trombetta's Farm, Marlborough Savings Bank, NRG Bar, Antaeus Wealth Advisors, Middlesex Savings Bank, Panzano Capital Group, Tomasso, NECC, Eros Gourmet, Global Printing, Southborough House of Pizza, ay School, Yummy Mummy Brownies, Nancy Gould Photography, Port Printing Solutions, Eagle Leasing, Fit Studio 28, Dunkin” Donuts, Wellen Construction/Greenwood Industries, Bose and Sheri Beran – Graphic Design Expertise.
According to FOSR President Melissa Shields, “This has grown to be one of the most successful fund-raisers in Southborough due to the hard work of community volunteers and the support of local businesses. We are so grateful for the continued support of the community to help provide safe, enjoyable family friendly activities for all to enjoy.”
Those who volunteered for the event include Doreen Ferguson, Paula Fagan, Jenn Hom, Sheri Beran, Kate Poultney, Estela Shingleton, Kristen McCarthy, Robin Martin, Dan and Kristen O’Rourke and Jill Dratch. In recognition of their efforts, each received a T-shirt and a Southborough tote bag designed by Nancy Gould Photography.
In the spirit of the holiday, Shields said, “Starting off Thanksgiving Day together, reminds us of all the things we have to give thanks for. FOSR is grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, participants and volunteers. Without strong community support, this Southborough tradition would never be possible. The success of the Gobble Wobble allows us to continue giving back to the community throughout the year.”
FOSR supports many community endeavors during the year including South Union playground, Southborough Summer Nights, Southborough Community Ice Rink, Community House Easter Egg Hunt (in cooperation with Southborough Kindergroup), Southborough Food Pantry donations and U.S. troop donation overseas.