By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Among those attending the Comedy Night, held recently in support of the Addiction Referral Center (ARC) in Marlborough were (seated, l to r) Nancy Hough, Renee Perdicaro, Ava Belcher; (standing, l to r) Mayor Arthur Vigeant, Sem Aykanian and Rick Bennett, president of Marlborough Savings Bank. Photo/Submitted
Marlborough – The Second Annual Comedy Night, sponsored by the Board of Directors of the Addiction Referral Center (ARC), was a huge success, according to ARC President Ernie Kapopoulos.
“We greatly support the support given by so many local and area residents who have an appreciation for the vital community services that the ARC provides to Marlborough, Hudson and surrounding towns,” Kapopoulos said, addressing the more than 400 in attendance.
Greetings from the city were given by Mayor Arthur Vigeant, who also welcomed visitors and thanked the ARC for the help it provides.
Comedians Robbie Printz, Dave Rattigan and Chris Zito, who served as emcee and host for the evening, performed for the crowd, who responded with laughter and applause. Kimberly Etheridge was chair of the event.
The ARC, now located at 33 Main St. in Marlborough, was established 38 years ago in the city of Marlborough as a “Drop In Center” on Lincoln Street, by a handful of individuals who were on a quest to remain sober from alcohol addiction. They created a safe alternative they knew would work for them.
The ARC came to be a safe haven for those who struggled against alcoholism. They knew they were addicted and knew the consequences of not conquering the disease. It became the quest of ARC's members to reach out and help fellow alcoholics regain their independence and work toward the goal of increased self-sufficiency.
Today, men and women recovering from alcoholism and drug addition go to the ARC from the homeless shelter, local businesses and from every walk of life. They find a healthy environment where they can attend meetings and also spend time with others recovering from the condition, and make lasting friendships. With the help and guidance of the director and Board of Directors, the scope of the ARC has broadened and has become a nonprofit agency that provides many extensive services to the community at large, as well as to addicted people and their families.
