By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Patricia “Patty” Zilembo’s dedication, talent and spirit has influenced hundreds of local children who find help and hope at the Countryside Village Clubhouse, where she is the resident service coordinator. She was honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2012 Class of Unsung Heroines at a special ceremony Wednesday, May 16, in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston.
In recommending her for the honor, State Sen. Jamie Eldridge said: “Patty’s selfless, tireless work made a huge difference for her community, and especially for the dozens of at-risk youth the center supports and encourages. She’s truly deserving of this honor.”
The Youth Center at Countryside Village, as it is known today, was originally part of the Marlborough Boys Club that opened in 1992 by then Mayor Michael Hogan. In September 2009, when Zilembo was director, it was closed for lack of funding, putting an end to the safe, supervised facility for many children and teens of low-income families.
Determined to keep it open, Zilembo worked without compensation for nine months while she engaged with Maloney Properties, the property management company, to secure funding. Through public and private sources of funding, the center was reborn May 11, 2010. Today, about 50 children and teenagers go the center after school daily to get help with homework, play games and sports, but most of all, for encouragement.
“I probably would have dropped out of school without this place,” said Neil K., a volunteer at the center.
He received help in the Skills Building Apprentice Workshop at the center, gained confidence to go further and is now a carpenter. He enjoys giving back by working with youths at the center.
“Being there made me grow and think about my future,” Polline B said. “I had no interest in going to college until I started coming here.”
She is a graduate of Worcester State College and presently enrolled in a master’s degree program at the University of New Hampshire.
“It’s amazing to see them when they start to believe in themselves,” Zilembo said. “They go from having low self-esteem to feeling confident and full of hope.”
She added, “I am so very humbled and grateful to be recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and to Mary Lou Vanzini for nominating me. Mary Lou has always been a role model to those who serve in the greater Marlborough community, and she has set the standard high.
“This award strikes me at my core for being honored for doing something I absolutely love and am passionate about. Working with the children and families of Countryside Village has added a new and wonderful dimension to my life … The very existence of the Youth Center at Countryside Village would not have been possible without the help of so many – Trinity Financials, Patrick Lee, James Keefe, Carol Barnes, Maloney Properties, Janet and Michael Frazier, Maureen Stetson, my property manager, and to my family, Dennis, Colleen, Matt, Buck and Kelley who loved, encouraged and supported me during this amazing journey.”
The announcement from the senator’s office states: “The Unsung Heroines are women who do not make the news, but make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together, and every community is better because of their contribution.”