Submitted by Melanie Petrucci, Spirit of Shrewsbury Planning Committee
Shrewsbury – The Planning Committee for the 2014 Spirit of Shrewsbury is delighted to announce Donald J. Green as the Grand Marshal for the 18th annual Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival.? Don exemplifies the roles of volunteer, business owner, town sports enthusiast, coach, mentor, husband, and father.
“Donnie,” affectionately called by most of his friends, has lived in Shrewsbury for 51 years with his bride of 53 years, Janet.? Donnie and Janet moved to Shrewsbury in 1938 from Worcester.? They have two sons, Jeffrey of Shrewsbury and Jonathan of Holden.? In addition, they have three grandchildren.
Don knows the meaning of hard work.? From a very young age, and continuing for 27 years, he worked with his father at the well-known establishment Mickey Greens, which was located on Route 9 in town.? (The location is now the home of ScrubaDub carwash).? It was a seven days a week labor of love, helping to shape him into the man he is today.
Now retired from a career of sales in advertising and promotions for sports booklets, Don spends his time and talents in many different ways.? As the former business owner of A & L Sports Promotion located on Route 9 in Shrewsbury, Don has always maintained his love of sports.? He now volunteers at the Senior Center and is a dedicated member of the Men's Club at the Center.? For the past five years, he has been a Senior Greeter at Shrewsbury High School.? His quick wit and charm continues to delight and challenge not only the students, but the faculty as well.
Donnie has been a coach, mentor and supporter for Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for over 25 years.? Don is truly one of SHS Athletics biggest fans and supporters.? This year at Shrewsbury High Schools’ Athletic Awards Night, Athletic Director, Jason Costa presented Don with an award as Shrewsbury's #1 Super Fan for over 50 years of support and dedication to SHS Athletics.? He can always be found at all Shrewsbury's sports events.? He has even been seen riding the bus to away games with the athletes and cheerleaders.
Don is quick to help with whatever needs to be done, often helping neighbors with chores from lawn maintenance or snow removal, to household repairs.? He has been a Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival (SOS) volunteer and affectionately nicknamed “Donnie Raffles,” selling raffle tickets and fundraising for SOS and many town events and causes.
Among other recognitions Donnie has received over the years are the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Fred Ebbett Award of Distinction in 2010 and the Representative Karyn Polito Good Neighbor Award in 2006.
Donald Green was a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization for over eight years.? He sponsored a boy from the age of eight to sixteen.? He has also stayed in contact with the boy until the age of 24.? Don is a true community servant with enthusiasm and excitement not often found in individuals half his age.
It is clear the choice of Donald Green as the 2014 Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival Grand Marshal is a perfect fit.? He is a most deserving recipient.? “Donnie” exhibits the true “Spirit of Shrewsbury”!