By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough – A longtime celebration dedicated to helping Marlborough residents in need of financial assistance during times of emergency continued May 5 when the Mayor’s Charity Ball took place at Holiday Inn & Guest Suites with this year’s theme “Fiesta at the Inn.” Held biennially since 1960, the event is the main source of revenue for the Mayor’s Charity Relief Fund.
In the evening’s program, Mayor Arthur Vigeant credited the city residents for their generosity: “Marlborough is and always will be a special place. We may be a city, but we have small town values where you don’t hesitate to reach out when you see someone in need.”
Bob Kays and Linda Ossing once again served as event co-chairs. Guests sampled offerings from about 20 eateries. Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Steve Woodard and the band Supplemental Income. Among items featured in the silent auction was a pair of Bernardi earrings valued at $200, donated by Chad Yesue of Joy-Den Jewelers.
The evening concluded with the Humanitarian of the Year honor presented by Vigeant along with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito to City Councilor Don Landers.
Landers worked a career in education including 13 years with Marlborough public schools as assistant superintendent for finances. He helped start Marlborough’s long-standing student exchange program with Akiruno City, Japan, and continues to volunteer annually as a tour guide. Among the community event committees on which he has served are the city’s Labor Day Parade and Heritage Festival. For several holiday seasons, intergenerational attendees of Marlborough Historical Society’s popular Festival of Trees were greeted by Landers as a jolly Santa Claus. Landers is now in his 11th year as city councilor serving Ward 7.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
