By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Marlborough residents age 60 and over gathered May 15 as guests of Mayor Arthur Vigeant for the 43nd annual Senior of the Year Dinner at the Marlborough High School (MHS) cafeteria. The popular tradition continued its recognition of residents at least age 85 who have selflessly contributed to the community. This year, two seniors were named guests of honor: Dottie Hodgson and Dick Mahoney Jr.
Vigeant expressed his appreciation to Dottie Hodgson for her nearly three decades of commitment to the city’s Council on Aging (COA) Board of Directors.
“Dottie has been volunteering at the COA for 27 years, where she spent countless hours in many capacities and continues to lend a supportive ear to many seniors,” he shared.
Additionally, Hodgson is a member of the Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club and has supported Girl Scout troops.
Vigeant thanked Dick Mahoney Jr. for his notable service to the country as well as to the city.
“Dick has a record of distinguished military service as a corporal in the United States Army, 63rd Field Battalion Artillery, in the Korean War,” Vigeant said. “Over the years, Dick has quietly and humbly continued his service at home as a volunteer.”
Mahoney has volunteered for the Friends of the Marlborough Seniors, Algonquin Amateur Radio Club and the city’s annual Labor Day Parade.
Each was nominated for Senior of the Year as a collective effort of the Marlborough COA. Pat Gallier wrote the nominations on behalf of the organization.
“Dottie and Dick have both volunteered a lot of hours together at the senior center,” Gallier said. “Everything they’ve done, they’ve done together.”
While accepting the award, Mahoney explained that he began attending the Computer Club at the Marlborough Senior Center in 1999. That’s when and where he met Hodgson.
“Dottie was the smartest one in the club, so I listened to her,” Mahoney noted.
Both Hodgson and Mahoney served with the Medical Reserve Corps. Fittingly, they’ve both also volunteered to set up the MHS cafeteria in preparation for the annual Senior of the Year Dinners.
Hodgson relayed, “I had been setting up for these dinners for many years, then I got Dick to help.”
Guests were entertained before dinner by the MHS Jazz Ensemble directed by James Verdone. Following the musical entertainment, a benediction was offered by Fr. Gregory Christakos of Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church. The complimentary chicken dinners with strawberry shortcake for dessert were prepared under the direction of Jenna Plant, MHS food director.
Meals were served by city councilors and COA board members, along with Vigeant and state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). Although state Reps. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury) and Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough) were still working at the Statehouse, they provided the honorees with citations and their best wishes.
Trish Pope, the Marlborough COA and Senior Center director, noted that it’s appropriate for Hodgson and Mahoney to be honored simultaneously.
“They’re a team,” Pope declared. “They’ve been a driving force together for many years.”
photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
