JANET DOUCETTE LICHT of Marlborough passed away last week after a period of poor health. She was a shining example of what young women could do in a time when many things were unacceptable for them because of their gender.
Her passing came just a matter of days after she received a commendation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for pioneering for women in the field of Mechanical Drawing.
The presentation was made by state Rep. Danielle Gregoire and was signed by Gregoire and the Speaker of the House, Ronald Mariano.
A 1964 Marlborough High School graduate, Janet excelled in her Mechanical Drawing classes and decided to continue her studies in drafting. In 1966, Janet became the first female graduate from the two year post graduate study program of the Marlborough High School Vocational School. She completed the study at the top of her class. Later, she received an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Central New England College.
Upon graduating from the Vocational School, Janet was offered a drafting position at General Electric, and worked there for many years. She left briefly when her children were young and returned at the company’s request.
Later, she worked at Riley Stoker, Worcester, where she participated in designing power plants for paper mills and rose to the position of Drafting Supervisor.
Upon retirement, Janet joined the Board of Trustees of the Marlborough Historical Society. She served as president for ten years before retiring because of poor health. During her tenure, she made many changes to the society and supported its growth.
THE MARLBOROUGH CITY STAFF were able to wear New England Patriots gear on Jan. 14 as long as they brought in a food donation for the United Way of Tri-County Marlborough Community Cupboard. There were ten boxes of donations collected and everyone brought their team spirit.
BRINGING WARMTH TO OTHERS in winter was a focus for the people of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marlborough, for the holidays and beyond, as they wrapped sweatshirts, and donated blankets, throws and cocoa. In December, the youth group wrapped 200 sweatshirts for the local Sweats for Vets program, and also shopped for gifts for teens in the Hope for the Holidays outreach. St. Stephen members and friends of all ages, in partnership with the Hudson-based Fresh Start Furniture Bank, collected more than 40 new blankets, throws, and comforters, including some quilted items.
IF YOU BUILT A SNOWMAN THIS WEEK, why not enter the “Snowman Contest”? Send photos by 5 p.m. on Feb. 4 via message directly to the Facebook page of the Marlborough Recreation Department for your chance at the prize. The #SnowmanContest winner will receive one free week at Project Summer Adventure.
THE PHANTOM GOURMET was live on Jan. 27 at Jenny’s Place, 162 Church St. At Jenny’s you can choose sandwiches like steak bomb, Italian, meatball and more like Avocado Smash and Visions of Katherine. There are breakfast and lunch items including soups and salads. The phone number is 774-247-3008. They are open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Marlborough residents can now take advantage of FREE SNOWSHOE RENTALS this winter. Marlborough residents (proof of residency required) can reserve a pair of snowshoes and poles for weekdays or weekend. Visit or call the Marlborough Recreation Department at 239 Concord Road, at 508-624-6925.
FEB. 11, 2022, marks the 46th year of a column written by me appearing in a local newspaper. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with birthdays, anniversaries, fundraisers and more.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Jan. 25 – Peter Young 90 years
Jan. 25 – Diane Birstein
Feb. 9 – Aaron Hollis
Feb. 10 – Jan Johannesen
Feb. 11 – Peggie Thorsen
Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day
Feb. 17 – Denise Ryan
