MARLBOROUGH – The Marlborough Garden Club is celebrating 65 wonderful years of growth and community spirit. Founded in 1959 by five friends, the Marlborough Garden Club has blossomed into a thriving non-profit organization committed to the beautification, education and conservation of the City of Marlborough.
The Mission:
– Beautification: Enhancing Marlborough’s landscapes through community gardens, floral displays and public space improvements.
– Education: Offering a variety of programs and workshops on horticultural and environmental topics, open to everyone in the community.
– Conservation: Promoting sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship to preserve our natural surroundings for future generations.
What They Do: Throughout the year, the club provides engaging and informative programs that inspire both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic newcomers. From hands-on workshops to community events, they strive to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for all.
Looking Forward: They look forward to continuing a mission of nurturing green spaces, educating the community and fostering a love for gardening and the environment.
Here’s to 65 years of blooming success and to many more years of growth and beauty. Happy Birthday, Marlborough Garden Club.

The Marlborough Garden Club marked 65 years of beautification and education at the Holiday Dinner held in December at the Wayside Inn. In the photo, Janice Merk, at right, president, and Joanne Mahoney, chairman of the special functions committee, check out the anniversary cake. (Photo/Mary Wenzel)
THE MARLBOROUGH GARDEN CLUB will meet, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m., refreshments, and 7 p.m., program, at St. Matthias Parish Hall, Hemenway Street. Member Ceil Mikalac will present, “Simple Color Theory for Gardeners.”
Many might be familiar with color theory in painting, but there are some significant differences when it comes to gardening: color echoes for building depth, false neutrals versus true neutrals, matching versus non-matching, as well as non-traditional but popular color combinations that flout all color theory recommendations.
This will be a hands-on lecture, with props for practice to understand why certain things work and why they don’t and also to emphasize the personal nature of color perception and taste. Gardens and gardeners vary; tastes and popularity change. What’s important is to understand what you want to achieve and how best to do it, knowing some basic color theory and its application to the garden.
Cecilia Mikalac has been a painter for more than 50 years and a gardener for 15 years. She has learned the hard way that one’s yard is a different canvas entirely. The public is invited to attend. The Head Hostess is Jinx Clancy with the Hostess Committee of Pat Puma, Diane Stevens and Valerie Cowan.
GOT SNOW? Snowshoe rentals for Marlborough residents (proof of residency required) are now available thanks to the Marlborough Recreation Department. For a week (Thursday through Wednesday) you can make it through the white stuff with snowshoes and poles. Explore all the great trails here in Marlborough. For 7-day rentals, register (limited quantities) at mrd.recdesk.com.
The Recreation Department is located at 239 Concord Road – call at 508-624-6925.

Stefanie, Rebecca and David gather at the hot cocoa bar at Marlborough Hospital on “Happy National Cocoa Day.”
A “HAPPY NATIONAL COCOA DAY” was recognized at Marlborough Hospital as the Food Services team put together a hot cocoa bar with fluffy marshmallows, crumbled peppermint and so much more.
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS that I write about the passing of fellow columnist Rosemary Rimkus.
Nearly 50 years ago, my life changed forever when I was asked to write a newspaper column for Marlborough like “Rosemary Rimkus does for Hudson.”
Since that time, I have considered her my friend, my colleague and my mentor. I am one of many whose lives she has touched. Rest in peace Rosemary.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Feb. 9 – Aaron Hollis
Feb. 10 – Jan Johannesen
Feb. 11 – Peggie Thorsen
Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day
Feb. 14 – Ben Sinacole
Feb. 15 – Dick Vanzini
Feb. 16 – Robin Bastien
Feb. 17 – Denise Ryan
Feb. 17 – President’s Day
Feb. 18 – Gail Cappadona
Feb. 20 – Tessa Kinney
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Feb. 14 – Jan Keith and Dan Verrico