Neighbors helping neighbors

Region - For a child, a situation such as an accident, fire, serious illness or domestic violence, can, of course, be extremely traumatic. And often times, when a police officer or firefighter responds to that situation, the child's level of fright and stress increases. But thanks to a nonprofit Hopedale-based group, Project Smile, many emergency responders across the state now have another comforting way to help those kids - a gently used stuffed animal. And sometimes that can make all the difference in how the child gets through the event.

Westborough – The public is invited to come and enjoy the Seventh Annual Westborough Interfaith Community Concert this Sunday, March 30, at 4 p.m....

Northborough - Northborough resident and member of Trinity Church Kathie Nichols was one of 10 members of a mission team that travelled to Nicaragua for 10 days in February. A Ministry of Sharing (AMOS): Health and Hope, based in the capital of Managua, hosted the group.

Region - Researchers at UMASS Medical School are developing an innovative program for service members and veterans with alcohol related concerns. The program is called Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy for Military Families. Based on a similar program developed over the past 35 years called Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy (ABCT), the program is now being adapted for military personnel who are facing unique challenges at home after deployment; challenges that are often include alcohol, feeling down, pain, trauma, isolation, and anger that can get in the way of creating a “new normal” for service members and their families. The principal investigators of the project are Elizabeth E. Epstein, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and director, UMass National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans and David Smelson, Psy.D., professor of psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School and research psychologist at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass.

Southborough - The Rotary Club of Southborough hosted four visitors from the Republic of India May 4 through 7 as part of the Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange (GSE) program. The GSE program provides a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 who come from a variety of backgrounds - from corporations, small businesses, community organizations, medical and educational facilities, government offices and nonprofit agencies, to name a few.

Southborough – Celebrate Southborough at the Southborough Community Fund (SCF) Dinner Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall, 27 Main St. Cocktails and catering provided by Peppers. Proceeds will benefit the SCF.

Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury Schools Music Association (SSMA) will hold its 57th Annual Music Drive Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. High School...

Westborough - The Westborough Public Library has announced its lineup of programs for teens entering grades 6 to 12 for the summer: All Summer: Teen...

Westborough - In March, Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School eighth-grader Corinne Sciarappa, 14, was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. A form of cancer which makes up about 3 percent of all childhood cancers, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a soft tissue cancer made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles.

Shrewsbury - Veterans Inc. is hosting its first Earth Day Event featuring electronic and appliance recycling together with a bike collection and community yard...

Spencer - SpencerBANK recently donated $1,000 to the Worcester chapter of StandUp For Kids, an organization whose mission is to end youth homelessness. "StandUp For...

Feeding America initiative provides funds to local food bank Region - PR Management Corporation, a franchisee of Panera Bread, recently presented $35,000 to the Worcester...

Region – On Friday, Sept. 30, Carlie and Bella Gonzalez, The Drove, Playing With Fire and Defret will take the stage to raise money...

Northborough - This season, many Northborough seniors who are alone or impoverished will receive some holiday cheer thanks to the “Be a Santa to a Senior® “ program. Sponsored by the Northborough Home Instead Senior Care® office, the program brings together businesses, volunteers and members of the community to provide gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors.

Marlborough – As students begin enjoying their summer break, the United Way of Tri-County (UWTC) has started preparing its annual Tools for Schools program. For over 15 years, the program has provided children with backpacks full of grade-appropriate supplies for their return to school. Last year, UWTC partnered with 28 companies and 17 community agencies to distribute 738 backpacks for students in kindergarten through grade 12, 370 of which were in Marlborough.

Hudson/Marlborough – Darren McLaughlin, the general manager of the Wayside Racquet & Swim Club, will be "roasted" at the Employment Options, Inc. Annual Celebrity...

Shrewsbury - Kids grow out of their clothes almost as fast as the clocks change back and forth to daylight savings time. For years parents have been passing down gently used clothing to siblings or friends or selling and buying at garage sales.

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer   Marlborough – The community became familiar with Jackie Smith throughout the past four years as program and events coordinator...

Region - Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts across the region are once again gearing up for their annual food drive, “Scouting for Food.” Scouts will be delivering flyers and/or door hangers throughout towns this weekend, Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2. The scouts will then return and collect items from residents Saturday, Nov. 8, that will then be donated to local food pantries.

Shrewsbury/Westborough – Held Aug. 15 at the Haven Country Club in Boylston, the second annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic golf tournament raised $51,000. The full day of activities began with a continental breakfast and concluded with a 19th-Hole Reception sponsored by Central One Federal Credit Union. There, state Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, announced that the First-Place Gross Team Award was earned by a foursome of Central One staff members.