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Westborough – The battle over minimum wage, the increasing problem of homeless families being sheltered in local hotels and how to better support businesses were all topics that were on the agenda at the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast held Jan. 28 at the Doubletree Hotel. Over 200 members of the chamber attended the annual breakfast, which featured a panel of local state senators and representatives discussing the pressing issues facing the state.

Northborough - Northborough resident Donna Lacroix is a busy pet guardian. As the caretaker of two well-bred dogs, Lacroix uses whatever free time she has apart from her career as a nurse to support their time-consuming activities as model, show and therapy dogs. That itinerary this winter will include a return trip to New York City when she and her 4-year-old dog, Perla, will compete in one of the world's most prestigious dog shows, the Westminster Kennel Club 138th Dog Show.

By Chris Wraight, Contributing Writer Westborough - The Westborough High School Rangers boys' hockey team hosted the Algonquin Regional High School Tomahawks for a Roy...

Marlborough – When Marlborough resident Joy Wilson was born blind, her parents filled her toy box with every kind of plaything that made sound. She had a toy xylophone, a bunch of toy music boxes, and toy noisemakers galore. But her grandmother had a real piano, and her aunt and uncle (who lived in the apartment below them) had a real organ.

Marlborough - If you are looking for a fun night out and want to relive some of those special times from the "80s, then you should consider attending the "The Best Prom You Never Had." The event, sponsored by the Marlborough Junior Woman's Club (MJWC), will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 at Speakers Night Club, 19 Weed St. (behind City Hall).

Shrewsbury – Kristen Ward was happy to begin working as a secretary at Sherwood Middle School (SMS) in September 2011 because the hours fit perfectly around her sons" sports schedules. Two weeks later, her husband, Art, suffered a stroke. Now, Kristen is grateful for her co-workers as an important part of her family's support system. On Friday, February 7, from 6 to 9 p.m., SMS will host "A Heart for Art" to raise funds for a hydrotherapy pool for Art. Several months of aquatic therapy showed hopeful progress toward his goal of walking again. However, the facility with the pool has closed and their insurance no longer covers aquatic therapy.

Marlborough - The Marlborough High School Panthers hosted the Algonquin Regional High School Tomahawks for a non-league boys' hockey game at the Navin Arena Jan. 22. The first period was a draw, ending at 0-0 as both teams battled evenly. In the opening minutes of the second period however, the Tomahawks' Ian Kosovsky scored (assist by Dylan Connelly). A few minutes later teammate Alex DiPadua made it 2-0 (assist by Matt Tozeski).

Region – For those in search of a unique way to express their feelings to someone special, a quartet from Women of Note (WON) can deliver a singing valentine Friday, Feb. 14, or Saturday, Feb. 15, throughout central or eastern Massachusetts. The annual fundraiser benefits the nonprofit a cappella chorus, which is based in Hudson with 26 active members from 22 communities including Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Westborough.

Shrewsbury - As senior custodian at the Floral Street School community, David Poe is an integral part of keeping the school running smoothly. Not only does he daily complete a full slate of duties, he also serves as an unofficial "go-to person" for each staff member and student in the 800-student school. That dedication and loyalty has earned him a nomination for the John P. Collins Award for Excellence.

Hudson ??" The Pinewood Derby is a Cub Scout tradition that dates back more than 60 years, but Hudson's Pack 4 is doing something to make it extra special. The Second Annual Unified Pinewood Derby, which welcomes children with special needs, will be held Feb. 1 at Joseph L Mulready School. The Unified Pinewood Derby seeks to provide a fun, free activity for children who may have special educational, physical, or development needs, according to Steve Walsh, cubmaster of Pack 4, which is organizing the event. Both boys and girls in kindergarten through high school school are welcome.

Hopkinton - It has been just over a year since a 4-foot cement statue of the Virgin Mary was unearthed at the Golden Pond Assisted Living Facility during a 38,000 square foot expansion project. The construction has since been completed as has the statue restoration. Recently residents and staff gathered in Golden Pond's newly renovated chapel to celebrate the transformation. The restoration was completed by Upton resident Rita Kozel who heard about the statue discovery from friend and Golden Pond resident, Bill Wood. Graciously, she offered to donate her time to restore it.

Region – The Starhawks Youth Hockey program has had a successful season culminating with two of its teams winning a championship and three others coming very close. The PeeWee 1, PeeWee 2, PeeWee 3, Squirt 3 and Mite 1 teams all traveled to Groton School and Lawrence Academy to play in the Tourney in the Woods. The PeeWee 1 team went 2-0-1 in divisional play and in the finals won the title game with an impressive 4-2 win.

Northborough - Although he is only 26 years old, Northborough resident Matt Bruce is facing the challenge of a lifetime – a diagnosis of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In spite of that, his friends note that he has a "never give up" attitude.

Marlborough - The Marlborough High School Panthers hosted the Westborough High School Rangers for a boys' basketball game Jan. 17. The league-leading Rangers jumped out to an early lead but the Panthers fought back and in a sloppy second quarter for both sides, briefly took the lead. The Rangers came right back however and led 33-26 at the half.

Worcester - Before the Shrewsbury High School Colonials boys' hockey team played the Algonquin Regional High School Tomahawks at the DCU Center Jan 11, Shrewsbury resident and long-time hockey coach Art Ward was recognized. Ward, who suffered a stroke in 2011, was a standout player at St. John's High School and Fairfield University and continued to coach hundreds of other young players in the area.

Northborough ?Employees of the Northborough Wegmans store recently contributed nearly $54,000 to be donated to two local United Way branches.

By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer Westborough – For the last two decades students at the Sarah W. ?Gibbons Middle School have participated in an annual...

Marlborough - City Councilors welcomed the newest police "officer" in the Marlborough Department – K9 "Kaiser" – who was escorted into council chambers Jan. 13 by Patrolman Ken McKenzie, administrator of the new K9 Unit. The surprise visit by the two drew a standing ovation and congratulations on completing several weeks training.

By John Swinconeck, Contributing Writer Northborough - Red Sox fans got a chance Jan. 14 to get up close with the team's 2013 Major League...

Shrewsbury - Doug Thomson is keenly aware of the space left by Anthony Borgatti. It's evident by the cavernous, now-empty Spag's building off Route 9 in Shrewsbury, and it's evident by the tales of Borgatti that Thomson has collected from locals over the past year. Thomson said he wants to capture some of the Borgatti spirit when he opens Spags" Antique Mall on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the site of the former department store of the same name.