Southborough – Florence (Marotta) McGuire, formerly of Southborough, died Saturday, May 17, 2014 at her home in Spring Hill, Fla. She was the wife of Frederick McGuire, to whom she was married for 58 years.  She was born in East Boston, the daughter of the late Bert and Mary (Russo) Marotta and lived in Southborough for 17 years.

Mrs. McGuire worked as a school teacher in Southborough, North Reading, Saugus, and Spring Hill, Fla. She, along with her husband, was a member of Saint Anne’s Church in Southborough.

Besides her husband, she is survived by three sons, Bruce McGuire and his wife Patty of Marlborough, Kevin McGuire and his wife Roberta of Westford, and Glenn McGuire and his wife Virginia of Marlborough; one daughter, Donna Sousa and her husband William of Millbury; one brother, Joseph Marotta of North Reading; two sisters, Ann Jablonski of Florida and Claire Brush of Plymouth; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 10 a.m., in Saint Anne’s Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery of Marlborough.

Visiting hours at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough, will be held Tuesday, May 27, from 5-8 p.m.

Southborough – Margaret M. (Feola) Fyrberg, 92, of Southborough, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Oakdale Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in West Boylston. She was the wife of the late Gunnar Fyrberg, who died in 1978.

Born in NYC, she was the daughter of the late Marie (Crotty) and Dr. Joseph V. Feola. She was raised in Wellesley and was a 1940 graduate of Wellesley High School, where she was a cheerleader. She lived in New York and Maine before moving to Southborough 65 years ago.

Margaret worked at Lombards in Ashland and then became a homemaker for her family. Later on, when her family was grown, she was a home companion aide for the elderly.

She loved to garden, both flowers and vegetables, and was recognized for her unique gourds and giant pumpkins. In the local media, she became known as the “Gourd Lady.” Painting water colors and oils was a passion of hers, along with cooking up new recipes. She could never pass up a yard sale and enjoyed summer vacations in Falmouth with her family and Caribbean cruises with her siblings.

Margaret loved to make new friends wherever she went and maintained a pen-pal in New Zealand for many years. She would always leave people with a smile on their faces.

She was an advocate for civic issues, seniors, and consumers. She would write to editors of newspaper, State and Federal representatives and senators, even the President of the United States with issues she was passionate about. In return, she would receive letters from all of the above with their reply to her concerns, including Sen. Kennedy.

Margaret was a member of Southborough Senior Center, where she enjoyed many activities and music with her friends. She was also a member of St. Matthew Church of Southborough.

She is survived by her children, Lance J. Fyrberg and his wife Barbara and Glenn Fyrberg, all of Southborough, and Gail DuPont and her husband Wayne of Boylston; four grandchildren, Heidi Cohen and her husband Michael, Amy Frederick and her husband John, and Derek and Kevan DuPont; and five great-grandchildren, Sophie and Charlie Cohen and Leila, Tate, and Finn Frederick. She was predeceased by her siblings, Shirley Loconto, Dr. Francis Feola, and Gloria Phillipo.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 29, from 4 – 7 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, May 30, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church, Highland Street, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.

To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.

Southborough - Charles “Ray” O’Connell, 81, a lifelong resident of Southborough, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester after a short illness. He was the husband of Kathleen (DePatie) O’Connell for 43 years.

Ray was a 1950 graduate of the former Peter’s High School of Southborough and attended Bentley College in Waltham. He was also with the Army National Guard.

He served the Town of Southborough for 40 years, retiring as a police sergeant in 1987. His duties over the years included that of Court Officer at the Westborough District Court. After retirement, he continued to work for the department as a Special Officer.  Ray also served as the Town Constable and was on the Southborough Personnel Board for a number of years.

He was a member of St. Matthew Parish in Southborough, and was active in Southborough youth sports while his children participated. Ray could frequently be found keeping busy working on his yard, swimming in his pool and on police details around town. He was an avid Boston sports fan and enjoyed watching Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots games any night of the week. In the winter months, he enjoyed spending time at his retirement home in Englewood, Fla. However, his greatest joy was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, son Michael O’Connell and his wife Wendy of Southborough and his grandchildren Sadie and Jake, and daughter Katie O’Connell of Davidson, N.C.; his sister, Jean McCarthy and her husband Paul of Marlborough; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, June 1, from 3 – 6 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, June 2, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church, Highland Street, Southborough. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Upton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Reliant Medical Group Foundation’s Oncology Fund, 100 Front St., Worcester, MA 01608. Online donations in Ray’s memory may be made at www.reliantfoundation.org. Funds will help provide grants for patients of the Oncology Department to assist with costs for care in excess of those covered by insurance.

To leave words of condolences for the family, please visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.

Front Row (l to r): Maya Polackal, Anne Sullivan, Sean O’Brien and Chris Pirozzi. Back Row (l to r): Olivia Giorlandino, Dan Araujo, Phillip Smith and Michael Baker. (Photo/submitted)

Southborough – On May 20, the Southborough Town Scholarship Committee held their annual Awards Ceremony at the Southborough Town House, where they presented scholarships to 10 high school seniors. This year’s scholarship recipients are Maya Polackal, Anne Sullivan, Sean O’Brien, Chris Pirozzi, Olivia Giorlandino, Dan Araujo, Phillip Smith, Michael Baker, Chelsey Thompson and Alexandra Moy.

Algonquin student Noah Sheehan helps senior Howard Anderson set up his tablet. (Photos/Gregory Arnold)

Southborough – The Southborough Senior Center held their fifth Technology Day May 21. Once a month during the school year, students from Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) visit the Senior Center to answer the seniors’ technology questions. The May program focused on tablets and mobile phones. The students were able to help with problems ranging from setting a password to using the iCloud. The students, most from Southborough, are a part of the community after school program at ARHS.

Joe Bartulis receives tech support for his iPhone from Algonquin student Matthew Franks.

Southborough – Dolores E. (White) Patterson, 80, a longtime resident of Southborough, died Monday, June 2, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late Paul M. Patterson, who died in 1985.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Marguerite (Torone) and Fred M. White. She was a 1951 graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester and was married in 1953.

After she raised her children, she worked for the former Worcester County National Bank, which became Shawmut Bank for many years. She later worked for Southborough Medical Group for five years before retiring.

Dolores was one of the founders and former President of MACLD and helped enact Chapter 766. She was vice president of Southborough Little League for over eight years, and was an active member of St. Anne Church of Southborough, where she served on the Parish Council, taught CCD, and ran several Christmas fairs with her husband.

Dolores was fondly known as “Ma” to many neighborhood children. As a devoted, loving mother and grandmother, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Michael Patterson and his wife Judy of Athol, David Patterson and his wife Rebecca of Virginia, Daniel Patterson and his wife Catherine of Worcester, and Kathleen Gazard and her husband  Robert of Worcester; her siblings, Carole Belanger and her husband Richard of West Boylston, William White and his wife Claudette of Rutland, and Donna Noyes and her husband Chris of Holden; 14 grandchildren, Colleen Bogonovich, Patrick and Paul Patterson; Kelley Mullen, Danielle, Meaghan, Shawn and Joseph Patterson; Daniel Patterson, Caitlin, Brendan and Abigail Ench, and Angela and John Gazard; and two great-grandchildren, Anthony Kenyon, and Payton Mullen. She was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph White and Fred White, who died in 1990.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, June 5, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St.. Southborough. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, June 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38015. (www.StJude.org).

To leave words of condolence to the family please visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.

Southborough

Monday, May 26

12:07 a.m. Officers investigated a report of an erratic operator in the area of Boston Road. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

4:24 a.m. Ashland Police requested mutual aid from Southborough Police to assist with traffic control near a motor vehicle crash in their town.

9:00 a.m. Available police units provided an escort through town for the Memorial Day parade.

12:16 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Walnut Drive residence.

12:18 p.m. An officer checked on a pedestrian who was walking on Turnpike Road (Route 9). Everything checked out ok with the individual.

2:05 p.m. A medical was reported at a Latisquama Road residence.

9:20 p.m. An officer responded to Ted Lane to investigate a report of fireworks in the area. The responding officer reported back negative findings.

Tuesday, May 27

3:04 a.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Marlboro Road.

8:46 a.m. Solicitors came into the police department to register for the day.

11:25 a.m. Officers checked on a suspicious male in the parking lot of the 911 field on Acre Bridge Road. The responding officers reported back that everything checked out ok.

1:17 p.m. Officers investigated a one car, motor vehicle accident on Cordaville Road.

6:14 p.m. An officer took a harassing phone call report from a Powdermill Lane resident.

9:19 p.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

10:49 p.m. Officers assisted another disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

11:08 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.

Wednesday, May 28

1:27 a.m. An officer checked on an individual who was walking on Central Street. The officer reported back that the individual checked out ok.

5:20 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.

8:38 a.m. A Southborough officer assisted Westborough Police with a suspicious male party in their town (near the Southborough/Westborough town line).

9:07 a.m. Officers investigated a report of a domestic argument in progress at an Atwood Road residence. The argument was determined to be only verbal in nature, and no charges were filed on either party.

9:34 a.m. An officer responded to Turnpike Road and Crystal Pond Road to investigate a report of malfunctioning traffic lights.

10:03 a.m. Officers responded to School Street to assist Southborough Fire with a diesel fuel spill in the area. The road was shut down until the fuel spill could be contained.

10:24 a.m. A medical was reported at a Mt. Vickery Road residence.

12:20 p.m. Officers responded back to the Atwood Road residence to investigate a report of a second domestic dispute. Again, officers were able to keep the peace and no charges were filed.

12:57 p.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

1:11 p.m. Officers investigated a two car, motor vehicle accident on Turnpike Road. Injuries were reported at the scene of the accident.

1:56 p.m. Officers took a vandalism report (smashed mailbox) from a Burnett Street resident.

3:00 p.m. An officer took an Identity Theft report from a Parkerville Road resident.

4:20 p.m. A medical was reported at a Southwood Drive residence.

7:34 p.m. An officer checked on an individual who was walking on Turnpike Road (Route 9). The individual checked out ok.

8:35 p.m. An officer responded to Neary School to investigate a report of kids hanging around behind the school. The juveniles were located and asked to leave the area.

11:14 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

Southborough – John Macricostas, 90, of Southborough, died Saturday, June 7, 2014 from Parkinson’s disease. His wife of 44 years, Shirley (Larrabee) Macricostas, died in 1999.

John was a graduate of Marlborough High School, class of 1942, and upon completing his military service, attended Marlborough Vocational School. He was a WWII Army veteran, serving in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign, traveling to 11 different countries while he was in the service.

John was a Class A Machinist for over 47 years for Healard Machine Company of Holliston, and retired when he turned 80.

He was an avid gardener and spent a lot of time working in his yard, even after dark. He skillfully built the many beautiful stone walls that surround his property and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and each of his grandchildren have carried on his joys. His grandson John has learned the love of gardening, grandson Brandon has followed his military footsteps and is currently serving in Afghanistan, and granddaughter Jennifer has developed his love of travel.

He is survived by his children, Diane Sullivan of Hubbardston and Christine Palladino and her husband John of Southborough; his siblings, Cosma Macricostas and Theo Macricostas, both of Marlborough; his grandchildren, John and Jennifer Sullivan and Brandon Palladino and his wife Amber; and his step-grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew Palladino. He is predeceased by his son-in-law, Michael Sullivan; his sister, Olga Tzellas; and three brothers, Peter, Socrates, and George Macricostas.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, June 11, from 4 – 7 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. A funeral service will be celebrated Thursday, June 12, at 10 a.m., at Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, 9 Central St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent in John’s memory to the Soldiers’ Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150.

To leave words of condolence for the family, please visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.

By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer

Officer Aaron Richardson has been named senior resource officer for the Southborough Police Department. (Photo/Sue Wambolt)

Southborough – Officer Aaron Richardson, 28, has recently been named senior resource officer for the Southborough Police Department. In this role, he will be meeting with the town’s senior citizens, making himself available for questions and answers, and serve as a liaison between the town’s elderly population and the police department.

Richardson worked as police officer for the town of Sherborn and also as a corrections officer at Massachusetts Correctional Institution Norfolk before joining the Southborough Police Department in 2011.

It was no surprise that Richardson chose to pursue a career in law enforcement. His stepfather, Donald Pinckney, was a Boston police officer for over 20 years and his mother, Doris Suttles, remains a traffic supervisor for the Boston Police Department. It was during his sophomore year of high school that Richardson decided that he wanted to follow in his stepfather’s footsteps and pursue law enforcement. And, while Richardson says that his parents were influential role models who helped shaped his decision, he also credits Natick Police Chief James Hicks for “helping him along the way.”

As a Southborough police officer, Richardson became familiar with local seniors when he stopped at the Senior Center while on patrol. He spent time with the seniors, watching while they played pool and even joining them in yoga classes. So, when the position of senior resource officer became available he felt it would be a “good fit” for him.

“Through my interactions at the senior center, I learned that the seniors have a lot to give to the community. They have acquired a wealth of knowledge from their many different life experiences. I felt that taking this position would be a good opportunity to give back to the community which has granted me so many wonderful opportunities,” said Richardson. “I wanted to help the seniors and give them a voice within the police department.”

Richardson is looking forward to getting to know the senior residents and is eager to hear their ideas and the issues that they would like addressed.

“My goal is to provide the best service possible to the seniors in our community,” he said. “I would like the seniors to know I am dedicated to the position and I am always here if they need assistance with any type of issue that may arise.”

On the agenda for the seniors this summer is a fire safety and crime prevention barbecue, a departmental meet and greet and a scam prevention seminar aimed at teaching seniors how to protect themselves from online, phone and in-person scams. Information on upcoming events can be found in the Senior Center newsletter and on the police department Facebook page.

Richardson is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in criminal justice at MassBay Community College.

Richardson can be reached at 508-485-2121 or arichardson@southboroughma.com.

By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer

Brittany Price (Photos/submitted)

Southborough – After four years of singing, dancing and acting her way through Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS), Brittany Price made her final stage appearance at the school when she received her diploma June 8. And, although the talented performer has had her final ARHS curtain call, she leaves with the greatest honor of her high school stage career – a TAMY award for best actress for her portrayal of Lola in “Damn Yankees.”

The High School Musical Theatre Awards (TAMY) are judged and granted by Mount Wachusett Community College’s Theater at the Mount in Gardner and recognize exceptional accomplishments in the production and performance of musical theatre. Price received her award at a red carpet event May 18.

Needless to say, she was thrilled.

“It was crazy!” she exclaimed about the event. “I was surprised and in awe. To me, it meant that all the work I put into the show had paid off. I felt proud of myself, like I did something to make others proud, too.”

According to Price, she has been singing ever since she could talk. Proof of her lofty aspirations, she said, lie in the home videos of her singing Mariah Carey when she was just 5 years old.

Price took voice lessons all through middle school and into high school. She also took dance classes which, she said, helped her develop stage presence and confidence.

Price’s ARHS singing repertoire includes many genres.

Price as Lola in “Damn Yankees” at Algonquin Regional High School

During her freshman and sophomore years, Price sang with Concert Choir as well as the student-run, all-girl a cappella group, Ladies First. As a junior and senior, she performed with the select, all-girl choir, Camerata. She also performed with Algoncapella throughout high school. Price is a three-year member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and was elected historian of the society for her senior year. Additionally, she is a member and the current president of Algonquin Acoustics, an open-mic style afterschool club.

In addition to her participation in ARHS singing groups, Price was cast in a number of theater performances both at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) as well as at ARHS.

She was cast in “Curtains,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “Fiddler on the Roof” at Camp Broadway, a theater camp at the PPAC. And at AHRS, she performed in “Pippin,” “The Good Doctor,” “Bye Birdie,” “Our Town,” “Damn Yankees,” and “The Apple Tree.”

For Price, theater has been a learning experience and challenged her to grow both on the stage as well as off.

“Theater forces you to be confident and it is where I developed all my confidence – not just on stage, but offstage as well,” Price said. “By playing different characters and being a part of different shows, I have actually learned a lot about myself. I love that it has brought me outside of my comfort zone – stripping in front of about 300 people as my character Lola – and forced me to be brave.”

Additionally, participating in theater has forced Price to live in the moment.

“Whenever I’m on stage acting, I am fully invested in that moment and nothing else,” she said. “Theater has been a great stress relief for me, allowing me to put all my focus in one place, compared to the multi-tasking high school world I’m normally in.”

Looking back on her four years of high school, Price said that “ARHS exceeded all of my high school expectations! It’s truly been great.”

Price will be attending Providence College in the fall, where she hopes participate in campus theater productions.

Southborough

Friday, June 6

12:17 a.m. Officers responded to Marlboro Road to investigate a report of an erratic operator in the area. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

5:39 a.m. An officer responded to Boston Road to investigate a complaint of a tree down in the roadway. The responding officer was able to remove the tree from the roadway.

10:12 a.m. Officers investigated an abandoned 911 call from a Turnpike Road business.

11:30 a.m. An officer responded to a Ted Lane residence to investigate a report of an Identity theft.

12:54 p.m. An officer responded to a Middle Road residence to investigate a report of an Identity theft (credit card fraud).

1:31 p.m. Solicitors came into the station to register with the police department.

4:32 p.m. Officers attempted to serve court paperwork at a Newton Street residence.

4:38 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Whistler Lane residence.

4:56 p.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Cordaville Road.

4:57 p.m. Officers attempted to serve court paperwork at a Nathan Stone Road residence.

Saturday, June 7

1:06 a.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Firmin Ave.

9:13 a.m. Officers conducted a requested well-being check on a resident of Bantry Road.

9:29 a.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

10:25 a.m. A motorist from Framingham, MA was issued a Criminal Application for Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and having no Inspection Sticker.

10:33 a.m. A medical was reported at a General Henry Knox Road residence.

11:00 a.m. A bank card was found and turned in at the police station.

11:40 a.m. Officers investigated a two car, motor vehicle accident on Cordaville Road. No injuries were reported at the scene of the accident.

12:29 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Parmenter Road residence.

2:54 p.m. A medical was reported at a Boston Road residence.

3:06 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Presidential Drive residence.

4:15 p.m. An officer took a report of a lost iPhone from a resident.

4:42 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Presidential Drive residence.

4:48 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Davis Road residence.

4:57 p.m. Southborough Officers provided mutual aid to Westborough Police with a search for a motor vehicle.

6:12 p.m. Officers investigated a two car, motor vehicle accident on Turnpike Road. No injuries were reported from the scene of the accident.

6:38 p.m. An officer took a vandalism report from a Wildwood Drive resident.

7:48 p.m. A driver’s license was found and turned in at the police station.

8:08 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Newton Street business.

9:14 p.m. An officer responded to Main Street to investigate a report of a possible road rage incident. The responding officer reported back negative findings.

9:53 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Pine Hill Road residence.

Sunday, June 8

12:44 a.m. Officers responded to Turnpike Road to investigate a report of an erratic operator in the area. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

8:03 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.

8:52 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Red Gate Lane residence.

9:21 a.m. An officer responded to Boston Road to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. The vehicle and the occupant checked out ok.

10:51 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at the Finn School on Richards Road.

11:07 a.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Cordaville Road.

11:22 a.m. Officers responded to Woodland Road to investigate a report of a tree in the roadway. DPW was contacted and the tree was removed.

4:28 p.m. Ashland Police requested mutual aid from Southborough police in stopping a suspicious motor vehicle that was heading into Southborough. The vehicle was stopped in Southborough, and the occupants checked out ok.

5:59 p.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Park Street.

6:19 p.m. A medical was reported at a Flagg Road residence.

7:24 p.m. Arrested, Caila Lajeunesse of Southville Road, Southborough, MA. Ms. Lajeunesse was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Marlborough District Court.

Monday, June 9

1:16 a.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

1:35 a.m. An officer on patrol checked on a suspicious motor vehicle on Parkerville Road. The vehicle and the operator checked out ok.

9:52 a.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

11:30 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Highland Street business.

12:48 p.m. A medical was reported at a Richards Road business.

1:20 p.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

1:56 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Sears Road residence.

2:55 p.m. An officer investigated a noise complaint at a Brookside Road residence.

4:42 p.m. An officer responded to a Schipper Farm Lane residence to assist with a family dispute.

9:50 p.m. Officers responded to an Admirals Lane residence to investigate a report of an unwanted person(s) in the residence. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

Southborough – Due to routine building maintenance, the Children’s Room at Southborough Library will be closed Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20. Children’s material can still be returned and picked up from the 1st Floor Circulation Desk. Please look for a small display of books for children near reference.

For more information or updates call 508-485-5031, or check the library’s Facebook page, Twitter feed, and website at www.southboroughlib.org for up-to-date information. Southborough Library is located at 25 Main St.

Southborough – The Southborough Historical Commission announced the Historic House Sign Program, providing an opportunity to invest owners of historic or architecturally significant houses with pride, knowledge, and the ability to serve as conscious custodians of their home’s heritage.

Seen throughout many New England cities and towns, historic house signs enhance the appearance of older homes, while promoting community awareness of local history. Participation in the program does not limit a property in any way.

For $62, which includes shipping and handling, a homeowner can submit an application to the Historical Commission stating the age of the home and, if applicable, the historical significance of the structure. The commission will review applications at its monthly meeting, and then submit orders to Ould Colony Artisans.

Historical data on most of Southborough’s historical properties can be found on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s site: http://mhc-macris.net/macrisdisclaimer.htm.

Contact the Historical Commission at historical@southboroughma.com with any questions or comments. Order forms are available at the Southborough Town House.

Region – 113 local Dunkin’ Donuts representatives, including Dunkin’ Brands Chief Executive Officer Nigel Travis, help to raise more than $210,000 for The New England Center for Children in Southborough at the 17th Annual Carlos Placido-Dunkin’ Donuts Golf Classic held at the Franklin Country Club June 9.

Photo/submitted

Southborough

Friday, June 13

12:01 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at an Oregon Road residence.

11:21 a.m. Officers conducted a requested well-being check of a Marlboro Road resident. As a result of an investigation, one individual at the residence was placed into Protective Custody.

11:39 a.m. Southborough Police requested mutual aid from Ashland Police to investigate a burglar alarm at an Edgewood Road residence. Ashland police units checked the home and cleared from the residence.

2:41 p.m. An officer responded to an Atwood Road residence to speak with a resident about a civil matter.

3:02 p.m. Officers investigated a two car, motor vehicle accident on Pine Hill Drive. No injuries were reported from the scene of the accident.

3:28 p.m. An officer took a harassing phone call report from a Moulton Road resident.

4:40 p.m. An officer responded to a Cordaville Road business to investigate a complaint of an unruly customer. The customer was asked to leave the area and no charges were filed.

5:13 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a tree down in the area of Latisquama Road and MacNeill Drive.

6:52 p.m. An officer investigated a parking complaint on Middle Road.

7:38 p.m. An officer assisted a disabled motorist on Turnpike Road.

10:07 p.m. Arrested, Brian Leger of First Street, Worcester, MA. Mr. Leger was charged with malicious destruction of property.

Saturday, June 14

1:41 a.m. Officers responded to Boston Road to investigate a report of a man standing in the middle of the roadway. The officers located the male party, and he was given a courtesy transport into Marlborough.

8:12 a.m. Officers responded to Turnpike Road to investigate a report of an erratic operator in the area. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

9:09 a.m. An officer on patrol removed a large tree limb that was blocking Breakneck Hill Road.

9:12 a.m. A medical was reported at an Atwood Road residence.

11:13 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Rockpoint Road residence.

11:32 a.m. Officers responded to Turnpike Road to investigate a report of an erratic operator in the area. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

2:01 p.m. Officers investigated a two car, motor vehicle accident on Cordaville Road. Injuries were reported at the scene of the accident.

2:23 p.m. A High Street resident requested police to respond to the residence after hearing voices in her basement. Officers checked the home and the area and reported back negative findings.

2:36 p.m. An officer responded to a Main Street address to investigate a parking complaint. The operator was asked to move the vehicle from the area.

5:01 p.m. Officers investigated a report of an abandoned motor vehicle parked on Turnpike Road.

7:46 p.m. A Sears Road resident came into the station and requested to speak with an officer about a civil matter.

Sunday, June 15

12:10 a.m. Officers conducted a requested well-being check on a Sears Road resident.

3:02 a.m. An officer on patrol checked on an individual walking on Turnpike Road. The female party checked out ok, and continued on her way.

8:00 a.m. A medical was reported at a Flagg Road residence.

10:11 a.m. A Leonard Road resident reported that a male party had just run into her backyard. Officers responded to the residence and checked the area. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

10:57 a.m. A medical was reported in the parking lot of the MBTA station on River Street.

4:02 p.m. An officer checked on a suspicious motor vehicle that was parked on the side of Parkerville Road.

4:11 p.m. A Parkerville Road resident called to report a missing 3 year old child at the residence. While on the phone with police, the resident was able to locate the child. Officers responded and confirmed that everything was ok at the home.

5:50 p.m. An officer responded to Oak Hill Road to investigate a report of a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. The responding officer reported back negative findings in the area.

7:06 p.m. A medical was reported at a Middle road residence.

8:36 p.m. A resident of Hickory Road reported a possible abandoned motor vehicle on Hickory Road.

11:28 p.m. An officer responded to a Sears Road residence to assist the resident with an alarm issue

11:58 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.

Monday, June 16

12:14 a.m. An officer responded to Turnpike Road to investigate a report of an erratic operator in the area. The responding officer reported back negative findings.

12:45 a.m. Officers conducted a requested well-being check on a Sears Road resident.

2:07 a.m. An officer on patrol checked on a suspicious motor vehicle parked at a Turnpike Road business. The officer reported back that the vehicle checked out ok.

6:30 a.m. Officers investigated an abandoned 911 call from a St. Martin Drive business.

8:14 a.m. Arrested, Shafik Fam of Flagg Road, Southborough, MA. Mr. Fam was charged with domestic assault & battery and wanton destruction of property. A female at the residence was also charged with assault & battery with a dangerous weapon.

8:23 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Turnpike Road business.

8:55 a.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Leonard Drive residence.

9:06 a.m. Officers responded to an Oak Hill Road residence to investigate a report of a suspicious male party in the area. The responding officers reported back negative findings.

10:50 a.m. An officer investigated a parking complaint on Central Street.

2:52 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Central Street business.

5:44 p.m. An officer took a hit & run report from a motorist at the police station.

5:46 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a Burnett Street residence.

6:35 p.m. A medical was reported at a Turnpike Road business.

9:30 p.m. Officers investigated a burglar alarm at a School Street residence.

9:43 p.m. Officers assisted a disabled motorist on Main Street.

11:50 p.m. Framingham Police advised Southborough Police that they had received a report of a vehicle heading the wrong way into Southborough on Turnpike Road. Responding officers reported back negative findings in the area.

The information from the police log is obtained directly from the official records maintained at each police station in our circulation area. It contains arrests and samplings of police activity. Those arrested are innocent until proven guilty. The Community Advocate will publish news of acquittals upon notification and a copy of court-issued documentation.

By Valerie Franchi, Contributing Writer

Dan Koleda poses with soldiers at Mura base camp.
Photo/Dan Kolenda

Southborough – In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR), the word “kolenda” means strong. When Southborough Selectman Daniel Kolenda visited the DCR to train soldiers on the rules of war, “the troops would chant and sing it, sometimes around me, after a training class,” he relayed.

In April, Kolenda visited the DRC for the second time, to a base camp in Mura in the southern part of the country. He was part of a Mobile Education Team of military lawyers from different branches of the armed services. Kolenda is a major in the Army Reserves Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.

The training missions are organized by the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) based at the Naval Station in Newport, R.I., in coordination with the U.S. State Department and the United Nations.

For decades, the DRC’s army has been fighting dozens of rebel groups who are trying to get a hold of the country’s vast mineral resources.

Despite the country’s riches, the people of the DRC live in extreme poverty. Kolenda has photographs of grass huts where the soldiers sleep and makeshift showers rigged with plastic water bottles.

He recalled a creative way local children made money off of visiting westerners. Children would dig holes in the dirt road, so cars couldn’t pass. After receiving a toll, they would fill the holes in.

“I looked back as we drove away, and they were already digging the holes again,” Kolenda said.

Although Kolenda and the team were not near the active fighting, conditions were not ideal. For nine days, in 90-degree heat, they trained nearly 3,000 soldiers on variety of topics including military justice, laws of armed conflict, international rights and avoiding gender violence.

“It was definitely a challenging environment,” Kolenda said, “but the soldiers were very enthusiastic. They loved training with Americans.”

Using a sheet on the wall to deliver the DIILS Power Point presentation, the team spent from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. training soldiers in groups of about 100.

Despite language, culture and educational differences, “the troops were very engaged and asked really good questions,” Kolenda said. “These are new concepts for them, but they were very receptive.”

One question asked was why they should follow rules of war when their enemies don’t.

“That makes you no different than the enemy,” Kolenda told them.

He noted that one of the best things about the training was that the officers were listening and reinforced the message to their troops.

“The soldiers were taught that there are two parts of their mission: to defeat the enemy and to protect the population. We explained why they can’t target civilians and should protect certain buildings, such as churches and hospitals,” Kolenda explained. “If they don’t, they will lose the population they are there to protect and create more enemies.”

In addition to his military service, Kolenda is well-known in Southborough for his service to the community. He was recently re-elected to the Board of Selectman for a three-year term, has served on the Regional School Committee since 2009, and coaches Little League.

He joined the Army Reserve in 1999 and served in Iraq in 2008-9 on a rule of law mission.

Originally from Nebraska, he and his wife Kathy have lived in Southborough for 20 years. They have three children: James, 17, who just graduated from Algonquin Regional High School, Annalise, 12, and Matthew, 10.

Kolenda has worked at CA Technologies, a software manufacturer based in Framingham, for 11 years.

“They are very supportive of my military service,” he said, noting that often there is little advance notice for training missions.

He hopes his work will have a positive impact on the dire situation in the DRC.

“These missions are incredibly worthwhile and valuable,” Kolenda said. “We leave there really satisfied about the work that’s been done and hopeful that it sticks.”

The winning golf team of (l to r) Robert Kuftinec, Jeanette Clough, Mount Auburn Hospital president and CEO, Steve Furlong, Joe Pelgrin, and Chris Kardos with Jeanette Clough, Mount Auburn Hospital president and CEO. (Photo/submitted)

Region – Mount Auburn Hospital’s 15^th annual Golf Classic benefit took place June 16 at the Belmont Country Club. The winning team was made up of members from Strategic Benefit Advisors of Southborough. Strategic Benefit Advisors is also a corporate sponsor of the tournament.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Straight (Photo/U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andre T. Richard)

Southborough -  Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Straight, a resident of Southborough, is currently serving as a yeoman with Navy Region Northwest in the U.S. Navy, which protects and defends America on the world’s oceans.

With more than 70 percent of the world covered by water, 80 percent of the world’s population living near those waters, and 90 percent of the world’s commerce shipped over those waters, having men and women such as Straight serve their country matters. The ability to act from the sea and being uniquely positioned on the world’s oceans help give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time.

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Paul Doucette of the Southborough Historical Society (Photo/Ed Karvoski Jr.)

Southborough – Guests at the June 13 meeting of the Breakfast Club at the Southborough Senior Center learned about the history of the town’s prominent Burnett family and their connection to several local landmarks including Deerfoot Farms.

Offering the presentation was guest speaker Paul Doucette of the Southborough Historical Society. His main focus was on Joseph Burnett, who was born in 1820 in a house on Gilmore Road. That residence is now known as the Warner Oland House.

“Warner Oland was a movie actor who played Charlie Chan and who had spent his summers here,” Doucette explained.

After studying at local schools, Burnett attended Worcester College of Pharmacy at age 15.

“Back then, the study of medicine was rather primitive,” Doucette noted. “Pharmacists knew nearly as much as medical doctors.”

In 1847, Burnett created the first liquid vanilla extract sold nationally and later internationally. Also that year, he established the Joseph Burnett Company of Boston and purchased two lots in Southborough to form Deerfoot Farms Company.

“Some accounts from family members put the date at 1850,” Doucette said of the Deerfoot founding. “The farm and dairy probably used this as their year of founding since many Deerfoot bottles say ‘since 1847’ on them.”

Burnett and Deerfoot continued to thrive. In 1854, Deerfoot began acquiring one of the earliest herds of Jersey cattle in the country. In 1855, Burnett’s extracts became a best seller nationally. From 1870 through 1890, Deerfoot was Southborough’s leading employer. In 1893, Deerfoot began acquiring acreage that would become known as “Little Deerfoot.”

“In 1894, Joseph Burnett died from injuries after he was thrown from his carriage when his horse was spooked by a trolley on Maple Street in Marlborough,” Doucette said. “He, who had been so innovative in modern methods, became a victim of modern technology.”

Other close relatives led the company following his death.

“In 1897, new and larger farm buildings were opened,” Doucette said. “The great barn on Deerfoot Road – ‘Big Deerfoot’ – was occupied, along with the stables, boarding house or lodge for farm workers and the farmhouses for married employees.”

In 1929, the farm, dairy and pork business of Deerfoot was sold to General Ice Cream Corporation. In 1946, Joseph Burnett Company was sold to American Home Foods, Inc. In 1956, the pork processing of Deerfoot was sold to Hygrade Foods. The dairy was sold to United Farmers in 1959. The farm property was sold in the mid-1960s, which ended the active operation of Deerfoot.

The presentation concluded with a “then and now” slide show. The Deerfoot sausage plant and dairy on Newton Street was replaced with the Southborough Medical Clinic. The location of “Big Deerfoot” is now Trottier Middle School. The barn and pastures of “Little Deerfoot” were located where a business park is now on Route 9. Across the street was the farmhouse and stables, which is near the property now occupied with the Red Roof Inn and Cumberland Farms.

“There was a tunnel under Route 9, which allowed the cows to safely cross,” Doucette noted.

The Southborough Historical Society is updating its website: southboroughhistory.org. Photos of Deerfoot Farms items that were displayed at Trottier Middle School are posted at facebook.com/southboroughhistory/timeline. For more information, contact info@southboroughhistory.org.

The Breakfast Club meets the second Friday of the month at 10 a.m., except during the summer. Meetings will resume in the fall. Guest speakers are scheduled by Sue Keir, who said that she hopes the Southborough Historical Society will present more programs at future Breakfast Club meetings.

Southborough – The Perry sisters – Arabella, 8, Elizabeth, 5, and Hannah, 6 – lead the annual Fourth of July Parade held July 1. Children of all ages marched from the Southborough Public Library to the Town House and back. Afterward, they enjoyed refreshments while listening to patriotic music in the Children’s Room.

Photo/Ed Karvoski Jr.