COLUMN: EAST COUNTY NEIGHBORS
HUDSON - Members of the a cappella group Simple Harmonic Motion and members of the Pro Musica Youth Chorus will team up for a Spring Sing concert at 7 p.m. March 28 in the second-floor auditorium at Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main St. Rehearsing for the concert recently were Pro Musica Youth Chorus members Katherine Sarrason of Northboro and Caroline Clouter, Rachel Mehler, and Lilly Clouter, all of Hudson; Sarah Bakun of Clinton, Megan Gallagher of Upton, and Meredith Gibbons of Lancaster; and Simple Harmonic Motion members Anthony Del Vecchio of Worcester, Joel Reed of Townsend and Nate Piper of Worcester.
The concert will include innovative arrangements of popular, familiar tunes, as well as American, folk, doo-wop, jazz, multicultural and classical numbers, including Baroque. Tickets are $9, $7 for seniors and students; there is a $2 discount for advance sales. Tickets may be ordered by calling (978) 562-1646. For more information, visit www.upwitharts.org.
Medical professional honored as Achiever
GRAFTON - Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a multi-specialty physician practice, has announced that Nicole Herring, a Grafton resident and a clinical supervisor of obstetrics/gynecology and fertility practices in Wellesley, has been selected by the YMCA of Greater Boston for its 2008 YMCA Black Achievers Award.
The Black Achievers program recognizes African-Americans in the Boston area and regions served by 75 other YMCA organizations across the country. Award recipients are nominated for their professional accomplishments and their volunteer community service with young people. As part of the program, they agree to spend at least 40 hours to benefit area minority youth.
"At Harvard Vanguard we encourage our employees to excel professionally, and be positive role models in their communities," said Dr. Gene Lindsey, interim president and CEO for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and Atrius Health.
The YMCA of Greater Boston honored 48 African-American business and community leaders at the 33rd annual Black Achievers Recognition Awards Gala on Feb. 5 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The keynote address was delivered by Carol R. Johnson, superintendent of the Boston Public Schools.
Ms. Herring has been with Harvard Vanguard since 2001. She received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Howard University.
Bike fundraiser part of Spin for Hope event
WESTBORO - On March 2, nearly 600 Massachusetts residents pedaled to show their support and dedication in the fight against cancer during Spin for Hope, a three-hour indoor cycling event, which took place simultaneously at more than 20 participating health clubs and facilities around Massachusetts.
Spin for Hope raised more than $221,000 for the American Cancer Society's programs of research, education, advocacy and service. Locally, 15 community members spent their Sunday morning on bikes at the Spin for Hope event at the Westboro Tennis & Swim Club, and raised more than $3,500.
Other participating clubs in Central and Western Massachusetts included Healthtrax in West Springfield, Orchard Hills Athletic Club in Lancaster, Shrewsbury Health & Racquet Club, Sims Premier Fitness in Charlton, and Worcester Fitness. For cancer information anytime, call (800) 227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
AspenCross Financial lauds top professionals
WESTBORO - AspenCross Financial Group recently recognized its top performing financial professionals at a special awards banquet held in Boston at Morton's, The Steakhouse - Boston Seaport.
"We are proud to have been able to honor our key associates for their contributions to the organization and the excellence and professionalism in which they conduct their business. Their achievements are not only a testament to their sales excellence, but to their dedication to their clients," said Eric C. Jansen, president and CEO of AspenCross Financial Group.
AspenCross associates honored at the banquet included Janath V. DeSilva of Upton, Catherine M. Gareri of Uxbridge, Daniel J. Sullivan of Foxboro, David W. Mahoney Jr. of Northboro, Jonathan J. Beni of Shrewsbury, and H. Louis Rocheleau III of Whitinsville.
AspenCross is an independent financial advisory and investment management firm based in Westboro, and is a member of the John Hancock Financial Network, which specializes in the unique financial needs of pre-retirees and retirees.
Area runners lacing up for Boston Marathon
Several area people are among those who will be running in the 112th Boston Marathon on April 21 as part of the 19th annual Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, which aims to raise $4.5 million for cancer research.
Each runner pledges to raise a minimum of $3,000.
To contribute to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge go to www.RunDFMC.org or contact the DFMC office at (617) 632-1970 or send e-mail to dfmc@dfci.harvard.edu.
The participating runners include Julie and Pete Binkewicz of Marlboro; Pamela Hogan Guggina of Northboro; Jerry Hagge, Kanti Kanzaria, Patrick Purcell, James Quitadamo, James Riley, and Charlie Sherman, all of Shrewsbury; Larry Jasinski of Southboro; Ryan McCaffrey of Sutton; and Shelley Hynes of Uxbridge.
ART: PHOTO
CUTLINE: Rehearsing for Spring Sing, their Hudson Town Hall concert March 28, are from left, Pro Musica Youth Chorus members Katherine Sarrason of Northboro, Caroline Clouter, Rachel Mehler, and Lilly Clouter, all of Hudson. In the back row are Sarah Bakun of Clinton, Megan Gallagher of Upton, and Meredith Gibbons of Lancaster, along with Simple Harmonic Motion members Anthony Del Vecchio of Worcester, Joel Reed of Townsend, and Nate Piper of Worcester.
PHOTOG: SUBMITTED PHOTO