So, This is Happening

'An Evening of Expression' Benefits Shrewsbury Public Schools

Students perform original pieces to help benefit the schools.

Shrewsbury Public School students, in a coffeehouse setting, perform poetry, prose, music and other original pieces to benefit the schoolsin "A Evening of Expression." The Celebration in the Garden Party Host Committee presents this open mic night benefit on Friday, May 17, at the Floral Street School from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students; participants are free. Local children’s author, April Jones Prince, opens the event with an original piece she wrote when she was a child. Performers have a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card and a 30-minute writing session with April Jones Prince. Questions? Want to perform? Contact Maria Munro at munromaria@gmail.com.

• Photos (1)

Hundreds Attend Fundraiser for Longtime Church Organist

Michael Palumbo needs a heart transplant, and the community has stepped up to help.

Michael Palumbo, who has been the organist at St. Anne's Church for 47 years, is in need of a heart transplant. This past Sunday, close to 700 friends and church members attended a benefit at St. Anne's to help with medical costs, as reported in the Community Advocate. Palumbo attended the fundraiser, and spoke to his supporters at the event, thanking them for their support.  Growing up in Worcester, he moved to Shrewsbury 42 years ago with his wife. Palumbo also served on the Fire Department, and played the bagpipes in the Worcester Fire Brigade, said the Community Advocate.  Palumbo is considered an excellent candidate for a new heart, and is on the top of the transplant list. For donations: Checks may be made out to “The Michael Palumbo…

• Photos (1)

Bringing All Walks Together: The Turkey Trot for Memory

For the second year, Shrewsbury is the home for this run to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

For the past four years, Jane Lizotte has run the Boston Marathon with her sister and brother in memory of their father, the Honorable Francis P. O'Connor, to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association.  O'Connor, who served as a justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Court for several years, died of complications from Alzheimer's Disease five years ago. Last year, Lizotte decided to bring the race home to Shrewsbury, and on Thanksgiving because it was her dad's favorite holiday. "My dad was a wonderful man who, in his words, 'felt blessed to be surrounded by a loving family and a wonderful community.' My dad's favorite activities included spending time with his family, attending mass at St. Mary's, working in his garden, and doing just …

• Photos (5)

24-Hour Skating Benefit to be Held this Weekend

The event was the idea of a Westborough native and St. John's High School graduate.

Twenty years ago, Dave McGrath was diagnosed with brain cancer while he was a senior at St. John’s High School. He remembers experiencing headaches and seeing double and went through treatment at UMass Memorial Medical Center from the end of his high school senior year through his first weekend of college. Today, at age 38, the Westborough native is cancer free and is hoping others will join him in helping those still fighting cancer through an event that will be held in Worcester this weekend. The Second Annual Skating for Hope event will be held from 10 a.m. Sat., July 28, to 10 a.m. Sun., July 29, at the Buffone Arena, 284 Lake Ave., Worcester. McGrath will be skating for 24 hours to raise money for Hope Lodge in Worcester, where he …

• Photos (2)