This Month's Features

Region - For the past 12 years, almost every week, Brian Thomson, 57, of Hopkinton, a software project manager at BOSE, has volunteered with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Mass./Metrowest (BBBS of Central Mass/Metrowest). First with Jesse and then Jon, Thomson has fulfilled the organization’s mission: “…to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”

Gathered at the Dull Men’s Club barbecue this summer at the Southborough Senior Center are chapter leaders (l to r) Bernie Gillon of Northborough,...

Hank Phillippi Ryan in the Newton home she shares with her husband Jonathan Photo/Chtose Suzuki By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor As the investigative reporter for Boston’s...

Steve Beckwith of Grafton turns his passion for guitar playing and building into a rewarding profession. By Barbara Allen, Contributing Writer Grafton resident and luthier/musician Steve...

Southborough - Southborough artist Catherine Weber is a fascinated by encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, in which pigments are added to heated beeswax and painted on a surface. “There’s every sense — the smell of the wax is wonderful, the luminosity, the flexibility - all of these things make encaustic wonderfully flexible,” she said. “This art is several thousands of years old. It’s been found on Egyptian [sarcophagi], and on the hulls of Greek ships.”

Women who live in a tiny mountain village sit together sewing lace tablecloths, which are famous for their beauty and fine workmanship. In a city not far away, diners at sidewalk cafes enjoy their fill of grilled pork, baked lamb and other local favorite foods. A white sand beach is the main attraction for people who are more interested in getting a tan rather than their fill of tasty treats.

Westborough – Many people in their 70s take the opportunity to slow down and enjoy their golden years. Not Tania and Bob Pano. Thanks to this special couple and their dog and two cats, countless people, young and especially older, have found a gentle and comforting peace when they needed it most. About six years ago, Bob, who is a retired teacher, was volunteering as a dog walker at the Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton, Inc., when he first met Cassie, a beautiful Golden Retriever who had been turned in that day by her previous family. His bond with Cassie was immediate, Bob said, and after consulting with Tania, the dog came home to Westborough with them.

The Maynard Farmers Market is held Saturdays, June 25-Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mill Pond parking lot, Clock Tower Place, Main Street. This market features produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, honey and cut flowers. The market also offers educational and cultural events and information about the town’s civic groups. Free parking. Rain or shine.

World-class museums stand shoulder-to-shoulder with flower markets festooned by rainbows of color. People crowded into cafes and pubs chat, sip coffee and other beverages and watch the passing traffic, which consists of as many bicycles as automobiles. This is the setting in one of the greatest small cities in the world, which is the capital of one of the smallest countries in Europe. But anything that the Netherlands may lack in dimension – it’s about twice the size of Massachusetts – it more than makes up in diversity.

Region – Although Doug Flutie retired from football 10 years ago, he still appears fit enough to take on the demanding challenges of the National Football League. While that is not on his agenda, the 53-year-old Flutie is staying active, always searching for new ways to keep not only in physical shape but mentally as well. “For me the number one thing was that I never stopped,” Flutie said of his time since ending his 21 year professional football career. “Once you stop it's a lot harder to get started again.”