MARLBORO — It's been a tumultuous year in Marlboro, between the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various ups and downs regarding the future of the former Marlboro College campus.
However, the community has found ways to come together.
The Marlboro Community Center (MCC), a long-anticipated dream shepherded by a core group of town members, had been barely open for a year when the pandemic struck.
Now that the pandemic is subsiding, the MCC, located on 524 South Rd., says it is reopening its doors “with even more commitment and energy.”
Kicking off that comeback was a free outdoor community chili supper on June 12, where townspeople and friends had a chance to meet MCC's new coordinator, Lynn Lundsted.
The chili supper marked the beginning of what MCC says are more events that are on the horizon.
On Sunday, July 4, the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department and MCC are joining forces to host a chicken barbecue to help raise money for a new fire engine.
Also coming up: a bike swap, a local garden tour, musical events, a huge rummage sale, and a town fair, as well as ongoing Marlboro Historical Society talks and tours.
During the pandemic, the town's compassion was expressed by the Marlboro Alliance, which spearheaded emergency pandemic funds for any residents in need, and the Marlboro Cares program, which provides free groceries every week for pick up at MCC or delivery by volunteers.
The groceries are made possible by donations dropped off at the town post office, and by the MCC Food Share Program.