By Nance Ebert
Contributing Writer
FRAMINGHAM – For the fifth year, the city of Framingham in June celebrated some of its most accomplished senior citizen volunteers.
The Framingham Senior Heroes Award Committee selects the award recipients. Each person selected has demonstrated their commitment to the community and beyond, volunteering for many meaningful organizations and making an impact on those around them.
The four recipients are honored for their contributions in either Culture/Arts, Social Development, Health/Healthcare or Public Service and are recognized by both the Framingham Senior Heroes Award Committee and the Framingham Council on Aging.
Public access television work
Marcia Sharpe was recognized for Culture/Arts. Her involvement at Access Framingham Television includes producing, editing and filming over two hundred shows and has supported many of their community programs.
Photo/Submitted
“While I am affiliated with many meaningful organizations, this award is heartfelt recognition of the passion and purpose I bring to the Framingham community,” said Sharpe. “The mission continues, and I remain committed to lending a helping hand wherever I can. I thank God for the strength He continues to provide, and I am truly grateful for this honor.”
Sharpe grew up in Jamaica in the parish of St. Catherine and life was difficult. Her parents could not read or write and her family was quite poor. She was involved in athletics and ran track. She made it to the National Stadium, which she said was a huge honor.
In 1996, when she came to the United States to follow her sister and mother, she promised herself that she would do whatever it takes to give back to those who are less fortunate. She served in the U.S. Army and is a distinguished veteran who served with honor. She has over eighteen years of experience with adults and children who have disabilities and continues to commit herself to inclusion and diversity and she has dedicated over twenty years to the healthcare field.
Sharpe has received many awards and recognition for her continued outreach and volunteerism. Some of these include the Governor’s Award and the Framingham Rotary Club Volunteer Award.
Role as chaplain most rewarding
Robert “Bob” Anspach was recognized for Social Development. He has volunteered tirelessly to ensure that, regardless of religion, socioeconomic status, race and more, everyone in the community is included and supported.
He finds his volunteer role as a chaplain most rewarding. A couple of times each year, he joins a motorcade for veterans and stops at cemeteries to say a prayer with the playing of “Taps” and the national anthem.
“Giving the benediction really means a lot to me and recognizing Flag Day and Veterans Day is meaningful, not just to me, but to those I am honoring and their families,” said Anspach.
Photo/Submitted
He was appointed by Mayor Charlie Sisitsky as the chair of the Framingham Human Relations Commission and the Alliance for MetroWest Unity. Anspach is also the lead for the Elks Literacy Project and is involved with service provided by the Framingham Elks.
“This is truly an honor for me, and I am touched and surprised that someone knew enough about me to nominate me for this award,” said Anspach.
Long-time nurse at events
Sharon Arroyo, RN, was recognized for Health/Healthcare. Her volunteer efforts have included the Boston Marathon, Metrowest Medical Center, and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Having practiced for over fifty years in critical care and emergency room nursing, Arroyo retired almost four years ago.
“The initial goal for the MRC was to prepare people for disasters,” said Arroyo. “We went into the communities and educated people through courses like CPR, Stop the Bleed, Drug Take Back Day and more.”
Arroyo said she is proud of other contributions she has made, including working with Habitat for Humanity to build playhouses for the children of first responders.
“I am happy to help anyone in need,” says Sharon Arroyo, who was recognized for Health/Healthcare in the Framingham Senior Heroes Awards.
Photo/Submitted
In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Arroyo recognized an immediate need for facial masks. She quickly went to Walmart and bought out their entire stock, distributing them to those in need around her community and sewing some as well.
The sewing led to her making neonate quilts that are donated to Metrowest Medical Center. She also sews and donates larger ones for hospice care and end of life patients.
“The volunteer work that I do is very rewarding,” said Arroyo. “I am happy to help anyone in need, so I don’t think of it as diversity. There are so many people who also give their time to wonderful causes. It’s nice to know that we all can make a difference.”
A champion of sustainability efforts
Larry Stoodt was recognized for Public Service. He is a founding member of Energize Framingham and is an advocate for the community’s sustainability efforts.
He was a town meeting member in Framingham as well as a member of Sustainable Framingham, which was a citizens committee working on the issue of the environment’s sustainability. It has morphed into an organization called Energize Framingham.
Stoodt is a member of 350 Mass Metrowest Node, a statewide organization working at both local and state levels on issues on the environment and sustainability.
Photo/Submitted
“Much of this work is inclusive of the whole city,” said Stoodt. “Unfortunately, the underserved communities will pay the highest price for climate change while doing the least to create it.”
Stoodt said he is passionate about the volunteer work that he does and is honored to be getting the award but also a bit embarrassed.
“My advocacy is not about me,” he explained. “It’s about the work that needs to be done. Receiving this award goes against my mentality, while at the same time I am truly honored.”
RELATED CONTENT:
Framingham Senior Heroes Awards recognize city’s role models
Framingham recognizes its ‘senior heroes’
