Kacevich honored as Citizen of the Year

The Community Advocate November 18, 2004 - Joan Hope, Contributing Editor

Southborough – The Southborough Rotary Club selected Joseph B. Kacevich Jr., for its Citizen of the Year award. Kacevich, chair of the town's Recreation and Facilities Committee, has been instrumental in the creation of many of the town's playing fields and other recreation facilities.

The Rotary Club honored Kacevich with a dinner and awards ceremony Nov. 15 at the Wyndham Hotel in Westborough. Speakers noted Kacevich's role in creating the Fay Memorial Field and playground, the 9/11 Memorial Field, the gyms and recreation facilities at the town's schools, and many other improvements in Southborough's recreation facilities.

Kacevich said his favorite of all the projects he has been part of is the Fay Memorial Field. He called the undertaking the "ultimate in community action" because there were so many people who helped to make the project work. Including a playground, picnic tables, and playing fields, the space attracts citizens of all ages.

Kacevich credited his parents and his education for making him who he is. His father was a "fighter" – a member of the First Marine Division in World War II. Later, he was partially paralyzed after his car was hit by a drunk driver, but Kacevich said he "kept plugging."

Kacevich's mother was civic minded, never missing Town Meetings in Millbury and serving on town commissions. Kacevich graduated from Springfield College and earned a master's degree at Penn State.

Kacevich moved to Southborough 13 years ago; he and his wife, Pat, have two daughters. He said the hardest thing about his volunteer work has nothing to do with getting the projects accomplished; it is having his daughters look up from their homework as he is walking out the door and say, "Another meeting, Dad?"

In his acceptance speech, Kacevich graciously thanked his family for their support and praised many people who were important to making projects successful. He stressed that the improvements to Southborough's recreation facilities were the work of many citizens in the town.

Speakers at the awards ceremony were Master of Ceremonies Bruce Werner, member of the Recreation and Facilities Committee Tim Kemper, Director of Public Works John Boland, Selectmen Roger Challen and Bill Christensen, and Rotary Club President Christine Narcisse. An aide to State Rep. Paul J.P. Loscocco, R-Holliston, presented Kacevich with a citation recognizing the honor.

Kemper praised Kacevich for his "combination of leadership, work ethic and passion, which has enriched many lives in town." He spoke of Kacevich's ability to inspire others to volunteer their time to improve the town, a theme that was a constant throughout the evening.

Challen noted that many people who volunteered to help with the Fay Memorial Field feel great pride when they drive by, a pride they would not be able to feel if not for Kacevich's efforts to bring the project together.

Christensen noted that Kacevich's efforts have helped not only those from Southborough. He said that parents of children with handicaps from the entire Metrowest area drive to the playground at Fay Memorial Field because it is so well designed.

"I do go by Central Street and pull over," Kacevich said. "I watch all the action going on and really get a feeling of accomplishment."

"You Must Speak The Language"

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