By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – As the owner of the popular Julio's Liquors in Westborough, Ryan Maloney is a familiar face in the community. But it is not just his business savvy that he is known for; he is also a leader in community service. In recognition of his extensive charitable works, the Knox Trail Council Boy Scouts of America has chosen him as this year's “Good Scout Honoree for Westborough.”
It is not a requirement to be a Scout to receive this award; rather it is bestowed, according to the Knox Trail website, upon individuals “who have demonstrated integrity and genuine concern for others in both their professional and personal lives.”
Honorees, the definition continues, must “carry the “Spirit of Scouting” into their adult lives.
According to Gerry Gross, co-chair of the Knox Trail Council 2012 Dinner Committee, Ryan is a perfect example of that ethos.
“Ryan sets a great example for the boys of what it means to be a community leader,” Gross said. “He's always willing to jump in and help out the Scouts. In fact, he helps out anyone who needs it.”
Ryan often receives honors for his business success, including being recently named as a? “Market Watch Leader,” a designation given by the trade magazine Market Watch to the nation's top retailers in the drinks industry.
Frequently, he partners with alcohol vendors to hold fundraising events to raise monies for groups such as the Rotary Club of Westborough, NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, the Shriners and local food banks. On occasion, a celebrity will attend an event, such as one last year that featured Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, of the popular television show, “Jersey Shore.” Nearly $1,000 was raised that night for the breast cancer advocacy group, the Pink Revolution.
Ryan has sponsored the efforts of Westborough residents Ed and Resa Sherr to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. His reason for doing so is very personal, he said. A close friend, Mark Levine, who attended Worcester Academy with both Ryan and Ed, passed away from leukemia in 1981.
Recently, Ryan received another honor for his charitable works – nomination for membership in the Keepers of the Quaich. According to its website, the group is an “exclusive non-profit making society, with membership by invitation only, for people with a positive record of association with Scotch whisky.”
“I was so honored to be asked to join this group,” Ryan said. “There are less than 2,200 people in the world who are in it. Ronald Reagan was one, as is Prince Charles. Only a handful of retailers have been asked.”
Ryan lives in Sutton with his wife, Jennifer, and is the father of two little girls, Sophia, 8 and Sydney, 6 (as well as four-legged “son,” Barley). He and Jennifer make it a priority to volunteer at their daughters” school and their church, he said.
“It's important to give back to the community and do your part,” he added.
If life wasn's busy enough, he recently added one more title to his resume – radio talk show host. “It's the Liquor Talking” is his new show that is broadcast on WCRN-am each Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m.
“It's just something fun to do,” he said. “I'sl just be talking about new and different types of liquors.”
Past Westborough recipients of the Good Scout Award include John Hero, Henry Danis, Charlotte Bramley, James E. Tashjian, Robert A. Klugman, M.D., Lydia Goldblatt, James A. Harvey, Kristina Nilson Allen, Nelson P. Ball, Herbert S. Alexander, Jack M. Wilson, Ph.D., and Rod Jané.
Maloney will be honored at the Good Scout dinner Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough.
For more information, go to www.ktc-bsa.org/goodscout.htm.
