By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Melanie Petrucci became active in her new community soon after her husband’s job moved the family from Colorado to Shrewsbury nearly 15 years ago. She credits her mother for teaching the value of community service.
“My mother was a strong role model for me,” she said. “I learned by watching her that this is what one does.”
While a parent of two young daughters, Petrucci found ways to share time with her family and community.
“My husband and I made the conscientious decision that I’d be a stay-at-home mom, which I was completely happy with,” she shared. “We were new to Shrewsbury and I needed to meet people. And I need to have a purpose apart from raising a family.”
She first met residents through the Shrewsbury Child Development Committee (SCDC) and the Welcome Wagon of Shrewsbury, now known as the Shrewsbury Social Club.
“I was involved with those two organizations for quite a while,” she noted. “I was with SCDC as my kids matriculated to kindergarten and above. Then I held almost every position on the Welcome Wagon board and I was president for five years on and off.”
In 2008, Petrucci started volunteering with the Shrewsbury Education Foundation (SEF) of which she currently serves as co-president with Chris Juetten.
“I like that SEF raises funds to grant opportunities for teachers’ programs and projects that are outside of the school budget,” she explained. “That for me was the primary motivator for getting involved. Last year we gave close to $12,000.”
Petrucci noted that she’s “jazzed” by the organization’s evolvement over the years. SEF now honors outstanding educators by presenting awards annually. Also recognized is a community leader for contributions in education.
She recently began helping SEF plan its third annual Trivia Night to be held Friday, Nov. 14, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Teams are encouraged to adopt a theme and participate costumed. Hank Stolz of WCRN Radio will return as host.
In 2009, Petrucci was among the founding members of the Garden Party Host Committee, which organizes the Celebration in the Garden to benefit Shrewsbury Public Schools. She volunteered with the committee for its first five years.
“It was fun to come back as a guest this year,” she said. “It’s important for organizations to have new blood and new energy.”
Petrucci was asked in 2011 to handle media relations for the seventh annual Gala benefitting Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS). She now serves as a SYSF board member.
“I love that Shrewsbury has its own social services program,” she shared. “The work they do for young and old is amazing. I can’t see any reason why I’d want to leave that organization anytime soon.”
For three years she has volunteered to promote the Beaton Charity Classic. The golf tournament raises funds for St. Anne’s Human Services, SYFS and the Westborough Food Pantry.
“It’s been growing incrementally each year,” she said. “It’s raised over $110,000 in three years. The trajectory is very encouraging.”
Petrucci still finds time to serve as a member of Shrewsbury’s Historic District Commission and Media Connection Advisory Board. She also mentors Shrewsbury High School Robotics of which her daughter Michaella, a senior, is a team member.
“Michaella is going to college next year, so there’s no stay-at-home mom when they’re both gone,” Petrucci said. “I want to find some part-time work, but I’ll still have time to devote to community pursuits. A lot of what I’ve done has brought great value to our family and it’s really made us a part of the community, which was one of my primary goals.”