By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Photo/Liz Nolan
Northborough – Joann Sharp moved to Northborough in 1970 with her husband Jack due to his new job in the area. She was concerned about moving away from her hometown of Lynn and that she wasn’t going to make new friends. She even made Jack promise that if she was not happy in one year, they would move back to Lynn. Forty-nine years later, it is safe to say that Joann is happy in Northborough. She has volunteered her time in various ways and impacted many over the years. Her longtime service to the community is now being recognized–she has been selected as the 2019 Applefest Grand Marshal.
“Life began here,” Sharp said. “Northborough is a great community.”
The couple have four grown and accomplished daughters, all who attended Northborough schools and graduated from Algonquin Regional High School. They also have two grandchildren.
Family is important to Sharp. She is grateful for her own family, but also treats everyone like family.
As her daughters got older, she had time to think about what she wanted to do next. In 1988, she decided to run for the Board of Selectman and won and served through 1994. She was elected and served on the Board of Worcester County Commissioners (1993-1997) and was appointed to the Worcester County Retirement Board for 11 years. She also served as Northborough Registrar of Voters, Honorary Member of Northboro Junior Woman’s Club and recently was the annual campaign chair for the Friends of the Northborough Senior Center.
“It was my husband who encouraged me to realize myself,” Sharp said. “He’s been so supportive.”
She has loved what she has done and accomplished, but would rather focus on moving forward than looking back.
“It’s not just about me,” she said. “It couldn’t have all happened without good people. There are great people in town.”
Her philosophy in politics is to treat everyone like family, be open and hear the issues.
“You have to have your heart in the right place,” she said. “Bring who you are and always be open to comments. People want to be listened to and need to trust you.”
Sharp has always thought out of the box to bring attention to an issue in a peaceful way.
She believes it is important to present an idea, build excitement around it and get it done with trust.
While on the Board of Selectmen she was instrumental in the original plans to build the pavilion at Ellsworth-McAfee Park without any fundraising efforts needed due to community generosity. She brought awareness to the need of food donations during the summer months when donations are typically low making August “Feed the Hungry Month”.
She naturally takes the extra steps to make people feel special. For example, it was her idea while in office to send congratulation cards to graduating seniors.
Sharp will be attending the Applefest events the weekend of September 19-22.
“Applefest is a wonderful community event to celebrate Northborough,” she said. “It’s a privilege to be part of it.”