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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. - Westborough resident Rod Jané was honored with the Good Scout Award Wednesday, with a bonus: today is officially Rod Jané Day in Westborough.
Going on its 12th year, the Westborough Good Scout Award is presented every year to someone who embodies the ideals of Scouting in every aspect of their lives. Jané was selected because of his contribution to the Westborough Recreation Department as a coach, the town as a member of the Board of Selectmen and the schools as a member of the School Committee.
“It’s overwhelming and it was totally unexpected and a nice surprise,” Jané said. “I love doing the community service and it’s really gratifying.”
Jané has a long history in helping the community. Jané has served as a year-round coach since 1999 and was also a member of the Gibbons Middle School Council in 2001, the Westborough School Committee from 2002-2008, and the Board of Selectmen from 2008-2011. Jané chose Recreation Department Director Frank DeSiata and former School Committee member Craig Harris to present the award.
“I want to recognized Rod for what he’s done with the youth recreation program,” DeSiata said. “To find someone who will give up a full year-round and do it like a job, is almost unheard of. That’s what we have in Rod.”
Harris spoke about his contributions to Westborough School District and said that he was thankful to call Jané a friend.
“At times we all wonder why our paths cross,” Harris said. “I’m very happy my path crossed with Rod’s and I’m sure Westborough is too.”
Dinner Committee Co-Chairperson Bill Mills-Curran said that scouting provides a basis for young men to grow and the award recognizes someone who exemplifies the key values of scouting.
“It’s called the Good Scout Award because we identify someone who fits with values of scouting,” Miss-Curran said. “Rod is committed to those values and he conducts himself as an honorable man.”
As part of the award, the Board of Selectmen named Nov. 3 Rod Jané Day. When accepting the award at the ceremony, Jané joked about the honor.
“We can all relax because tomorrow is Rod Jané Day,” Jané said. “So there’s no work for anybody.”
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