Vol. 1 No. 2
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Wrentham's Dotty Celebrates 20 Years of Giving BY PATRICK COLEMAN
Known as Dotty by generations of Wrentham Cub Scouts, Dotty Larsen was honored late last year by Pack 131 for her two decades of service. She was only going to help for one year. The Pack needed someone to serve the refreshments at its monthly meetings and Larsen was happy to help since her nephew was an active Cub Scout. The plan was for the job to be handed off to someone as he crossed over into Boy Scouts. Her nephew is now 31 and many years removed from his Cub Scout days, but Larsen stayed on and has been helping for 20 years. "My nephew was in Cub Scouts and someone said, 'Would you do the refreshments for the scouts every month?" Larsen explains. "They asked me to do it for a year. I just never left." The Pack gathered for its November meeting where awards were handed out to scouts for their achievements, and Larsen was secretly added to the schedule. Citations were sent from U.S. Senator Scott Brown's Of-
fice, State Senator Richard Ross's office, and the Board of Selectmen. Larsen received a 20year service pin from the Boy Scouts of America that she'll wear on her uniform. The Pack also gave her a special plaque thanking her while scouts, young and old, attended to honor her. Known for playing the part of Santa's elf, she was given a poster of her dressed in the costume and all the current Cub Scouts signed it. She currently has it hanging in her house and all the signatures of the scouts really make an impression on her. "Every little Cub Scout signed it," she said. "How's that for something?"
January 1, 2012
Towns Keep Eyes on Foxboro Casino Plan BY PATRICK COLEMAN
The milestone almost went unnoticed. Since she is not a person to talk about her own achievements and never seeking the spotlight, the leaders of the Pack didn't even know until Den Leader Chris Rankin asked, "How long has Dotty been with the Pack?" After some digging Larsen is honored by the Wrentham Cub Scouts for over two decades of through records, it was soon re- service. Larsen still serves the refreshalized she was about to hit a Committee Chair for Pack 131. "That’s how Dotty is. She ment and is also the Pack's treasmajor milestone. "We didn’t doesn’t want the recognition. know it was Dotty’s 20th anDOTTY niversary," said Diana Zeller, the She didn’t say anything." continued on page 2
The news that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Las Vegas Casino mogul Steve Wynn were hoping to make Foxboro home to one of the new casinos in Massachusetts caught the attention of officials from surrounding communities including Norfolk and Wrentham. Reportedly, the process to determine whether or not Foxboro gets a new casino will be long, and officials from both Norfolk and Wrentham are using that time to evaluate the potential impact to their communities. The Norfolk Board of Selectmen voted unanimously against the casino at its December 20th meeting. This opposition will be conveyed to Foxboro’s Board of Selectmen which has the ultimate say on whether or not to pursue the
CASINO PLAN continued on page 3
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DOTTY continued from page 1
urer. The Pack's leaders were able to plan her award secretly since most of the work was done on email and she doesn't use a computer. "They kept emailing back and forth," Larsen says laughing. "They had a great time." While Larsen's volunteering with the Pack started 20 years ago, she's not the first in her family to dedicate her time to scouting. Her mother was a den mother for years long after her own son left scouting. Her father also served on the Cub Scout Committee. "It runs in the family," she says. When asked why she's still helping out the Cub Scouts, the answer is clear. The scouts. Today as she walks around town she might not remember their names, but she can tell when a scout or former scout recognizes her. Their eyes light up and they give her a smile or a wave. "I love the kids," she says. "Their eyes just sparkle when they see me. I know when a cub scout is looking at me." A life-long Wrentham resident, Larsen still lives in the home in which she was born. For years she drove a cab around town, and later
took a job at Walmart where she still puts in three days a week. Not a person to stay still, she works a few hours at the Town Hall, she's active with the Senior Center and works Thanksgiving and Christmas time at the Wrentham Food Pantry. Recently, she started spending two Fridays a month at the Purrfect Cat Shelter in Medway. She also dons the elf costume for the Town's annual tree lighting. Zeller says Larsen brings so much to the Pack. Her years of service provide continuity that keeps the Pack moving forward. She's there to help new leaders but, more importantly, she is there to help the kids of Wrentham. "She is a very giving person," says Zeller. "She means the world to us. She has been the driving force to keeping this Pack alive. Larsen has no plans on slowing down and will keep serving the refreshments to Wrentham Cub Scouts. "I love it," she says. "I just enjoy it. It's better to give than to receive." (This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)
Too Late for 2011 Tax Planning? Guess Again. BY JEFFREY SCHWEITZER
Estimated Tax Payments
2011 is done, so 2011 tax planning is done too, right? Guess again. Although it’s true that most tax planning strategies are limited after December 31st, there is still a lot you can do to make the taxfiling season cheaper and easier.
If you don’t pay enough to the IRS during the year, you may be looking at a hefty tax bill come April. It is possible that you might even owe penalties and interest on top of the tax. You could avoid any 2011 fourth quarter penalties on underpayment of tax if you submit a payment by January 17th 2012. Try not to over pay the tax however, because the IRS does not pay you any interest on the borrowed money called your refund. It is your money so plan accordingly.
Maximize Your Retirement Contributions If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2011, you still have time. Contributions to a Traditional IRA (whether deductible or not) and to a Roth IRA are available until April 17th, 2012. If you are self employed and have a Keogh or SEP-IRA, you have until October 15th, 2012, if you submit an extension of time to file your tax return. Not only will making a deductible contribution lower your tax bill, but your investment will compound tax-deferred. There are specific requirements and limits for each type of account so check with a qualified tax advisor on your specific situation.
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January 1, 2012
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Organization of Your Records Having your records organized may not save tax dollars, but will make your tax season less stressful. Start by keeping your prior year returns and tax documents in the same place. Collect all of your receipts and documents that may have piled up during the year (hopefully you already have a folder or file called “Taxes” to get you started). When your W2s, 1099s or other tax documents start arriving in the mail, put them all in the same folder and group them together in like categories. When beginning to prepare your return, work off a checklist or worksheet so you don’t overlook anything. Take Every Deduction You Are Entitled To Often times, taxpayers overlook deductions or decide not to take certain deductions because they feel too they are being too aggressive. In order to minimize the amount of tax liability, take every deduction you are entitled to. If your qualified itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction, file with the higher amount. Some well known items that you can itemize are home mortgage interest, real estate taxes and charitable deductions. Other lesser known itemized deductions that you may be entitled to include job hunting expenses, unreimbursed employee expenses, and out of pocket medical expenses. If you are self employed, make sure you write off all of your expenses and be prepared to back these with receipts. One of the items self-employed individuals may be eligible for is the Office-In-Home Deduction. If you conduct business exclusively out of your home office, you may be eligible.
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File & Pay On-Time If you can’t finish your return on time, make sure you file Form 4868 by April 16th, 2012. You will get automatic six-month extension of the filing deadline until October 15th, 2012. On the form, you need to make a reasonable estimate of your tax liability for 2011 and pay any balance due with your request. Requesting an extension in a timely manner is especially important if you end up owing tax to the IRS. If you file and pay late, the IRS can slap you with a late-filing penalty of 4.5 percent per month of the tax owed and a late-payment penalty of 0.5 percent a month of the tax due. The maximum late filing penalty is 22.5 percent and the penalty tops out at 25 percent. By filing Form 4868, you stop the clock running on the costly late-filing penalty. Seek Help, If You Need It Low cost, affordable options to prepare and file your returns exist. If you are comfortable doing your own return, go for it. If you become uncomfortable or get in a jam, call a professional for added confidence and peace of mind. Jeffrey Schweitzer can be found at Northeast Financial Strategies Inc (NFS) at Wampum Corner in Wrentham. NFS works with individuals and small businesses providing financial and estate planning, insurance, investments and also offers full service accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, income tax preparation, and notary public services. For more information call Jeffrey at 800-5604NFS or visit online - www.nfsnet.com
January 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
DARE to Dine Roast Pork Dinner
CASINO PLAN continued from page 1
proposal. Feedback is already reaching town officials and elected representatives. "We have heard from residents and we know that this is an important issue for many," says Jack Hathaway, Norfolk’s Town Administrator. "While any boost in the economy including the creation of new jobs is welcome, I am concerned about the impact on our community, particularly to those located in the Pondville section of town. Some from this section of Norfolk will literally be abutters to the property and will be impacted in many ways including noise, traffic, light, smell, and many other ways." Hathaway was disappointed that gambling legislation signed into law last November didn’t include amendments that provided greater protection to surrounding communities and allow abutting towns to have "a seat at the table. "
but we’ll get into those later." State Representative and Norfolk resident Dan Winslow was in support of the casino legislation but pushed for more local approval. "A key aspect to my support was the requirement that any casino plan receive local approval," Winslow wrote in an email." I believe that a casino is better-suited for an urban environment, rather than Foxboro,
"Norfolk officials and residents experienced firsthand during the Patriot Place approval process that based upon existing zoning laws, abutting communities have no say in the approval process, even for direct abutters," Hathaway explained. Wrentham's Town Administrator William Ketchum intends to work with the surrounding communities to better understand the proposal and its impacts. Furthermore, he says it is his intention to make sure if the proposal moves forward that Wrentham is protected as best it can from a statute within the legislation which does offer some mitigation to surrounding towns. "The statute isn’t specific on what the mitigation might be," Ketchum says. "It could be funding, infrastructure improvements, or perhaps reconfiguration of traffic patterns to protect residential areas. There are probably an infinite variety of things. And we haven’t identified all the factors that will affect Wrentham." To understand the full implications of the casino proposal, Ketchum asked the department heads for Planning, Police, Fire, and Public Works to detail their thoughts on what a Foxboro casino might do to Wrentham’s services and infrastructure. "I asked that they respond to me their view of impacts, and what would be necessary to mitigate the impacts," Ketchum said. "This will address issues of traffic and infrastructure. There may well be other impacts,
Page 3
and I hope the voters do not approve a casino in Foxboro." Winslow added that a casino in Foxboro would have a negative impact on the character of Foxboro and all area towns would have to deal with an increase in crime, drunk driving, drug dealing, prostitution, decreased property values, and an influx of workers and their children into our school systems. "Urban settings already address many of these issues without consequence," Winslow wrote. "If located other than Foxboro, our area citizens still will have the benefit of job creation and state revenue without the damage to our local towns' characters. My teenage children currently spend hours at
the Patriot Place Mall, which is very family friendly. Add a casino and the denizens of casino life, and you'd have to be a fool to allow your children to spend time at Patriot Place." The statute within the gaming legislation gives towns the ability to reach agreements with the casino license applicants for mitigation payments. The Gaming Commission has the power to declare a pending offer from the applicant to be reasonable. "While we certainly could expect more money for police and traffic safety, we'll have a more difficult time proving the wear and tear on our roads, the influx of drunk drivers, and other consequences," Winslow wrote. "So we'd get paid, but we'd still have the consequence. In Foxboro, the impacts would be even worse: lots of money to live in a town that people from Foxboro won't want to live in." Foxboro residents are scheduled to hear a presentation on the Kraft and Wynn proposed casino at a January 10th Special Town Meeting. For now, Foxboro’s neighbors will have to wait to see the outcome. Even if Foxboro voters decide they want the casino, a fivemember commission will decide which developer will win the casino licenses in three separate regions of the state. The Foxboro proposal will compete against a proposed casino in East Boston at Suffolk Downs. Both Hathaway and Ketchum plan to monitor the progress of the proposal and continue to speak with officials in the surrounding communities. (This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)
On Saturday, January 14th, the KP D.A.R.E. Support Group will hold a roast pork dinner at 5:30 pm at the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham. Save the date and enjoy a great meal. In addition to roast pork, there will be mashed potatoes, carrots, turnip, salad, rolls, applesauce, beverages and dessert. The cost will be $10 per person with a family maximum of $35.00.
KP D.A.R.E. Support Group was created to re-establish and support the D.A.R.E. program (and its components in the KP Wellness Program) in the King Philip School System in Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. To donate to KP D.A.R.E. Support Group, send a tax deductible check to P.O. Box 657, Wrentham, MA 02093.
Wine Tasting What In The World Is “Plonkapalooza”? Plonk, the literary term for a good, inexpensive bottle of wine, is the basis for the Boston Globe’s Plonkapalooza column. Wines are recommended to a panel for tasting, and from there, the panel makes their choices for the Plonkapalooza list! Bob Harkey of Harkey’s Wine in Millis is one of the contributing wine masters. During this evening, four white wines and four red wines will be tasted and explained. To round out the enjoyment of this evening, appetizers will be served by John Croatti from the Grille at the Adirondack Club. Please join us for this enjoyable and informational evening all benefiting Norfolk’s Summer
Playground Program. LIMITED TO 18 – Register soon. If the class fills up, please sign up for the wait list either on-line or in the office (no cost). If we have 10 or more on the wait list we will be able to increase the number of participants. The event is February 8th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Adirondack Club, 800 Chestnut St. Franklin, MA Fee: $45 per person. Register on line at www.virtualnorfolk.org/rec. Please call Norfolk Recreation with any questions at 508-5201315 or email us at recreation@ virtualnorfolk.org. Norfolk Recreation welcomes both residents and non-residents.
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January 1, 2012
WDC Works to Modernize Steam Power Plant BY PATRICK COLEMAN
A much needed modernization to the small and aging power plant within the confines of the Wrentham Developmental Center is underway. The plant, which provides heat and hot water throughout the campus, was constructed with steam boilers in the 1940s and 1950s and the system is showing its age by needing regular expensive repairs. "The staff at Wrentham Developmental Center keeps the plant in good repair," wrote Jennifer Kritz, Communications Director for the Massachusetts Executive office of Health and Human Services. "But expensive repairs to the boilers have become more frequent." The goal of the project is to modernize the plant with the installation of three new energy-efficient boilers that would be able to run on either natural gas or household fuel oil. Currently, the boilers run on a thick #6 fuel that has the appear-
ance and consistency of tar. The fuel needs to be pre-heated before use. The boiler controls also date back to the 1950s and will be replaced along with new pumps. "The end result will be a power plant that will run more efficiently on cleaner fuels and will result in cost savings for the Commonwealth and taxpayers," says Kritz. Since the new boilers will be running more efficiently on cleaner fuels, we expect that our smokestack emissions will drop." The issue of power is a hot topic these days with the extended power outages associated with Tropical Strom Irene in August and the October snowstorm. WDC had to run on the generators during the outages and, while the project's plans were in place before the recent incident, the facility will have new equipment to help in a similar emergency. The project calls for a new gas-fired emergency generator that will replace an old turbine. "The new generator will have au-
tomatic switching gears allowing it to fire up immediately when the power is lost," Kritz says. The old turbine required a 30 minute warm-up period before it could be run. The new plant modernization has the interest of Town officials. Again, due to the recent power outages, emergency power is an issue being evaluated. "We're very interested in what they're doing," says William Ketchum, Wrentham Town Administrator. He cited the recent approval at Town Meeting of a generator for the Senior Center. Also, the elementary school is looking into a generator. "If we can learn something from what they're planning perhaps that will change what we do," he says. The project is set for completion by next winter. (This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)
Pancake Breakfast at Federated Church of Norfolk The Federated Church of Norfolk will hold a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, January 7 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. In addition to our famous homemade pancakes, ham, sausage, cinnamon rolls, omelets or fresh eggs will be cooked to order. Fresh homemade biscuits and sausage gravy will also be served. It’s all you can eat for $7,
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The smoke stacks at the Wrentham Development Center currently connect to steam boilers built in the 1940s.
with a senior citizen cost of $5. Breakfast is free for children under age 10. The Federated Church is located at the corner of Main Street and Route 115 across from the Town Common. The breakfast is served in the church vestry which is handicapped accessible. For more information, contact the church office, 508-528-0262.
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January 1, 2012
Weathering the Season in Style BY BAMBI COHEN-ROSENQUIST
Is it possible to be chic while remaining warm and comfortable as the temperatures drop? I say yes, it’s easy. By incorporating a few basics into your winter wardrobe, you can stay cozy without foregoing fashion. And surprisingly, less can be more—even in winter. You can bet if your feet are cold, you will feel cold all over. Basic UGG boots are one of the most comfortable you can buy, but not the most flattering or unique. Instead, step up your personal style with Jimmy Choo UGG boots. They showcase your feet in leopard print, fringed, or even studded designs. Admittedly, they are an investment. But they offer more pizzazz along with the famed comfort and fashion for which Jimmy Choo is known, and will last for years. Another winter staple is So Low yoga pants. They look good on anyone, fit well, and help give you a flattering shape. Versatile and comfy, they move with you as you run errands, workout, or have lunch with a girlfriend. Black yoga pants are the old stand-by, but colors like charcoal, heather gray, and brown also make a great foundation for a wintery outfit. All work especially well when paired with a big comfy sweater. And truly, nothing feels better on a cold winter day than a favorite big comfy sweater. With so many different styles, sweaters are a
Boy Scouts to Provide Christmas Tree Removal for Wrentham Residents Wrentham Boy Scout Troop 131 will perform their annual Christmas tree recycling drive as a service project for Wrentham residents only.
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great opportunity to express your personality. Maybe it’s a thick, blocky wool sweater with different strands of brightly dyed wool woven through. Or, perhaps a finer gauge, knee length cardigan or my favorite, a Goddis poncho. If it feels good, wear it warmly all winter long. For added comfort and fashion beneath a sweater, a Last Tango lace tank is a must-have. In fact, wear it under everything. It holds you in, and offers a little show of lace. Available in just about every color, that extra layer goes a long way toward keeping you warm. And in my opinion, they are much more comfortable and fashionable than a traditional tummy control tank. Wrap a beautiful scarf around yourself for added panache. Unique scarves by Look at Me Designs, made from recycled
felted wool sweaters, are sure to be a conversation piece. But really, the trick here is to recognize any great scarf that catches your eye will catch everyone else’s eye too. And all the while being warm and cozy around your neck. With a beautiful scarf you want to keep your earrings small and just a little sparkle. A pair of Syd Miliken studs would do the trick. Finally, suit up with some designer texting gloves, like the ones by Look at Me Designs or Jamie Kreitman, These stylish thin gloves without fingertips keep you warm but free to text or use your iPod touch screen. However, the best part of these gloves is you can still show off your favorite rings and won’t mess up your fresh manicure! Now, you’re ready to weather the cold. Regardless of your size, with these staples on hand, you should have no problem staying warm and comfortable—and uniquely chic—all winter long. Bambi Cohen-Rosenquist and Jane Bailey are the owners of Bambi’s vive le chic, located in Wrentham Center. Their boutique offers unique cosmopolitan clothing and accessories, as well as a gallery of local artwork. For more information, visit http://bambisVLC.com or find Bambi’s vive le chic on facebook.
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For a $10 donation, curbside pickup will be on Saturday, January 7th (raindate: Sun., Jan 8th). Please place your donation in an envelope. Seal the envelope and place it around the bottom of the tree with a rubber band. Make checks payable to "Troop 131" and place the tree on the curb near the street before 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 7th, 2012.
For safety reasons, they cannot accept trees with tinsel, flocked trees, trees with nails, artificial trees, wreaths with metal shape wires, or trees with any other metal attached. Your donations are a critical part of the ability to provide a quality program, consistent with the high ideals of scouting. The Scouts of Troop 131 thank you for your support. Questions may be directed to 508-384-0457 or Alan.Plantamura@verizon.net
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Page 6
January 1, 2012
Final Days for Crosby Valve BY PATRICK COLEMAN A piece of Wrentham’s history will soon be leveled and covered with dirt and grass. The Tyco buildings, known around town as Crosby Valve will be demolished over the coming weeks since the company moved the Wrentham operation to Mansfield in 2010. Located in the center of town on Kendrick St., it once employed close to 650 people who patronized the local stores and lunch counters. “It’s very sad,” says Gail Pratt, member of the Board of Selectmen and also a former employee of Crosby value who work worked for five presidents in her 41 years with the company. “It was the biggest employer in town. We had a great reputation.” The first phase of the demolition has started. The areas around the manufacturing building as well as two small foundry buildings have been fenced off. The abatement of the property is currently taking place with the removal of regulated waste, heavy equipment and office furniture. The project schedule calls for this to continue through the middle of January. Once the pre-demolition work is completed the buildings will start to come down with work scheduled to be completed by the end of February or early March. The buildings will be destroyed using heavy equipment and excavators. There are no plans to use any explosives. The buildings do contain asbestos and a firm has been hired to monitor the air quality throughout the area. Plastic sheeting will be used in all the windows as well. The ground
soil has contaminants but this phase of the project is focused on the demolition of the buildings, removing the concrete slabs under the buildings and putting down top soil and planting grass. This is all scheduled to be completed by April. There will be limited soil excavation at this time. Tyco Flow has been working closely with all the Wrentham departments, with different oversight on this project including the Board of Health, Police, Fire, Public Works, Building Inspector and the Historical Commission. The removal of the asbestos is being supervised by state agencies. A big concern for the town is keeping the water to the building operational as long as possible to maintain the sprinklers during the demolition. There has been coordination with the police since large trucks will haul the debris from the building off the property. “Tyco is a large company that is very concerned about their own visibility and has been proceeding in a very careful manner,” says William Ketchum, Wrentham Town Administrator. The future of the site is still a question. The Wrentham Planning Department, and Economic Development Committee, has sent representatives to the meetings with Tyco Flow. The hopes for the Town are the land will be sold to a developer. “We’re going to start working to see what we have to do to encourage the redevelopment in a way that is compatible with Wrentham’s downtown,” says Ketchum. Tyco has confirmed the property
Crosby Valve once employed upwards of 650 people. Today the building is being prepared for demolition.
will be put up for sale. “We expect to have the property ready for sale sometime in 2013 after approvals by local and state agencies,” says company spokesperson Jennifer Albert. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Joe Botaish says the loss of Tyco to Mansfield was a big hit to the town. “It’s a loss of revenue,” he said. “The sad thing is we lost the business in the first place.” The original building was constructed by Winter Brothers Machine in the early 1900s. Winter Brothers manufactured taps and dies, mostly for the automotive industry. After World War II the business was sold to Crosby Valve which made steam valves and also created valves used in the U.S. Nautilus, the first nuclear subma-
Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Spring 2012 Now Being Accepted Registration is ON-LINE Only Registration for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Spring 2012 now being accepted - Registration is ON-LINE only. All games are played in Norfolk on Sunday afternoons. NLYS is open to boys and girls age 3 (by September 1, 2011) thru grade 12. You do not have to live in
Norfolk to join in on the fun! During our spring season, we will be placing U9 (grade 2 & 3) players onto ALL Girl and ALL Boy teams. Visit the website www.norfolklionssoccer.com to register. Registration DEADLINE is February 1, 2011
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rine. For decades the sound of pressure tests on new valves could be heard around town. The company was later purchased by Tyco Flow Control and the operations were moved to a $25 million plant in Mansfield in 2010. Efforts have been made to preserve the historical aspect of the company. The Historical Commission was given a couple small valves, an old toolbox, as well old artistic renderings of the property and other pictures. The group is also attempting to obtain a few signs. The artifacts will be preserved and displayed at the Old Fiske Library. “Eventually we will find a way to setup a museum display,” says Greg Stahl, Chairman of the Historical Commission. “The valves we got are small enough to pick up and carry. They did make some as big
as a pickup truck.” Once the building is demolished the value of the property will decrease but the official re-evaluation of the property needs to be completed by the Board of Assessors. That is scheduled to happen in January. Ultimately, this will result in a smaller tax bill for Tyco Flow. “There is a value attached to the buildings. The Board of Assessors would have to look at it. I would suspect there is less value without the buildings,” Ketchum says. The demolition closes a chapter in Wrentham history. Pratt says, “It is bitter sweet to see it go. I don’t know why we didn’t keep them here.” (This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Page 7
For Our Towns January is the season for making New Year resolutions and setting goals for the upcoming year. A few of the elected officials for Norfolk and Wrentham provide their goals for 2012. Joe Botaish, Chairman, Wren-
Steve Langley, Member, Wrentham Board of Selectmen First of all, for the rest of my term I plan to continue to represent our citizens in the manner that I promised them almost three years ago;
telling me how they think I have done. Jim Lehane, Vice Chairman, Norfolk Board of Selectman
• to be respectful in communication and raise the tenor of discourse on the Board • to represent all constituencies in our town, from young families to senior citizens • to advocate for interests that I thought were in the best interests of the town • to run the town as efficiently and cost effectively as possible I have done my best to keep those promises and will continue to do so.
Joe Botaish
tham Board of Selectmen What I would like to accomplish in 2012 is to continue the momentum that has been started in 2011 including the continuation of new faces stepping up to join boards, committees and commissions. We need to continue to find ways to run the town more efficiently and to find ways to restore the needed service cut over the past few years. I would like to see smart zoning changes to help move some of the tax burden from the residents to new business that complement the charm of Wrentham.
Secondly, over the last three years, the boards that I have been fortunate to be a part of have consistently challenged the status quo and worked to make revenue generation a priority for the betterment of our citizens. I want to continue that effort so that when these changes bear fruit, it will help make budgetary ends meet in this difficult economic climate for everyone. Finally, very soon after the New Year I will decide whether to run for another term. I have very much enjoyed my time in office, and if I decide to embark upon that quest, I do eagerly anticipate people
Jim Lehane
The last few years have been difficult for all, not just for the Town but for many of our citizens as well. The fiscal crisis has strained our resources and limited our ability to invest in our schools, public safety and general government. While we have managed our way through this crisis, I am forever hopeful that we have turned the corner and our economy will stabilize, unemployment will decrease and we in town government can begin to invest in our community again. These uncertain times strain our employees with concerns over layoffs, increased workloads due to staff reductions and increased demands by our citizens. My wish is always for the well being and good health to all but economic stability, increased revenue, the ability to invest in the continued growth of our community
and the educational opportunities for our children would be a welcome event for all. But if I could only accomplish one goal in 2012 that I believe would make a difference it would be as follows: For several years we have strugled to develop a single strategy on how to develop our downtown business district. I am hopeful that this new year will bring the boards and community together in supporting a strategy that will retain the rural atmosphere we all cherish yet provide for the economic growth we will need to sustain our services. We have a unique opportunity to shape our downtown , and I am hopeful that I can help facilitate a process that will bring the diversity of views and knowledge together to finalize a plan that will build the foundation for the future of our town. James Tomaszewski, Chairman, Norfolk Board of Selectmen We have a new elementary school under construction and my goal would be to have it open in September on time and under budget. The second big one is to submit a budget to town meeting in May that will adequately fund the town government and the schools. The third would be to develop new plans for a new public safety building. Those are three key goals the town of Norfolk should strive for in 2012.
Dan Winslow, State Representative, Ninth Norfolk District
Dan Winslow
I hope I can work as your State Representative to make all local residents' lives a bit better in 2012 than last year. I will continue to push for job growth opportunities for people who have been without work, to press forward on my proposal to reduce healthcare costs, to work for our fair share of local aid for our schools, public safety, and infrastructure. And I will continue to be a leading voice for reform and improvement on Beacon Hill. I will host community meetings and continue to reply to all emails and calls to be accessible and accountable to our citizens. I hope that everyone has a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. And, of course, I hope that the voters think I've earned their vote for reelection to a second term of office in the House!
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January 1, 2012
Norfolk and Wrentham Public Library Programs Norfolk Public Library 139 Main St. Norfolk, MA 02056 Phone: 508-528-3380
The monthly general meeting of the Junior Friends of the Library. For kids in grades 4-6. 3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m.
Registration required. Contact: Amy Lang 508-528-3380 x5 lang@virtualnorfolk.org 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
January 1 sunday spinners, Contact: Kris Bent 508-528-7120 krisbent@msn. com, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
January 5 mother goose on the loose! A highly interactive program for children up to age 3 with a caregiver. Join us for songs, rhymes, puppets, lap bounces, and more! 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
multi-age storytime An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver, 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
January 3 ed morgan sing-along, Join Ed Morgan for singing, dancing, and an all-around great time. For children of all ages with a caregiver. No registration required. 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. rocket readers book discussion, 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. great decisions discussion group, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. January 4 baby time – First Class of January/February Session, Stories, rhymes, songs, and play for babies up to 12 months and their caregivers. This is a 7-week class that runs from January 5-February 15. Registration required. Contact: Amy Lang 508-528-3380 x5 lang@virtualnorfolk.org 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. multi-age storytime–An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver, 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on my own storytime–An independent story time experience for children 3 and up. Caregivers must stay in the building, but are encouraged to let children attend the program alone. 1:30 p.m to 2 p.m. Junior Friends of the library,
super sleuths, Practice your detective skills at the library! We’ll read a Nate the Great mystery story and solve some puzzles of our own. For children in grades K2. Registration required. 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. January 6 Picnic Playgroup, Bring a lunch and enjoy music, stories, and fun. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. 11:30 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. no girls allowed!, A book discussion group just for guys in grades 5-8. 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. January 10 Puppet making–Come to the library and make your very own puppet! You can create a puppet based on a character from your favorite book, or design a completely original creation. We’ll supply the materials. For children in grades 2-4. Registration required. 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. January 11 baby time–First Class of January/February Session, Stories, rhymes, songs, and play for babies up to 12 months and their caregivers. This is a 7-week class that runs from January 5-February 15.
on my own storytime–An independent story time experience for children 3 and up. Caregivers must stay in the building, but are encouraged to let children attend the program alone. 1:30 p.m to 2 p.m. teen Friends of the library – The monthly general meeting of the Teen Friends of the Library. For kids in grades 7-12. 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Knitters guild – Contact: Denise Corless 508-877-6403 dmoc680@hotmail.com, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. January 12 mother goose on the loose! A highly interactive program for children up to age 3 with a caregiver. Join us for songs, rhymes, puppets, lap bounces, and more! 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. January 13 Picnic Playgroup, Bring a lunch and enjoy music, stories, and fun. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. 11:30 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. January 17 tuesday afternoon book discussion group–Monthly meeting of Norfolk Public Library book discussion group. New members
are always welcome.1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. January 18 baby time–First Class of January/February Session, Stories, rhymes, songs, and play for babies up to 12 months and their caregivers. This is a 7-week class that runs from January 5-February 15. Registration required. Contact: Amy Lang 508-528-3380 x5 lang@virtualnorfolk.org 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. multi-age storytime–An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver, 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on my own storytime – An independent story time experience for children 3 and up. Caregivers must stay in the building, but are encouraged to let children attend the program alone. 1:30 p.m to 2 p.m. Junior Friends book discussion–A monthly book discussion for the Junior Friends of the Library. Our book for this month is Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Books can be picked up at the library's circulation desk about 3 weeks in advance. 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. January 19 mother goose on the loose! A highly interactive program for children up to age 3 with a caregiver. Join us for songs, rhymes, puppets, lap bounces, and more! 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. center stage–Catch the acting bug with improvisational theater games. We’ll explore how to create
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January 20 Picnic Playgroup, Bring a lunch and enjoy music, stories, and fun. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. 11:30 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. January 23 chinese new year celebration–Ring in the Year of the Dragon with Chinese folktales, snacks, and a craft. For children in grades K-2. Registration required. Contact: Amy Lang 508-5283380 x5 lang@virtualnorfolk.org, 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. January 25 baby time–First Class of January/February Session, Stories, rhymes, songs, and play for babies up to 12 months and their caregivers. This is a 7-week class that runs from January 5-February 15. Registration required. Contact: Amy Lang 508-528-3380 x5 lang@virtualnorfolk.org 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. multi-age storytime–An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver, 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on my own storytime–An independent story time experience for children 3 and up. Caregivers must stay in the building, but are encouraged to let children attend the program alone. 1:30 p.m to 2 p.m. reading giraffes book discussion–A monthly book discussion for the Teen Friends of the Library (aka the Reading Giraffes). Books can be picked up at the library's circulation desk about 3 weeks in advance. 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. ms support group, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Location: NPL Lounge January 26 mother goose on the loose! A highly interactive program for children up to age 3 with a caregiver. Join us for songs, rhymes, puppets, lap bounces, and more! 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tel: (508) 520-0696 • Dine In/Take Out
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January 27 Picnic Playgroup, Bring a lunch and enjoy music, stories, and fun. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS continued on page 9
January 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 9
Norfolk Recreation Winter Programs Norfolk Recreation offers programming for all ages birth through seniors. Winter programs start the week of January 9, 2012 and meet weekly other than school vacations and holidays. Details, full descriptions and registration is available on www.virtualnorfolk.org/rec. Printed Brochures are available at our office in Norfolk Town Hall (closed Fridays) and the office is open for walk in registrations. Any questions may be emiled to recreation@virtualnorfolk.org or please call our office at 508-520-1315. Norfolk Recreation is open to nonresidents at no additional cost. A few program highlights include: Children under under the age of 4 sticky Fingers for ages 18 months- 3 years with adult. Fridays at 9:30 or 10:30. $40/6 classes. toddler tumble time ages 14 months-2.5 years. Thursdays. Open gym for parents/caretakers with children. $15/4 classes. 1, 2, 3, get ready for PreSchool, 2-3 years with an adult. Mondays at 9:15am $45/6 classes
Practicing Pre-school for 2+3+ years. 1.5 hour drop off program. Mondays @10:30 or Thursdays at 9:30am. $89/6 sessions Thursdays has extended time available.$79/6 sessions. Parent and tot gymnastics, 18 mos.-3 years Tuesdays $40/6 classes.
engineering Fundamentals with legos, Play-Well Technologies Grades 3-6, Thursdays, 3:15pm-4:45pm at Freeman Centennial School $149/ 8 classes Zumbatomics, Grades K-2
January 29 Sunday Spinners, Contact: Kris Bent 508-528-7120 krisbent@msn. com, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
lego club, Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated!) 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Fiske Public Library 110 Randall Rd Wrentham, MA 02093-1511
January 12 yoga with chris Primavera, Second class of the first WINTER session. Sign up and prepayment of $65.00 is required. 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
January 5 yoga with chris Primavera, First class of the first WINTER session. Sign up and prepayment of $65.00 is required. 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. January 6 baby/toddler Playgroups, Two programs: Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 9:30. Toddlers (walkers) to ages 2½ with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 10:30. Meet new friends, play with the toys and gym equipment purchased with funds from the Friends of Fiske!!! Come join the fun! No registration required just drop in. If arriving before 10AM
January 13 baby/toddler Playgroups, Two programs: Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 9:30. Toddlers (walkers) to ages 2½ with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 10:30. Meet new friends, play with the toys and gym equipment purchased with funds from the Friends of Fiske!!! Come join the fun! No registration required just drop in. If arriving before 10AM please ring doorbell. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. January 14 lego club, Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always ap-
Middle School advanced Field hockey: Grades 5-8 , Mondays 4:30-6pm Starts 1/30. Offered by KP's Varsity Coach, Liz Hathaway, $75/4 weeks
soccer dynamics–tech training, at ForeKicks, 10 weeks starting 1/7, $275 skiing/snowboarding at blue hills–lessons, varying prices depending on rental choices Fridays 4pm -Registration deadline January 6.
Elementary School Age Pony lovers for ages 4-7 at October Farm, Saturdays, $135/4 classes Pre-engineering with legos, Play-Well Technologies Grades K-2, Tuesdays, 3:15pm-4:45pm at HODay School Library $149/ 8 classes
hills - lessons, varying prices depending on rental choices Fridays 4pm -Registration deadline January 6.
girls Friday night volleyball: Grades 7-8, 6:15-7:15pm $49/5 weeks.
musical movement - Mondays, infants to crawlers 9:15am, Steady walkers to 3 years old 10am $40/6 weeks.
please ring doorbell. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
January 4 Mom's Club, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Karate–stranger danger K-6, Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:154:15pm. $60/1st month (includes uniform/gee), $50 each month thereafter. Fees paid to Designed Defense directly.
Jumping gym, 3-5 years, Dropoff, Tuesdays at 10:45am $40/6 classes.
continued from page 8
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Tuesdays, Grades 3-6 Thursdays, 3:15pm $45/ 6 weeks
Friday night dodgeball: Grades 3-6, alternating Friday nights. 6:30-8pm $40/4 weeks Pizza the last night!
Adults cooking Primer–3 weeks of cooking classes with Chef John Croatti at the Adirondack Club. Wednesdays 7-9pm, Week 1: Stocks, Soups and Sauces Week 2: Vegetables, Pastas and Side Dishes, Week 3: Fish, Meat and Poultry Individual prices $35/$35/$39. All 3 for $95.
skiing/snowboarding at blue
Fundamentals of belly danc-
preciated!) 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Fourth class of the first WINTER session. Sign up and prepayment of $65.00 is required. 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
girls Friday night volleyball: Grades 4-6 7:15-8:15pm $49/5 weeks.
January 19 yoga with chris Primavera, Third class of the first WINTER session. Sign up and prepayment of $65.00 is required. 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. January 20 baby/toddler Playgroups, Two programs: Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 9:30. Toddlers (walkers) to ages 2½ with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 10:30. Meet new friends, play with the toys and gym equipment purchased with funds from the Friends of Fiske!!! Come join the fun! No registration required just drop in. If arriving before 10AM please ring doorbell. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. January 21 lego club, Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated!) 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. January 25 Foreign Film January 26 yoga with chris Primavera,
learning through Play, This monthly program is being offered by Self Help, Inc., Community Partnerships for Children. Learning through Play is a FREE playgroup for preschool children and their families. Come join us for fingerplays, books and a craft as we Learn Through Play. Cannedgood donations will be gratefully accepted for the Wrentham Food Pantry. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. evening book group, Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin. Book will be available at the circulation desk. Facilitator: Jan Bat-
ing: New! Wednesdays 7:30-9pm 8 weeks/ $94 Zumba: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 6:30-7:20pm 12 Classes (one night):$69. 24 classes (both nights) $125 beginner yoga: Thursdays 910am new to yoga - advanced beginner $40/5 weeks Futsal: Adult Indoor Soccer, Wednesdays 7-8:845pm 1/11-3/28 (no 2/22) $40/11 weeks digital Photography and creating Photo books (look like published books-amazing!) Tuesdays: Photography $45/4 weeks, Photo Books $45/4 weeks Pilates/strength training/ combo exercise classes– various times Monday, Friday mornings, Monday, Wednesday evenings.$72/12 weeks (1X/wk) ladies snow shoe/trek: Various locations in local towns, Thursdays 9:45am or Saturdays 9:45am: $25/ 6 weeks happy dog hike: Various locations in local towns, Wednesdays 10:30-11:30am No aggressive dogs please. $25/6 weeks
tikha, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January 27 baby/toddler Playgroups, Two programs: Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 9:30. Toddlers (walkers) to ages 2½ with Mom, Dad or caregiver meet on Fridays at 10:30. Meet new friends, play with the toys and gym equipment purchased with funds from the Friends of Fiske!!! Come join the fun! No registration required just drop in. If arriving before 10AM please ring doorbell. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. lego club, Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated!) 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
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Page 10
January 1, 2012
Three Members of Troop 61 Awarded the Rank of Eagle Scout Family and friends witnessed Colby Anderson,Daniel Young and Shane Loughlin receive the rank of Eagle Scout at Coachman's Lodge In Bellingham. (Pictured)
bished. The parking lot, the trail, stream and sign now welcome families back to the area. Dan is studying Music at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Colby Anderson, son of Mark Anderson and Heidi Neipris, is Troop 61's 96th Eagle Scout. Colby's service project benefits hikers within the Wrentham State Forest where he was instrumental in building a bridge on one of the trails. Colby is currently in his freshman year at UMass Dartmouth studying engineering.
Shane Loughlin, son of Patrick and Sue Loughlin, is Troop 61's 98th Eagle Scout. He worked diligently at the Sweatt Baseball Complex clearing an overgrown area, making access to the fields easier for spectators, and designing and building a display board of the map of the fields. Shane is currently studying culinary arts at Southern New Hampshire University.
Daniel Young, Troop 61's 97th Eagle Scout, son of Maryann and Rich Young, completed his service project within the Joe's Rock Conservation area of Wrentham. An area that was previously run down and attracting undesirable activities has been completely refur-
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. He is required to earn at least 21 merit badges which signify the mastery
of certain Scout craft skills as well as serving to increase skill in areas of personal interest. A Scout must also demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service positions and show good leadership skills, including organizing, leading and managing an extensive service project that benefits the community. On a national basis, approximately 2.5% of boys entering scouting reach Eagle status. Each of these 3 young men began their scouting career back in Cub Scouts over 12 years ago. They joined Boy Scout Troop 61 when they were 11 years old and embarked on the long dedicated road to the rank of Eagle. Many of Troop 61's Eagle Scouts and former leaders joined in the celebrations this past weekend, some traveling from afar. Troop 61 always welcomes new recruits. Meetings are held every Monday 7pm-8:30pm at Wrentham Elementary School, Wrentham. For more information please contact Scoutmaster Ray Rose at (508) 400-9055 rosecabin@verizon.net or Steve Marland Asst. Scoutmaster (508) 384-5197. stephenmarland@verizon.net. Wrentham Boy Scouts Colby Anderson, Daniel Young and Shane Loughlin earned the rank of Eagle.
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 11
Living Healthy Wrentham Lions Hold Norfolk Lions Close to 100 Coat Goal New Years 5K to Kick off Busy Month The Wrentham Lions Club is sponsoring its 12th annual New Years Classic 5K Road Race on Monday, January 2, 2012 at the Eagle Brook Saloon, 258 Dedham St. in Norfolk. Rain, snow or shine, the race starts at 9 a.m. Race day registration is $25 and begins at 8 a.m. The registration fee includes all you can eat buffet and racing gloves to the first 100 entrants. There will be continuous cash raffles for additional prizes and non-runner buffet tickets can also be purchased for $10. For $20 advance registration or further information about this event, please contact Joe Moscariello, chairman of the Wrentham Lions New Years Classic committee at 508-3845907 or email newyears classic@wrentham-lions.org. The Wrentham Lions Club monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 5th at Luciano’s restaurant on Route 1 in Wrentham. Social time is 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the meeting starting at 7 p.m. The group will also hold a membership night on on Thursday, January 19th, 7 p.m.
at American Legion Hall on Route 1A in Wrentham. This informal gathering will welcome anyone who might be interested in joining or learning more about the Lions Organization and how the local Wrentham Lions Club supports the Wrentham community, the state and international charities. Lions International is the world’s largest nonprofit service organization, with 1.3 million members in over 200 countries. For more information, please contact Paul Strittmatter, Membership Chair at 508-384-2688 or Carl Evans, President at 508-3841190 for more information. The 5 K road race is a fundraiser and monies raised from this event will support local Wrentham Lions charities, as well as our main cause, funding eye research in the hopes that one day, a cure will be found for blindness. For more information about the Wrentham Lions Club, please visit our website at www.wrentham-lions.org.
Norfolk Recreation Has Openings Left for Private Piano Lessons Norfolk Recreation has a few spots open for 1/2 hour private piano instruction for ages 6 through 21. Mrs. Madden, the H.O. Day School's Music teacher, is the instructor of "Keyboard Kapers". Students will learn the basics and choose a popular song that they’ll be playing before they leave the first day! Melodies (the fun part) will be emphasized - this is a great way to learn piano fun and fast! As lessons progress, technique will be emphasized. Make-up lessons are only scheduled due to illness or family emergency and if time allows.
Unfortunately, time is very limited, so make-ups are NOT guaranteed. New and continuing students are welcome. Lessons are given on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:30-6pm inclusive. Lessons start Tuesday, January 10. Time preference based on registration order. If you are limited in time choices, please be sure to register early. Lessons are held at the H.O.Day School in the Music Room. For more details and dates or to register, please visit www.virtualnoroflk.org/rec. The fee is $225/12 Lessons. Nonresidents welcome.
From Left to Right- Norfolk Lions: David Turi, Shawn Dooley, Ronaele Salisbury, Don Hanssen.
The Norfolk Lions Club is pleased to announce that it has donated over 90 coats in support of the Coats For Kids program in 2011. The program is held annually and provides coats for men, women, children, and infants who are in need throughout the local area. Anton’s Cleaners in Medfield has agreed to dry clean all of these coats free of charge before distribution to families. In its first year participating in the Coats for Kids Program, the Norfolk Lions are close to donat-
ing over 100 coasts by the end of 2011.
sclub@yahoo.com or visit www. norfolklions.com.
The Norfolk Lions Club currently has 77 members and meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Primavera Restaurant in Millis, MA. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Norfolk Lions Club, please contact Todd Lindmark, Membership chairman at norfolklion-
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with nearly 1.35 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in 206 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. Check out www.lionsclubs.org.
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 12
January 1, 2012
Living Healthy Cataracts and Cataract Surgery Speech-Language & Hearing Associates of Greater Boston
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• Preschool Assessment and Intervention • School-Age Speech-Lanquage and Literacy Evaluations and Therapies
As a local ophthalmologist in private practice, I have been asked, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity, to write an occasional column on current eye care subjects. Whereas cataract surgery is one of the most common-of-all surgical procedures nationally, and is the single most-common surgical procedure which I perform regularly, I felt that this would be an appropriate subject for this initial column.
• Hearing and Auditory Processing Tests • Hearing Aid Fittings • Reading and Writing Strategies • Wilson, Orton-Gillingham • Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment
Visit our website: www.speechlanguageandhearingassociates.com Two Convenient Locations
5 North Meadow Rd, Medfield (508) 359-4532
BY GLEN K. GOODMAN, M.D., F.A.C.S
30 Man-Mar Drive, Plainville (508) 695-6848
CONCIERGE CATARACT CARE Here are what our patients and your neighbors and friends have said recently:
~ "This facility and Dr. Goodman are wonderful and this community is so fortunate to have him and it." ~ "Much better experience than having the procedure done at the hospital." ~ "Thank you for the gift of sight!" ~ "The surgical center is outstanding. The staff is professional, organized and comforting. My records were released and everything was explained. The care I received was excellent." Some facts about us: • The only fully certified and accredited (state, federal and medicare) ophthalmology facility in the area. • All out nursing, anesthesia, and O.R. staff are eye specialists - hand-picked and specially trained. • Over 12,000 cataract surgeries to date and growing. • Nearly all insurance plans are accepted and our fees are lower than a hospital's fees.
145 West Street, Milford, Massachusetts 01757 Phone: 508•381•5600 / Fax: 508•381•5610 www.besteyedoc.com
First of all, what is (and what is not) a cataract? The name derives from the Latin "cataracta" and the Greek "katarhaktes"; both terms translate roughly as "waterfall" or "broken water". Medically, a cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the middle of our eyes. Our eyes are indeed exceedingly complex organs, but nevertheless, they can in fact be thought of as exquisitely precise focusing instruments, whose purpose is to allow the external world to be focused through the eye and the optic nerves to our brain. In order for our visible world to be clear, the lens within our eyes, which focuses the light, must be free of haze, opacities or swelling. When the lens of the eye is found to have these abnormal findings, a cataract is the appropriate medical term. Accordingly, a cataract is not an external ocular film - a not uncommon misperception. Similarly,
cataracts are most-often associated with the normal aging process and, as such, are not strictly a disease of the eye, such as glaucoma (abnormally high eye pressure) or macular degeneration (damage to the central retina). Although there are myriad causes of cataracts, and cataracts can unfortunately occur at birth and in infancy or childhood, for most of us the occurrence of cataracts is a normal accompaniment of the aging process. More-or-less, we can all expect to get cataracts as we get older. Cataracts require surgical removal when they reach a level of blurriness that interferes with an individual person's ability to see well. There is no "one-size fits all" diagnostic exam which will definitively decide when surgery is indicated. A cataract will therefore be considered "ripe" for surgery at a different stage and time for one person than for another. You and your eye doctor should work together to ensure that cataract surgery is performed when it is indicated for your individual needs. Future columns will discuss the latest developments in cataract surgery and will include information on implants, techniques, misinformation and future developments, such as laser cataract surgery. We are located at 145 West Street, Milford, MA 01757. Ph: 508-3816040 • Fax: 508-381-6050
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Page 13
Living Healthy January is National Blood Donor Month BY J.D. O’GARA The first month of the year marks a national awareness month for blood donation. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, with over 38,000 blood donations needed every day. The American Red Cross notes that in most states, donors must be 17 years old, healthy and weigh at least 110 lbs. In fact, less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood. Type O-negative blood and Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Both are always in demand and often in short supply. Donors must wait 56 days before each blood donation.
King Street, Norfolk, in participation with Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital, Boston. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis; appointments are recommended. Make appointment www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org and use sponsor code MIRLISS. For information, email: HGM. Memorial.Drive@Gmail.com January 10 Medfield Lions Club hosting blood drive at American Legion, 110 Peter Kristoff Way, Medfield. Donors can receive a pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee. January 12 Franklin RSM at the Franklin Elks Club, 2-7 p.m. 1077 Pond St., Franklin, Donors can receive a pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee.
Want to give blood? Here are a few local upcoming blood drives: January 4 Hockomock Area YMCA, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. Donors can receive a pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee. January 7 8th Annual Gary Mirliss Memorial Blood Drive, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., King Philip Middle School, 18
If you would like to donate blood at any of these events, call 1(800) RED-CROSS to make an appointment. For information on other opportunities to donate blood or plasma, visit www.redcross.org.
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 14
January 1, 2012
Living Healthy Ice Skating Safety Tips
• The only safe ice is at a rink.
BY ANNE PARKER
• Know the body of water, nearby street, and where the nearest location is to go for help.
We are in the dead of winter. How do you manage to the enjoy the cold? Ice skate! Here are some tips on how to stay safe when you go skating on a body of water. Many police and fire departments won't even indicate what ponds or lakes are safe to skate on. They recommend skating at your local ice rink on Panther Way in Franklin or Norfolk Arena. When you choose to skate on a pond or lake, you essentially skate at your own risk. If you do choose to skate on a body of water, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind, from the Division of Parks and Recreation. How do you know if ice is safe to skate on? It takes at least 5 to 7 days of temperatures in the low 20’s before ice may become safe, according to the Division of Parks and Recreation website. The following rules should be followed to ensure ice safety: • Never assume the ice is safe.
• Never skate on an untested lake or pond. • The ice should have minimum of at least six inches. • Never skate alone. • Only skate during the day or if an area is illuminated.
load placed on the ice. The signs of expansion cracks. The National Safety Council offers these tips to help you and your family enjoy safe skating. • Wear skates that fit comfortably and provide enough ankle support to keep you on your feet. • Have the blades professionally sharpened at the beginning of each season.
• Never use ice for a shortcut.
Chemistry of (salt or fresh).
the
water
Local climatic factors such as wind, snow, rain and temperature fluctuations which can vary considerably from day to day. The presence of currents such as at stream inflows/outflows, and along streams or rivers. The presence of springs and the size and depth of the lake or pond. The distribution of the weight or
The Department of Parks and Recreation suggests the following:
• Warm coat
• Call 911 • Do not attempt to rescue the victim. • If the ice could not support their weight, it will not support your weight. • Try to calm and reassure the victim and have them stay afloat.
• If with a responsible adult, have the adult return to try and assist the victim from shore.
Ice strength:
• The strength of ice is determined by several factors:
• Thermal underwear
• Also, wait for emergency responders to bring them to the exact location of the victim.
• Never go out onto the ice after an animal or toy.
• First and most important: you cannot tell the strength of the ice simply by its looks and thickness, daily temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow.
fallen through the ice.
• Skate only on specially prepared skating areas where you are sure the ice is strong enough to withstand your weight. • Always check for cracks, holes and other debris. • Before setting out on your skating expedition, learn basic skating skills, such as how to stop and fall safely. • Wear warm clothing and rest when you become tired or cold. • Never skate alone. What to do if someone has
• Provide victim with something to help them stay afloat such as plastic milk or soda bottles, or a spare tire.
This program is designed to assist high school athletes looking to become stronger, faster and more explosive during the off-season.
On Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 11:00am – 3:00pm, a free demo will take place, open to all who are looking to gain a compet-
• Gloves or mittens • Change of socks • Lip balm, Tissues • Bottle of water
Blood Drive in Memory of Gary Mirliss
• If the victim is stable and afloat try to send something to reach and retrieve victim such as a rope, extension cord, ladder, branch, boat or tying clothes together. • If the victim is retrieved to shore, take steps to keep the victim warm. Give a change of clothes, wrap in blanket etc. until rescue personnel arrive. Basic Gear for ice skating outdoors: • Layers of warm clothing that allow freedom of movement
CrossFit Franklin Launches Sports Training & Conditioning Program January 22nd CrossFit Franklin is pleased to announce the launch of its Sports Training and Conditioning Program.
• Stocking hat and scarf
itive edge. Please contact Devin Gray at devin@teamfitnessfranklin.com to register.
Please plan to join us for the 8th Annual Gary Mirliss Memorial Blood Drive, in participation with Brigham, Women’s Hospital and DanaFarber Cancer Institute, and Children’s Hospital, Boston. The drive will take place on January 7th, 2012 at King Philip Middle School, 18 King St. in Norfolk, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. What better way to end the holiday season than by DONATING BLOOD? Walk-ins will be accommodated on a 1st come 1st serve basis so we recommend that you make an appointment! Spots are filling up fast! To make you appointment you can go to www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org and use the Sponsor code MIRLISS. For information, please email: GM.Memorial.Drive@ Gmail.com
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Page 15
The Cake Bar Seeing Sweet Success in Franklin Food Network Challenge Winner a Native of the Town nese. “It’s a small town at heart. It might be bigger than when I was a kid, but the bottom line is it still feels like a small town. People know each other and they support each other.”
BY J.D. O’GARA It says a lot about a community when a new business owner vows never to leave the town. Food Network Challenge repeat cast member and winner Tracie Turinese, along with her partner Angie McMillan, have been so impressed with the support of both Franklin residents and businesses that they have done just that. “The community really has welcomed us,” says Tracie, whose cupcakes, just the tip of a delicious iceberg of beautiful treats, have become the talk of the town. Turinese, a native of Franklin, has strong ties to the neighborhood. She has found support not only from those who have deep roots in the town, but also in a “whole new wave of kids and families who are all so excited and so wonderful.” “We will never leave Franklin,” says Turinese. “We might, down the road, open up new locations, but we would never give up Franklin. The partners have had other small Franklin businesses to encourage them, for absolutely no reason other than to be kind, the two say. For example, the owners of Switch and Terrazza not only gave them business, but both also offered advice and displayed The Cake Bar business cards at their locations. “Franklin has grown,” says Turi-
“They want to see you succeed. We get that all the time,” says Angie, who says sales have quadrupled what they had expected. Turinese, a repeat cast member of the national TV program and winner of the Food Network Challenge, uses 3 cupcake and cake recipes adapted from staple recipes at Pipinelle’s restaurant. These recipes were given to Turinese and McMillan by Ron Bucchannio, owner of Pipinelle’s, and Margie Damelio, Pastry Chef from the restaurant. Prior to opening their business, both women, Turinese on the east coast and McMillan, on the west coast in Spokane, WA, conducted focus groups and taste tests to find the most delicious versions of their cake recipes. The two are a good team. “It’s a good fit,” says Tracie. “I’m more on the artistic design side and Angie’s more operations focused.” Turinese first began creating these edible works of art when she threw a baby shower for Angie and discovered a cake designer in Seattle. “I couldn’t believe the cakes he made,” she says. She then immersed herself in learning the trade. “I like the idea of having the sky’s the limit on the cake side,”
says the designer. “ Sculpting and creating large pieces of art with the cake is my passion. We can pretty much do anything with cake – all that gravity and budget allows!” Angie gets a kick out of seeing the excitement on Turinese’s face when she gets an order that will challenge her skills, such as a recent “Harry Potter” cake. Turinese thrills in creating a custom cake for each customer for events from birthdays to holidays and special gatherings. The menu is constantly evolving to offer cake truffles, individual cakes, trifles, offering some beautiful standards as well as the hottest trends, such as tiered wedding cupcakes. The latter can include any theme (one was done in sunflowers), and the easy-toserve ensemble includes a top sixinch round for the bride and groom to cut. The Cake Bar can provide a beautiful cake for as little as $45 or create a full-blown 3D sculpture that will leave a lasting impression in guests’ memories and hearts for less than you’d expect. The bakery is a great resource for the party planner, offering an event platter that can combine the customer’s choice of cupcakes, dessert bars and frosting shots.
“Because they truly are custom, we typically ask for as much notice as possible,” she says. “Truly it is designed for each individual, and therefore we need a little lead time to turn around the cake.” For those who want to try their
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“We are currently planning a children’s cake competition,” says Turinese. The event will resemble a Food Network Challenge and is still in development. “It would be a place for kids to showcase their cake art,” she says. The Cake Bar website will also allow visitors to sign up for a
newsletter. On top of upcoming classes, the newsletter will keep folks up to date on flavors of the month and seasonal specials. Fans of The Cake Bar can also stop by their page on Facebook. “We love seeing that feedback on there,” says Angie. “Keep an eye on us, because there’s more to come.” You can visit The Cake Bar at 1 Crossing Plaza in Franklin. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (or until cupcakes run out), and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until cupcakes run out. Or, call (508) 553-8700 to place your custom order.
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Tracie does advise, however, to call ahead for those custom works of art.
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own hand at the art of cake creation, The Cake Bar offers a variety of classes, from Cake Decorating 101 to Glitz and Glam Edible Jewelry. Visit their website at www.thecakebaronline to see upcoming classes. Right now, the bakery offers adult classes, but they are considering finding a space to expand that roster to include children’s classes.
GIVE A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR ONE OF OUR JANUARY DECORATING CLASSES! Tuesday, January 24th: Couture Cupcakes, $65/person Sunday, January 28th Decorating 101: $125/person
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 16
January 1, 2012
KP Parents’ Network 2012 All Night Party Kick-off Meeting
Franklin Performing Arts Company Announces Auditions for ANNIE
The King Philip Parents’ Network will hold a kick-off planning meeting for the 2012 All Night Party on Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 (snow date January 19th) in the KP High School library at 7:00 p.m.
The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for their spring musical, Annie to be staged on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium in Franklin. The show will be accompanied by professional orchestra and the original Broadway score.
The All Night Party is a 22-yearold tradition that keeps graduates safe on the night of graduation. Over 100 parent volunteers are
needed to help decorate, set-up and chaperone the party. Raffle tickets will be sold at the meeting for prizes such as front row seats and premiere parking at graduation. For more information about the All Night Party, please visit the KP Parents’ Network website at kpparentnetwork.org.
Norfolk Fuel Assistance Program Available A Fuel Assistance Program is available to all Norfolk residents (regardless of age) through Norfolk’s Senior Center. Eligible participants can receive financial aid, advice, and assistance with heating and related issues (no matter the nature of your heating system) from November 1st through April 30th by calling the Senior Center at (508) 528-4430. Outreach Specialist Christine Shaw will then contact you with all the details and, if you qualify, help you with the application process. Norfolk residents are also encouraged to contact those friends, relatives, or neighbors who may be in need but are unaware of this excellent program.
The Senior Center Outreach Specialist also provides advocacy, information, and assistance, including referral to a network of community agencies and providers available for a variety of issues faced by Norfolk seniors. This is an example of just one of the resources available at Norfolk's beautiful Senior Center. There are many more activities and services for Norfolk residents. To receive a full schedule of all Senior Center activities, call (508) 528-4430 or visit the Council on Aging site (www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/norfolkma_coa/) The Senior Center is located at 28 Medway Branch Road and is open Mon thru Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
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Auditions for Annie will be held on Saturday, January 14th at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street. All auditionees should prepare 16 bars of a musical theater song not from Annie. A short dance combination will be taught with no dance
preparation required. Those called back for the role of Annie will be asked to sing “Tomorrow.” Some auditionees will be asked to perform cold readings from the script. Annie requires a large cast of adults and teens in lead, supporting and ensemble roles. Based on the popular comic strip, the musical Annie tells the story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents. Her adventures take her from a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan to a new family and home with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace and a
lovable mutt named Sandy. Nick Paone and Raye Lynn Mercer will direct Annie, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Kellie Stamp. For more information regarding the auditions, parts and a basic rehearsal schedule, please visit www.fpaconline.com. The Box Office for Annie will open January 16th. Tickets can be purchased in person at The Spotlight Shop, 34 Main Street, Franklin or by calling (508) 5288668. Tickets are $24.00 / $26.00 / $28.00. Group sales are available for civic organizations.
Electric Youth 2012 to Debut at Showcase Live, February 12th Performing their 2012 in-concert debut, Electric Youth (EY) 2012 will take the stage at Showcase Live, Patriot Place, on Sunday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. This Valentine’s Weekend show offers a great evening of family entertainment with music appealing to all ages. Accompanied by an eightpiece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth performs a high-energy, fully choreographed show with an extensive repertoire of classic rock, pop, swing, country, and contemporary Broadway music. EY’s Showcase Live sets will include EY audience favorites by The Beatles, Journey, Aretha Franklin and Duffy as well as songs new to EY by Lady Gaga, Pink, Black Eyed Peas and The Who. Trained exclusively at FSPA, Electric Youth members are se-
lected by audition at the beginning of each academic year. This season’s thirteen talented performers, ages 13 to 18, study multiple dance disciplines, voice, and act-
ing. Some members of EY are preparing to pursue a career in the performing arts, while all gain valuable life skills through their participation, extensive training,
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Call Lori (508) 272-3819
and travel experiences. Electric Youth 2012 includes veteran members Giovanna Ferri, Ali Funkhouser, Melissa Mandia and Lucas Melfi of Franklin, Michael Egan of Hopkinton and Erica McLaughlin of Medfield. New EY members are Graham Hancock, Jocelyn Jones, Shaina McGillis, Jillian Rea and Alicia Rivera of Franklin, Jenna McDermott of Wrentham, and Sasha Gardner of Sharon. Following 2011 appearances aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and the May release of their new CD “All Amped Up,” Electric Youth is preparing for a 2012 European Concert Tour June 15 – July 8. EY last toured Europe in 2010 when they performed 15 shows in Austria and Italy and headlined the Fourth of July show for the U.S. Troops and their families stationed at Aviano Air Force Base. For the Showcase Live performance on February 12th, doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and a full dinner menu will be available. Tickets can be purchased at the main office of Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street, by phone at (508) 528-8668, in person at the Showcase Live Box Office or through Ticketmaster.com.
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Staples Donates $2,000 to WEST
Wrentham and Norfolk Spring Elections Approach Papers are available at the Wrentham Town Clerk’s Office for interested candidates hoping to be on the ballot for the Annual Town Election scheduled for April 2, 2012. Interested Norfolk candidates may pull nomination papers starting January 23rd in the Norfolk Town Clerk’s Office for the May 1, 2012 election.
Wrentham Seats Up for Election
Wrentham’s Ruth Walker, pictured with her son Christopher, nominated WEST to receive funding from Staples Foundation.
Wrentham Elementary Schools Trust, Inc. (WEST) has been awarded $2,000 from Staples Foundation. Ruth Walker, a Staples employee and Wrentham parent, nominated WEST to receive funding from Staples Foundation, which supports organizations that provide job skills and educational opportunities. The Staples donation, along with other donations and proceeds from fundraising events, will be used to fund teacher grants in early 2012, when WEST will announce the next round of grant award recipients. These grants provide Wrentham Elementary students with curriculum enrichment programs that fall outside the reach of the schools’ current operating budget. Since its inception in 2007, WEST has funded 41 educational grants totaling over $56,000. "We are honored to help WEST with its worthy endeavors to make a positive impact on the local community every day”, states Amy Shanler, Director of Community Relations at Staples, Inc. WEST president, Audra Kennedy
adds, “We are very grateful to both Ruth Moore Walker, for her nomination, and to Staples Foundation, for recognizing WEST and allowing us to continue to support the Wrentham Elementary teachers and students with innovative and enriching educational opportunities.” WEST relies on grants, donations and fund-raising events throughout the year, including their annual Comedy Night, an important event that funds many projects, set for March 10, 2012. Wrentham Elementary Schools Trust, Inc. (WEST) is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization responsible for raising private capital to fund innovative, educational projects for the Wrentham Elementary Schools. All monies are raised independently through fundraising, corporate sponsors, tax-deductible donations and matching corporate gifts. For more information on WEST, including projects that have been funded for the children of Wrentham and how to donate, visit www.wrenthamwest.org. For more information regarding Staples Foundation, visit staplesfoundation.org.
Educating the Whole Child: Heart and Mind x Ages 3 through 15
OPEN HOUSE
For Wrentham’s town government there are two Board of Selectmen seats, currently held by Steve Langley and Bob Leclair, up
for grabs. The three year Planning Board seats held by Everett Skinner, George Smith, and Alexander Lyon will also be open as well as the two year seat held by Gregg McCombs. Other positions to be decided in the Wrentham April election will be for Fiske Library Trustees which has three seats, the Wrentham School Committee which has two seats, and the KP School Committee with one open seat. Board of Health, Assessor, and Housing Authority each have one open seat. The position of Moderator will also be on the ballot.
Norfolk Position Up for Election The selectman seat currently held by James Tomaszewski will be decided upon in May by Norfolk voters. Andrew Bakinowski’s Assessor seat, as well as Thomas Gilbert’s Board of Health seat will also be on the May ballot. Other positions to be decided include the Housing Authority, Library Trustee, Recreation Commission, KP School Committee and Moderator. There are two seats up for election on the Planning Board and Norfolk School Committee.
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Page 18
Be Prepared For Winter
Doug Masters, owner of Masters Touch
It seems like the snow from last winter finally finished melting only a couple of months ago, but here we are heading into another long, cold stretch of New England weather. While last winter's sudden surge of blizzards, one after another, seemed like a unique event, it’s not unprecedented, so it’s always smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to ensure you’ll be ready when Old Man Winter decides to blanket our area with snow, ice, and frigid weather again this year. Make sure your gutters are cleaned at least once, and sometimes several times a year depend-
hard to find after a snow storm.
ing on the amount and types of trees near your home. Pine trees tend to shed needles year round, so a spring and fall cleaning is important. Deciduous trees also drop debris seasonally, so sometimes a spring cleaning is in order. But of course the most important time is early November, when most of the leaves come down. Gutters free and clear of debris are essential in the winter, when there is constant melting of ice and snow. It’s important for the water to be able to flow freely through the gutters and downspouts and away from your home. Have a plan for snow removal, not just from the driveway, but from the roof as well. It’s not often that snow builds up so fast that it causes problems, but it can happen and you should be ready. Last year, in addition to severe ice dams on almost every house, the snow built up so quickly that weight became an issue for some homes. While the building codes have become more strict in terms of how much weight a roof can hold, measured in pounds per square foot, there were many homes that were at the limit last year. Make sure you have a snow rake at the ready as they can be
After a signifigant storm, it’s a good idea to remove snow from the lower few feet of your roof and keep gutters clear BEFORE ice dams start to form. While not every home needs this done, many are susceptible to severe ice dams and leaks, and staying ahead of the problem is critical. Once you do have ice dams and gutters frozen solid with ice, it’s very difficult to remove them and being overly aggressive with axes or hammers can cause more harm than good. Many contractors offer routine snow removal, similar to driveway plowing, so if you are not up to the task of keeping up with the snow, find a reliable company that will complete this work for you automatically after any heavy snow fall. In addition to roof snow removal, make sure you have a plan in place for the driveway and sidewalks. Whether you hire somebody for this, or do it yourself, don’t wait until the last minute to make sure you are prepared. Check your shovels and snow blower, make sure your snow removal company has you on their list, and stock up on salt, sand, or ice melt ahead of time. Also on the home checklist: Turn off all the exterior water
faucets to prevent freezing while removing, draining, and storing all the hoses. Make a note of where any exterior vents are that are lower than five feet and keep an eye on them as snow builds up. It is critical to ensure any dryer vents or other exhaust vents are never blocked by snow. If you haven’t already done so, make sure you have your heating system inspected, cleaned, and serviced every fall. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, don’t forget to contact a chimney sweep to ensure there is no dangerous build up inside the chimney. In case there is a fire or blocked vent, it is extremely important to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check them every year to make sure they are working correctly and change all the batteries. If there is a winter emergency, such as a major blizzard and a long power outage, you should have an emergency check list and have several items on hand. Flash lights and batteries are a good start, but there’s more. Many homes rely on electricity for water, so if the power is out it’s a good idea to have at least a few gallons of fresh water. Also, keep the pantry stocked with non-perishable food that is easily prepared without power, especially if you have an electric stove. Keeping year round
localtownpages Invites you to welcome in 2012 with the first FREE Networking Event of the Year
January 1, 2012 access to your gas grill can be a big help in the event of a multi-day power outage. Having an action plan to follow should there be a weather emergency is a must. What happens if school is cancelled? Who will care for the children during the day? Will your employer allow you to stay home, and if not, have you arranged for child care? Keep a list of important phone numbers taped inside one of the kitchen cabinet doors. Make sure it includes family, friends, neighbors, utility companies, and important vendors such as your plumber, contractor, and heating service provider. Don’t forget to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter too. If the battery is more than 5 years old, you may want to replace it. Make sure your car has a fresh tune-up before winter, check the antifreeze level, oil, and make sure the tires are in good shape with plenty of tread left. Keep an emergency kit in the car, and keeping a warm hat and a pair of gloves in the trunk or glove compartment is never a bad idea. And finally, one of the most important things during the winter season - be a good neighbor. Know who the elderly people are in your neighborhood, and help them with snow removal. Many cannot afford to hire somebody for this task, and it is very dangerous for them to handle it on their own. In addition, it can be very hard for them to make it to the store during the winter with snow and ice everywhere, so check on them often and make sure they know they can call you. With a little preparation and planning, winter in New England can be an exciting time and no real trouble at all. However, if you fail to plan you’ll be wishing you had migrated to a warm and sunny place.
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January 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 19
The New Year Is a Good Time to Order Seeds BY KAREN O’BRIEN The holidays have come and gone, and the dark days of winter are upon us. One bright note, for gardeners, is the colorful seed and plant catalogs that have been accumulating. Flashy, colorful, and informative, they hint of the pleasures of the next gardening season. Anyone wishing to try more than the run-of-the-mill vegetables, flowers, and herbs that can be found at nurseries and garden centers should investigate growing their own from seed. In particular, heirloom varieties can be a delight to grow, incorporating more flavor, scent and other attributes than can be found with more commercial types. An heirloom has a unique genetic make-up and is the result of many years of evolution. Heirlooms are considered to be the result of saving seed of a particular plant, and growing it year after year, collecting the seed each time. Each year the plant is grown, it becomes more and more conditioned to its environment. The soil, the zone, the weather - all of these combine to create a plant uniquely adapted to a specific area - a type of natural selection, as you would save the best and hardiest of the plants for the next year. These are what true heirlooms are, and would have been handed down through generation after generation, since it made sense to continue to use a plant that performed well. Seed companies have figured out that there is a demand for these "heirlooms.” Though their seeds may not have been handed down through generations, these are varieties that are open-pollinated and have been around since 1940 or so. Open-pollination means that if you save the seed, you will be able to plant it and get the same plant next year. In the quest for product stability and standardization, many hybrids – which are the result of combining two separate varieties have lost their flavor or scent. When you grow heirlooms, you may not get disease resistance, and the fruits may not last long. They may bruise easily, and they may look oddly shaped. But you will
get incredible flavor, and a variety of color and form. Home gardeners do not have the same issues as commercial growers, who must have crops all ripen the same time, or rely on chemical means to ensure uniformity. I started growing my own tomatoes from seed about 25 years ago. I would read about a particular variety in a gardening magazine, and could not find the plant at any nursery. The only way to have these plants, which sounded amazing, was to grow them myself. I haven't been back to a nursery for vegetable plants since, and I have expanded to lesser known flowers and herbs. The following seed catalogs are some of my favorites. You can order from the website, or request a catalog. Some varieties may be in short supply, so you need to order early. The only hard part is deciding which type you want to grow – the possibilities are endless. Next month, I will give you some tips and tricks for starting your own plants from seed.
Pinetree Garden Seeds – www.superseeds.com – small packets, inexpensive, great for trying many seeds Seeds of Change – www.seedsofchange.com Karen O'Brien runs her herbal business “The Green Woman's Garden” in the central MA town
of Mendon. She has herb plants, heirloom vegetables and ornamental flowers for sale, runs workshops on various herbal adventures, and occasionally participates in farmers markets and fairs. She is the Development Chair of The Herb Society of America, currently serves as Vice Chairman of the New England
Unit of H.S.A., is Secretary of the International Herb Association, sits on the Board of the Greenleaf Garden Club of Milford, and serves as State Advocate for Leave No Trace. She is a contributing author to the latest Herb of the Yearbook on Horseradish, produced by the IHA. Her website is www.greenwomansgarden.com.
THE PURR-FECT CAT SHELTER Pet of the Month “Sampson” Is Looking for a Loving Adult Human
SEED COMPANIES SPECIALIZING IN HEIRLOOM and/or OPEN-POLLINATED SEEDS Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – www.rareseeds.com – a great catalog and committed to heirlooms Heirloom Acres Seeds – www.heirloomacresseeds.com D. Landreth Seed Company – www.landrethseeds.com – the oldest U.S. seed company still in existence Tomato Fest Heirloom – www.tomatofest.com Fedco Seeds – www.fedcoseeds.com – one of the least expensive, but lots of interesting varieties Seed Savers Exchange – www.seedsavers.org – nonprofit, dedicated to saving seeds Nichols Garden Nursery – www.nicholsgardennursery.co m – only on-line catalog for 2012 Botanical Interests – www.botanicalinterests.com
If you and your family have decided this is the year to expand your family to include a cat or kitten, The Purr-fect Cat Shelter is the place to go. With many cats of various ages, colors, and hair coats there is sure to be one that will fit your family. Many of the cats PCS has available for adoption have extraordinary stories and "Sampson" is no exception. Sampson is a laid back, gorgeous Siamese, who we hope will find his new home soon. Sadly, his owner had passed away, and he was sent to live with other family members. While in their care, Sampson ingested some medication that was lying around. He spent a few
days receiving medical attention at an Emergency Veterinary Hospital, and when the family was unable to pay the veterinary bill or commit to caring for him, they signed him over to the Veterinary Hospital, who, in turn called PCS. Sampson, fortunately suffered no affects of the substance ingested, has received a good report on his blood work and is doing great! The volunteers have fallen in love with him and shower him with lots of love and affection he so deserves. Considering all he’s been through we feel a quiet adult home with no other animals would be purr-fect for Sampson.
adoption, applications are available online at www.purrfectcatshelter.org or by calling the message center at (508) 5335855. All cats and kittens are examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia and FIV, dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption.
The Purr-fect Cat Shelter is seeking volunteers to help care for the cats and kittens at the shelter. If you have a love for cats, can volunteer a couple of hours at least twice a month, are over 18 and have medical insurance contact the shelter today to learn how you can make a differIf you are interested in Samp- ence in the lives of homeless anson or other cats available for imals.
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 20
January 1, 2012
Sports Girls Taking to the Ice BY PATRICK COLEMAN
It would be hard to call Wrentham and Norfolk powerhouses of girls hockey, but a foundation is being built in the area for the sport. Four years ago, King Philip Regional High School started a varsity girls hockey team thanks to the dedication and desires of players and parents. Today, the program is closer to being fully funded and continues to grow and improve (see KP Girls Ice Hockey Kicks off Fourth Season). King Philip Walpole Youth Hockey, which is open to players from the surrounding area, has always welcomed girls onto its teams but, starting next year, there will also be teams just for girls. This is in addition to other programs nearby that provide opportunities for girls to skate at all levels. “There is a greater interest in girls programs and girls playing hockey in general than in the past,” says Terry Sullivan, President of KP Walpole Youth Hockey. The reason for the growth is hard to pinpoint. Some speculate that the Bruins’ success has made it popular this year while others point to one simple fact about playing hockey, kids love it. If you ask Wrentham 9year old Marin Cormier why she wanted to try hockey it all started watching her dad and brother play a pickup game on the pond at Joe’s Rock. “I really like to skate and it’s fun to stick handle,” she says. Cormier, who has been skating since she was 6 years old, plays for the Spitfires, an all girls team out of Iorio Ice Arena in Walpole. The popularity for Girls hockey has never been higher. The number of female players has grown steadily throughout Massachusetts and across the country. Currently there are over 65,000 female players registered with USA Hockey, the national gov-
erning body for the sport. The past season saw a 6.5 % growth for female players with the biggest percentage being with girls age 6 and under and ages 7-8. For girls in Massachusetts, in 2010-11, the growth numbers were the strongest in the country. If growth is the good news to girls hockey, the bad news is retention. Since 2000, the retention of players 8 and under is declining. Twenty percent play one season before dropping out, and 43 % of players drop out by age 9. Over 54% of the girls ten and under drop out while 60 % will leave the game by age 12. This being the case, growth was still seen at all ages for female hockey except players aged 15-18. “Growth in Mass looks strong but we need to work on retaining them in the sport for more than 1-2 years,” says USA Hockey’s Michele Amidon, Regional Manager American Developmental Model, and a former General Manager of the Women’s 2010 Olympic Team. USA Hockey is working hard to address the problem by encouraging age appropriate training, fostering local female competition, and recruiting female coaches to get involved in youth hockey. Amidon says USA Hockey’s focus is on growing younger players and then retaining them in the game to impact the 13-19 year old numbers. “We are growing at a good rate but imagine if we can continue to retain a percentage of the 54% we historically were losing.” One effort that may help grow the numbers at least locally is the plan to offer an all girls team through KP Walpole Youth Hockey. Next season, the youth hockey program will field teams in the Middlesex Yankee Conference Girl’s Hockey League. “Last year we put out feelers for a
Wrentham’s Marin Cormier proudly displays a hockey tournament medal the Massachusetts U0 Spitfires won.
program and we got quite a lot of interest,” says Sullivan said. “We were tempted to try and field teams for this season, but the logistics didn’t work out.” This is good news for Paul Learhy, head coach for the KP High School Girls Varsity team. Out of the 17 girls on the team, only 5 had any hockey experience before joining the team. The others are learning as they go and he thinks KP Walpole Youth hockey’s efforts are important. “We’ll have a little feeder program and we need it,” he says. “I have girls who never skated before joining a varsity hockey program. I give them a lot of credit.” But the future is in the hands of young girls starting the sport now. Like Cormier, Wrentham’s Livi Bruno plays for the all girls Spitfires and started playing when she was 6 years old. Why did she hit the rink? “Because my dad talked me into it and it sounded like fun,” Bruno says. Today she likes everything about the game and doesn’t care who’s on the ice with her, whether it’s other girls or boys. She’s simply a hockey player who likes to play the game. Norfolk’s Audrey Connelly, a 10year-old also on the Spitfires, loves the speed of the game and she can forget her manners on the ice. “I love hockey because it’s fast paced,” she
Wrentham’s Livi Bruno handles the puck while playing for the Massachusetts Spitfires
says. “It’s the one place I don’t have to be polite.” The benefits are many. While an expensive sport to play, the hours traveling to practices, games and tournaments can be valuable to parents and children. “It is good family time in the car and at the rink,” says Joe Bruno, Livi’s Dad. “It’s worth it.” Audrey’s mother agrees. “There’s no better place for uninterrupted oneon-one time with my child than at 5 a.m., on an hour long drive, headed to the rink,” says Carrie Connelly. There is also the social aspect. At the young ages even on co-ed teams the players on hockey teams do develop strong bonds from their hours together and there are few concerns about playing with boys and girls. According to Sullivan, the boys don’t view the girls on the team any differently. “They’re another hockey player,” he says. “They look at them as teammates.”
Football Players Make State All-Star Team Boys from Norfolk and Wrentham were named to seventh and eighth grade All-Star Football teams to compete in the New England Championship tournament. Three seventh grade boys and one eighth grader beat out hundreds of local football players from across the state to make the team for their
respective grades. Daniel Loewen and Brett Mazur, both from Wrentham, and Norfolk’s JC Ralff made the seventh grade team, while Wrentham’s John Dean made the eighth grade team. Each team carried only 35 players.
“They absolutely loved the experience and did very well,” says Wrentham’s Mike Mazur, father of seventh grader Brett Mazur.
ment and will face a Texas team on January 5th. All four players are currently students at King Philip Middle School.
Both teams won their games and were crowned New England Champions. The eighth grade team moved onto the National Tourna- Right: Norfolk’s JC Ralff catching a
pass in a game against New Hamp-
Amidon says there are very little differences between boys and girls physically between the ages 8 through 12. In some cases girls actually grow and mature faster than boys at those ages. But once in the teen years the physical difference can be more noticeable on the ice. Some girls can certainly play with boys at the age and hold their own she says. “Playing boys hockey is not the best option for all girls,” she says. “They may not get the playing time, leadership training and social needs to keep them in the game and developing at the appropriate rate if she is playing on an all boys team.” Cormier is enjoying her time on the Spitfires. “I talk to just about everyone,” she says. “It is important to me that there is at least one or two other girls on my team. I like being on a girls team better." (Appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)
Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Page 21
Sports KP Boys Aim To Keep State Swimming Title BY KEN HAMWEY
Staff Sports Writer The current edition of the King Philip boys swimming team would like to duplicate the kind of splash last year’s team made. Last season, the Warriors went 11-0 in dual meets, won the Hockomock League crown, then proceeded to win the Central South Sectional and eventually the Division 2 State Championship.
Tomassian again has a corps of senior tri-captains who will provide leadership, be quality role models and score points. The trio includes Ryan Palmer (200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke), Kyle Vieira (200 and 500 freestyle) and Dustin Whyte (100
“Cullen has long arms, is tall and strong, and built like a swimmer,’’ Tomassian said. “Aaron was a second-place finisher at the state meet in his two events and will be a key component to our season. Chris has outstanding natural ability. We’re hoping he can recover fully from a knee injury and stay healthy.’’ Three others who should be key ingredients in the KP mix are sophomores Matt Vieira (breaststroke) and Dillan Whyte (breaststroke and freestyle) and junior Gordon Winget (freestyle).
All four of those achievements were accomplished in only the third year of the swim program’s history at KP. “Last year was incredible,’’ said Heather Tomassian, who’s in her fourth season as the Warriors coach. “The boys bought into the program, practiced every day at 5:30 in the morning and dedicated themselves to team play. They definitely paid the price for their success.’’
the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle.
Coach Heather Tomassian
butterfly and 500 freestyle).
“This year, we’ve got 25 boys on the roster,’’ Tomassian said. “We can win the state title again because we have talented swimmers who are dedicated. And, we’ve got some freshmen who will contribute. My concern is that we don’t get into a habit of looking forward to the post-season. It’ll be a challenge to repeat as champs because many teams will be aiming to beat the defending champs.’’
“As far as Hockomock League competition goes, Mansfield and Sharon will again be very formidable,’’ emphasized Tomassian, who was selected coach of the year in Division 2 by the Boston Globe last year. “Mansfield is a talented team, a force to be reckoned with. And, Sharon has its share of quality swimmers and they’re always competitive.’’ Tomassian is quick to shun praise in spite of being chosen for coach-
of-the-year honors. The 28-yearold coach oozes optimism but points to her swimmers as the ones who deserve all the credit for KP’s state laurels. “People want to give me credit but it’s the boys who swim and win meets,’’ she said. “I knew we had a chance to win the states and what it took was for the kids to focus on the present and let their talent and desire do the rest.’’ That was the game plan last year and there’s little doubt much will change for the 2011-12 boys swimmers at KP.
“Matt is talented and is improving,’’ Tomassian said. “We’re hoping he can qualify for post-season events. Dillan has a solid competitive edge, someone who’s caught the swimming bug. And, Gordon
Last year’s squad defeated Weston for the state crown, a program that has won the state tourney 17 times in the last 25 years. This year’s contingent lost only five swimmers to graduation but among them are last year’s tri-captains — Pat Myers, Jon Murray and Tom Eaton. Myers won the state title in the 100 backstroke and butterfly, Murray competed in the freestyle and butterfly events and swam a leg for the relay team that clinched the state title, and Eaton was a quality swimmer, the “heart and soul’’ of the team, according to Tomassian.
Sherborn. Previously a teacher at KP, Tomassian now is instructing health and wellness at Braintree High.
FALL/ WINTER 2011-2012 September 1ST through April 30TH WE ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND!
“SNACK BAR” OPEN: (Mon, Tues. Thurs. & Friday 3-7 PM (Extended hours on weekdays during “school vacation”) Sat.: 6:30 am - 9:00 PM Sun.: 7:30 am - 6:30 PM
“PUBLIC SKATING” “Ryan has already earned a scholarship to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina,’’ Tomassian noted. “He’s strong, competitive and a take-charge guy. Kyle has lots of endurance for long-distance events, he’s persistent and very coachable. Dustin is an all-around swimmer who’s well-liked and extremely coachable.’’ Three other key cogs in the Warriors’ nucleus are seniors Cullen Yarworth and Aaron Gustafson and sophomore Chris Di Giacomo. Yarworth swims the 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke and Gustafson competes in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke while DiGiacomo is comfortable with
came on strong last year in the sprints. He works hard and keeps improving.’’ Tomassian, who also coaches the girls team and led them to a 10thplace finish in the states, has scheduled 13 meets this season for the boys. She will be assisted by Kathy White, who will focus on developmental instruction with younger swimmers. A former swim star at Natick High and Westfield State (captain as a senior), Tomassian is no stranger to coaching. She coaches recreational swimming at the Adirondack Club in Franklin and also was varsity swim coach for two years at Medfield High, which was a co-op program with Dover-
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Sports KP Girls Ice Hockey Kicks Off Fourth Season BY PATRICK COLEMAN The King Philip Regional High School Girls Hockey Team is only in its fourth season and doesn’t have the history of success as some of the other sports program at the school, but the players are competitive, dedicated, and hard working. On a cold Saturday morning at 6 a.m., girls were on the ice for 50minutes of drills. The night before was a school dance, but the team is there early getting the ice time they desperately need. Of the 17 players on the roster, only five had hockey experience before joining the program. Now, they’re all competing at the varsity level. “All we need is ice time,” says Paul Lyons, head coach. “I think with ice time you can make anyone a hockey player.” With such an inexperienced team in a new program, wins have been hard to come by. “The first two seasons were kind of ugly,” Lyons explains. “Last year we were 4-12-4. That’s eight games we didn’t lose and, of the 12 games, we lost seven only by one goal. We were very competitive last year.” Despite the losing record, the team was only two wins away from the state tournament last year. His goal for the program is to make it there this year. “With a strong goalie and a couple of scorers, you never know,” he says. This year’s senior class was part of the team’s first season and provided the foundation for the program. Senior captain Alyssa Siegmann, the team’s goalie, might be one of the program's most important players. Before playing for KP, she had just a few years of club hockey playing out as a forward. But that first year the team had no one in goal and Siegmann stepped up for the challenge. Siegmann is a catcher for the softball team who is heading to Harvard next year. Lyons says he’s not sure how the team could have started without her volunteering to protect the net. “She’s a tremendous athlete,” he says. “Without her, I don’t know what we would have done. We wouldn’t have a goalie.” With a little hockey experience and lots of athletic ability, Siegmann dedicated herself to the position and, according to her coach, picked it up quickly. “She was determined to be one of the best
King Philip Girls Ice Hockey Team hope to improve in its 4th season. (Photo by Doug Sprague)
goalies in the league and she turned out to be,” Lyons says. The other senior captain is Annmarie DiRienzo. A strong skater DiRienzo played on the first line as a forward last year but this season she’ll be taking on defensive responsibilities. “Most of my graduating seniors last year were defensemen,” Lyons said. “I needed someone who can skate the puck. She does it without hesitation.” With DiRienzo and Siegmann working to stop the other team from putting the puck in the net, Lyons will look for scoring from senior Olivia Florence. A tenacious player who fights hard for the puck every play, Florence does find herself in the penalty box from time to time. “She does take a lot of penalties,” Lyons says. “But she leaves me with a smile on my face.” Amanda Geuss is another senior that started with the program and did have club hockey experience
before joining the team. Lyons says she’s a strong skater and will be key on both defense and offense where she will play forward. Senior Annie Shiebler has been with the program since day one. Lyons says she is a great team player and worked her way up to the number two line this year. Also, new to the team and the sport in general is senior Jill Kearney. In the underclassmen ranks, Lyons has two talented sophomores. Danielle Hamilton, the team’s third captain and leading scorer from last season, will be back. “She’s just an outstanding hockey player,” he says. “She’s fun to watch.” The other sophomore star is Haley Anchukaitis, a strong puck carrying defenseman. “She is the quintessential defenseman,” Lyons says. “She is definitely a force to be reckoned with in front of the net. She doesn’t have an opportunity to score much, but she sure stops a lot of them.”
Despite being four years in, the program still faces several challenges. The first is the inexperience the players have. Since his players lack experience, the one thing he needs the most is practice time on the ice and that’s becoming harder and harder to secure. This year the ice rink that hosts the team cut one of the team’s practice sessions. Furthermore, many of the teams they face are programs that are from schools that have combined their programs such as Medway-Ashland and Mansfield-Oliver Ames High School. “It's hard to compete. They didn't start out like we started out. We're growing it the natural way,” Lyons says. “The problem is, we’re not a hockey town yet.” He's hopeful for the future. The KP Walpole Youth Hockey program will start an all girls program next season, and he’s also hoping there are a few girls at the middle school ready to play when they move up. “I hope there are few 8th graders down there that can play,”
he says. Four years ago, they were completely self-funded which means they had to raise $30,000 for the 12-week season. The second year, the team received 1/3 of their funds from the school and now they’re currently 2/3 funded with hopes of being fully funded next season. (This article appeared inThe Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
January 1, 2012
Page 23
home M A R K E T P L A C E Buying a Home? Avoid These Mistakes The dream of home ownership is one that lives on in spite of the global economic struggles. The process of buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster ride, with feelings of excitement mixed in with exhaustion, fear and uncertainty. Over the last several years, the real estate market has been turned upside down, and many prospective buyers have begun to question some of the conventional wisdom associated with buying a home. While such skepticism might be a healthy attitude in the current market, prospective buyers -- particularly those who have never purchased a home before -- should avoid the following mistakes that buyers make regardless of whether the market is up or down. * Failure to get qualified beforehand. Mortgage qualification is essential when buying a home, as it gives buyers preapproval for a loan before they make any offers. Making an offer on a home before
you know what the bank is willing to lend you is a waste of time for everyone involved, including you, the seller and the real estate agents involved. Some agents will not show a home if you don't have a preapproval. Once preapproved for a loan, don't take any steps that might put that approval in jeopardy. This includes anything that might drastically alter your credit score. * Being blindsided by additional costs. First-time homebuyers, once they have moved into their home, often experience some sticker shock when the additional expenses associated with home ownership arise. These additional expenses include property tax and insurance costs and can be substantial. Even those buying a condominium or co-op should expect monthly maintenance fees even if their new place is brand new and needs no maintenance. * Shooting for the moon. The ongoing recession is in part the re-
sult of predatory lending that saw banks grant excessive loans to applicants who, in hindsight, could not actually afford all that they were approved to borrow. The result was many people buying homes they could not afford, and then suffering some steep consequences, including foreclosure, when the first mortgage payment came due or the interest rate rose. First-time and even veteran buyers must avoid shooting for the moon when it comes to buying a home, and instead only buy one they know they can afford. What the banks says you can afford isn't always the same as what you know you can afford. Only buy a home you know you can afford, regardless of whether the bank has approved you for a larger loan. * Pigeonholing yourself into an inadequate living situation. Just like buyers shouldn't go overboard, they also must avoid compromising on the things that are most important to them. For ex-
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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com
Page 24
January 1, 2012
New Yoga Studio Opened When Lauren Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo and her husband, Wrentham native Chris Cocuzzo, saw the space formally occupied by Performance Pilates and Yoga they knew they had found the perfect spot for their Humble Warrior Yoga studio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we walked into 15 Franklin St., we really liked the character it had,â&#x20AC;? Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It felt like a really good space to build a community. We wanted a space where people of all
ages and all levels can come and practice yoga.â&#x20AC;? The building is Wrenthamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Cooks Hall built in 1853. Throughout the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existence various businesses and activities have taken place including housing a dance hall. The site has always provided a place for the community to gather and community is important to Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo. She plans to bring in different yoga
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experts and instructors in an effort to build a community around the practice, exercise and lifestyle of yoga. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the initial classes will be geared primarily towards the beginner with a few intermediate sessions offered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be a lot of beginner classes because we want to grow with our community,â&#x20AC;? Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo says.
Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo has 100 hour certification with Baron Baptise. She is currently studying with Chanel Luck and Bonnie Argo and will have 300 hour certification through Radiant Yoga. She plans to have between eight and twelve different instructors to start and the studio will offer a few different variations of yoga. In addition to beginner classes, there will be
relax and renew sessions offered primarily on the weekends and in the evening. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo says this is important particularly around the holidays. Heated flow classes will also be offered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yoga is not just about exercise,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of life and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to build here." Humble WarriorYoga is now open.
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