April 2012 Norfolk/Wrentham

Vol. 1 No. 5

Free to Every Home and Business Every Month

April 1, 2012

Brick Sale For New School Underway

“Cash Mob” Strikes Cataldo’s

BY PATRICK COLEMAN Thanks to the initiative of a loyal customer, Cataldo’s Hardware Store was the beneficiary of a Cash Mob, a growing retail phenomenon driven by patrons to support local businesses. The concept is simple; encourage your friends and their friends to bring their business to a retailer on the same day.

BY PATRICK COLEMAN The opening of the new Freeman-Kennedy Elementary School is on schedule for the fall of 2012 and the Norfolk Teacher and Parent Association is offering the community an opportunity to be part of the new building. The design of the new school includes a courtyard that will feature a commemorative brick paver walkway and anyone can buy one of the bricks to be used and have it inscribed with a unique dedication.

All the money raised will go directly to the schools in the form of enrichment programs or educational materials.

That’s exactly what happened on Saturday, March 10th, when Cataldo’s experienced one of the store’s best Saturdays in a long time. “Business has been slow this winter,” says an appreciative Marilyn Cataldo, owner of the 32 year old store. “Saturday’s business was up significantly.”

The organization of the Cash Mob started with Wrentham’s Ted Schensnol. He read about a community in Chagrin Falls, OH which turned out in droves to support its locally owned and independently operated hardware store. In Chagrin, a local resident simply sent out an email to a few close friends to encourage them to show up and spend at least $20 at the hardware store on a specific date. Schensnol immedi-

Marilyn, Paul and Peter Cataldo were touched by the turn out of the community in supporting their hardware store.

ately thought of Cataldo’s Hardware Store and how Wrentham was the type of community to do the same thing. “I read the article,

and thought what a great idea for a small business like Cataldo’s especially in these economic times,” Schensnol said. “I’ve al-

ways told my wife that we need to support our local businesses.”

CASH MOB continued on page 2

The Norfolk TPA hopes to sell around 300 of the 4” x 8” red bricks. “The response has been pretty good so far,” says Julie Redlitz,a member of the TPA and one of the parents leading the brick

BRICK SALE continued on page 5

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CASH MOB continued from page 1

Schensnol adds, “The Cataldos are great people and it’s a great little store.”

He sat down at his computer and wrote an email to a few friends and asked what they thought. They wrote back and said, “This is a great idea, just pick a date.” So he picked March 10th and sent the email back out. “I don’t think I sent it to 20 people,” Schensnol said. “I think it’s making the rounds.”

Some copies of the original email had nearly 100 email addresses added on. The day was a success. Marilyn Cataldo says the store was busy all day. Many of her long-time customers showed up and she noticed many new faces too. “We’re very appreciative of the support,” she said.

The store has a wide variety of items that includes traditional hardware supplies, cleaning supplies, Benjamin Moore paints, fixtures, items for the lawn, and even baseball cards. The timeless store seems to have an infinite number of nooks and craneys that hold the most obscure item and a member of the Cataldo family is always on hand to find help out. One of the

loyal long-time customers who took the opportunity to visit as part of the Cash Mob was Mac McCormack. He purchased a variety of items from mouse poison to clotheslines, an item he says that’s getting harder and harder to find.

Catado’s is the perfect place to pick up those hard to find items.

“If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere,” McCormack said.

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Another regular stopping in was Dave Hitchen. He stopped in to pick up different items to finish several projects at home. “I knew about the Cash Mob so I waited to come in and pick up a few things to support the Cataldos,” he said.

The Cataldo family had heard whispers that the Cash Mob was in the works and was nervous about how the day would go. They setup a small table in front of the store to greet customers and offered free water and snacks, but it was a day to shower the Wrentham business with hospitality.

As McCormack left the counter he said loudly for everyone to hear, “Thank you for your years of service.”

Cataldo’s Hardware is located at 84 South St., Wrentham.

(This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)

localtownpages Medway & Millis

Published Monthly Mailed FREE to the Community of Norfolk/Wrentham Circulation: 7,000 households and businesses

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The Lions also want to thank others that made this successful: Becketts Pub and Restaurant, Eagle Brook Saloon, Fifth Avenue Liquor, James’s Breakfast and More, Mr. Dooley’s Old Irish Country Pub, and The Rosewood Restaurant.

The evening could not have been possible without the participation of the following restaurants: The Horse & Carriage took First Place, Second Place Spirits were high at the Annual was awarded to Budabing’s 50’s Café, and Third Chili fest. The Horse & Carriage Place went to Guido’s Restaurant. took First Place.

A donation to the Norfolk Food Pantry will be made from proceeds of this event.

Priest to Depart DPW

"To single one thing out is a little hard, a lot of good things happened while I was here."

BY PATRICK COLEMAN Irving Priest, Superintendent of Wrentham's Department of Public Works, is planning on slowing down and will retire from his position on June 30th. Priest, who previously worked in Uxbridge, doesn't have set plans yet but feels it's time to work less, spend more time sailing, and enjoy life. "I don't have plans," Priest says. "I just figure it is time to cut back, slow down and not work full-time and have a little more fun."

importantly, it was time to enjoy a new phase in his life. One way he will enjoy his time is working on his sailboat. "It's a Downeaster 38," he says. "It's an older boat, a project. I'll never finish working on it. It's in my yard but I plan to keep it in RI." He says he will keep fond memories of his four years in Wrentham. "We have good people to work with and we have good projects underway," Priest says. His least favorite time during his tenure was the winter of 20102011 with the seemingly never ending snow. This past winter will be one of his favorites for the total lack of snow. When pressed for a specific favorite memory he said,

The town is looking to form a search committee to replace Priest.

Members of that committee will be named by the Board of Selectmen at its March 20th meeting.

The hope is the committee will have residents with general knowledge of Public Works, Highway, Building Facilities/Maintenance, Solid Waste, and Water operations.

Public or private sector financial and budgeting experience is very desirable. The goal is to have Priest's successor named prior to his departure to help with the transition.

(This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)

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April 1, 2012

Business Owner Has Passion for His Work

BY PATRICK COLEMAN It was a big step for Dan Ibbitson, owner of Sheldonville Bicycle Repair. He walked away from a 25 year career right into the unknown of business ownership.

But, it was a chance to spend his days living his passion and find enjoyment in his work. “Maintaining and repairing bicycles is something I enjoy so I made the big step to make it a full-time thing and see if I could make a go of it,” he says.

It wasn’t a stretch for Ibbitson to make a living by repairing bikes.

For decades he had been involved in cycling and that passion for riding turned into an interest in maintenance and repair. He started doing repairs on his bike and that expanded to friends’ bikes.

Through word of mouth in the cycling community, he started doing the work more and more.

“More often than not it was a friend and I would do the repair free of charge,” he says. “I’ve probably been doing that for 10 years.”

Before he was a business owner, he sold heavy earth moving equipment. But after a quarter century in that business he began to feel burned out. He and his wife sat down early last year to see if was possible to turn his passion into a real business. “I’m getting a little bit older and wanted to do something I enjoyed,” he says.

Once they decided to take the plunge and start Sheldonville Bicycle Repairs, he went about

Dan Ibbitson works on a bike in newly open shop, Sheldonville Bicycle Repair.

doing everything necessary to run a business. “I went before the Town and got my business permit and my business license. I got business insurance and then we started to advertise with lawn signs,” he said. He put a big sign at the end of his driveway and went to work. “It’s going better than expected,” he says. “The signage and web site have really helped, along with a few other things we’ve done to spread the word that I have a shingle out there and I’m open for business.”

Sheldonville Bicycle Repair is a maintenance and repair shop located in his home at 277 Hancock Street, Wrentham, MA, a stone’s throw from the Pan Mass Challenge Bicycle route. Ibbitson of-

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fers flat repair, works on brakes and deals with shifting problems.

He also offers a tune up package and wheel repair. Sheldonville Bicycle Repair is equipped to handle issues related to bicycles, tricycles, tandems, cyclocross, mountain bikes, road bikes, and anything bike related. “I have experience with all that stuff,” he says. “Over the years I’ve pretty much worked on any bicycle you can imagine.”

He does have a few products cyclists need in a pinch as well as inventory for work on the bicycles.

‘I do have the staples you need inner tubes, cables, chains, bike seats that people might need on short notice.”

More information about Sheldonville Bicycle Repair can be found online at http://www.sheldonvillebicyclerepair.com.

Ibbitson is holding an open house at Sheldonville Bicycle Repairs on April 28th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 277 Hancock St., Wrentham.

(This article appeared in The Wrentham Times, www.wrenthamtimes.com)

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This year the event will be held on Friday, April 27th from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Italian American Club in Walpole. All proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for brain cancer research. Past recipients include the American Red Cross and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease. Tickets are $30 and include door prizes, drawings, a silent auction, DJ, food, and a cash bar.

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April 1, 2012

Fresh Air Fund Seeks Homes

BY PATRICK COLEMAN The program is truly a two way street. The children that participate in the Fresh Air Fund have a chance to enjoy small town living away from the heat of summer in New York City and the host families are changed by befriending a child and sharing their home.The non-profit agency, which has been around since 1877, is currently recruiting families to host children.

“The requirements are basic,” says Andrea DeBaggis, volunteer coordinator for Wrentham. "You just have to be willing to open your home," she says. "You need to have a bed for the child, but it doesn’t have to be his/her own room. We do background checks, interviews, and check references.

We check to make sure it's a safe home."

Last summer 10 families in the area hosted children who range in age from 6 to 12. "We're just looking for people to open their homes for just one week or two to a little girl or boy just to give them the chance to get out of the city for the summer."

can do that doesn't put you out.

For a child to run in the grass and be in a safe neighborhood, or seeing stars at night, that is the vacation."

DeBaggis, whose mother hosted Fresh Air Children when she was growing up, also hosts children now that she has a family and this experience shows her that not only do the children from New York benefit, but the host families do too. "We live in communities that aren't diverse and I feel it's important to expose my children to all different kinds of people," she says. "It's such an eye opener for my own children to learn that a lot of people don't have what they have. It instills in them a sense of volunteerism and community.

And they made a fantastic new friend which they love."

Any Wrentham family interested in hosting a child can contact DeBaggis by phone at 508-409-1972 or fill out a form on the group's web site www.freshair.org.

Norfolk families should contact Angela Ford at 774-571-5946 or visit the web site.

She adds there is no financial commitment. "It's something you

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DeBaggis and her family with Fresh Air child Mamadou.

Free Dental Screening Clinic For Seniors Norfolk and Wrentham Seniors, as well as from all surrounding towns, will be able to participate in a free dental clinic to be held at the Wrentham Council on Aging (400 Taunton Street) on Saturday, April 28th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dental professionals will be on hand to discuss oral health concerns and demonstrate ways to take care of teeth and dentures. The program will also include helpful information on nutrition, cleaning and labeling dentures, screening

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This clinic is made possible by the Norfolk Adult Day Health Center in partnership with the Wrentham Council on Aging, the Norfolk Council on Aging, HEESCO Elder Services, and a variety of statewide health organizations. Participation is restricted to seniors aged 60 or older and appointments must be made in advance by calling the Wrentham Council on Aging at (508) 3845425. The Norfolk Council on Aging will provide transportation for Norfolk residents who request it and schedule appointments by April 20th.

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This artist rendering of the outside courtyard shows how the walkways will look when construction is completed in September.

BRICK SALE continued from page 1

fundraiser. She says people seem to be excited to have their brick be part of the new building. “This is really a fun fundraiser that will be a lasting thing for people.”

The funds raised will be used at the Norfolk schools in two forms.

Some will be used as part of enrichment programs that are geared towards the different grades or as grants used to buy materials for the classroom. An example of the types of enrichment programs the TPA helps fund are the Ocean Biomes currently taking place in the 1st Grade. The biomes project is a month long marine life study that

moves from classroom to classroom. There are other programs centered around history, art and hands-on science programs. Funds provided through grants help teachers purchase materials for their classrooms not covered by school budgets.

Redlitz says many of the early bricks sold have been to room parents looking for a way to celebrate the teachers. “A lot of the room parents are buying bricks for their teachers,” she says. “It’s a nice gift to honor a teacher.”

The deadline to purchase a brick is April 17th. Bricks may be purchased by filling out an order form available through the Norfolk Ele-

mentary School web site http://www.norfolk.k12.ma.us/bric ks. A personalized brick is available for $40, and a personalized gift brick, which includes a certificate for the recipient, is available for $42. The new school building will serve as a lasting memory to two Norfolk heroes and provide the children of town with a more spacious building, designed with ecological improvements and more elaborate technology. Freeman-Kennedy will have modern technology including classrooms with Smart Boards that integrate computers and multimedia with a whiteboard. Students will have access to iPads. Furthermore, the design of the new building will

provide more expansive halls and a larger gym. It was also designed with consideration to energy conservation and to reduce environment impact.

The Freeman-Kennedy is named after US Army Sgt. Adam Kennedy who was killed in action at the age of 25 while serving in Iraq. The Freeman name is in honor of Alvin Freeman, a dedicated member of the Norfolk School System for years. The ground was broken on the new building in April 2011.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 6

April 1, 2012

Lucky Shoes 4-H’ers Advance To State Competition Mix together a tea cup pig, verma compositing, horse show jumping, and those funny As Seen on TV items and what do you get?

For the members of the Lucky Shoes 4-H Club in Wrentham it turned into blue ribbons.

Using great props, super eye contact and interesting topics, the local 4-H club shined at the annual Norfolk County 4-H Visual Presentation competition held Friday at the Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole.

This program teaches 4-H members important skills in communication and public speaking that they can use throughout their lives.

It is helpful to them in school and later on when they get a job.

To help them prepare for the competition the club’s leader,

Dawn Smith of Wrentham, taught the members how to select a topic and then practice their presentations at club meetings. During that time they got feedback and then improved their topics to prepare for the county event. Smith has been the leader for the past 7 years.

Emma Smith, a fourth grader from Wrentham and veteran 4-H member, wowed the crowd and received a blue ribbon for her presentation on those funny As Seen On TV commercial items.

This was the 10-year-old’s 6th visual presentation and 6th year in the 4-H program.

Dressed as a news reporter, Kathryn Coffin gave a great news flash on the topic of worm compositing. Coffin, a 4th grader at the Elm Street School in Walpole,

captured a blue ribbon doing her first visual presentation. This is her first year in the 4-H program.

Maria Fabiano of Wrentham entertained the judges with a few “oinks” about adorable tea cup pigs. This was her 5th visual presentation and 5th year in 4-H. The 11 year old was awarded a blue ribbon for her effort. Fabiano also received a green ribbon and the opportunity to do her talk at The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) in September.

Her older sister, Daria Fabiano, an 8th grader at the King Philip Middle School, kept the judges interested and grabbed a blue ribbon with her topic on horse show jumping. Dressed in her jumping attire, Fabiano, was also awarded The Big E green ribbon.

Left to Right Members of Lucky Shoes 4-H of Wrentham (Kathryn Coffin, Emma Smith, Maria Fabiano, and Daria Fabiano)

These club members have now advanced to the state 4-H Visual Presentation Day to be held at the John Glenn Middle School in

Bedford on March 31. Participants must be selected at the county or regional competition in order to compete at the statewide VP day.

Norfolk Town Elections Set for May 1st The Norfolk May 1st elections will have two contested races for selectmen and planning board. Scott Bugbee and Joyce Terrico are facing off for a three year term on the Board of Selectmen. The seat is currently held by Jim Tomaszewski who is not seeking reelection. Michael Findlen and Andrea Langhauser are running for the 1 year term on the Planning Board. Other candidates which turned in nomination papers for uncontested races are as follows:

town moderator: Carolyn “CiCi” Van Tine, 1 year term selectman: Scott Bugbee and Joyce Terrio, 3 year term Planning board: Michelle Maheu, 3 year term Planning board: Michael Findlen and Andrea Langhauser, 1 year term norfolk school committee: (2 seats available) Jeff Chalmers and Mark Flaherty

King Phillip school committee: Michael Gee board of health: No papers returned assessors: Andrew Bakinowski library trustee: Kum Kum Malik recreation commission: No papers returned housing authority: No papers returned

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The $10,000 Window

Doug Masters, owner of Masters Touch

This is a story about Bob and his $10,000 window. When oil prices skyrocketed, Bob decided it was time for a new window. He had one old window that was leaking air and he knew it was driving up his heating bills. “Better get that replaced before winter,� he thought to himself.

Bob called five contractors to get bids. Two were local companies with a lot of signs in his neighborhood year round so they were easy to locate and he felt they must be doing a good job or they wouldn’t have so many signs up. He also tried a national brand of windows whose advertisement he had heard on the radio. Finally, he asked around and was referred to a couple of other guys who offered multiple services.

But the end result was not what he anticipated. First, one of the local companies with never called him back. Of the two local guys in the neighborhood, one never called back and the other, “Joe�, promised to be there that very evening.

He never showed up, but Bob called him back anyway and gave him another chance. Joe promised to “stop by� within the week.

company both showed up on time for their appointments. Both salesmen really new their product and were courteous and informative.

Not only did they tell him everything about the windows and their service, they also showed Bob insurance papers, licenses and advised him not to hire anybody to work on his home if they weren’t qualified or didn’t have full insurance protection. Within a couple of days Bob received clear and well written quotes from both companies and was surprised to find the local company was 20% lower then the national brand, although he felt the prices were comparable.

Just one more bid to go – the neighborhood jack-of-all-trades, Joe. Bob showed him the window in question and Joe looked at it and said, “I can put a new window in for $300. You buy the window and I’ll come and do the work, cash only.�

Bob though it was a great deal that would save him money. “Can you measure it for me?�

Bob asked. “Sure� Joe replied. “Do you have a tape measure?�

Bob thought that was a bit unprofessional but loaned him his tape measure. Joe told him the measurements and Bob wrote them down. A quick handshake and the

deal was set. This was in August.

Two weeks later the shop where Bob ordered the window called to let him know it had arrived. He picked it up and then called Joe to set up the installation.

After three days worth of calls Bob finally got Joe on the phone. “Oh yeah,� he said, “I forgot all about that job. I’m really busy now but I can probably be out in a month.�

Another month? Bob decided to let it go and wait.

A month later Bob called again and this time it took him almost a week to get an answer. Once on the phone Joe said, “It’s a really busy time of year. I’ll get there in early November.�

Another month went by.

After several more frustrating phone calls Bob finally got Joe to commit to installing the window in mid December. It was an icy winter’s day the morning Joe showed up.

Joe proceeded to lug the window up the stairs by himself, scraping the walls in the process. He finally got the window into the room where it would be installed. All the while Bob was working in his home office. At about 12:30 Joe came to see Bob. “I need a ladder,� he said. “I did-

Page 7

n’t know I had to put this in from the outside. Do you have a ladder I can borrow?� Bob showed him his old ladder that he used to clean the gutters.

Joe then lugged the window down the stairs and outside and Bob went back to work. About 45 minutes later Bob heard a terrible crash. He rushed outside to discover that Joe had attempted to carry the window up the ladder and had made it to the top when the ladder slipped on some ice and came crashing down. Joe was severely injured.

Bob called 911 and an ambulance came. Joe ended up being flown to a Boston hospital for emergency treatment.

Fast-forward a few months. Bob receives notification that Joe has filed a lawsuit against his homeowner’s insurance. Bob immediately called him. “No hard feelings,� Joe said. “But I’m hurt bad and I need the money.�

mates this mistake cost him $10,000.

The moral of Bob’s story?

Homeowners, take a moment to think before you hire a non-professional or uninsured company.

There are plenty of legitimate companies out there and they deserve your business when you need them. Sure, it’s tempting to go the cheap route sometimes, but always remember that if you hire a contractor without insurance, YOU are assuming a lot of risk and it could cost you dearly.

Do the right thing and make sure your builder, your lawn care company, your painter or any other company that works on your home is playing by the rules and has full insurance. It could save you a lot of money in the long run!

If there is anything else I can do just let me know!

Joe ended up getting a whopping $500,000 check from the insurance company.

Then, the insurance company told Bob that he was being dropped from their coverage. “What!� he exclaimed. “I’ve been with you for 25 years and never had a claim before!�

He ended up being dropped, had to hire a lawyer and had to pay through the nose for his new carrier to cover him. In all he esti-

Doug Masters Masters Touch PO Box 171 Medfield, MA 02052 508-359-5900 ext. 201 Fax 508-359-4042

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April 1, 2012

Norfolk Lions Community Day June 9, 2012 June may seem like a long way off, but the Norfolk Lions Community Day team is already planning this annual event.

This year’s event resurrects the original “Old Tyme Day” theme from years past when times were a little slower and more affordable.

Community Day 2012 will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Once again the Holmes Family has graciously agreed to host the event at their property at 22 Myrtle Street, Norfolk.

This will be the Lions' 20th year bringing a day of family fun and entertainment. The Lions’ goal is to provide a country fair type environment including music, dancing, games, petting animals, hayrides, train rides, pie eating contest, foam for kids to play in, food and historical displays. This is an event for the entire Norfolk Community to come out, celebrate and get to know neighbors.

The Lions welcome your participation and invite any Norfolk business, organization, neighborhood or group to participate in

Community Day. Groups and organizations (including corporations) can take part in a number of ways, whether by setting up a booth or tent, sponsoring an activity or entertainment, or simply by becoming a sponsor.

There is no set fee to participate, but we do ask that you provide

something in return. For example, if your company wants to have a booth, then you should have something to offer that will add to the fun such as a game or activity, or provide financial support that will be used towards other expenses.

You can also sponsor an event or entertainment. We are flexible; just tell us what you have in mind.

Help make Norfolk Community Day 2012 one of the best and join the fun. You may contact the Norfolk Lions Club at norfolkcommunityday@gmail.com or call Ed Melanson at 508-843-1528 or Patti McCarty at 508-520-0540.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Page 9

Norfolk & Wrentham Library Calendars Norfolk Public Library 139 Main St. Norfolk, MA 02056 Phone: 508-528-3380 April 1 Sunday Spinnners, 1 to 5 p.m.

April 2 No Girls Allowed! A book discussion group just for guys in grades 5-8. 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

April 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 to 11:15 a.m.

Fun with Folktales - Tricksters and Fools, Come hear stories from around the world about sly tricksters and their unsuspecting victims. We will also make a craft.

This program is for children in grades K-2. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Building Blocks, Imagine, create, and build anything you can dream of with LEGO. For children 4 and up. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. 4:30 to 5 p.m.

April 4 Multi-Age Storytime, An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver.

11:15 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 to 2 p.m.

Great Decisions Discussion Group, This world affairs discussion group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. 7 to 9 p.m.

April 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 to 11:30 a.m.

April 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.

April 10 Building Blocks, Imagine, create, and build anything you can dream of with LEGO. For children 4 and up. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. 4:30 to 5 p.m.

4 and up. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. 4:30 to 5 p.m.

of Public Works garage, Medway Branch. Friends Members Only. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Adult Writers Workshop, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fiske Public Library 110 Randall Rd. Wrentham, MA 02093 508-384-5440

Which Path Are You On? 3 Paths to Estate Planning in Massachusetts, 7 to 9 p.m.

April 25 Multi-Age Storytime, An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver.

11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

April 11 Multi-Age Storytime, An interactive drop-in storytime with songs, games, and a craft. For children 2 and up with a caregiver.

11:15 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 to 2 p.m.

Adult Writers Workshop, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.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 to 2 p.m.

April 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 to 11:30 a.m.

Aboard the Titanic - 100 Years Later, Let’s hop in a time machine and travel back 100 years to learn about the legendary shipwreck that happened on April 15, 1912. We will practice sending messages in Morse code! This program is for children in grades 3-5. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

April 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.

April 17 Adult Writers Workshop, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m Friends of the Library - Book & Bake Sale, 7 p.m. to 8:30 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 to 4:15 p.m.

MS Support Group, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Get More - Communicate Less: Text, Talk & Type at the Office A two-session workshop presented

by Jan O'neill. 7 to 9 p.m.

April 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 to 11:30 a.m.

Earth Day Celebration , Celebrate Earth Day at the library! We will read the Dr. Seuss classic The Lorax, then use recycled materials to create amazing art.

This program is for children in grades K-2. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

April 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.

April 24 Tuesday Afternoon Book Discussion Group, Monthly meeting of Norfolk Public Library book discussion group. New members are always welcome. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale, extragavaganza with over 30,000 books for sale. Dept. of Public Works garage, Medway Branch. Friends Members Only. 6 to 9 p.m.

Building Blocks, Imagine, create, and build anything you can dream of with LEGO. For children

April 28 Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale, extragavaganza with over 30,000 books for sale. Dept.

April 4 Mom's Club, 10 to 11 a.m.

April 5 Yoga with Chris Primavera, sixth class of the second WINTER session. Sign up and prepayment of $65.00 is required. This is the last class for this session. New session will be announced. 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

April 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 2 ½ 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.

April 7 Lego Club, The Lego Club has resumed on Saturdays. The sessions are held in the Sweatt Meeting Room. Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated. 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

April 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 2 ½ 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.

April 15-21 Family Program - Face Painting, Fiske Library is celebrating National Library Week,April 15-21 with face painting!! Artist/Teacher, Susana Pare, will be here to paint pirates, animals,fairies, princesses, superheroes and more. She uses Diamond FX, a special fragrance

free theatrical/movie paint that lasts all day and dries into a powder which wipes off easily with a baby wipe or damp cloth. It meets all FDA regulations. Check out the pirate photo in the Children’s Room to see her work!! Bring your camera to photograph your child reading a book to match their face paint. There will be two sessions to choose from 12:30 or 1:30 and you should plan on staying in the library until your name is called. REGISTER at the circulation desk!! Space is limited so sign up soon. Come join the fun and celebrate books and reading with us. This program is supported with funds from the Friends of the Fiske. 12 to 3 p.m.

Lego Club, The Lego Club has resumed on Saturdays. The sessions are held in the Sweatt Meeting Room. Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated. 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

April 18 WRENTHAM READS – EMILY DICKINSON PROGRAM, Wrentham Children are invited to participate in the program sponsored by the Wrentham Cultural Council and Fiske Public Library. Meet Emily Dickinson’s dog Carlo, listen to poems read by Grade 6, Wrentham Elementary students, Rose Fitzgerald and Katie Aaron dressed as young Emily Dickinson and listen to a picture book read by Miss Liz. Bring your camera to be photographed with Carlo, Rose and Katie. The Friends of the Fiske will be providing a special surprise refreshment!! Sign up at the circulation desk. Check out the new display on Emily Dickinson during the month of April in the Children’s Room. 2 p.m.

April 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 2 ½ 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. continued on page 10

Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 10

April 1, 2012

Last-Minute Tax Tips for Procrastinators penalty rate. You also have various options for charging your balance on a credit card. There is no IRS fee for credit card payments, but the processing companies charge a convenience fee. Electronic filers with a balance due can file early and authorize the government's financial agent to take the money directly from their checking or savings account on the April due date, with no fee.

Easter Bunny Stroll Planned

BY JEFFREY SCHWEITZER

The Wrentham Downtown Merchants Association is holding the Annual Easter Bunny Stroll on Saturday, April 7th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stop by any participating downtown business with the pastel colored balloons outside for an Easter treat.

Artists Sought The Downtown Merchants Association of Wrentham plans to once again host Art on the Common on Saturday, June 23rd, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Event Committee has started planning and preparing and is currently seeking interested artists to participate. The table fee is $50. Early sign ups receive a $10 discount. Lunch is provided. Contact Bambi Rosenquist for additional information and an entry form. 508-259-7619, bambis@verizon.net.

continued from page 9 Lego Club, The Lego Club has resumed on Saturdays. The sessions are held in the Sweatt Meeting Room. Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated. 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

April 25 Foreign Film, 7 p.m.

April 26 Evening Book Group, BOOK : Secret Life of Emily Dickinson by

Jerome Charyn Books will be available at the circulation desk.

FACILITATOR : Jan Battikha, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

April 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 2 ½ 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.

April 28 Lego Club, The Lego Club has resumed on Saturdays. The sessions are held in the Sweatt Meeting Room. Registration is not required, just drop in and join the fun!!!! (Lego donations always appreciated. 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

It's April already. Are your taxes done? If your answer to the question is no, you are not alone. The Internal Revenue Service says as many as 25% of taxpayers file their returns the final two weeks before the filing deadline. The good news for procrastinators is that they have a few extra days to get the job done. The traditional tax return filing deadline is April 15 of each year, but April 15, 2012 is a Sunday and April 16, 2012 falls on Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. The deadline this year is Tuesday, April 17, 2012.

If you have not completed your taxes yet, here are some stress-relieving ideas: Don't Procrastinate Anymore Resist the temptation to put off your taxes until the very last minute. Your return takes time to prepare and your preparer may need to request certain documents from you, which will take additional time.

Don't Panic If You Can't Pay - If you can't immediately pay the taxes you owe, consider some alternatives. You can apply for an IRS installment agreement, suggesting your own monthly payment amount and due date, and getting a reduced late-payment

Request an Extension of Time to File,- But Pay on Time - If the clock runs out, you can get an automatic six-month extension, bringing the filing date to October 15, 2012. The extension itself does not give you more time to pay any taxes due. You will owe interest on any amount not paid by the April deadline, plus a late-payment penalty if you have not paid at least 90% of your total tax by that date.

Contact your tax professional for a variety of easy ways to apply for an extension.

To get an estimate of what you owe, you generally have to do a dry run of your tax return—which probably means you will have almost everything you need to file anyway. If they’re 90% done, it’s really in your best interest to just get it done and file.

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) 560-4NFS or visit online - www.nfsnet.com

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Page 11

FPAC Presents an FSPA Presents Showcase of Evening with the Stars Disney-Bound Talent The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is pleased to announce a Gala 2012 event: Broadway Returns, An Evening with the Stars, to be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro on Saturday evening, May 5.

Broadway headliners will entertain with a special one-night-only show, bringing the magic of 42nd Street to the suburbs for a night to remember!

The evening will also feature special guests, silent and live auctions, dynamic performances by Electric Youth and the Franklin Performing Arts Company, and dancing until midnight with Boston’s R&B band Soul Kitchen. Gillette Stadium, a renowned stage for outstanding athletic performance, will provide an exciting setting to showcase and support excellence in the performing arts.

Founded in 1991, the Franklin Performing Arts Company is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, with a focus on live music and commitment to youth development.

A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization, FPAC presents quality performances while offering opportunities for professional artists, amateurs, families, and stu-

dents of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment.

Funds raised from Gala 2012 will support FPAC’s efforts to secure local performance space in which a passion for the arts can be fostered.

The event celebrates friends, honors volunteers, recognizes significant contributors to the performing arts, and cultivates new relationships for the future.

For more information about the Franklin Performing Arts Company or Gala 2012, call (508) 5288668 or visit www.FPAConline. com.

Our Annual Spring Gala raises operating funds to support the capital campaign of the New England Center for the Performing Arts while celebrating with friends, honoring volunteers, recognizing significant contributors to the performing arts and cultivating new relationships for the future.

The new home for The Center will feature state-of-the-art education and performing facilities allowing opportunity for new and expanded programming to reach more students, underserved youth, seniors and students with special needs.

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Three performing troupes from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) have been selected to perform at Walt Disney World during the upcoming April school vacation week. Broadway Bound, Broadway Light and the CenterStage dance company will entertain large Disney audiences and have the opportunity to take master classes with Disney performers and directors. FSPA will feature these troupes on Saturday, April 7 in a Disney Showcase, to be performed at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Lodge of Elks, 1077 Pond Street. Ticket proceeds will help defray travel and workshop expenses for the Disney-bound performers.

Each FSPA performing troupe will present a 25-minute show with a specific theme. FSPA’s Broadway Bound will perform

songs from A Day in the Life. The CenterStage dance company will perform pieces choreographed to music with a Rain or Shine theme.

In addition to the Disney-bound troupes, Disney Showcase will also feature the musical theater troupe BLT2, with younger FSPA students, and FSPA’s junior dance ensemble Next Step. BLT2 will present songs based on the theme Tutti Frutti, including such hits as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Next Step will perform choreography set to “Lullaby of Broadway.”

FSPA’s musical theater staff includes Hallie Wetzell, Tracy Lane, Nick Paone, Kellie Stamp, and FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer.

The musical theater ensembles are accompanied by FSPA’s resident rhythm section including Mercer, drummer and faculty member

Kenny Hadley, as well as bassist and house arranger Mark Poniatowski and guitarist Mark White, both of the Berklee College of Music.

All FSPA performing troupe and dance company members are selected at the beginning of each academic year by audition. These ensembles offer outstanding training and performing opportunities for the most committed and talented students at FSPA. Tickets to Disney Showcase are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors, and include a dessert buffet at intermission. Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Spotlight Shop, 34 Main Street, Franklin, or by phone at (508) 528-8668, or are available at the door. For more information, visit www.FSPAonline.com.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 12

Emily Dickinson Celebrated April is National Poetry Month.

In keeping with this observation, the Wrentham Cultural Council, the Fiske Library, the Friends of the Fiske, and the Wrentham Book Club are pleased to announce a special program for April, Shades of White. Presented by character actress Sally Gruber, “Emily Dickinson” will be the special guest of the Book Club. Wearing her famous white dress, Emily will quote some of her poetry, talk about her life, and explain the Victorian language of flowers. While she is famous for her poetry, to her family and friends, Emily was known as a gardener and baker.

Shades of White is part of the Wrentham Cultural Council’s town-wide program “Wrentham Reads—One Book, One Town.”

As the name suggests, the town is invited to join the Book Club in reading a single selection: The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson, by Jerome Charyn. Mr. Charyn is the award-winning author of nearly 50 published works, including 30 novels.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sweatt Room at the Fiske Pub-

wrenthambookclub.org.

Sally Gruber’s program is supported by a grant from the Wrentham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Local Gymnasts Earn Gold at Junior Olympics

TV Series Screening to Run in April

Actress Sally Gruber will be the special guest of the Book Club wearing Emily Dickinson’s famous white dress.

lic Library, 110 Randall Street, Wrentham (508-384-5440). The meeting is free and open to the public. Please join us in reading the book, then meeting Miss Dickinson.

To learn more about other activities going on during the monthlong Wrentham Reads project, check the Wrentham Cultural Council’s website at: http:// wrenthamculturalcouncil.shutterfly.com/wrenthamreads

The Wrentham Cultural Council will host four screening parties for the PBS series http://www.pbs. org. The four episode special will feature 13 profiles of artists from five continents. Each episode is one hour. After viewing the show, a discussion about the film will take place and light refreshments will be served. The screenings start on April 3rd with the showing of the first episode with the theme of "Change". The second showing will occur on April 10th for the showing of an episode on "Boundaries". The third episode will be on "History" and will take place on April 24th. The final showing will be on "Balance" and will take place on May 1st. All screenings will start at 7 p.m. at the Old Fiske Museum, 55 East St.

The Book Club’s website is:

Pancake Breakfast At Federated Church Of Norfolk The Federated Church of Norfolk will hold a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 7, from 8 to 10 a.m. Our famous homemade pancakes, ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, cinnamon rolls, homemade biscuits and

April 1, 2012

sausage gravy round out the buffet and omelets will be cooked to order. It’s all you can eat for $7, with a Sr. citizen cost of $5.

Breakfast is free for children under age 10. The Federated Church is located at the corner of

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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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Left to right – Plainville’s Alexis Gaulin and Wrentham’s Maria Fabiano.

Two local gymnasts flipped and tumbled their way to gold at the Women’s Junior Olympic state championships held in Holyoke last week. Alexis Gaulin of Plainville and Maria Fabiano of Wrentham, teammates at the New England Sports Acadamy (NESA) in Westwood, grabbed several top medals at the Level 6 state-wide gymnastics event.

Gaulin, a 4th grader at the Beatrice H. Wood Elementary School in Plainville, and Fabiano, a 5th grader at the Roderick Elementary School in Wrentham, were also instrumental in helping their team capture the second place Level 6 team trophy at the state meet which is hosted by the Massachusetts USA Gymnastics Association. After the team’s performance at the state meet, the team is now ranked 13th nationally.

Gaulin rocked the floor routine in her age group by nailing a round off back handspring back tuck.

This performance earned her a 9.7

and a first place medal in that event. She also grabbed a first place award for beam, a second place on bars and a fourth place on vault. The 10-year old’s combined score earned her the coveted first place all-around state champion trophy.

Fabiano, age 11, vaulted her way to victory capturing a first place medal in the vault. Her beam routine, which included a giant split leap jump, earned her a 9.5 score and a first place medal. She was also awarded 2nd place for her floor routine and a 3rd place medal for bars. Her combined score secured a 2nd place all-around state trophy.

These two elite gymnasts practice 16 hours a week at NESA during the competition season and 21 hours a week in the summer. They are both members of the USA Gymnastics Association. They are coached by head coach Janie Murakovskaya.

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Local Town Pages

April 1. 2012

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April 1. 2012

Random Smiles Project Excited to be Chosen as Beneficiary and Partner in $10,000 Carpet Giveaway Contest Random Smile Project is urging friends, donors, supporters and the general public to vote for their charity, non-profit in the “Improve Your Home, Improve Your Hometown” contest. Flooring America selected Random Smile Project to participate in the contest, and they are now in the running to win a $10,000 Stainmaster® carpet donation. The contest takes place online, and runs from April 9th to May 20th.

Flooring America has selected Random Smile Project as their partner to compete for—and ideally win—a $10,000 Stainmaster® carpet donation for the charity, non-profit in the nationwide “Improve Your Home, Improve Your Hometown” contest. Random Smile Project is thrilled to be in the running and is now asking for the community’s assistance to spread

to the word, and to help them collect as many votes as possible between the start of the contest on April 9th, and its end date on May 20th.

The nationwide contest, which takes place online, asks community members to vote on behalf of their local charity, their Flooring America store, and their community. Should Random Smile Project and Flooring America rally the most support, Random Smile Project will get a big boost in the form of flooring which they can donate to help and improve the homes of those in need of their charitable contributions in their local community. Flooring America will also donate $1 for every 100 sq feet of Stainmaster Ultra Life Carpet sold to the Random Smile Project during the contest period!.

Surviving Drought During a Water Restriction Homeowners don’t need to have a green thumb to know how taxing a drought can be on their lawns.

Though summer is a laid-back season for many people, those same high temperatures and sunny days that make summer so enjoyable can wreak havoc on a lawn during periods of drought.

In response to drought, many communities institute water restrictions that limit how much water a homeowner can use to water his or her lawn. These restrictions are well-intentioned and necessary, but lawns that need water still need to survive the summer heat. There are a few steps

homeowners can take to help their lawn survive drought during a water restriction. * Extend intervals between cuts.

Mowing the lawn is necessary, but whenever a lawn is mowed the grass is stressed. Since grass is already stressed during a drought, try to extend the periods between cuts as long as possible. If a landscaping service tends to your lawn, negotiate with the foreman or another company representative so the maintenance crew knows not cut the lawn on its regular, nondrought schedule. * Help the lawn help itself. A lawn can actually help shield itself

“We’re really excited about the potential of new Stainmaster carpet,” says Matt Sousa, Spokesperson for Random Smile Project.

The event comes as part of Stainmaster’s effort to salute small business owners and the communities they serve. As local economies have become a larger part of the national conversation, Stainmaster has chosen to recognize the efforts of locally owned and operated Flooring America and Flooring Canada stores, like Flooring America, as well as the ever-important work of community charities and non-profits.

“This giveaway amounts to a lot more than new flooring,” says Matt Sousa. “It increases morale, and it also enables us to spend money we were planning to use for renovations on something else.

We’re really excited about it, and

To vote in the Improve Your Home, Improve Your Hometown contest, visit www.flooringamericama.com/myhometown after the start of the contest in early April and continues until end of May. About Random Smile Project: Random Smile Project provides a bridge of support to people going through difficult times. We recognize and inspire volunteerism, creating a culture of community involvement. We accomplish this through our programs and activities, rooted in the spirit of giving and community.

Random Smile Project – PO Box 13, Franklin Ma 02038/ 508 728 7850 About Flooring America

As one of over 550 locally owned and operated stores, Flooring America in both Franklin and Westborough Ma serves as your friendly, neighborhood source for exclusive floor-covering brands and expert advice. Visit Flooring America for an outstanding selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, area rugs and vinyl floors, plus programs and warranties like Move or Improve Assurance and the Ultimate Confidence Guarantee that set Flooring America far apart from the competition. When you invest in your home with a small business, you’re investing in your community. And now, for every 100 sq ft of Stainmaster Ultra Life carpet sold, Flooring America in both stores, Westborough and Franklin will donate $1.

For more information, visit www.flooringamericama.com.

from drought, especially if homeowners are on board. When mowing, raise the decks of the mower so the grass can adequately shade itself from the blistering summer sun. Raising the decks also allows the lawn to maintain more water, which will be lost to evaporation if the lawn is cut too short. * Aerate. The height of drought season is not necessarily the best time to aerate, so the correct aeration schedule might be a preventive measure homeowners can take to help their lawn better cope with drought.

Cool season lawns, which includes bluegrass, bent grass, fescues and rye grasses, grow best when temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and might struggle mightily when the weather is especially hot and dry.

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Homeowners can employ a few simple strategies to help their lawn survive summer drought, even during water restrictions.

August through early October is the best time to aerate cool season lawns.

Warm season lawns include Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, Buffalo grass and Saint Augustine grass, and these species grow best when the temperatures rise into the 80s and mid-90s. Late spring or early summer is the best time to aerate warm season lawns.

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So why aerate? Because aerating the lawn helps break up hard, compacted soil, allowing water, air and nutrients, each of which are essential to a healthy lawn, to reach the soil and strengthen the roots.

Strong roots are essential for the lawn to survive, be it hot and dry

temperatures in the summer or colder weather in the winter. * Buy a mulching mower. If you don’t already have one, purchase a mulching mower and employ the mulching feature during hot and dry periods. Remove the bag from your mower so the clippings are left on the lawn, where they will break down and provide the lawn nutrients it desperately needs.

Droughts are typically a lawn enthusiast’s worst nightmare. But even if water restrictions have been put in place, employing a few simple strategies can help a lawn survive extended periods of high temperatures and dry conditions.

Local Town Pages

April 1, 2012

Page 3

Growing Your Own Herb and Vegetable Plants The fun of planting your own seeds is that your options are limited only by your available space or pocketbook – you are no longer restricted to what your neighborhood garden shop offers. You can really add some incredible plant variety to “spice up” your herb, vegetable and flower gardens! It is time to start some of your own seedlings. If you have never done this before, there are a few key things you will need to know, as well as a few purchases you will have to make.

LIGHTING - Windowsill gardening at this time of year does not produce the best results. If you’ve tried this, you may have noticed that your seedlings become very spindly, or leggy. They are reaching for the weak light source and will lean towards it. The best solution is to acquire some type of fluorescent light fixture. Shop lights can be found at many hardware stores for around $20. A four-foot light will accommodate 2 flats of plants. Though you can spend the money for special grow lights if you wish, you can substitute one cool bulb and one warm bulb to achieve almost the same result.

One important point is that the light source should be very close to the growing plant – 2 to 3 inches above the seedlings. Therefore, you should have some method of raising and lowering the light – a chain is sometimes supplied with the light. A bonus of growing under lights is that you can grow your plants anywhere you have space. I used to start all of my seeds in my basement, which kept the mess out of the living room.

The final note is that the lights need to be on for about 12 - 14 hours per day.

HEAT SOURCE - As most seeds germinate better with a little heat (some will not germinate at all unless the soil temperature is about 70-75) you need to figure out a

DON’T MISS THE NEXT PULLOUT SECTION IN MAY CALL 508-533-4588

tle water. As my plants grow, I usually water with a weak solution of fish emulsion every few days. This gives them a little boost and results in better plants.

For anyone first starting out planting from seed, I would suggest trying tomatoes and basil.

These are very popular, and some of the easiest plants to get to start from seed. It’s also what most people want to grow in their gardens.

Even discount stores are offering heirloom seeds, which are far superior to many of the plants offered at nurseries.

Don’t wait too long to plant your seeds inside. Many seeds need 68 weeks of optimal growing time before they can be set out in the garden. Know your last frost date, and work backwards from that to discover when you should plant.

And realize, too, that you will need to spend time re-potting those little seedlings as they grow, to encourage stronger roots and sturdier plants.

way to provide bottom heat. I use grow mats, which are self-contained, water-resistant and pretty much foolproof. The trays need to be removed from the heat source once they germinate, or you will be watering them several times a day.

TRAYS, POTS AND SOIL Trays that come with a clear plastic top are easiest to use, since they keep in the moisture that germinating seeds need. Many plants do not need light to germinate (though some do – check the instructions on the seed packet) so you need not worry about providing them with light until they break through the soil. Trays with individual inserts can be found at many area

stores that carry garden supplies.

Peat pots can be difficult to monitor, as they really wick water away from the plant, and also dry out more quickly than plastic inserts.

You should always use clean, sterilized pots and a growing mixture specific for starting seeds to ensure the health of your plants. This will prevent the dreaded “damping off” of your seedlings, which is caused by a fungus that can linger in the soil or dirty pots. The stem of the seedling will look pinched, and since nutrients will not be able to be drawn up from the soil, it will die. Most seed starting mixes contain a small amount of fertilizer, too. You will have to watch your seedlings carefully so that you give them neither too much nor too lit-

Despite what the groundhog said, spring will be here before you know it! Good luck!

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 Rose, produced by the IHA. Her website is www.greenwomansgarden.com, where you can find other articles on herbs and gardening.

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Local Town Pages

Page 4

April 1. 2012

Franklin Community Garden Gives Peas a Chance

BY J.D. O’GARA It wasn’t quite the top o’ the morning on March 17, when The Franklin Community Garden held its “Give Peas a Chance,” pea planting demonstration. Eager

community gardeners came out on the mild, gray morning to learn a little and get started digging in their plots, with free pea seed courtesy of the Friends of the Franklin Community Gardens, Inc. Accord-

Franklin Community Garden Coordinator Chris Clay demonstrates, along with his son Gabriel, 3 1/2, how to create a support for peas out of bamboo.

ing to Garden Coordinator Chris Clay, peas do well in cooler weather, so gardeners should think

Eager to start planting, the O’Brien family foregoes the pea planting demonstration and gets down in the dirt. Shown here are Katy O’Brien and her son Leo, age 2 1/2. Emily, four years old, is not shown in the photo.

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about planting them in the early and late seasons. They are also a good crop to help balance nitrogen

Garden Club Announces Scholarship The Millis Garden Club is pleased to offer an annual scholarship to a deserving high school senior who resides in Millis, wishes to pursue a career in horticulture, agriculture, conservation, landscape design or architecture, arborist, botanist, forestry, environmental science, land management or a field related to preserving our natural world. A copy of the Eligibility Information and Application Form is being forwarded to the following school Guidance departments: Millis

High, Xaverian Brothers, St. Sebastians, Nobles, Rivers, Dana Hall, Bishop Feehan, Marian High, Norfolk Agricultural, Tri County and may also be accessed through the MGC Scholarship link on the Millis Garden Club website (http://www.Millisgardenclub.org) .

Scholarship candidates should complete the Scholarship Application Form, together with necessary signature approvals, and forward the Application to your high

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in the soil. For more information, visit www.franklincommunitygardens.org.

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school Guidance Department, for final approval. Completed applications must be received by the MGC Scholarship Committee no later than May 1, 2012. Please send completed applications to: Millis Garden Club P.O. Box 535, Millis, MA 02054 Attn: Dr. Susan Steele The Millis Garden Club Ken Nichols Memorial scholarship award for a 2012 graduating senior is $1,000 and will be announced on or around May 8, 2012.

DON’T MISS THE MAY PULLOUT SECTION CALL 508-533-4588

Local Town Pages

April 1, 2012

Page 5

Many Current Trends In Outdoor Living Amenities Are Captured In Easy To Install Pre-Packaged Kits

BY CHARLES H. GAMAREKIAN Thanks to a whole new crop of outdoor living conveniences, homeowners now crave all the comforts of indoor spaces — only Today’s diverse outdoors. lifestyles dictate what families want to add to patio plans. Among these are open-air kitchens, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, and what are commonly referred to as “outdoor rooms”. One factor that can easily raise the budget is the cost connected with installation, especially where quality, as it should be, is of paramount importance. As a manufacturer in the concrete pavingstone and wall systems industry, I have always helped do-it-yourselfers, landscape designers and professional contractors to address current trends in outdoor living and to turn “wish lists” into reality.

Cambridge Pavingstones with Armortec® and Cambridge Wallstones offers a comprehensive line of products for outdoor lifestyles that combine unmistaken quality, natural

Outdoor Living Trends / Page Two beauty and value with design versatility. However, we at Cambridge have eased the design/build factor with all-inclusive, pre-packaged design kits on our entire line of outdoor living products. For example, our fire pit kits are ready to install. Models are complete with grates for grilling, optional fire screens and galvanized, stainless steel covers while the outdoor fireplaces have dimensional cast stone surround options in a choice of colors.

There is even an L-shaped, openair kitchen kit with a stainless steel appliance package and a decorator-inspired, granite countertop included.

More adventurous cooking enthusiasts can opt for a Cambridge Outdoor Pizza Oven Kit that also bakes bread and roasts veggies with an old world, brick oven flavor derived from an authentic wood-fired oven. Choose a pre-packaged Cambridge Patio Pub & Bistro Table for seating and gathering and/or a Grill and Bar Module Kit for food preparation, all with tops in matching granite.

A pergola is typically an opensided, garden structure that consists of pillars that support a

partially open roof structure, such as latticework or a trellis. In contrast, a patio pavilion also has open sides but a closed roof. Both can convert an open patio into a sheltered outdoor room. Columns (pillars) can be anchored into the pavement or set on columns (pedestals) a few feet above ground level. If getting involved with building these kinds of structures seems to be a bit intimidating, Cambridge offers both pergolas and pavilions also in prepackaged kits. The structures are set on any Cambridge wallstone columns (sold separately). For added convenience, a pre-packaged column kit is available in a

variety of color options.

Outdoor Living Trends / Page Three Pre-cut and pre-packaged kits help professionals give you competitive pricing by reducing time and labor costs so you can be ready for greater outdoor living experiences this season. For more outdoor living ideas and the nearest distributor, visit Cambridge online at www.cambridgepavers.com . If you have any questions whatsoever, you can e-mail them to me, Charles Gamarekian, at cambridge@cambridgepavers.com.

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About the writer: Charles H. Gamarekian is the Chairman/CEO of Cambridge Pavers Inc., manufacturers of Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec®, Cambridge Wallstones and a full line of products for outdoor living. He is one of the founders and a current board member of the Interlocking Pavement Institute. Organized in 1993, ICPI is the North American trade association representing the inter-

locking concrete paver industry and considered by peer associations around the world as the leader in development and dissemination of technical information for design professionals and contractors. Mr. Gamarekian is recognized worldwide as an expert in his field and is a frequent speaker on the proper installation of pavingstones, wallstones and many outdoor living products.

Local Town Pages

Page 6

April 1. 2012

How To Prevent Lawn Damage Many homeowners aspire toward a pristine and lush lawn. For some a nice lawn gives them feelings of pride. Others believe a perfect lawn enables them to have the best-looking house in the neighborhood. Many homeowners spend hours outdoors perfecting their lawns or spend a good deal of money hiring professionals to make their lawn more appealing.

But just because a lawn looks good now doesn’t mean it will look good later. That’s because delicate grass can be damaged by a number of different factors.

attempt to peel it back. If it comes back easily like a piece of carpet, it’s likely grubs. Spotting grubs underneath is a sure sign these larvae are killing the lawn.

Using an insecticide for grub control in July can help kill off grubs that start hatching in August through September. Grub eggs do well in sunny patches of lawn that are well watered. More shade may deter them. There’s also the option of letting the lawn go dormant and not watering it, but you will be left with a brown, unappealing lawn.

Pet Urine Pets can also damage a lawn. Pet Preventing lawn damage includes cleaning up after pets, whose urine can cause discoloration in urine can create burnt patches and the yard. significant discoloration on the lawn, particularly if the dog or cat selves without your knowledge. So bodies, shorter tails and rounder underground larders. uses one area consistently as their this method is not foolproof. heads. They feast on everything Voles can be kept away with natTherefore, you should take added from bulbs, succulent roots, potty zone. ural vole predators, such as cats, ground cover, and even dead aniaction to maintain a lush lawn. hawks, owls and snakes. Mouse The best way to prevent urine mals in their paths. Their burrows traps can also capture voles when First, make sure that soil and damage is to walk your dog so that enable them to move around relabaited. You may also dig sharp malawn is in good health by fertilizhe or she will not have free reign tively undetected, typically until terials or chicken wire into your ing and taking care of it properly. of the yard. However, sometimes the damage has already been done. soil around planting beds to make Second, water can dilute urine and dogs get out or stray cats and dogs Moles, although they have a sim- it uncomfortable for voles and visit your yard and relieve them- neutralize its corrosive properties.

Some have found that diluted urine ilar-sounding name, are not related moles to tunnel through. can often act as a fertilizer to grass. to voles and look very different.

Moles can also be controlled Licensed Insured M O E You may have noticed that the out- They have a cylindrical body D R E . with traps. Finding active mole .A DING LIN side ring of a urine-burned spot is shape with velvety fur, very small L .

L I tunnels will help you place the C A BU OR G often greener than the healthy or invisible ears and large paws for P. & traps effectively to either kill or Franklin, MA lawn. Try to dilute the urine prior digging. Moles often feed on simply contain the mole. The live to 8 hours having elapsed for the earthworms and other small inverVINYL SIDING • REPLACEMENT WINDOWS animal can be relocated to a site tebrates found in the soil. The burbest effect. where they won’t cause trouble. rows they create are essentially Burrowing animals Lawn damage can occur through traps for the worms, who fall into Moles and voles are among the the burrows, where moles easily a number of different factors. Findmore common lawn damage culaccess them. Moles often stockpile ing out the cause can help you find prits. Voles are small rodents that worms for later consumption in an effective treatment. resemble mice but have stouter

Grubs Grubs are not very lawn-friendly.

Grubs are actually the larval stage of different types of large beetles.

These worm-like creatures feed on the roots of grass and are able to kill large sections of the lawn in a relatively short amount of time. It can sometimes be difficult to discern whether grubs, drought or another other pest has damaged a lawn. One way to check is to grab a portion of the damaged lawn and

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Millis Garden Club Presents Free Program on Rain Gardens Mark your calendars now so as not to miss The Millis Garden Club’s FREE April program, Wednesday, April 18th at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 900 Main St. (Rte. 109), Millis. Join us at 6:15 p.m. for a period of hospitality as we enjoy some savory and sweet treats - bring your own recyclable cup for your beverage to show your support of the environment. This environmentally friendly program will begin at 7 p.m. Please note that this will NOT be recorded for presentation on the Millis Cable Network so you must

attend to take part.

Rain gardens are landscaped areas that contain, filter, and soak up storm water runoff. Capturing water from rooftops, driveways and patios allows water to slowly infiltrate back into the ground and helps to prevent erosion, flooding, and the potential for pollutants to reach sensitive water resources.

Come learn how to figure out the size of your garden and the appropriate plants to choose. We all want gardens that are low-maintenance, that provide food and habitat for

wildlife, and of course, gardens with 4-season-interest. You can have a beautiful garden and help to protect our water supply. Our presenter, Chris Gavin, is a member of the Millis Conservation Commission and works as a landscape designer, having completed her Certificate in Landscape Design at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University in 2002.

We look forward to seeing you – bring a friend and help us to make a difference in our environment.

Local Town Pages

April 1, 2012

Page 7

Things To Know Before Building a Deck Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.

levels. Though many people associate decks with one level, it’s possible to have a multi-level deck if you simply don’t have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day.

One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways. Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends. Those who simply love being outdoors find decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the evening hours.

* You will want to protect the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you’re building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you’ve finished painting, apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or water-based.

But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins. * Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it. Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again. * Decks don’t have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it’s probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that’s perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more com-

fortable. * Decks don’t have to be made of wood. It’s easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it’s not very expensive. But manmade materials

that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance. But homeowners should know that manmade materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes. * Expect to do some digging. If you’re going to build your own

deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck’s weight. Just how deep you’ll dig depends on your climate’s specific frost line, but it’s safe to assume you’ll get a workout in when digging.

The addition of a half-bathroom is a popular project among homeowners, and it won't necessarily break the bank. If converting existing floor space into a half-bathroom, such a renovation can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, making the addition of a powder room one of the few home improvement projects where the value added to the home exceeds the cost of the renovation. Before deciding to add a half-bathroom, it helps to consider some of the pros and cons of the project.

Pros * Convenience: A half-bathroom is often added on the home's main floor or in the basement or attic.

This makes it more convenient for guests to use the restroom during a dinner party or when coming over to watch the big game in a basement home-theater area. * Problem-free: Half-bathrooms are smaller because they don't have a shower or bathtub. That means common bathroom problems like mold and mildew are not as big a concern as they are for full bathrooms. * More choices: Because mold and mildew aren't likely to present a problem in a half-bathroom, homeowners have more options at

instead of a bathroom.

Once the pros and cons have been weighed, homeowners who want to go forward with the project should then check with their local municipality to ensure the codes and requirements won't restrict their project. Size or window restrictions might curtail the project or limit what homeowners can do, which might change their minds on the project altogether.

their disposal when choosing floors and countertops.

Cons * Space: As their name implies, half-bathrooms are much smaller than full bathrooms. As a result, they tend to feel cramped. * Value: Though an inexpensive half-bathroom addition might recoup its value and then some at resale, the project won't add as much resale value to a home as a full bathroom addition might. * Loss of storage: If storage around the house is sparse, homeowners might be better off keeping the area designated for the half-bathroom as a storage closet

A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions.

* The deck can have multiple

Is It Time To Add a Half-Bathroom When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others.

* Don’t forget fasteners. Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fasteners are the right fit, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the right fit ahead of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.

The addition of a half-bathroom is a project that often makes practical and financial sense.

The addition of a half-bathroom often makes practical and financial sense. But before making any addition, homeowners must weight the pros and cons to make the best decision possible.

Local Town Pages

Page 8

April 1. 2012

Shopping For a Garden Storage Shed Storage space is often a coveted commodity. Apartment dwellers seek out more closet space, homeowners may desire more acreage, and even children may want more space for their toys and belongings. The purchase of a storage shed could alleviate some clutter issues and move items outdoors — creating more space.

Household garages are no longer as popular for storing vehicles. Instead, garages are used to store the extra items that do not fit inside the home. Many people even turn to self-storage units for extra storage space. According to the Self Storage Association, the storage industry earned roughly $20 billion in revenues across North America in 2010. It has also been the fastestgrowing segment of the commercial real estate industry for the last 30 years and is considered to be recession-proof.

Garden storage sheds present another place where individuals can keep items out of sight but easily accessible. As garages fill up with belongings quite quickly, many homeowners think about a shed purchase to at least keep outdoor lawn and garden essentials in their own place.

The process of purchasing a shed

is not as simple as finding the least or most expensive type on the market. There are other factors that come into play when selecting a shed. * Appearance and design: Although the function of a shed is to store items out of sight, the shed itself will be in full view in a yard.

Therefore, plenty of homeowners prefer something that has just as much aesthetic appeal as it does storage capacity. An unsightly shed can affect the overall appearance of a property, or even hurt the sale price for homeowners thinking about putting the home on the market. It’s important to select a shed in a price range that also complements the style of he home so it coordinates with other features.

Some people choose to have a custom-built shed that can replicate the architectural style of the home and even features the same siding and finishing materials. * Size: Sheds come in a variety of sizes, from compact lockersized sheds to large buildings that may even double as a garden room, pool room or kids’ playhouse. Homeowners should keep in mind that the size of the shed may have to meet local municipality rules for additions or structural changes to a property. A larger

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Sheds can offer much-needed storage space in a home’s backyard.

shed may require a permanent flooring material, such as concrete, and may be subject to permit applications and inspections, whereas a smaller shed may not have such stringent requirements.

Furthermore, certain towns actually may restrict the size and placement of a shed if it interferes with traffic visibility or impacts a neighbor in a negative way. * Siding materials: Sheds are constructed of various exterior materials. Some of the more affordable options are metal or plywood and particle board. However, these materials can be easily compro-

mised by rain and snow. The most maintenance-free materials are vinyl or molded PVC-type plastics. However, these may look like cookie-cutout units and may not have as much visual appeal. Cedar and wood are popular siding choices but won’t be maintenancefree. They need upkeep and also tend to be more expensive. But the cost may pay for itself in durability as well as an attractive appearance. * Minor enhancements: Touches like decorative architectural features, window boxes, shutters, or even simply planting shrubs and annuals around the shed can make

it an integral part of the landscape instead of simply an eyesore. Double doors will ensure large pieces of equipment can fit inside the shed. The addition of a pressuretreated ramp at the entryway provides easy access to the shed as well.

Storage sheds can provide muchneeded space for homeowners.

Certain features as well as cost need to be factored into the decision before purchase. Homeowners should compare chain home improvement stores as well as private retailers to find a shed that is the best fit.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 13

Living Healthy Koko FitClub ... from the member’s point of view “I koko because it’s fun, effective, and addicting!”

“Since I joined Koko in July, 2011, I have increased my strength by 93%! The best part of this is I can eat more without gaining weight because my metabolism is faster due to the increase in lean muscle mass. I’ve also lost pounds and inches on top of that!

I never thought I would be as consistent as I am, but Koko makes it easy! I feel like I have a personal trainer standing next to me every time I work out. The Koko Smartrainer tells me what to do, and the fantastic FitCoaches help me whenever I need it. Before Koko, I was NEVER a gym person. Traditional gyms don’t offer what I needed – personal attention, world-class coaching, measurable results, and a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Doesn’t sound like a typical gym, does it? That’s because it’s really different… and far better!”

- Marsha Goldstein, N. Attleboro Marsha Goldstein’s Story – from the owner’s point of view (written by Christine Johnston, Owner) After experiencing Koko through our complimentary session, and with her family doubting her level of commitment, Marsha joined Koko saying, “You are going to need to help me every step of the way.”

We told her that we would, but we all knew that she would not need much help once she had completed her Foundation program.

After all, Koko FitClub makes getting in shape simple, for everyone.

Well, we were right! And her family was wrong! Marsha is one of the club’s most consistent

members. Her consistency is obvious when you see her amazing results and her yellow lanyard! It is the only one in the club! (Marsha’s yellow lanyard signifies that she has earned more than 250,000 Koko points. Koko points are awarded based on how well you “Koko”

with each and every strength and cardio session. The changing lanyard colors offer members a new milestone/goal to work toward – a source of motivation.)

As of the writing of this article, Marsha has completed 111 strength sessions and 309 cardio sessions. She follows the “Koko prescription” precisely, completing three strength sessions per week (with a day of rest in between) and four or more cardio sessions per week. That is a prescription for success Koko Works!

Reading Marsha’s story, you might wonder if Marsha should be pictured in our ad with a disclaimer that reads “Results not typical.” The answer is no. At Koko, RESULTS ARE TYPICAL! We hear about them every day. The top 10 strength gains at Koko Plainville, across both males and females, range from 64%-130%, and we regularly hear stories about weight

loss, lost inches, greater flexibility, better sleep patterns, improvements in blood work, and overall rejuvenation. As a Koko owner, whose mission is to change lives, nothing could be more rewarding.

In the past week, as I have introduced myself to some of our newer members across our three clubs, I have had at least five of those members say the same five words to me – “I’m so glad you’re here!” Koko, that is! Those words make me very proud to be a Koko owner. We really are changing lives 45 minutes at a time! Koko changed my life; it changed Marsha’s life. Are you ready to make a change? Visit any of our clubs, check us out online at www.kokofitclub.com/cfp, or call our clubs at 855-GET-KOKO to schedule your complimentary session. As Marsha knows, it’s not a high pressure sales pitch… just an introduction to a fitness solution that can change your life.

Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 14

April 1, 2012

Living Healthy Modern Cataract Surgery In 2012

BY GLEN K. GOODMAN, M.D. FACS

blurry, was always better than the pre-existing near-total blindness

In my last column in January, I provided a basic understanding of what a cataract is. Herein is a summary of surgery for cataracts.

For millenia the most common procedure available was a technique called couching, wherein the practitioner (perhaps not even a physician) would apply pressure to the eye with a finger or other instrument to dislodge the white cataract lens out of the patient's line of sight. The improvement in vision could be substantial due to the fact that some vision, although

Two centuries ago, the age of modern cataract surgery was born with the introduction of scientific principles and improved instrumentation. In the intracapsular surgical technique, the entire clouded lens was removed. Patients were then provided eyeglasses, which because of their strength, were thick and were known as "coke bottles". Millions of successful intracapsular procedures were carried out world-wide.

The intracapsular technique was not without complications, how-

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ever, many of which were related to the large incision which could take weeks or months to heal.

Approximately fifty years ago, extracapsular surgery evolved in an attempt to maintain the advantages of the intracapsular method, but to minimize the associated risks. In this technique, the back membrane, the capsule, of the original cataract is intentionally left in place to provide a natural barrier between the front of the eye and the more distal back structures.

The development of the extracapsular technique was also accompanied by improvements in optics, namely hard and soft contact lenses, which represented a significant improvement in vision as compared to the thick cataract glasses that so many generations had been accustomed to.

In the 1980's Dr. Charles Kelman of New York City revolutionized cataract surgery and brought the specialty to its current modern

state, by developing phacoemulsification cataract surgery, which inultrasonically volves disassembling a cataract through multiple small microscopic incisions in the eye, as opposed to removing it as a large singular unit.

At about the same time, Dr. Harold Riddly in England developed the first human intraocular lens which allowed ophthalmologists to place, for the first time in human history, an artificial lens inside the eye.

The combination of phacoemulsification with implantation simultaneously of an intraocular lens (IOL) is the standard of care in 2012.

As we look forward over the scientific horizon, the next step in the evolution of cataract surgery is likely to involve the femtosecond laser which is being developed to assist the cataract surgeon in more safely removing the cataract utilizing laser light as opposed to the scalpel. The initial reports are quite encouraging but the femtosecond laser is not available in the United States other than on an

experimental basis.

Finally, the question arises as to what an individual patient should do when he or she is told that a cataract is present. Although most cataracts are removed with the phacoemulsification technique, it is not indicated for all types of cataracts. Similarly there are many specialized types of implants which can be employed. It is best to seek a qualified board certified ophthalmic cataract surgeon who has the experience to fully diagnose and advise the individual patient as to the proper options available. Not all ophthalmologists specialize in cataract surgery, as there are many other sub-specialties in the field.

When flying cross country recently, I overheard a person behind me state to his traveling companion, "I hope I see a lot of gray hair on the captain". In other words, experience matters in flying a jet and similarly experience in the cataract operating room is equally important.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Page 15

Living Healthy Six Tips to Get Into Shape For Summer It may be hard to believe, but there are less than 100 days until the official start of summer: the summer solstice. Less than 100 days until it’s time to stroll the beach in that new swimsuit you bought and lay out in the sun. But don’t let that fool you. With the incredible weather that we’ve been enjoying, summer is knocking on the door. What are you doing right now to get ready?

If you’ve been putting off getting back into shape, the time is now.

Beyond this point, it becomes much harder to reach your goals.

If you want to look your best this summer a blend of weight training and cardio is the best way to transform your body. With that in mind, here are six quick tips to help you achieve incredible results.

1 - Don’t fly solo - find a training partner. Find somebody serious about improving their health that is in similar or slightly better shape than you are. Combined, you can stay motivated, enjoy working out more, and even spot each other’s technique to avoid injuries.

2 - Lift heavy weights. ‘Light weights, high reps for toning’ is out. High reps will increase your muscular endurance, but do very little to change your physique.

Heavy (relatively speaking) weights for lower reps can do wonders for your physique. Heavy, multi-joint exercises boost your body’s production of fat torching hormones as well as your metabolism.

3 - Jump start your metabolism

with ‘metabolic conditioning’.

Metabolic conditioning is the darling of the fitness industry these days. AMRAPs (As Many Reps As Possible), density training, complexes, timed circuits, and other methods give your metabolism a major boost. Hence the name. They can be a great way to introduce some variety to a stale exercise program as well.

4 - Mix up your cardio. Everybody has heard of ‘muscle confusion’ by now. But what about cardio confusion? Every workout, whether it’s weights or with cardio, should be progressively more difficult. Run a little bit faster.

Cycle for an extra half of a mile.

Increase the intensity on the elliptical by just one more level. Constant progression is the key for consistent results.

5 - Limit your starches to breakfast and after a workout. Your body is the most sensitive (receptive) to

Hopefully with these tips, you’ll be able to spice up your exercise programs and see better results. If you’re not sure where to start, find a fitness professional in your area and ask them for help. Best of luck, and I’ll see you on the beach.

6 - Start off slow if you’ve taken the past few months off. It may seem contradictory to the other tips listed, but it’s the most important.

A person that has not exercised in months is not physically prepared for an intense conditioning program. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles need a few weeks to strengthen to avoid overuse injuries. Ease back into exercising and it’s much easier to remain healthy and active.

- Devin Gray, CSCS. Devin graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Kinesiology. As a certified strength & conditioning specialist, he has helped dozens of people reach a multitude of fitness goals. He is the Director of Fitness at Team Fitness Franklin, located at 100 Franklin Village Drive in Franklin, MA. For more information, he may be reached at devin@teamfitnessfranklin.com or at 508-541-8330.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 16

April 1, 2012

Living Healthy Cultivating Cricket in New England Boston Gymkhana announces schedule for 2012 With the advent of spring, as all the impatient gardeners ready their lists for the forthcoming plantation season, Boston Gymkhana Sports Club (BGSC) announces the exciting season that lies ahead, nurturing the projects that were started in the previous years, and planting a few new saplings for the future.

This year promises to be filled with fun and excitement with events planned throughout the year. We encourage cricket enthusiasts of all ages to come and participate.

If you like Cricket, you will love the exciting cricket opportunities for recreational and competitive cricket as a player or a spectator. Please contact Boston Gymkhana SC for more information.

Sowing the seeds: BGSC Youth Cricket Camp 2012 With an eye towards the future, BGSC will continue its ongoing

efforts towards promoting the game of Cricket among the young.

After receiving enthusiastic response from kids and parents alike, an expanded youth program is announced for this year, to teach kids - ages 5-13 – the fundamentals of the game. The club will hold several practice sessions and matches throughout the year, offering opportunity for the youth to develop and hone their skills. Details for the youth cricket camp are under development and will be released soon. If interested in attending the program this year, please visit bostongymkhana.com to register.

The Harvest: Boston Gymkhana Premier League (BGPL) 2012 Building on the success of BGPL 2011, Boston Gymkhana has planned a new and improved BGPL 2012. This year the premier league will have 5 teams playing a

20/20 format with matches starting in April and played throughout the year with the playoffs scheduled in August. The winners of the BGPL 2012 will have an automatic entry into this year’s Prize money invitational Curry Cup tournament, played on Labor Day weekend.

BGPL 2012 is a competitive tournament attended by the best cricket players representing various clubs in the New England area. The tournament is also open to all cricket enthusiasts - prospective players can join the open tryouts on Saturday, March 17th at the Sluggers Academy from 12:30PM - 2:00PM and on Sunday, March 18th, from 10 AM 12PM. To be eligible to play in the BGPL 2012 please register for free at bostongymkhana.com. The selected players will be auctioned off to the 5 BGPL teams in a fun event scheduled on March 25, 2012, at the Holiday Inn, 69 R Boston Street, Boston, MA 02125.

The Harvest Moon: Curry Cup 2012

The culmination of the cricket season will be the 5th Annual invitational Curry Cup 2012. As before, it will be a 20/20 tournament played over the Labor Day weekend with prize money of $10,000.

Teams from all over the country are expected to participate in this colorful and competitive tournament.

Curry Cup is a free event open to general public featuring complimentary food - authentic South Asian cuisines - music, live commentaries and games for participants of all age groups.

About BGSC (www.bostongym khana.com)

BGSC is one of the largest Cricket clubs in the United States with a membership that is 150 plus strong and includes around 500 associate members. Based out of Wrentham, MA, it has two home fields and two practice pitches. BGSC has five participating teams in the Massachusetts State Cricket League and is actively involved in promoting Cricket in Massachusetts by organizing Summer Cricket Camps for kids, organizing exhibition cricket matches teaching Cricket at grass roots level.

BGSC is a member club of Massachusetts State Cricket League (MSCL - www.mscl.org) and other cricket leagues operating in New England area. The MSCL was founded in 1906 and has been in continuous operation since the early 1960s. The large membership of BGSC makes it one of the largest cricket clubs in North America. Further, BGSC played over 150 cricket matches in 2011 in Massachusetts and Canada.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

Page 17

Living Healthy Wrentham Relay for Life June 8 & 9th

Lazy Eye - Why All Children Should Be Screened

Walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer when the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Franklin, Wrentham and Bellingham gets underway with teams of residents gathering at Franklin High School football field on June 8th starting with the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m., the Survivor Ceremony at 7 p.m., the Luminary Ceremony at 9 p.m. and the closing ceremony at Noon on June 9th.

JOHN F. HATCH, M.D. Amblyopia, commonly referred to as lazy eye, is an eye condition noted by reduced vision that is not correctable with glasses or contact lenses and is not due to any eye disease. It usually only affects the vision in one eye. Up to 5% of the population is affected by this problem and it represents the most common cause of treatable blindness in childhood. Unfortunately, the term "lazy eye" is often misused to represent many eye problems including misaligned eyes (strabismus) and droopy lids (ptosis). Many children with strabismus are at risk for amblyopia but not all forms of ocular misalignment result in lazy eye. It can run in families but the inheritance pattern is not easily predicted.

The most common cause of amblyopia is misalignment of the eyes, referred to as strabismus. A less obvious cause is unequal focus between each eye. Since visual development in children occurs between birth and age eight, it is critical that they be screened by a health professional or the school.

Most pediatricians begin screening children, by checking the vision in each eye separately, between the ages of two and four. Public schools screen children as part of the pre-kindergarten developmental evaluation annually through fifth grade. It is important that the vision be equal in each eye for the brain to develop the ability to use each eye properly. If one eye is not aligned with the other, then the brain may ignore the vision coming from the misaligned eye, and the vision in that eye may not develop properly. If one eye is out of focus compared with the other eye, then the same situation may occur.

This is more difficult to diagnosis without screening since there is often no apparent abnormality visible to parents and the child usually has no complaints or apparent visual difficulties.

Treatment for amblyopia consists of either patching the better seeing eye or eye drops to make the better eye blurry. Blocking or blurring the non-amblyopic eye will force the brain to use the other eye and restart the process of vision development. Usually patching needs to

be done for several hours each day and it may take months for the vision to improve. Follow up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks. The first few weeks can be tough since the child will often complain that they cannot see well while the better eye is patched and they are concerned about how they look with the patch in place. Reassurance by the parents and ophthalmologist are important for success.

The doctors, technicians and staff at the Milford-Franklin Eye Center have been caring for children with

this condition for more than 20 years. If amblyopia is detected early and managed properly, the likelihood of lifelong improved vision is quite high. Any child who has misaligned eyes or difficulty on a screening exam should see a qualified eye care professional for a complete evaluation.

For more information or to make an appointment at MilfordFranklin Eye Center, call 508-4737939 in Milford, or 508-528-3344 in Franklin. Offices are located at 258 Main St., Milford, and 391 East Central St., Franklin.

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening.

Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during Relay.

Relay brings people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives.

Relay For Life’s Luminaria Ceremony takes place after sundown, honoring the community’s cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Participants will

If you would like to register a team please visit www.relayforlife.org/franklinma or contact Christine Walsh, Co-Chair for Relay for Life of Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham at c4walsh@live.com. For more information, call 1 (800) 227-2345 or visit RelayForLife.org.

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Relay For Life also has fun and exciting themes for each hour of the event; such as the Scrabble lap where you get letter pieces with each lap that you walk and after the hour is over everyone gathers to create words with the letters. The team or individual with the most points wins a prize! Scavenger hunts, piñatas and kids crafts are just a few of the fun activities that also go on during Relay For Life.

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Page 18

THE PURR-FECT CAT SHELTER Pet of the Month

“Rex” Is Looking for a Home with a Friend

April 1, 2012

4 Paws Animal Shelter First Annual Craft Fair The 4 Paws Animal Shelter is proud to sponsor its first annual Crafts Fair which will take place on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham Center at the corner of Rt. 1A and 140.

A Bake Sale, Live Music, Kids Table with face painting and

games will be featured along with Local Craftsmen ranging from American Girl Doll Clothes, Jewelry, Soaps and Fragrances, Handmade Wooden Toys and products, Honey, Tea Cup Bird Feeders, Pottery, Dog Treats, Sewing and Knitted Sweaters, Princess Table, and more.

every hour with $1 admission.

Kids are free.

Proceeds from the Fair will benefit the 4 Paws Animal Shelter Building Fund dedicated to the building of an animal shelter for the Wrentham, Plainville area and surrounding towns. Visit us at our website pawsaninalshelter.org.

Door Prizes will be awarded

6th Annual Norfolk Runs How can you resist this face?

“Rex” is an older kitten that was living out of a dumpster with another kitten. The Purrfect Cat Shelter trapped this uniquely black and white marked domestic short hair two days after his buddy. As with all cats we assist, Rex was whisked off to the veterinarian for exam, testing, neuter and vaccines. After surgery, he spent some time in one of our foster homes and has made great strides socializing. “Rex” is now at the shelter, and after a bit of an adjustment to the new surroundings, he is playing and doing very well. Although not fond of being picked up, he loves to be groomed and would make a great pet, especially with the companionship of an-

5K Road Race & Kids’ 1K Fun Race. Sunday 4/29 at 9 a.m. Sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and the Norfolk Lions Club. Certified course, Professionally Timed,

other cat.

Visit our website to view and read about cats currently available for adoption. All cats and kittens are examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia and FIV, dewormed, given age appropriate vaccines and microchipped prior to adoption.

Applications are available online at www.purrfectcatshelter.org or by calling (508) 533-5855.

Delicious fundraiser! Don't miss our Bake Sale Friday, April 6 at Wal-Mart in Bellingham, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A variety of baked goods will be available as well as the Purr-fect Cookbook, a great gift!

BBQ, Prizes, Awards, Raffles. All money collected goes to Norfolk Charities. Register online at www.norfolkruns5k.com or pick up a registration form at Norfolk

Dunkin Donuts. Inquiries can also be made to norfolkruns5k@ gmail.com

Thank You from the Wrentham Lions

will allow the adult to see either a white board or chalk board at a distance, as well as allow the recipient to read a book.

The Wrentham Lions would like to thank the local Wrentham citizens and businesses who supported our first ever Christmas Tree Sale.

The money raised from the sale was able to help defray a good por-

Again, thank you to all for your continued community support of the Wrentham Lions which allows the club to continue give back to the Wrentham community and to help eradicate blindness throughout the world.

tion of the cost of a New Acrobat Vision System.

The Acrobat Vision System was presented to a Wrentham adult who is seeking a college education. The system is portable and

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

WCC Open Forum Attracts Enthusiastic Crowd

Page 19

Giant Spring Yard Sale Planned March 31 Wrentham Boy Scout Troop 131 will hold a giant spring yard sale on Saturday, March 31st. The yard sale will have a plethora of items for everyone. There will be toys for the kids and other items for adults. Proceeds from the sale will go to Troop 131 to help maintain camping equipment and fund Troop activities.

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Evelyn Zepf, Maia Howes, and Sharon Ayres in the forefront.

The Wrentham Cultural Council held an Open Forum on Saturday, March 10th at the Old Fiske Museum. Representing a broad spectrum of the community, close to 30 people attended and contributed to a vigorous discussion of how con-

tributions to the Town’s cultural environment might look. Collaboration and exposure among artists, businesses, schools, Town and State officials were deemed essential to developing a community that relates to the cultural dis-

ciplines of the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. Many specific ideas were put forth and ways to develop these will be explored.

The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library Book and Bake Sale Are you interested in saving money while helping a good cause at the same time? Plan to come to The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library 2012 Book and Bake Sale.

Over 30,000 books in good to excellent condition will be offered with most priced at $1.00 or $2.00.

The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that uses all of its funds to support the programs and services of the Norfolk Public Library.

The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library annual Book and Bake Sale will be held Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Norfolk Department of Public Works garage, 33 Medway Branch Road, Norfolk. 2012 Friends of the Library are welcome at the Friends-Only Preview and Sale on Friday, April 27, 6-9 p.m. Friends memberships starting at $20.00 are available at the door beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Saturday sale is open to all.

The yard sale will take place at the Wrentham Center parking lot at the corner of South Street (Route 1A) and Route 140. It will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.

There will be bikes, sports equipment, books, toys, clothing, household items, exercise equipment and more.

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Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Sports "Concept" of H.S. Football Playoff is Approved

BY MIKE STOLLER The MIAA's Tournament Management Committee (TMC) voted 15-0 on March 19 to approve the concept of a new statewide high school football playoff system.

The proposal to change the current system, which does not allow for true state champions and makes fewer teams eligible for the playoffs than in other high school

sports, was developed by the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association (MHSHCA). It now awaits a vote on May 10 by the MIAA Board of Directors.

“The idea is to have more quality teams in the playoffs and provide a playoff atmosphere to more student athletes,” said Steve Dembowski, spokesman for the

Executive Board of the MSHSFA and longtime head coach at Swampscott High.

The MHSFCA proposal would permit at least two teams from each league/conference to make the postseason - as opposed to the one team that qualifies under the current system - as long as there are at least five teams in the circuit.

Other teams in each league or con-

ference division could become eligible through a wildcard type scenario. The restructuring also would reduce the number of statewide divisions to six, as opposed to the subdivisions (i.e. Division 1A) now factored into the alignment.

To avoid having more games overall played during the regular season, the first seven games would be a qualification round for the postseason, in which teams would earn points on a rating system based on wins and losses and the level of competition of both divisional and non-league opponents. The last six weeks would serve as the postseason for those teams who stay in the hunt each week, while the teams that don’t make the playoffs and the ones knocked off in the early rounds would complete their schedules against other teams of the like. In all, there would be six state champions, one from each division.

So, how would this all play out for King Phillip High School and the entire Hockomock League, or Tri-County Vocational Technical High School and the Mayflower League? Simply put, the top two teams from each league's two divisions would be guaranteed playoff berths at their respective MIAA division level, and the remaining teams in the leagues could still qualify through their ratings points as judged by the MIAA. Since there would be only six total state divisions, many teams would have to be repositioned from their current circuits, and that would be determined by their school’s male enrollment. The proposal also sorts out the number

of teams in each division and how many from each circuit would be eligible for the playoffs. For example, the plan is to have 32 of a possible 48 teams qualify from Divisions 1 and 2 combined, which means 16 of 24 from each grouping. Specifically, eight teams from the north and south from each division would be awarded postseason berths.

Since the teams who would qualify for the playoffs would be determined earlier in the season, only 12 teams, as opposed to the current 74, would still have a chance to win a state championship by the time the annual Thanksgiving rivalry games roll around. This would allow more athletes who play both fall and winter sports more time to prepare for their winter sports seasons.

According to Dembowski, the reason the MIAA approved only the concept, and not the specific plan at the March 19 meeting, was due to concerns about scheduling, revenue splits, and the rating system.

"I think if those questions are answered, I think most people in the room liked the concept," he said, referring to the 15-0 vote.

At this point, Dembowski and the MHSFCA are largely out of the picture, with their plan being presented to the TMC by the MIAA's own football committee, which he said will make amendments to the plan before presenting it again on May 10.

If it is approved, the new system could be in place as early as the 2013-2014 season.

KP Summer Basketball Program Registration is open for the 4th Annual Warrior Basketball Summer School. Boys in grade 4 through 8, and girls, grades 4 through 6,are invited to participate in a basketball program run by the coaches and players for the King Philip High School basketball program. The program stresses fundamentals and skill development, an

emphasis on team play, and helping players understand the game of basketball. Enrollment is limited and available on a first-come, firstserve basis. The program sold out each of the past three years. To register for the program, visit the King Philip High School Basketball web site. http://kpboysbasketball.com/

Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Page 21

Sports Layman Leaves Legacy of Winning at KP

BY CHRISTOPHER TREMBLAY It all began four years ago. Head coach Sean McInnis was taking over a King Philip boys basketball team that had lost 40 straight games. That same year Jake Layman was entering the high school as a freshman, nothing like the

didn’t always look so rosy for Layman and the Warriors. “My first year was hard. Being that it was also Coach McInnis’ first year at KP and a new program I didn’t know what to expect,” Layman said. “The only thing that I knew for certain was that I was going to

fast it (the KP basketball program) came around. Two bad years quickly turned into two awesome seasons.”

According to McInnis, Layman is true to his word when he says stats are not important, winning and losing is. “One would think

Having its season come to an end at the hands of Hopkinton for the second consecutive season, this time on the road in Attleboro, Layman has yet to realize that his time on the KP basketball court is finished. “We put together a really good year (17-3) and deserved to be playing at home instead of on the road during the tournament. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was just all those people hating,” the KP senior said. “Following the loss to Hopkinton I didn’t know what to think. We had just lost the game and honestly it hasn’t hit me yet and probably won’t until the banquet.”

With his high school basketball career over, Layman will be taking his talents to the University of Maryland, where he could see action his freshman year if he continues to work as hard as he has the past four years. “He will be a tremendous fit for their program in his very first year,” Coach McInnis said. “He’ll be a better college player than he was a high school player and he was a tremendous high school player.”

With that said, King Philip fans will be watching a lot of Terrapins basketball hoping to see Jake perform his magic with Maryland.

spring/summer 2012 may 7th through august 31st We are oPen year round!

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The door closes on the Jake Layman era of KP basketball.

player he is today. Layman worked extremely hard and not only made a name for himself, but helped the Warriors basketball program turn the corner.

“His first year at KP, Jake was like any other freshman in the league, just a lot taller and was just trying to figure out how he fit into a team that was 0-40,” Coach McInnis recalled. “As a starter in his freshman year we saw that Jake had the skills, he just needed to refine them. He wasn’t what he is today – he was a 13 year old playing with 17 and 18 year olds.”

Obviously Layman was able to do just that. Upon leaving King Philip, the senior basketball star was not only named 3 time Hockomock League All Star and 2 time league MVP but was able to amass 1752 points (20.6 average), 238 steals (2.8), 221 assists (2.6), 391 blocks (4.6) and 1098 rebounds (12.9) in 85 games. He also knocked down his free throws at 72 % hitting 331 of 460 attempts.

Although the final outcome was impressive in the least, things

be on a losing team and that was something that I was not use to.”

Having begun playing basketball in first grade due to the encouragement of his mother who played the sport at the University of Maine, Layman got use to winning on a regular basis, especially when he was playing Metro West basketball. All the losing during his first two years at KP only seemed to motivate Layman that much more.

“I knew that he was a very special player that first season. He was a tough, good player that played a high caliber of basketball. He did a lot of hard work to get where he is today,” the KP Coach said. “I’d be lying to say that I knew that he’d be a three time all star and two time league MVP. “ Like his coach, Layman too knew that he had something special once he stepped onto the court, but didn’t have the slightest clue that he’d develop into the player he is today. “My parents always encouraged me to play the game for the love of the sport, not the stats,” Layman said. “It’s awesome how

that Jake would know his stats, but he’s not like that at all. That’s probably the biggest misconception about Jake – he’s not about his stats, but about winning and losing,” McInnis said. “Jake is all about the team and not one who promotes himself and that’s what I love about him.”

Upon being named the Hockomock League MVP during his junior season, Layman was still shocked that he had actually won the award. Although proud of the accomplishment, Layman didn’t believe the whispers and what people were telling him until the award was actually awarded to him.

Although the first MVP was special, the second one meant more to the Wrentham resident. “This year’s MVP was much more difficult. Last year there were no expectations,” Layman said. “This year expectations were high, people expected us to win and I had to be the player that I was. There was a lot of pressure, but it was good pressure.”

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Page 22

Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Sports Softball Team Eyes Third Straight State Crown

By KEN HAMWEY Staff Sports Writer

in centerfield. Godin had a batting average of .299.

King Philip Regional’s softball team is aiming for a hat trick.

“Both Alyssa and Olivia are good leaders on and off the field,’’ Leonard said. “Alyssa has good skills and plays intelligently. Olivia calls the defensive signals and like Alyssa, is a strong hitter and solid on the defensive end. Alyssa will be going to Harvard and Olivia will play at UMass next year.’’

Two seasons ago, Milford High discovered just how formidable coach Jim Leonard’s contingent was when KP captured its first state title with a 10-1 victory. Last year, the Warriors edged Amherst, 1-0, and won its second straight state championship.

The Warriors, who last lost a Hockomock League game to Franklin four years ago, have compiled a 51-1 record the last two campaigns and are the only team in KP history to win a pair of state crowns. Last year’s squad went unbeaten at 26-0.

KP’s opponents will soon realize what they no doubt already know.

The 2012 season could end in the Warriors’ making their third straight trip to the winner’s circle.

“We should have another strong squad,’’ said Leonard, who’s entering his seventh year as head coach. “Our goals are to qualify for tourney play, win the Hockomock League title and capture the state championship. All those objectives are achievable.’’

Three top-quality competitors have graduated — Anna Kelley, Jen Robillard and Kelsey Gray —

KP Softball Coach Jim Leonard prepares the team for another championship run.

and they’ll all be competing at Division 1 programs. Kelley, a third baseman last year, is at UMassAmherst, Robillard, who played shortstop, is at Sacred Heart in Connecticut, and Gray, who played right field, is playing at the Coast Guard Academy.

The Warriors, however, have some top-notch returnees, most of whom got lots of playing time last year.

Senior captains Alyssa Siegmann (shortstop) and Olivia Godin (catcher) were Hockomock League all stars. Siegmann, who hit .371 last year, has been converted to the infield after starting

Senior Meg Rico hit .350 last season, but it was her superb pitching that earned her Boston Globe and Boston Herald all-scholastic honors. She also was selected the Hockomock League MVP. Rico, who will be competing at George Washington University next spring, was 21-0 and had an earned-run average of 0.50, winning all but five of KP’s games.

She also was the winning hurler in both state title contests.

“Meg was the most dominant pitcher in the state last year,’’ Leonard emphasized. “She relies on pinpoint control, has good velocity and she makes the ball move. Her fastball is in the 60 mph range.’’

Leonard can also call on two other pitchers — senior Megan Carnase and junior Anna O’Neil.

Carnase, who also played right field and hit .338, posted a 5-0 record last year and had a 0.00

Norfolk Recreation Spring and Summer Registration Starts

Run Your Inserts and Advertisements With Us! Call Lori D. (508) 272-3819

Norfolk Recreation offers a wide variety of programs for all ages during the spring and summer.

This spring, examples of our programs include T-ball for ages 3-5, Tiny Dancers for ages 3-5, Practicing PreSchool for ages 2+-4+, and 1,2,3 Get Ready for PreSchool; a program that is for 2 year olds with a parent. We also offer Musical Movement, Tumbling and Sticky Fingers for babies and toddlers.

For School Age Children we are offering a wide variety of programs including Photography, Chess, Zumbatomics and so much more. For adults, check out Digital Photography, Ladies Light Hiking, Weight Training, and “Rock that Grill” with Grill Master and Chef,

John Croatti.

In the summer we offer three and four 1/2 day drop-off programs for 3-4 year olds and 4-6 year olds.

For older kids we offer themed programs and sport programs.

Themed program include Musical Theater, Creative Writing, “Angry Birds”, Dog Days of Summer (All about Pets), Sewing, Science for K-2 and Electronics for grades 26 and Piano lessons. Sports include, Field Hockey (directed by KP Varsity Coach), NYB Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football and Multi-sport programs for ages 4 and up.

Check out all our programs at www.virutalnorfolk.org/rec. You

E.R.A. O’Neil, who also can hit, is a reserve who is being scouted by Purdue and Lehigh.

“Megan was a league all-star,’’ Leonard noted. “She’s a consistent hitter. On the mound, she’s got great presence, moves the ball well and relies on excellent control.

Anna has terrific velocity, fires the ball in the 60 mph range and she’s working hard on her accuracy.’’

Seniors Amy Nolan, Cayleigh McCarthy and Hailey Mullen and junior Tori Constantin are key returnees. Nolan and Mullen play the outfield, McCarthy handles first base and Constantin plays second. Constantin, who’s in her third year of varsity play, hit .403 last year and will enroll at Central Connecticut State when her playing days are over.

“Tori hasn’t missed a game in two years,’’ Leonard said. “She’s developed excellent skills, is a solid fielder and hitter and makes good decisions. Cayleigh will be going to Stonehill. She’s got tremendous power, often getting timely home runs with her smooth swing. Amy has incredible speed, a fantastic arm and is great on the base paths. Hailey is a four-year veteran who has speed and is strong on the base paths.’’

Leonard, who greeted about 55 candidates on the opening day of

may browse program descriptions as well as register on this site. To be in contact with our office, please call 508-520-1315 or email recrreation@virtualnorfolk.org.

Registration for Fun in the Sun Opens April 2 Norfolk Recreation is accepting registration for Fun in the Sun and 3, 4, Let’s Play Some More starting April 2. These two perennial favorites are offered at the H.O.Day School in Norfolk and taught by experienced Pre-School teachers. Each week is themed.

Themes for Fun in the Sun this year are Around the World, Music Jam, Wacky Weather, Under the Sea, Nature, Animals/Safari. The themes planned for 3, 4, Let’s Play Some More are Camping/Safari, Rock Star, ABC’s and 1,2,3’s,

practice, rates KP’s pitching as its prime strength, likes his squad’s hitting versatility and ranks his defense “very strong.’’

“Our pitching is dominant,’’ he said. “Last year, our pitchers threw five perfect games. Offensively, we can hit for power or play small ball. We’re solid on defense and strive to be balanced in all three phases. Where we can improve is on the base paths. We can do a better job on getting a jump on the ball and knowing when to take an extra base.’’

Leonard points to Mansfield and North Attleboro as teams that will contend for the league title in the Kelly-Rex Division. Both, he emphasizes, have quality players returning and Mansfield has a strong pitching staff.

“Our team was ranked recently No. 48 in the nation by ESPN,’’ Leonard said. “That creates some pressure, but I admire the way our girls maintain their composure. I like their preparation and I like their confidence. They do a great job keeping everything in perspective. They’re a credit to their school and to their families.’’

Jim Leonard likes the veteran nucleus he’ll work with in 2012, a year that could be the final piece in the Warriors’ desire to pull off a state-title hat trick.

Tropical Beach Party, Ooey Gooey Science Fun. Both programs have age appropriate crafts, exploration, story time, water play, outdoor play and playground time. Fun in the Sun is for ages 4-6 and offered Monday-Thursday 9:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. and 3, 4, Let’s Play Some More is offered TuesdayThursday 9:15-11:45 a.m. Fun in the Sun starts the week of June 25 and runs for 6 weeks (we skip week of July 2) and 3, 4, Let’s Play Some More starts July10 and runs for 5 weeks. Sign up for one or more weeks. Fun in the Sun is $89 and 3, 4, Let’s Play Some More is $69. Registration is online with a credit card at www.virtualnorfolk.org, or checks with a registration form may be mailed in. Cash and checks are accepted at the office. Any questions, please call Norfolk Recreation at 508520-1315 or email us at recreation@virtualnorfolk.org.

Local Town Pages www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com

April 1, 2012

Page 23

Norfolk Girl Scouts Go International

Troop 74749 Junior represents Germany.

Norfolk’s Brownie Troop 74746 represents China at the Annual International Day.

The Norfolk Girl Scout Troops celebrated their Annual Thinking Day last month at the King Philip Middle School. It was the 20th anniversary of the special tradition where the girls study the culture, prepare presentations, dress in international garb and present foods from countries around the globe.

This year Norfolk’s 25 troops represented 25 different countries. A

few of the 25 countries represented included Denmark, Greece, China, Sri Lanka, Russia, South Korea, Mexico, Israel, Holland, France, Italy, Columbia, Germany, Canada, and Ireland. The Girl Scouts served samples of traditional food from the countries such as hummus and chips from Israel, pizza from Italy, Irish soda bread, Russian pancakes, and green tea

from South Korea. Scouts dressed as Grecian Goddesses, Vikings, a Chinese dragon, and Sri Lankin women. “The girls do all the work getting information on the countries,” says Sara Carey, a Troop leader. “I also have to give kudos to all the leaders for their work with the girls.”

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Page 24

April 1, 2012

Girl Scouts Celebrate Girl Scout Week The Wrentham/Plainville Girl Scouts presented a baby basket to the first baby girl born at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in honor of the Girl Scout’s birthday. The girls had hoped to welcome a baby girl on Monday, March 12th, the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts. However, the first girl was born on Tuesday. Girls from the 21 troops, grades K-12, donated items to welcome the new baby. The items ranged from layette items to teething rings to books like Paperback Princess and Do Princesses Wear Hiking Books?, showing girls as strong characters.

Photo: Kaitlyn Williams, Cadette Troop 4348, Diane Pelrine, co-service unit manager, Samara White, Daisy Troop 4976, and Julia Handscom, Junior Troop 679.

Girl Scouts Turn 100 Last month, the Girl Scouts of Wrentham & Plainville joined Girl Scouts all over the USA in celebrating the 100th Birthday of Girl Scouts in the USA. The local Girl Scouts (21 troops from kindergarten Daisies through to High School Ambassadors) made sure they celebrated this big occasion in

a big way.

The week started with two High School girls attending Senior Leadership Conference at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. This was the 25th annual conference. It was attended by 200 High School Girl Scouts from all over the Northeast. All workshops were run by experts in their field.

The local girls attended workshops such as “Sold?” which dealt with human trafficking in the USA, “Peace starts with Cultural Understanding”, “Sorting it all out- the college dilemma”, Engineering, “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” and fun workshops like Zumba and “All Aboard the Creative Express”. Some of the other workshops offered dealt with social justice, archeology, stress relief through massage, dealing with depression, Interfaith Every-logue,

crime solving, science and ethics, working through grief, financial planning, drama, and global awareness.

Girls celebrated Girl Scout Sunday, March 11th at the area churches before heading over to the WDC Auditorium for the An-

nual Thinking Day Fair. Thinking Day (actually February 22nd) is a day when Girl Scouts think about those in other countries. Twelve troops in grades K-12 each represented a country with games, crafts and artifacts from their chosen country. Two hundred Girl

Scouts and their families visited the countries and got their passports stamps as they learned about the culture of other countries. There was also a display of Girl Scout Uniforms and Handbooks from the first century of Girl Scouting in the USA. In the opening ceremony, Diana Pelrine Service Unit Manager & Program Coordinator for Wrentham/ Plainville Girl Scouts was presented with a big Girl Scout Bouquet and a presentation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives by Daniel Winslow for her 25 years of Outstanding Leadership with the Wrentham/ Plainville Girl Scouts.

On Monday, March 12th, Girl Scouts wore their uniforms to school for Uniform Day. Each Girl Scout was presented a pin by Girl Scout volunteers at lunchtime.

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