Ashland July 2014

Ashland

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Vol. 1 No. 12

still can have a solar system installed at little or no co Postal Customer

This arrangement is called a power purchase agreeme Local Dan Greenwood,July vice president at SolarFlair, said he 1, 2014

Free to Every Home and Business Every Month

Remembering “Little O”

By John Kelley Editor Background The genesis of this story began on the evening of Saturday, May 17th while on my way to cover the Ashland Community Theater’s debut presentation at the Ashland Middle School. I was early, parked my car in the large lot, and walked slowly along the sidewalk while enjoying the pleasant

evening temperature. Then, I noticed something in the ground, a marker of some sort beneath a flowering crabapple tree. I stepped toward it, and realized it was a memorial carved in granite. I felt a sadness because the girl had died when she was no more than 23.

Her name was Maria Olivieri Hakansson. I immediately recognized her last name. It was a very special date for Carl and After publishing a Maria at her Junior Prom in 1972. recent story on SGT that it was his first wife. Carl Joseph A. Seaman, had the stone made about 10 I had received an email years ago. At the time of Maabout the soldier-hero from a person named Carl ria’s death, he played the guitar in a band that had played Hakansson. a ‘gig’ on the evening prior to The next day, I wrote to Maria’s death. The band had Carl, and inquired about decided to use the proceeds the person honored on from their performance on the stone. He replied that night to purchase a tree Maria was a true scholar, by which to remember Maria.

At both the planting of the but she followed her heart when it came to her selection of college studies.

“Little o”

continued on page 4

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Residents have the opportunity to reduce energy costs through the Ashland Solar Challenge. The program has reached Tier 3 to date. Just two more tiers to go!

By Cynthia Whitty The Ashland Sustainability Committee is helping to make available a program for residents and small business to save on energy bills.

The program, “Ashland Solar Challenge,” is based on Solarize Mass (www.masscec.com/ solarizemass) available through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The programs are designed to reduce the overall cost of solar power by offering residents discounted bulk pricing. The more people sign up, the greater the savings.

Tricia Kendall, Sustainability Committee chair, said the committee spent the past year planning the project. “We’re really excited about this program. It’s for the residents. It’s about great deals from a great company.”

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Rob Moolenbeek, vice chair park vehicles and store inventory.

“We of are going to b the committee and program “so-

For information on Ashland Solar Challenge an lar more coach,” was key in working

out details with the local solar SolarFlair by calling 508-808-0350, emailing ashlan energy company, www.solarflair.com.

SolarFlair Energy, Inc., that will manage theinformation program.on rebates and incentives, visit www For incentives-financing.

“SolarFlair was the selected in-

staller for nine other community programs, so they have good ©experience,” Cynthia Whitty, June 2014 Moolenbeek said.

SolarFlair managed programs and installed systems in Arlington, Brookline, Dover/Sherborn, Hopkinton, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Mendon, and Newton.

Moolenbeek installed a Page 3 of 4 SolarFlair system on his home three years ago. He says now is a great time for residents and small businesses to consider purchasing solar panels.

Solar-Powered

continued on page 2

###

Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com

Page 2

explained. “The electricity your solar panels generate is sent back to the energy company, which turns your meter backwards. In addition, the state gives you money through solar renewable energy certificates, or SRECs. There also are also tax credits when you first buy a system.”

Solar-Powered continued from page 1

“Since I purchased my home solar system, prices have come down and efficiency has gone up,” Moolenbeek said.

“Though the companies we looked at for the Ashland Solar Challenge were all very good, we wanted to invest locally and keep our dollars in Ashland,” Moolenbeek said.

SolarFlair recently moved from Framingham to 190 Pleasant Street in Ashland. Matt Arner and his wife, Mini Singh, started the company in 2007 out of their home in Hopkinton.

They now have 50 employees.

This spring, the company held a ribbon cutting/open house at their new business location on Pleasant Street and presentations and Q&A sessions for residents at the Ashland Com-

Published Monthly Mailed FREE to the Community of Ashland Circulation: 7,000 households

A view of the solar panels installed on the roof of the SolarFlair facility at 190 Pleasant Street. (Photo/supplied)

munity Center. The company also had a booth at the Ashland Farmers Market at the June 21 “Sustainability Day.”

tions. With credits and rebates, the price would be reduced to $8,195 to $8,615. The expected payback would be 3 to 4 years.

Ashland Solar Challenge: How It Works

The sign-up period for Ashland residents is May 1 through September 15. At the time of this writing, 22 residents are considering proposals and eight have signed a contract. To date, the program has reached Tier 3 with 11 signed contracts.

The program pricing is based on five tiers (see chart). The base price for a system goes down per watt as more people sign up. If the company sells contracts totaling 200kW or more by September 15, the purchase price for a base system will be $3.02/W. This means that a typical home with a 5kW system would cost $16,850 to $17,450, depending on op-

The company expects the town to reach Tier 5, the lowest amount per watt.

“There are a number of ways to save money,” Moolenbeek

Publisher Chuck Tashjian

Sales Lisa Kittrell

Advertising Sales Assistant Kyle Koller Production & Layout Michelle McSherry Susan Dunne Gorette Sousa Advertising Department 508-533-NEWS (6397) Ad Deadline is the 15th of each month.

Localtownpages assumes no financial liability for errors or omissions in printed advertising and reserves the right to reject/edit advertising or editorial submissions.

If you have a suitable roof orientation but are not in a position to purchase a solar system, you still can have a solar system installed at little or no cost and get a reduction on your electric rate. This arrangement is called a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Dan Greenwood, vice president at SolarFlair, said he has every confidence Ashland will reach 200kW. “Hopkinton, for example, purchased 395kW,” he said. When towns reach Tier 6 (400kW), then the company donates a system to a local nonprofit. As part of the

Chelmsford/Carlisle program, the company donated a system to The Paul Center for Learning and Recreation in Chelmsford, dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities.

SolarFlair has an 80kW system that supplies 100 percent of its electricity. In the future, the company plans to install a charging station for their electric vehicles and build a solar carport to park vehicles and store inventory. “We are going to be as green as we can,” Greenwood said.

For more information on Ashland Solar Challenge and for a free solar site assessment, contact SolarFlair by calling 508-808-0350, emailing ashlandsolar@solarflair.com, or visiting www.solarflair.com.

For information on rebates and incentives, visit www.solarflair.com/residential/rebatesincentives-financing.

Ashland Tiered Pricing Tier

1

2

3

4

5

Purchased Price ($/W)

1kW- >25kW- >50kW- >100kW- 200kW+ 25kW 50kW 100kW 200kW

$3.49 $3.37

$3.25

$3.13

$3.02

1kW=1 kilowatt. The average size of a residential solar power system in Massachusetts is about 5kW. Every site is different. Base pricing may be subject to cost variables particular to your site, including shading and other factors. Full details are available from Solarflair.com.

Editor John Kelley

Advertising Sales Manager Lori Koller

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Page 3

Ashland Community Comes Together to Design Pond Street

By Cynthia Whitty Over two hundred residents, business community members, and town government officials

initial concepts derived from the feedback they received after the March community workshop and online survey.

The proposed plans include

tiple opinions from stakeholders to create designs that address safety, pedestrians, bicycles, motor vehicle transportation, and aesthetics.

The corridor is 10,000 linear feet, and a design challenge.

The team had to balance community needs with stringent Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) guidelines.

The team also addressed the needs of businesses and large stakeholders, such as the Market Basket Plaza, Shaw’s Supermarket and the Sears Plaza.

Designing an infrastructure that attracts strong commerce in Ashland is important, and Pond Street has the potential to serve as Ashland’s economic engine.

“These corridor improvements have been two decades in the making. We have one chance to get it right and serve both the community and businesses over the long term,” Enzo Scalora, chair of the Pond Street Working Group, said.

After the presentation, the audience divided into five groups to give more input into the concept designs. The feature that drew the greatest resistance was the roundabouts at Elliot Street and at the entrance to the Spyglass Hill condominium community. Most participants appreciated what has been accomplished to date, and were excited about the next steps.

Over the past six months, the Pond Street Working Group has

taken steps to ensure that the process has been a transparent, community collaboration. The overwhelming participation and input during the process has made this a “communitydesigned” corridor.

Once the Cecil Group finalizes the design, they will hand the project off to Green International, the firm responsible for the engineering aspect of Pond Street. When Green completes 25 percent of the engineering plan, they will submit it to MassDOT engineers, who will complete the engineering design drawings.

For project updates, visit the town’s website, www.ashlandmass.com.

Holliston Medical Bill Scully from Green International led one of five groups that formed after the design presentation. Participants continued to provide feedback on the designs to the group facilitators. (Photo/Paula Parker)

filled the Ashland High School cafeteria for the Pond Street (Rt. 126) design presentation in June.

Cecil Group, the firm responsible for developing the corridor’s design, presented two

sidewalks, bicycle lanes, traffic calming at key intersections, and a landscape beautification.

The Design, Engineering and Project Team had to consider a number of significant aspects of the route and synthesize mul-

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Page 4 “Little o”

continued from page 1

tree and the later placement of the stone, a gathering of family and friends was present. The stone was placed in 2003. But the real story, of course, begins much earlier.

Does anybody have an answer why It seems the good die young?

Can anybody tell me why?

Can anybody tell me why?

--Sung by Billy Joel, “The Good Die Young”

The fabric of our community is woven through uncountable connections, and we speak of the accomplishments of one another within these pages, so it is fitting to celebrate those who have lived among us, but have passed. They are part of our town’s history, and their lives have helped shape who, and what, we have become. One

such person is Maria Olivieri Hakansson, nicknamed “Little O” within her family. Maria attended Ashland schools, and graduated in the class of 1973 as the Salutatorian. Maria was the bride of Carl Hakansson, and the daughter of Anthony “Tony” and Mary Olivieri. As a student, Maria lived on Myrtle Drive, and later, she and Carl made their home in Medway.

Maria died in a car accident in May of 1978, just prior to both her 23rd birthday on June 20th, and first wedding anniversary on June 26th. The town was shaken at the news of her death.

It was a smaller town then, and there were many connections through which Maria was known. Above all else, Maria was a person who loved people, especially children, and they loved her in return. One of her friends recently said she found it yet difficult to accept the fact that Maria is no longer among us. It is clear in the following

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paragraphs that her gentle spirit is held dearly by those who knew her best.

Her Husband Remembers I first saw her when I was 14, and she was12, and I picked her from a crowd of girls, as she was visibly different, more mature, composed, and beautiful.

It was love at first sight for me.

When she arrived at the high school, I knew I wanted to get to know her, and a friend helped fix me up with her.

Maria took life’s events in stride; she was not one to get flustered, ruffled by people, or agitated. She possessed a very special calm and her patience was amazing, especially with the special needs children she taught at the Speare Center in Framingham. Maria always wanted to be a teacher of special needs children, especially those with autism. I went to her classroom on one occasion, and it seemed to be very noisy and chaotic, but she went about her duties joyfully, tending to each of her charges with an affection that brought the children to her.

They listened to her, and followed her lead. She was totally dedicated to their welfare, and thoughts of them were never far from her consciousness.

Our first date was going to a Patriots game back when they played in Boston. With the

Maria and Carl were married at St. Cecilia’s Church on June 26, 1977.

exception of her senior year, we dated continuously over those years at Ashland High and while we were in college.

We got engaged in the spring of 1974, and it was a long engagement, as Maria wanted us to have college completed by the time we were wed.

Maria was a real gift to me, and she possessed a natural sense of grace and serenity that helped me feel calm. She was brilliant, but could cook and sew with great aptitude. She was good at whatever she did, and had a fantastic work ethic.

She never put on “airs”, or lost her humility; she was never judgmental about people. She had a variety of friends, and did not make herself exclusive to a group, and so she was VicePresident of her class for three years.

She called me “H”, and I called her “O” as endearments.

I was blest to have her love me.

Things did not turn out as we anticipated, but I feel a very real sense of solace and peace when I visit her grave. There is an azalea bush at her grave, and it blooms pink flowers in June, her birth month and our anniversary month.

By the way, Mary, Maria’s

mother became an inspiration to me after Maria’s death. We are still close, and she was pleased that the article was being done about Maria.—Carl Hakansson

Her Mother Remembers Maria was petite, but she had the appetite of a truck driver.

She liked to eat the things she liked best after eating the other foods on her plate. We often cooked as a family, though my husband thought he was the chef, and the rest of us did the chopping. He was a good cook, and had a great garden. Once he told Maria to go out and weed a corner of the garden. Well, Maria went out and pulled up all the garlic plants, thinking they were weeds. She was very smart, but sometimes it seemed like she did not “get” the most obvious things.

One thing she did “get” was education. She told me I was going to turn into a vegetable if I did not go back to school. So, I did, and we graduated from college in the same year.

Only on one occasion did Maria get in trouble, and the whole incident made her very human.

“Little o”

continued on page 5

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“Little o”

“Maria was a happy person; she Maria was taking guitar was friendly no lessons from Carl, and matter who you were there was a period when or who your friends she was always singing were. As our class’s around the house. Now, Vice President for I had an awful voice for three years, her posisinging, but there was tivity and inclusiveone person who had a ness helped to set voice worse than mine: the tone for how we Maria! Once, she was worked together on playing “Puff the Magic a variety of projects, Dragon” on the guitar both at school and in and singing it to the kids the community. She she worked with. It was didn’t just push her so bad, but those kids own ideas on everyloved her to sing to them. one else; she seemed to understand The loss of Maria that everyone had strengthened me, because something to offer, I knew that the worst and she encouraged thing that can happen to everyone worka person had happened ing on a project to to me. After Maria, my Maria donned a special hat for Senior contribute their ideas parents and my husband Dress-up Day in 1973. and insights. When died over the years, and it came time to actuI was able to get through a mile from the residence. Once ally do the work, she continued it.—Mary Olivieri she could leg-plow through the to lead by example.” snowbanks, Jean trudged over “Maria had a remarkable clarwith clean clothes and some Her Sister-in-Law Remembers ity about what she wanted to do personal items. There was Mawith her life. She was an excelria, having spent ?? days there, “Maria was one of those lent student and was advanced draped with these children, a rarities—the ‘universal blood two years in mathematics, big smile on her face.”—Mardonor.’ She was a friend to all, meaning that she completed two garet “Peggy” Hakansson loved by everyone. She was years of calculus in high school. talented, smart, kind, beautiful, She faced a lot of pressure to and generous. During the major A Close Friend pursue mathematics or science blizzard of ‘78 (no car travel Remembers in college and beyond, but she for days!) Maria was stranded would not be dissuaded from “She was a very special perat the school for special needs her dream of teaching special son who I believe contributed a children where she taught. My needs students. While I never lot in her short time.” older sister Jean lived less than

continued from page 4

She was out with four boys and three girls while in high school.

They went to a “haunted” house that was familiar to the kids.

Anyway, the police caught them there, and charged them all with trespassing, so they had to go to court. On the night that it happened, Maria brought all those kids to her house, and she told my husband and I what had happened. My husband Tony told them all that they could use the phone to call their respective parents and tell them the story.

The judge fined each of the them $25, and Maria paid it out of her savings. The thing about it was that Maria was comfortable bringing those kids to her house, and she was direct about telling us what had happened.

Maria could sew very well, and she made many of the bridesmaids’ dresses for her wedding. Her sister, however, thought she could make her own. Well, on the day of the wedding, the lower ruffle of her sister Michelle’s dress had not been sewn, rather it was still held in place with pins. Michelle had procrastinated, and not finished the dress. When Maria found out on the morning of the wedding, she just said, “Don’t worry, everything will be okay.” Michelle was Maid of Honor, and went down the aisle with sparkles from all the pins in her dress.

Maria liked to read, but she didn’t read any “fluff” books; she was always studying, even at the beach. She would watch some TV, and the whole family would often play Monopoly.

My husband loved that game.

Once, my son Chuck said it was time to go to bed, as it was a school night, and my husband made him stay and keep playing. Our family was close, Maria was a loving daughter, and she cherished her brother and two sisters more than I can describe.

Maria was always busy. She babysat, sewed her own clothes, worked as a meat wrapper at Star Market, and waitressed at the Copper Kettle. She was friends with everyone, and made some great friends at the Speare Center in Framingham where she worked with autistic children. I see her friends from high school, and their children

around town often.

Page 5 questioned her decision, I also didn’t fully understand just how demanding and important her work was. While rooming with her at Northeastern one evening, I was struggling to complete a physics assignment and she was making a puppet.

I know I said something snide about the injustice of it all, but she didn’t take the bait. Instead, she calmly and confidently explained her own project and its significance. By engaging with me thoughtfully, she helped me start to understand and respect that what she was doing was just as important and maybe even more meaningful. Coincidentally, I ended up teaching mathematics many years later after my children were born and it was harder than any physics job I had held! Point made, Maria!”

“We shared a love of Crosby, Stills and Nash and went to a few concerts together with Carl and others. There was a coffeehouse that was held in the basement of a church in Ashland once a month and she would come when Carl and his group would play. Music was important to us & brought us together socially. I remember a group of us caroling in the snow one December, visiting the local nursing home and just having fun together.” –LouAnn (Venuto) Hopkins

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Page 6

July 1, 2014

The Latest In Bathroom Design Trends

By Nancy Werneken Bathrooms have become the second most important resale amenity (behind kitchens) in the home. Also, most homeowners have come to view the bathroom as a place of retreat, where they can relax and luxuriate in an effort to eliminate the stresses of the day. So, bathrooms have become more comfortable, spa-like and peaceful while designers are incorporating many modern amenities that homeowners appreciate from a personal lifestyle standpoint, as well as knowing their investment will improve the resale value of their home.

Following are 10 current bathroom trends: Larger showers – Everyone wants a large, airy shower.

Many people will want to eliminate the existing tub with the objective of enlarging the shower. And the old shower inserts are often being removed in favor of floor to ceiling tile that presents the look and feel of a spa; the use of tile visually opens up the shower space.

Also, frameless glass doors and enclosures are definitely the current trend; one which most people are now leaning toward.

Changes in tubs – The noisy, Jacuzzi-type tubs are being replaced with quiet soaking tubs in a large percentage of baths. And, the large (in many cases over-sized and somewhat dangerous) tub decks that were trendy in recent years are being reduced or removed to make space for a different tub shape (options are much more diverse today) or a free-standing tub which is sharply increasing in popularity.

Ventilation – A properly ducted vent/fan is a must in today’s bathrooms. Not only do most towns now require this, but these newer, quieter models are more powerful, reduce or eliminate the excess moisture and improve indoor air quality.

As a result, the finishes within the bathroom will last longer as well. And the vent can be purchased with several combinations including a light, a night light or heat unit included.

Hiding the toilet – One of the biggest trends in both new construction and higher-quality remodels is “privatization of the toilet.” In other words, giving the master bath’s toilet its own private room, or at least a privacy wall. Also, relocating the toilet where it makes sense, and where it’s inconspicuous.

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Media in the bath – Many new high-end bathrooms are being fitted with flat screen TVs to provide a bit of entertainment while relaxing in the tub or to just catch up on the news. They can be installed as artwork on the wall or creatively behind a mirror. They are so thin now that this has become a fairly easy upgrade and people love it!

Better storage – Bathroom vanities are now made with many different configurations depending on the sink placement, Nancy Werneken plumbing, etc. But, they Double vanities – This is a also offer more drawtrend that has become more ers and smaller compartments commonplace and expected in which makes sense with the master baths and many shared types and sizes of items stored hall baths. It is also a big resale in a bathroom. Further, initem. Two vanities allow for corporating tall, utility type each person to have his or her cabinets to match the vanity own space and storage. Sinks creates lots of great and practihave evolved into aesthetic cal bathroom storage and takes pieces with many different advantage of height without styles, sizes and colors and are taking up valuable bathroom made of several different maspace. Often these will allow terials. Faucets come in many for an interior outlet to house different forms now as well: small bathroom appliances, widespread with two handles, lighted mirrors, etc. For long single handle, tall, short, bardouble sink vanities, a counterstyle, wall-mounted and more. top cabinet can be used which acts as a divider and provides Radiant heated floors – Ana decorative, furniture look as other “comfort” amenity, radiwell as offers additional storant heated floors are very much age. An important ingredient to on the rise. Instead of stepping that feel of serenity and airiness onto cold tiles, radiant heat is is to have all of the bathroom installed underneath the floorproducts and appliances off the ing material creating warmth counters and put away. underfoot as well as heating the room. A thermostat is installed

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for control. Over the past few years the cost has actually levelled off so it is now a more affordable amenity as well.

Better tiles – The days of glazed ceramics are changing over to the newer porcelain tiles that have such a realistic natural stone look that they often make more sense than the real thing, both economically and practically. Porcelain is a fraction of the cost of marble, limestone, slate or other natural stone tiles.

Porcelain is also non-porous and more durable so it will look great for a much longer time and stains won’t permeate like they do with natural stone. One of the current looks is wood; porcelain tile comes in plank format with the look and graining detail of natural wood.

Glass tiles have become very popular too; they are beautiful and there are so many style options that a custom look in the bath is easy to achieve!

Green products – With so much interest today in luxury and comfort – heated floors, soaking tubs and TVs – one must not forget the larger trend in home remodeling: sustainability and green products.

There are several ways to make your improvements more energy-efficient. Here are just a few: If you do put in a radiant heated floor, or a vent, make sure they are attached to a timer. Also, look into the new low-flow toilets, more efficient showerheads and faucets and on-demand water heaters. Using green products has become easier than in the past with a wide array of energy-efficient products available.

Putting all of this together and creating your dream bath can be overwhelming unless you invest properly. Be sure to plan ahead and hire professional design and build firm to help you through all phases of the design and construction. This will ensure you have a comprehensive design and that your project will be delivered on time and on budget.

Nancy is the lead designer at Masters Touch, a local design build firm. Send questions or comments toinfo@masterstouchweb.com

Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com

July 1, 2014

100 iPads have been Purchased through the iNnovate with iPads Campaign for Ashland High School!

The AEFI is proud to announce we are finished with the iNnovate with iPads Campaign.

We have raised funds to purchase 100 iPads for the Ashland High School! The high school students have some unique learning experiences ahead!

Page 7

Editor’s Notes In our last edition, we had incorrectly attributed some activities to the lions club on page 27. Ashland has two organizations under the lions club “umbrella”. There are the Ashland Lions Club and the Greater Ashland Lions Club. Memebers of the Greater Ashland Lions Club are shown in the photo at the bottom of the page with the caption regarding Arbor Day.

enter college programs and the job market.

The AEFI thanks all of our Regarding the story below about M/Sgt D’Orsay, and consiscontributors for helping our tent with our story on Sgt. Joe Seaman, both should have their organization raise a total of names placed on the Viet Nam memorial in Gorden A. Green $55,000 complete the iNnovate Square. Additionally, it is fitting that significant public places for iPads campaign. This past be dedicated for each. spring a group of local families As a follow-up toagreed our story Last Spring, the Ashland collectively to raiselast the month on SGT Joseph A. Seaman, we received a note from Carl Education Foundation, Inc. remaining $15,000 needed to wrote “I remember him well. I can still see him playing ball and working at announced this 2013-14 Hakansson Capital finishwho off the campaign.

The Campaign. The goal was to AEFI would like to thank these The as New Year's Day before he was killed, he was at the Rose Parade with a big sign raise money to purchase Mickey's.

10 families our Donor-Circle

By John Kelley iPad carts, each containing 10 Challenge Participants. All Ashland thatofthe camera I remember was yesterday.” To be honest, we iPad airs for the Ashlandfor High donations $380 or more kept will showing.

A couple of folks letituslike knowitthat there School. This campaign was be acknowledged with their was another service member who lost had expected there others whohiswould share theirWar. memories. very important because the name listed on would a plaque be located life in the Viet Nam His name isRecall at the end of the Ashland Public Schools still on each iPad cart. For more Douglas Harold D’Orsay, and he is listed on article, we stated aonbelief that the town the ought to consider principal street in SGT had a gap in the implementation information the AEFI, please Viet Nam Memorial naming (panel 2E,arow 18) of technology. visit our website at www.Ashin Washington, DC. An internet search has Seaman’s honor, and have SGT Seaman’s name engraved on his theservice.

Viet Nam memorial in the landEducationFoundation.org. revealed some insights about With 100 new iPads in the

Editor’s Notes

Another Ashland Hero

school, teachers can incorpoUSname Air Force Master Sergeant Gordon A. Green town square. Surely his belongs with theE-7other heros on their respective rate current technology in to D’Orsay was killed on June 25, 1965 as their learning plans, a STEM result ofthe a bombing a popular restau- to suggest an alternative war memorials. Having thought furtheraabout matter,of we are going Laboratory can be integrated rant in the suburbs of Saigon in the Gia in to the High School, and toour the naming of a street. Given the number of athletic letters earned at AHS, it would be fitting Dinh province.

Sixteen other US personnel students can have access to the were also lost in the attack, and there were internet without having to togodedicate the new athletic complex behind AHS SGT Seaman’s over 40the people withto non-fatal injuries. M/ memory. No one has to the library or computer lab.

Sgt D’Orsay was off-duty at the time of stepped forward to carry these suggestions to the “powers thatwhere be.”heIsisthere a patriot out there Access to technology, through the bombing.

It is not known the “Innovate with iPads” camburied. paign, is one way to ensure thatcan make this happen? There is, surely. who 2LT Douglas H. D’Orsay, US Army Air Corps M/Sgt D’Orsay was a career airman, havour high school graduates are ing entered the US Army Air Corps in 1942 prepared for the challenges that service as a non-commissioned officer. during World War II. In 1944-45, he flew they will face as they prepare to aboard B-17s as a flight engineer in bombHis service record on the web indicates he Another letter regarding our May issue:ing missions over Germany. He received an was born in Nova Scotia on October 1, 1921 air medal for the requisite number of flights. and his home of record when he entered acAt the time, he held the rank of second tive duty listed Ashland. He may have also “Dear John, We spoke a while back about placing an ad in your paper for the Ashland lieutenant. lived for a timeMemorial in Hopedale.

services to be held on May 26, 2014. While Ashland Veteran's Counsel appreciates thefamily members have After the the war, the US Army Air Corps Attempts to reach were melded intothe the new Force,6 above notthe beennotice. successful. Further information mention in the paper I was very disappointed to see titleUS onAirpage and D’Orsay apparently entered that arm of

will be published as it becomes known.

Memorial Day is not a day of tribute to first responders, police and or fire. Memorial Day is designated for the purpose of honoring those comrades who died in defense of their country.

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July 1, 2014

Ashland Business Association Announces Scholarship Winners

By Cynthia Whitty The Ashland Business Association (ABA) recently announced two scholarship winners: Ashland High School graduates Taylor Carson and Molly Zodikoff. Each student was awarded $1,000 as part of the graduation ceremony in June.

Taylor Carson will attend Loyola University in Maryland to study speech and language pathology. A goal of Carson’s is to travel to South America to teach language and music.

Carson started singing in the second grade. She participated in St. Cecilia’s Church choir and in the Ashland Mindess Chorus. Later, she studied the flute and played in the high school band. In high school, she

returned to singing, began to write music, and participated in the highly competitive Central District-Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association competitions. In 2013, she could be seen singing and playing the guitar at the Ashland Farmers Market. In addition to music, she has volunteered at St. Patrick Manor and St. Cecilia’s Church peer ministry, taught music to children and was nominated for the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizen Award.

Molly Zodikoff will attend the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech to study marketing management. Zodikoff hopes to enter the fashion industry to help inspire selfesteem in girls.

Some of Zodikoff’s community work has included raising money and walking for cancer research through the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and performing vision screening as part of the Special Olympics Arthritis walk. In addition, she helped to coordinate the summer reading program for the Ashland Public Library and organized and participated in an event to grant a wish to a child with life-threatening medical conditions through “Jump for Joy,” an affiliate organization of Make a Wish.

Each year the ABA awards scholarships to high school seniors residing in Ashland who best demonstrate good work ethics, motivation, creativity and business/community interests.

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Scholarship committee chair Adam Sachs is pictured with recent Ashland High grads and scholarship winners Taylor Carson (left) and Molly Zodikoff. (Photo/Cynthia Whitty)

Contributors to this year’s scholarship fund were Mike Kane of 126 Self Storage, John Ellsworth of The Homes Connection of Metrowest, William Goldberg of Main Street

Wine & Spirits and Tricia Kendall, Architect.

To contribute to the scholarship fund, send a check to the ABA, P.O. Box 510, Ashland, MA 01721.

ABA Happenings The Ashland Business Association (ABA) has many activities and ways to help local businesses grow. ABA members and their guests are invited to attend ABA events. Visitors may renew membership or join online at www.ashlandfirst.com or at an ABA meeting or event.

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Page 9

Faith Corner

Listen, and Blessings Will Flow

By Rabbi Margie Klein Ronkin Congregation Sha’arei Shalom, Ashland.

opened, and he is able to see the angel that the donkey has seen all along.

In the Torah portion for the week ending July 5th (Numbers 22:2-25:9), King Balak hires a prophet named Bilaam to go curse the Israelites, who are camped in the desert between Egypt and the Promised Land.

After a series of amazing adventures, Bilaam winds up blessing the Israelites with the words “Ma Tovu,” that we sing together in synagogue.

It is easy to criticize Bilaam for being foolish and cruel, but this past weekend, my friend Lee Moore asked a group of friends to imagine all the characters in the story - Bilaam, the donkey, and the angel - as parts of ourselves. We each contain the wise angel, who knows what is right. We each contain the ability to see what is really going on, like the donkey. And, we each contain a purposedriven Bilaam, who guides us to achieve our goals, but sometimes misses what is really going on.

Though I wish I could say that I identify only with the innocent donkey and wise angel in the story, I realize that I recognize some of Bilaam’s behavior in myself. At around this time last year as my husband and my wedding approached, I crafted a scheme to create an elaborate “place card tree” for the reception, with place cards hanging from the branches. Despite the fairly obvious barriers - we had

Further, when my mom and Jeremy pointed out that this wasn’t really the priority, rather than thanking them for the wisdom, I told them that they didn’t get my creative vision.

I even resented them a bit for trying to stop me, even though I really knew that they just wanted to help me preserve my sanity. Like Bilaam, instead of listening the wise voices close to me, I threw them under the proverbial bus. Indeed, unlike Bilaam, I did not beat my loved ones or speak unkindly to them, but I certainly did my best to goad them on against their will.

And, eventually, I backed down, and everything was fine.

Reflecting on this story, I wish that I could have kept focus on my goal (welcoming our guests through personal and artistic

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I bless us that we may see the angels guiding us through life, know our loved ones as the allies they are, and like Bilaam, may all our attempts at cursing others turn to blessings.

If you are interested in finding out more about Congregation Sha’arei Shalom, please visit the website at www.shaareishalom.org or call 508-2314700.

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This month, I invite you to reflect on a time when you were very focused on a not-totallyattainable goal, when that focus led to a lack of awareness and/ or to mistreatment of those you love. If you had to do it again, how might you cultivate an awareness of what is really going on, so as to stay focused on

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By John Kelley Editor On the Saturday before Memorial Day, students from Hopkinton High School were earning Community Service credits toward graduation by placing flags on the graves of members of the Bishop Rice Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. The chapter area includes both Ashland and Hopkinton.

place cards), but also been more like the donkey - aware of what is going on on a practical level, flexible to new wisdom. And I wish I could have been like the angel, able to have perspective and understand what is really important.

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At a key moment in the story, Bilaam rides his donkey from Balak’s kingdom to the Israelites’ encampment to go curse them, but then the donkey stops, because she sees an angel telling them not to proceed. Not realizing the presence of the angel, Bilaam starts beating the donkey with a stick, urging her to move forward. Miraculously, at this moment, the donkey receives the gift, and tells him to stop beating her. “What have I done to you,” she says, “that you should treat me this way?”

Only then are Bilaam’s eyes

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July 1, 2014

Girl Scout Achieve Bronze Service Award

By John Kelley Editor Ashland Girl Scout Troop 7398, composed of nine, eleven-year old fifth graders, has recently completed the requirements for their Bronze Community Service Award by conceiving and implementing an “action” project that was focused on senior citizens. According to adult leaders Merrie Schiller and Stephanie Rohmer, the 20- hour project had to be girl-led and executed, meaning the girls voted on all decisions related to the project. They had to come up with an idea, plan the details, and implement the project.

In choosing to focus on senior citizens, they also decided that they wanted the project to involve gardening. So, they solicited donations from

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Weston Nurseries and 14 Carrot Garden. Weston Nurseries gave them a detailed tour of their facilities, pointing out the details related to various plants.

Fourteen Carrot Garden gave the girls a monetary goal, and told them to use their math skills in order to get a good mix of flowers for the amount. The flowers selected were daisies, marigolds and petunias.

The seniors took the time to tell the girls about the Center and the activities in which they participate. Some of the ladies present had been Girl Scouts, in fact, Mary Jay McCabe had

even achieved the highest rank called the Curved Bar Award, akin to the Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts.

Congratulations and thank

you to the leaders and members of Ashland’s Girl Scout Troop 7398 for their wonderful gift to the senior citizens, and the entire community itself.

Once the idea progressed, they worked with Community Center manager Joanne Duffy to find locations on the property to make the plantings. Once completed, the girls decided that they wanted to meet the senior citizens who frequent the Center, so they organized a coffee and donuts party on June 10th. Once again, they solicited donations from Dunkin’ Donuts and Honeydew Donuts.

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Pictured with the nine members of Troop 7398 are leaders Merrie Schiller and Stephanie Rohmer. Photo/John Kelley

Friends Have Fun: Friends of the Library Celebrate Another Year

By Cynthia Whitty In late May, the Friends of the Ashland Public Library celebrated another successful year. The nonprofit organization sponsors programs for teens and young children, summer reading, monthly art exhibits, Friday night and documentary films, and much more. The all-volunteer group relies on annual memberships, proceeds from book sales, and individual and business donations to make the library an educational and cultural hub for the town.

To join or renew a membership, volunteer, or find out about programs, visit www. friendsoftheapl.com.

Back row (l to r): Rose Flaherty, Paula Bonetti, Betsy Emberley, Grace Lee, Denise Montoya, Cynthia Whitty, Mary Anne Sannicandro. Sitting (l to r): Bill Browne, Barbara Maguire, Carolyn Bell, Kab Rabinowitz. (Photo/Dianne Hopper)

Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com

July 1, 2014

Page 11

Relay for Life

By John Kelley Editor On Flag Day, Saturday, the 14th of June, the annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held at the Ashland Middle School. Under threatening skies, and before several hundred people in the stands, the speakers spoke gratefully, sometimes with tears, of their experience as cancer survivors. They spoke of the support that carried them through their wrenching ordeal, fighting with every ounce of their being. It was a moving opening, followed by a powerful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by Erica

A team of walkers sports custom-made t-shirts to celebrate their hero Kelly.

Photo/John Kelley

Leigh. The Holliston Fire Department provided a color guard to lead the walkers in opening the relay.

Logistics Coordinator Tina Hebb, working her 16th Relay, said there were 60 teams of at least 10 walkers each this year.

She said the event typically raises upwards of $200,000 for the American Cancer Society’s research in the fight to beat cancer.

The grounds were dense with tents for the various teams, some sporting t-shirts with their logo.

The organizers had a medical tent, a DJ and speaker system, and a refreshment stand. There was plenty of water, and the skies began to clear when the relay began in the early afternoon. At night, there were candles placed in bag at the request of donors, and each bag was marked with a name for those who were to be remembered in the thoughts of the walkers. The teams each made hundreds of circuits around the grass track in the afternoon, and all through the night, for a total of about 18 hours of effort. With such energy, and greater awareness on the part of all of us, the fight against cancer can surely be won.

Erica Leigh sings the National Anthem prior

Cancer survivors were introduced in groups according to the length of the survival time, and made the first circuit around the track to kick off the Relay. Photo/ John Kelley

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Page 12

July 1, 2014

Ashland Farmers Market ‘Explodes’ with Free, Family Fun

By Cynthia Whitty

drink your morning coffee or

Each Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through 11, shop 25-plus of local farmers, bakers, teaOctober from Acoustic Java, tents or feast specialty food makers, andMarket, artisans. For more information, to subscribe to the weekly e-blast or The Ashland Farmers on veggie-infused organic mini find outon about activities located themarket “green” diago-and vendors, visit www.ashlandfarmersmarket.org.

nally across the street from the library, will explode with free, © Cynthia Whitty, June 2014 fun, family activities on Saturdays in July.

pancakes by Nu3Kidz with Ackermann’s maple syrup or ### Little Beehive’s honey. At the Kids Corner (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.), professional face painter Theresa Flaherty will fashion fantastic faces. Cindy Lane and the Stoney Hollow Stringdusters Band will perform at the Old North Music Stage (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).

On July 12, Sharon Kane will give demonstrations on preparing grains, beans, nuts and Anyone not travelling over the seeds and discuss the digestive July 4th weekend will be able to benefits of her methods. At the celebrate in laid-back style. The Kids Corner (9:30 to 10:30 Captiontheme for Indian market day is Pancakes a.m.), children can design their Indian is set for the Ashland Farmers Market on Front Street. Enjoy and PJsCultural on JulyDay 5. Sleep in,July 19 atown games with game performances by accomplished young Indian board musicians and dancers.

(Photo/Florence Seidell) wear your PJs and robes to the creator Robert Seater. Come for market, take in breakfast at The breakfast, stay for lunch while Carve or Danish Pastry House, listening to the male singerIndian Cultural Day is set for July 19 at the Ashland Farmers Market on Front Street. Enjoy performances by accomplished young Indian musicians and dancers. (Photo/Florence Seidell)

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songwriter showcase at the Old North Music Stage (10:30 to 12:30 p.m.).

Indian Cultural Day is July 19. Enjoy musical performanc-

es by accomplished young local Indian musicians and dancers, starting at 10:30 a.m. Last year, the performances were a big hit.

Lunch at the Soul of India tent; discover the cool refreshment of mango lassies; find unusual Asian vegetables (and recipes) at the Ly family’s Flats Mentor Farm tent; learn about Ash-

land’s own Sri Lakshmi Hindu Temple.

On July 26, the Ashland Lions Club Eye Mobile offers free health screenings to anyone over the age of ten. The Eye Mobile is a modern, self-powered vehicle with state-of-theart medical equipment. More than 30,000 youth and adults have been screened for vision, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hearing and blood pressure. Volunteers provide all the necessary medi-

cal and administrative staffing.

Also on this market day, actors from the MetroWest Performing Arts Center will perform at the Old North Music Stage and visit the Kids Corner.

Each Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through October 11, shop 25-plus tents of local farmers, bakers, specialty food makers, and artisans. For more information, to subscribe to the weekly e-blast or find out about market activities and vendors, visit www.ashlandfarmersmarket.org.

Sticker Shock Campaign

By John Kelley On Friday, May 23rd, the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) of Ashland High School set out before the Memorial Day weekend on their annual “Sticker Shock Campaign” to make known the law with regard to under-age drinking in the town. Faculty Advisor and AHS Guidance Coordinator Brian Garrigan arranged for the students to place warning stickers on all beer containers in six Ashland stores. The labels advised that it is illegal to provide alcoholic beverages to young adults under the age of 21. All 6-packs, 12-packs and cases were so identified with the permission of the stores’ owners. The Ashland Police Department provided escort for the group of students. In short, the entire inventory of beer in the town was marked with the warning.

Photo/submitted

Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com

July 1, 2014

Page 13

AHS Graduate Spotlight

Whatever Happened to Tom Romano

By John Kelley Editor An Ashland High School graduate of 2011, Tom Romano will complete his studies in the year ahead and receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental, Recreation and Tourism Management from the University of Maine at Machias (UMM). He expects to meet the requirements for a minor in Business as well.

Tom is the son of Paul and Judith Romano of Ashland, and he has always wanted to work in the outdoors, eschewing an office cubicle. His career has already begun, as he was awarded an internship with the Lexington Recreation Department for the summer. The department only selects one student out of dozens of applicants for such a terrific hands-on work experience.

One of the things that the selection committee probably

noted was that Tom is an Eagle Scout. Tom started cub scouts in 3rd grade, and was ready for boy scouts at the age of 11 while in fifth grade. He advanced through the various levels of Tenderfoot, Second class, First class, Star and Life Scout until he was ready to work on the requirements of Eagle Scout.

His final assignment was to do something for the community, and he chose to build a bocce court (Italian bowling) at the Ashland Community Center, as the senior citizens have always wanted to have a court at the facility.

The size of the bocce court was constrained by the amount of land available at the Community Center. Though his court is not quite built to regulation standards, it is eight feet wide by about 55 feet in length. Tom was required to get his materials donated, and so he donned his scout uniform and approached

While in high school, and by the rules prior to his 18th birthday,Tom Romano achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and he proudly wears the insignia on his scout uniform.

Photos/John Kelley

those businesses that handled the materials he needed. One of his benefactors was Ashland Lumber. Tom listed all his donating companies on a scoreboard that he built adjacent to the court. He also had to tear up the existing sod, lay down vinyl sheeting, and build a one-foot high wall around the courts which necessitated digging post holes for the support structure.

He had to put down a couple of inches of pea gravel, and the top layer was a couple more inches of stone dust.

has taken, he especially enjoyed a search-and-rescue course. He actually worked with the members of the television show “The Maine Guides” and their search dogs. He learned skills such as mapping and wilderness survival. Another class that Tom appreciated was Wilderness First Responder. He took the class during the week of the February break, and was engaged in the intense cur-

Tom Romano participated in the ceremonies in Ashland on this past Memorial Day. Photo/John Kelley

Of the many courses that Tom

After Tom graduates and gets a job, he has promised to write and give us an update on his life. All of Ashland wishes Tom a bright future and good fortune.

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Tom is very directed in his goals, and selects his friends who share similar ideals. He joined a very unique fraternity at the UMM. The Psi Delta chapter of the Alpha Delta fraternity includes among its members quite a few Eagle Scouts, as well as other serviceoriented students. These are all young men who intend to make a difference in the community at-large, whether it be related to the environment or the public interest in the great outdoors.

The thing that caught Tom’s attention about UMM was a statement in the catalog which said, “You work for other people to have fun.” UMM is 360 miles from Ashland, and it is a small campus with a large part of the student body commuting from local towns. Clearly, his choice of college was driven by the programs being offered, but the influence of his families camping vacations, and their involvement in scouting gave Tom the realization that he wanted to work in the outdoors.

riculum for 13 hours each day.

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Page 14

July 1, 2014

LIVING HEALTHY Environmental Factors Can Trigger Asthma Though many are likely familiar enough with asthma to recognize it’s a respiratory disease that affects millions of people across the globe, few may know the role that environmental triggers play with regard to asthma.

Indoor allergens and irritants often trigger asthma attacks, but fortunately such triggers can be controlled by people who take a proactive approach to reducing their exposure to environmental triggers like those listed below.

Secondhand smoke The smoke from a cigarette, cigar or pipe contains more than 4,000 substances, some of which are cancerous compounds. In addition to triggering asthma attacks in those already diagnosed with the condition, secondhand smoke is a risk factor for asthma among preschool-aged youngsters.

Thanks to their diminutive statures, kids breathe more rapidly than adults, and that means they take in more secondhand smoke when around smokers than older kids or fully grown adults.

But secondhand smoke is harmful to adults as well, triggering asthma attacks and increasing their risk for a variety of health conditions. Parents should not let anyone smoke near their children, and adults with older kids should avoid smokers as much as possible.

Dust mites Tiny, invisible bugs that feed on dead skin, dust mites can be found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, stuffed toys, and clothes, among other things.

Individuals who are allergic to dust mites might be susceptible to asthma if they come in contact with dust mites’ body parts and droppings, and such exposure can trigger asthma in youngsters who have not previously exhibited symptoms of the condition. Bedding should be washed in hot water at least once per week and dried completely, and dust proof covers should be used on pillows and mattresses. Vacuum carpets and furniture once per week. Also, parents can reduce their kids’ risk of asthma attacks by only

Achieve Clear Skin Before

buying stuffed toys that can be washed in hot water.

Molds Molds live on plant and animal matter and can be found nearly anywhere that moisture is present. Inhaling mold spores,

which continually float through indoor and outdoor air, can trigger an asthma attack. Mold problems in a home should be addressed immediately. Mold on hard surfaces can be removed with soap and water, and the surfaces should be allowed to dry completely before being put

to use again. Use exhaust fans in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, where fans can be used both during and after showering. Some mold growths might be a byproduct of leaks, so check pipes for leaks when any mold is found near sinks, tubs or showers.

Acne and the Sun. A Match Not Made in Heaven.

By Lisa Massimiano, Licensed Esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, Owner Skin Smart Salon Many acne sufferers believe baking in the sun cures their acne. Although sun exposure can have the desirable effect of causing skin to dry out and peel, it also damages the follicles, exacerbates hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and causes skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. In fact, heat and humidity often make acne worse. Here are some tips on how to protect acne prone skin from the sun.

Use the right sunscreen.

Many acne sufferers shy away from using sunscreen because they think it will

make their acne worse. I always recommend to my acne clients to use a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen does not contain any irritating chemicals. It is made up of zinc and or titanium oxide and protects the skin by physically blocking the UV rays. Zinc and titanium do not clog pores and are soothing on the skin, perfect for acne and rosacea prone skin.

A little does not go a long way.

Don’t skimp when applying your sunscreen. Most people don’t apply enough to get the protection indicated on the label. Apply two coats to make sure you cover what you missed with the first applica-

tion. And, don’t forget to reapply if you sweat a lot during the day or go swimming.

Think outside the beach.

Everyday exposure contributes more to sun damage than the occasional burn you get at the beach. Use an SPF daily.

Make applying sunscreen part of your morning skin care routine like shaving or applying makeup. Once it becomes a habit you will never forget.

Questions about acne or skin care? Email me at skinsmartsalon@aol.com. Or call 508 881-1180. Visit the salon website skinsmartsalon. com for information on Skin Smart’s Acne Clinic and other services.

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July 1, 2014

Page 15

LIVING HEALTHY Weight Loss through New Technology Explained by Milford Doctor Resonance Frequency Technology (RFT) is a scientific breakthrough that allows the body to communicate its needs without any guessing. Baseline comparisons allow for detailed accurate analysis to determine many factors including specific biological preferences, out of range bio-markers, and areas in which the body may be deficient or unbalanced.

Dr. Dirk Johns, of New England Fat Loss is now using this breakthrough technology in his Milford,

Ma office. Dr. Johns recently explained the technology this way, “It is taking a hormonal fingerprint which we use to determine the exact blueprint any individual needs to bring their body into an optimal state of fat-burning or health.

Resonance Frequency Technology is so specific it can detect any hormonal imbalances. He added, a person’s hormones, are often the largest reason somebody cannot burn fat, Once these hormones are balanced and the metabolism is re-set, fat-loss becomes easy.”

Dr. Dirk Johns, one of the

first doctors in the country, using this new weight loss treatment is seeing people travel from as far away as Montana and all across Massachusetts just to get access to this revolutionary new technology. Dr. Johns added, “There is no longer any need to go another day overweight. With RFT, I will determine EXACTLY what your body is missing and you will lose 20-40 pounds in just 40 days!” You can book a FREE in office review directly with Dr. Johns thr0ugh his website, newenglandfatloss.com

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July 1, 2014

Sports Byrnes Provided Spark For Ashland’s Athletic Success basketball was a thrill because we weren’t seen as a pre-season favorite. Being named league MVP was nice but the title was more meaningful. The championship in baseball last year was fun because it was my first at Ashland. That baseball team had a lot of talent.’’

By Ken Hamwey Staff Sports Writer Joe Byrnes graduated from Ashland High a month ago and the legacy he left as a studentathlete is remarkable.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder, who spent two years in the National Honor Society, will be attending Tufts University where he plans to study either psychology or neuroscience.

This summer, Byrnes has been in the weight room five times a week. He’s also working on improving in all three sports, and he’s also working part-time.

On the athletic front, Byrnes played three sports and was a four-year starter in basketball and baseball. In football, he set records for touchdown receptions (35) and yards gained receiving (2,500 yards). His play as a senior gave Ashland’s eleven its first winning season (6-5) in eight years. As a junior, he pitched and played centerfield in baseball, helping the Clockers win a Tri Valley League championship. He was 4-2 as a junior and 3-1 this year.

“I’ve always relied on a strong work ethic,’’ Byrnes said. “The key to succeeding is to be mentally tough and to be instinctive as a competitor. My philosophy of athletics is to win and reach my potential by being competitive. One place where I can improve is in leadership. I try to lead by example, but when I have to be vocal, I’ll display that.’’

It’s no coincidence that Ashland’s football team topped .500 with Byrnes on board. Or that the basketball team went 19-2 last winter with Byrnes starting his fourth season, or that the baseball team won a league title in Byrnes’ junior campaign.

As Messer says: “Joe’s the kind of player who you want to take the last shot in basketball, or be the last hitter at the plate in baseball. He’s a gamer.’’

Last winter, all Byrnes did was average 17 points and 8 rebounds a game, leading Ashland’s basketball squad to the TVL crown. A league all-star as a junior, he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in basketball as a senior, and he’s been a TVL all-star in all three sports.

“Joe is simply a great competitor,’’ said baseball coach Matt Messer. “He’s could play lacrosse and rise to the occasion. As a pitcher, he relied on excellent control, always hitting his spots with his fastball, curve and change-up.’’

His basketball coach, Mark Champagne, said Byrnes was “a major key to our winning a title.’’

“Joe is a tough, strong kid who played through injuries and always accepted responsibility,’’ Champagne said. “He started for us for four years, and that in itself is amazing. He’s an

all-scholastic in academics and athletics.’’

Byrnes not only was an allstar in three sports but he also was a captain in each venue. As effective as he was in contributing to Ashland’s titles in basketball and baseball, Byrnes credits his coaches and teammates.

“Coaches (Andrew) MacKay in football, Champagne in basketball and Messer in baseball elevated their programs by implementing a competitive

style that erased a losing habit,’’ Byrnes said. “Our coaches believed they could win and they developed team chemistry.

Teammates like John Iarussi and David Morrison were competitive and talented. John played football and basketball and David played the same three sports as I did.’’

Byrnes took a moment to reflect on the championships and his achievements as he prepares for an active summer to transi-

tion to Tufts where he’ll play football and baseball and major in psychology.

“My most memorable game in football came as a junior against Cathedral,’’ he said.

“We trailed, 35-0, in the third quarter but rallied to win. I intercepted two passes and scored two touchdowns, the last one coming with 30 seconds left to win the game. Cathedral won the Division 4 Super Bowl that year. Winning the title in

Byrnes had quality coaches and a cast of capable teammates that made Ashland a breed apart. His Clocker days are now in his rear-view mirror. “It’s sad to see my days at Ashland end, but I’m happy we brought some success to the athletic programs,’’ Byrnes said. “I’m looking forward to Tufts. It’ll be different because the people won’t be the same.’’

Joe Byrnes should be remembered as one of Ashland’s best student-athletes. He paid the price for success, and his desire and dedication at Ashland were something special.

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July 1, 2014

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Page 17

Sports Ashland Track

Alyssa Zee

By Christopher Tremblay Lately Ashland track has seemed to become a factory for extraordinary young runners.

After a phenomenal career running the 400 for Ashland Carly Muscaro is now running for Merrimack College as a freshman where she is second in the nation in her event. This year Coach Chris Avery has found yet another fantastic freshman in Alyssa Zee. The freshman runs the 100 and 200 in addition to participating in the triple jump.

“Alyssa is very similar to Carly in terms of her running,” Avery said. “Carly ran the 400, while Alyssa’s strongest event is the 200. Two athletes, running different events, but both were very similar in the way they finished.”

Zee originally began running track in middle school, just do have something different to do.

“I knew that I was fast because I continually heard comments during soccer on how fast I was,” the freshman said. “The 200 is my better event because of my stamina I did run the 4x4 relay in the eighth grade and did ok, but I prefer the 200.”

Although only a first year runner on the high school level for the Clockers, Zee is quickly making a name for herself. In the Tri-Valley League meet she finished second in the 200 and won the same event at the Freshman / Sophomore Meet with a time of 26.16.

As the events got bigger Zee’s time continued to decrease. In the Eastern Massachusetts Division 4 Meet, the Ashland runner once again took second place finishing with a time of 25.75; she also grabbed a second place finish in the triple jump with a leap of 34 feet 4.25inches.

Triple jumping was not really on Zee’s radar when she first decided to try out for track, but it was obviously in her blood.

Prior to finishing second in the Division 4 meet, Zee was jumping a consistent 33 feet. At the State meet, she once again

improved her length with a jump of 34 feet 8.75 inches, but finished 12th.

“My dad was a triple jumper and when a friend of mine suggested I try it, I did and found that I really like it,” Zee said.

“Now I can go to my dad for help to improve.”

In addition to finishing 12th at the State meet in the triple jump, the freshman also improved her 200 time, running a new personal best 25.93, good enough for sixth place and a trip to the New England meet.

Thus far, her freshman year running varsity track has been something she never imagined.

Coming into the season all she was hoping for was to break 26 seconds, as she had run 27 in eighth grade.

“As a freshman coming into high school all I really wanted to do was maintain last year’s performance. I was hoping that I could break 26 and was really happy when I did,” Zee said.

“When I ran 26.16 in our very first league dual meet, I knew that I had the chance to accomplish my goal. I never imagined doing what I did the rest of the year.”

It was at the Coaches Invitational where the freshman runner broke the 26-second barrier, which catapulted her to where she is today.

“Throughout the year I just worked on improving my form and technique in coming out of the blocks, she said. “As the year went on, I seemed to get stronger and felt much more comfortable with the race. Making it to the All States, and now the New England, is unbelievable for me as a freshman.”

Having full confidence in her ability as a first year varsity runner will allow Zee to continue to improve. With three full years remaining in her high school career, who knows how far she can go, and at this point, the sky is the limit for the young runner.

Alyssa Zee with coaches Chris Avery and Lou Mancini. Photo/Submitted

AHS Girls Lacrosse

By John Kelley Editor

center. Junior Samantha Hebb played her first year at goalie, and her potential for next season is sure to make a difference as the team clearly has the post-season tournament as a goal.

Coach Lowe said that the team played very well in two losses to Hopkinton, a traditional Division II rival.

Some of the teams they played are in the league’s Division I including Weston and Foxboro.

On the evening of Thursday, May 12th the Ashland High girls lacrosse teams held their annual awards banquet. Second year varsity coach Tanya Lowe said the team played really well, despite having significant losses from last year’s team which reached the Tri-Valley tournament finals, losing to Norwell. The varsity team record this year was 8-11-1, and the entry to the tournament requires at least a .500 record, but the girls showed a lot of strength against good teams. According to Lowe, this was a re-building year, and the focus was on fundamentals, tactics, and player development. The starting team this year included four AHS students named to the Tri-Valley League lacrosse All-Star team freshman, and one of those (l-r): Sophia Poirier, Caroline Merrill, Caitlin Graves, Sam Hebb. was at the key position of Photo/John Kelley

http://www2.pmc.org/profile/RK0109.

•

To read why Sicard rides and to contribute, visit

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Page 18

http://www2.pmc.org/profile/FS0044.

Ashland Riders for a Cause

By Cynthia Whitty Just a month to go, Ashland riders hope to meet financial and fitness goals for the August 2-3 PMC event.

In 2011, Ashland resident Randy Krauss wanted to do something to take off some ex-

tra weight, so he decided to ride in a 30-mile American Cancer Society bicycle fundraising event.

The next year, his uncle passed away from cancer and some colleagues from work were stricken. With a cause in

Ashland riders (l to r) Francois Sicard and Randy Krauss at last year’s PMC. (Photo/supplied)

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Throughout the winter mind–to raise money for cancer thought about entering before. months, the men keep in shape research–Krauss trained for and Then, a friend from work died by riding two times a week at embarked on a 160-mile round- after battling kidney cancer for Grace Bicycles in Holliston. trip Pan-Mass Challenge ride three years. She was 41 years When the warmer weather from Babson College in Welles- old. Sicard signed up for the comes, they headone outside ley to Mass Maritime Academy [Instructions PMC on what would have been to layout: if you can use a logo, select thatearly fits best:] in the morning on weekends, in Bourne on Cape Cod. her 43rd birthday in 2012. adding a few miles each week, The Pan-Mass Challenge, or riding 50-60 miles each weekPMC, raises money for canend day. cer research and treatment at “By the time the PMC comes, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute riding is not as hard for us as it through an annual bike-a-thon is for some others,” Krauss said. that crosses the state of Massachusetts. There are rides of This event is Sicard’s first different lengths, and each rider experience raising money for commits to raise between $500 a cause. This year, he hopes to and $5,000. According to PMC, accompany Krauss once again 90 percent of the riders exfrom Bourne to Wellesley. He ceed the minimum fundraising has to raise $1,000. “Randy has contribution, and one-third raise a much bigger job,” Sicard said.

As a volunteer, Sicard helps at more than twice the amount reA database architect in Boston, registration on Friday night and quired. In 2013, the event drew Sicard said his company also then accompanies over 5,500 cyclists and 3,000 Caption for PMC1 Krauss back matches employee contribuon his bicycle from Bourne volunteers. tions. to Wellesley. fun Sicard and Randy Krauss at last year’s PMC. (P Ashland riders (l“It’s to r)more Francois Since it started in 2007, the For more information on the than I expected it would be,” PMC has donated 100 percent Sicard said. “The volunteer ride Pan-Mass Challenge, visit of every rider-raised dollar www.pmc.org. doesn’t have all the hoopla that directly to cancer research and Caption for PMC2 the regular ride has, but it’s a To read why Krauss rides and treatment at Dana-Farber Canblast.” contribute, http://www2. cer Institute through its Jimmy Krauss has support for his rides from to wife Anne andvisit kids, Cena, 12, and Matt, “I’m a runner and have always pmc.org/profile/RK0109.

Fund. Last year, the PMC raised (Photo/submitted) been relatively fit, but this a record $39 million. The goal To read why Sicard rides and brings my workout to a new for 2014 is $40 million. to contribute, visit http://www2. level,” he said. pmc.org/profile/FS0044.

Though Krauss started riding for his own health, he soon realized that this experience was Page 3 of 3 special.

“You meet a lot of great people, they all have stories to tell,” he said. “The outpouring on the street as you ride is unimaginable. It’s very touching, and a great time to bike with people who share the same cause. People line the route with signs of encouragement, handing us water to drink and to cool us down.”

A research scientist at Genzyme-Sanofi where he tests new drugs for cancer and other diseases, Krauss said, “This ride is tying it all together for me.”

In 2012, his goal was to raise $3,500; he raised over $6,500.

Over the past three years, he has raised over $14,000, with help from his friends and company.

This year, on August 2-3, Krauss will once again ride the roundtrip from Wellesley to Bourne.

Krauss got his Ashland neighbor Francois Sicard involved by asking him if he wanted to join. Sicard said he had never

Krauss has support for his rides from wife Anne and kids, Cena, 12, and Matt, 14. (Photo/submitted)

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July 1, 2014

Page 19

People Making a Difference - Homelessness

By Pam Dunham, Co-Chairperson Deacons, Ashland Federated Church Most of us are aware that homelessness is a serious issue in this country, but do you know it is a serious issue here in MetroWest as well?

For many years, I have worked in an outpatient clinic at MetroWest Medical Center, and have cared for countless men and women, and their children who have found themselves living on the street, or in a shelter at one time or another.

My mother worked for years in the Youth Services Department here in Ashland. Her stories regarding the homeless never ceased to amaze and anger me.

Why, in this day and age of abundance, did families need to sleep in their cars, or in some back alley? “Because they had no place else to go” is a very sad answer to the question.

In our local area, there are about four shelters that provide a temporary roof over the heads of adult men and women.

They receive an occasional meal from a volunteer group, and otherwise have to provide for their own food. However, these shelters are not designed for children. Some go to the Salvation Army for an evening meal on occasion, while others often have to scavenge for food. I did discover a program called Horizons for Children that provided early intervention services for homeless children, but no services are based here in MetroWest.

On October 15, 2008 a group of volunteer churches, temples and other religious organizations, called the Interfaith Hospitality Network recognized the urgent need, and began welcoming their first families into a program that offered temporary housing and meals for up to 4 families, or a maximum of 14

people, at a time. The program was designed to aid homeless families in the pursuit of permanent housing, by providing them with the skills they need to get their high school diplomas and/or jobs. Those who are accepted into the program are allowed to stay in the program for as long as is necessary to obtain their independence.

The above-mentioned group, now called Family Promise, is able meet the demand with the help of 14 local churches. In our community of Ashland, the only local church participating so far in this program is the Federated Church of Ashland. The church has taken on the responsibility of providing a safe place to stay, rooms to sleep in, and all dinners and breakfasts for a week-long respite, 3 to 4 times a year for any given client. During the day, the families go to the Common Street Community Church in Natick. The schoolaged children are then taken

to whatever schools they were previously attending before becoming homeless, thus giving them a sense of continuity and belonging. The parents that have jobs are provided transportation to work if necessary, and those that do not have jobs are provided with counseling and assistance in finding a job, or if needed, help in studying for their GED which will ultimately lead to a better career outlook.

Members of the Federated Church of Ashland have been involved with Family Promise for five years, and the driving force behind this piece of community outreach has been two of its members, Bill and Lois Tougas. With the help of many volunteers from the congregation, the church has been able to provide warm, safe places for the families to sleep, home-cooked meals each night, and an environment for the children to play. Besides setting aside the space, preparing daily

meals, the members of the congregation serve as evening and overnight hosts, to assure guests that their struggles have not gone unnoticed, and that there are people who care.

While it is a very intense week making sure that all supplies are available, that the meals and rooms are ready as needed, and that the families we think of as “our guests”, are made to feel welcome, it is also an extremely gratifying experience for all involved. It is especially rewarding when the news comes that a family has realized their dream of independence, and is ready to move on to a place they can call home.

For more information on the Family Promise, you may contact the headquarters in Natick at 508-318-4820. Or, if you wish to volunteer at the Federated Church, call the church office at 508-881-1355.

Follow-up

AHS Ultimate Frisbee

By John Kelley Editor In our last issue, we reported on the AHS club sport of Ultimate Frisbee, a game that is becoming popular across the country, not unlike that of Beach Volleyball a couple of decades ago. It started as a pickup game, and has evolved into league play. English teacher and coach of the club, Stephen “Mosh” Moshkovitz says that the team finished with a regular season record of 14-1, losing only to St. Johns Prep of Danvers.

On the last weekend of May, they played in the Boston Ultimate Disc Alliance (BUDA) Division II state tournament, winning four consecutive games before being bested by the same Danvers team in the championship game. Three of the AHS players were named to the BUDA All-Star game (Ryan Almeida, Chris Bartoli and Sumner Cushman), and Ryan scored seven points in his team’s winning effort of 15 points. Two of the AHS players (Sumner Cushman and Chris Bartoli) have made All-Star ranks in all four years.

AHS in the BUDA Division II Playoffs Round #1: bye, as number 1 seed Round #2: Ashland 13: Northampton 2 Round #3: Ashland 13: Acton-Boxborough 1 Round #4: Ashland 13: Holliston 2 Round #5 (state finals): Ashland 9: St. John’s Prep (Danvers) 12

Members of the Ashland School Committee re-elected Laurie Tosti as President for another year, and Mark Larson was elected Vice-President. Photo/John Kelley

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Page 20

July 1, 2014

Sailing the ‘Res’

By John Kelley Editor On the second day of June, we found Curt Varner of Hopkinton with his father Jerry getting ready to set sail on the Ashland State Park reservoir. The pair were aboard the Smith-Petal, a lovely 19-foot, two-masted sailboat. Curt built the boat with his own hands a few years ago, and was sailing it for the first time since 2012. Curt explained that he has not done much sailing since purchasing a farm last year. When asked about the farm, he said he was setting up an aquaponics operation, which is not the same as hydroponics.

In an exchange of emails, Curt responded to questions about the boat and the very interesting business he is establishing.

What kind of wood did you use for the boat?

Mahogany from Hopkinton Lumber and marine grade plywood.

When did you first sail the Smith Petal?

I believe 2009 or 2010 at Hopkinton State Park, but we have sailed it in Maine and in Boston Harbor out near Grave’s Light.

Did you use plans in the construction, or are you just really good at woodworking?

Plans for the Core Sound 17 from Graham Byrnes (B&B Yacht Designs). I learned wood working years ago when we had a furniture restoration business with my father-in-law. I saw a CS17 sailing on Pamlico Sound when we had a fixer-upper

house in North Carolina, from that I found out about Graham who has been designing small wooden boats for most of his life.

Was it a life dream to build a boat? What was the impetus to build a boat? Did you grow up near the ocean?

My dad taught me to sail and his favorite boat was a mahogany plywood design from England called a Mini-Sail. He and my mom bought it with scratch money when they were dating in graduate school and I learned to sail on it with my brother and sister in upstate NY. We sailed it very hard but did not really maintain it, until it finally took on water and sank while crossing the St. Lawrence. I built Smith Petal because it seemed like a good follow-on boat to the Mini-Sail and it reminded me of my parents when they were young.

Do you think you will ever undertake to build another boat?

Right now I am starting an aquaponics business and restoring a 180 year old farmhouse and barn, so at least for the foreseeable future my plate is over-filled. But I would never say never (my wife and kids might on my behalf!).

Describe the physics of the centerboard on your sailboat.

The Core Sound 17 has a very heavy centerboard that drops down when sailing to windward. That said, it can capsize in heavy weather if not sailed correctly or, even if sailed by

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The Smith Petal heads out from the boat landing on a bright day with a gentle breeze. Photo/John Kelley

an expert when mother nature decides to let loose. However, the boat has three separate water tight ballast compartments (permanently sealed during construction). Even if two were breached, any of the three could keep the boat afloat on its own. Also, it is self-rescuing from a capsize. I encourage you to look up the Everglades Challenge or similar endurance sailboat races on open ocean – the CS17 and its big sister the CS20 have won several of these events.

What is aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a closed-loop process using fish waste (ni-

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trates) to fertilize vegetables, flowers, etc. that grow in separate tanks, connected together with piping. The vegetable beds in turn clean the water, taking up the ammonia/nitrates, filtering out solids, and returning clean water to the fish. So both plants and fish have to live in a balance with each other. The vegetables are continuously harvested, with new vegetables being planted to replace the mature crop. The fish grow undisturbed for about 12-18 months until they reach harvestable size – at which point the larger ones can be eaten, or (in the case of Koi) sold for ornamental ponds, etc.

There are several major ben-

efits from this growing system, including (a) very efficient use of water, much less than traditional agriculture and somewhat less than hydroponics; (b) by its nature, aquaponics is 100% organic, since you cannot use any pesticides without killing your fish and there is no need for artificial fertilizer; and (c) both vegetables and protein are produced, with the fish being totally free from mercury, PCBs, etc. without putting any strain on natural fishing stocks.

I am building a design from Practical Aquaponics. This link provides an explanatory video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=BQlesp2fpHk

Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com

July 1, 2014

Page 21

Who Was at the Ashland Farmers’ Market?

Photos by John Kelley The lunch fare at The Carve’s tent was too much to resist. They featured barbequed chipotle chicken on home-made ciabatta bread.

Too many choices for a little girl who can only use one at a time

While human adults shop and eat, little boys and little dogs find each other more interesting.

Jeanne Walker was Marketing Manager for the event.

Shed Memorial Cynthia Whitty provided the following background on the shed at the Ashland Farmers’ Market.

The shed displayed in the gallery on this page contains a plaque on the upper right of the facing wall and enlarged below.

The Ashland Farmers Market purchased the shed this spring with contributions that were generously Dedication to a special friend. given in memory of market volunteer Stan Bennett, Photo/Florence Seidell who passed away suddenly last summer.

After making note of the wording on the plaque, selectman Steve Mitchell said: For those of us who knew Stan, we were fortunate to know a man who was dedicated to community engagement and volunteerism. This is our way of ensuring that Stan is always a part of our market. And by honoring Stan, we also honor all the volunteers who give of their time and energy to make Ashland a better place.

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Page 22

Memorial Day The following is the text of the Memorial Day speech delivered at Wildwood Cemetery by US Air Force Brigadier General Anthony E. “Tony” Schiavi (Ret.), who is also Ashland’s Town Manager.

Good Morning everyone. It is a great pleasure and honor to address all of you here at today’s celebration of Memorial Day here in our town of Ashland. I would like to thank Aurthur O’Leary for extending me the privilage to speak with you today and in recognizing all of those who gave their lives in the defense of our county and for the freedoms which we enjoy. Memorial Day ceremonies are truly a time honored tradition – rich in history and uniquely American both in purpose and Spirit.

This year we recognize those American patriots who gave their lives as our nation observes the 147th anniversary of Memorial Day. As a Veteran who served the United States Air Force and our nation for 30 years and recently retired to become Ashland’s Town Manager it is especially humbling to stand here in uniform today, even in retirement, and speak about the many American heroes we honor on this special occasion 147 years after it was first celebrated on May 5, 1868. And while it was originally dedicated to honor

the Civil War dead, we know it today as a celebration in memory of all of those who have fought for and died to defended our right to freedom.

Those that died securing peace and liberty; Those who served in conflict to protect our land; Those who sacraficed their dreams of the day to preserve the hope of our nation for the future- keeping America the land of the free for over two centuries – we owe them our eternal thanks and gratitude.

President Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time that men have died to win them.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, none of us who have gathered here today, have forgotten. We must continue to respect and regonize their service and devotion to duty and to ensure that the purpose for which they fought and died will never be forgotten.

Today is much more than the last day of a three day weekend.

It is a time for all of us, as one Nation to reflect -- to remember and honor the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Mariners … and civilians … who have died defending or supporting our great country. It is a time for us to reconnect with our nation’s history and our national values by honoring those who gave their lives for the ideals we cherish and who cannot be here

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General Schiavi/Photo John Kelley

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From the soldiers who fought bravely during the American Revolution to the men and women who are part of today’s Armed Forces, they responded bravely to our nations call to duty. For more than 200 years, America’s Armed Forces have been the surest guarentee that freedom will reign from “Sea to Shining Sea”.

Let us not forget the words engraved on the World War II memorial in Kohima India on the slopes of Garrison Hill. The Battle of Kohima and Imphal, was a turning point in the Burma Campaign – the inscription reads on the memorial to the allied war dead “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today”.

The lives of the men and women who fought in battles like the Battle of Kohima, and many others just like it, and who served their country in support of the military, made significant sacrifices for the our freedoms and the freedom of nations around the world. Too often we fail to remember those who gave their life, or those whose life today bears the scars, both visible and hidden, as a lasting memory of that sacrifice and committement. But let us never forget, that parents, husbands, wifes, sons, daughters, friends and relatives remember all to vividly that their loved ones unselfish sacrifice was made with the assurance that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness required, of them, the ultimate sacrifice to their nation.

Since 1948, Arlington National Cemetery has decorated each of its graves with our nation’s flag. Thousands of service men

and women plant the flags at the base of each gravestone in order to Lift Up the lives of these heroes. Well there are heroes right here amongst us, look around this beautiful cemetary, the flags on the graves of Ashland veterans, the bricks where we are standing, bearing the names of our cherished service members…..let this scene forever remind us that freedom is not free……It has a cost.

The veterans resting here lived supporting the lives and the values that create the backbone of our nation. The citizens of our small community value the traditions and principals embodied in the meaning of Memorial Day. And for that we should be eternally proud to walk the same streets that they did and remember that they were part of the Ashland community, spending their childhood here – in our schools, on our playgrounds and on our athletic fields.

These service members share a special heritage, and a common bond with those they served with and those who are serving today. And if you look into their lives, whether privates, airmen, seaman or generals, you would see practiced the same values of duty, honor, country, integrity, respect, selfless service and of course Personal Courage. I encourage you, especially our younger generation to talk with some of their comrades who served with them in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and SW Asia. Listen to their stories, but realize that there are some stories you won’t hear.

This year, President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation entitled Prayer for Peace… ..I would like to read a short excerpt.

“Today we pause to remember our fallen troops, to mourn their loss, and to pray for their loved ones. Though our hearts ache, we find a measure of solace in knowing their legacy lives on in the families our heroes left behind-the proud parents who instilled in their sons and daughters the values that led them to serve; the remarkable spouses who gave our nation the person they cherished the most in the world; and the beautiful children who will grow up with the knowledge that their mother or father embodied the true meaning patriotism.

To those we lost, we owe a

July 1, 2014 profound debt that can never be fully repaid. But we can honor the fallen by caring for their loved ones and keeping faith with our veterans and their fellow bothers and sisters in arms.

This Memorial Day, as we near an end of more than a decade of war, let us never forget their service and always be worthy of the sacrifices made in our name.

And today and every day, let us pray for and hold close our Gold Star families of the missing and the fallen”.

Although the purspose and reason for their loss is at times beyond understanding and we can not begin to comprehend the depth of the loss felt by family, friends and loved ones, I do know this, all these men and women were selfless in character, couragous in action, and loved by their country----with all her heart----and they did not die in vein.

In closing, I would like to read the words to a poem by CW Johnson.

We walked among the crosses Where our fall soldiers lay And listened to the bugle As TAPS began to play The Chaplin led a prayer We stood with heads bowed low And I thought of fallen comrades I had known long ago They came from every city Across this fertile land That we might live in freedom They lie here ‘neath the sand I felt a little guilty My sacrafice was small I only lost a little time But these men lost it all Now the services are over For this Memorial Day To the names upon these crosses I just want to say Thanks for what you’ve given No one could ask for more May you rest with God in heaven From now through evermore Thank you everyone for coming today and may God Bless these United States of America.

Thank you.

July 1, 2014

Local Town Pages www.ashlandtownnews.com

Page 23

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FULL CIRCLE The real estate market is a business. But occasionally, we meet someone who reminds us all what the true purpose of real estate is: to give good people a nice place to live and raise a family.

For us, Casey Jenkins was that person. Born and raised in Ashland, she and her two sisters grew up in a beautiful gambrel-style home with a pool, the quintessential swing set, and wonderful neighbors. Her stepfather was transferred for work and they sold the house. It was hard for Casey to say goodbye to the kind of neighborhood many of us remember: lots of noisy kids running around together until it was time to chase fireflies.

Fast forward many years, and Casey meets her now husband, Michael. They married and had their son, Jack. They knew they needed more space and retained RE/MAX Oak Realty. Mike called us THE NEXT DAY, because the house that Casey grew up in—the beloved gambrel filled with nothing but good memories—had just gone on the market! Their own home wasn’t even listed yet, but they both wanted to give Jack the upbringing in Ashland that they experienced as kids.

A little creative timing, a lot of cooperation by realtors, buyers, sellers, and family, and the Jenkins family closed on their new home. Casey’s old home.

In the world of real estate, this was a slam-dunk, a home run, and a happily ever after. Yes, there was a sale, but it was less about the house and more about the people who actually LIVE there.

Mike and Casey found a neighborhood much like the one Casey remembers, and a bright future for their son.

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