February 2010 designed and illustrated by Tony Luongo

FREE February/March 2010 Vol.2, No.2

GIANT REAL ESTATE EDITION EXPERTS HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS

OLYMPIC DREAMS BILLERICA’S FINEST MADE IT TO THE TOP

FEBRUARY VACATION DESTINATIONS LOCAL WARM SPOTS YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE

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A publication of The Billerica Green, LLC. ©2010 The Billerica Green unless otherwise specified. All Rights Reserved

Editor-in-Chief + Owner + Staff Writer: Liana Measmer

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 2

Contents

For news or column submissions, e-mail us at liana@thebillericagreen.com.

Deadlines for submissions are the first week of the month.

Art Director + Illustrator: Tony Luongo Staff Writer: Jenn Gervais Shawn Hutcheon Contributing Columnists: Diana Lombardo Colleen Sgroi Dr. Gina Aguayo Kay Warren Nora Fiore Kristene Whitehouse Brian Panarese Attorney Jennifer O’Brien Dave Gagliardi John and Sherry Livsey Pat Zapert Kathy Lynch Paul Abrego Jeff Parenti Todd Dellaporta Contributing Writers: Billerica Cat Care Coalition Alan Kessler Edna Chalmers Sandra Brigham Contributing Photographers: Gail Lucozzi George Lucozzi Advertising Sales: Liana Measmer For our ad rates or to place an ad, call us at 978-808-2361or e-mail us at liana@thebillericagreen.com Deadlines for advertising is the first day of the month.

Feb/Mar 2010; Vol. 2, No. 2 The Billerica Green, LLC. P.O. Box 492 Billerica, MA 01821 www.thebillericagreen.com Subscriptions for non-Billerica residents: One year (12 issues) $15

3

February Vacation Destinations You or your kids don’t need a ton of dough to have a ton of fun at

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these local warm spots

6

The America Dream at Your Service Our Billerica Realtors guide buyers and sellers down the path to reaching their real estate goals

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6

Mackay’s Frontier The Lone Birch Farm is a colonial gem with modern touches at every turn

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Olympic Pride Billerica Style Our finest retell how they scaled Olympus and lived the dream

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12 Candidacy Election Announcements See who is running and how they plan to make a difference

In this edition: Teacher’s Corner Voice of The Artist Ask Dave The Flower Lady Pet Peeves Caregiver’s Circle The Body Elite Court’s In Session Sunny Side of The Street Will Achieve

Traveling Gourmets Out on The Town Business to Business Red Heart Classifieds Notes From General Sound Green Handyman The Playground Nourishment for Optimal Health Billerica Media Beat

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2 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR STAYING HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE IN 2010!

That’s our goal here at the Green. We want to promote the good stuff. This last month we visited the Flu Clinic at Town Hall. The good news is the vaccines are working and people are staying healthy. The Substance Abuse Prevention Committee put on their public forum. It was well attended and so good to see so many elementary school students there. The reality is drug use starts younger and younger so we need to put some serious ‘armor’ around our young people through education. The Billerica Green, along with Billerica Driving School, MTM Insurance, and The Billerica Police Department hosted a Free Teen Driving workshop.

The presenters shared everything parents and teens needed to know as they prepared to take the keys and get behind the wheel.

We also looked at the Real Estate market and what people could expect going into this year. We hosted a Real Estate Round table and welcomed 40 people, spanning from agents, lenders, banks, Our Town Manager, The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, and the Billerica Community Alliance. What started off as trepidation ended in rousing camaraderie. Check out all the new agents who joined the Green this month as well as their seminars and services available to answer all your questions and guide you in this sometimes confusing and lengthy process.

As usual, thanks to our team. We’ve added some new faces

and said good-bye to others. Tony will be having a second Art Gallery Opening Reception on February 18 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

If you missed it the first time, come to BATV and see his work as well as browse through some great pieces available for sale.

The last one was a roaring success and his art will stay at BATV until the end of March. Again, thanks to Media News who continues to be supportive and helpful.

Remember to follow us on Facebook. We post good news on a regular basis. Join the Billerica Green group and get the scoop before anyone else. As usual, please share your feedback with us–good or bad. We want to make The Billerica Green the best it can be. If you want or need news or event coverage, contact us at 978-808-2361 or at liana@thebillericagreen.com. We are always looking for a variety of talented writers with fresh ideas Stay healthy, Billerica...and remember, Spring is right around the corner!

Your Editor,

Shawsheen Regional Voc Tech High LPN Nursing Student Jonna Sverker skillfully administered the H1N1 vaccination to Editor Liana Measmer at the Jan. 23 Free Town Clinic to ensure she stays healthy this winter.

Liana Measmer liana@thebillericagreen.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITIOR “To The Editor, I would like to correct an error in our conversation about my military service. I was NOT a Marine. I was army. My son is a Marine with 28 years service, retiring THIS MONTH.” – Thank You, Nathaniel B. Windham “Hi Liana, Thank you for such great coverage about Billerica Cat Care Coalition in your most recent edition of The Billerica Green. Your help in publicizing our efforts is making a difference for those who cannot speak for themselves!”

– Sharon DuBois Billerica Cat Care Coalition “Liana, Thank you again for hosting the Real Estate Round Table. It was great to see such a nice turnout. I really enjoyed it!”

– Cathy Lomasney, Realtor Realty World Advantage “Hi Liana, I loved the latest edition of The Billerica Green. It is such an intimate publication. I really feel like I am getting to know the people who live in town and learning a lot about Billerica in general.”

– Thanks, Jen Croce, Billerica “Hello Liana, Thank you so much for inviting Jeanne and I to your successful [Real Estate] event today. You did a great job!”

– Karon Bergeron, Vice President Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce

“Hi Liana, It was a pleasure meeting with you and talking about both The Billerica Green and Lions Clubs International. You impressed all with your passion and enthusiasm for your magazine and your community.

Hopefully, the Billerica Lions will continue to avail themselves of the opportunity to reach the community through your magazine. Conversely, we of course hope that in some small way, the Lions articles and event announcements contribute to the continued success of your venture.”

– Dave O’Brien Lions Club, District Governor “Hi Liana, I wanted to write to thank you for the information featured in your last paper regarding the Alzheimer’s caregiver presentation at Billerica Crossing.

I found it quite informative. You have done a wonderful job with this paper–congratulations! Keep up the good work!”

– Sincerely, Charlene McCarthy, Realtor American Dream Homes, Billerica “Hi Liana, I wanted to thank you for having me at your Round Table yesterday. I really enjoyed the experience and came away with a lot. You did a wonderful job. Thank you again.”

– Barbara Coppinger, Realtor Century 21 Travis Realty, Billerica

“Hi Liana, Just want to say thanks for spending an evening with us to “collect our story”. You did a great job of getting everything we talked about into an accurate narrative. You’re very talented. Thanks again.”

– Karen & Bill Clements, Billerica “Good Morning Liana, Congratulations on a very successful Realtor Round Table. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Real Estate Round Table. I have given it a lot of thought and found it to be refreshing to be with competitors in a neutral setting discussing issues important to all. This was an educational experience as well. Whenever people share ideas it is an opportunity to grow. Thank you again for providing this opportunity.”

– Joan F. DiOrio, Realtor Realty World Advantage “Greatly appreciate you working with our local community to offer events of interest. The President of the Club likes the layout. Looking forward in meeting you or one of your associates.”

– Lynn M. Tonks Irish American Club, Billerica “Hi Liana, I just finish reading your Billerica Green publication and I must say it is very impressive. It is a very full publication and demonstrates dedication, capabilities and tireless effort.”

– Cosmo Cavicchio, Billerica

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 3

For more information, call Putt-A-Round at 978-663-2422.

February Vacation Destinations

Local Warm Spots Bring Lots of Smiles

By Liana Measmer

I

t’s the job of every parent during February each year. Some time around President’s Day, kids are out of school and looking for something to do. Some with funds will travel to sunny Florida or to ski in the snowy mountains. However, if you don’t have the cash, time or energy to pack it up, numerous fun and warm spots await you right here in town (Indoors, of course).

magnets and bring them over to local senior housing to hand out as a community service.

“Karla goes above and beyond,” said Tammy.

Tammy’s oldest daughter, Brittany, recommends this experience to girls between the ages of seven and fourteen. She especially liked Fun in The Sun Fridays and was sad when camp ended.

“You get to be free,” said Brittany. “It’s the best camp I’ve ever been to.”

To register for Sistacamp and get camp hours, email DiChiara at pckelleher@verizon. net. Fees for the two days are one girl for $40, two girls are $50 and three “Sista’s” are $75.

Sistacamp On Monday And Tuesday Last summer, Karla DiChiara ran Sistacamp at The Bennett Library at 3 Concord Road because she loves the historic space and loves kids. Her camp in July was such a great success that DiChiara has decided to do it again.

“It was fulfilling and rewarding,” said DiChiara. “I loved it”.

This Feb 15 and 16, DiChiara will welcome up to 40 girls to come to do their nails or hair or play Twister together. She will set up different rooms, like a bedroom for playing cards or a space with vanities in order to style each other’s hair. Or a table with the coolest and latest nail colors out there so the girls can paint their nails.

“It’s like a little house,” said DiChiara. “I wanted them to feel like home.”

Last summer, Tammy Bicknell sent her two daughters Brittany and Brooke to Sistacamp. She loved that the girls made new friends and thought DiChiara’s creative craft ideas were great because they didn’t just end with the girls. DiChiara had the girls make

Putt-A-Round Teen Night On Wednesday Finding something fun for your teen to do can be a challenge. However, this isn’t the case at Putt- A- Round located at 265 Boston Road. On Feb 17 from 6-9 pm, owner Steve Lynch will welcome teens to enjoy his newest black light mini golf. For $6 per teen, this includes unlimited rounds of mini golf, free pizza and free soda. Plus, teens will enjoy the latest tunes in the background while they swing those clubs.

Lynch will also be open for all ages the rest of the week from 11 am to 9 pm with great vacation deals for the whole family.

Pay either $4 per round or $6 for unlimited golf. For February vacation week, Lynch’s special for $10 includes unlimited golf, one 3D movie, and one gemstone mining bag at his panning area. As usual, Lynch strives to provide activities in which families get together to interact. For Janet Healey, PuttA-Round is the perfect family location where she enjoys bringing her children.

“It’s local. It’s reasonable. It’s professional,” said Healey.

Middlesex Canal Museum On Thursday To pass on a whole boatload of history, The Middlesex Canal Museum at 71 Faulkner Street is hosting a one day enrichment day for second and third grade students. On Feb. 18 between 10 am and 12 noon, the first 30 children who sign up will have an opportunity to move from station to station, learning all about our local waterway which played a major role in early New England commercial growth. The cost per child for the enrichment program and a membership to the Middlesex Canal Association is $15 each.

“It’s important for kids to learn local history and appreciate the impact of the canal in this area,” said Traci Jansen, Canal Association member and Wilmington Schools teacher in charge of organizing the event.

Students will get to try model boat building, map reading, a mural scavenger hunt, and use of a working model of a lock, complete with water. It is through these activities the students will step back in time to a simpler life.

Have a younger child at home? No worries.

There is a young children’s corner, complete with a replica of the canal, an aqueduct, and Duplos for building boats. Admission is free to any parent and their younger children staying to explore.

RSVP and registration are required and drop-off is an option. Email Traci at middlesexcanal4kids@gmail.com for more registration information.

Bowling All Week Everyone knows Collins Bowl-a-drome at 325 Boston Road. Part of the Billerica ‘scenery’ for 60 years, Collins’ duck pin bowling and five inch balls make it simple for all ages to enjoy. From Monday to Friday, the bowling alley will be open between 9:30 am and 5 pm. For children seven and under, gutter bumpers are available.

“January and February are probably our busiest times,” said Fred Smith, Bowl-adrome weekend worker.

The lanes can be rented for $20 per hour with a fee of $3.50 per game. Shoe rentals are available for $1.25 a pair. The alley offers video games and snacks like popcorn, cookies, and sodas for an extra charge.

The Bowl-a-drome also offers birthday party packages where $7 per child includes 40 minutes of bowling, shoe rentals, soda, and a hot dog.

“Some people come back and do their parties here over and over again,” said Smith.

“It’s ideal.”

For more information, call 978-667-7154.

As you see, Billerica can’t be beat for reasonably priced local vacation fun. Be sure to check out our Out On The Town pages for more cool activities that are sure to keep you and your kids happy and warm.

Illustration ©2010 Tony Luongo

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4 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

The Teacher’s Corner •By Diana Lombardo

NEW AGE BULLYING The kids were told to pair up and practice reciting their poems in partners. All eagerly complied; all, that is, except Victoria. She approached my desk, lips trembling, wide eyes welling with tears. “Everyone hates me, Ms. Lombardo,� she said. “I have nobody to partner with.� Aware that teenagers are often guilty of exaggeration, I raised a skeptical eyebrow. A tear rolled down her cheek. I pulled Victoria out into the hall, handed her a tissue and a hug, and asked her what was going on. She refused to divulge anything. Eventually I found a friendly and available classmate, and paired him up with Victoria for the remainder of class that day. Still, I was troubled. After class I emailed her guidance counselor and the school psychologist, suggesting someone follow-up. Perhaps this was just a case of Victoria having a bad day – or, perhaps not.

Recently in South Hadley, a 15-year old girl committed suicide after reportedly being bullied and harassed in school and online. Shocking incidents such as this are become more frequent as bullying has spread beyond the schoolyard and, with the advent of technology, can take place literally 24/7. Used to be that bullies were limited in their intimidation tactics, as teachers and adults were usually there to put a stop to it.

Nowadays, bullies are able to reach their targets far more eectively – and, in many cases, anonymously. Name-calling and posting vicious comments on Facebook or in chat rooms; ďŹ lming ďŹ ghts and posting them online for all the world to see; harassing calls to cell phones -bullying has entered the computer age. So, how are we to respond if we suspect our child is the victim of bullying?

Handling the issue as a teacher is fairly straightforward; I do not permit it in my classroom, and if I witness any verbal or physical intimidation,

the oender is swiftly and ďŹ rmly dealt with by the principal’s oďŹƒce. As parents, however, it’s not so clear-cut. Our natural instinct is to protect our children from harm; if someone tries to hurt our child, we swing into action. Perhaps we contact the bully’s parent or teacher; in some cases, we might directly confront the bully ourselves (something I did when my own daughter was in middle school and being mercilessly teased by a classmate.) On the other hand, there are times when we might feel that being picked on is a fact of life, and they had best learn to deal with it.

After all, we survived, right?

Frighteningly, bullying has come a long way from simply having your lunch stolen in the cafeteria or having a dodge ball aimed in your direction in gym class. In this 21st century, bullying has taken on a whole new and dangerous meaning. As parents and educators, we need to acknowledge this reality and act accordingly. Do our kids still need to ďŹ ght their own battles on occasion? Absolutely. But we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss our kids’ fears and concerns if we suspect they are being victimized. Ask questions. Find out what your kids are doing online. Call or email teachers if you think something is going on in class.

Bullying is not just a harmless “rite of passage� which every kid endures – not anymore.

Diana Lombardo is a Billerica resident, mom of two and an English teacher with 15 years’ experience. Readers are invited to submit education related questions for future columns to Diana at teacherscornerbillerica@ gmail.com.

The Voice of the Artist •By Colleen Sgroi

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I have been meeting with Jen Croce from The Billerica Homeschooling Association to see how my Art Class center can best serve the home schooling families in the Billerica area. Jen has created a web site you can go to and ďŹ nd out how you can become more involved and to ďŹ nd out about homeschooling activities here in town www. billericahomeschooling.com Jen wrote the following message that I would like to share in this month’s column: Equal Art-portunity For All As a parent you always want to make sure your child has the opportunity to participate in the activities he/she enjoys. My daughter, Anna, loves art and has taken part in the Town Wide Art/Talent show the past two years. When I decided to home school her this year, I was afraid she wouldn’t have the chance to participate since she wasn’t in school. The one thing I have learned from home schooling is not to be afraid to ask for things, so that is just what I did. I talked with Colleen Sgroi about including home schoolers in the show, and she immediately arranged a meeting with Kathy Rugg of Billerica Partners for Education. The three of us met to discuss how we can include all elementary school age children in the show.

I am so thankful for Colleen’s and Kathy’s quick response to this issue. Both women believe in giving all the children in town equal art-portunity.

On another note, I am also working with Colleen Sgroi of Colleen Sgroi Gallery & Art Classes in Billerica and with the owner of Magic Brush Pottery (a paint your own pottery studio in Tewksbury) on developing some art and pottery classes for home schoolers. If you have any ideas for classes you’d like to see oered and days/times that work best for you please let me know ASAP so I can get these things organized.

Colleen is happy to create art projects/classes for particular topics your family might be studying.

If your child is home schooled or goes to private school and wishes to participate in Art Classes and the 2010 Town Wide Art/Talent Show please contact Jen Croce at jencroce@ hotmail.com or call 978-362-2188 for more information.

(Thanks Jen, it’s great to live in an area where Art is for Everyone.)

Colleen is a teaching artist at Colleen Sgroi Gallery and Art Classes on 12 Andover Road, Billerica, MA www.ColleenSgroi.com (978) 667-1009 email Colleen@ColleenSgroi.com

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 5

Dave Says •By Dave Ramsey

FINACIAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED Continue with job or start small business?

Dear Dave, I’m 26 and married. We’ve got our emergency fund in place, and are debt-free except for the house. We’d like to have a child soon, but my job requires that I travel frequently. Neither of us wants me to be gone most of the time with a baby in the house, so I’m thinking about opening my own business so I can set my own hours. Do you think this would be a good idea?

– Ray Dear Ray, If time and money weren’t considerations, which one would you rather do? You’d be on straight commission as an entrepreneur, so there would be no weekly or bi-weekly check to count on as income. You’d have to wake up every single morning, go out and kill something, and drag it home. If you don’t, your family won’t eat!

An entrepreneur is the person I know who can go from sheer terror to sheer exhilaration and back every 24 hours. You’ve got to have a strong mind, and a strong heart to make things happen, and it will be a rough ride if you don’t have both of these. Plus, it won’t last long if you don’t absolutely love what you’re doing.

I’d advise anyone to make sure their job falls in line with their passions, and the skills and talents they were born with. You don’t want to find yourself stuck in a call center if you hate talking on the phone, and you don’t need to go into the construction business if you don’t like working with your hands.

Everybody wants to be successful in their job and make lots of money, but personal happiness is just as important. If you wake up jazzed about what you’re going to do every day, chances are you’ll be successful and happy. But if you wake up dreading the day and your job, then I can almost guarantee you won’t be successful financially or happy.

Spend some more time thinking about this. Do lots of research and planning, too.

There are lots of great small business ideas out there, but to make something good

Send us your ‘getting out of debt’ or your ‘debt free’ story and how you did it. Let’s inspire people and help them find financial peace. debtfree@thebillericagreen.com

happen you’ve got to find the one that’s right for you!

– Dave Buy a foreclosure bargain.

Dear Dave, I want to buy a foreclosure. How do I go about it, and where do I look? I’m having a hard time making anything happen, because it seems like the real estate brokers are buying them up before I know they’re available or have a chance to look at them.

– Jeff Dear Jeff, I used to buy and sell foreclosures for a living, and for a while I ran into the same trouble you’re having now. It didn’t take long for me to realize that you need to be the first one to talk to the person who’s suffering the foreclosure. It can almost be a first-come, first-served situation, and you need to beat a path to the person’s door in a hurry if you want a chance to make a deal!

Another problem I noticed was that a lot of the people who were being foreclosed on owed lots more on the house than I was ever willing to pay. Plus, it’s really tough to get a short sale worked out in the two or three weeks before the foreclosure actually occurs.

So, I started looking for houses that had some decent equity in them. I’d leave it alone if the house was worth $110,000 and there was still $100,000 owed. But if you’ve got a situation where they owe $100,000 and it’s worth $300,000, then we’ve got something to talk about!

Once you find some good possibilities, cut them out of the local newspaper or legal publication, then go to the courthouse and look up how much each one of them owed.

That culls about 90 percent of them. After that, I’d just drive over and talk to the 10 percent that are left. I found lots of good deals just talking to the owner before the foreclosure sale took place!

– Dave *For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.

6 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

AmericanDream atYour

Service

Billerica’s Realtors Help The Town Back On Its Feet

By Liana Measmer, Editor and Jenn Gervais, Staff Writer

B

uilding relationships. Developing trust. Being patient and realistic. Taking the time to educate.

These recommendations were made by Realtors from all over town as the foundational building blocks to the anticipated success of the 2010 Real Estate Spring Market in Billerica.

On a chilly day in January, about 40 people representing local business organizations, town government, the real estate community, and lending institutions came together at the historic Bennett Library to discuss the challenges they previously faced and their plans to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals going forward in 2010 .

“We are educators,” said Joan DiOrio, Realtor for Realty World Advantage.

“There are many facets to us that people don’t understand.”

With so many players and factors to consider, the entire process can seem daunting to the buyers and the sellers. The good news is that you are not alone. You have a Realtor in your corner and on your side.

WHO IS A REALTOR? A Realtor is a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today’s 720,000 members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. Locally, there are more than ten real estate agencies in Billerica to choose from.

Realtors have adjusted how they do business in order to navigate the rocky waters of these economic times. With high numbers of foreclosures, which is when

the bank takes home ownership because the mortgage is in default, and short sales, which is when the bank agrees to take less than what’s still owed on the mortgage, currently these processes make up about 70 percent of the types of sales in our local real estate market.

Now more than ever, it is critical to listen to a Realtor explain the current trends.

They will help you avoid making costly mistakes. Because of the complexity of the market, it is strongly advised against buying or selling a home on your own. Your Realtor will explain the roles of everyone involved in a real estate transaction, and to set you up with businesses they’ve worked with in the past (e.g., banks, lawyers, home inspectors, and so forth).

Finding a Realtor you trust and can build rapport with will give you peace of mind since there’s more to buying or selling a home than meets the eye.

THE RESULTS OF YESTERDAY’S DEMISE Back in 2005-2006, the market was headed in a dangerous direction. Years prior, there had been many banks and mortgage companies who had loosened the application criteria on mortgages and loans, making it possible for many to get quick, easy approval in order to buy a house. Sellers were getting asking price and buyers were paying it. Buyers who perhaps were not appropriate for home ownership were getting into properties very quickly. Wall Street even got involved with lending which was a problem.

“It was at the pinnacle of home values,” said Beth Phelan, Mortgage Officer at Enterprise Bank. “The availability of money was too great.”

In essence, it was a case of biting-off-more-than-they-could-chew debt syndrome.

Ultimately, it all came crashing down with the pandemic of job losses and the resulting conservative lending criteria muddled an already difficult situation.

In 2007, tightening loan availability and questionable relationships between appraisers and banks impacted the process. The Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) was developed, keeping appraisers and banks independent of each other, to establish fair appraisals and lessening the chance for collusion between parties.

“There was pressure to maintain values,” said Phelan.

At the same time, property values dropped as well and homeowners found

©2010 Tony Luongo www.luongoart.com

The

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 7

to 7Steps to 9 Steps Home

House-Selling Success (Source: Realtor.com)

1: Plan and Prepare to Sell Your House 2: Get a REALTOR 3: Set the Price 4: Market it 5: Sell it 6: Closing 7: Moving

Ownership (Source: Realtor.com)

1: Determine Readiness 2: Get a REALTOR 3: Get Loan Pre-approval 4: Look at Homes 5: Choose a Home 6: Get Funding 7: Make an Offer 8: Get Insurance 9: Closing

themselves owing more than their house was worth. That’s when foreclosures happened on sub-prime mortgages. Today, foreclosures are more notably on the prime rate mortgages as a result of the high rate of unemployment.

With 93 filings last year for foreclosures in Billerica, Michael Longo of the Concord River Group asked why so many. Carol Woods of Woods Real Estate explained that Billerica is a large community with high numbers of residences.

Cliff Critch, Vice President for ERA Morrison, noted that a foreclosure sale can be relatively easy and generally quicker with the assistance of your Realtor. It should be noted though that the condition of a home bought in foreclosure could be impacted by vacancy, vandalism, or even intentional damage by the former residents.

A short sale can tie up a property for months with no guarantee of approval in the end. If you decide to purchase a short sale, be prepared for a lengthy process. There are risks associated with either foreclosures or short sales but your Realtor can help determine if either path is right for you.

“It takes a special kind of person to go through the process,” said Cathy Lomasney, Realtor for Realty World Advantage.

HANDLING TODAY’S TRUTH Realtors spoke out about the need to gently counsel and support their clients while firmly educating them about what they can expect today. Having been left to deal with excesses of the past, Realtors want their clients to be successful going forward. Therefore, they offered solution-focused advice.

First, be realistic. Some buyers expect a mansion at a cottage price. Late-night infomercials showing fabulous homes for a song don’t set realistic expectations. Who knows – are those homes in foreclosure or local to New England? On the other hand, some sellers are unaware how far house prices have fallen during the recession.

“If it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is,” said Barbara Coppinger, Realtor for Century 21 Travis Realty.

Distinguish between “needs” and “wants”. You may want two or more bathrooms, but you really only need one. Or, you may need three bedrooms, but want a fourth bedroom to setup a guest room. Differentiating between needs and wants can help you avoid getting into financial trouble or becoming house poor from buying more house than you need or can afford.

“You don’t want to live for your house,” said Edna Chalmers, Co-Owner of Exit Homestead Realty.

You could try to buy based on one person’s salary, in case of an unexpected loss of one income. An option is to invest in a starter home, build up equity, and trade up to another home

later. You won’t get all your dream home features in your first home. However, as the market rebounds, the equity in your starter home will provide the down payment for a home with more of those features, making it more affordable.

“Learn to live within your means,” said Joan Proctor, Realtor for Century 21 Travis Realty.

For someone whose home’s value is less than what they owe on their mortgage or who are at risk of defaulting on their loan, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Critch from ERA Morrison commented that Billerica is town filled with hard working residents who have a lot of pride and who will hang onto their homes. A Realtor can help you decide when the time is right to sell.

“They are not going to let it go to short sales,” said Critch.

Be proactive. Don’t wait until your mortgage payments are unpaid. Contact your lender when you first get into trouble, ask if there’s an arrangement that can be made.

“Know when to call,” said Karon Bergeron, Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce Vice President. “Don’t wait too long.”

Some banks are willing to add six months to the end of the life of the loan, when the owner temporarily can’t pay. This is known as loan modification, and may be an option your bank will consider, for example in the case of a job loss.

However, loan modifications are a temporary fix. If foreclosure seems inevitable, it’s unlikely the bank will approve a loan modification. Contact your lender earlier rather than later, before your only choice is foreclosure. There are legitimate agencies that work with homeowners to avoid foreclosure. A Real Estate agent can help you find them.

“Be proactive, not reactive,” said Coppinger of Century 21 Travis Realty.

LOOKING TO TOMORROW So, what might Real Estate in 2010 look like? Additional homes will likely be listed to avoid foreclosure. If the market gets flooded with properties, house prices may go down further.

The extension of the tax credit for first-time buyers, combined with the addition of the “step up” sales for current homeowners, will attract additional home buyers. More competition between buyers could help stabilize home prices. Short sales could overtake the number of regular sales.

The good news is local business organizations and town government are aware and are also putting their support behind addressing the road blocks Realtors face.

“I understand how hard the market has been,” said Town Manager, John Curran. “We are committed to the same thing you are which is marketing Billerica.”

Home Buyer

Tax Basics Credit (Source: Realtor.com) As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market, Congress passed legislation extending the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit until April 30, 2010. In addition to the first time buyer credit of up to $8,000, it also now expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Some pointers to consider are: • Contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 with tax questions.

• Both first-time home buyers and long-time residents of the same principal residence qualify for the extended tax credit.

• The Modified Adjusted Gross Income maximum levels for first time buyers and longtime residents of the same principal residence is the same: $125k for singles and $225k for couples.

• Primary residences, including single-family homes, condos, town homes, and co-ops are eligible.

• The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000. The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

• Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by the price of the home and the buyer’s income.

• Credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

• Some buyers may still be eligible for the credit if the buyer(s)’ income exceeds these limits • As long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

• The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

8 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

Ask Dr. Gina •By Dr. Gina Aguayo, Ph D.

IDENTIFYING CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

330 Boston Road, Unit 6 North Billerica, MA 01862

Frank M. Hynes & Associates, an Office of MetLife Frank M. Hynes Financial Advisor 330 Boston Road, Unit 6 North Billerica, MA 01862 Tel 978-528-6046 Fax 978-528-6049 www.frankhynes.metlife.com fhynes@metlife.com

I can’t believe we are already at the halfway point in the school year. Many of you may have children who have been completing and mailing off college applications and others may have been helping their kids study for midterms; while others have been helping their youngsters with daily homework assignments and weekly tests and quizzes. As a parent, your roles of motivator and mentor are in play almost every day. In contrast, your role as “detective” is not called upon as often but is just as important.

The detective needs to keep an eye open for changes in his or her child’s behavior or personality. Very often this means being able to identify when your child is getting ill or may be sad because of a fight with a sibling or friend. These instances can be easier to identify because they happen on a more regular basis and you will be able to identify the cause of the change with a few questions and some educated guessing. What happens when, out of the blue, your child starts waking up every night for no reason? Or you begin to get notes home from the teacher saying your child is no longer participating in class?

Or you see that your child has become very critical of herself, especially for things that are outside of her control. These could be signs that your child is experiencing anxiety.

Some other signals that your child may be

SOBERING TOWN TALK: FORUM OFFERS TIPS TO DRUG-PROOF YOUR KIDS

He was fifteen when it all changed. Steve Griffin’s parents were getting divorced and it was the culmination of worry and stress for him. He had been a decent student and was actively involved in sports. But something for him changed in that moment.

Griffin was the featured speaker at the Billerica Substance Abuse Prevention Committee (BSAPC) Forum which was held on Jan. 26. More than 175 parents and children filled the Buck Auditorium at Town Hall to hear what Griffin and the Committee members had to say about the realities of drug use in Billerica. Truth be told, you may think this happens to ‘other people’. But to the person sitting next to you, you are ‘other people’.

“It’s good to see THAT many people care,” said Griffin to the large crowd present at the event.

Griffin recounted how he began his drug abuse by heavily drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. His parents, who love him, stood by and watched, struggling with this. By age 25, Griffin had moved onto to abusing pain killers and his drug of choice was Oxycontin. Griffin recalled wearing expensive clothing but sleeping in shelters.

He watched friends overdose but it did not stop him.

“My addiction started as an emotional disease,” said Griffin.

Today, Griffin is clean and sober. He has utilized the help of a Methadone Clinic and uses the supports those professionals offer.

He thanked the committee for holding the forum and encouraged the crowd to get involved.

“There is a lot of hope,” said Griffin.

“Please ask questions.”

Local Clinical Psychologist Dr. Stephen Moss took the microphone next. In his presentation, he offered numerous strategies aimed at helping parents minimize the risk of their children using drugs and alcohol. He acknowledged that kids today face numerous challenges during adolescence.

“Stay on a healthy instead of an unhealthy track,” said Moss.

Moss pointed out eight key steps in preventing youth substance abuse. Through understanding the extent of the danger, parents can stop potentially devastating consequences from occurring at home or school. By learning prevention basics, parenting roles as teachers become crucial.

Moss stressed that parents can not allow their under age children to drink at home because of the message that sends and the impact.

Also, parents need to be aware of substance abuse happening at younger ages now.

“The number of middle schooler smoking weed triples every year,” said Moss.

Moss went on to encourage better communication and pushed parents to enforce rules consistently. He said this could be done while respecting their teens.

“If you belittle them, they will run the other way and you won’t get the response you want,” said Moss.

Moss stated that providing guidance in how they chose their friends as well as staying involved in their activities sends the message of caring and gives them a safe feeling to be open. Moss repeatedly drove home the aspect of safety and keeping talks about this topic going with teens regularly.

experiencing anxiety are: irritability, constant worry that is difficult to stop, frequent selfdoubt, changes in eating habits, headaches, stomach aches, refusing to go to school, constantly seeking approval from teachers and parents, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty transitioning from home to school. Children will exhibit some or all of these symptoms at some point during their development. This is completely normal and to be expected. However, if the symptoms are present for most days of the week for more than three months this could indicate the presence of an anxiety problem.

Anxiety is a very common mental health issue for children in today’s hectic and stress-filled world. If your child is exhibiting signs of anxiety it is not a reflection of bad parenting. It is an indication that your child is hard-wired differently and may need some help developing strategies to cope with the pressures associated with growing up. Some things you can do to help your child cope with her anxiety include, recognizing and praising small accomplishments, staying calm when your child begins to become anxious, especially if it is displayed as irritability, set up a routine in order to help your child know what will be happening next, and prepare for difficult transition times (e.g., start bed time 30 minutes earlier than normal if going to sleep is a struggle). If you find that your child’s symptoms are staying the same or getting worse, you may want to seek help from a professional who works with children and families.

Gina M. Aguayo, Ph.D. is co-owner and Director of the Billerica Counseling Center and has been a practicing Psychologist for 10 years. If you have further questions please email her at gaguayo1@hotmail.com.

Lastly, Moss said substance abuse should be confronted openly and help was readily available. He listed numerous parent websites like www.drugfree.org and www.timetotalk. org as possible resources for parents. If a teen needs help, some of the best websites to explore are www.checkyourself.org and www.coolspot.org.

Following the presentation, Griffin, Moss, as well as Helen Devlin and Karen Mooney from the BSAPC sat on a panel and answered questions. Griffin talked about how easy it is to get addicted. Devlin talked about confidentiality, and Moss discussed the realities of prescription drug abuse.

Immediately following, all presenters met one on one with groups of parents and students who thanked them. They also filled out surveys on their attitudes about teen health.

Any further questions should be emailed to Dr. Stephen Moss at stephenbmoss@gmail. com.

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 9

The Flower Lady •By Kay Warren

WINTER GARDENING If you are hooked on gardening, you are not alone. You don’t need to wait until Spring to get started. Here are some tips for the season you can try. Some of the best sowing of seeds indoors can be done between March first through fifth.

You can start with tomatoes. One of the best tomatoes for me was the Sweet 100 Hybrid cherry tomato that is ready in 70 days.

I did buy the plant rather than starting the seed. It was worth the wait - oh, are they good!

Plan on good support for them and full sun.

To enjoy the beauty of early spring flowering shrubs indoors, cut branches of forsythia or pussy willows and place in water. Just good light is enough (not sun) and you should cut the branches on a slant for water intake.

This is also a good time to add ground agricultural lime to lilacs when the snow melts a little. They love a sweet soil. In late March, turn over the soil in vegetable and flower gardens when it is soft and workable.

Then add peat moss, compost, shredded leaves or other humus. Adding in some bone meal or super phosphate should follow.

I have planted geranium seeds in the past.

They are very small seeds and require some care here in New England. I started with just using a table lamp for heat and light. I

still have one that was started from seed, but also have a regular geranium and they both winter over in my garage. Peat moss makes a nice mulch for geraniums as well as iris.

The pansy is one of Spring’s favorites.

Hardy little guys, these seeds are not expensive, but since they bloom early, commercial growers have them ready in late spring. Johnny-Jump-Up (viola/pansy) are wonderful tiny plants that prefer partial shade to full sun and rich, well-drained soil.

These can be tucked away in little spaces. Be sure to pick off spent blooms.

Fertilize houseplants and give them more water and sun during the winter. Turn them so they will grow properly. Repot to one size up if necessary and you can use Miracle-Gro which works well. Before you know it, spring will be here!

To find seeds, wonderful catalogs with seeds available locally are out contact: Burpee (800) 888- 1447 www.burpee.com Pinetree Garden Seeds (207) 926-3400 www.superseeds.com Jung Seeds & Plants (800) 247-5864 www.jungseed.com Kay Warren is an active member of Billerica’s Garden Club.

YOU’RE HOME AT BRIGHTVIEW It’s never easy to make a move but Neil Leary knew it was time. He chose Billerica’s Brightview Concord River Assisted Living development for himself and his wife, Margaret, because it was bright and new and close to his friends in Bedford. An active Historical Society member, Leary wanted to be able to continue attending meetings.

At 82, the couple had slowed down considerably, with Leary noting he was now unable to do much outdoor yard work or indoor home maintenance. So, when he came to Brightview and was warmly welcomed, he knew he was ready to stay. His move in experience was especially smooth in using AA Transitions moving company out of Concord.

“The people at Brightview, they’re all great,” said Leary. “It’s an excellent location.”

Leary especially likes that the facility has everything he needs, from great meals, a comfortable apartment, and all types of entertainment. Plus he feels cared for and is secure in knowing his wife is cared for too. While hospitalized recently at Emerson Hospital for a hip replacement, the Health Director called to check in and staff even sent him flowers.

“They really watch out for you here,” said Leary.

For Ken Fischer, it took his mom, Marie,

a long time to agree to move. Her Parkinson’s Disease had finally deteriorated so much so that she was falling down or unable to get out of bed in the morning. Home health aides were getting expensive and she needed 24 hour supervision and assistance. In looking for place to take her, Fischer liked Brightview’s close proximity to his house as well as the discount his mother got on her rent for being one of the ‘charter club members’ to come in first. On Dec. 3, she moved into her large bright studio apartment and is pleased she came.

“It’s been good for her,” said Fischer.

“She’s quite happy there.”

Fischer said his mother is shy and not one to get involved in things. But she likes that the Brightview staff will come to her door and get her out of her room for activities. Fischer has peace of mind knowing the staff is closely monitoring her and keeping her safe.

Fischer especially found Executive Director Mike Reed helpful and friendly, and able to talk to him about any concerns that came up before making the decision to move.

“The staff is patient and has answered all our questions,” said Fischer.

For more information or to come in for a tour, call 978-262-1410 or visit their website at www.BrightviewConcordRiver.com.

Every Day Should Have Bright Spots. . .

They Can at Brightview

ASSISTED LIVING

ALZHEIMER’S CARE

“I can enjoy the privacy of my own apartment and also get the assistance I need with personal care and managing medications.”

“The Wellspring neighborhood at Brightview can provide Dad with a higher quality of life than we ever thought possible.”

Brightview – where supportive care is wrapped in a lifestyle filled with potential.

978-262-1410 £ Ê V À`Ê, >`ÊUÊ iÀ V>]Ê Êä£nÓ£ ÜÜÜ° À } ÌÛ iÜ V À`, ÛiÀ°V Brightview intends to be certified as an Assisted Living Residence with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs pending completion of the certification process.

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10 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

Pet Peeves

Caregiver's Circle

•By Nora Fiore

•By Kristene Whitehouse

BULLYING IS NO JOKE

HOPE FOR MOM

In light of things on the news, I have decided to tackle bullying and it’s affects on everyone. Yes, I said everyone. Bullying not only affects the victim, it affects their family, friends and occasionally the whole country.

This we have witnessed recently with the young girl from Hadley, MA who hung herself after being bullied, as well as the 11 year old boy from Fitchburg who also hung himself last March.

The definition of bullying is “a person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself ”.

This includes aggressive behavior, a pattern repeated over time, and it also involves an imbalance of power or strength.

Bullying can be verbal or physical. It can include social exclusion, spreading rumors and taking money. Insults may be sexual or racial. And let’s not forget the ever popular cyber-bullying. Cyber bullying seems to me to be the easiest because the bully never has to see the pain that they cause. It’s like some big joke. Guess what? No one is laughing.

Statistics show that 23 percent of students in grades 4-6 have been bullied “several times or more”, and 20 percent had bullied others.

Statistics show that 17 percent of students an grades 6-10 reported having been bullied “sometimes” or more, with 8 percent being bullied once a week. And, 19 percent admitted they had been a bully. This is what OLWEUS Bully Prevention Program quotes.

I suppose in the big picture that doesn’t seem so bad, but just ask the parents who have lost their children. I don’t mean just physically lost them. I mean the kids whose spirit has

My name is Krissy. I am a thirty something year old woman. I am a caregiver.

I didn’t sign up for this job, but I am grateful for the chance to give back to the person who gave me life.

Two weeks after moving into her new home in Billerica, my mom, Mary, fell head first into the bathtub. This seemingly innocent bump on the head was later realized to be a major head trauma with frontal damage. Mom hasn’t been the same since. When she moved in, I still owned my own home. I would later sell my home and move in with her. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. And, herein is the last whine you will hear.

My Aunt Alice is mom’s baby sister, and already a forty plus year resident of Billerica.

The two sisters have always been close, mom moving to Billerica was evidence of this bond. Alice has suffered the most from the loss of her sister, sometimes I think even more than I at the loss of my mother. Alice’s favorite expression for so long after the fall was,” I want my sister back.”

I have tried to be sympathetic and even empathic but, one time, I didn’t want to hear the “woe is me” anymore. I said to Alice, “Your sister is gone and you have a choice.

You can get to know the person she is now.

Or you miss out.”

The premise of how I write and how I live is everything we do is a choice. I cannot and did not chose the bad experiences that happened but I can chose how I react to them and the situations and life I make for myself from them.

been broken or whose self esteem has been systematically destroyed.

Bullying doesn’t only happen to kids. I sure some, if not most, of you have had that nasty boss or co-worker that just makes your life miserable. I can see you nodding your heads ‘yes’. So, what do you do about it?

How do you protect yourself ? How do you protect the children?

One way that seems to work is to diffuse the bully and just suck the wind right out of their sails. Make fun of yourself.

A friends son was being made fun of because of bucked teeth. His response was “Yes, I do have bucked teeth. Thank you for noticing, but could you not call me “Bucky”.

That’s so over used. Call me something like squirrel face”. In another case a child was pushed up against a locker. The bully was right in his face and ready to hit him. The “victim” turned his head away and said “Dude, did you brush?” In both cases the bullies were speechless and just walked away.

Their fun was ruined and they lost the desire to bother these two kids.

I don’t know what the answer is but I do know the schools are working as hard as they can. We as parents need to help our kids and let them know it’s okay to tell us what’s going on. We can teach them to drop an anonymous letter in the office to report it. We can call the school when they tell us about another child being bullied. What if you don’t know the other kid? That’s okay.

Wouldn’t you want someone to protect your child or grandchild or niece or nephew?

Everyone knows who the bullies are so let’s take back our schools to help our kids to feel safe and strong.

I can’t give Mary back to her sister. I can’t have you meet the woman who raised a child with severe birth defects alone. I can tell you the person left behind still deserves to be loved and cherished. I can show you by example the person she raised.

I understand Alice thought there would be so much more time. Aunt Alice asked me once, “Can your mother balance a checkbook?” No. Does your mom do laundry? clean house? No. Can she cook?

No. Make a meal....if it’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, yes.

I’d like you to get to know mom. She will be sixty five this year. She is confined to a wheelchair because of the lack of exercise and the acceleration of her severe rheumatoid arthritis, directly related to the cognitive impairment caused by the fall in 2005. She could be your mom, your friend, your sister.

I write this to show others who are in a caregiver boat, that you are not alone. If it sounds like it has been a rough trip, you cannot even begin to imagine the hardships and the triumphs. And, this, my experiences and my words are my best gift.

In sharing this journey, I will give the resources with each article of what related assistance is available. For example, mom benefits greatly by an adult day health program in Burlington called, Cooperative Elder Services. Through my words I want to show, there is hope in the sadness. There are moments of joy in everyday, the trick is seeing through the challenges. Life is fragile, and, oh, what a gift.

The Body Elite •By Brian Panarese, B.S. Professional Fitness Trainer

STAYING HEALTHY IS A LIFE-TIME MARATHON Most people are still trying to focus on their resolutions, why they made them in the first place and how to keep them.

Here are some tips to keep going in the ‘Marathon’ to stay healthy and lose body fat: 1-TELL everyone you know what your GOALS are: This way you are making a commitment. These people will ask you continuously how you are doing and that should help keep you focused. No one likes to fail so the more people you tell the larger your cheering squad will be.

2-GO TO SCHOOL: Turn your kitchen into a classroom.

Start a daily journal of ALL the food you eat. Measure and weigh everything and write it down. I find most people today know WHAT to eat; they just eat way too much of it. Refer to your journal often and learn from it. Not only should you track food but also your DAILY ACTIVITY. Write down every time you take the dog for an extended walk. Journal your gym workouts and IMPROVE on them by doing more each week.

3-MEASURE your progress by your JEANS: Find a pair of jeans that you can get on but not button or zip. Try these on every Friday night to see how well you are doing.

It will only take a few weeks before you will be able to see a difference in how much better they are fitting.

4-ADD PROTEIN to your daily food intake: We are a society of carb freaks. We really need to cut back on carbs and add in more protein like egg whites, soy tofu, fish, chicken and protein shakes. Protein is essential to firm muscles but it is also slower to digest therefore keeping you full longer. A British study found that women who ate eggs for breakfast could make it all the way to lunch without feeling at all hungry as compared to their counterparts who ate carbs (cereal and toast) and were hungry in a few hours. Having a shake between meals is a great way to deter your hunger and firm up your muscles.

5-Take SUPPLEMENTS: I mentioned protein shakes above but vitamins are essential also. A daily vitamin is

recommended. You could go simple and less expensive with one like Walgreen’s Brand daily vitamin or a “state-of-theart” vitamin like the Isotonic Brand vitamins. Omega 3 & 6 are fatty oils that are essential to lower cholesterol and keep your heart and arteries clearer. Drink V-8 juice every day too.

There are varieties to choose from and one even has fiber.

WATER, yes WATER, is another important supplement, and you need plenty of it.

These are just a few of the things I have taught my clients.

Life is a marathon and learning to adopt healthier ways is an on-going process. Research keeps coming up with new and better ways to treat our bodies and we need to learn and STICK to them. Continue on, put one foot in front of the other again and again and again and…

Brian Panarese B.S. owner of The Body Elite Company has been a Professional Trainer since 1976. If you would like to ask Brian a specific question e-mail him at Body.Elite@verizon.net.

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 11

Woods Real Estate

Court's In Session •By Attorney Jennifer O'Brien

700 Boston Rd., Billerica, MA 01821 Towne Plaza 978-262-9665 www.WoodsRealEstate.com

PHYSICAL VS. LEGAL I was recently served with divorce papers and my wife is seeking custody of our children. If the judge awards her custody does this mean that I will no longer be involved in my children’s lives other than during my designated visitation times?

Most divorce clients I meet with do not initially understand that in Massachusetts, there are essentially two types of custody, legal and physical.

Legal custody involves major life matters and decisions that are not part of the daily routine of the minor children, which affect their emotional, psychological, educational, social or physical well-being.

This will generally include medical, dental and psychological treatment, religious upbringing of the children, educational choices, whether the children attend summer camp, and their participation in inherently dangerous or hazardous activities. Unless there is an active restraining order against one parent, or allegations of abuse, neglect, or intoxication, generally both parties will be awarded joint legal custody. The court will then expect both parents to be actively involved in conferring with one another and coming to an agreement with respect to such major life matters. In a joint legal custody situation, both parents have the opportunity to obtain their children’s medial records, to attend parent teacher conferences, and to make decisions with respect to school, education, or religion. If they are unable to reach a mutual decision, they may always have the issue heard and determined by a judge. If the custodial parent is failing to keep the non-custodial parent informed of the children’s events and activities, it may

be necessary for the non-custodial parent to seek intervention from the court.

Physical custody involves the daily routine of the minor children and where they reside on a day-to-day basis. In most cases, physical custody will be awarded to only one parent but legal custody will still be shared. Although there are cases where a shared physical custody arrangement can work, such situations are rare since the children will literally be going back and forth between residences weekly or daily. As such, not only do both parents have to be able to get along extremely well, but they also must live in close proximity to one another so the children are in the same school district and their lives are disrupted as least as possible. In a situation where only one parent has physical custody, the other will be granted visitation and during such time, the non-custodial parent will make decisions concerning the children’s daily routine.

What is most important in any custody situation is communication and cooperation between parents. Although the parents might be at odds with one another, it is vital that they work together to make things run smoothly for the children, as ultimately it is their interests that should come first.

Jennifer H. O’Brien is the owner of O’Brien Law Offices, a general practice located at 630 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821.

She can be reached at (978) 262-9880 or at www.obrienlawoffices.org. This information should not be construed as legal advice nor is it intended as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney. No person should act or rely on any information in this article without seeking the advice of an attorney.

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12 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

MacKay’s Frontier: Colonial Farm Boasts Contemporary Flavor

By Liana Measmer

F

or generations, the MacKay Lone Birch Farm has been a local landmark. Overlooking pastures and orchards, this rambling farm house still turn heads as motorists wait at the corner of School House Lane. In the spring, the flora is abloom on the rows of small trees along the front sidewalk.

The winter brings red and green holiday wreaths adorning every windowsill while warm fires burn brightly indoors.

Antique style boasts just a touch of the modern in this early American gem.

Inheriting the Homestead Built in 1858, this elegant estate was known as the Knowles Home. It was owned by two prominent families before the MacKay family purchased it in 1952. Autos were taking the place of horse and carriage, and a dirt path forked at Wyman Road right out front.

Richard MacKay, known in town as the Quartermaster for the Billerica Colonial Minutemen, was 12 years old when he moved to Billerica. His family of Scottish descent had lived in Quincy and Lowell before arriving here. MacKay currently resides here with his brother Eric Mackay and Eric’s wife Penny, who have also played key roles in keeping the house pristine.

“When we moved here it was a cow town,” said Richard.

“I wish it still was.”

Provincial meets Technological Richard has built or renovated most of the house himself, putting his wood-working and cabinetry experience to good use. One of Richard’s favorite rooms is his den. Small and cozy, it is warmed by a mini wood burning stove. A handpainted mural of the farm adorns the wall, which Richard painted himself. At one glance, everything looks rustic. Then Richard opens hidden panels and cabinet doors to reveal a television, computer and compact washer and dryer, neatly stowed away.

“I keep these hidden,” said Richard.

Classic Dining Off a modern kitchen is a small dining room Richard renovated in the 1980’s. The room’s centerpiece is the ornate fireplace. Purchased at an auction by his mother, Richard converted it into a decoration by covering an older structure with a detailed wood mantle and backdrop, extending it to the

ceiling.

T h e

look just right by painting them red, then black and bringing out their wood grain.

hearth is encircled by faux brick and houses an imitation burning log, giving the room a homey glow.

On the opposite wall, is a hutch which Richard built. In keeping with the period, Richard painted it olive green, but his 20th century touches are evident with rounded corners and slats to hold the porcelain dishes displayed. His proudest piece is a large gilded punch bowl prominently situated in the center of the shelf.

“I built this around that bowl,” said Richard about his cabinetry creation.

Minutemen Meetinghouse Inside the barn, which predates the house, is MacKay’s Tavern. The barn is pretty typical, with a couple of dusty stalls, one of which is home to Boo, Richard’s horse. Boo earned this name for running away when greeted. Morning commuters often get glimpses of Boo trotting about his fenced-in yard.

Twenty years ago, Richard took a loft and turned back the clock. Rustic wooden tables and benches alongside pewter mugs and spinning wheels. The Tavern is the room where Billerica’s Colonial Minutemen meet. As quartermaster, Richard takes his role as in charge of the company gear, seriously.

“I earned that title,” said Richard. “The quartermaster takes care of everything.”

Richard attentively renovated this space, which often required him to work outside in the open. He recalls holding beams over his head with bitter winter winds whipping his face. Much of the items Richard has in the tavern are recycled.

He acquired and saved old railings, beams and window panes his years of home building.

The MacKay Farm had been the site of many gatherings and parties. Richard recalls Christmas parties where the guests dressed in 18th century regalia. The Minutemen hold celebrations in the Tavern as does the Historical Society when hosting dinners. Richard is certain most of his work is done although he keeps busy around the house with maintenance.

However, he doesn’t mind, since this is his favorite place to be.

“I own a historical farm house and barn with a nice parcel of land and the most beautiful sunsets in the world,” said Richard. “I love Billerica.”

Room at the Inn Given its size, the house has numerous guest bedrooms which all differ. One space houses a contemporary futon placed alongside a classic period bookshelf. In another room, Richard gave the four post bed an antique look while Penny chose the rich maroon and gold fabrics of the bedspread, setting off the cream walls and clay colored trim nicely.

“I antiqued it to make it look more fitting,” said Richard.

The Great Room The spacious formal living room holds numerous treasures. Although the furniture has classic textured fabrics and detailed carvings, don’t let it fool you. This is a space everyone enjoys and relaxes in.

“It’s our pride and joy,” said Richard.

Just inside the front door, Richard closed of a long hallway and laid new flooring to make it seamless. This opened up the living room, which curves around another large fireplace.

On the walls, Richard hung favorite paintings, some even antiques. One in particular stands out: a tiny Spanish village with thatched roofed cottages throughout. A gift from Eric once home from military service, Richard admired this piece and knew he would incorporate it into this room. Now gracing the center of the room as a permanent fixture, it is framed by rope-styled moldings and flanked by Victorian sconces on either side.

In the far corner of the room, alongside a bookshelf running the length of the walls, is a collection of antique chairs. Classic black with stenciled fruit patterns, these seats were well-seasoned and well-used, with the knicks and markings to prove it. For the younger seats, Richard got their

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 13

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME THE INVALID

By Lauren Gray, Wellness & Respite Coordinator, Billerica Council on Aging Older adults want to stay in their own home, in their own familiar surroundings. The Respite Companion Program helps families care for loved ones, allowing elders to remain safely in their homes as long as possible.

The compassionate, experienced Respite Companion staff can care for individuals with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or other health conditions that require supervision.

Respite Companions come to the home and prepare light meals, help with shopping and are dependable, reliable caregivers. They can provide transportation for errands and appointments for seniors who do not drive or need help managing their bundles.

The Respite Companion program is exclusive to Billerica residents and is available seven days a week, anytime.

Call Lauren Gray, Respite Coordinator at 978-671-0916 ext: 226 for more info on how the Respite Companion program can help.

The Sunny Side of the Street

Recently my wife underwent surgery to replace the thumb joint of her right hand.

She is doing well and will be starting physical therapy in a few weeks, getting completely back to normal by the end of March.

I thought I should share with all of you some of the interesting tasks I had to perform while Jo was incapacitated. None of us thinks about the day to day little things which we do that require the use of a thumb such as dressing, shaving or even bathing.

Take your thumb out of the picture and each of them becomes infinitely more difficult.

Take doing a woman’s hair, for instance.

Without a thumb, holding a brush or blow dryer is impossible. As a result this task fell to me. I confess that I am no hair dresser and my first attempt was crude at best. After I finished what I thought was a pretty good first try, Jo looked in the mirror and told me that, while she was grateful for the effort, she would rather not go out looking like Larry Fine. It was a rather striking resemblance.

Make-up is also difficult. I watched as Jo fumbled around trying to apply mascara without taking out an eye and I offered to help. She thanked me very kindly but told me given my limited knowledge of make-up, she didn’t think it was a good idea because she didn’t want to go out looking like Larry Fine, with a face looking like it had been

•By Dave Gagliardi

painted by Picasso. I do have some artistic talent and reminded her that as a freshman in High School, I had won the Gold Key and Blue Ribbon Award at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards. She in turn reminded me that I had won for carving a wood sculpture and it would more than freak her out if she saw me coming at her with a wood chisel and mallet. I told her she was being silly and I wasn’t even thinking of using a mallet. She threw me out of the bathroom.

Bathing was the probably the trickiest of all. Have you ever tried to shower someone else while standing outside the shower, trying not to get water everywhere? I ended up with the front of my shirt being soaked every morning. Morning was also the worst possible time to give Jo a shower as I am a little pressed for time trying to get myself ready for work.

I of course suggested a solution that would speed up the process. I suggested she allow me to use my power washer for her shower and my leaf blower to dry her off. She scolded me by saying she was not an F-150 and asked if I was going to detail her too. I told her that there wasn’t time for that.

It was shortly after this exchange when Jo started doing everything herself, completely relieving me of all personal duties. This, of course, was my goal in the first place all along.

THE LURE OF THE HEALTHY GLOW Stephanie DiThomasi from Hollywood Tans in Treble Cove Plaza has joined the majority of indoor tanning business owners who is teaching a balanced message to customers about the risks of overexposure to UV light. As long as there is sun, there will be those who long for the color a tan gives them but according to a SmartTan. com poll conducted in late January, 85 percent of U.S. salons say they appropriately deliver a balanced message about the risks of overexposure.

“Our booths only have 2 percent UVB rays while direct sunlight has 17 percent,” said DiThomasi.

Even with over 60,000 reported cases of skin cancer per year, tanning beds are still advertised as a safe alternative to a natural suntan. Almost 30 million people in the U.S. use tanning beds each year, of which more than 2 million are adolescents. A recent study of young adults found that there are several popular reasons why they use tanning beds: •They want to create a base tan before a sunny vacation •They want to look healthy •During New England winter months, there is no opportunity to gain color in natural sunlight

•It helps to treat certain skin problems like acne or psoriasis UV rays whether from the sun or tanning beds give your body vitamin D. Vitamin D has been linked to preventing breast cancer among other things. Technically not a “vitamin,” vitamin D is actually a hormone which, if deficient in the body, has been linked to such pathology as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more.

For those who want an alternative to a tanning bed, there is the sunless spray tan. Hollywood Tans is now offering spray tanning from Mystic Tan. Mystic Tan introduced spray tanning back in 1998 as a way to offer their customers a UV-Free tan that was even, natural looking and smooth.

“It’s good if you don’t want to use UV tanning,” said DiThomasi.

Sunless tanning contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface. Best results are obtained

when applied to clean, dry skin. The enclosed booth at Hollywood Tans sprays the sunless tanning solution over the entire body.

DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is considered nontoxic and noncarcinogenic. Because DHA does not use the skin’s melanocytes to make the skin a tan color, it has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Organization, American Academy of Dermatology, The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association.

Mystic Tan offers four levels of color depending on how dark you want to get and because it wears off within ten days, it’s great for prom queens, brides-to-be, sunny spring breakers, or anyone who wants a quick burst of color for an event.

“It gives you a healthy glow,” said DiThomasi. “You look good and feel good.”

For one day in March, on Saturday, March 6th, Hollywood Tans is having their FREE TAN DAY. Between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm, come in for free UV tanning or a free upgrade on your membership at the salon. Staff will be on hand to explain the Mystic Tan system and introduce you to the many products available to help you maintain your tan.

14 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

By Shawn Hutcheon, Staff Writer

I

n 2004, Sports Illustrated Magazine named Billerica Sports Town USA. One reason was the town sent three of its own to compete in the Olympics.

These three athletes made Billerica proud. Bobby Miller played for the United States men’s ice hockey team in 1976 at Innsbruck, Austria. Mike Mastrullo played for the Italian men’s ice hockey team in 1984 at Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia, now known as Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Stephen Scherer competed for the United States men’s air rifle team in 2008 at Beijing, China.

Every two years, sports fans around the world gather to cheer on their favorite teams and athletes competing in the Olympic Games. The tradition will continue on Feb. 12, when the games of the XXI Winter Olympiad open in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Winter Olympics’ roots can be traced back to 1901 when the Nordic Games were first held in Sweden.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to hold the Winter Games every four years in 1925. It wasn’t until 1992 that the IOC voted to hold the winter and summer games on an alternating basis resulting in the games taking place every two years.

Our Olympians have stories of determination and peristence, two characteristics which made them the very best.

Billerica’s Prince of Hockey: Bobby Miller Bobby grew up in Billerica’s First Family of Hockey.

His father, Bob Sr., was the driving force behind the formation of the Billerica Hockey Association (BHA). As a result, Miller grew up learning how to play hockey under the watchful eye and tutelage of his father. As a high school senior, he was one of the leading scorers in the state.

He went on to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and as a freshman in 1974, was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year.

As a surprise to Miller, he was named to the United States men’s Olympic hockey team that played in Innsbruck, Austria in the 1976 Winter Games.

“I tried out in 1975 on an invite after my freshman year at UNH,” said Miller. “It was a pleasure to make the team at 19.”

The team started out by playing against other national teams leading up to the Olympics. They went on to tour Europe for exhibition games which closely bonded the team.

“We toured Europe and I was in awe,” said Miller.

Once the team arrived in Innsbruck for the Olympics, Miller played with injuries he sustained in a game against Yugoslavia. .

“I got hurt in the second game against Yugoslavia when I was hit from behind,” said Miller. “The doctor told me I had a pinched nerve but I still played. It was the Olympics.”

The team did well, but not as expected, missing a bronze medal against Germany after a one goal loss.

“We were kind of a disappointment,” said Miller. “We

had beaten them earlier in the tournament and everyone expected us to beat them but their goalie, Karl Friesen, was unbelievable in that game.”

After the Olympics, Miller went on to play for Ottawa in the Ontario Hockey League’s playoffs. In the fall of 1976, he returned for his sophomore year at UNH but was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1976 National Hockey League Amateur Draft.

With the Bruins, he played for four seasons. In total, he played in the NHL for seven seasons. He played for Boston, moving on to Colorado before finishing with the Los Angeles Kings.

Upon leaving Los Angeles, Miller when to Switzerland where he was injured and opted to try coaching instead.

Although he had a good team, the Swiss general manager did not support any losses and this resulted in the end of Miller’s coaching career.

“We had a good team with a winning record. Five wins and no losses,” said Miller. “Then we lost a game and the next day I was fired. I never coached again after that.”

These days, Miller resides in Rhode Island with his three children-Megan, a University of Vermont graduate, Sean, a Bridgewater State College student, and eight-yearold Jake, who is starting to learn to skate. Miller is also active with the Boston Bruins Alumni Association, which plays exhibition games around New England to raise funds for a variety of charities.

Sharp Shooter: Stephen Scherer Billerica resident Stephen Scherer was a youngster when he became interested in the sport of shooting. He

was 11 years old when he became a member of the Massachusetts Rifle Association in Woburn where he found he excelled at the air rifle.

“I did a league in Rhode Island and traveled to national competitions,” said Scherer.

Scherer chose a shooting sport for educational reasons. He could obtain scholarships because there are fewer competitors. Ultimately, his shooting prowess earned him a scholarship to the United States Military Academy and an opportunity to compete in the United States Olympic qualifying event.

Scherer went on to win the qualifying event, punching his ticket to Beijing, China for the 2008 Summer Olympics. This was an experience he will never forget.

“The opening ceremonies were awesome,” said Scherer. “The funniest part was we were all on the American team but everyone was taking pictures of the NBA players.”

His competition took place on the third day of the games. Although he did not win a medal, he had a very good day.

“You get 60 shots, every shot is worth 10 points, so the total you can get is a 600,” explained Scherer. “I shot a 590 and the winner shot a 597.”

Upon completion of his event, Scherer made good use of his time and immersed himself in the experience.

He also made some Chinese friends and has stayed in touch with them through e-mails.

“The Chinese people were friendly and welcoming and wanted to be very accommodating to all of us,” said Scherer.

Scherer is hoping to continue his Olympic experience in 2012 when the summer games take place in London, England. An extra incentive to go to London is his younger sister, Sarah. She is a freshman at Texas Christian University (TCU) and is currently the number one ranked woman in Air Rifle in the country. He is very proud of Sarah .

“She’s better than I am,” said Scherer.

Upon returning from Beijing, Stephen decided to join Sarah at TCU and is a sophomore and volunteer assistant coach of the women’s shooting team there.

Italian Stallion: Mike Mastrullo Mention the name Mike Mastrullo in local hockey rinks and you hear words such as gentleman, leader, success, and respected.

The new coach of the Billerica Memorial High School (BMHS) boys hockey team has traveled the world. This is all thanks to hockey which began here in Billerica.

He led his teams to state championships in the 1970s.

After graduating from BMHS, he continued his career at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island then moved to the professional ranks in Michigan with the Muskegon Mohawks in the International Hockey League.

While with Muskegon, he was contacted by coach Dave Chambers of the Italian national hockey team.

“He was looking for Italians and he contacted me about getting a passport,” said Mastrullo. “It took almost a year to get the paperwork in order.”

The paperwork arrived and Mastrullo packed his bags to head to Italy. He would continue his career in the Italian professional hockey leagues and begin training with the national team for the world championships. It was in those world championships that he played against the American team which had former Billerica High School teammate Bobby Miller on it.

“There were several guys on the U.S. team who I grew up playing with and against,” said Mastrullo.

It was in the early 80s that Mastrullo would be picked to play in the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo. Mastrullo recalled the poor conditions they played under. Some of the facilities were not completed when he and his team arrived a week before the beginning of the Games.

“They were still trying to finish everything when we got there,” said Mastrullo. “We played our first game before the opening ceremonies were held.”

His memories from Sarajevo were eye-opening.

He recalled watching other athletes and the amount of pressure they were under.

“It was unbelievable to see how they could still perform,” recalled Mastrullo. “The press was everywhere they went. They were under the microscope every minute of the day.”

After the 1984 Olympics, Mastrullo remained in Italy and continued his playing career. The national team did not qualify for the 1988 Olympics but Mastrullo still cherishes the memories of 1984 in Sarajevo.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” he said. “I appreciate it more now than I did when I was there.”

These days, aside from coaching the BMHS hockey team, Mastrullo and his wife, Sue, are raising two daughters. Mastrullo still laces up the skates and plays pick up hockey with friends and stays in touch with his former Italian teammates and coaches.

Billerica has a rich sports history the entire town takes pride in. This pride extends to its three Olympians-Bobby Miller, Stephen Scherer, and Mike Mastrullo. Their efforts and dedication to be the best they could paid off with experiences most athletes can only dream of. These men scaled Olympus and truly lived the dream.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHEN SCHERER

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 15

16 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

OUT ON THE TOWN A Night of Hope Fund Raiser

Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce

www.julieksings.com www.hopeww.org

Feb. 16: 7:30: BILLERICA TOWN BUSINESS DAY Town Hall Auditorium. Free! Open to all businesses, new or established, addressing business issues including State & Municipal (resources, topics, concerns), Financial Options, Procurement & Technical Assistance, Business Counseling & Training

HOPE Worldwide

Colleen Sgroi Gallery & Art Classes

12 Andover Road Billerica, MA 01821

ColleenSgroi.com 978-667-1009

ARTCLASSES Sign up now for our next 6 week session starting Feb. 22, 2010

foradults&kids 50% off

a Colleen Sgroi painting or print with this ad

February Vacation Painting Class Wed., Feb. 17th 10 am to 12 $25 per child $20 for second child

Feb. 20: 7pm A Night of HOPE fund raiser. The Bennett Library. $10 suggested donation per person. Snacks will be provided. Julie Kinscheck will perform. Other local talents will also perform and the evening will include a presentation about the work HOPE is doing for children, orphans and the needy globally.

Artist's Reception Feb. 18: 6:30-8:30 pm Meet the Man Behind the Brush ENCORE Billerica Green Art Director and Illustrator, Tony Luongo, will be BATV’s visiting artist for February and will show his work at an artists's reception on Thursday. RSVP if you plan to attend to liana@thebillericagreen.com.

Hope to see you there! All available original artwork will be on sale. Most will be 50% off.

Middlesex Canal Museum and Association www.middlesexcanal.org/museum Feb. 18: 10:00 am-12:00 pm The Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner Street Educational program for children in grades 2 and 3 $15 enrollment fee includes membership to the MCA Contact Traci Jansen at middlesexcanal4kids@gmail.com

Billerica Recreation Department www.town.billerica.ma.us Feb. 21: Summer Camp Expo. Billerica Lodge of Elks. Webb Brook Road. An free event for parents to begin planning for summer vacation. 978-6710921. Their winter brochure is available online.

NEED ANOTHER COPY? he ies of T p o c a r t hese Find ex een at t r G a c i r s.

Bille location a c i r e l Bil

THE LIBRARY THE REC. DEPARTMENT THE COUNCIL ON AGING PRO-FITNESS TOWN HALL REALTY WORLD ADVANTAGE BATV BATIAN PEAK

Anytime Fitness www.anytimefitness.com 99 Chelmsford Road, Billerica 978.667.0300 Feb. 15-20: Exercise is Medicine week A series of public events encouraging residents to lead healthier lifestyles. Certified personal trainers, a nutritionist, and other specialists providing Free fitness assessments and answering exercise-related questions. The schedule for each day includes:

GUEST SPEAKERS to include Ms. Jeanne Osborn, President & CEO GLCC State Senator Kenneth Donnelly State Representative William Greene, Jr. Mr. George E. Noel, MA Director of Labor Mr. John Curran, Billerica Town Manager Ms. Stephanie Cronin, Econ. Development Coor.

Ms. Lisa Gonzalez-Welch SBA (US SBA) More info 978-459-8154

Realty World Advantage

Red Hat Society

www.advantageRE.com

Attention ladies! Come join the Red hat Society!

The Bodacious Ladies of Billerica would like to invite you and your friends to join our group. We enjoy each others company and we even donate to charities such as ALS, American Cancer, American Diabetes and the House of Hope. Call Queen Mother Virginia McGrath @ 978-667-7487 or contact her at bluedaddy@comcast.net.

880 Boston Road, Billerica, 978-667-1848 Feb. 18: 6:30–8:30pm Feb. 27: 10am–12 noon Free Real Estate Seminars for Buyers and Sellers!

Review the tax credit and ask about qualifying An attorney, two bank representatives, and real estate professionals will be available to answer your questions.

Sistacamp at The Bennett Library Feb. 15-16 only: Only -$40 for 2 day session (1 girl) $50 for 2 day session (includes2 sisters) $75 for 2 day session (Includes3 or more sisters) 3 Concord Road Billerica , MA 01821 Just a place to meet up & hang out with your friends for the day.

Email Karla DiChiara at pckelleher@verizon.net for more information or your registration form

Atlantis Playmakers www.AtlantisPlaymakers.com 380 Cambridge St Burlington, 978-667-0550 Registration for Summer Theater Classes-Ongoing Feb.28: 4pm, Teen Troupe:Sunday Funnies Improv Comedy Show Mar.13-27: Th, Fri, Sat at 8pm Mar. 20 & 27 at 4pm, Miss Firecracker Contest by Beth Henley

Colleen Sgroi Gallery and Art Classes www.ColleenSgroi.com

Feb.15: 9:30am–3:00pm Feb.16: 11:30am–7:00pm Feb.17: 9:30am–3:00pm Feb.18: 11:30am–7:00pm Feb.19: 11:30am–5:00pm Feb.20: 9:00am–12 noon

12 Andover Road, Billerica, 978-667-1009 Feb. 17: 10am–12noon: Vacation Painting Class for Kids. $25/child and $20 for the second child in family

School News

15 Concord Road, Billerica 978-671-0948 Feb. 18: 6:30 pm: Reptiles! For second through seventh graders!

Made possible by a generous scholarship from the Museum of Science.

The best way to become acquainted with reptiles

Calendar Feb. 11: Elementary Progress Reports Issued Feb. 15-19: School Vacation Feb. 22: Schools Reopen

is to meet animals from the Museum’s Live Animal Center Online registration required Feb.25: 7:00 pm: Historical Colonial Boston with Paul Hogman, Meeting Room Mar. 4: 7:00 pm: Leaving Troubles Behind with Kathleen Shine, Meeting Room Mar. 11: 7:00 pm: Celtic Bells, Meeting Room Jerry and Nancy Bell are Parents Choice Award Winners who combine their twin loves of teaching and Celtic music to bring a high energy, multi-dimensional learning experience to their programs.

Mar.25: 7:00 pm: All the President’s Women, Meeting Room The Delvena Theatre Company will be presenting a live performance looking into the lives (sometimes behind closed doors!) of some of our United States presidents, their wives, mothers, etc.

Billerica Public Library www.billericalibrary.org

Friends of Fox Hill Cemetery Wednesdays: 7:00 pm Would like to welcome new members In the beautification process of Fox Hill Cemetery.

Meetings are held every month at the Billerica Town Hall 365 Boston Road, Billerica For further info, please call the Cemetery Dept. 978-671-0496

Billerica Little League www.billericalittleleague.org 330 Boston Rd, Billerica 978-670-1549 We are still accepting registrations for 2010 But our fees are $150 for a single player or $200 for two or more players. Players that will age 12, 14,15 & 16. Are subject to being placed on a Wait List. You can register on-line or download the registration form. In order to play Billerica Little League in 2010. A player MUST BE AT LEAST 6 years old by April 30. Players over the age of 16 on April 30 will be too old for this season.

Billerica Homeschooling Association www.billericahomeschooling.com Feb. 12: 4-6:30 pm: Homeschooling roller skating social, Roller Kingdom, Tyngsboro, MA. Admission is $5, No RSVP Required. Includes a slice of cheese pizza, a small drink and rentals Adults are free. If you can’t make it, we will do it in March and April. Second Friday of the month Mar. 26, Apr. 30, May 21: 10 am-12 noon Homeschooling Socials, Billerica Public Library Children’s Room, Join us with some games or other quiet activities. For more information, contact Jen Croce at billericahomeschooling@live.com or 978-362-2188

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 17

American Cancer Society Relay for Life www.cancer.org www.relayforlife.org/billericama June 12-13:Lampson Field Upcoming Meetings At The Boys and Girls Club 19 Campbell Road, Billerica Mar. 3: Team Captain’s Meeting: 7-7:30 pm Planning Team Meeting: 7:45-8:45 pm Apr. 7: Team Captain’s Meeting: 7-7:30 pm Planning Team Meeting: 7:45-8:45 pm May 5: Team Captain’s Meeting: 7-7:30 pm Planning Team Meeting: 7:45-8:45 pm T-shirt order deadline May 26: Planning Team Meeting: 7-8 pm June 2: Team Captain’s Meeting: 7-8 pm Bank night and pick up T-shirts Planning Team Meeting: 8-9 pm June 9: Planning committee meeting: 7-8:30 pm

Boys and Girls Club www.billericabgc.com 19 Campbell Road, Billerica 978-667-2193 Child Care Update: Registrations for Childcare is still being accepted. Your child will be able to begin 2 business days after the paperwork is received. Boys and Girls Club Child Care Programs are licensed and administered under the auspices of the Office of Early Education and Care.

Early Bird Program: Our before school program operates at the Boys and Girls Club from 6:30am until school bus pick up (our club is a bus stop for all elementary schools).

Fun Club Program: Our after school program that runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm. This is held at each elementary school (grades k-5).

Kindergarten Program: Our program operates in coordination with the school department. The children are at the Boys and Girls Club when they are not in school. For example, if they are in the AM session, they will go to school and be bussed to the Club between 11:00 and 11:45. They are able to stay until 3:00pm. If you need care after 3:00pm, we transport the children back to their school for Fun Club. If they are in the PM session, they come to the club in the morning after 7:45am until the school bus picks them up between 11:00 and 11:45 to take them to their school. If additional care is needed after school, the children can be enrolled in the Fun Club program until 6:00pm.

Swim Lessons update We are accepting registrations for our next session of swim lessons. For a complete list of fees, classes, schedules and availability visit the website.

Ye’ Olde Meeting House: Town Hall Meetings Feb. 17: 7pm: Republican Town Com., Rm. 210 Feb. 22: 7pm: Selectmen, Conway Rm. Feb. 24: 7pm: Conservation Commission, Rm. 210 Mar. 1: 7:30pm: Board of Health, Rm. 210 Mar.1: 7pm: Selectmen, Conway Rm. Mar. 3: 7pm: Scholarship Foundation, Collins Rm Mar. 3: 7pm: Historical Commission, Rm. 110 Mar. 8: 7 pm: Planning Board, Rm. 210

Mar. 15: 7pm: Selectmen, Conway Rm. Mar. 17: 7pm: Republican Town Com., Rm. 210 April 10: Town Election Calendar: ELECTION DAY Nomination Papers Feb. 22: Last day to obtain nomination papers Feb. 22: 5 pm: Last day to file nominations papers with the Board of Registrars of voters for certification on names March 8: 5 pm: Last day to file nomination papers with the Town Clerk for candidates name to go on the ballot March 10: 5 pm: Last day to protest or withdraw nomination papers March 11: 7:30 pm: Drawing for ballot positions Required Number of Signatures Major Offices: Must have 50- Town Clerk recommends 100 Town Meeting Representatives: Must have 10 certifiable from your precinct ONLY Town Clerk recommends 15 Voter Registration Sessions Regular Sessions: Mondays, 8:30 am-7 pm Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 am-4 pm Last day to Register:March 19: 8:30am-8:00 pm Spring Town Meeting Warrant Articles due: Monday, March 15 prior to 4:00 pm Preliminary Warrant posted: Thursday, March 25 prior to 4:00 pm Final Warrant posted:Monday, April 26 prior to 4pm Town Meeting: Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 pm

Kindergarten Vision and Hearing Screening Sponsored jointly by The Lions Club and Billerica Public Schools Mar 20: 8 am–12 noon BMHS Cafeteria. This is a FREE service. Registration Forms Available from Cathy Jenkins. Billerica Public Schools. 978-528-8500

Community Blood Drive www.thomas-talbot.org Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge, 11 Concord Road, Billerica Feb. 14: 10 am- 2 pm

Hollywood Tans www.hollywoodtan.com 199 Boston Road, Billerica, 978.667.8267 Mar. 6: 10 am and 6 pm FREE TAN DAY, FREE UV tanning or FREE upgrade on salon membership.

Council On Aging 25 Concord Road Feb. 18 and 25: 10am: Aging Gracefully: Helps seniors cope with the changes age brings.

Feb 25: 9 am: Reiki 10 am: Free Pharmacy Clinic Mar. 5: 1 pm: New Art Class. 6 wks. $35 fee.

Mar. 13: 11:30 am: St. Patrick’s Day luncheon sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 11. $6 tickets available starting on Feb. 16. 978-671-0916

Pancake Breakfast/Raffle www.msaec.org Feb. 28: 9:00 am – noon Drawing @ 11am Billerica Emblem Club, Elks Lodge 978-663-2420

Haiti Fundraiser Mar 5: 9:30 pm–12:30 am Newtowne Grill Featuring Siracusa Project, No cover, Raffles, All Proceeds go to Haiti Relief. For Info, call Newtowne Grille, 978-667-0021

Haiti Fundraiser Mar. 6: 4 pm – 6 pm Alan Kessler’s Karate Center, 7 Marshall Street alanskessler@yahoo.com, 978 667-7774 Open to the Public Art sale: art from children of Haiti. Collecting school supplies, first aid supplies, canned food, water containers, shoes, toiletries, etc. Free Pasta Dinner. >>Continues on Next Page<<

18 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

Exit Homestead Realty

To my little Pumpkin Steven, on Valentine’s Day. I love Papa, my two sons and their wives but I fell in love all over again when you came into our lives. I love your smile, your mischievous ways and most of all the time we spend together. Love Always, Grammy For my smart Sophia and Happy-golucky Giovana: I wish we could live closer so we could play more. I hope to visit with you real soon, so we can have lots of fun baking cookies and putting puzzles together. Many hugs and kisses for you two from Yaya.

www.exithomerealty.com Feb. 20: 10:30 am–1:30 pm Free First Time Home Buyers Workshop!

5 Andover Road, Billerica Professionals will be available to answer questions.

Mortgage specialists can assist with the pre-approval process. Meet local home inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, and Realtors. 978-439-5566

Billerica Cat Care Coalition Feb. 13: 11 am to 2 pm: Meet & Greets at Agway, 24 Maple St., Chelmsford March 6: 11am to 2 PM: Meet & Greet the cats at Pet Supplies Plus, 34 Cambridge St, Burlington,MA Mar. 13: 11 am to 2 pm: Meet & Greets at Agway

Putt A Round www.puttaround.biz Feb. 17: 6:00–9:00 pm: Teen Night $6 per teen includes music, unlimited rounds of mini golf, free pizza and free soda. 265 Boston Road, Billerica For more info. call 978-663-2422

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

A Special Delivery Letter to Nadine and Colette and all their friends and classmates at the Hajjar Elementary School. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Everyday I thank God for blessing me with the three of you. I love you for the support you give me. I love you for how wonderful you are with our little munchkins. But most of all I love you for your laugh. Even when you're laughing at me. Happy Valentine's Day! ILUV For my happy Noah and sweet Alex: I can’t get any luckier with you as my grand babies. I’m pleased that you Noah call me “AyAy”, and can’t wait to visit with you real soon, so we can sing together. Many hugs and kisses for you two from your AyAy. For my wonderful 3Js, my First One, my Jujubee and my Monkey. I want you to always remember that your Yaya loves you very, very much and is very proud of all your accomplishments. I’m always there for you. Hugs and kisses.

Your Yaya.

Bobola, My Jujubee, and My Baba, I want you to know how much I love you.

On the day you were born, I looked at you and you took my breath away. All these years later, it still happens. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Love You Lots, Mama To my love lost and my friend found, you both will be in my heart and thoughts forever. - Happy Valentine’s Day, Steve

www.MerrimackRep.org Mar 9: 6-8:30 pm Friends of MRT Charity Wine Tasting Stonehedge Inn, Tyngsboro, Tickets $45, Purchase online. For Info. 978-654-7552

Woods Real Estate Mar. 10: Monthly Real Estate Seminar at the Towne Plaza location 700 Boston Road Billerica Ma. Seating is limited so call now 978-262-9556 to save your seat, and bring a friend. Topics include the tax credit, short sales, and forclosures. There will be a tax rep. from H&R Block, a Real Estate Attorney, Home Inspector and Financing expert. All this free of charge to help you succeed in today’s Real Estate market.

Whackmaster Family Ice Fishing Derby Feb. 14: 7am–1 pm Nuttings Lake Park at Micozzi, Enter at Tpke.

Market lot, Suggested Donation: $10-$20, Hosted

by Brian Peary, RSVP and Registration Info 978987-3487

Billerica Pop Warner www.billericapopwarner.org Registration: Any child in good standing with the league is eligible for pre-registration. This requires child’s parent/guardian has paid registration fee from 2009 season, parent/guardian has worked expected bingos OR paid $200 Bingo Fee, and equipment and/or uniform has been turned in.

Pre-registration: Will be held at the Clubhouse at Lampson Field )on: Feb. 11: 6pm–8pm Feb: 23: 6pm–8pm Open registration: Any child not previously registered or won’t attend pre-registration may register at Open Registration. An original birth certificate must be accompanied with each new registration.(to be kept by Billerica Pop Warner for the season).

Registrations will be held at the Clubhouse on: Mar. 6: Mar. 13: Mar. 20: Mar. 27: 9am–1pm

Billerica Access Television 430 Boston Road, Billerica BATV is expanding its Youth Video Club groups!

New groups will meet up on Mondays.

4:15pm–5pm – 2nd-3rd grade students 5pm–6pm – 4th-6th grade students 6pm–7pm – 7th-9th grade students For more info regarding these clubs and existing clubs, Contact Tom Mixon at tom.batv@comcast. net or call 978-663-2284.

Marshall Middle School students LeAnn Cowan and Rayana Wright from Cadette Troop 60805 braved the January chill to sell Girl Scout cookies outside O’Connor’s.

They were also collecting boxes for the “Cookies for Soldiers” program, where those purchasing cookies could donate an extra box to send overseas.

The Meat Again Meatheads proved victorious at the 15th Annual Team Trivia Challenge hosted by the Billerica Scholarship Foundation.

56 teams were present at this event, which ran four hours. At the halfway point, BSF had raised $10,487. The public schools made a strong showing with the Parker School Patriots taking second place and the Locke School Lockjaws coming in third.

The Traveling Gourmets •By John and Sherry Livsey

SATISFYING SEAFOOD THE NAKED FISH Yes, The Naked Fish is IN Billerica!

We have not been there in years although we have good memories of our prior visits.

We decided to bring the kids for our son’s 8th birthday. They have never been and we learned that it is a great place for people with food allergies, something we have to consider when dining with the kids. The Naked Fish seems to take allergies seriously and had food policies we were very comfortable with.

In addition, they have an entire menu of naturally gluten free meals which can be seen on the website (just an FYI).

John asked our host if we could be seated at a circular booth with the curtain around it. They were not busy as it was a Wednesday night and we were granted our request. The kids both thought it was very cool to have such a private table. We started with the spinach and artichoke dip and our server

kindly brought extra chips for the kids. I had a glass of Trinity Oaks, Pinot Noir and John had a Harpoon IPA. Both of the kids ordered Shirley Temples.

For dinner we ordered the Scallop Risotto and the Idaho Trout with crab meat stuffing and orange butter sauce. John always enjoys seafood but will sometimes shy away as he’s afraid he’ll leave hungry. This was not the case here as the trout included two generous fillets filled with plenty of the wonderful stuffing.

He was quite satisfied with his choices!

The Naked Fish seems to use a “less is more” approach with the seasoning and it works as the fish is so fresh. The risotto was creamy without being mushy and the scallops were tender and succulent. I thought the Pinot Noir was perfect with this dish.

The kids ordered a cheeseburger and grilled chicken breast, and each chose the fries as a

side which is typical for them. They enjoyed their meals and ate very well.

Our one criticism of this night was the incredibly slow service, which was surprising since it was not very crowded. Although our server was considerate, she was also fairly inattentive. She passed by our table several times without looking at John’s empty beer glass on the edge and we waited for about 15 minutes for our bill to arrive after completing our dinner.

Despite the slow service, we had an enjoyable night out as a family and would recommend The Naked Fish for the wonderful food, great atmosphere, and fantastic drink selection.

Sherry Livsey is an Independent Wine Consultant with Traveling Vineyard. For a home wine tasting experience, contact her at sherrylivsey@comcast.net.

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 19

Business to Business

COOL TOOLS MARKETING Need to learn new ways to expand your market, connect with your customers or keep up with the latest trends? If the answer to any of these is yes, than our next Small Business Seminar may be just what you need. On Monday, March 15th, the Billerica Community Alliance will be hosting a Technology Seminar at Middlesex Community College in the Café East Room in the the Bedford Campus Center. The focus of this seminar will be new tools, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter that are increasingly important in the business community and can help you market your services as well as connect with your clients in new ways. This ‘Cool Tools’ seminar will be given by two of our Alliance members, Tony Lucacio from Merrimack Valley Insurance and Jeff Surette of Surette Creative. The seminar begins at 8:00 am and will last about 90 minutes. It is open to our members as well as non-members and there is no cost to attend.

The use of Facebook and similar tools such as Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn, among others, has grown exponentially over the past five years. Social networking capabilities are also increasingly being used by companies, including some of the largest national retailers, to market their products.

Social networking or social media is the set of online technologies and practices that are used to share opinions, insights and experiences.

In additional to being a marketing vehicle, these same tools can also be the primary way you keep in touch with your clients. Facebook has over 250 million users and half of those access the system every day. Increasingly these users include babyboomers and seniors as well as teens, tweens and college students. If Facebook were a country, it would be one of the top five largest populations in the world. In terms

of exposure, it is hard to top that kind of marketing opportunity. As those who closely follow politics know, social networking tools played a key role in the recent Massachusetts senatorial special election as well as in the 2008 presidential campaign.

In addition to the benefits of low cost, these capabililities also alllow a business to reach specific demographics. As an example, the profile of ‘LinkedIn’ users reflects that more than 80 percent of them are college educated, 53% have a household income greater than $100,000 and 64 percent of them are males. Facebook by contrast is more popular among women and is growing fastest in the population of women who are over 55.

Other social networking sites, such as Twitter, have a large following as well. Twitter for the unfamiliar, allows users to post messages of 140 characters or less and was designed to keep friends and colleagues up to date throughout the day on your activities.

Twitter messages, known as ‘tweets’ can be sent via cellphone, through the website and via other applications. While not as popular as Facebook, Twitter is another tool that many businesses have started to adopt to help them stay in touch with their customers.

If you are interested in attending this seminar, please contact the Billerica Community Alliance office at 978-6674174 to register. The Billerica Community Alliance is always interested in expanding our membership so if you are interested in joining us, please contact the office via phone at 978-667-4174 or via email at info@billerica-alliance.org.

Pat Zapert is the Executive Director of The Billerica Community Alliance.

MY NAME IS EDDIE My name is Eddie. I was found in August of 2009 lying in the gutter. Someone hit me with a car and drove off to let me die in the street. Luckily for me two boys found me and went home to get their dad who took me to his veterinarian. The vet notified BCCC and asked if they could help out with my medical bills. Of course it was my lucky day when BCCC said they would. I had a broken jaw and a fractured pelvis. My jaw was wired for 3 months and I was fed mush through a syringe. I had the wire taken out of my jaw in November and can now eat whatever I want which is great by me as I love to chew on kibbles and snacks. I guess I had forgotten what it is like to be able to chew regular food again. I still like my wet food but at least now I have a choice of whatever I want.

I was living as an outside kitty before all

this happened but I don’t wish to go outside ever again as I’ve had my fill of being a roving kitty. I just want to be inside, snuggled in a cozy bed, with people waiting on me. I’m a neutered male kitty, with tabby stripes and short hair. I am FIV & FELV negative and up to date on my shots. I would love to have a home of my own and am patiently waiting for someone to adopt me!

All cats and kittens require an on-line adoption application be completed and sent BEFORE consideration for adoption can take place. On-line applications can be found at www.billericacatcarecoalition.org.

Create Community

•By Pat Zapert

Member FDIC

As the leading, independent business bank with deep roots in the community, and strong local ties throughout this region, Enterprise Bank continues to fuel the local economy, consistently reinvesting resources in the communities we serve.

Our Billerica teams are proud to actively champion the needs of the Billerica community and to create opportunities for greater financial success.

Billerica Branch 978-262-0123

EnterpriseBanking.com Billerica Green.indd 1

North Billerica Branch 978-262-0100

Enterprise Bank CREATE SUCCESS 11/09/2009 5:20:34 PM

20 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

CAPTION CONTEST

Jarred’s Video 3 J’s Corner Game Tips owser’s Inside February Review: Mario and Luigi’s-B Story For Nintendo DSI and DS

Write a caption for this cartoon. If we like yours the best we will print it in the next edition of The Billerica Green. Submit your caption online at www.thebillericagreen.com/blog

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Jake’s Green Corner

Eco-Friendly Ideas

So, I was talking with my friend, N icole. And we were coming up wi th ideas to help th e environment.

Here’s what we thou ght you could do: • Pick up the trash that you see.

• Put out a bird fee der for the animals .

• In the Spring, plan t trees.

• Recycle, recycle, re cycle!

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February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 21

Olivia DiFraia, and Shawn and Lindsey Mulkerin, incoming students, decided to brave the cold night to enjoy the warm hospitality at the Kennedy School.

Š 2009 Tony Luongo for The Billerica Green For Personal Use Only. More pages available at www.thebillericagreen.com

Brittany Ferguson and Madison Eagan think chocolate tastes best.

Susanna Gillis and Rebecca Harrington show their true colors at the Kennedy School Ice Cream Social with painted faces and blue lips.

Free coloring pages at thebillericagreen.com/playground.html

22 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

Nourishment for Optimal Health •By Kathy Lynch, CHHC

LOSE WEIGHT THE HEALTHY WAY Do you wish you could lose weight? You are not alone – two thirds of Americans are overweight, struggling to find out how to take the weight off and live a more healthy life. Wouldn’t it be nice to finally figure out how to eat, once and for all?

Before I studied nutrition, I was confused by all the conflicting messages I was hearing through various media. I wanted to eat well but I wasn’t sure what healthy food was. I didn’t like grocery shopping or cooking.

Fortunately, after studying nutrition in depth, all that changed.

I found that I needed to learn and follow a series of steps to reach long-term healthy eating. Now I share my system with clients. The steps in WellSkillsTM System for reaching ideal weight, health, and energy include working to: 1) balance lifestyle so all the important parts of life are included, like exercise, de-stressing, fun, and all the important stuff that make life worthwhile, 2) master the knowledge and habit improvements needed to obtain and maintain ideal weight, 3) shop for quality

foods affordably, 4) plan balanced meals, easily and quickly, 5) implement strategies for eating well on the go, 6) manage cravings and food addictions that can be overpowering, 7) add foods and lifestyle choices that create, rather than drain, energy, 8) add in foods that build the immune system, 9) ensure that the digestive system is working optimally so the healthy foods eaten are absorbed, and 10) focus on taking lessons learned for ourselves to our families, friends, and community.

When aiming to lose weight, like any goal in life, it is important to commit to it.

You have to believe, deep down, that it is possible to achieve and then put your time and attention to the process of achieving it.

Don’t be fooled by “quick-fix solutions” like surgery, diet pills, pre-packaged diet foods, fasting, and fad diets. These methods do nothing to teach you how to keep weight off long term. Too many people go on a diet and then off a diet –the yo-yo syndrome. Why not just focus on learning how to eat once and for all without ever having to go on a diet at all?

To obtain and maintain weight loss, it is necessary to get in touch with the intuitive side of eating. This involves an inner “knowing” to eat when hungry and to eat what the body needs to function at its best. High-quality, whole foods, preferably organic, without added chemical additives are best.

Remember to give your body time to adjust to weight loss. It takes time to put weight on and it takes time to take it off. The weight should come off slowly and steadily. By learning how to eat healthfully, for the longterm, your entire body will become healthier and stronger. Excess weight will melt away until your body has reached its ideal weight.

Kathy Lynch is founder of WellSkills. com and the WellSkillsTM System, a proven step-by-step program to help busy Moms and their families reach life-long health, energy, and weight. If you want to learn more about local cooking classes, events, and resources, visit www.WellSkills.com. © 2009 Kathy Lynch, WellSkills.

Billerica Media Beat •By Paul Abrego

SEASICK NO MORE: TRY A TRIPOD Did you receive a new video camera for the Holidays? Did you buy one with some of that extra cash Grandma sent? Well, friends, your friendly neighborhood tech guy is here to offer you some simple steps to create quality home videos.

Let’s start with camera stabilization. Using tripods, monopods and/or shoulder mounts for image stabilization makes any home video much more professional-looking and pleasing to the viewer.

First, we must begin with the basics. Tripods made for small home camcorders are cheap ($15-$30) and every bit as effective as expensive ones. This is especially true if all you care about is not creating motion-sickness induced by a shaky camera video. And believe me folks, you should care about that! How many times have you watched someone’s home movies and the shakiness of the camera nearly caused vomiting? If it’s happened a dozens of times, stop the madness now and get yourself a tripod. I promise that by just using a tripod, the production values of your home movies will increase exponentially.

The Grand Championship contestants receive their trophies. Nikila Vasudevan won the 2010 Billerica Spelling Bee Grand Chamionship.

The 2010 Billerica Spelling Bee Winners by grade level: Third: 1. Kathryn Wiggins, Parker 2. Firas Rimawi, Hajjar Fourth: 1. Araceli Schmalz, Vining 2. Erin Montion, Ditson 3. Christina Yapoudjian, Ditson Fifth: 1. Guarang Amonkar, Ditson 2. Vaishnavi Bandari, Hajjar

Sixth: 1. Larry Tang, Locke Middle 2. Eric Tang, Locke Middle 3. Niharika Rao, Marshall Middle Seventh: 1. Anshuman Das, Marshall Middle 2. Richard MacDonald, Marshall Middle 3. Rohan Bhat, Locke Middle Eighth: 1. Nikila Vasudevan, Locke Middle 2. Raj Patil, Marshall Middle 3. Jennifer Nice, Locke Middle

If adequate space is not available to use a tripod, then perhaps a similarly priced monopod (a one legged mount) would add some necessary stabilization and take up less space to set up and carry.

A shoulder mount could also be used but can be rather expensive ($100 and up) and still rely more on the user’s expertise, rather than a stabilizer’s. Also, many cameras do have stabilizers built into them, but don’t think that using a camera’s so-called stabilizer renders a tripod unnecessary. That’s like saying, “I don’t need wheels on my car, I can just drive on the rims”. Sure you could, but it’ll be a bumpy ride. Some stabilizers can help limit hand-held shakiness but even the cheapest tripod used properly is a much more effective means to stabilize your video.

Here are some basic stabilizer training techniques to help you make your home videos look professional: 1) When using a tripod, monopod or shoulder mount first tightly secure the camera to it. You don’t want hundreds of dollars of camera slipping off of that mount.

2) Learn how to pan and tilt your tripod appropriately. A really fast pan is nearly unrecognizable on-screen, so take your time and let the viewer see what you’re seeing, not a blurred representation of it.

3) When shooting your video make sure to follow the action on camera by ‘leading the subject’ and not by playing catch up to it. If someone is walking from the left to the right, try to keep the person in the left side of the frame. Then pan to the right, following them as they walk, while leaving space in front of them on the right of the frame.

Try practicing these techniques a few times and you’ll really notice the difference in your videography. So get out there, stabilize those shots, make your videos watchable, people. Stop making your friends and relatives sea-sick! Next time, I’ll talk about shot composition, framing and the importance of camera location.

As always, if you have any technical questions about this article feel free to email me at pabrego.batvinc@comcast.net.

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 23

THE SPRING MARKET FOR REAL ESTATE

By Edna Chalmers EXIT Homestead Realty What is the Spring Market? When does it Start? Will it be a Good Market or a Bad Market? These are questions asked both by Buyers and Sellers as well as Realtors.

Springtime is traditionally the busiest season in real estate for Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors. This is when new buyers flood the market generating new vitality. Fresh properties enter the market along with others that were taken off at the end off last year.

This always results in a buying and selling frenzy that is fueled by new money and increased competition in the marketplace.

Usually, the unofficial beginning of the spring home buying season starts after the Super Bowl, which would have been very early this year on February 7. The home buying season however, has already started, thanks to the expanded first-time and stepup home buyer tax credit. In other words, the Tax Credit is igniting the early Spring Selling Season and is getting people off the couch and out looking already.

This year is truly a buyer’s arena. Several factors affecting the current housing trend show the real estate market forecast to be much busier than usual over the next several months, so discerning sellers should take notice. This year, in particular, the housing market is predicted to be very active with a positive real estate market outlook and here’s why. The 4th quarter of 2009 saw a huge increase in home sales nationwide, caused in part by the expiration of the Federal Housing Tax Credit for first-time home buyers. This helped to clear the increasing inventory of unsold homes, many of which were foreclosures and short sales that had been helping to foil home prices.

Now that the Federal Housing Tax Credit has been extended into April and includes not only first-time home buyers but step-up buyers as well. As a result, there will be thousands more Americans rushing to be under contract before April 30 deadline and closed by June 30, 2010.

Also, just this week the Federal Reserve announced that it intended to keep key interest rates at historical lows. It’s highly likely that the Fed will be “on hold” for rate

changes. The Fed will have to try and play Goldilocks…getting it “just right” for the amount of time they leave interest rates at these historically low levels. Hike rates too soon, and it could derail an already fragile US economic recovery. And let’s remember that the government has literally spent trillions to try and provide stimulus to spark that economic recovery. The Fed will likely err on the side of keeping rates lower longer, as they certainly would not want to send the US into a double-dip recession, making the stimulus appear to be wasted effort. The Fed will have an incentive to keep rates low, so long as unemployment shows no sign of improving. But there is a very big risk in keeping rates too low too long…and that risk is inflation.

While inflation doesn’t appear to be a present concern, it can be very difficult to control once it takes hold. And its effects can be very damaging. If it does take center stage, the Fed will have to hike rates very aggressively to attempt to keep it at bay.

The bottom line; if you plan to buy or sell your home in 2010, earlier in the year will be much better than later. On one hand, sellers will see a slight increase in sales prices due to the influx of fresh buyers and the rush to beat the April 30 deadline for the tax credit. However, Buyers will be able to take advantage of historically low interest rates before the Fed raises them and can cash in on the Federal Housing Tax Credit, not to mention having a much greater selection of homes listed for sale.

“Location, location, location” used to be the real estate motto, but this year we are more likely to hear “Timing, timing, timing” to be the motto!

My final words of wisdom are that 2010 will look better than 2009. But, good economic news is a double-edged sword, as it increases the risk of rising taxes and rates. Many people may not understand the relationship between rates and the economy, so make sure you take advantage of the expertise of your Realtor, your Mortgage Consultant and the experts in this field that can help you with the changing economic climate and your understanding of it. We all want to help you make your home buying experience as stress free as possible.

YOUR NEW PUPPY

By Sandra Brigham, Trainer and Behavior Consultant Establish good house training habits.

1- Use a notebook to create a potty log with columns for date, time, and outcome. Locate it conveniently and update it each time your puppy goes potty. Identify patterns to help you

EXIT Homestead Realty “Real Estate Solutions” 5 Andover Rd., Billerica, MA 01821 Ph: 978-439-5566 Fax: 978-439-0583

Mission Statement It is the goal of EXIT Homestead Realty to provide superior Real Estate Service and to lead the Real Estate Industry to a higher level of professional and ethical standards of practice.

Our Real Estate Solutions Team

Andrew & Edna Chalmers Broker Owners

EXIT Homestead Realty has expanded our Real Estate Solutions Center.

• David Morey – Greenpark Mortgage • Christine Morgan – Real Estate Attorney • Michael Longo – The Concord River Group • Harris Real Estate School

Homes can use a little extra push these days to sell.

EXIT Realty’s 50-G Program gives homeowner the ability to offer a

$50,000 selling bonus to any buyer’s agent that sells the property!

EXIT Realty’s 50-G Program gives you leverage to sell in a buyer’s market When there are hundreds of homes on the market just like your home, you and your real estate agent have to do something to make it stand out from the crowd. There are a number of things you can do but most of them require either a lot of effort or a lot of money. What if you could offer a possible $50,000 selling bonus to the Agent that sells your home? How much would that be worth?

The easy answer is $50,000. Unfortunately, on a $200,000 home, that comes out to a 25% selling bonus which most homeowners would not be excited to pay. How does $500 sound? Pretty good right? $500 (and only if your home sells) gives you the ability to offer a chance for a Realtor to make $50,000 plus commission off the sale of one property.

This sounds too good to be true…how does it really work? anticipate your puppy’s routine and minimize accidents in the house.

2- Stage a small container of liver treats out of reach near the potty exit door to guarantee handy treat access and timely potty rewards.

Sandra is the owner of Train Up That Pup! You can reach her at 978-436-0318 or www.trainupthatpup.com.

Contact Edna Chalmers for information on the 50-G Home Marketing Program Many homeowners selling their homes will never participate in this program for the simple reason that they don’t ‘get it.’

My suggestion to you, because you are a smart, savvy homeowner if you are reading

this article, is to ‘get it’ and sign up for it to get your home sold. It’s as simple as that so, call us for a 50G Brochure today at 978 439 5566.

www.ExitHomesteadRealty.com

24 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

MICHAEL S. ROSA ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RE-ELECTION

PATRICIA (PAT) FLEMMING ANNOUNCES HER CANDIDACY

My name is Michael S. Rosa and I am pleased and excited to announce my candidacy for ReElection to the Billerica Board of Selectman.

Over the past 12 years as Selectman, I have built a reputation for being a hard worker, striving to do what is in the best interest of the residents of this town. Local politics is where our leaders have the most immediate impact on our daily lives. Over my tenure on the board, I have authored several warrant articles to improve Billerica for all of us. Some of these articles include: 1. Warrant articles limiting tax impact on residents and businesses. As a homeowner and a small business owner, I know the impacts of these hard economic times and constantly look for ways to cut costs and save.

2. The Fire Hydrant Maintenance Bylaw to provide added safety for residents and Billerica Fire Fighters.

3. The Sewer Betterment By-Law which brings sewerage to residents years before they otherwise would have received it. This saves thousands on replacing their septic systems, adding value to their homes.

4. I supported the warrant article to form the Land Bank account to preserve open space in Billerica.

5. The warrant article to protect Veterans from the age restriction of Civil Service.

6. The Electrical By-Law to help eliminate double telephone poles.

I am also known for my work with the senior community, senior center, and Veterans. I have fought to get the greatest value for the taxpayer’s dollar and make town government accountable to work for all residents.

Some of these accomplishments include supporting and working with the Council on Aging to expand the new Senior Center to where it is today. I was Vice Chairman of the fund raising committee for this new center and Chairman of the Commemorative Brick fund raising committee which raised $20,000. I personally solicited and acquired an additional $25,000 in furniture donations for the senior center, created the senior citizen parking space at town hall, and am a supporter of the Senior Tax Relief program.

As Chairman of the WWI and WWII Committee, I helped bring about the memorial we have on the common, honoring our Veterans. I also created “Welcome Home” certificates, as a show of appreciation to our Veterans for their service to our town and country. We can’t do enough for the men and women of our armed forces to thank them for their sacrifices and putting their life on the line for all of us.

I instituted the town hall mailbox,

I am Patricia (Pat) Flemming and I am a long time resident and former business owner who is running for one of the two open seats on the Billerica Board of Selectman.

I have called Billerica my home for over 45 years and am a proud graduate of Billerica Memorial High School. Following high school I opened the Barking Boutique, a dog grooming and boarding service, that thrived for 30 years.

In 2005, I sold the business to enjoy semiretirement. I am very active in the Town and remain concerned that Billerica’s best interests are not being met. I am proud to call Billerica my home and want to give back to the community by working for the residents as a Selectman.

I am not a stranger to Billerica Politics. I have served as a Town Meeting Representative for Precinct 9 since 1991. I have done this with great honor

allowing residents to drop off town hall mail anytime of day or night. As Chairman of the Board in 2007, I brought the Town Manager, the DPW Director and the Recycling Coordinator together to address the lack of recycling in Billerica. Later that year, I submitted a recycling plan to the BOS which was put into place. Over the last three years, this has saved the taxpayers $825,000. One of my current projects is my involvement and support of the youth skateboard park committee which will aid in building a skate park at the Lampson Field. This will give this youth group a safe place to skateboard.

I am running for Selectman once again because I care about the residents and want to continue offering leadership and representation for you. I respectfully ask for your support and vote on April 10th so I may continue to be your voice.

Thank You, Michael S. Rosa Candidate for Re-Election Billerica Board of Selectmen

THANK YOU BILLERICA To The Citizens of Billerica, For over thirty-six years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving on your School Committee. During that span of time, I have seen many changes in our children’s education.

Everything from the use of computers to MCAS testing has changed the way children learn. I have served with five superintendents, each with a different style, but all with the same goal as mine. To give the children of Billerica the best education we could, with the resources available.

At one point in time, we had over eleven thousand students in our schools and that presented great challenges to both our resources and our educators, yet we were able to provide quality education for our children. I am proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure and have great expectations for the future of education in Billerica.

Public service is a long-standing tradition in my family. My father, Henry Collins, was a role model for me. He served the people of Billerica in several capacities for many years, including his tenure on the same School Committee. My service on the School Committee started with my appointment to fill the seat of previous member Irving Folk, who had passed

away. I have always been grateful to those like Paul Newman, Jim Dangora Sr., Tom Cooney, Tom Conway and Paul Ford who all gave me the privilege of serving, by casting votes in my favor.

As a result, I then placed my name for a full term on our School Committee every three years from the end of that appointed service.

After standing for election twelve times, I feel it is time for me to go in a different direction and to serve our community in a different way. I will not be a candidate for re-election this year, but intend to stay involved in the future of our community.

I will be forever grateful to the People of Billerica, who have entrusted me with the task of helping shape the education of our children. Each time my name has been on the ballot, you have responded with overwhelming support and encouragement which has allowed me to be an advocate for many people over the years.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you and our children on The Billerica School Committee.

Sincerely, Maureen Collins-Rea 325 Boston Road, North Billerica, MA 01862

and pride. I have also served on the By-Law Review Committee, Housing Production Committee, and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) since 1993, which I took very seriously. I am an entrepreneur and also the founding member and former President of the Billerica Chamber of Commerce of which I served for three years. I also served as the President of the Billerica Sons of Italy for three years and now currently serving as Vice President.

There are many issues facing Billerica and each resident living here. I have experience by being a resident, a business owner and elected official. This combined experience has led me to work directly with the Billerica residents and business owners in the town, which has also given me a keen insight to listening, problem solving and resolving conflicts. I am committed to serving Billerica and to work even harder as a Selectman.

I strongly believe that the voice of the residents are extremely important. I want to assure all residents I will set aside private time to meet with them to work hard to resolve and find a solution to their problems and concerns. One resident’s problem becomes my problem.

The issues that confronted Billerica in 2008 still need to be addressed in 2010. I want to provide a stable tax base while continuing to maintain our vital public services.

Protecting our residents, communities and all who commute to Billerica for work is important. I feel we need to create a feasible plan to address the infrastructure that is in critical need of attention.

I am compelled to make the hard decisions and commit to right choices that will act in the best interest of Billerica. I feel The Board of Selectman must look into the future and lead the community in the right direction. By understanding the economy, housing, economic development and town safety, good decisions can be made for each and every resident.

I still feel very strongly to preserve and promote a great way of life for the residents of Billerica, the best candidate needs to be elected to the Billerica Board of Selectman.

I believe together we can work on all the important issues facing the town.

I have such a strong conviction of the issues that face Billerica that I am running for the office again. I am very grateful to the voters for their consideration of my candidacy for Selectman. I am asking the voters to cast one of their two votes for me.

Thank you, Patricia (Pat) Flemming Candidate for Billerica Board of Selectmen

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PAUL MARASCO ANNOUNCES HIS CANDIDACY

ROBERT (BOB) CORRENTI ANNOUNCES HIS CANDIDACY

I am very pleased to announce my candidacy for a seat on the Billerica Board of Selectmen. I ask the support of all voters who believe it is time to Bring Billerica Together. We face many challenges in the coming three years, and I offer my business and leadership experience to voters who want better results from their Town Government.

When residents open their tax bills in early April, they will see that taxes have increased again. While many of our neighbors have lost their jobs, most households have had to reduce their expenses, cut costs and find new ways to stretch a dollar. Town government needs to do the same things, and I have many ideas to offer to bring our spending under control. First and foremost, we need to charge our new Town Manager and his team to make sound fiscal policy their highest priority.

The second step is to make Billerica a more attractive place for good business development. With leadership from the Board of Selectmen, we need to establish a plan to revitalize our Town Center so that it generates revenue and improves the image of the entire community. The Board of Selectmen needs to take a more active role in economic development, not by forming more committees, but by tasking the Manager with using all of the resources available, including the Town Master Plan, to promote Billerica.

I consider it an honor and privilege to have served as a Citizen Planner and will do the same on the Board of Selectman. In my

I have been truly honored to serve three terms as one of your Selectmen. To me, being a Selectman is a unique opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and to make local government more responsive to residents. That’s been my focus every day.

I’ve enjoyed representing Billerica at countless events and activities – some truly exciting and special. These included the Eagle Scout Courts of Honor; standing on the deck of the USS Constitution honoring one of Billerica’s own, a retiring Navy Admiral raised on School House Lane; reading to the children at the Parker School; or delivering a Proclamation to a resident celebrating her 100th birthday!

While property taxes rose, I got results to ease the burden on those most affected – seniors, widows, the blind and disabled veterans. Through my efforts at Town Meeting, the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Program was created and has benefited scores of seniors for nearly a decade. I also fought successfully to increase property tax abatements by 60 percent. While we’ve accomplished much, there are still many challenges ahead!

I located funds bequeathed to the Town which had gone untouched for over 100 years and successfully established a fund using these monies to provide financial assistance to School Music Program students in need, helping to defray the cost of instrument rental. Working with a dedicated group on the Partners for Education’s “Fight for Education” Committee, I’ve helped raise over $100,000 for school enrichment programs.

Additionally, unused funds were located to establish a support group for families left behind by those deployed to active military

six years as Chairman of the Planning Board, we faced very contentious issues-- from the mall development, to house lot approvals to industrial expansion. The Board conducted meetings in a professional manner with everyone given the opportunity to be heard. I have endeavored to be a responsible, practical and down to earth citizen planner because I care and I listen. My ability to maintain civil discussion and common sense decision making will be very useful on the Board of Selectmen-- for we all want the Selectmen to conduct their meetings in a manner that reflects positively on the Town.

I also offer my professional experience.

A Merrimack College graduate, I am a commercial loan officer with Digital Federal Credit Union; I hold a real estate broker’s license, a private pilot’s license and have more than 25 years in commercial development and small business ownership. With a wide range of experience and a strong interest in listening to other people’s ideas, I believe I can bring a productive spirit and tone to the Billerica Board of Selectmen.

I know that serving the Town on the Board of Selectmen is a commitment I could not make without the support of my wife Gayle and sons Anthony and Benjamin. I am grateful for, and would not be able to enter this campaign, without their encouragement.

With great faith in the citizens of Billerica and the energy and commitment to Bring Billerica Together, I respectfully ask voters for one of their two votes for Selectman on April 10, 2010.

Thank you, Paul Marasco Candidate for Billerica Board of Selectmen

BLANCHETTE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY Marie Blanchette, Chairperson of The Billerica School Committee, has announced her intention to seek re-election to the board.

In making her announcement, she cites her experience in many aspects of Billerica government and civic involvement. Blanchette worked for The Billerica Schools for several years in various capacities.

Prior to her leaving the School Department, she worked with the Assistant Superintendent for Business.

After leaving the School Department, Blanchette started working for the Merrimack Education Center coordinating transportation for special needs children.

This program was initiated twenty three years ago with a joint effort between Billerica and Tewksbury and has saved the towns thousands of dollars.

Her government involvement includes three terms on the School Committee, where she is currently serving as Chairperson; several terms on the Finance Committee; and six years as an elected member of the

Planning Board. She has also served on the founding committee for Billerica Access Television and the Billerica Substance Abuse Prevention Committee.

Blanchette is presently serving on the Traffic Management Committee, is Secretary of the Parker School Building Committee, and is an Elected Town Meeting Representative from Precinct five.

Over the years, Blanchette has also been involved with many civic activities including acting as a chaperon for a multitude of student events. She was also active in the Billerica Community Ski Club for many years. She currently holds membership at the Association of School Business Officials and The Massachusetts Association of Pupil Transportation of which she was the founding secretary.

Blanchette’s continuing goal is to use her experience and knowledge in pursuit of the best school system we have ever had. She hopes the people of Billerica agree with her goals and will re-elect her for three more years on Saturday April 10.

duty as well as to provide financial assistance if needed.

Knowing the impact of 40B developments on our town, I fought for Billerica at the Department of Housing and Community Development to secure approval for a Housing Productivity Plan, giving us greater control over 40Bs. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Community Teamwork – an agency providing various programs such as Fuel Assistance, Home Weatherization, child care, etc., throughout Merrimack Valley. Yearly, CTI assists hundreds of Billerica residents!

To further ease the burden on residential taxpayers, I have actively promoted Billerica seeking to attract and spur new businesses growth. I’m particularly proud of my efforts that resulted in a kidney dialysis facility locating here. Having this service in Billerica means many of our residents are able to receive critically needed care in their own town close to home.

I have a track record of independence and results: a voice that will never hesitate to ask the questions that need to be asked, a voice that is not intimidated and a voice of reason for all residents; results that show a demonstrated commitment to all residents and the strength of character to stand up and fight for what may not be politically correct but what is “right”.

That’s why I’m running, to continue to be an independent, responsive, and results-driven Selectman for you!

But I need your support and vote so I can continue working and getting those results for you! Our Town Election is Saturday, April 10th. I respectfully ask for one of your two votes for Selectman.

Thank you, Robert Correnti Candidate for Re-Election Billerica Board of Selectmen

CUGNO ANNOUNCES SCHOOL COMMITTEE BID My name is Dan Cugno and I am officially announcing my candidacy for a three year term on the Billerica School Committee. I am a father of three boys who attend elementary school in town and have seen the need for change.

After my work with the Partnership for Parker, I realized that there was more that could be done for the children of Billerica.

While there are many issues that need to be addressed, I would first like to use my business experience to focus on fiscal discipline and reform.

I offer a new vision and a new voice. I am not a politician, but an active citizen and parent who wants to work for a more progressive school system.

For more information regarding Dan Cugno and my campaign, please visit the campaign website at www. dancugno.com and the “Committee to Elect Daniel Cugno” page on Facebook.

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H1N1 CLINIC SERVES HUNDREDS Although it is considered a pandemic, H1N1 flu is not as deadly as originally thought.

This was according to Carol Butze, Director of Nursing for Billerica Public Schools, on Jan. 23 when Billerica hosted a second free flu clinic for anyone in town. The first clinic held in the fall was for seasonal flu vaccines as well.

MCC NURSING STUDENT KARA MIELE CAREFULLY ADMINISTERS THE H1N1 VACCINE TO RESIDENT VERONICA KEATING.

Christine West, Board of Health (BOH) Town Nurse, reported 400 people were vaccinated this time, down from the 1,500 in the fall. She attributed this previously offering two types of vaccines, H1N1 was at the peak of the pandemic, and many people in town are already vaccinated. West said people were

responding fine to the vaccine.

“We’ve heard no complaints,” said West.

“People tolerate it well.”

West heard how thankful residents were for the police utilizing the reverse 911 system which reminded everyone in town about the clinic.

Butze said school nurses from the various public schools were on hand, as well as were the Shawsheen Vocational High School LPN students and the Middlesex Community College (MCC) nursing students.

“The nurses are doing an awesome job,” said Butze.

Sharon Jette, RN, Professor of Nursing at MCC, explained this was health training for her students. Janet Forgione, Clinical Instructor from the Shawsheen, said the LPN students were cognizant of egg allergies, checking forms carefully before administering the shot.

“Working in the community gives them a broader perspective of nursing,” said Forgione.

Butze said people should wash hands often, use hand sanitizer regularly, and sneeze or cough into the crux of the elbow/arm instead of using hands to stop spreading the virus.

The BOH will have all flu vaccines in their office still, available by appointment by calling (978) 671-0931.

WISDOM WORKS: GIVING SENIORS A FRESH START IN THE JOB MARKET Even before the economic downturn, the Council On Aging noticed senior citizens needing to work longer, retire later, and require more financial resources to fund additional retirement years. Unfortunately, it has become common place that seniors have only one job skill but now need to compete in the job market. Many don’t know where to turn.

COA Director Donna Popkin and her Outreach Director, Marilyn Keating are excited to now offer Wisdom Works for job seekers 55 years or older who are or will be looking for work. This program will consist of four employment workshops facilitated by human resource professionals from numerous local corporations volunteering their time and expertise. For a one time fee of $15, seniors register and must attend all four sessions, which will be offered both during day and evening hours. These workshops will focus on job skills assessments, resume writing, interviewing skills, and researching through technology.

Beth Peddle, a retired HR professional with 20 years experience, wants to help seniors find a the right niche. She will be offering career counseling, resume writing assistance, and out placement services. Even if seniors only

have one skill, Peddle might explore other ‘interests’ which could lead elsewhere. For example, if they like gardening, maybe there is a position available at The Saltbox Nurseries.

Peddle noted this age group has so much to offer with their life experiences, no child care issues, and ‘old school’ work ethics.

“It just empowers them,” said Peddle.

“They feel good about themselves.”

Christa Moore, 11 years in human resources through Nokia, has seen this in her own life. Her aunt can’t retire because she does not have enough savings and has to find work later in life. She has

expertise in staffing and recruiting and plans to encourage seniors to try online services and networking to find jobs.

“I definitely want to do whatever I can to help,” said Moore.

For more information, contact Popkin at 978-671-0916, ext. 221.

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PAINLESS ENHANCEMENTS: LOCAL COSMETIC SOLUTIONS OFFER LASTING RESULTS Quietly situated close to the corner of Andover Road at 412 B Boston Road is a fullservice medical spa that has brought widely effective non-surgical skin care solutions to many patients.

Advanced Laser Concepts offers cosmetic enhancements like laser hair removal, photo skin rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing, Botox cosmetics, dermal fillers, chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion. All procedures are performed by Joyce Jennings, owner and registered nurse, and are all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved .

If you live with unwanted hair or have moderate forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet, Jennings’ services may be for you.

Laser hair removal and Botox injections are two of her more popular and requested services.

Going on four years in Billerica, Jennings was previously a pediatric nurse for 15 years. After seeing a plastic surgeon for her own hair removal, the doctor invited her to partner with him and assist in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Now, Jennings has her own medical spa, which she runs under the guidance of her Medical Director, Dr. Russo.

“He has great bedside manner and is a wealth of knowledge,” said Jennings.

Many patients come in for hair removal after trying typical solutions like shaving, painful waxing or time-consuming electrolysis. Advanced Laser Concepts uses a laser system that has cooling methods to keep the light pulses mild and the skin safe.

“It works best on people with darker hair as it heats up stem cells in the follicle, stopping further growth,” explained Jennings.

Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, cleavage, chest, arms, legs, hands,

and toes. Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and have been approved for “permanent hair reduction” in the United States. Some people will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 3-8 treatments.

For Christine Lopez, she found relief in the laser hair removal after years of waxing.

“It was messy and painful,” said Lopez.

“This is much better.”

Lopez has been with Jennings for over three years and after her fourth visit, only came every six weeks. Now she only needs touch ups once or twice per year. All she feels is a little static but finds the procedure not painful at all.

“It worked very well,” said Lopez. “It definitely was a good experience.”

Jennings’ other popular procedure are the Botox injections. Botox is short for Botulinum toxin A which is a purified protein. Botox reduces the movement of facial muscles, allowing the skin to smooth out and create a softer, more relaxed look in general.

“As we age, our ability to rebuild collagen slows down,” said Jennings.

Botox injections can also help prevent new wrinkles from forming. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes with minimal discomfort. Noticeable results are seen within three to seven days after treatment. These results may last up to four to six months.

The use of Botox in cosmetic circumstances was approved by the FDA in 2002 after more than 20 years of use for neuro-muscular spasm-causing conditions. Because Botox relaxes muscles, it was medically effective for quadriplegics and paraplegics.

To see if laser hair removal or Botox injections are for you, call Jennings for a free consultation at 978-663-7400 or visit her website at www.advancedlaserconcepts.net.

Billerica Police as well as representatives from MTM Brainerd Insurance and the Billerica Driving School were on hand at the Bennett Library for “Getting Ready to Drive: What you Need to Know”. This free workshop aimed to share information with teens and their parents about the risks, liabilities, and responsibilities of getting behind the wheel.

“Emotional Learning” We all want our children to be honest, caring, and respectful of others. One of the main reasons I opened my karate school was to use the martial arts to help reinforce core values. An organization that started at our school but has expanded beyond it to include other parents and teachers, is Kids Respecting Kids (KRK).

The mission of KRK is to promote and support within the Billerica school district, anti-violence programs. Those in KRK believe that for children to learn effectively, they need to be taught in a school climate that enhances respect. Bullying is destructive to the bully and the child bullied.

Adults need to step in with preventive measures.

For over seven years, KRK has worked toward this goal. It paid for, distributed, tabulated and presented at a Town Hall meeting, the results of a district wide survey on school social climate.

It raised money for the Peace Playground at the Vining school and members helped build it..

A quilt, Tomorrow’s Hope, designed by Vining students as part of a KRK project hangs at the school.

KRK has purchased anti-violence curriculum

for the Vining, Parker, and Kennedy schools.

Last Spring, the organization hosted a teachers’ luncheon at the Billerica Country Club to honor educators in our schools who are working to foster respect in their classroom. Both the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of schools attended.

KRK awarded over $3,000 in grant money to the honorees for use in further projects. This grant process continues.

In a world where there are increasing incidents of violence in schools and a recent tragedy due to an incident of cyber bullying, KRK wants to do whatever it can to help our children stay safe.

If you are interested in learning more about Kids Respecting Kids, a 50lc3 charitable organization, just give me a call.

All my best, Alan Kessler 7 Marshall Street | Billerica, MA 01821 978-667-7774 508 Groton Road | Westford, MA 01886 978-692-0479 www.kesslerkarate.com ADVERTISEMENT

28 / thebillericagreen.com / February - March 2010

BILLERICA RELAY RAISES MOST FUNDS LOCALLY During the recent Kick-Off dinner in January, Kristen Scott from the American Cancer Society Relay for Life thanked Billerica for a job well done. During an award ceremony, Selectman Marc Lombardo was on hand to receive the Nationwide Number One Per Capita Award for best fund raising efforts last year, calling this event ‘important’. The Relay for Life of Greater Billerica surpassed their goal and raised $42,000 for the American Cancer Society in 2009.

Relay teams last year across the nation raised over $409 million.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a lifechanging event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At the Billerica Relay, teams of people camp out at Lampson Field across for The Boys and Girls Club and take turns walking or running around the football field. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

To join, teams of 8-15 people are formed under the direction of a captain. There is a $10 registration fee per team member and each member is asked to raise $100 each. As of

January, there were eight teams signed up in Billerica with over $1000 already raised.

For the acting Mrs. Massachusetts, Jane Marshall, cancer has been no stranger. Her mother had ovarian cancer in 1990 but through early detection, it was removed, allowing her to live a wonderful life. Sadly, in 2005, stage 4 breast cancer was detected late and she lost her battle in 2007. Marshall tearfully noted how her mom never met her husband or daughter and begged people to get checked early.

“Make sure you spread the word to how important early detection is,” said Marshall.

“Make sure you know your body.”

This all night event promises to be moving and inspirational, especially during the Luminaria ceremony. One bag per survivor or fighter is lit and the names of those honored are read while a bag piper plays and the teams march silently around the field in the darkness. Luminaria bags are being sold for $10 a piece.

“At our relay, it is one of the most powerful ceremonies,” said Scott.

The Green Handyman •By Jeffrey R. Parenti, P.E.

ROOF RAKES 101 We got a few e-mails after last month’s article on attics asking for more information on ice dams. It’s wise to spend some more time on this because ice dams can cause expensive damage.

Every homeowner should know how to prevent them.

To review, it is very important to have a well-insulated and wellventilated attic. Usually, this alone will keep a block of rock-hard ice from forming on at the gutter line. But it still can happen, and when a dam of ice forms, melted snow above the dam has nowhere to go and can work its way back under the shingles and cause water damage to interior walls.

The simplest way to prevent ice dams is to manually remove snow from the bottom edge of the roof. Without snow, there is no way for a dam to form.

The only way to do this safely is with a roof rake. No other method will do. The Green Handyman learned this the hard way. After a heavy snowstorm last winter, I went to the hardware store for a roof rake, but they were sold out.

So I attempted to remove the snow with the brush I use to clean my pool and a long pole. This did not work very well at all and I damaged my brush.

I have also seen people climb onto the roof and remove snow with a plain old snow shovel. A slippery roof and gravity is a recipe for a visit to the ER and the shovel could damage the shingles.

Roof rakes are lightweight (usually aluminum) plates attached to a long pole. There are many kinds available, but you don’t need to spend money on a fancier one – they all accomplish the same thing. If you have a full two stories – such as a Colonial – you may need an extension pole.

Once you assemble the rake – a moderate challenge for the beginner handyman – using it is rather simple.

There is no need for a ladder. Before you start, though, look up and make sure you know where all overhead wires are. You do not want to touch your electric service cable with a metal pole.

Stand about 20 feet away from the house and carefully raise the business end of the rake toward the roof. It will be wobbly, so be patient – it will take some time to get used to handling it.

Place the blade of rake a foot or two from the edge, pull gently, and watch out for the avalanche! (Don’t let kids play around you – the snow can be heavy and it is falling from a dangerous height.) Now move the rake over a few feet and repeat. Because of the angle, you won’t be able to see what you are doing, so you’ll be working “by feel.”

If you already have ice dams and water is coming into the house, do not try to remove them. Call a pro.

Jeff rey R. Parenti, P.E. is a registered professional civil engineer living in Billerica.

In addition to funds, the Relay organizers also are asking for food donations and raffle items. Pizza, water bottles or individually packages snack foods are needed and should be enough to feed 300 people. Contact Scott at kristen.scott@ cancer.org for more information on how to make a donation or start a team.

SEEING CLEARLY: LION’S CLUB HAS A VISION When it comes to ensuring people can see, The Lions Club is at the forefront of the race.

The Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP, pronounced”leap”)is a community-based education program that allows Lions clubs to promote healthy vision and raise awareness of the causes of preventable vision loss. The mission of LEHP is to empower communities to save sight through the early detection and timely treatment of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, encourage those at risk to undergo a dilated eye exam, and educate those with low vision and their caregivers about the condition.

Locally, The Billerica Lions Club offers numerous services and hold many events to address these conditions which often aren’t cared for in a timely manner. If someone in Billerica is referred to the Lions Club and can’t afford an eye exam or glasses, Lions will help them cover the costs as well as get them discounted services through Lens Crafters.

“That’s our main charitable mission,” said Dick Tracey, Billerica Lions Club Vision Chairperson.

Globally, Billerica helps too. Throughout the town, there are eyeglass collection boxes for people who don’t need theirs anymore. These can be found in such places as the Council on Aging, the Library, the Town Hall, and selected eye care centers like Cambridge Eye Doctors, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Fantasia’s offices. Both eye

glasses and sun glasses, prescription or not, can be dropped off. The Lions Club will then deliver the used glasses to the New England College of Optometry in Boston to be cleaned and sized. A few times a year, optometric students volunteer to travel to South America to examine patients and fit them with used glasses.

Coming soon this Spring, the Lions Club will partner with the Billerica Public Schools to cosponsor the Kindergarten Vision and Hearing Screenings on March 20th. Lions have been involved in this event for over 30 years and Tracey has found that 10 percent of incoming students are likely to suffer academically by second grade if their vision problems are not caught in Kindergarten.

“We can identify if a child has binocular vision,” said Tracey.

Depth perception and stereo tests are done with pediatric and local optometrists on hand to interpret tests and answer questions.

Unfortunately, only 50 percent of the incoming Kindergarteners ever make it to this free screening. Tracey encouraged parents to bring their children but offered the Lions Club Eye Van as a secondary option. The Van will be available at the upcoming Health Fair on April 10 at the Lodge of the Elks. For more information about the vision and hearing screenings, contact Cathy Jenkins at Central Services of the Billerica Public Schools at 978-528-8500.

February - March 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 29

Notes from General Sound •By Todd Dellaporta

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE It was three years ago that I received yet another email telling me to “check this out”. I don’t recall who had sent it but it was obviously someone I trusted because I dutifully scrolled down and did as I was told.

The four minute video was the story of Dick Hoyt and his son Richard and was set to a song called “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me. Those of you who know me won’t be surprised that it brought me to tears. The song is beautiful. The story is inspirational and moving to say the least. I spent some time searching for more information about this amazing father and son team and was really touched by their story. Having completed more than 1000 races and hundreds of speaking engagements this pair has become somewhat of a “feel good” phenomenon.

It was maybe 2-3 weeks later while DJing at the Ditson School Field Day (always a blast) that the coordinator came over to me and let me know that Team Hoyt had stopped by for a surprise visit. Not making the mental connection I sauntered casually over to the van that had just pulled in and immediately realized that these were the two from the video I had seen. Dick was a well tanned and extremely fit man in what I thought was probably his late 50’s (he was 67). Richard was a well groomed young man confined to a wheelchair whose eyes were bright with enthusiasm and who seemed to be taking in every bit of the many activities which were going on around him. Remembering the details I had seen online, I was very happy

to meet them and they warmly greeted me and the hundreds of elementary children who almost immediately surrounded them.

Dick’s broad smile and firm handshake seemed to be the very essence of Team Hoyt’s mantra… “Yes, you can!” I read somewhere that Rick was once asked, if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, “The thing I’d most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once.”

Rick’s wheelchair doesn’t slow this pair down at all! The Team Hoyt calendar is loaded with nationwide speaking engagements, Dick recently opened a restaurant (“Hoyt’s Finish Line”) and he has run The Hoyt Foundation, Inc. for more than twenty years!

This non-profit organization aspires to build the individual character, self-confidence and self-esteem of America’s disabled young people mostly by their participation in sports. Please take a moment to visit www. teamhoyt.com for everything you could ever want to know about the true power of positive thinking.

General Sound Entertainment has been providing clean, upbeat entertainment for the people of Billerica for almost two decades!

To inquire about quality entertainment, Videography or Photography for your next event he can be reached at 508-572-6880, on the web at www.generalsound.com, or by email at info@generalsound,com

Here’s What We’re Working On. The Town of Many Cultures: Our features and articles next month look at many nationalities and ethnic groups that call Billerica home and make it a wealth of diversity.

Our Beautiful Bennett Library: Eleanor Bennett knew this town needed a library and cultural center. However, when she offered it to the town, the response was “no thanks”.

Your Voter’s Guide to Local Elections: Our local politicians are making a run for office and this guide makes it easy to get informed and get out there to VOTE.

Get ready for Spring: We preview all the big upcoming events that get you out of the cold and into the sun.

Caption Contest Winner Announced!

Submit your Caption. Details on page 20.

Your invitation to

get involved Our community run cancer fighting event needs your help.

Form a team today!

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Billerica June 12-13, 2010 Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica 19 Campbell Road, Billerica At Relay teams take turns walking around a track to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. Special activities at Relay celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, remember those we have lost, and give everyone the chance to fight back against cancer.

For more details contact Erik Langhoff at your American Cancer Society at 781-314-2646 or visit relayforlife.org/billericama.