July 2010 designed and illustrated by Tony Luongo

July/August 2010 Vol.2, No.7

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THE HOWE SCHOOL A Learning Legacy Lives On

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Our Young People Inspire Greatness

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JULY/AUGUST 2010 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 7

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

Contents

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

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: Sandra Brigham, Maureen Grogan, Alexis Hutcheon, Alan Kessler, Wanda Nordlie, Joan Parcewski, Carol Woods, Billerica Cat Care Coalition Contributing Photographers: Gail Lucozzi, George Lucozzi

6

A Physician’s Vision, A Scholar’s Legacy: The Howe School • By Liana Measmer, Editor-in-Chief

16

Meet Me On The Playground Summer is the time to have fun and this year in Pinehurst one more playground will be built adding to the already Fabulous Five in Billerica.

20

Zach’s Stadium

Back Issues: $2 ea. available at Sgroi Gallery, 12 Andover Rd., Billerica

16

Zachary Tompkins left us this spring much too young but his vision of having a sports complex named for him lives on with his family and friends.

• By Nora Fiore, Staff Writer

26

Cycling for A Cure Tim Brandall, donning a helmut and toe straps, will ride across Eastern Mass to do his part for cancer research and treatment.

• By Pat Graham, Sports Editor

Dave Says Green Handyman Will Achieve® The Playground Voice of The Artist

Advertising Sales: Liana Measmer Pat Graham Shawn Hutcheon Nora Fiore Phone: 978-808-2361 E-mail: ads@thebillericagreen.com Subscriptions: Non-Billerica residents: One year (12 issues) $20

6

What began as the first public academy for higher learning paved the way for the secondary education our Billerica students enjoy today.

EDITION

Staff Writers: Nora Fiore Jenn Gervais Pat Graham Shawn Hutcheon Jarred Measmer Julia Measmer Jacob Measmer

IN THIS

Art Director + Illustrator: Tony Luongo

Ask Dr. Gina The Flower Lady Out on the Town Nourishment for Optimal Health

“I’m just beginning. I’m small and smart. To go and learn, where do I start?”

(Actual model may vary.)

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Email your complete answer to liana@ thebillericagreen.com. Include: 1) the answer to the riddle 2) what ad it’s in 3) what page it is on. All entries must be received by August 1st. The winner is then drawn from all correct entries. Good Luck!

Printed on 50% post-consumer recycled paper. Keep the cycle going.

Please recycle when you are done enjoying The Billerica Green.

26

2 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Send us your Letters to the Editor.

All letters become property of The Billerica Green, and those choosen for publication will be edited for clarity and length.

Submit to letters@thebillericagreen.com.

SUMMERTIME IN BILLERICA Phew! What a scorcher, huh? July in this town is a time for summer camps, backyard cookouts and vacations galore. Everyone is out and about, either here or taking off. We hope at the Green you are finding this summer relaxing and fun with family and friends.

Our staff spread their wings this month and brought us some heart felt stories of hope, endurance and excellence. Shawn’s Pitch, Hit and Run piece welcomes female athletes to an exciting skills competition. Pat’s interview with Tim Brandall introduces us to a local man enduring almost 200 miles of bicycle riding to find a cure for cancer. Nora’s story on Zach Tompkin’s Memorial stadium reminds us that family and friends can take grief and channel it into a dream. Jenn’s story about 14 year old author Jessica Bourbeau teaches us to reach for the stars, no matter at what age.

We featured the Howe School this month. It was the vision of Dr. Zadok Howe to build a well funded, well built academy of higher learning. The structure still stands and will someday become the Billerica Museum. From the Howe, the the New Howe High (i.e. Town Hall), to BMHS, higher education in Billerica has always looked good because of the dedicated students and alumni who have given their all.

I did my first American Cancer Society Relay for Life in June. Okay, note to self: TRAIN for this next year...Ouch! The “Walk for Nena” Team raised almost $1000 toward the more than $42,000 raised in Billerica that weekend. Thank you to Kelly, Wanda, Tony, Kim, Noah, Alex, Jarred, Keith,

Colleen, and Rob for honoring Nena (Tony’s and my mom) and helping us with all those laps!

Congratulations to Ginny Penrose for winning the green Ipod in our contest last month! We had more than 40 entries on our first try so we’re running it again!

Lastly, just a reminder that The Heart of Billerica Awards nominations are still on and we need YOURS! To celebrate our first year in business, we’ll be recognizing the unsung heroes who make this town a great place to be. Read all about it on the back page of this edition and email/mail us names and descriptions of folks who you know really put their heart into this town.

As usual, we welcome your feedback. Good or Bad. We need to know how we are doing so we can continue to make the Green the best it can be. Keep cool and keep reading, Billerica!

Liana Measmer liana@thebillericagreen.com

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 3

Dear Editor, We’ve had another successful year with the Relay For Life of Billerica! I’d like to thank you all for all of your hard work.

We have surpassed our goal and have raised about $47,244 towards the fight against cancer! We had 30 teams, 299 participants and 17 survivors come out to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.

Thank you so much to the committee and our WONDERFUL event chairs, Kara Dodd and Sara Pietila for making this all happen. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our top 5 individuals and teams: Top Individuals 1) Jennifer Iozzo- $1,341 2) Julie Winston- $1,250 3) Kathleen Keegan- $1,075 4) Erin Holbrook- $980 5) Karen DiModica- $925 Top Teams 1) Team Johnny- $6,073 2) Team Nippa- $5,306.69 3) Team Kim- $$4,788.52 4) Teens Against Cancer- $4,367 5) Candle Wishes- $4,190 GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!! Thank you so much for all of your hard work!

–Rebecca Harnois Community Executive American Cancer Society Liana, Paul and I are thrilled to report that Clawedette is home!! Just as we were about to give up hope after she had been missing for five weeks she shocked us by appearing at the back door. She was thin and hungry but the vet says otherwise she is absolutely fine. We are thrilled to have her home and she appears to be just as thrilled to be home and won’t leave our sides. Our 4 year old grandson says that she’s been on vacation and staying at the Cat Hotel.

Paul and I want to thank you for printing her photo and sharing that she was missing with all readers of the Billerica Green. We received a few calls and met some very caring Billerica residents as a result. Its amazing how many people have reached out to support us while Clawedette was gone and we are most appreciative of their and your support.

Thanks again for your caring and kindness and best wishes for the future of the Billerica Green.

Have a great summer, – Paul and Elizabeth Costa Billerica

Liana, Thank you for bringing the Billerica Green into my house each month. I enjoy the informative columns and articles you have to offer. Recently, I have seen writings on the importance of water conservation. I praise the Billerica Green for its efforts in bringing this critical information to its readers. I would like to add a essential ingredient to water conservation; a lawn sprinkler system rain sensor.

Rain sensors are available both hard wired and wireless and each work effectively. When rainfall comes in contact with the sensor, it shuts down your system until the elements inside the sensor dry out and allow your system to come back on. Pricing for a rain sensor installation varies ($125 - $200), and is a viable piece of equipment in our fight to conserve water, and keep money in everyone’s wallet. As a side note, July is “Smart Irrigation Month” in the irrigation industry.

–Mike Moriconi, Billerica LOVE THE PAPER! –Kerri DeProfio, Billerica Thank you so much. We really enjoy reading your newsletter.

-Brenda Fontannay Billerica Keep up the good work. It’s great to have local news.

–Mark Reid, Billerica I love your paper. I look forward to getting each issue.

–Mary Ann Naughton, Billerica So, this is the ONLY paper I have ever read cover to cover. Almost every article is pertinent to me: interesting and meaningful. Thank you so much. I hope it stays around for a long time.

–Eileen Giddings, Billerica I read your paper. And I enjoy the style and content very much. Thanks for seeing that I get every issue. When I can, I patronize the advertisers, by the way, and I tell them where I saw their ad.

–Dorothy Bromage, Billerica I absolutely loved the articles about the Billerica High and Shawsheen Tech valedictorians and salutatorians and the group of students and their teacher at the Marshall who planted those flowers. I would love to see future stories involving the schools and education in the Billerica Green. Overall, I find you guys very informative. I wish you guys could publish more than once a month :) –Kristen Sullivan, Billerica

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FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN NOW AN OPTION

All six Challenger League teams got together at Pollard Field on June 27 for a fun end of season game and cookout. “I hope you had a great time this season,� said outgoing Little league President Gil Ynostroza.

After everyone got the opportunity to play, co-organizer Phil Doiron handed out appreciation plaques to the coaches and medals for the players. He held one up for the teams to see and read it amidst cheers. “It says ‘The Challenger’ on there,� said Doiron. “Be proud of what you are.�

Aug. 22 there will be a Challenger tournament in Medford and registrations for next season will begin again in March 2011.

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It has been the war cry of every parent practice in the concepts they learned earlier facing Kindergarten in Billerica for ages. “We in the day. want Full Day K!� Half day was the only Once enough students are enrolled for option but it made scheduling a challenge, full day, Serio will seek out limited grants especially if a parent needed to work. Then, through the Department of Education halfway through the year, the switch over available for extending Kindergarten which meant schedules had to change again. will eliminate the need for tuition.

Billerica Schools would rebut with “But “The state encourages districts to we have no space.â€? That many children in the incorporate a full day,â€? said Serio. limited available classrooms with the limited Serio’s vision for what full day sta was a problem.

Kindergarten will look like Superintendent Anthony would include children Important Dates Serio wants you to know beneďŹ ting from being in to Remember things have changed. Due to their academics all day. a drop in enrollment and a The emphasis would be on Aug. 6 reduction in sta, rooms have socialization and the centers Full Day Kindergarten opened up, making full day like computers, dress up, Applications are due Kindergarten a possibility. blocks, and reading would Aug. 6 This spring, notices went allow them plenty of practice Lottery held home and parents voluntarily time for the concepts they Aug. 13 applied. At this time, full learned earlier in the day.

Parents notiďŹ ed day kindergarten is on a paid Per DOE requirements, tuition basis only. To ease the students would have a Aug. 27 the burden, the $3000 per half hour rest/nap time and First payment due year cost can be paid in two more time to play outside. A Sept. 7 installments. This tuition nutrition program would be Kindergarten orientation allows for teaching sta to be available and they would get Sept. 8 compensated. to eat their lunches at school.

Kindergarten begins Full Day Kindergarten The biggest change would be will be oered in every “specialsâ€?. Art, music, gym school, with the Ditson and and library would be more the Hajjar having two full day Kindergarten consistent, available, and longer. classrooms available. In schools where there “Principals are now looking for open time were more applications than seats, a lottery blocks for this,â€? said Serio, in order to oer was held. For the folks not picked, they were specials to the incoming tuition students. oered space in another school with available The ďŹ rst round of applications were space. To date, Serio’s had an rate of interest accepted in June, with payments due July from parents of about 40 percent.

15 and Nov. 1. However, since there is more “Our goal is to eventually, deďŹ nitely only available space, Serio is opening it up for a have full day Kindergarten,â€? said Serio. “We second round. Applications are available at want to see people sign up.â€? the Central Services oďŹƒce of Billerica Public Like most things, there are pros and Schools in town hall. All applications are due cons to consider. Half day kindergarten will by Aug. 6. If there are more applications than still exist at no additional cost to parents. space in any particular school, another lottery So, because the schools don’t have every will be held on Aug. 6 with parents notiďŹ ed Kindergarten student in for the full day, more by Aug. 13 of the outcome. The ďŹ rst tuition curriculum than the 1/2 day child receives payment will be due Aug. 27 since schools can not be oered to the full day child. open Aug. 31. Kindergarteners, however, What the full day tuition student will start on Sept 8. For more information, call have is more socialization activities, enhanced the oďŹƒce at 978-528-8500. specialist schedules available, and additional Realty World Advantage owner Lisa Luther, seen here with one of her real estate agents Mike Galluzzo and his daughters, 3 year old Monica and 18 month old SoďŹ a, were a few of the more than 50 people who packed the oďŹƒce at 880 Boston Road for the Fourth Annual Appreciation Night on June 24 which Luther hosted to celebrate all the people who continue to make this realty a success.

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 5

PAID-OFF HOME & TEACH’EM YOUNG Dave explains: Paying off the house!

Dear Dave, My wife and I are following your plan, and we’re in the middle of paying off our debts using the debt snowball. When we told my motherin-law that by doing this we’d be able to pay off our house within 10 years, she told us that would be a stupid move. She couldn’t give us a reason why she thought it was stupid, but we couldn’t convince her otherwise. How can we explain things to her?

–Jason Dear Jason, Okay, she’s telling you it’s a bad idea, but she has no idea why it’s a bad idea? It sounds to me like she’s the dumb one if she thinks you should behave a certain way, but can’t even tell you why. If someone can’t tell you why they have an argument against something, then they have no argument in the first place!

A lot of talking heads think it’s smart to not pay off your home. They’ll tell you things like it’s better to borrow money against your house and invest it in the stock market. What they won’t tell you is that there’s virtually nothing there by the time you adjust for risk and taxes. Why in the world would you take a chance on losing your home over something like that?

Another line they’ll throw out is that you don’t want to lose your tax deduction.

This one’s really silly! If you have a $200,000 loan at five percent interest, you’ll pay about $10,000 a year in interest. Now, let’s also say you make $70,000 a year, and you’re in the 25 percent tax bracket. That $10,000 tax deduction is saving you $2,500 in taxes.

In essence, you’re sending $10,000 to the mortgage company to keep from sending the government $2,500. That’s pretty stupid!

You’d be better off to be debt-free and give $10,000 to some charity or your church.

That way, you’ll save on taxes and do some good with the money.

By paying off your home, you decrease risk and gain a ton of security!

–Dave Teach them early Dear Dave, How early should I start teaching my kids about money? Also, how do you feel about giving kids an allowance?

–Cathy Dear Cathy, I think you should start teaching kids about money as early as you start teaching them about sex—which is the first time they show any interest. Make sure you keep it ageappropriate, and don’t over-answer questions when they’re young.

Neither of these things will amount to a one-time talk, because they’re both just parts

of life. That means they’re ongoing processes that will last for years. If you have one talk at an early age with your kids about money, then they’re probably not going to remember a lot of it as they get older. If you have just one talk with your kids about sex at an early age, you’re liable to wind up with a bunch of pregnant teenagers!

To answer your second question, I hate the idea of an allowance for kids, because it makes the whole situation sound like welfare. We put our kids on commission at an early age. They had chores associated with certain dollar amounts, and if they worked, they got paid. If they didn’t work, they didn’t get paid. It was as simple as that. Then, they would split their money between three different envelopes—one for saving, one for spending, and one for giving—and we would teach them to do each one wisely.

Kids need to emotionally connect work to money at a young age. If you don’t teach them four major concepts—spending, saving, giving, and work—you’re going to have major problems by the time they’re 10 years old!

–Dave No pain, no gain!

Dear Dave, I’ve heard you talk to people about “gazelle intensity.” What exactly does this mean?

–Del Dear Del, Basically, it means absolutely going crazy and doing whatever it takes for a little while to get out of debt. I’d much rather endure pain or discomfort for a short period of time and get it over with instead of living my whole life floundering around and accomplishing nothing in the process.

Some people probably think I’m using hyperbole when I give people advice on how to get out of debt, but I’m serious about it all.

I’ve lived this stuff, man! There were literally stretches of years when we didn’t go on vacation or see the inside of a restaurant. If you want to get out of debt and get control of your money, you’ve got to be serious and intense enough to makes sacrifices on that level for a short period of time. We call it living like no one else, so that later you can live like no one else.

It’s not just dollars and cents we’re talking about here. It’s also about changing behaviors and mindsets. You don’t need to go to Disneyland every year. You don’t need to eat out every weekend. Until you’re willing to make temporary sacrifices like this—and become “gazelle intense” about taking control of yourself and your money—you’re never going to reach your goal of becoming debt-free!

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

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6 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

A Physician’s Vision, A Scholar’s Legacy Te

owe HLSchool

By Liana Measmer

O

ne man’s vision brought forth over a century of graduates who have made a difference both in Billerica and in the world. Dr. Zadok Howe knew you needed to start with a solid structure and a varied curriculum with a clear educational focus to create the scholars who would go on to become successful future leaders. What he did not know is that almost 160 years later this building would still be standing in hopes of becoming the center for all of our local history and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Howe School, originally the Howe Academy, is two story Greek Revival brick building on the east side of Boston Road generously bequeathed by Howe in his Will of May 1851 to be a young men’s collegepreparatory academy.

Billerica in the early 19th century was primarily a farming community, originally larger than its present size.

Sections of the town were used to form Carlisle, Bedford, Wilmington and Tewksbury. Most Massachusetts towns of the era divided themselves into small school districts and early school buildings were considered more for functional use rather than comfort of students and teachers. This was attributed to parents being far more concerned with the student’s education than in a state of the art facility.

The Howe School was not the first private academy in Billerica. That was the Pemberton Academy for both boys and girls which sent many young men to Harvard University. A second private school, established in 1820 by siblings Bathsheba and Bernard Whitman, had many distinguished trustees, including Dr. Zadok Howe.

However, according to Howe, “it lacked the pecuniary foundation needful for permanence and its career closed in 1836.” The third private school was run by Reverend Stearns in the vestry of the Congregational Church. Like most instructional sites, none had the physical permanence and monetary backing the Howe had.

Dr. Howe and His Vision Dr. Zadok Howe was born in Bolton, Connecticut in 1777 to Zadok and Rachel Howe, who also had two other sons and a daughter. After an apprenticeship as a watchmaker, he changed careers and went to Dartmouth College, earning a medical degree in 1809. Records show he started practicing medicine in 1802 before he graduated. By the time he moved to Billerica in 1816, he had 14 years experience from previous practices in Concord, NH and Franklin, MA By all accounts, Howe was respected for sound judgment and surgical skills, publishing articles in many medical journals and holding positions of responsibility within medical societies. In his last will and testament, he designated the use of the Everett Lot for the school, which he originally purchased for the purpose of an academy. He appointed six trustees to over see the construction, stating “the school is not intended for the admission of small children but for instruction in the higher branches of English education and such other studies as are required of young men preparatory to entering into college.”

“His vision was education for everyone,” said Kathy Meagher, Historical Librarian.

Howe developed cardiac problems and died on March 8, 1851. He is buried in the South Cemetery on Concord, Road.

Building the Howe School The architect selected to design the Howe was Daniel Bean, who had a firm in Lowell. The building committee, consisting of three trustees, was Selectman William Odiorne, G.H. Whitman, and James R. Faulkner.

Work began on June 17, 1851 with blasting and laying of the granite stone foundation by Benjamin Heald, a future Selectman, and construction by Mr. Brackett, a contractor. As the school was being built, bylaws and regulations were written and adopted. Applicants had to be twelve years

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 7

old and have “two certificates: one of vaccination and the other of ‘moral and orderly’ conduct”. Preparation was required in “writing, reading, arithmetic, orthography, grammar, including parsing and some progress in elementary geography.” Initial tuition would be $4.00 per year and students could choose from three courses of study-Latin, Classical, or English. All course work included some type of math like algebra or geometry and language studies like French and Latin.

The Howe School Opens On May 31, 1852, dedication exercises were held. When classes began, there were 52 students, more girls than boys, under Principal William Grant and his assistant Elizabeth Rogers. It is believed that Howe did not anticipate the desire by girls to continue their education when he specified the school was to be for boys only.

In 1866, the first formal graduation took place and by 1872, there were 634 students. Students came from all over Massachusetts and a few neighboring states, just as Dr. Howe envisioned. Many of these students became respected citizens of their towns and many girls became teachers in the growing Billerica school system.

Burger of the class of 1929. Burger corresponds annually with the association and is living in Concord, MA. Her family was known in Billerica as owners of the Williams Gas Station, situated on the corner of now Route 129.

Annual dues are minimal at $5.00 a year. The association is always looking for new members and updated information. The best way to update information is to visit their website at www.billericaalumni.com.

The Museum

Through time, graduates of the Howe High and BMHS have kept its memories alive by being active alumni, attending reunions and supporting scholarships for new graduates. Started originally in 1896, this year marked the 114th year the association held its reunion. Overall, there are 22,000 alumni registered, with about 3,500 on the books as deceased. In 1996, the association automated its books and developed a computerized directory which aided in maintaining and keeping track of the more than 5,000 letters mailed annually to reach out to alumni.

The reunion each year sees about 150 in attendance for the annual business meeting, dinner and awarding of scholarships.

The association, run by alumni, particularly the Whiteway family, tends to concentrate on the five year classes and a 50th reunion.

Grant Whiteway, past president, noted this year they gave out ten $500 scholarships. Criteria to be eligible for a scholarship includes a parent or grandparent had to be a Howe graduate and the student must come to the banquet to receive it.

“It is through the generosity of our members,” said Whiteway.

Currently, the oldest living member is Mrs. Edith Williams

The Howe has seen little exterior alteration since 1852 other than changes to chimneys, landscaping and addition of a rear fire escape. Rectangular in shape, the building is about 62’ x 40’ with a granite block foundation and common bond brick facade. Three granite steps lead to the front door with a two piece granite band engraved with “Howe School” over the entrance. The originally slate roof has been replaced over time and there is one chimney in the center peak toward the front of the building.

It is the inside that is in saddest condition.

Built with the plan of keeping the boys and the girls separate, the two great rooms, one downstairs and one upstairs, had separate entries for each gender. The entryway flooring has severely bowed although the classroom floors are more intact. All the inside partitions have been torn down and remnants of construction projects long abandoned are evident. The different colors of paint all along the interior walls show where there were individual classrooms and offices, back when students attended and later on when the Howe was used as office space for the Superintendents.

There was a time when money was raised for renovations but spent elsewhere. Now with the original Museum Committee disbanded and the new Historical Society as curators in a sense, this non-profit organization is seeking the community’s help in raising the funds once more to get this project completed. A new museum would not simply house artifacts. The vision for the Howe School/New Billerica Museum also includes multi purpose space like function, community or meeting rooms. Currently, the society is in the process of replacing windows and securing the exterior.

Most recently, a Mother’s garden was built outside; honoring the Project Support/BEAM founder Jean Coppinger and featuring a sculpture by Helen Potter inspired by 1876 Howe School graduate Harriet Augusta Richardson.

“It is a beautiful solid building,” said Meagher.

“We’re trying to preserve the integrity of it.”

For more information about this and other historical gems in Billerica, visit www. billericahistorical.com or call 978-667-7020.

OUR TOWN HALL WHICH SERVED AS THE NEW HOWE HIGH IN THE EARLY 1900’S UNTIL BMHS WAS BUILT IN THE MIDͳ1950’S.

REFERENCES 1. HISTORY OF BILLERICA, 1653ͳ1883; REV. HENRY HAZEN; A. WILLIAMS AND CO. PUBLISHING 2. “BILLERICA MAGAZINE”; PUBLISHED IN JULY 1914, “LIFE OF ZADOK HOWE.” 3. “BILLERICA MAGAZINE”; PUBLISHED IN AUGUST 1914, “LIFE OF ZADOK HOWE.” 4. “BILLERICA MAGAZINE”; PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 1914, “LIFE OF ZADOK HOWE.” 5. IMAGES OF AMERICA: BILLERICA. THE BILLERICA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. ARCADIA PUBLISHING.2003.

6. THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION. JANUARY 2002.

The New Howe High School The Howe continued privately until 1891. That year the State Legislation required towns with larger families to provide a free High School program. Billerica could be exempt if the trustees allowed town children to attend without tuition. This was done, with the trustees maintaining direction of the school until 1897. At that time, the Howe School became Howe High School.

By the early decades of the 20th Century, it became obvious that the Howe High School was too small to remain the town high school and the new Howe High School was erected directly across the street and dedicated on December 8, 1916. This building became what is now our town hall in 1989. Prior to that date, the building served as a junior high school when the Billerica Memorial High School opened in September 1955.

The Howe High and Billerica Memorial High Alumni Association

HARRIET’S DRESS SHE WORE AT HER GRADUATION MADE FROM FABRIC FROM HER MOTHER’S WEDDING DRESS. HARRIET AUGUSTA RICHARDSON Έ1862ͳ1945Ή GRADUATED FROM HOWE HIGH IN 1876. DAUGHTER OF ALBERT ROGERS RICHARDSON AND HARRIET FROST, MS. RICHARDSON WENT ONTO TO MARRY LESTER HARRIS IN APRIL 1882.

FORMER SELECTMAN GEORGE GRACIE ΈCLASS OF 1949Ή AND HIS WIFE CONNIE ENJOYED THE WARM OUTDOOR AIR OF THE ELKS PAVILLION DURING DINNER.

PHYLLIS CATERINO CUSIMANO OF MAINE ΈCLASS OF 1950Ή, FLORIANNA POTSUS TOBIN ΈCLASS OF 1951Ή AND THELMA HEDBERG OF CHELSEA, MA ΈCLASS OF 1951Ή SHARED MEMORIES AND LAUGHS AT THE 114TH HOWE HIGH AND BMHS ALUMNI REUNION HELD ON JUNE 26.

8 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

The Billerica Public Lib rary was transformed into a rain forest on Jun e 21 when the 2010 Summer Reading Program kicked off with Sparky’s Puppets show “Stories in the Trees”. Hundreds of children visited the Child ren’s Room to pick up their “Rainforest Romp” reading logs and get their raffle tickets for cool prizes like iPods.

TEACHERS RESPECTING KIDS: CARING EDUCATORS HONORED

By Jenn Gervais, Staff Writer When considering the teacher who touched your life in a profound way, shaping your thinking and opening your eyes to the impact of your actions, consider how lucky you were.

Then consider how important it is to thank them.

On June 12, an event recognizing such local role models was held here in Billerica.

The Second Annual Teachers Appreciation Brunch hosted by the Billerica Kids Respecting Kids organization was held on a rainy day at the Billerica Country Club where thirtyone teachers were formally thanked for their contributions to character education..

Billerica students are fortunate to have educators who provide an education on the required math, English, and history curriculum.

However, these teachers went the extra mile by caring that young people understand other, less tangible topics like respect, tolerance, random acts of kindness, and acceptance among each other.

Kids Respecting Kids is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, comprised of a group of concerned Billericans and teachers who work to support character education, respect, and tolerance in the young people of Billerica. In its eighth year, Kids Respecting Kids has quietly

helped our schools by raising and donating over $30,000 to Billerica schools for character education programs. The Peaceful Playground at the Vining School was a Kids Respecting Kids concept with members of this group raising the funds, selecting the playground equipment, getting the necessary approvals to build, and installing the playground last summer.

Dr. Anthony Serio, Billerica Public School Superintendent, and Dr. Richard Saffier, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, presented each teacher with a recognition award and a gift certificate.

Linda Jenkins from Marshall Middle School received her award and faced the crowd to express her gratitude.

“We are humbled by being honored in this way,” she said.

Kids Respecting Kids’ work also appears in each school’s handbook. Guidelines for what behaviors constitute bullying, as well as procedures for dealing with occurrences, were written by KRK. These important guidelines have been in place for several years, helping keep children safer, and putting Billerica ahead of the curve in terms of a proactive stand against bullying and violence, whether in our schools or on the Internet. For more information, contact the Billerica Public Schools Central Office at Town Hall.

Teacher Appreciation Brunch • • • June 12, 2010 • • • • Dutile • Martha Sexton Deborah Soda Parker Lisa Maher Robert Belanger Hajjar Kristine Beaulieu Eileen Cole • Ditson• Mrs. Julie-Marie Greenstein Mrs. Kathy Leavitt Mrs. Suzanne Carey Mrs. MaryEllen Reid • Vining • Jane Milanes Jennifer Naylor Kennedy Ann Marie Locke Sarah Wellock

• Locke • Kathy Buchanan Bonnie Akerley Mary Donaghey John MacNamara • Marshall • Michael Ashe Jean Goldsmith Linda Jenkins Jenny Martin • Billerica Memorial High School • Rene Hester-Jensen Brian Flanagan Colleen Tracy Johanna Sousa Shawn Landry Sarah Bairos Dave Adams Michele Hayes • Project Support • Tricia Enos

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 9

YOUR BEST SUMMER SKIN: LOOK GOOD, BE SAFE One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime-Don’t let this be you!

“Sun exposure is cumulative during your lifetime,” said Maureen Grogan, Owner of N’Vie Skincare at 330 Boston Road. “It is never too late to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.”

Grogan offers the following tips to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors: • Apply a full ounce of sunscreen to cover your entire body 20 minutes BEFORE getting exposed. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming/perspiring • Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and sunglasses to protect eyes from UV damage and glare.

• DO NOT BURN • Use SPF 15+ and look for the term BROAD SPECTRUM to assure protection from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays exist 365 days a year and are deeper penetrating.

They are responsible for damage to collagen and Elastin in your skin. UVB rays are most responsible for burning and are strongest

during summer months. Both types of rays are responsible for skin cancer •There is NO such thing as ALL DAY PROTECTION–Always reapply every 2 hours •Protect your children. Sunscreen cannot be used on 6 months and younger. A single blistering sunburn in childhood/adolescence doubles the chance of developing melanoma in adulthood.

Want to get that “Summer Glow” without the damage? Grogan adds, “If you are concerned about aging, there is a need for protection all year long.”

N’Vie Skincare has many options including: • self tanners for your face and body • cream and powder bronzers for your face and body • mineral makeup with physical sunblocks (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) For more information, call N’Vie today at 978-667-0225 or visit us at www. nvieskincare.com

HERSHEY TRACK MEET DRAWS LOCAL ATHLETES

By Pat Graham, Sports Editor On a beautiful spring afternoon, athletes converged onto the track at the Marshall Middle School for the Twenty-Sixth Annual Hershey Track Meet sponsored by the Hershey Corporation. Although it is technically a Billerica event, it is open to anyone from neighboring towns that would like to participate in the competition.

The meet would draw boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14 from Billerica, Lowell and Chelmsford. They would then engage in various running and field events ranging from the 50 meter dash for the 9 and 10 year olds, to the grueling 1600 meter run for the 13 and 14 year old participants. The field events consisted of the standing long jump and the softball throw for all of the age groups.

Track Meet Director Linda Berard, who herself competed in this meet when she was younger, was pleased with how the event took shape.

“The meet ran very smoothly and we had a beautiful afternoon,” said Berard. Although Berard was encouraged by the success of the day, she was a bit disappointed by the number of participants.

“The number of Billerica kids was way down this year,” she said, since apparently the registration forms were not handed out by the schools even though the Recreation Department dropped them off at the schools.

The event was capably staffed by the many volunteers that helped ensure that all the harriers were in the right place at the right time, as well as adequately hydrated.

Members of the Billerica Police were there to hand out water and snacks for the kids, and several athletes and coaches from the BVMHS track team helped keep the times and distances at all of the event stations.

“The meet could not be run without all of the wonderful volunteers,” boasted Berard.

When the dust had cleared and the last jumper had landed, Billerica would have sixteen athletes qualify for the Mass. State Meet to be held at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton, MA. Any athlete who places first at the state meet has the chance to qualify for the national meet held in Hershey, PA. where they are given the VIP treatment with free airfare and hotel stay, as well as many other benefits that can only be found at the chocolate capital of the world.

BIG BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDITION COMING IN AUGUST

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10 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

The Voice of the Artist

KENNEDY SCHOOL SETS YOUNG ARTISTS FREE “Teachers Who Care” On May 12, I was pleased to participate as a member of Kids Respecting Kids in its 2nd Annual Luncheon honoring Billerica teachers who, during the past year, helped promote social/emotional learning in the classroom, including anti-bullying programs. It was inspiring to be in a room with so many caring teachers who, despite all the pressure of standardized testing, make time in their schedules to teach the core values fundamental to good citizenship.

I’d like to share a true story that was told at the luncheon.

Five young athletes at a Special Olympic race held years ago on a cinder track, were running hard to win. Two of the kids were near the end, battling for first place. Parents cheered. It was all pretty exciting. A little girl in back of the pack fell down, skinning her knee on those cinders. She started to cry. All four of the children ahead of her stopped, went back, and supporting her, crossed the finish line together.

In the June/July issue of Newsweek, Professor Susan Swearer, professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Janice DeluciaWaack, at the University of Buffalo’s Center for the Prevention of Bullying, Abuse, and School Violence,

stated that the key to stopping bulling is to make “…emotional IQ part of the everyday curriculum– just like gym and math.”

The teachers at the Kids Respecting Kids Luncheon know education cannot focus only on the mind, it must also touch the heart. In any class requiring understanding of empathy and what to do if someone falls down–give them your hand, help them up–my guess is these teachers would give all the five Special Olympians in our story As. Have a great 4th of July!

– Alan Kessler “I Like Books!” Any of our karate students who read–or has read to him–at least one book during the summer can attend our ice cream social in August! If a student reads more, she is eligible to win a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble!

Our Time Travel camp starts the week after July 4th!

We have opened a third school. Come visit us at the Tyngsboro Sports Center.

7 Marshall St | Billerica 01821 | 978-667-7774 508 Groton Rd | Westford 01886 | 978-692-0479 www.kesslerkarate.com ADVERTISEMENT

“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

– John F. Kennedy I would like to announce that, here in Billerica, we have a society of people at the John F. Kennedy School about to nourish the roots of the culture of one small elementary school and set over five hundred young artists free to create a permanent art installation this coming fall.

It started when I received this letter last week from Carol Passarelli, a board member of the JFK School’s PTO, after speaking to them about my proposed art project and internship program. It read: “And the Decision is…UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED!! Congratulations!

Thank you so much for stopping by tonight. I always feel the artist is the greatest representation of their work and as usual you INSPIRED a room full of people. Everyone LOVED the art program and approved the funds for the program. We are all soooo excited about the art project.

You inspire so many people we can’t wait for all your positive energy to come to school in the fall.”

The Vision: With the use of five positive words, one per grade level, each student

SCOUT’S PROJECT BRINGS PATRIOTISM TO LIGHT Eagle Scouts in Billerica have long been known for serving their community. Many of the most notable improvements to parks and municipal space can be traced back to the Eagle Scout.

On June 26, William “Bill” Doherty IV, who was honored in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony amongst the support of family and friends, joined the ranks of his brother scouts. After more than two years, his project of illuminating the American flag that flies at the Billerica Council on Aging was complete and he was relieved. Apparently, seniors were concerned that it flew at night and no spot light shone on it, not giving the symbol of our country the respect it deserves.

Bill went to his troop and Boy Scout Committee, applying to start his Eagle project which they approved. Then he went before the Historical Commission for their approval, making his case for the project confidently and patiently.

“He got to learn how local government works,” said Dana Hubbard, Bill’s Eagle Scout mentor. “He was very motivated and interested.”

When the time came to start, he needed to raise the money. In conjunction with his parents and friends, Bill organized a car wash. Even though it wasn’t a warm day, Bill managed to raise more than $350.

Then came the fun part. After purchasing the

electrical supplies, Bill got to use construction equipment and dig a trench with the “ditch witch”.

With help from volunteers, a hole was drilled through the brick wall outside the center and, later on, roses were planted at the base of the flag. Bill was thankful for the help of his troop.

“If it wasn’t for the troop behind me, I think the project would have busted,” said Bill.

When it was done in April, Bill was presented with the flag belonging to a soldier who died in Pearl Harbor. It is still the flag that flies there today.

From this project, Hubbard pointed out the numerous valuable skills Bill gained. He learned about interviewing and how to deal with all sorts of people. Bill never got flustered when he needed to speak to adults and these skills will serve him well, carrying him through college.

“It brings out the best in a boy,” said Hubbard.

Bill’s parents, William and Sandra, saw a difference in their son after he completed this project. Sandra said it made him more responsible to have to learn the steps. She stated there was a lot of scheduling that went on so everyone juggled their time to make it happen. Overall, William hopes this will be one of many achievements his son excels in.

“He was such a little boy when it started,” said Sandra. “In the end, he was so much more confident seeing HE made it happen.

•By Colleen Sgroi

will paint on a tile what that word means to them. These tiles will then be installed in the halls of each grade level along with the word proudly displayed. The tiles will also be scanned and five banners 48”x 240” with the word on it will be created to hang in the café from the ceiling.

I saw a film recently that talked about the power of words and the effect they have on us. Scientists did an experiment on some water. They took vials of water and put words on them. Some of the words were positive and some were negative. The water in the vials with the negative words turned brackish and gross where as the water in the vials with the positive words, when looked at under a microscope, had beautiful crystal like forms. This amazed me because I know that we humans are made up of more than ninety percent water!

I am so excited to be a part of setting over five hundred young artists free to nourish the roots of the Billerica culture at Kennedy School this fall and for generations to come as they walk down the halls filled with an inspiring art message.

Colleen is both a graduate of John F. Kennedy School and a teaching artist at Colleen Sgroi Gallery & Art Classes, 12 Andover Road, Billerica, MA 978-667-1009 www.colleensgroi.com Email: Colleen@colleensgroi.com

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 11

JUNIOR LODGE INSTALLATION HONORS CALABRESE Submission By Joan Parcewski [Edited by Liana Measmer] The Sons of Italy wanted to honor one of their departed brothers, Dr. Robert J. Calabrese in a suitable fashion. What better way than to create a junior lodge in his name. A year and a half after the idea came to be, the Junior Lodge is a reality, with its members installed on June 23.

This Junior Lodge is one of several throughout the state, with 28 youth, ranging from ages 10 to 18, listed on the official charter filed with the Grand Lodge of MA. During the ceremony, Linda Calabrese, wife of the late Dr. Calabrese, watched with pride as each youth stood attentively while the Lodge was instituted and the members

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were installed. Linda stepped forward after the ceremony to thank all of the students and remind them to to work hard and listen to the adults in their life who are there to guide them.

Following the official ceremonies, visitors from other Lodges throughout MA stepped forward and donated checks to the new Lodge. This customary gesture allows the new Lodge to begin with a bank balance that will help them grow. Greg Cedrone, the new President of the Lodge, graciously accepted and thanked everyone’s generosity.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of this new Junior Lodge should contact the Senior Lodge at soi2268@yahoo.com for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS REAL ESTATE NEWS After a close brush with the deadline, HEIDI ROWELL AND Congress has passed an extension of the CAROL WOODS Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline, the

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Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623). The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 that have not yet closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension and the new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010. There is will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law.

NAR (National Association of Realtors) worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to enact this important legislation. Extending the Tax Credit Closing deadline will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nation.

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CAPTION CONTEST 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

No need…I’ve already seen your facebook page.

Congratulations to Mandy Peterson.

The winner of last month’s caption contest. Thank you to everyone that participated.

Read all of the entries at www.thebillericagreen.com/blog and submit a caption for this month’s contest.

The Flower Lady •By Kay Warren

GARDENING IN A BOX For someone who loves flowers but has little time, small space or container gardening may be just what you are looking for. Planting in containers allows you to have an abundance of flowers wherever you want, even on gravel pathways or cement.

Containers are convenient because they can be put near a water source, require less weeding and can be put at a comfortable height (Benches or boxes are great for raising the level). For me that is a plus because of the strain on one’s knees.

Select a container that will give the plant’s roots plenty of room to grow, having just enough room so the plant fills out the pot size. Water the soil well before planting but water gently so it drains out the bottom of the pot. If you plan to move the pot, do it before wetting the soil as it would be heavier.

There are so many different containers, coming in many size and shapes. The beauty of this type of gardening is that you can have a garden placed wherever you have ideal spot. No matter what container you choose, it must have adequate drainage holes on the sides or bottom. Small stones in the bottom of the pot help too.

The container should be filled with peat moss and composted manure. Another option would be Miracle Grow soil which has food for a few months contained in the mixture. Anything that grows in the ground can be used in a container.

One of the simplest attractive pots would be to put three red Geraniums in a fairly large white pot. They will bloom all summer in the sunshine with almost no care. A flower box with some lovely Begonias spaced within it will bloom all summer as well but Begonia does best in shade.

Another idea for a flower box would be Wave Petunias edged with ivy. The small pots of ivy can be purchased at the greenhouse and when the petunias are gone, pull them out, keeping the ivy on the edges, and putting in fall plants such as mums. To take you into the holidays, consider silk holiday flowers to replace the petunias while leaving ivy there. Although the ivy will not grow anymore, this plan can take you right into frost.

Give it a try since container gardening offers many advantages that deserve a gardener’s consideration.

YOUNG WRITER, HARPERCOLLINS TOP PICK

By Jenn Gervais, Staff Writer At first glance, it would be easy to think of Jessica Bourbeau simply as a lovely teenage girl in Billerica. Which she is. But there’s more than meets the eye to Jessica.

At fourteen, Bourbeau is an accomplished author working toward getting published.

Bourbeau has always been a writer, for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother, Anne Levi, recalls her earliest years of writing, and describes how something changed recently where Bourbeau gained the focus required to complete a book. Until recently, only snippets of characters and plots were captured as they occurred to her.

“Most of them never were finished as Jessica’s imagination went on to think of another story,” said Levi.

Bourbeau used several concepts she’d been developing in these short essays, in her book Into the Woods. Bourbeau describes her writing as “paranormal fantasy”, and Into the Woods is one of several works she’s completed of this genre. Born as a rewrite of some 70 pages she wrote in seventh grade, Into the Woods includes mythical characters, some of whom are based on people Bourbeau knows or has met.

“These characters are guardians of gates, peace keepers, whose special powers have been passed through the generations,” said Bourbeau.

Bourbeau posted her work on www. inkpop.com, HarperCollins’ social networking site for aspiring youth authors and reading fans. The site is provided for teens to post their novels, short stories, and poems as works in progress and to get feedback from readers and other authors.

Teens compete with one another’s works, and readers vote for their favorites by adding it to their “Pick List”. Posted novels are ranked in order of site favorites, and the more readers mark a book as their favorite, the higher the book ranks.

At the end of each month, HarperCollins editors read the books on the Top Pick List – which consists of the 5 books that received the most votes that month. They provide invaluable feedback to the author, an honor

Feedback on Inkpop for Jaded “I would DEFINITELY buy this book” –ashypoo09 “Please update soon”[posted twice] –oXKris-Tee-AuhXo “I love where the plot is going” –jhistories “Wish [you] would post more” –writetyper “I’m very intrigued. Can’t wait to find out what happens” –Seattlelover7 being critiqued by a professional editor, especially for an author so young.

Bourbeau received such an honor when this past February, her novel, Jaded, rose to number two out of over 2,000 literary works, granting her a coveted spot on the Top Pick List. Bourbeau subsequently posted the following on Inkpop: Maybe the ones we consider insane are actually the normal ones. What if it is us normal people that are insane?

Bourbeau’s short-term goal is to become published. Currently she’s editing Into the Woods to prepare it for review and publication. In addition, she’s actively looking for an agent and plans to go to college to study creative writing and biology.

Last year, Bourbeau and a friend started the Creative Writing Club at Lowell Catholic High School. After just one short year, the club membership grew to just under a dozen students.

When she’s not writing, Bourbeau works with her family on joint community service projects. Along with her mother, she helped out on the “Woofstock Fundraiser,” an even that raised money to help rescue Basset Hounds. Bourbeau has also volunteered with her grandmother at the Council on Aging Gift Shop and enjoys teaching young children to skate.

You can check her stories out at www. inkpop.com. and read through a couple chapters of Into the Woods, Jaded, and Into the Web (coming soon).

Jessica’s Advice to other aspiring authors.

• Don’t be afraid.

• Don’t censor yourself as you write; you can always edit it later • Capture your whole idea when you get an inspiration; you can prune things afterward that don’t fit that storyline • Know where the idea is going before you get too deep into the writing of the book • Being able to take criticism and rejection is a must!

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 13

BARBEQUE NATION There is nothing more American as the summer cookout. Beginning at Memorial Day, and continuing through every weekend in the summer, each year millions of Americans will dust off their BBQ’s and throw a good old fashioned cookout. It’s a great way to get together with family and friends, maybe by the pool or with some of the guys for steaks and kicking back at a birthday celebration. Summer is definitely the time to relax.

Barbecue or barbeque (common spelling variant) is a method for cooking meat and other foods, with the heat and hot smoke of a fire, smoking wood, charcoal, cooking gas, or even electricity; and may include marinades, spice rubs, or basting sauces added to meat or vegetables.

To make sure you take advantage of the warm barbecue days before they fade away , have your cookout catered by Meat Again.

Meat Again, the deli and butcher shop located at 306 Boston Road, has been around since 1978 when Butcher Dan O’Brien opened his first shop. As Meat Again’s popularity spread, a second store was opened in Westford.

Keeping in touch with the classic shopkeeper ethic, Meat Again marinates over 100 different items and has at least 60 products that are completely unique to their store, like 12 different varieties of sausage.

“We care about our products and stay on top of each item as true and classic shopkeepers have always done,” says O’Brien.

Whether it is an intimate dinner, a large family gathering, or a simple bbq, Meat Again’s catering menu has many choices pleasing everyone on your guest list. Pick from store made Italian or Chicken Sausages, their own Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket, or go ‘hog wild’ with an entire Pig Roast. Side dishes like Red Skinned Potato Salad or Dirty Rice and Beans round out the meal. Starting at about $10.50 per person, most options come with more than one meat selection and four side dishes.

So take it easy, socialize and let Meat Again do the work for you. For information, call (978) 667-5556 or visit their website at www.meatagain.com to view their menus.

You can also stop by their store at 306 Boston Rd., Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm; Sat. 9 am-5:30 pm, and Sun. 9 am-2 pm.

INOA IS HERE For the 38 million women nationwide who dye their hair, there is some great news from L’Oreal. INOA, the professional ammonia free permanent hair color, has arrived and Carousel Cuts at 880 Boston Road has it.

“There are absolutely no fumes,” said salon owner Kathy Tarani.

What makes INOA stand out is their ODS technology, an oil based delivery system, which delivers more color molecules to the hair without drying it out. Since there is no ammonia, when applying the color, the hair can be laid flat instead of lifted to prevent burning the scalp. And because it’s gentle, women who only went with demicolor can now experience the benefits of permanent color safely and comfortably.

Carousel Cuts launched INOA on June 1. Within two weeks, 15 clients tried it and were ecstatic. Tarani and her staff became certified in using INOA since it is such a unique product. Carousel Cuts has been a L’Oreal color salon for 25 years and is now INOA certified as well.

For 24 year salon stylist Laurie Allgaier, the struggles blondes face is one she shares herself. Since color is completely lifted from the blonde head, the hair gets raw and the ends get dry. Allgaier has found that by using INOA, there’s a velvety feel to the hair

because it is oil based and not water based like other color lines. With INOA, Allgaier pointed out blondes can still keep their high and low lights.

“It’s a great option for those who have a demi-permanent color and want to go permanent,” said Allgaier. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Customer Kathy Shure tried INOA and was amazed at the staying power. She got home, worried about washing her hair, but it still looked and felt like she’d just walked out of the salon. She called Tarani up immediately to express her disbelief.

“It’s like having a whole new head of hair,” said Shure. “It’s incredible!”

A notable difference is after sitting for 35 minutes with the color, the stylist will need to massage the scalp to break up a ‘shell’ that forms over the hair, letting them know it is working.

“That makes it more luxurious for our customer,” said Tarani about massaging.

Tarani explained INOA costs about 15 percent more than other color lines but the results are well worth it since it gives seamless coverage from root to end.

To experience the hair color of the future, call Carousel Cuts at 978-670-8100 or stylist Laurie Allgaier at 978-852-1197 to book your appointment today.

14 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

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And when you’re cool and done outside, STAY COOL inside while you play an AIR CONDITIONED round of indoor mini golf!

Bring in our ad and get $1 off your game...It’s SO simple!

Putt-A-Round is at 265 Boston Road (Behind Chris’s Ice Cream).

For more info, call us 978-663-2422.

Fire!

Ready!

WHY BOOK WITH CRUISE PLANNERS?

• Cruises are our ONLY business •

Best Values on All Cruise Lines Individual & Group Cruise Rates For the Best Values Afloat, Call:

Carol Guarente 978.495.0209 or 978.663.0063 www.carolannscruises.com FST# ST36334/ CST# 2034468-40

Aim!

OUT ON THE TOWN Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce www.glcc.biz 978-459-8154 July 20: 12 noon: Networking on the Threes.

Lodge at Ames Pond, One Ames Hill Dr.Tewksbury Chamber members free. Call early.

July 21: 7:30 am: WISE: Breakfast on the Patio UMass Inn and Conference Ctr 50 Warren St., Lowell

Massachusetts Home Learning Association www.mhla.org Aug. 13: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m: Book Fair Barnes and Noble store Rt 1 North, Saugus

Irish American Club 978-663-3900 616 Middlesex Turnpike July 11 &18: 7pm: Singles Dances. Couples Welcome!

July 25: 7 pm: Flashback to the 80’s! Singles/ Couples welcome.

July 15, 22, 29: 7 pm: Line Dancing July 26: 2 pm: Blood Drive Aug. 8: 9 am: Blood Drive

Clara Sexton House Aug. 1, Sept. 5: 1 pm: OPEN HOUSE! 36 Concord Road First Sunday of every month, come for a visit!

Billerica Council on Aging 25 Concord Rd., 978-671-0916 Expanded COA Van Service: Tues.,Wed.,Thurs., Fri.9-2.$2 round-trip.2-day notice preferred July 9: 10-3:00: Safe Driver Course. Participants receive printed guide. Certificate issued upon completion. Presented by AARP. $12 for AARP

Whoa!

members, $14 non-AARP members July 14, July 21, Aug. 11: 9:30 am: Intergenerational Program, “Yesterday and Today”.

Seniors paired with teenagers to share and compare what it was like growing up in their respective generation. Refreshments and commemorative memory booklet. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

July 12,14,19, 21,26, 28: 8:45 a.m Walking Wonders Club: Meet at Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle.

Respite Companion program: Staff helps families care for their loved ones, allowing elders to remain at home. Companion staff can care for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other health conditions. Companions come to the home and prepare light meals, help with shopping lists, provide transportation for errands, and be dependable caregiver. Call Lauren Gray: 978-671-0916, X226 for more info.

Billerica Recreation Dept.

248 Boston Rd, 978-671-0921, M-F: 8:30- 4 billericarecreation@town.billerica.ma.us Summer Camp Reg. still accepted: Call or email for info or check out pages 13-16 of the Spring/Summer brochure BILL: Stuffed Chipmunk and Rec. Dept. friend.

Follow his summer adventures on Facebook. Bill’s friend ERICA, traveling in an RV across the US, will visit various national parks and post pictures on Facebook as well.

Manning State Park: Water play area. Restrooms available when parking attendanton duty. $3 per day or $35 per season parking fee.

Micozzi Beach: $3 per day or $35 per season parking fee.Water quality tested weekly. Lifeguards on duty 10 AM-7 PM daily.

Discounted Attractions Tix Available: AMC Movie Theaters: $6.50 National Amusements/Showcase Cinemas:$8.25

6 Flags New England (good any day): $27 Water Country (good any day):$27.50 New England Revolution July 10: 7:30 PM vs. LA Galaxy Aug. 7: 7:30 PM vs. DC United Gillette Stadium, Foxborough $22/ ticket and No Transportation Provided

Billerica Public Library www.billericalibrary.org. 978-671-0948 Starting June 19: The Library is closed Saturdays. It will reopen on Sats. starting Sept. 11.

July and Aug: Drop in Crafts: Every Tues. 11-8 or Wed. 11-4. No registration needed. Parents asked to remain with their children. While supplies last.

July 23: Tie Dye Day: 11am-1 pm and 2-4 pm (all ages.drop in) We provide the dye, you provide 100% cotton shirts, socks, etc.

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Raindate: Aug. 16

Highland Street Foundation www.highlandstreet.org Free Fun Fridays: Every Friday FREE admission to these museums: July 16: Boston Harbor Island Alliance: FREE ferry ride to Georges or Spectacle Island.408 Atlantic Ave. July 23: JFK Library & Museum. Columbia Point, Boston July 30: Museum of Fine Arts. 465 Huntington Ave. Boston Aug. 6: Peabody Essex Museum. 161 Essex St. Salem, MA Aug:13: Old Sturbridge Village.1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd.Sturbridge, MA Aug. 20: Institute of Contemporary Art. 100 Northern Ave. Boston Aug: 27: Museum of Science. 1 Science Park.

Boston

Summer Concerts on The Common billericarecreation@town.billerica.ma.us 978-671-0921 Unless otherwise noted, all concerts will be held on the Town Common at 6:30 pm.Bring dinner, blan-

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 15

Marybeth Crowley from Newton and Jay Sharrock of Billerica enjoy a slow dance together.

Dolly Miller and Peggy Bedard from Pepperell weren’t sitting out when the disco music started to play.

ket, lawn chairs, and your dancing shoes.Concerts sponsored by Friends of Billerica Recreation. In the event of rain, the concert will be canceled.

July 13: Rampage Trio July 20: Beatle Tracks July 27: Our Way Aug. 3: Rhythm Mechanics Aug. 10: John Penny Band: Library Ice Cream Sundae Fest : 6:30 pm Aug: 17: Four Guys In Tuxes Aug: 24: Front Page Aug: 31: Andy Healy Band, Sponsored by the Irish American Club

Merrimack Repertory Theatre www.merrimackrep.org 978.654.4MRT Sept. 9 – Oct. 3: The Reduced Shakespeare Company, The Complete World of Sports (abridged) Oct. 14 – Nov. 7: Four Places by Joel Drake Johnson Nov. 26: – Dec.19: Beasley’s Christmas Party, Adapted by C.W. Munger, from the story by Booth Tarkington Jan.6 – Jan: 30 , 2011: Tryst by Karoline Leach Feb. 10 – Mar. 6, 2011: The Exceptionals by Bob Clyman Mar: 17 – Apr. 10, 2011: Two Jews Walk Into A War... by Seth Rozin April 21 - May 15, 2011: A Picasso by Jeffrey Hatcher

Alan Kessler’s Karate Center 7 Marshall Street. 978-667-7774 www.kesslerkarate.com July 12: Time Machine Camps Begin! Space Limited! Call Now! Summer star theme: “I like books!”

Kesslers students who read or have read to them the most books in their age group, receive a $20 gc to Barnes & Noble. All students who read, or have read to them, one book during the months

June, July and Aug. are invited to our “End of Summer Ice Cream Social”

Billerica Boys and Girls Club 19 Campbell Road. 978-667-2193 www.billericabgc.com Aquatics: Adult and child summer swimming lessons slots still available. Check website for current updates.

Summer camps: Call x101 to inquire about openings in July and Aug. Child care: Accepting fall registrations for early bird, fun club and Kindergarten club. Call x101 with questions. Reg. form available on website.

Aug. 13: 26th Annual Golf Tournament. Billerica Country Club. 8 am tee off. $400/foursome or $110/individual. Register online.

Elks Lodge July 24: 10 am-4 pm 4th Annual Family Picnic Hudson Lodge #959, Tickets on sale now, $12 ages 13 and up, $6 ages 6-12, 5 and under FREE, Includes BBQ, Train rides, Bounce house, Soccer shoot, Dunk Tank, Lagoon of Doom,No tickets sold at the door, Info: State Chairman Dot Balistreri, 978-930-0599, harleyelk@comcast.net

Atlantis Playmakers 380 Cambridge St Burlington MA 978-667-0550 July 12- Aug. 27: Summer Studio Theater Programs for Kids of All Ages July 24- Aug. 7: 8pm Comedy “Bright Ideas”

by Eric Coble, 380 Cambridge St BurlingtonDate Change Reminder July 25-Aug. 7: Bright Ideas by Eric Coble 8pm: Thurs., Fri. and Sat. Originally scheduled for production in June.

Open Call for Performers 2010 New England Fringe Festival Festival runs Labor Day through Columbus Day Oct.7: Hosting performances Columbus Day

Weekend Oct. 11: BEST of FEST performance Registration free for short acts, $15 for longer acts 978-667-0550 or info@NEFringeFestival.com

Billerica Lions Club www.billericalionsclub.org July 26: William Flaherty Golf Tournament, Meadow Creek Golf Club, Dracut, Info: Tony- 978663-8314

St. Andrew’s Parish www.saintandrewbillerica.com 978 663 3624 Dec. 4, 2010: 10:00am-4:00pm St. Andrew Rectory Advent Fair 2010

16 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

Lampson. Kids Konnection. Vietnam Veteran’s Park (VVP). Micozzi Beach.

Kohlrausch. In a town this size, we are fortunate to have as many play spaces as we do. They are clean, safe and getting updated every year.

In addition to the five listed here, a sixth one is on the way. In the front corner of the Old Ditson property, now the Sheriff’s Office, will sit a four year old Playworld Systems structure once owned by the Carroll School in Waltham. Upon moving to a new location, the school acquired this pristine piece of equipment that they did not need.

Through a generous donation from the

Sheriff’s Office of $25,000, it will be moved and ready to use after the week of July 12.

Two sides of fencing, benches, wood carpet, fresh plantings and a handicapped accessible entrance are all the features of this new play space. The sheriff even requested a climbing wall to make it even more challenging.

“This neighborhood really needed it,” said Sandra Libby, Billerica Recreation Department’s Playground Coordinator.

“There were no town playgrounds in that half of town.”

The great news is the Fabulous Five have been spruced up for the season as well. Lampson by the Boys and Girls Club got five new trees planted and VVP on the west side is all cleaned up. At Nuttings Lake, Micozzi’s jersey barriers were painted and the sand has been weeded. An Eagle Scout Andy Wenger finished his project, a new gazebo at Kohlrausch in March. Now the parks program camps on Billerica’s north side will have some shade for eating snacks or cooling off.

Many more improvements are in the works, thanks to fund raisers. Jamie Demembro and her family raised $2,000 and Alan Kessler’s Karate Studio had a car wash, with all proceeds going toward a new playground at Lampson Field.

Kids Konnection, the gem in the playground crown next to O’Connor’s Plaza, has numerous new features to explore.

Using a grant from the Community Funds Program, totaling $1,500 from Jabil Circuit in 2008, Libby put more shade and greenery into the playground this year. Nuvera Fuel Cells came in on May 6 and planted trees, shrubs, and cleaned up. Libby is thankful to New England Nurseries in Bedford for their discounts on the greenery.

“A big thank you to them for stretching our dollars,” said Libby.

Brand new, on the entrance side, is a new butterfly garden. Through a few face painting sessions on warm afternoons in the spring, Atlantis Playmakers helped raise funds for this space. Butterfly nectar plants, either cultivated or wild, have been planted by volunteer Barbara Balaschak and Girl Scouts Jaclyn Maffeo and Pamela Libby. The

The cheering in Tewksbury could be heard over in Billerica as the U14 Billerica Warriors girls team took home the Mass Cup over the June 26-27 tournament weekend.

“They won the Framingham Memorial Day Tournament too,” said Gil Morreira, one of the team coaches.

PHOTOS BY GAIL LUCOZZI ASAPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM

MEET ME ON THE PLAYGROUND

hope is butterflies and hummingbirds will be attracted and make the area even more enjoyable and pleasing to the eye.

Libby wanted to thank Jerry O’Connor for donating the new chain link fence on his side and Dan Powderly from the town Highway Department for donating the large truck tires now serving as planter seats. Chris Duggan Construction Company improved the gazebo by replacing the concrete floor and putting the structure on concrete footers.

In order to ensure these safe and updated spaces stay this way, the Recreation Department’s other main goal when it comes to playgrounds is maintenance. This in itself can be a full time job. However, Libby, has a solution in mind for this problem. You. “We need everyone in the community to

Equally, with a strong showing, was the U12 boys Billerica United 22 who went into overtime but lost it in penalty kicks.

Jacob Lage was the only player to score during PK’s.

“I was very proud,” said Bob Lage, United 22 Coach. “It was a fun, organized tournament.”

help, and we are really grateful and dependent on all of it” Libby said.

Her three main requests are: 1. Take 5 : Where ever you are, pick up five pieces of trash.

2. If you see something, Say something: If there is vandalism going on or someone is hurt, speak up to them or the police.

3. Bring water: In addition for you to stay hydrated, there are new plantings, flowers and gardens in many of the playgrounds which need water. Make a game of it and have the children help too.

“With everyone’s help, we can treat our playgrounds like we do our cars,” added Libby. “With oil changes, cleaning, yearly inspections, and regular checks, they will be safer and fun for all.”

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 17

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

REMEMBER TO SLEEP Ah, summer. I know it crept up on me this year. And because of that, I am finding myself having a difficult time adjusting to the changes in my family’s daily routine. My biggest challenge in the summer is finding a way to keep my sleeping habits consistent when everything else has been turned upside down. How often are you taking notice of your sleep habits?

Many of us will be sure to eat healthy, exercise, and take care of our general medical needs, but totally ignore our sleep needs.

How often do you find yourself short changing sleep because you needed to finish “one last thing” before bed or get up earlier than normal in order to get through the tasks you “must” complete that day, telling yourself you will “make up” the lost hours of sleep by getting up later during the weekend?

I know I have. The problem with skimping on sleep is that we take away from our overall health and well being.

The body needs sleep. Researchers have found that we can go longer without food than without sleep. During this time, your body will refuel its energy supplies and repair and restore itself. If you are not giving yourself enough time for these tasks, you will begin to see deterioration in your health, cognitive functioning, and psychological well being.

Your skin and muscle tone will be adversely affected as well as your coordination, agility, and strength. You might even find that your weight is increasing because your body is tricking you into thinking you are hungry

when you are actually tired. You will find that you are more irritable, your sense of humor has disappeared, and your personality has changed. Your ability to think clearly and quickly will diminish, your concentration and memory will not be as sharp, and you may find you are less creative.

Let’s talk about how to manage sleep habits in order to avoid the pitfalls of sleep deprivation. In general, you are aiming for approximately eight hours of sleep per night, with some variability due to individual differences. Set a consistent sleep and wake time, even on weekends. Develop a bedtime routine that includes relaxing activities without television, computers, cell phones, etc. Make your sleep surroundings dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool. Stop eating approximately two hours before your set bedtime. Exercise daily and approximately two to three hours before your set bedtime.

Finally, avoid alcohol and caffeine close to your bedtime. Other ways to improve sleep include quitting smoking, achieving and/or maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding naps during the day. Remember, sleep is important. Schedule it and keep that appointment!

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

All your landscaping needs done with a woman’s touch.

SPECIALIZING IN Landscape design, construction, and maintenance Perennial Gardens Hardscapes Waterscapes Walkways & Patios For a full list of services please visit our website.

Named after Warren Manning, a prominent Billerica resident and landscape architect who had his studio on the property, Manning State Park on Route 129 (Chelmsford Road) is owned by the state but managed by the town.

It is open from 9 am-6 pm and offers hiking trails, picnic areas and a water park. This colorful water park was built about 12 years ago and is open from 10 am-6 pm. The park officially opens on Memorial Day and closes on Columbus day. Anyone seeking to use the park the rest of the year can park outside the gate and walk in. Plans for a new fitness trail are currently in the works.

Lisa Fudge and crew of Affordable Landscaping work together on the make over to the front of this property in North Billerica. Visit www. affordablelandscaping. info to see the finished product.

978-663-6271 18 years in business in Billerica

www.AffordableLandscaping.info

18 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

AH LHIFEG VBICTORIOUS H

OWE IGH RAD EATS OMELESSNESS

T

hey’re on television shows, telling their stories. Not out doors in pavilions with friends. They are on wide stages, holding microphones before vast oceans of people. Not humbly seated on a small town park bench.

They are public and boisterous. Not quietly poised. Not like John “Jack” Denman.

For someone who was dealt one of life’s hardest hands, this Howe High graduate from the class of 1955 walks with dignity and smiles with ease. He doesn’t wallow in self pity. Instead, he’s worked hard and stayed humble. And as soon as he was able to help others like himself, he did it. Big time.

Denman was born the second of five siblings and lived his first decade and a half of life in East Billerica or “Shore Acres”. He recalls the dirt roads leading home, growing vegetables and canning them, and the many livestock animals his family owned. His mother stayed at home and his father was a master pressman for a printer in Cambridge, MA. By outward appearances, it seemed normal.

But what went on behind closed doors was far from it. His father, an active alcoholic, was severely abusive to the children and his mother. By the time, Denman was a teenager, it had become grave. He would often be called upon to help get the younger children to school and would give up school himself to help his mother. One night, during the worst altercation he recalled, Denman defended his mother and found himself with his hands around his father’s neck and slamming his head into the kitchen floor. It scared him so much that he packed a brown paper bag and left.

Way back in the deep woods behind what is now the ‘Shop and Go’ on Route 129 were hunting shacks and at 14, young Denman began to avoid Dad and exist on his own. He would get himself to school and when his father was at work, he would go home to see his mother. He would bathe in the Shawsheen River by the aqueduct and would catch fish to cook and eat in the shacks. Once he went to school barefoot and was sent home. So the next day, he broke the blades off a pair of skates in order to have shoes.

To earn money, Denman delivered newspapers for 1/2 a cent each and worked at Dickerman’s Turkey Farm for 25 cents an hour. Initially, he just cleaned pens but eventually, he was the one in charge of slaughtering the turkeys at a rate of 50 cents per hour.

Denman was a good student and continued attending the Howe High. He knew teachers wondered about him but in that day and age, no one asked too many questions. He did, however, remember those people who were really good to him along the way.

“I’d never felt that clean because our house had no indoor bathing facilities,” said Denman.

His Guidance Counselor, Helen Collins, looked out for him but his favorite was Mary Brown, his English teacher. She always asked him how he was and when he became a senior, she asked him if he was going to the prom. He said no because he had no money.

She held out her hand and crumpled up inside was a $50 bill. She made arrangements for dinner and transportation and Denman had a great time. When he returned from basic training, Denman visited Howe High , and handed Miss Brown $50 so she could do the same for someone else.

Denman graduated in 1955 and went immediately into the Air Force. In 1957, his mother left his father and moved to California . Denman went on to serve 11 years in the Air Force after a year of intensive training in electronics at Scott AFB, Illinois.

At 23, he met his wife Regina , with whom he will celebrate 48 years of marriage this coming year.

“She’s a saint,” said Denman about his bride.

Denman and his wife would became the proud parents of John Jr. and Michael, who moved with their Dad and Mom every time the Air Force transferred them. The couple are now the proud grandparents of two seven year olds Sydney and Zachary, and a four year old granddaughter named Claire.

“I adore them,” smiled Denman. “They are smart and very cute kids.”

JACK SITTING ON THE WALL OF THE AQUEDUCT HE HAD TO BATHE IN AS A HOMELESS CHILD, YET ON HIS TRIP BACK FROM CALIFORNIA (NOW A WEALTHY MAN), HE TAKES PICTURES AS TO NOT FORGET WHERE HE CAME FROM.

His friend, Richard Bemis’s mother Lillian would feed him or give him groceries.

Danny Semon lived nearby and knew what was going on. Denman will never forget his first shower at the Semon household.

Denman never forgot the value of an education and wanted to learn as much as he could wherever he was. Whether in Illinois or Michigan , Massachusetts, Idaho or New Mexico , Denman took classes like

chemistry and French. He later returned to Massachusetts and finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Management at the University of Massachusetts , Amherst .

Denman went into the insurance business, working with information systems. He worked hard and rose quickly through ranks like Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

About the time Denman felt comfortable in his position at Transamerica and with six departments mad up of 110 people working for him, he noticed one holiday that the office would look better with a Christmas tree. Subsequently, each department got one along with the opportunity for a silly, fun gift exchange. Then it came to him. They should purchase gifts, not for themselves, but for homeless and indigent children in need. So just before the holidays the department trees and donated gifts were distributed to needy families or homeless kids.

“In Southern California , there are 57,000 homeless children and runaways,” said Denman. “Some are living in shelters but many are living in deplorable conditions in hidden alleys and under freeway bridges.”

Before you knew it, an informal organization of volunteers called “Create the Magic of Christmas” was formed. Christmas parties were held where no one could not get in without bringing toys, clothes, or canned food. Denman’s only rule was it had to be new.

“These kids deserve the best,” he said.

Within a few years it grew and he changed the name and incorporated a more inclusive organization called Create the Magic of Giving Foundation, Inc., and made it into a tax exempt 501c charitable organization. In the first year, they collected 500 toys. Two years later, 5,000 toys were collected. Four years later, 50,000 toys were collected. When he finally stepped down last year from his 16 year term, Create the Magic of Giving had given these gifts to over 300,000 homeless and indigent children in Southern California.

The PTO of the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) now manages the organization and continues to give to homeless children. Since last year, the Foundation added a scholarship program for the deserving CAMS students and other homeless children seeking a higher education.

Today, Denman is retired, consulting for corporations and the foundation when called upon.. It still brings him joy because he will never forget where he came from.

“Children are our future,” said Denman.

“When you love them, they love you back and love is the only source of our joy. It’s not their fault for being homeless so please be more sensitive and aware of them in your community and then help them, please.”

©2010 TONY LUONGO WWW.LUONGOART.COM

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 19

Jarred’s Shoreline Fishing Tips 1. Have the right gear: The right sized hook matters. If it’s too big, you won’t be able to hook your fish. If it’s too small, it will slip out of the fish’s mouth. If your rod is too light, a fish will break it. If your line is too light, a fish will also break it but if it’s too heavy, the fish won’t even look at you. If you are fishing for larger fish, a large capacity reel is necessary. If it’s too small, the fish will pull the line and the line will break.

2. Water Levels: See what level the fish are at in the water, meaning where they are striking, and get your bait in front of them.

3. Bait: If you notice your fish don’t like your bait, try catching small minnows and using them as your bait instead.

4. Cover: If you can’t see the fish, look for cover and cast there. Fish prefer cover over open water because they can ambush their prey better.

hanging out

no school

swimming

reading

biking

drawing

running

volunteering

baseball

family fun

ballpark dogs

yard work

3d movies

pool party

family vacations

u o d r a w i n g r n o s o y

y i m i g o s n n g o c e m n

l t u o g n i g n a h t b a r

e a r f k d u i o o v y a e i

e c s a a n m f o a a o l i g

a a a e p m o l y r g a l o g

s v r u i l t g d l n n p h y

b y h w f v o w o v i o n o a

i l s l m t o o d n n m c u g

d i l o a r k m p a n n a a l

r m b i k i n g d m u g g f a

l a i m o l n r g 3 r l p u b

m f b a i b i l i r n m g e o

Summer Hang-Out

mg s n g i o r d e k e r t a n p u l l l o a v b a k o n o

©2010 TONY LUONGO

3 J’s Corner

Let’s Talk About It With Julia My Favorite Things About Summer Camp at The Boys and Girls Club. I enjoy swimming in the pool. I like to play in the gym. The learning room, activity room and game room are fun too. I really like being outdoors for outside gym class. I just love EVERYTHING about it!

• • • •YOU YOU• • • • Someone to be proud of Someone to take pride in Someone to love You! You are unique You are special You should love yourself

You should take pride in yourself You should be proud of yourself You!

By Alexis Hutcheon, age 11

Jake’s Green Corner Water Conservation: ME TOO! I went to the Children’s Museum with my Mom and my sister, Julia and learned how I can help to save water. If I take the shower challenge, I can shower in 5 minutes (or less). I should shut off the water when I’m washing my hands or brushing my teeth because that saves water too. Saving water is a good idea for the environment. Try it!

20 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

STADIUM KEEPS ZACH’S MEMORY ALIVE

By Nora Fiore, Staff Writer Have you ever had a big dream? Eleven year old Zachary Tompkins of Hudson, NH did. He wanted a sports stadium named after him. He even made a ceramic plate in the shape of a football that reads “Zach’s Stadium” as evidence of this dream. Sadly, Zachary passed away in his sleep on March 8, but his dream of a stadium lives on through the hard work of those who love him. Its through this work in attaining the dream that his friends and family find solace.

of land plus water and sewer for the facilities.

The plans for this sports complex include two football fields, a baseball diamond and a three story 60 x 30 structure housing lockers and conference rooms. There will also be a walking path and a playground.

In front of the arena, there will be a wishing well called Zach Attack Give Back Wishing Well. All of the money from this well will be given on an annual basis to a charity of Necole’s choice. The well will bear a plaque reading the following:

“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” – unknown This family wasn’t always from New Hampshire. Zach’s dad, Mike Tompkins grew up in Billerica and graduated high school here in1991. His mom, Necole, worked for Cook and Co. Real Estate right in the center of town. Their roots run deep here in Billerica.

When asked how she and her family were handling this loss, Necole stated she relied on her spirituality. She has taught her boys to think of ourselves as glasses of water.

The glass is our physical body and the water is our spirit. Eventually the glass shatters, the water evaporates and we change form but our spirit is always here. Zach’s two brothers hold onto this concept to help them through this time.

“It’s something different to us because we are used to the tangible,” said Necole.

When reminiscing, friends and family had heart warming memories to share. Like when Zach taught his younger brother, Nich, to tie his shoes and often helped him with his homework. Or when he and older brother, Chris, would stay up late on Face book, laughing. Zach was a high honor student known particularly for his kindness and compassion which ultimately earned him the award of ‘Most Christ Like’ at his school Presentation of Mary in Hudson, NH. His best friends Valerie and Cori Luce recalled how much he loved visiting Maine.

An avid football fan, Zach decorated his room with memorabilia from his favorite team, the New England Patriots. His dresser is covered in trophies and he loved baseball too.

“He was everything good, like a role model”, said friend Lindsey Bielby.

The stadium, tentatively named the Zachary M. Tompkins Memorial Sports Complex, is well underway to becoming a reality. The town of Hudson donated 13 acres

The Billerica Green congratulates Ginny Penrose of Billerica (Near the Concord River) for winning the July Green iPod Nan o. Ginny was one of the 40 correct entries who found the answer to our riddle correctly. Our favorite color is Green (Of course!) and we focu sed on the Irish American Club’s ad on page 3 of our June Edition. We will run more cont ests so to those who weren’t chosen: Thanks for playing and TRY AGAIN!

Ken Macpherson and Steve Goguen were two of the 88 golfers who took part in the Fifth Annual COA Golf Tournament on a steamy June 28, organized by the Friends of The Council on Aging. In addition to multiple hole sponsorships, the golf committee was thankful to receive 46 raffle items from local businesses like Newtowne Grille and Spa Utopia. All proceeds go toward programming at the senior center.

In the name of Zach, Lets all give a little back.

To anyone who is in need, This was Zach’s way indeed.

To allow the giving to begin, Just make a wish and toss it in!

Love, Mom. To date, the family still needs help raising another $100,000. A golf tournament scheduled for July 26 still has dinner tickets available, which includes a silent auction.

Red Sox tickets, Celtics tickets, a day spa, a Maine weekend and signed sports memorabilia are a few items up for auction that day. On Aug. 27, Necole scheduled the Zach Attack 5k Run which still needs more runners. Additional information about Zach and his fund raisers can be found on his website www.zacharytompkins.org for those interested in participating or donating.

ke at the 60th Korea Jooseok Kim spo of c bli pu Re the of al l of Korean War Consul Gener eon on June 27. A handfu nch Lu r Wa n rea Ko the attendance at this Anniversary of more than 200 people in the g on am re we ica ler ten war but rather Veterans from Bil led the war not the forgot cal Kim .

Mr . ll we Lo in m the loss of life gathering held erican soldiers, telling the Am the ed nk tha He y. tor the forgotten vic rean people owe was not in vain. ntry,” said Kim. “ The Ko cou s rou spe pro and e fre “Korea is a American soldiers.” what we are enjoying to the

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 21

NATURE’S KINDRED SPIRITS: KEN BURNS SHARES HISTORICAL INSIGHT Before an attentive audience, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns opened up. He shared heart felt stories of personal redemption and inner peace as he recapped the seven year journey to and from our national parks throughout the USA. Those which brought him to creating his film, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea On June 16, at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Burns’ gave the crowd an inside look at his latest film during Middlesex Community College’s Celebrity Forum.

Burns, who has his studio in Walpole, NH, is best known for his ability to bring to life the best and worst of America’s past. His documentary film series includes: The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The West, and The War. Prolifically, he has also created biographies on such famous people as Thomas Jefferson, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mark Twain.

Regarding America’s Best Idea, Burns said the parks are an integral part of our beautiful continent, which have molded us. The parks are clean yet carry a complicated past. For that reason, Burns did a documentary on the history, following the individuals who created the parks.

“This was not a tour guide,” said Burns.

He impressed on the crowd how the the great landscapes are not set aside for kings but for all. He shared how unprepared he and his crew were for the effect the grand scenery would have on them. How when they were in touch with the immense passing of time, they spent many moments gazing in wonder at what lay before them.

“We were walking in a cathedral of stone,” said Burns. “By going out, we are really going in.”

Burns said it was as though they reconnected themselves to their dearest memories as a species. He added it was people who rescued animals and who dedicated their lives to expanding and restoring America’s best idea which he focused on.

He described the trip out to Yosemite as he drove through the vast open plains of this country, noting the roads getting smaller and smaller. I-205 to I-5 to I-80. He turned the corner and the valley unfolded. He would find it all so hard to forget.

“I have never in my life felt like I did in that moment,” he said. “I felt born again.”

Burns ended the night with his own personal heart felt story of the trip he took to the Shenandoah National Park with his Dad when he was a child. It was a trip where father and son would reconnect which for Burns made the whole experience magical.

“It’s all about who we see these sacred scenes with,” smiled Burns.

The Marshall Middle School faculty thanked The Billerica Community Alliance, EMD Serono and Eastern Brothers Landscaping for donating the manpower and the plants that made the front entrance of the school come alive with color.

22 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

Relay for Life

Marches On Amidst all day rain outside the Billerica Boys and Girls

Alan Kessler’s Karate Studio did a lively choreographed presentation, depicting the different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment while also showing the crowd self defense maneuvers. Even tiny students in Kesler’s Karate School managed to wow the crowd.

Club, hundreds of walkers completed thousands of laps at Lampson Field, helping Billerica raise over $42,000 toward cancer research and treatment.

On site fundraising included face painting and Joe Nordlie, seen here as the ‘Joker’, got into the fun.

Groups did not let drizzle and rains stop them from this cause.

To remember those who have passed on and think about those who continue to fight back, the Boys and Girls Club gym was filled with hundreds of luminaria bags, listing names of so many loved ones. A bag piper played Amazing Grace in the dark and most of the teams completed laps in silence to honor those who cancer took away too soon. The luminarias were placed in the shape of the cancer ribbon and the word ‘HOPE’ was spelled out in the center as well.

Sara Pietila and Kara Dodd, event chairs for The Relay, kept the schedule of events on time.

Let’s Go Kim: Different teams donned different costumes, this one cheering on a close friend and relative.

To stay awake all night, teams would take breaks and enjoy other activities. This group, consisting of Casey DePlacido, Brittany Bicknell, Caitlyn Burns, Jacob Bonvie, Brandon Bicknell, Brooke Bicknell, and Madison Bonvie, happily gathered in a tent and managed to pile as many bubbles as possible on top of each other without toppling the mountain.

At 7 pm, the campsites were transformed into a Halloween wonderland, with relay teams dressing up and trick or treating.

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 23

PITCH, HIT, RUN WELCOMES FEMALE ATHLETES

By Shawn Hutcheon, Sports Writer Competition, as per www.dictionary. com, is “…a contest for some prize or honor…” Athletes are trained to compete every time they step onto the playing field.

They are taught that those who compete the hardest are the ones who win. No matter what the outcome.

Every year, Aquafina and the Major League Baseball (MLB) sponsors the Pitch, Hit and Run, a competition for players ages seven to fourteen, which offers them the opportunity to show their abilities on the field. Historically, it has been held for boys only. However this year, girls who play softball were welcomed to join.

There are four levels of competition: local, sectional, team championship, and national finals. The Billerica Girls Softball Association, in conjunction with the Billerica Recreation Department, the Billerica High School Boys’ Varsity Baseball team, and the Billerica Little League, held the local event.

Two of the BGSA players competed harder than their competitors and found success.

Nicole Wedge and Amanda Angelucci advanced to the sectional meet in Dracut for their age groups.

All of the girls who competed were first judged on pitching skills. Each competitor threw six pitches and earned points for throwing at a target deemed “the strike zone”. Next up was the hitting portion of the event. The girls hit six balls off a standard batting tee. The hits were then measured for distance and accuracy towards center field.

Finally, the running stage was next as the ballplayers were timed for running speed from second base to home plate. After taking

part in the three events, a cumulative score was tallied and the player with the highest moved on to the team championship. Wedge and Angelucci did well in Dracut but girls from other towns edged past move on to the national finals which will be held in Anaheim, California during Major League Baseball’s All-Star festivities.

Wedge enjoyed the experience. She was especially appreciative of the support the girls received at the local meet from the high school baseball team.

“At first I was nervous to compete in front of the boys’ baseball team,” Wedge explained. “They encouraged us and helped us. After a while it was fun to play in front of them.”

Nicole’s mother, Christine, was impressed with the BMHS ball club, happy her daughter learned so much from them.

“It was a learning process,” she said.

Indians baseball coach, Joe Higgins, was glad his team could help. he explained thy realize how much the community helps them and see this as a way to give back.

“I am really proud of the players,” Higgins said. “We plan on continuing it every year.”

Higgins was also quick to mention Wayne Fisher of the Billerica Little League and Earl Paulsen from the Billerica Girls Softball Association, for whose involvement he found instrumental in making this competition possible.

“They spear headed the entire event,” Higgins pointed out thankfully.

Any girl interested in taking part in next year’s pitch, hit, and run competition can contact the Billerica Recreation Department at 978-671-0921 or the Billerica Girls Softball Association at www.billericagirlssoftball.com.

Thanks to All Dog Owners who responded to our online survey!

There are over 2000 registered dogs in Billerica. A newly formed DOG PARK COMMITTEE is researching the need to build a town dog park.

We are tallying the over 200 surveys we received...But need MORE! Go to www.thebillericagreen.com to complete the survey online.

The Dog Park Committee meets monthly at The Billerica Public Library (Check library website for location).

Upcoming Meetings: July 15: 7 pm & Aug. 12: 7 pm

PUPPY SOLUTIONS FOR BUSY PEOPLE

Come and share your ideas!

Our Private In-Home Puppy Training Program Is Designed For People With Busy Lifestyles We Bring Personalized Puppy Training Services Straight To Your Door No Driving Through Traffic, No Waiting For The Next Puppy Class Call Now To Schedule Your In-Home Puppy Training Program Today!

SANDRA BRIGHAM 978.436.0318 www.trainupthatpup.com

Ariel

Cindy Crawford

Billerica Cat Care Coalition has two very sweet girl kittens looking for homes. Ariel and her siblings were born in a manger in a church’s storage area. She’s a very pretty white and black kitten. Some people call her a ‘cow kitty’ but she’s much cuter than any cow. She loves people and other cats. Her birthday is April 10, 2010.

Next is Cindy Crawford. You’ll see the beauty mark on her face. She’s a pretty white and black kitten who gets along well with the other kittens and cats in foster care. She loves to play chase games with the other kitties and also with her many toys. She was born in April 2010.

Both girls are up to date on shots and are FIV/FELV negative.

To start the adoption process for these kittens please complete an adoption application at our online site www.Billericacatcarecoalition.org.

t a C g n i s s Mi

D N U O F a Read

bou

age t on p

3.

YOUR NEW PUPPY

By Sandra Brigham Ask your puppy to sit for his supper Use treats to teach your puppy to sit, then incorporate sit to “say please” into his everyday routine: sit before serving his meal, sit before putting the leash on for a walk, sit before inviting him to join you on the sofa, and sit before releasing him to greet another puppy.

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

24 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

STARS AND STRIPES WISE WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER When driving around the town, one can’t numerous incentive programs FOREVER help but notice the prominent water ban to assist residents in their Third and fourth graders from the Hajjar and the Kennedy Elementary Schools filled Town Hall on June 14 to learn more about Old Glory and celebrate our flag, the sign of our freedom which over centuries has stood for peace, truth and justice.

signs everywhere. For some, it may seem like a mere annoyance. However, those signs are there to prepare us for the future. In three to ten years, our ability to draw water with ease will change and be monitored more so by federal agencies. If you are a home owner, you can expect that water fees and water rates will be going up to cover the actual cost of your services.

It has been over 10 years since any adjustments have been made and costs have risen steadily every year. Town officials continue to look at such issues as replacing old water meters, timing the readings more effectively to ensure accuracy, and preparing for new Mass Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations to take effect, possibly as soon as late 2017. They do this by implementing conservation plans for the ones using the water: residents and businesses.

“The state owns the river and the ground water,” said DPW Director Abdul Alkhatib.

“The state owns all the resources.”

MassDEP defines “Nonessential Water Use” as: “nonessential outdoor water use” is not required: (a) for health or safety reasons; (b) by regulation; (c) for the production of food and fiber; (d) for the maintenance of livestock; or (e) to meet the core functions of a business.”

Some examples of nonessential water uses include: watering the lawn outside of the hours of 9 am and 5 pm except via use of a hand held hose. Or washing your cars yourself instead of utilizing a car wash. Or washing your house or sidewalk.

However, equally, the Mass DEP believes there are acceptable uses of water and those include watering a new lawn during the months of May and September. Or watering your garden where you grow your vegetables.

Irrigation by plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock is okay as is irrigation by golf courses as necessary to maintain greens and tees and limited fairways. The Recreation Department can also water public parks and recreational fields with less concern.

The town officials have put into effect

School held their year end Karrie Stang’s Gotta Dance . The School Stage on June 19 recital on the Lowell High the de ma sic mu g and funky colorful costumes, lightin pleaser. whole show a real crowd

efforts at conservation. Water conservation items available to residents include water conservation kits for showers that have pressure gages to drop into the shower heads and rain cups or barrels which collect storm water for lawn irrigation.

Town officials had also been researching having new housing developments built in Billerica pay one time conservation fees which would be deposited into the town’s conservation fund. In turn, that money would be used for public outreach and education as well as reimbursing current residents for installing Energy Star rated toilets, dish washers and clothes washing machines.

New developments were jumping on the conservation band wagon already. They were implementing such measures as energy Star rated faucets, shower heads, toilets and appliances, as well as maximizing the use of low water-use plants, equipping all irrigation systems with a timer, and minimize the use of lawn areas.

There’s a great website out there with lots of easy-to-do tips on how to conserve water called www.wateruseitwisely.com. Here’s just a sampling of about 20 tips: • When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

• Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.

This way, every drop goes to you and not

down the drain • Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.

• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a water-efficient model.

• We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient.

• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.

• Put food coloring in your toilet tank.

If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Collect water from your roof to water your garden.

• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

• Don’t use running water to thaw food.

Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

• Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

For more information on town wide water conservation programs, visit the DPW office at town hall. You can also call 978-671-0955 or visit their website at www. billericadpw.org.

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 25

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

EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES Doing home repairs and maintenance gives you a great sense of accomplishment and saves a bucket load of money. But there is a big downside when we amateurs do it ourselves: making mistakes.

Making mistakes is a big part of being a home handy person. Errors are unavoidable.

The Green Handyman made two big ones while recently working on a project at home.

I decided to create some extra kitchen storage space by building a free-standing pantry in an unheated room between the deck and the house. It’s a great project because it’s cheap, easy, and everybody likes more storage.

Except for the metal shelf brackets, I made the entire pantry out wood left over from other projects. We brought it upstairs and moved it to its final position. The only thing left to do was to cut a rectangle in the back to access the electrical outlet.

All I had to do was measure how far the outlet was from the floor and the edge of the pantry so that I could transfer those measurements to the rear of the unit and cut the hole. Easy, right?

The vacuum cleaner was still plugged in.

Not a really safety problem, right? It can be, if you are using a metal measuring tape. I stretched the tape across the wall and over the outlet. Without realizing it, I let the tape touch the two prongs of the vacuum plug, which was not pushed all the way in. This

created a short circuit and POP! Sparks flew and a puff of black smoke blew out of the receptacle, slightly charring the outlet cover.

I’m lucky that I didn’t get a jolt. I do have modern wiring and circuit breakers.

So instead of being nearly done with the job, I had the replace the receptacle that I had upgraded 30 minutes before, and at the 28” mark my tape measure looked like it had been bitten by a vampire with electric fangs.

A short time later it was getting dark and I was getting tired. It was time to secure the pantry to the wall – an important childproofing measure. On a return trip from the garage via the deck, I carried several trays of screws. In full stride – WHACK – I walked nose-first into the screen door. Dozens of screws went flying, finding the crevices between the decking. I damaged my safety glasses and warped the frame of the screen door.

Luckily, no one saw my embarrassing face plant, so no one will ever know about it. I did, however, create a new set of projects for myself, starting with picking up all those screws. (Green Handyman hint: use a magnet.) And this winter I’ll have to find a way of straightening out that door.

When you’re working on your own house, expect gaffes to happen. Just keep them small.

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

YANKEE DOODLE PARTNERED WITH RECYCLE BUYING POWER How would you like to shop and save money, while at the same time help raise dollars for Yankee Doodle? This program is a win for you and for Billerica’s Homecoming.

Yankee Doodle has partnered with Recycle Buying Power, an online shopping mall where you shop, save money, and Yankee Doodle also receives cash based on your shopping dollars.

What are the benefits to you as a business or an individual? You earn “unlimited” cash back with no cost to join a club. There are over 3500 partner stores and over 35 million

products. There is the ability to comparison shop and product search. There is no restriction on resale. Use online coupons and still earn cash back.

Join this revolutionary shopping cash back program - www.shopyankeedoodle. com(which links to http://www. marketamerica.com/billericayankeedoodle/ )and help raise dollars for Billerica’s Homecoming. Contact Joan at jparcewski@ comcast.net or at 978-663-5201.

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RECYCLE EVERYDAY ITEMS

Local Man to Ride in

By Wanda Nordlie Leap Eco Solutions, LLC

Pan-Mass

Chipped Coffee Mugs • • • • • Use a chipped or cracked coffee mug to make small windowsill-size planters.

Put an old mug near your phone to hold pens and pencils for taking messages.

Challenge

Cork • • • • • Run your dull razor blade through a cork to get a few more shaves out of it.

Attach a cork to boat keys so they will float if they end up overboard.

Glue wine corks onto wood backing and make your own corkboard.

Use corks as fish hook holders.

Detergent Squeeze Bottles • • • • • Use a detergent squeeze bottle to water plants, fill a steam iron, or spot clean the floor.

Store a water-filled squeeze bottle in the car and use it to clean the windshield when the wiper fluid is used up or to clean hands after changing a flat.

Hangers • • • • • Find out if your local dry cleaner will accept metal clothes hangers.

Decorate hangers with wool or fabric for gift giving.

Take some hangers with you when you go camping for roasting wieners and marshmallows.

Old Greeting Cards • • • • • Use last year’s Christmas cards to make Christmas gift tags and paper chains to decorate your home.

Make a bookmark from an old card.

Make gift boxes using old cards.

Make your own birthday and greeting cards by covering old cards with new pictures or photographs.

Reuse an especially nice or funny card by sending it back and forth to different people.

Give cards you can’t use to schools, daycare centers, and Brownie packs for craft projects.

Plastic Trays • • • • • Use plastic (polystyrene) trays from cookies and pastries when freezing portions of fresh meat or poultry. The meat pieces will lie flat and slip into freezer bags more easily on trays and when the meat is defrosting the tray will hold the juices.

Use plastic trays in place of paper plates for picnics.

Put trays under baked goods you give as gifts or under plants to catch drips.

Yogurt Containers • • • • • Use old yogurt containers to store leftovers or to pack lunches.

Cut the bottom out of a yogurt container and place it around delicate plants to protect them in the spring.

By Pat Graham, Sports Editor There are so many things that you could do on a beautiful summer day. Some folks head to the beach or become one with nature on a camping trip. If you’re Billerica resident Tim Brandall, you strap on your helmet, hop on your touring bike and just start pedaling.

Brandall will be participating in the 2010 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) cycling event on Aug. 7 and 8 which will raise money for cancer research and treatment at the DanaFarber Cancer Institute in Boston. Red Sox fans in particular will know this erstwhile cause by its more recognizable name: The Jimmy Fund. Since 2007, 100 percent of every dollar that the PMC cyclists have raised went directly to the Jimmy Fund. Since it’s inception in 1980, the PMC has raised more than $270 million which has been used to finance cancer research in its earliest stages.

It is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, bringing in nearly 50 percent of its annual revenue.

This is the second year that Brandall will be riding in this magnificent event and the course that he will be traveling is certainly not a Sunday morning stroll. It is a grueling 192-mile ride from Sturbridge, MA to the very tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown. The first leg of the trip is considered the toughest by far. It will lead him 111 miles over some extremely hilly terrain and some very fast descents to Mass Maritime Academy in

Bourne, MA. This is where Brandall will spend his Saturday night trying to revive his aching muscles. Regardless of the pain, he will gear up and complete the remaining 81 miles to Provincetown with a big smile on his face.

“Getting up at 4AM to start the second day was the toughest part last year,” Brandall said. “Your muscles are sore, everything aches and I just spent the night in a tent.”

Tim had only ridden a bicycle in a recreational capacity before 2008 when he saw an opportunity to make a difference.

“I started riding specifically for the 2009 PMC,” he said. “I had lost my mother-inlaw, Brenda Blake, to lung cancer in April of 2007 and was ready to conquer a challenge in her honor.”

By October of 2008, Brandall’s training was going well and he was covering up to 50 miles at a time. It was at that time that Tim learned that his father-in-law, James ‘Poppy’ Blake, was diagnosed with stomach cancer as well. Unfortunately, Poppy lost his battle with the horrible disease just weeks before last year’s ride.

“Not that I needed one, but now I had another reason to ride,” said Tim. Brandall, who was born in Louth, Lincolnshire on the southeast coast of Great Britain, gets energized by the amazing amount of support that he receives along the route.

“Hundreds and hundreds of people come

out to cheer us on.” he said. “It can also be emotionally draining, as many of the people lining the road hold up signs saying things like ‘I’m 13 thanks to you’. Everyone has a story.”

As difficult as it may be to travel close to two hundred miles on a bicycle, the toughest part may just be the fund raising aspect of it. Each rider on the two-day excursion is committed to raising a minimum of $4200, which is no easy task in today’s economy.

Brandall, however, is confident that he can exceed that total.

“I just made it last year, and this year I have committed to raise $5000,” he said. “I have six weeks left and still have over $2600 left to raise.”

If you would like to contribute and sponsor Tim Brandall’s trek in the Pan-Mass Challenge, there are several ways to do so.

The secure PMC fund raising link is: http:// www.pmc.org/profile/TB0164.

It is also possible for people to text donations by sending PMC TB0164 to 20222 which will automatically donate $10 to Tim’s ride and will be charged to your cell phone account.

Personal checks are also accepted made payable to PMC or Jimmy Fund with ‘Tim Brandall’ written in the memo field of the check. Those can be sent to: 16 Avila Road, Billerica, MA 01821.

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 27

Nourishment for Optimal Health •By Kathy Lynch, CHHC

DIY ORGANIC EATING ON BUDGET I hear it over and over again, “I don’t want to buy organic foods because they cost too much.” Organic foods might seem expensive you can eat delicious foods without emptying your wallet. Your tax dollars pay for hazardous waste clean up and environmental damage caused by conventional farming.

Rising health care costs need to be considered as well. Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides are poisons designed to kill living organisms, and are harmful to humans too. Plus many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases.

One terrific solution for eating organic vegetables and fruits on a budget is to grow them yourself. A pack of seeds costs about one dollar and yields many plants. Even baby plants from your local farm stand or market cost little and can yield alot. I like perennial plants because they grow back year after year with little fuss. The perennial plants currently growing in my back yard garden are rhubarb, perennial onions, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peppermint, and oregano. As for annuals, I planted green beans from seed, kale, onions, tomatoes, celery, parsley, sage, stevia, and squash.

It is pretty simple to start a garden. You need soil, water, and sun. You might have nice fertile soil already. If not, purchase some from a local nursery. You can always start small and expand the garden as you learn.

Think of it as an experiment. Just put the plants in the ground and see what happens.

Pull the weeds out regularly so they don’t choke your vegetable and fruit plants and save table scraps for making compost.

Growing your own garden is good for children since children like to plant things and watch them grow. There are many Coming across the country from Seattle Washington, Mrs. Ellen Bennett Hazzard was visiting friends as well as taking the tour of the Bennett where Terry and Gert Trent, caretakers of the building and board members, pointed out all the updates and changes. Mrs. Hazzard is the great, great, great grand daughter of Eleanor Benntt, the founder of the Bennett Library. The Bennett, built in the 1880’s, was Billerica’s first public library.

children who have no idea where their food comes from, other than the grocery store so growing a garden lets them see all the steps from seed to plate. Some forward-thinking schools have vegetable gardens for this purpose. There are many good books and internet sites for gardening instruction.

If growing your own produce is not your thing, buy organic foods at farmers markets or farms with community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Fortunately, many local grocery stores are also selling organic foods. When more people demand organic foods, the market responds to supply them and prices come down. Remember, too, that higher prices usually mean higher quality.

If you want to prioritize the organic produce you purchase, pay attention to pesticide load. According to a study by Environmental Working Group, the top ten vegetables and fruits with the highest pesticide load are: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries (domestic), nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale/collard greens, and cherries. These are the items to buy organic when possible, especially when feeding children. Children receive four times more exposure than adults to cancer-causing pesticides in foods. So remember, organic foods grown or purchased locally can be very affordable and will help to preserve the health of all living beings in this and future generations.

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.

ATTN: REALTORS Get your name out there!

Help Buyers and Sellers See You and Reach You. The Billerica Green’s Fall Market Real Estate Section will be in mailboxes this August. Don’t Miss Out!

E-mail us today! ads@thebillericagreen.com It Pays to be Seen in The Green!

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28 / thebillericagreen.com / July - August 2010

TEACHING ON OUR TIME; HOMESCHOOLERS DISPEL MYTHS The Billerica Homeschooling Association (BHA) would like everyone to know a few things. They are not shut ins. They are not rejecting society or the public school system.

Home schooled children are not just sitting around doing nothing. In fact, it’s more to the contrary than one might think.

For the many families in the BHA, homeschooling is about balancing schedules.

It’s about creating more family time. For many parents who are homeschooling, it’s about moving education at their children’s individual speed, taking into account their style, while giving them one on one attention.

“We are regular folks who want to be with our kids,” said Jen Croce, BHA founder. “ I didn’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if I hadn’t homeschooled’?”

For some, their children were in the public schools and are now home schooled.

For others, they are home schooling right out of the gate. Croce explained she obtained the education guidelines the Ditson School were her child would attend and an approval packet from the superintendent’s office.

A home schooling parent must submit a Letter of Intent, Education Plan and an assessment of their child’s progress annually.

Croce has found BPS Superintendent Dr. Tony Serio to be very supportive and the BHA’s long term goal is to bring the home schooled children into the public schools for extracurricular activities so they can socialize with their neighbors and friends.

“Homeschooling is doable,” said Croce.

“There are a lot of resources and support

systems.”

Amber Moody, BHA Co-founder, believes she is instilling a love of learning and finds there is a lot more freedom in how to teach given the wide spectrum of curriculum options available to her.

“It’s about balance,” said Moody.

For Ann Cole, she has seen an increase in family time and has found her home schooled children to be more ‘unplugged’ and interested in their surroundings.

She ensures her children are out in the community and socializing as well. She was excited to see her eight year old son having more time to read and noted he takes more ownership of his education.

“Now we have more time,” said Cole.

Of her four children, Leigh Vozzella has two older home schoolers. Zachary, almost 13, and Brendon, almost 10. Now that they are older, she spends less time learning about home schooling and gathering information about curriculum and more time learning about the homeschooled high schooler. Zachary began taking classes at M.I.T through their Educational Studies Program (www.mit.edu) last summer. He also participated in several of the M.I.T Edgerton Center Outreach Program courses throughout this past school year. Some homeschooled teens take classes at places such as New Hope Tutorials ;Voyagers Homeschool Cooperative, various area community colleges and through their local high school. Or families may continue as they always have by purchasing materials to study at home. Another approach for the older

child could be virtual or correspondence schools, mentors, apprenticeships and work study programs and volunteer work.

“The possibilities are endless,” said Vozzella. “It all depends on what your teen’s goals are.”

Elaine Giardina sees how she can incorporate some of her interests into her children’s curriculum because of the flexibility she has.

“We’ve tailored it to their learning style,” said Giardina.

During a recent field trip to Great Brook Dairy farm in Carlisle, Croce said the BHA is always welcoming new families who want to get support but aren’t sure how. She and Moody organize several events per month that vary from educational to social. This year Croce acted as a liaison to help get homeschooled children included in the Town Wide Art Show. BHA continues to seek businesses or organizations which support the group and their families. Some local businesses and organizations Like Colleen Sgroi Gallery and Art Classes, Council on Aging and the police and fire departments were involved this year in offering classes and programs to prepare home schooled children for the future.

“Some people say education prepares you for real life” said Croce. “Real life prepares you for real life.”

For more information on the Billerica Homeschooling Association and their programs, visit their website at www. billericahomeschooling.com. They welcome families from outside Billerica as well.

2010 CHAMPIONS! By: Bobby Ackroyd (Coach) The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica is proud to announce that our 18 & Under Traveling Volleyball team has been crowned the league champions, and have taken home the James Langille Cup! What makes this feat even more impressive is that this is the first year since 1994 Billerica has had a volleyball team.

The opening of our new gym, with its built in regulation volleyball court, brought with it an opportunity to hold practices, as well as host home games and meets; something that would have been impossible in the old Boys & Girls Club gymnasium, with its 13 foot ceilings.

Since Billerica hasn’t fielded a team since the 90’s, tryouts were held in October, with practices beginning in November; six months before our first game would take place.

Although each practice was only scheduled for an hour, our players would show up 30 minutes early to practice their serves off the gym wall. When practice was over they would almost always ask to stay for

a 2nd hour. They started the year unable to serve, unable to do the most basic bump or set, but every member of the team worked extremely hard since November and by the beginning of the season in May, they were all highly skilled players, with most finding their niches as setters, liberos, or attackers.

After the regular season, Billerica (seeded 3rd) hosted the championship tournament.

Our team was caught by surprise when they saw the trophy bore the name the “James Langille Cup.” James Langille was a member of Billerica’s Volleyball team in 1993, shortly before he succumbed to cancer. Knowing that the trophy was named after one of our own, our kids were filled with resolve.

We defeated Waltham in the first round of the tournament, which meant we had to play Lawrence for the Cup. Lawrence had a team comprised of high school juniors and seniors from Lawrence High and Central Catholic. During the regular season they trounced us 21-7 and 21-9.

Having faith we would defeat 2nd seeded Waltham, and face Lawrence in the final, we staged a final practice the week before

preparing only for Lawrence, a team known for their striking.

In an attempt to catch them off guard and play them at their own game, our kids learned a 6-2 formation, and successfully implemented it after only one practice, allowing at least 4 players to act as strikers as all times. It was an offensive blitz they had not had to deal with all year.

In a game that lasted almost 90 minutes and showed amazing tenacity from both sides, a group of beginners who worked tirelessly all season saw the dividends of their hard work pay off, and they brought the James Langille Cup back to Billerica, where it belongs.

PICTURED ABOVE ARE THE TEAM MEMBERS, L TO R: ΈBACK ROWΉ: LARRY KILO, CHARLES FOSTER, JOE NORDLIE, SHAWN ALEXANDER, EVAN RYAN, COACH BOBBY ACKROYD, EDDIE CONWAY, AND ALEX POWELL. ΈFRONT ROWΉ: GABBY SILVA, TAYLOR O’BRIEN, RODYL BLANC, JOANNE FOSTER, KASIA CZERWONKA, ALEXIS ROBILLARD, AND KOURTNI HANSEN.

July - August 2010 \ thebillericagreen.com \ 29

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM EASES TRANSITIONS

Our Big Back-To-School Edition: Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Schedules and shopping deals. Lists for what you need. Innovative school programs. Fall sports previews and registration information.

School schedules. It’ll all be here so check it out.

Meet the Candidates: State Representative Bill Greene has served Billerica well and is stepping down. The local race is heating up. Meet the candidates who are vying for that seat and read about why how they will help you when they get to Beacon Hill.

Making A Difference: Memorial road races and statewide walks raising awareness. Our residents aren’t satisfied with sitting back. They make it happen and you can read how.

PLUS More Contests, and Great Offers from Local Businesses!

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SUNNY DS FIEL Summer Sports Wrap-Ups

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school, the children can be enrolled in the Early Bird and Fun Club programs. There is a two day minimum and fees are pro-rated.

Parents have the opportunity to pay monthly instead of in a lump sum and if they utilize multiple programs, the Boys and Girls Club is even more cost efficient.

Snack is provided by the Kindergarten and Fun Club program and consists of a wholesome snack and drink. Each program has activities schedules posted at the site which include arts and crafts, cooking, gym games, tournaments and homework time. Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify.

For Kindergarten students utilizing the club, there are numerous activities to choose from. Once per month, there is swim time. They get full use of the brand new 6800 square foot gym. They get use of the computers and the games room. For members, a popular night is Family Swim Night every other Friday.

If the child is a member, someone from their family can accompany them.

“They can bring Mom and Dad,” said Patty Mahoney, Child Care Director.

Michele and Joseph Green especially like how the staff interact with them and their children. Jenna and Thomas will literally sing the praises of their counselors/teachers at the dinner table each evening. Michele can’t say enough about how wonderful the Kindergarten program was for her kids.

“My wife and I are pleased with the level of care, attention, and oversight that the staff have exhibited this past school year,” said Joseph.

If you are interested in enrolling in their child care programs, visit their website at www. billericaboysandgirlsclub.com. You can enroll online and pay online as well. Or call 978-6672193 with any questions you may have.

FREE

STANDARD PAID US POSTAGE 01432 AYER, MA 20 PERMIT NO

For Kerry O’Rourke, there was a sense of relief when she stepped foot inside the Boys and Girls Club. Her little one, Ruby, was starting Kindergarten and as most five year olds embarking on this new journey, O’Rourke knew she was nervous.

Ruby was a little shy but O’Rourke found the staff, particularly teacher Melissa Alexander, to be caring and gentle.

“Melissa welcomed my daughter into the program on the very first day and continued to make her feel welcome everyday since,” said O’Rourke.

Alexander maintained an open line of communication with O’Rourke, keeping her abreast of Ruby’s social progress. Alexander helped Ruby make new friends, and Ruby enjoyed all the facility offered.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to leave your child somewhere and know they are well cared for on every level,” said O’Rourke.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica, located at 19 Campbell Road, provides recreational, educational and social development programs at the main club and after-school programs in the six elementary schools in Billerica. The Club also offers a summer day camp program held at the main club.

The philosophy of their child care programs is to provide a professionally supervised environment for the enrolled children to grow physically, socially, and emotionally through a wide variety of planned activities and experiences.

The Boys and Girls Club Kindergarten program operates in coordination with the school department’s half day schedule, giving parents peace of mind. Transportation is provided between the school and the club.

If additional care is needed before or after

st 2010 July/Augu Vol.2, No.7

Back Issues AVAILABLE AT

SGROI ART GALLERY $2. ea. while supplies last.

12 Andover Rd. Billerica

Current Issues AVAILABLE AT

THE LIBRARY, BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, N. BILLERICA COMMUTER RAIL STATION, GE SENSING CAFETERIA, THE REC. DEPARTMENT, TOWN HALL, COUNCIL ON AGING, PRO-FITNESS, REALTY WORLD ADVANTAGE BATV, BATIAN PEAK

t r r o a e n o H ith H w e s tho

The Heart of Billerica It sits at the center, at our very core. It works hard but often goes unseen and taken for granted. It’s vitally important and we can not live without it.

Our Heart. Some of the most common sayings in the world include the word ‘heart’ in them: from the bottom of one’s heart and with all one’s heart to name a few.

As The Billerica Green prepares to celebrate our first birthday, we want to recognize and thank those with heart. Who make a difference by touching all our lives simply by living theirs. They have their heart in the right place and truly are the heart of this town.

So, we need to hear from YOU!

Guidelines for nominations: 1. This is not a popularity contest. We want to hear about the unsung heroes-not the best business or the best civic leader. Do they help others? What contributions (not monetary necessarily) do they make?

2. Adults can nominate adults or children (except parents can’t nominate their kids). Children can nominate adults. You can’t nominate yourself.

3. We need a descriptive explanation of why this person demonstrates real heart for Billerica. We know a lot of people are great just because but we need to know more. Your description should not exceed 200 words.

4. Your nomination should be mailed to the Billerica Green, P.O. Box 492, Billerica MA 01821 or e-mailed to liana@thebillericagreen.com. They must be received no later than Sunday, August 1st, 2010.

5. All nominations we receive will be reviewed by a selection committee and, depending on the number received will depend on the number of winners.

6. The recipients will be chosen, contacted and their stories told in the September edition of the Billerica Green.

7. An awards ceremony will be held on the town common shortly there after (exact date tba) and all are welcome to attend.