The Seekonk
Reporter
MAY 2011 VOLUME 23, NO. 5
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Serving the Residents of Seekonk, Rehoboth and Surrounding Communities Since 1989
Prom & Wedding Start planning your special day
see page 94
Summer Fun & Sun see page 66
Family & Friends Take Part in Seekonk’s 1st Run/Walk 5K race to Fight ALS in Memory of Seekonk Local Triathlete Jon Blais By Laura Calverley
Many family, friends and weekend warriors will gather at Seekonk High School on May 29 to participate in the first annual Run/ Walk for pALS (people with ALS) 5K race. Jon Blais, a Seekonk native and 1989 graduate of Seekonk High School, is the inspiration behind the event, which is being organized by the Blazeman Foundation for ALS and Rhode Island Multisport. Blais, who had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, died in May 2007 when he was only 35 years old. He was an elite athlete and multi-sport competitor for most of his life. He was also a special education teacher at a private school, Azeltine School, in San Diego for many years. The Run/Walk for PALS starts from the high school at 10 a.m. on May 29. More than 100 people will be taking part, to continue Jon’s mission to declare a “war on ALS”. All proceeds from the Run for pALS benefits the Blazeman Foundation. The money raised will go towards the foundations’ mission to raise awareness of ALS and to support scientific research to find treatments and a cure for the disease. The Blazeman name comes from the fact that Jon was known as “the Blazer” in
high school and his students at the Azeltine School in San Diego changed it and called him “Blazeman.” The Run for pALS is important, say Jon’s parents, Robert and Mary Ann Blais, because it will be the first event in Seekonk to honor Jon and his accomplishments. They plan to spread his ashes in a ceremony before the event. “This is the first opportunity to bring Jon home, to bring him back to his high school and to celebrate his life,” said Bob Blais, Jon’s dad. Jon’s parents hope that many of Jon’s friends and classmates will come to the Walk for pALS and share their personal stories about Jon with the family. The high school is particularly memorable for Jon’s family because of something that happened there about six years ago during a training walk with Jon and his dad. It was several months after Jon’s diagnosis and he bent down to tie his sneakers and found he was unable to do it. Two or three days prior, Jon had no problem tying his shoes. That day, Jon’s father had to help him. continued on page 4...
Rehoboth Memorial Day Parade 2011 Memorial Day
monday may 30th Starts at 10:00 AM in Rehoboth Village Ends at Palmer River School Memorial Ceremony at 11:30 AM Any organization wishing to march, contact Rehoboth or Dighton Veterans’ Agent at respective Town Halls