April 2010 designed and illustrated by Tony Luongo

April/May 2010 Vol.2, No.4

FREE

Billerica’s Premier monthly news magazine

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A GreAt DecADeThe Library CeLebraTes Ten VibranT years

HeArtfelt VictoryresidenTs OVerCame TO make a differenCe

Girls, Girls, GirlsLeT’s hear iT fOr femaLe aThLeTes

“Integrity: A Virtue”At our school we ask the students to think

about and try and apply to their lives eight core virtues: Integrity, Courtesy, Self-Control, Modesty, Indomitable Spirit, Compassion, Perseverance and Gratitude.

Our monthly theme this month was, “I Can Listen to My Parents!”

We have “matt chats” before class. When an instructor asked a few of our younger students why it was important to listen to their parents, the answer was, “So I won’t get in trouble!”

The instructor followed up. “What if your mom told you not to eat a cookie

before dinner and you knew you could sneak one out of the cookie jar and not get caught. Would you do it?”

Little faces brightened. A few kids smiled. There was a lot of thinking going on. The teacher spoke about the need to be honest and sincere, to do what’s right even if no one is looking. He told the class he had a big word for that – integrity.

Our older students weren’t asked about cookies but about what they would do if they saw someone being bullied…

It’s important to try and do what’s right and be motivated in this choice not by fear of punishment

but out of respect for others. It’s a goal worth striving for – a life of integrity.

All my best, Alan Kessler

7 Marshall Street | Billerica, MA 01821978-667-7774

508 Groton Road | Westford, MA 01886978-692-0479

www.kesslerkarate.com

Upcoming EventsBlack Belt Test for juniors and adults at Sensei

Durkin’s Uechi Ryu dojo

All the following activities are at the karate center, 7 Marshall Street:

Cake Auction for the Billerica Police Athletic League and demo–April 3, 2-3:30 PM

Get in Shape, Belly Dancing workshop April 10, 3-4:30 PM

Social for Junior Black belts, dj & band, April 17

Time Travel at our summer camp for children starting in July. Expeditions to the Boston Science

Museum, Pirate Museum, Stoneham Zoo, and more! Call Joann at 978-667-7774 for details!

ADVERTISEMENT

653 Boston Road • Billerica MA 01821978-435-9995 • Fax: 978-436-9992

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Euro Deli is a family run business tucked away in the Fill N’ Chill gas station on Boston Road offering a full variety of healthy, European specialties hand made in the traditional Polish way.

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Party Platters • Gift Certificates Available

FREE SamplesFREE Samples every Fri. and Sat. in April and May from 12-1

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

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

For news or column submissions, e-mail us at [email protected] for submissions are the first week of the month.

Art Director + Illustrator: Tony Luongo

Staff Writers:Jenn GervaisShawn Hutcheon

Contributing Columnists:Diana LombardoColleen SgroiDr. Gina AguayoKay WarrenNora FioreKristene WhitehouseBrian PanareseAttorney Jennifer O’BrienDave GagliardiJohn and Sherry LivseyPat ZapertKathy LynchPaul AbregoJeff ParentiTodd Dellaporta

Contributing Writers:Billerica Cat Care CoalitionSandra BrighamElise CelliBrian GoguenAlan Kessler

Contributing Photographers:Gail LucozziGeorge Lucozzi

Advertising Sales:Liana MeasmerFor our ad rates or to place an ad, call us at 978-808-2361or e-mail us at [email protected] for advertising is the first day of the month.

Apr/May 2010; Vol. 2, No. 4 The Billerica Green, LLC.P.O. Box 492Billerica, MA 01821 www.thebillericagreen.com

Subscriptions for non-Billerica residents: One year (12 issues) $15

ContentsApRil/MAy 2010Volume 2, Number 4

6 TurningthePagesofTime Tenyearsago,ouroldTownHallbecamehometoournewPublic

Libraryandthatbuildinghasneverbeenmorelively.

10 AMillionMiles Onemother’sjourneythroughherson’sautismremindsusallwhat

reallymattersinlife

22 StrongLeadersGuideGirls’Softball Committedplayersandcoachesmakeawinningcombinationforthisteam

•ByShawnHutcheon,SportsWriter

24 ForThePeople,BythePeople BillericaTownGovernment,althoughcarriedoutbyTownMeeting,

needsYOURvotetoeffectchange

26 DiabetesBootCamp Noah’sdiabetesdiagnosisbroughtreliefaswellasworrybuthis

momtookitinstride

•ByEliseCelli

6

in this edition:The Flower LadyBusiness to BusinessThe Traveling GourmetThe Body EliteCourt’s In SessionSunny Side of the Street

Caregiver’s CircleAsk DaveWill AchieveOut on The TownThe Playground

26

10

22

�/thebillericagreen.com/April-May�010

WithallthepeopleI’vemet,Ican’thelpbutrealizehowluckyIam.Thistownisamazing!Theresidentsarecommittedtotheirfamilies,theirbusinesses,andtheirtown.Eventhosewhofaceadversitieswillovercomeandreachevengreaterheights.NowYOUareluckyenoughtomeetsomeofthemtooasyoureadoninthiseditionofTheBillericaGreen.

ThankyouRyan.Withoutevenknowingit,asyoudevelopedintowhoyouarewithAutism,youhelpedyourmombecomeagreatactivistandchampionsheisandhelpsomanyotherkidsjustlikeyou.

ThankYouKourtni.JustbygoingtotheBoysandGirlsClubeverydayandhavingfunwinninglotsandlotsofairhockeytournaments,youhavegivenotherkidssomeonetolookupto.

ThankYouKatie.Evenfromyourwheelchair,yourgigglesandsmilesgive the folks at NEPC something to look forward to and your familythejoyofknowinghowhappyyouare,evenwhenyoucan’tverbalizeityourself.

ThankYouNoah.Byjustbeingyouandalwaystellingyourmomhowyouwerefeeling,shewasabletohelpyouandbecomeanadvocateforyouinthecommunity.

ThankYouKaryn.Yoursparkinlifecoupledwithyourloveofchildrenandtheartshashelpedmanyhavesuccessthroughthescholarshipsyourmemoryhascreated.

ThankYouBarbara.Itisthroughyourvisionandyourcommitment

to excellence that Billericahasthemagnificent libraryitdoes.Your styleandyour smilearealwaysaclassact.

Justareminderthatwewillcontinuetoutilizeourwebsiteasacomplimenttothepaperforoverflowofstories,downloadableformsandonlinesurveys.Youcancheckusoutatwww.thebillericagreen.com

RemembertofollowusonFacebook.Wepostnewnewsandsnapshotsonaregularbasis.Getthescoopbeforeanyoneelse!ShareyourfeedbackwithussincewewanttomakeTheBillericaGreenthebestitcanbe.Ifyouwantorneednewsoreventcoverage,contactusat978-808-�[email protected].

Wearealwayslookingforavarietyofwriterswithfreshideas.

KeepreadingBillerica!YourEditor,

[email protected]

A Letter from the editorThe MosT BeauTiful PeoPle in The World

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 [email protected].

April-May�010\thebillericagreen.com\3

Dear Editor, Thank you so muchfor creating an article. I truly hope itinspiresotherfamiliesthathavealovedone with autism and that it helps toeducatethepublicaboutwhatautismisandhowcommonithasbecome.

– Lisa-Marie Noke-KearneyBillerica

Liana&TonyWereallylikewhatyouhavedone.

Itisagreatpleasuretoworkwithsuchtalentedpeople!

– Lynn M. TonksIrish american Club

LettertotheEditor,Iaskmyself,“WhatchangeswouldIliketoseeintheBoardofSelectmen”.

A few things come to mind. First,concentratingonkeepingthesametownmanager in Billerica for several years.Second,focusingtheSelectmenmeetingson critical issues. And finally, puttingan end to the fractured nature of themeetings.

I believe Paul Marasco is the rightperson to make those changes. Hisslogan of “Bringing Billerica Together”makessensetome.He’sdoneitwiththePlanningBoard.

OneofmytwovotesforSelectmanisforPaulMarasco.

– Cosmo Cavicchio

DearEditor,Thebudgetvotescomingupwiththeschoolcommitteethatmaycutteachingpositions,includingnotreplacingtheoneteacherthatisretiringandhavinganotherteachermovetoanotherschoolattheDutile.

Thiswillmakenextyear’sthirdgradeclass have �5 kids and next year’s 5thgradeclasshaveeither�7or�8kids.That5thgradeclasswas theone thathad tohave a large student/teacher ratio thisyearin4thgradeaswell.Thisdoublehittotheminparticularcouldsetthembackintheirformativeyears.

This same situation may happen insome of the other grammar schools insomeparticularclassesaswell,soitisanissueacrossallofBillerica.

Please keep the teacher/kid ratio astheprioritywiththenewbudget.ThankYou.

Sincerely,– Karen Cole, Mother of a

Kindergartener at the Dutile

TotheEditor,TheBillericaBlast isanall-night substance free celebration forthe Billerica Memorial High School

seniors held the night of graduationat BMHS from 11:00pm until 5:00am. The Blast began in June, 1999and it has been an astounding successeach year with an overwhelming 90%attendance rate. The goal of the BlastCommittee, formed by a group ofparents, teachers and volunteers wasto reward the graduating seniors withasafe,memorableandfun-filledparty.Itisourwayofsayingtothegraduates“CongratulationsandGoodLuck”!

InthepastwehavereceivedalargesumfromtheCommunityFundsgrant,however,thisyearwelostallfundingdueto the current economic environmentandweareindesperateneedforfundstokeeptheBlastalive.Lastyear,theeventcost$18,000toprovide,entertainment,hypnotist, food, caricature artist, tarotcardreaders,tattooartist,inflatablesanda DJ. The Blast is reaching out to thecommunity to help us raise funds thisyear.

I am hoping that you might beable to put in this letter about theBlastintheBillericaGreen,notonlytopossiblyencouragedonations,butalsoto encourage people to volunteer thenight of the Blast. It takes at least 60parents to run the event that evening.Formoreinformation,[email protected].

Thankyou,– Laura Farrell and Barbara Parise

Billerica Blast Co-Chairs

Dear Editor: We are writing to offerour strong support for our colleague,Paul Marasco, who is a candidate forBillericaSelectmanintheApril10townelection.

AsmembersoftheBillericaPlanningBoard,wehaveworkedcloselywithPaulandbelievehewillbeafineadditiontotheBoardofSelectmen.

Paul has done a great job asChairman of the Planning Board. HeisinterestedinmakingsurethatalltheBoardmembers canaskquestions andcommentonprojectsthatcomebeforeus.Hehasalsowelcomedinputfromthepublicandshownpoiseandleadershipin making sure that the meetings areconducted in a business-like mannerthatreflectswellonourtown.

He is professional and articulate.That’swhywearepleasedtoendorsehiscandidacyforSelectman.

Sincerely,– Richard Baraldi, Robert Casey,

Marti Mahoney, Justin McCarthy, Ed McLaughlin, Vincent McDonald

Letters to the editior

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4/thebillericagreen.com/April-May�010

Mymotherisfightinguterinecancerrightnow.Herdoctorfoundthetumoratthebeginningoftheyearandstartedchemorightaway.Afterthreesessionsofchemoandallthejoysthatcomewith it, shewentback to thedoctor for tests.Theresultsweremaddening.Thetumorhad

growntothesizeofagrapefruit.She went back to the doctors to plan a new course of action. They needed to operate as soon as

possible.ThatsurgerywasonTuesdayMarch�3rd�010.Theygotthelargetumoroutandaregoingtoblastthelastlittlebitsbacktohell,withpinpointradiation.

She doesn’t have Leukemia and because I love swimming, mountain biking and I am avidrunner,IdecidednowisthetimetocompleteaTeamInTrainingevent.ButIneedyourhelp.

I’mtrainingtoparticipateintheMoosemanTriathlon(InternationalDistanceswim.93miles+bike�7.�5miles+run6.�miles)asamemberofTheLeukemia&LymphomaSociety’s(LLS)TeamInTraining.

All of us with Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia,lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I’mcompleting this event in honor of my mother who is fighting uterine cancernow,andallindividualswhoarebattlingbloodcancers.

Iask “Please say a prayer for my Mom”andallthosewhoarebattlingcancer,andsecondlymake a tax deductible donationtosupportmyparticipationinTeamInTrainingandhelpadvanceLLS’smission.

Thankyouforyourgeneroussupport!

TonyLuongoArt Director, The Billerica Green

No,theyaren’tgoingtoScotlandtotrythehaggisandwearkilts.ThenineBillericaMemorialHighSchooldramaclubstudentsplanning to cross the pond in August aregoingfortheEdinburghFringeFestival.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is theworld’s largestarts festival,withsomethingfor everyone:t h e a t r e ,c o m e d y ,music, dance,musicals,opera,children’sshows,and exhibitions.One componentof the festivalis the AmericanHighSchoolFestivalTheater.Onlyabout100schoolsoutof thousands who applyfrom across the USAand Canada can attendafter professional theaterdirectors and professorsnominatetheirdramateachers.

“Kidsgettoperformandseehighschoolsand shows from around the world,” saidSusanYoniack,BMHSDramaClubteacher.

Thedownsideisthatthetripisexpensiveatawhopping$5600perstudent tospendtwo weeks overseas. The Drama Club hasbeenbusilyraisingfundsallschoolyearwith

theirHauntedHouse,BillericaPartners forEducation grant, Wendy’s Night and paidperformances.OnApril17,from9amto4pmattheMarshallMiddleSchoolcafeteria,theDramaClubwillholdaSpringCraftfair.ThenonMay�0,from6-10pm,theDrama

Clubisholding‘ScotlandNight’.This fund raiser at the Lodge oftheElksisforadults�1+andwillfeature auctions, entertainmentandfood.

“If we could raise moremoney, more kids could go,”saidYoniack.

This spring, thedrama club isputtingon“Josephand the AmazingT e c h n i c o l o rD r e a m c o a t ”from Apr. 8-10.Performances areat 7:30 pm , withan additional Sat.matinee at � pm. To

makedonationstothehighschoolScotlandtrip, mail your check, made payable toBillerica Friends of Music or the BillericaDrama Fund, to BMHS, 35 River Street,Billerica,MA018�1,Attn:SteveCorreiaorSusanYoniack.Photos By GeorGe Lucozzi, AsA PhotoGrAPhic

drAmA CLub rAising funds for sCotLAnd

©20

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>>Donate online or download the donation form at www.thebillericagreen.com >>Follow my training on my blog, via my website www.luongoart.com

Cancer picked the Wrong Woman


Don’t do it for the gas mileage.

Dear Dave,Is it worth the trouble to sell my old car

now and buy a hybrid or another car that gets better gas mileage? I’m getting mixed advice from my friends on this issue.

– Ted

DearTed,Hybridsareareallybigdealnow,aren’t

they?Lotsofpeoplewanttogetridoftheir$10,000carsandbuythese$�5,000carssotheycansaveongas.Let’stakeacloserlookatthis.

So,you’regoingtospend$15,000extratosaveongas.Didyoueverthinkabouthowlong it will take to get your money back?Let’s say you go from averaging 15 milesper gallon to �5miles per gallon, and youdrive 100 miles each week. That will saveyouabout$10aweekatrecent,averagegasprices.Thatmeansitwouldtakealmost�9years to get your money back in this deal.Doesthismakesensetoyou?Itsuredoesn’ttome!

Listen, I’m all about saving money ongas.Butpeoplehavelosttheirmindsiftheythink it makes sense to go $15,000 intodebt—orspend$15,000cash—tosave$10aweekonthiskindofdeal.Thetruthisthata lot of people who do this kind of thingaren’t asworriedabout the environmentorsavinggasastheyareabouthavingthat“I’mcoolinahybrid”feeling.

Hybridsareareallynewtechnologyandthatmeansthey’regoingtoimproverapidly.You don’t want to buy a first generationhybridandthenhavetogothroughthepainof trying to sell the thing five years fromnow.Talkaboutsomethingthat’sgoingtogodowninvaluelikearock!

Now,ifyou’redrivingan$8,000carthatabsolutely drinks gas, and youwant to sellitandbuysomelittle$8,000gassipper,I’mfinewiththat.Butdon’tusethegasargumentto rationalize buying an expensive new carorevenspendingadimemoreonadifferentcar.Makealateralmove,orbetteryetamovedowninprice,andyou’ll savemoneyfromdayone!

–Dave

Do I need a will or a trust?

Dear Dave,Can you please explain the difference

between a will and a trust? Which do you recommend?

– Mark

DearMark,Everyoneneedsawill,butnoteveryone

needsatrust.Atrust is somethingyouputmoneyintoafteryourdeathbyvirtueofyourwill.Awill,ontheotherhand,tellseveryonewhat to do with your stuff when you die.One of the things it could instruct peopletodoisputsomeofyourmoneyintoatrustforyourkids.Itwouldbecometheirmoneywhentheygrowup,butuntilthenitwouldbemanagedfortheminatrustaccount.

Thesedaysthere’salsoananimalrunningaround called a living trust. This is adocumentthatwillcostyouanywherefrom$1,500to$4,000tohavedrawnup,andit’sreallyoverdoneintheestateplanningworld.It’snotneedednearlyasmuchassomepeoplewouldhaveyouthink.Totellthetruth,it’smoreofagimmickthananythingelse.Theidea is thatyouputeverythingyouownintrust now, and when you die you save onprobatetaxes.

It’s a good theory, but the downside isthatonceyoudoityouhavetooperateyourlife ina trust.And that’s a realpain in thebutt!

–Dave

Is there a recommended vacation percentage?

Dear Dave,Should you skip vacations when you’re

getting out of debt? Also, once you’re debt-free, is there a rule as to what percentage of your income you should use on vacations?

– Carl

DearCarl,Ithinkyoushouldputvacationsonhold

while you’re trying to get out of debt. MyfamilyandIdidn’tgoonvacationfornearly10yearswhileweweregettingoutofdebt.Why?Becausewehadworktodo!Wehadbillstopayandkidstofeed.That’sjustthewayitgoessometimes.

I’m not sure that there’s a specificpercentage involved on vacation spending.Itdefinitelyshouldn’tdamageyourfinancialfoundation,orputyoubackintodebtonceyou’veworkedyourwayout.Youdon’ttouchyouremergencyfundtogoonvacation,andyou don’t stop funding your retirement orsavingmoneysothekidscangotocollege.Youjustsaveup,andpaycash!

In most cases, this kind of plan willalmostforceyourvacationspendingtobeareasonablepercentageofyourincome.

–Dave*For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers,

please visit www.davesays.org.

gAs miLAge, VACAtions And WiLLs

Dave Says•By Dave Ramsey

Did you know? We have fabulous two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment homes available. We’d love to show them off!

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

Brightview intends to be certified as an Assisted Living Residence with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs pending completion of the certification process.

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The Billerica GreenThanks

Neysa Harroldof Harrold’s Gifts

For 9 Years of Great Business in Billerica!All The Best To You!


ByLianaMeasmer

During the twentieth century, it became commonplace to consider individual decades as historical entities where trends, styles, and attitudes defined us. In the

first decade of the 1800’s, the US doubled in size with the Louisiana purchase. In the 1960’s, the first astronaut landed on the moon. The 1990’s saw a booming economy while the 2000’s saw a huge jump in internet usage.

Thereisanotherdecadeclosertohomeanddeartoourhearts.Thedecadewhichdawnedtherenovationofour‘UniversityofthePeople’.Ourownlocallibrary.Billerica’saffinityforbooksandknowledgebegandecadesagowiththeBennettLibraryinthelate1880’s.Thenin1980,thefirstlonghardfought,completelyfreepubliclibrarycametobeinwhatisnowourCouncilonAging.Allculminatingintherevitalizationofouroldtownhall intoourcurrentyetclassicBillericaPublicLibrary.Thisbuildingbringsourtowncenteracertainairofrespectability,nobilityandhistory.

Turning the Pages of TimeOur Library Celebrates A Great Decade


The Citizens’ HallBillerica’s first town hall was built in 1844 and was

destroyedbyfireinNovember1893.InJanuary1894,thetown voted to replace town hall and in 1895 the massivebrickbuildingat15ConcordRoadwasdedicated.Madeofredbrickwithgraysandstonetrim,thistwostorystructurewasdescribedasmassiveandgavethetownasenseofpridewhileraisingpropertyvalues.

ThishistoricgemremainedthetownhalluntilitmovedtotheoldHoweHighSchoolin1991.Fromthattimeuntilit re-opened as thenew library, thebuilding sat vacant. Itwas in 1995, on the 100 year anniversary, that there wasmuchpublicityaboutplanstoexploretheoldtownhallasanoptionforalargerlibrary.Bythatpoint,usagehadincreased150percentwith600peopleperday coming through thedoors.Everytimeanewbookwaspurchased,anoldbookwasthrownaway.

Bill Flaherty, then Superintendent of Billerica PublicSchools,hadavisionforthenewlibraryandwenttonowLibrary Director Barbara Flaherty (no relation) to sharehis vision back in 1994. Together, they worked with thevariousgroupsandorganizationstostartconstruction.Thisrenovationwentonrightupthelastminutein�000whenthedoorsflewopenandcrowdspouredthroughtoexperiencehistoryandinnovationcomingtogetherunderoneroof.

“Thisbuildinghassentimentalvalue,”saidFlaherty.Flaherty points out this library has added great value

to the community since it uses less than one percent ofthe municipal budget for maintenance. No longer just awarehouseofbooks,thisBillericaPublicLibraryisintunetowhatthetown’sneedsare.

“We’vehad a big success as a community center,” saidFlaherty.

In10years,thelibrarycollectionhasgrownfrom80,000volumesto130,000.It isnowcompletelywirelesswith80computerstationsthoughout.Stateoftheartmediaformatsare utilized daily via down loadable audio and E-Books.Withmeetingroomsnowavailable,bothadultandchildren’sprogrammingisoccurringeverynightoftheweek.

“It’sahappeningplace,”saidFlaherty.“Andit’sallfree.”

Taking the TourStanding on the front steps, with our town common

behind,thepillarsandarchesofthefrontdoorsaremajesticatbest.Typicallythosedoorsarenotfrequentedbutinsteadthe side doors along the driveway running between thelibraryandtheThomasTalbotLodgewelcomethemasses.Once inside, the combination of yesterdays brick andtoday’smodernglassandlightinggreetyou.Totheleftisthecirculationdeskandandtotheright,rowsofshelveshouseadultfictionstacksandprovidecomfortablesittingareas.

The stairs leading down take one to the much desiredchildren’sarea.Thisspacewassorelylackinginthefirstpubliclibrarywherechildrenwerehavingstoryhourinveryopenspaces.Now,there’salargemeetingroomwhichisutilizedbymultipleorganizationsandaopenkidfriendlyspace.Withcolorfulmuralsdepictingfavoritestorybookcharactersandcomputer stations offering a variety of educational games,theChildren’sRoomletschildrenbethemselves.Inadditiontothebooks,childrencanborrowvideos,dvd’s,andactivitybackpacks.

Back to the main floor near the circulation desk, areadultcd’s,dvd’s,andbooksontape.Thecrowningjewelinthisspaceisthegrandstaircase.Reminiscentofascenefrom‘Titanic’,thebanisters,railingsandwelcomingwidthgiveasenseofclassandaffluence.Itbeckonsyoutoclimbitsstairstothereferenceroomabove.

Onceonthesecondfloor,amatchingpairofdoorsswingopentothebreathtakingviewwhichisthereferenceroom.Hardlyabletobeclassifiedasmerelyaroom,thegiantopenspace with it’s cathedral ceilings, balcony, glass-enclosedofficespacesandlocalhistoryroom,istheareawhichelicitseach visitors’ sense of awe. Individual computer stationsrun along theperimeterwith referencedesks and shelvingeverywhere else. The decorative wood curtain above thereferencelibrarians’officeremindseveryonetherewasonceastagethere.

“Ithasraisedthestatureofthelibrary,”saidFlahertyofthereferenceroom.

Beyond the reference desk is the newest part of thelibrary.Theoriginalspacehadbeenabout15,000squarefeet

andtherenovationaddedon�5,000moresquarefeethere.Inthisnewestspace,adultnon-fictionandperiodicalscanbefound.Thepalladiumwindowsrunalongtheoutsideofthereferenceroomandleadintotheadditionbringinglighttothosestudyingorrelaxinginside.

Future DreamsAlthoughthelibraryisalreadyveryinvolvedincommunity

serviceandcurriculumdevelopmentsforstudents,Flahertybelievesmorecanbedone.

“Idon’tthinkwe’vereachedourfullpotential,”shesaid.Onthelongterm,Flahertywouldliketoestablishbotha

literacyprogramandahomeworkcenterforstudents.TherewouldbementoringavailableandFlahertybelievesthathighschoolstudentswouldbenefit.Shewouldalsoliketoseeself-check-outaresofthelibrarywhichFlahertysayswouldspeedupthisprocessforpatrons.

Bringing Everyone Home OnFriday,May14from7to11pm,TheBillericaPublic

LibrarywillthrowaTenthAnniversaryBlackTie(optional)Galacelebratingtheirdecadeofgrowthinthecommunity.FlahertywasveryappreciativeofthedirectionandsupportshereceivedfromprevioustownmanagersRichardMontouriandBobMercier.Shehopestohavetheoriginalcrowd,whocametotheopening,walkbackthroughthedoorsforthisanniversary.

Thiseventisopentothepublicandticketsare$55perperson.ItwillbeanAcademyAwardsandHollywoodthemewithlocalRealtorCarolWoodsdoingherbestimitationofJoanRiverson the redcarpet.Livemusicprovidedby theKimberlyKeatingQuartetwill‘wow’thecrowdduringthishorsd’oeuvreandcocktailparty.Ticketsareonsaleandcanbepurchasedat the circulationdeskor reservedby callingFlahertyat978-671-0948,ext.101.Formoreinfo,visitthelibrarywebsiteatwww.billericalibrary.org.


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Spring is here so try a few of theseflowering shrubs to brighten your yard.Therearemanydifferentkinds.Dependingon their size, what you are looking forprobablycanbefoundintheseedcatalogsand garden centers. Shrubs that are ondisplayatgardencentersusuallyhaveatagattachedtotheplantthatwillgivealltheinformationonthecareoftheshrub,likeifasunnyorshadylocationisneeded.Lilacs

Agardenoffragranceisaspecialplace.Theperfumeofspringlilacsiswonderful.Itispossibletocutanarmfuloftheflowersandnotharmthisshrub.Thelilacmusthavefullsunandwell-drainedsoiltobloom.Itdoestakeseveralyearstoestablishbutthenthe lilac shrub will give you many, manyyearsofblooms.Lilacsneedtobefertilizedinearly spring (10-10-10 fertilizer).Earlyspring, one should also give the lilacsome lime. There is an all natural gardenlime called Organic Traditions made byESPOMA that can be found at the localhardware store or greenhouse. Lilacs areavailable in many colors like white, rose,andlavenderandcomeasasingleordoubleflower.Standardlilacscanreachaheightoftwelvefeet.Whenthebloomsdie,cutoffalloldflowers. I cut rightbehind theoldbloom(youdonotwanttheoldbloomtogo to seed). I’ve been told that they will

smileifyouremembertotossashovelfuloflimearoundtheirrootsinthefall.Rhododendron

Therhododendron(nottobeconfusedwith azaleas even though they are relatedbutsmaller) isanevergreenshrub.(Thereare some that are deciduous with looseleaves). The short version name for themisRhodos.Theyloveashadyareaormaybealittlelight,asyouwouldnotputtheminadeepforestarea.EvenifyoubuyasmallRhodo,youwillbesurprisedhowfasttheygrow.Theyareeasytoplantastheydonothave really deep roots. Holly tone is anoptionforperkingupthisshrubandisalsogoodforazaleasorhollies.

This weatherman is great to havearound.Whenitisverycoldoutside,lookoutthewindowatyourrhodoandalltheleaveswillbecurleduptight.Other Helpful Hints

Tealeavesandcoldteabagsareagreatmulch for rhododendron and azaleas.Ordinary baking yeast is quite lethal toants.Andforpeskyweedsgrowinginthecracksofsidewalks:Justpourboilingwateron the area. This will kill the weeds andkeepingthemfromcomingback.

Once in a while there are weeds thatjustwillnotgoaway.Iguesswecouldlearnto like a few weeds. You can always callthemwildflowers.

spring time fLorA

The Flower Lady•By Kay Warren

Q.Ihiredaplumbertofixaleakysink,wascharged$400butmysink still leaks. I have gotten

nowherewiththeplumber,asherefuses toreturn my calls and will not come back toeven look at the sink. What recourse do Ihave?

A.Fordisputesinvolvingamountsupto$�,000themostcosteffectiveandleasttimeconsumingwayto

resolve the matter is to file a small claimsaction in District Court. There are manybenefits tofilinga small claimsactionoverpursuinggenerallitigation.

Thefirstiscost.Thefilingfeeforacivillawsuitis$�00,whichincludesa$5summonsfee.Onthecontrary,thefilingfeeforasmallclaimsactionisonly$30fordisputesupto$500 and $40 for disputes up to $�,000.Also,hiringanattorneymaynotbenecessary.Whileattimes,anattorneyisretained,sincethese disputes are settled in a manner thatis much less formal than other litigation,generallyanattorneyisnotrequired.Evenifanattorney ishired,attorneyfeesaremuch

lesssincethere is lesspreparationandcourttimerequiredbyyourattorney.

The second benefit is time. A smallclaims hearing is generally over in a singledaywhileother civil litigationcandragonforyears.Afterthehearing,youwillbegivenadecisioneitherinpersonthatdayorshortlythereafterbymail,whichismuchbetterthanhavingyourlifeinlimboforyears.

Topursueasmallclaimsaction,youcangopersonallytotheapplicableDistrictCourtandfilloutaComplaint.At that time,youwillbeaskedtoprovidethenameandaddressofthedefendant,theamountindispute,andthenature of yourdisagreement.The courtwillthenassignahearingdate,mailingnoticeto both parties. To the hearing, you mustbring with you all relevant documentationor evidence that supports your position,alongwithanywitnesseswhohavepersonalknowledge about facts concerning thedispute. While you do have the option torequest the assistance of a mediator, if thematterisstillunabletoberesolvedwiththehelpofamediator,itwillbeputbeforeaclerkmagistrate.Ifyouprevail,youwillbemaileda

Judgmentinyourfavor,whichisimmediatelyenforceableagainstthedefendant.

The only real downside of small claimsisthatoutsideofafewexceptions,themostapersoncanrecoveris$�,000.Ifyouthinkthereisapossibilitythatyoucouldbeawardedin excess of $�,000, it may be worth yourwhiletofileacivilaction.Ifyouareunsureas towhetheryourcase is appropriate forasmallclaimsaction,generallytheclerk’sofficeatthecourtoranattorneycanadviseyou.

On the whole, small claims court or“People’sCourt”canoftenprovideaquickandcosteffectiveresolutiontominordisputes.Ifyouknowyouareintheright,itiscertainlyworthavailingyourselfofthecourt’sassistance.

Jennifer H. O’Brien is the owner of O’Brien Law Offices, a general practice located at 630 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821. She can be reached at (978) 262-9880 or at www.obrienlawoffices.org. This information should not be construed as legal advice nor is it intended as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney. No person should act or rely on any information in this article without seeking the advice of an attorney.

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Spring is often considered the seasonof renewal and awakening. We often do aspringcleaninginourhomeswhereit’soutwitholdandinwiththenew.It’sthesamewithourbodies.

We often keep our skin hidden underourheavywinterclothingandoldmakeup.Come warm weather, we want let is show.Aspromandgrad season approaches,withbacklessgowns,newoutfitsandfreshlymadeupfaces,havingskinlookitsbestwillhelpyoufeelgreat.

At N’Vie Skincare, owner MaureenGrogan explains that when ‘unveiling’yourself for spring, its important to allowtimetoassesswhatyourskincareneedsmaybe. Because we don’t renew skin cells, it’simportanttoactivelyexfoliatedeadonesasoftenaspossible.

“We are not snakes,” saidGrogan.“Wedon’tmolt.”

One way to prepare tobare it all is to experience acomplete body treatment atN’Vie. Upon entering theroom, your body is drapedbeforeapeachkernel scrubbuffs away dead skin cells.Therhythmicandnurturingmotion of the treatmentwill put you in a stateof complete relaxationand communication isreserved for determiningyour comfort level only. Other than yourface,yourentirebodywillbecaredfor.

Following the buffing, your body willbeslatheredinathermalcreamfollowedby‘cocooning’.Cocooningiswhenthebodyislooselydrapedwithtowelstokeepyouwarmandcomfortable.ACEBodyCreambyBaborisloadedwithantioxidantsandisplantbasedwhichmeanstherearenooilsorsyntheticsusedwhichcouldclogyourpores.

“Thebody isn’tas sensitiveas the face,”saidGrogan.“Afteryourtreatment,youfeelrenewed.”

Formoreinformationontheirproductsand services, or to schedule your bodytreatment, call N’Vie at 978-667-0��5 orvisittheirwebsiteatwww.nvieskincare.com

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The moment Ryan Kearney enteredthe world, his mother Noke-Kearneyknewhewasspecial.Shejusthadnoideahowexceptionalablessinghewouldturnouttobe.

Ryan was a typically developing infantalthough Noke-Kearney noticed prettyquickly that he exhibited some behaviorsthat were different. He didn’t make eyecontactandwouldnotreacttohismother.As he grew, he would not notice otherchildrenatplaygroupsanddidnotinteractwith them. Daycare providers noted hewouldcontentedlystayinhisseatandwhenshakinga rattle,hewould shake it right infrontofhiseyes,repetitively,staringatitforextendedperiodsoftime.

“Hewas inhisownworld,”saidNoke-Kearney.

When at 1� months he did notevenflinchwhenaglassbowlshatterednext to him, Noke-Kearney worriedhemaynotbeabletohear.Shetookhim tomanydoctorswhodismissedhissymptomsandbehaviors.Ittookareferralfromherprimarycaredoctorto the Early Intervention Programbefore Ryan’s real condition wasrevealed. After numerous clinicianscompleted their assessments, a socialworker told her it was Autism. Ryanwas18monthsold.Noke-Kearneywasshockedbutwasnotgoingtoletitstopherfromhelpingherson.

“Inmyhead,weweregoing tofixthis,”saidNoke-Kearney.

At the time that Ryan wasdiagnosed, one in 500 were Autistic.Now, the numbers are staggeringly onei n110. Autism is a complex neuro-biologicaldisorder inhibiting a person’s ability tocommunicate,respondtosurroundingsandformrelationships.Itisassociatedwithrigidroutinesandrepetitivebehaviors.Symptomscan range from very mild to quite severe.It is part of a group of disorders knownas Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Itis more common than pediatric cancer,diabetes, andAIDScombined. Itoccurs in

A miLLion miLes: A mother’s Journey through Autism

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Lively conversationensued as HumanResource Professionalsvolunteered their timeat the COA’s firstmeeting of WisdomWorks, a program for people 55andolderwhoneedtohoneuptheir jobseekingskillsorwhoarereturningto the work force. This group will meet for four sessions before the next one isscheduled.Formoreinfo,contacttheCouncilOnAgingat978-671-0916.

allracial,ethnic,andsocialeconomicgroupsandis fourtimesmore likelytostrikeboysthangirls.

As a mom, she had to reprogram herexpectationsandcelebratehissmallvictories.ShehadmanychallengingdayswithRyan,inplaygroups,inthegrocerystore,andwithother children. Having never been slowed

down by any

difficultiesoradversities,she had toface toughtruths nowand knewshe wouldhave to

become the strongest advocate her non-verbalRyaneverhad.

First in order was to get support andguidance.Lotsofit.Sheobtained�8hoursper week of Applied Behavioral Analysisservicesandwasnotoutinthecommunitywithout a professional helping her. Shelearned quickly how to help him re-shapehis behaviors and accepted that he woulddevelopintowhohewassupposedtobe.

“IneededtogiveRyaneveryopportunitytosucceed,”saidNoke-Kearney.

AfterRyanaged-outofEarlyInterventionservices,hereceivedspecialservicesthroughvarious public school systems, primarily inArlingtonandMedford.Nowtenyearsold,RyanenteredhisresidentialprogramthroughMelmarkwhenhewasnineyearsold.Noke-Kearney did not pursue a residential forhimbecauseshewantedtotrytoexhaustallpossibleservicesthatkepthimhomebecauseshefeltAutismrobbedherofbeingatypicalmom. However, through Melmark on theNorth Shore, Noke-Kearney got some ofthatback.

“Because of Melmark, I have the bestrelationshipwithmykid,”shesaid.

Melmark New England is a private

non profit organization dedicated toservingchildrenandadolescentswithintheautism spectrum disorders, with acquiredbrain injury, with neurological diseasesand disorders, dual diagnosis, and severechallengingbehaviors.Theprogramusesaninterdisciplinaryteamapproachbaseduponthe principles of applied behavior analysisandpositivebehavioralsupports.

For a long time, Ryancould not communicateso Noke-Kearney neverknewwhenhewashungryor sick or tired. Althoughclassified as ‘non-verbal’because he is not able tohave a conversation, Ryanis starting to use audiblelanguage.

“When he uses words,Igettohearhisvoice,”saidNoke-Kearney.

Initially, Noke-Kearneywanted connections withother parents who hadsimilarexperiences.TheEarlyIntervention Social Workerstartedaclosedsupportgroupfor four of her clients, withNoke-Kearney being one of

them. Together, these fourwomen laughed, cried and supported eachother.Eightyearslater,theystillmeetoncepermonth.

“Theautismclubissomethingyouneversignedupfororthoughtyouwouldbepartof,” said Noke-Kearney. “Somehow youbecameenrolledasmemberforlife.”

Changed forever, Noke-Kearneychanneledhergriefandgratitudepositivelyand got active in numerous AutismorganizationslikeNAAR(NationalAllianceAutism Research), Advocates for Autismof MASS (AFAM) and Autism Speaks.Thesegroupsare instrumental inprovidingfamily support as well as lobbying stateand federal funding for insurance reform,bullyingeducation,andteachertrainingsonaugmentativedevices.

“Youneverlookatthingsthesameway,”saidNoke-Kearney.“IfIcanhelpsomeoneelse,it’sallIwanttodo.”

As the Co-Chair of the GovernmentAffairsCommitteeofAFAM,Noke-KearneywillbeaspeakeratthestatehouseonApril13forAutismAwarenessDay.Therewillbeopportunitiesforinterestedpartiestospeakto legislators. She is especially thankful toRepresentative Bill Greene who has been astaunchsupporterofAutismlegislatureandhasmetwithhernumeroustimes.

“HehasbeenawonderfulsupporterandI am grateful for his interest, connectionsand always listening to what families likemyselfface,”saidNoke-Kearney.

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The day starts with the traditional visitby the Easter bunny. After briefly lookingat what he had left, we don our pea greenpants and candy apple red blazers and goofftochurch.Afterchurch,weallconvergeon my grandmother’s house where we’retreatedtoamultitudeofthemostdeliciousItalian pastries the world has ever known,painstakinglypreparedbymygrandmotherthepreviousday.

After breakfast, everyone goes theirseparate ways. We go home to have ourEaster dinner around � pm. Dinnerusually consistedof aham,potatoes, salad,vegetables of some sort and thesePillsburycaramel dinner rolls that my mother usedto love. I wasn’t particularly fond of themmyself. I don’t thinkPillsburymakes themanymoreprobablybecausetheywerefoundtobecarcinogenic.TothisdayIcanstilltastethem because some of that caramel is stillstucktooneofmyteeth.

Sometimeswewouldbeinvitedtooneofmyfather’s sister’shomes forEasterdinner.Unfortunately none of his sisters wereparticularlytalentedcooks.Forthatreason,I remember quite vividly Easter 196�. Iremembersittinginachairinthecornerofthekitchenwatchingdinnerbeingprepared.What I witnessed still puts a knot in mycoloneventoday.

It’s important to note here that therewas a common belief among my parentsgeneration that no matter what food you

they were cooking, it had to be cookedwell…really well. My aunt was preparinglasagna and meatballs, the typical Italiandinnerwhenserving�0ormorepeople.AsIwatched,theoventimerwentoffandmyauntwentover to theovenandtookoutacookiesheetloadedwithmeatballs.Iwatchedasshetriedtobalancethesehardenedbrownover sized golf balls, so they wouldn’t rolloff of the cookie sheet and onto the floor.Whichbythewaywouldn’thavedonethemanyharm.

I watched as she plopped them into avatofsaucesimmeringonthestove.Icouldhear them hit the bottom of the pot. Itsoundedlikestonesbouncingoffthesideofabattleship.ShethenpulledoutoftheovenwhatIassumedwasthelasagna.ItwasalittlehardtotellbecauseIhadneverseenlasagnathatcolorbefore.Wewerecalledtodinnerinshifts,thementhenthekidsthentheladies.

Iremembertryingtocutmylasagna.Ithad edges the texture of plastic containersand was devoid of all moisture. I alsoremember trying to cut the meatball withmy fork, something you should be able todo,but it jumpedout fromundertheforkand into my cousin’s lap across the table.My Aunt must have started cooking themsomewherearoundAshWednesdaytoinsurethattheywouldbefullycookedbyEaster.Ithenrememberthinkingtomyself,“Icouldreallyuseacarameldinnerrollaboutnow.”

eAster sundAy 1962

The Sunny Side of the Street•By Dave Gagliardi

youth of the yeAr Looks to be A roLe modeL

Year after year, Kourtni Hansen haswatched her peers walk to the podium tobeannounced.Andyearafteryear, shehascheeredthemon.Thisyear,itwasherturn.Hansen was awarded the prestigiousYouthof The Year award from the Billerica BoysandGirlsClub.

ThisisthesixthyearthisawardhasbeengiventoayouthmemberwhohascometotheB&Gclubforalongtimeandisactiveinsuchthingsasvolunteeringorsports.Usuallywinnerswill represent the club’s all aroundvaluesofcompetence,usefulness,belongingandinfluence.

“It’sthegreatestawardwegiveout,”saidExecutiveDirectorRoyNagy.

YouthoftheYearisthehighesthonoraBoys&GirlsClubmembercanreceive.Thetitle recognizes outstanding contributionsto a member’s family, school, communityandBoys&GirlsClub,aswellaspersonalchallenges and obstacles overcome. Since1947, this program has been supportedthroughtheReader’sDigestFoundation.

Hansen, who has been a member ofthe Boys and Girls Club since she was in

secondgrade,isnowa14yearoldfreshmanat Billerica Memorial High School.Nonetheless, her heart and her energy ishereattheB&GClub,whereshetakespartin most activities and sports. She has beenactive inbasketball,floorhockey,volleyballandconfidentlyclaimsreiningchampionoftheclub’spopularairhockeytournaments.

“Iwinmostofthemsincecominghere,”smiledHansen.

HansenseesthequalitiesoftheYouthoftheYear to include friendliness, generosity,anoutgoingpersonality,andkeepingactive.She has applied to be a camp counselor attheclubassheseesherjobtobeasolidrolemodel for younger children. She thankedtheB&Gclub staff forbeing there forhersinceshestartedcoming,claimingtheywerepositiveinfluencesinherlife.

“It’s an honor to be the Youth of theYear,”saidHansen.

This ‘A and B’ student will be furtherhonored at the club’s award banquetscheduled for the fall. For more details,visit the Boys and Girls website at www.billericabgc.com.

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We meet once a month at theCooperativeElderServicessupportgroup.Therearetimeswehavelaughedsohardandtherearetimeswhenwehavebrokenupourmeeting and leavewithheavyhearts.Youworryfortheburdenofanother.Insharingatthesemeetings,Iletmyguarddown,asdo the others. There are no pretenses, nonicetiesforthedifficulties.Nosugarcoatingsoileddiapersbelongingtoanadult.Ifyouthoughtchangingababy’sdiaperwasadirtyjob--you’ve seen nothing. Each one of usbringssomethingandweseekadvice,handholding,shoulderstoleanon.Iwouldcallthese friends among my dearest, for theyhave given me something so intangible.Faith.Hope.

Sometimes I think care giving makesyouthewalkingwounded.Therearetimesyou are living in the moment, gettingthroughthedaytodohousework,laundry,suppers, and concurrently you are left tofight old wars. You hear the same story.The‘doyourememberwhen?’andthattriptoDisneyWorldtakensomanyyearsagois told over and over again. For whateverreason,thatonememorybecomesasourceoffixation.

SometimesIfeellikeIamatmybreakingpoint. The weight of worry, unknowns,medicalcomplicationsonbothfronts,andIwonderwhatamIdoinghere?WhathaveIgottenmyselfinto?AmIdoingtherightthing?ThefinalquestioniswhereIalwaysend,amIdoingthebestbymom?

Without the words, without evensayingwhatIhavejustwritten,thecomfortisgiven.AllIhavetodoisrememberpastmeetings as these support groups are a

wealth of information. We may not beon the exact same path with Alzheimer’s,dementiaorbraininjuriesandwemaynotbeinthesameroletoourlovedones,suchas adaughter versus awifeor ahusband,butwesharehurtsandjoys.Therearestilljoysandmomentsofenlightenmentswithglimpsesofthehappier.

I asked permission to share this storywithyou.Oneofthegentlemanwastalkingofgivinghiswifeashower.Hestilldoesallofthepersonalcareforher.Lately,itisabitof a challenge andhe knows she is goingto intentionallygethimwet, sohe’sbeendoingthischorewithouthisshirton.

In sharing, I should add, all of theothers inourgroupare spouses. Iamtheonly one caring for a parent. Over thecourseofourmeetings,wehaveallgottentoknownotjusteachother,butourlovedones.Theyarepiecesofwhotheywereashusbands, wives, mothers. We share theplaces honeymooned, the children theyshare, to the current obstacle, a showerthathasbecomeadreadednecessity.Inthesilence of thought, a comment is made,“Hey, do you remember when taking ashowertogetherusedtobefun?”

You can join a care giver’s supportgroup.AccordingtoTheOutlook,Billerica’sCouncil on Aging offers a free supportgrouptocaregiversonthefirstWednesdayofthemonth.Ihaveneverbeenapartofthis particular support group. The COAcanbereachedat1-978-671-0916formoreinformation. Cooperative Elder Services’supportgroupisonthethirdWednesdayofthemonth,theirphonenumberis:1-781-�70-5751orwww.elderdayservices.com.

LeAn on me

Caregiver's Circle•By Kristene Whitehouse


ByBrianGoguen

Youhaveprobablyheardthatyouwouldhave been better off keeping your moneyunderamattressratherthanhavinginvestedinthestockmarketoverthelasttenyears.Asseenfromthechartbelow,thiscertainlywasthecaseforlargecompanystocksasevidencedbytheS&P500Index,representing500ofthelargestUScompanies.Thisindexposted

a negative 9% total return for the decade,helping it earn the title of “The Terrible�000’s”. Unfortunately, many of us had alargeportionofourstockholdingsinthesesamecompanieswhichpreventedthekindofgrowthinouraccountsthatwehadcometoexpectandhadhopedfor.(Seefig.1)

WhatmadeTheTerrible�000’s terriblewastheoccurrenceoftwomajorbearmarketsinthesamedecade,oneatthebeginningandoneattheend.Itisnotuncommontohaveamarketdownturneverysevenyearsorso,but tohavetwo inthesamedecadeof thismagnitudecausedanoveralllossthathasnothappened since the1930’s. I amnotgoingto even try to discuss the reasons why thedownturnscameabout;theyhappenedandtheywillhappenagain.

Ifwelookattheperformance(annualizedreturn)ofspecificassetcategoriesforthelastdecadeasspelledoutinthebelowchart,we

see thatpracticallyallcategoriesother thanlarge growth stocks had positive annualreturns and that some categories, in fact,performed quite well. Stocks, as a whole,were the worst performing category, trailingbonds,commoditiesandrealestate.(Seefig.�)

Whatlessonscanbedrawnfromallthis?First, the traditional timehorizonhasbeenchallenged. Financial professionals preachthat you shouldnot invest in stocksunless

you have at least a four to five year timehorizon. Try telling that to someone whoinvestedatthebeginningofthedecadeforachild’seducationwithtuitionbillsneedingtobepaidtodayortosomeonehavingsavedforaplannedretirementtodaywhohasdecidedtokeepworkingacoupleofyearsnowthattheirnestegghasshrunkenconsiderably.

Second, keeping a diversified portfoliostillmakessense.Ifyouwerewelldiversifiedamong all asset classes throughout thedecade, as opposed to being concentratedin large company stocks, you would haveperformedmuchbetter.Thefactis-stocksstill offer the greatest growth opportunityoverextendedtimeperiods.

Brian D. Goguen, CPA, CFP is an independent Registered Investment Advisor offering comprehensive financial planning on a fee-only basis. Brian can be reached at [email protected].

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Billerica Recreation Departmentwww.town.billerica.ma.us

Summer Youth Camps and Programs Update

Lots of new changes this year. visit us online for complete details.

Red Hat SocietyAttention ladies! Come join the Red hat Society! The Bodacious Ladies of Billerica would like to invite you and your friends to join our group. We enjoy each others company and we even donate to charities such as ALS, American Cancer, American Diabetes and the House of Hope. Call Queen Mother Virginia McGrath @ 978-667-7487 or contact her at [email protected].

Atlantis Playmakerswww.AtlantisPlaymakers.com

380 Cambridge St Burlington, 978-667-0550 Registration for Summer Theater Classes-Ongoing Mar.13-27: Th, Fri, Sat at 8pm Mar. 20 & 27 at 4pm, Miss Firecracker Contest by Beth Henley

Zachary M. Tompkins Memorial FoundationC/O TD Bank North 80 Derry Rd Hudson, NH 03051 Help Zach’s parent raise enough to fulfill Zach’s dream to have a stadium named after him.

Fit Resultswww.MyFitResults.com

475 Boston Rd. 508-423-5835 Tours: Saturdays in April 10th, 17th , 24th 11 am-2 pm

Euro Deli653 Boston Road Billerica MA 978-435-9995 Every Friday and Saturday Free samples! 12-1!

Free Teen Driving WorkshopGetting Ready to Drive: Everything You Need to Know

Apr. 14: 7 pm BMHS Lecture Hall 35 River Street Co-sponsored by The Billerica Green, MTM Brain-erd Insurance and Billerica Driving School Guest speaker from the Billerica Police Department For Parents and their pre-driving and driving teens info: email [email protected] call 978-808-2361

American Cancer Society

Relay for Lifewww.cancer.org www.relayforlife.org/billericama

June 12-13:Lampson Field Upcoming Meetings At The Boys and Girls Club 19 Campbell Road, Billerica May 5: Team Captain’s Meeting: 7-7:30 pm Planning Team Meeting: 7:45-8:45 pm T-shirt order deadline May 26: Planning Team Meeting: 7-8 pm June 2: Team Captain’s Meeting: 7-8 pm Bank night and pick up T-shirts Planning Team Meeting: 8-9 pm June 9: Planning committee meeting: 7-8:30 pm

Billerica Pop Warnerwww.billericapopwarner.org

New this season! Unlimited-weight, midget “a” team, patriot division. Now accepting registrations for our Unlimited-Weight Division. Ages 11-13 must weigh a minimum of 105 lbs while maximum weight is unlimited.

Players age 14 must weigh between 105 lbs and 165 lbs. For Info., call Rocco Magliozzi at 978-866-8852.

Billerica Public Librarywww.billericalibrary.org

15 Concord Road, Billerica 978-671-0948 April 15: 7 PM: Rory Raven “The Mentalist”: Have you ever had that crazy feeling that something bad was going to happen? Are you psychic? Learn about parapsychology and the attempts to docu-ment ESP, witness SPOON BENDING, and decide if you can trust your own eyes! Grades 9 - adult ONLY!! PLEASE NOTE GRADES. Online registration required starting March 15. April 29: 7 PM: Marie’s Home Improvement According to Do-It-Herself.com, 70% of women would like to know more basic household main-tenance and repair. Ready to tackle projects on your household’s to-do list? Want to save money and build confidence through the process? Marie Leonard, owner of her own home improvement business, Marie’s Home Improvement, has been

teaching home repair to women for years.

Putt-A-Round Indoor Mini Golf265 Boston Rd, Billerica 978-663-2422 Apr. 21: 6-9 pm is Teen Night! Costs $6 per person,Teens enjoy pizza, soda,

unlimited golf. In a safe setting

Dot’s Party PlanningDay: 781-744-3159 Evening: 978-930-0599 [email protected]

Have a party to plan? Don’t have the time to do it? Let us do it for you! Birthday, Shower, Anniversary, Fundraiser, etc. We’ll find a hall, book the entertainment, And get you a bartender, Send out your invitations, hire the caterer, and decorate for the party, indoor or outdoor.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Courtyard By Marriott Billerica 270 Concord Rd, Billerica 978-670-7500

May 9: Annual Mother’s Day Brunch Sittings 11 am and 1 pm RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! 978-670-7500 Adults $29.95, Seniors $26.95 Children under 12 $12.95, Under 3 free.

5k Road Race

New England Pediatric Care 78 Boston Rd North Billerica, 17th Annual Cool Kids 5K Road Race and Fun Walk May 2: 10:30 am Runners Entry Fee: $25 Walkers Entry Fee: $20 For Info, 978-667-5123, [email protected] SEEKING SPONSORS!

Wellskillswww.WellSkills.com

Apr. 15: 7 pm Nutrition for neuro-developmental Disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD, etc.) BMHS Lecture Hall 35 River Street Kathy Lynch (978) 337-4450

out on the toWn

SPRINGARTCLASSES

Colleen Sgroi Gallery12 Andover Road

Billerica, MA 01821

Sign up now for our next 6 week session

Session I : April 12 - May 21Session II : May 24 - July 2

foradults&kids

50% offa Colleen Sgroi painting or print

with this ad

& Art Classes

ColleenSgroi.com 978-667-1009

Summer Art CampCall Now Classes fill up fast

Two 2 week sessionsMon, Tue, Wed & Thu 9 AM to 12

Aug. 2-12 & Aug. 16 -26


Shawsheen Vocational HighNEW! Summer Camp Half Days 8:30 am- 12:30 pm 3 Sessions from July 5 -Aug 6 Info call Carissa Karakeidos 978-671-3600

Billerica Little Leaguewww.billericalittleleague.org Apr. 24: Opening Day 330 Boston Rd, Billerica 978-670-1549 We are still accepting registrations for 2010 But our fees are $150 for a single player or $200 for two or more players. Players that will age 12, 14,15 & 16. Are subject to being placed on a Wait List. You can register on-line or download the registration form. In order to play Billerica Little League in 2010. A player MUST BE AT LEAST 6 years old by April 30. Players over the age of 16 on April 30 will be too old for this season.

Boys and Girls Clubwww.billericabgc.com

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

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

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

Swim Lessons update: We are accepting registra-tions for our next session of swim lessons. For a complete list of fees, classes, schedules and avail-ability visit the website.

Council On Aging25 Concord Road Billerica

Respite Care Companion Program: The Respite Companion program helps families care for their loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other health conditions that require supervision, allowing elders to remain at home as long as possible. Companions will come to the home and prepare

light meals, help with shopping lists, and can also provide transportation for errands and appointments for elders who do not drive or need help managing their bundles. Respite Companions are available to work anytime. Please call Lauren Gray at 978-671-0916 ext: 226

The COA Van Service:Trips will now be available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Errands or medical appointments in Billerica ONLY. A 2-day notice is preferred. $2.00 fee/round trip. Call Ruth 978-0671-0916 ext. 229.

April: Income Tax Help: For Billerica residents 60 and older to complete uncomplicated Income Tax forms. Please call to make your appointments.

Senator Ken Donnelly Office hours: First Wednesday of each month from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

COA Golf League: Swanson Meadow Golf Course will host this league; 60 years and older. Starting around April 15. Tee times- Mon. 8am -10am Senior rate for 9 holes with a golf cart is $22; with a pull cart is $15. There is limited membership. Register at the COA. The deadline for sign-up is March 15th. Contact Onorio Cerrato at [email protected] 978-362-3406, Tony Cucchi at [email protected] 978-663-8314, or Dick Tracey at [email protected] 978-667-4620.

May 7: 7 pm: Senior of the Year Awards Dinner Lodge of The Elks 4 Webb brook Road For Tickets and Info: call 978-617-0916

Billerica BMXwww.billerica-bmx.com

PMC Kids Ride

May 16: 9-11:30 am Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park 500 Treble Cove Road BMX track–$10 registration fee Fund raising mini-mum of $25 To register, visit http://kids.pmc.org For ride info, call (781) 791-4507 or (800) WE-

CYCLE.

Irish American Club616 Middlesex Turnpike 978-663-3900 Tuesday Nights: Rita O’Shea Irish Set Dancing, 781-665-3110 Thursday Nights: Line Dancing Grundy, [email protected]

May 21:7:00pm Joey and Maria’s Family reunion comedy dinner show - a spring fundraiser to benefit the students of the Parker School

Kesslers Karate Studio7 Marshall Street 978-667-7774 Black Belt Test for juniors and adults at Sensei Durkin’s Uechi Ryu dojo All the following activities are at the karate center, 7 Marshall Street: April 3, 2-3:30 PM Cake Auction for the Billerica Police Athletic League and demo April 10 3-4:30 PM Get in Shape, Belly Dancing workshop, April 17 Social for Junior Black belts, dj & band, Time Travel at our summer camp for children starting in July. Expeditions to the Boston Science Museum, Pirate Museum, Stoneham Zoo, and more! Call Joann at 978-667-7774 for details!

Billerica Cat Care CoalitionApril 17: 10 am-3 pm Cat Meet & Greet and Agway Spring Open House Barbeque 24 Maple Street, Chelmsford April 24: 11 am-2 pm Cat Meet & Greet Petco, 51 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington May 14: 7-9:30 PM 6th Annual Cat’s Meow Chocolate Tasting and Silent Auction Indian Ridge Country Club, 73 Lovejoy Rd, Andover, $25 – tickets available Via Paypal at www.billericacatcarecoaltion.org Via mail until May 1 at BCCC, PO BOX 141, No Billerica, MA 01862 Or at the door All proceeds support medical care provided to the cats and kittens. May 22: 11 am- 2pm Cat Meet & Greet Agway, 24 Maple St, Chelmsford

[email protected] Registration for April 19-21Now being accepted! Mon.- Wed.: 8am-3:30pm $100/week or $35/day $150/ week for 2 or more sisters Limited to first 35 first come, first served

Ye’ Olde Meeting House: Town Hall MeetingsApril 10: Town Election Calendar: ELECTION DAY April 12: 7 pm: Selectmen, Conway Room

got opinions?MakeADifference.YourVoteCounts.April10thPollsopen8amto8pm

got opinions?>>Continues on next page.


Karyn Button Memorial Foundation Annual Fundraiserwww.karynbutton.com

Apr 17: 7pm-12am 617-905-8956 Billerica Elks 14 Webb Brook Rd, Billerica

TOPS # MA 0253 Take Off Pounds Sensiblywww.tops.org

Every Tuesday 5:00/6:00 PM (weigh-in/meeting times) Billerica Town Hall - Lunch Room) [email protected] 978-663-0507

Friends of Fox Hill CemeteryWednesdays: 7:00 pm Would like to welcome new members In the beautification process of Fox Hill Cemetery. Meetings are held every month at the Billerica Town Hall 365 Boston Road, Billerica For further info, please call the Cemetery Dept. 978-671-0496

Making Billerica Greener!Apr.18: 9am - 4pm More info call 978-663-7773 Burns & Egan Realty Group - 428 Boston Road

Friday Night Open Micwww.uubillerica.org

Apr. 14: Sign up 7:30 pm First Parish Church in Billerica Center ( to benefit the First Parish Church) [email protected] 867-663-2293 or Bob @ 978-667-3762

The Billerica GreenWishes

Ms.MaryPasho A Very Happy90th

Birthday!

Villagio Ristorante is located in theManning Manse building on ChelmsfordRoad in Billerica. The building dates backto1696andhasbeenmanythingsovertheyears. I really enjoy soaking in the historywhile dining here. We have frequentedthis establishment as a family, as a coupleand with large groups of friends. It’s theperfectrestaurantfor intimatedining, largeparties and everything in between. Theycan accommodate groups of up to 50 forfunctions and the large bar area is a greatplacetomeetforcocktails.

We went as a couple this time aroundand it was very enjoyable. We started ourmealwiththefriedcalamariandIhadaglassofMerlotwhile John enjoyed the tall glassofHarpoonIPA.Thecalamariwascrispandtender, and the marinara sauce was perfectfordipping.

For dinner, I had the veal saltimboccaand John enjoyed the Shrimp Scampi, butheoptedfortheFraDiavlosauce(spicy).Wesharedourdinners andboth really enjoyedeach others as well as our own dishes.Everything was freshly prepared and quite

delicious.Unfortunately,weweretoofullfordessert.OurservertriedtotemptuswiththeTiramisu, but neither of us could manage.With such largeportions, it’s amazing theycankeepthepricessoaffordable.

Theirmenuisextensiveandvaried,withan entire section of Authentic North Endoptions. With daily specials, a long list ofappetizers,andwonderfuldesserts,eachvisithasbeenauniqueexperienceforus.Wehada great night out and look forward to ournextvisittoVillagioRistorante!

ViLLAgio’s: AffordAbLe & AuthentiC north end fAre

The Traveling Gourmets•By John and Sherry Livsey

WellSkills.com

Nutrition Classes

3-6 Lifestyle3-13 Grocery Tour3-20 Desserts3-27 Greens

WellSkills.com has schedule of events and FREE recipes

Whatdofourpeopleinabathtub,asetofdenturesandahulahoophaveincommon?No, they aren’t theprops in the latest newchicflickbutexamplesofitemswhichwerehunteddownandvictoriouslyfoundatlastyear’sLibraryScavengerHunt.

Following years of holdingthe Spring Fling fund raisingevent,TheBillericaPublicLibraryFoundation was looking for anew and innovative way to getmoreofthecommunityinvolvedina funway to raisemoney forthe library’s endowment. Thesemonies set aside for the futurecare and maintenance of thishistoricbuilding.

This year the Second AnnualScavenger Hunt is shaping up tobe even more creative with the planningcommittee coming up with a whole newset of 100 items. Items don’t just includecommonthingsfromaroundthehousebutalso photos of individuals visiting placesaroundBillericatoo.

“Theideawastogetpeopleplacesthey’dnot been before,” said Barbara Flaherty,Library Director. “To have them collectthingsofsignificance.”

Although there is no limit as to how

many teams can register to play, about 14teamsparticipated last year.Flahertyhopestointerestmorefamilieswithchildrensincethis is a great experience for parents andkids.

“It’s a fun thing at any age,” saidFlaherty.

OnApr.�4,teamswillcheckinat�:30pm at the public library to be given theirscavenger hunt list. All that is required isteamshavefourpeople,adigitalcameraandacar.Startingat3pm,teamswillhavethreehourstofindasmanyoftheitemsaspossibleonthelist.

Theregistrationfeeis$100perteamandthedeadlinetosignupforthehuntisApr.16.Theregistrationformcanbeprintedoff

thelibrarywebsiteandmailedorbroughtinwiththefee.

Teams all must have a name. Last yearsawaneco-friendlyfamilycalled“TheGreen

Team”, the purple robed “QueenMums, and the “Red Hat Rowdies”whowereaimingtowinit.Thisyeartherewillbeafirst,second,andthirdprizeaswellasaspiritaward.Thetopprizethisyearwillbe$400incash.

Last year,many teams returnedwithballoonsandyearbookswhileaphotoofatattoowashardertofind.Favorites included library cardsandaphotonext tothe“EnteringBillerica” sign. The planningcommittee is looking forward to

challengingtheteamsevenmorethisspring.“We will have a couple of really high

point items that will be really tough,” saidFlaherty.

Followingtheendofthehuntat6pm,teamscomebefore the judges to tally theiritems. following this, there will be food,drinkandanawardsceremonyforthosewhoparticipated. Anyone who did not join thehuntcanpay$10toenjoythefestivities.Formore information, visit theBillericaPublicLibrarywebsiteatwww.billericalibrary.org.

sCAVenger hunt hopes to drAW fAmiLies


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Whenyouknowwhatitmeansto be a member of a team, youpassthatontoothersandsupportone another. Walking into theRealtyWorldAdvantageofficeat880BostonRoadgivesyouarealsenseofteamwork.Theagentsallleanoneachotherwhilehelpingeach other grow to be the bestthey can. However, it all startsatthetop.

Lisa Luther, Owner, hasbeen a Realtor for �4 years.During that journey, she hasmade growth her goal bothpersonally and professionally. Working forotherfranchises,shestartedoutasanagentandeventuallybecameinvolvedineducationand training. Training prospective buyersandsellersaswellaseducatingnewagents.She even started a real estate school beforedecidingthatopeningherownofficewashercalling.

“Itmadesense,”saidLuther.When seeking out the right agency to

consider, Luther was struck by how muchRealty World’s philosophies matched herown.Sheknewthatshewouldbenefitfromthesupportshefoundwiththem.

“They’relikefamily,”saidLuther.“They’rehereifyouneedthem.”

Luther purchased the franchise andnamed her office on Boston Road RealtyWorld Advantage. She was fortunate tohaveherfamilyjumprightintohelp,withher Mom as a receptionist and her Dadcreatingsigns.Shestartedbuildingherteamwith the talented agents shemet along theway. She also welcomed new agents whoshowed real potential and enthusiasm forthe job. Some qualities Luther looked forwere commitments to change or educationaswell asopenness tonew ideas.Withherbackgroundintraining,sheknewshecouldguidethemtosuccessasRealtors.Throughongoingtrainingsandone-on-onecoachingsessions,theteamcontinuestogrow.

“Getting them to the next level andmeeting their goals is a lot of fun,” saidLuther.

Salesgoalsreachedarealwaysapplaudedby colleagues and individual goals likefurther licensing or education are alwaysencouraged. At a recent Realty WorldConferenceinNashville,Tennessee,Luther,Cathy Lomasney, Joan DiOrio and PattiFitzgerald all qualified for Realty WorldInternationalTopProducerAwardsin�009whichmakesLutherespeciallyproudoftheteam. Luther herself was inducted into theRealtyWorldHallofFame.

Theteamisalsoverycommunityfocusedand takes giving back to the town veryseriously.YoucanalwaysfindaRealtyWorld

Advantageagent at Yankee DoodleHomecoming, the Lion’s Club Fourth ofJulyCelebrationor involved in fooddrivesfor our local Food Pantry. This year alone,they got anoutpouringof gifts from thosearoundtownforchildreninneedsincetheyareaToysforTotsdropoffspot.

When looking at what sets the teamapart,Lutherpointedout they stayon topof trends in the mortgage and legal areas.At Realty World Advantage, agents andbrokers carry such certifications as LossMitigation Certification, Accredited BuyerRepresentatives, E-Pro’s, Certified BuyerRepresentatives, and Green Certified. Plustheserviceprovidedtobuyersandsellers isalwayspersonalized.

“Wegoaboveandbeyond,”saidLuther.Inordertobestmeettheneedsofthose

they serve, Realty World Advantage holdssuccessfultwohourseminarsthreetimespermonth.OneupcomingworkshopwillfocusonReverseMortgageswhile amore ‘How-To’seminarwillbeonstagingthehomeformarketing. Professionals like attorneys orloan officers are always on hand to answerquestionsonthespot.Theattorneystendtofieldquestionsaboutmaritalstatusimpactingreal estate while loan officers handle thebasics of down payments and interest rateimpacts.

“Theyarealwayswellattendedsincewehavetheabilityforalotofone-on-one,”saidLuther.

Looking ahead to the future and inkeepingwithherrootsofpromotinggrowththrougheducation,Lutherhasopenedarealestate school called Advantage Real EstateAcademy.Shewillwelcomenewagents forher agencyaswell asothers elsewhere.Thefocuswillbeforagentswhowanttogettheirlicenses.

“To be successful it’s hard work,” saidLuther.

FormoreinformationaboutotherRealtyWorld Advantage opportunities or theirhomebuyingandsellingservices,visittheirwebsite at www.AdvantageRe.com or call978-667-1848.

reALty WorLd AdVAntAge hAs true teAm spirit


Let’s Talk About It With JuliaVisitingTheLibrary

IgotmylibrarycardinFebruaryandlove

goingtothelibrary.Myfavoritebookstocheck

outaretheJunieB;Jonesbooks.Ialsoenjoyall

theshows.Overthesummer,doing“makeand

take” lizards was so much fun. When I’m in

theChildren’sroom,Ilikereadingoveronthe

benchesbythewindows.So,CheckItOut!

Jake’s Green CornerGreenUp/CleanUp

IheardallaboutGreenUp/CleanUpday.WegototheplaygroundatourschoolandIsawlitterontheground.Tohelp,IcanpickupallthelitterIseeandbringittothetrashcans.This keeps our environment clean forus andfortheanimals,whomighteatitandgetsick.HelpoutonMay1st!

Jarred’s Video

Game TipsNewSuperMarioBrothersfortheWiiSystem

In World 6, which is a dark world, you’ll

noticeitisalevelwitharaft.Youshouldchoose

the most experienced person with the game

becauseyouwillhave todoa lotof jumping

togettheitemsandstarcoins.Itwillbeahelp

oncewhoeverlandsonthelighttotiltthelight

tohelptheplayerwhoisjumping.

3 J’s Corner

CAPTIONCONTEST

Writeacaptionforthiscartoon.IfwelikeyoursthebestwewillprintitinthenexteditionofTheBillericaGreen.Submityour

captiononlineatwww.thebillericagreen.com/blog

LASTMONTH’SWINNER

CongratulationstoBethany Niloff.Thewinneroflastmonth’scaptioncontest.Thankyoutoeveryonethatparticipated.Readalloftheentriesatwww.thebillericagreen.com/blog

andsubmitacaptionforthismonth’scontest.

Not another poorly drawn Etch-A-Sketch man hallucination! I’ve really gotta cut down on the caffeine.


Fillinthegridwithdigitsinsuchamannerthateveryrow,everycolumnandevery3x3boxaccommodatesthedigits1-9,withoutrepeatingany.

©20

10 T

ony

Luon

go w

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puddlesrain boots

april showersmay flowers

liliesEaster

butterflyVernal Equinox

longer daysopening daygreen grass

gardensrobinspicnics

allergies

a l l e r g i e s s g s yi l r s p l r t r n r y re e o s n i r o e e g a ob p c n n l b r w d r d ag d u l g i s o o r e g cr a a d n e h s l a e n el s e s d s r p f g n i wd w a r l l e d y p g n ix o n i u q e l a n r e vi q r e m t e s m y a p aa p r a i n b o o t s o ea b u t t e r f l y s i is c i n c i p r e t s a e

Spring in Your Step

© 2010 Tony Luongo for The Billerica Green

For Personal Use Only.

More pages available at www.thebillericagreen.com

© 2010 Tony Luongo for The Billerica Green

For Personal Use Only.

More pages available at www.thebillericagreen.com

Free coloring pages at thebillericagreen.com/playground.html

these

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Insteadofstartinghighschool,thinkingaboutboysanddownloadingtunesontoherIpod,14yearoldKatieFrost iswheelchairboundandseverelyhandicapped.Althoughasocialbutterflywithagreatsenseofhumor,Katierequiresassistancewiththemostbasicof routine care. Katie has Cerebral Palsy, asurgicallyplacedshuntdrainingfluidsfromhercranium,andcyclesofseizures.

“She needs help with everything,” saidSueFrost,Katie’smother.

ForSue,caringforKatierequiresateameffort.TheFrostfamilylearnedhowtocarefor Katie’s complex conditions which havebecome increasingly more demanding overtime. For example, traveling out of stateto see relatives proved uncomfortable forKatie and challenging for both her parentsandthreesiblings.Threeyearsago,theFrostfamily, in search of assistance with Katie’scare, found New England Pediatric Care(N.E.P.C.) and began utilizing their shorttermrespiteprogram.

The 80 bed pediatric nursing homelocated at 78 Boston Road, Billerica alsooffers comprehensive, post-hospitalizationstays, short and long-term admits, andresidentialcareformedicallyfragilechildrenwithsevereandchronicdisabilitiesaswellasyoungadultswhorangeinagefrombirthto��years.

“Theydogreatthings,”saidSue.‘KatieCamp’,asN.E.P.C.hascometobe

knownintheFrosthome,issomethingKatielooksforwardto.HerparentswillutilizehershorttermstaysoverschoolvacationweeksorforlongcartripsandKatiereturnshomewithabigsmileandgigglefortwodaystofollow.

“It’s great to have a facility where she’shappyandsafe,”saidSue.

Each year, in their continued effortsto provide the highest quality nursing,rehabilitation, and education services,N.E.P.C. organizes their annual “CoolKids” 5K Road Race and Fun Walk. Aswell as runners and walkers, children fromthe facility participate with the assistanceof family or staff, affectionately known aswheelchair “pushers”. Following the race,awardsaregivenandacookoutisprovided.

Lastyear,theFrostfamilyparticipatedinthe5Kroadrace,withKatieproudlyinherwheelchairalongsidehersevenyearoldsisterbeingpushedinastroller.

“Katielovedit,”saidSue.For more information about the 5K

RoadRace, contactLauraPica atN.E.P.C.at 978-667-51�3 or email [email protected].

roAd rACe heLps disAbLed kids Win

• USATF/RRTC Certified Course

• All Participants are encouraged to raise funds to support “Cool Kids” at NEPC

• Cool Kids T-Shirts (While Supplies Last)

• Free post-race cookout w/Entertainment and Raffles

AWARDS

For Overall Top Male and Female

Top Males and Females in theFollowing Categories:19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49,50-59 and 60+

New England Pediatric Care (N.E.P.C.) is an 80 bed pediatric nursing home, offering comprehensive, post-hospitalization stays, short-term admits, long-term admits, and residential care for medically fragile children with severe and chronic disabilities and young adults who range in age from birth to 22 years. Affiliated with the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts-Medical Center, New England Pediatric Care is committed to providing the highest quality nursing, rehabilitation and education services in a sensitive, compassionate environment. To learn more visit http://nepediatriccare.org.

For more information, contact Laura Pica978-667-5123 [email protected]

WHEN: Sunday, May 2, 2010

WHERE: New England Pediatric Care 78 Boston Road Billerica MA 01862

REgistRatioN: 10:30 am

staRt tiMEs: Walkers: 12:30 pm Runners: 1 pm

ENtRy FEEs: Runners: $25.00 Walkers: $20.00

Concord River crested and rushedover thedamat theFaulknerMills after

thefloodscame.

OnMarch16,�010therainhadstopped,thesunshonebrightly,butourhouseandour neighbor’s house were surrounded bythe Shawsheen river. Unable to step outof her doorway our neighbor, JenniferTolleson, extendedher armand took thismemorablephoto.

Alex&Marie(27 Grove St., Billerica - house in the photo)

JenniferTolleson(26 Grove St., Billerica - photographer)

“Intoeverylifealittlerainmustfall”

April-May�010\thebillericagreen.com\�1

I’ve been a member of the BillericaColonial Minute Men for many years. I’vebeen Captain of the organization for thelast 5 years. As I became more involvedwith BCMM and discovered the richhistory Billerica had in the AmericanRevolutionary War, I wondered why therewasn’taminutemanstatueonthecommon.Concord and Lexington each has one andnowIunderstandBedfordhasone.

About two years ago Richard Mackay,BCMM’sQuartermasterandBoardMemberof the Billerica Historical Society, askedus to critique a Line of March road sign,commemoratingthemarchtoConcord,thatthesocietyhadcommissioned.

Wenoticedthattheminutemandepictedon the sign was, in fact, the Concordminuteman.We decided to take this as anopportunitytodesignan“original”Billericaminuteman logo, in deed, a minutemancharacterwhowouldrepresenttheTownofBillerica.

We started with BCMM’s logo at thetime,whichwasdesignedbyGrecoGraphics16 years ago andpresented to theBillericaColonialMinuteMen.

Shane Clarke, a local artist, added legstothecharacter.Mr.Mackaypresentedtheartwork to Sign Effects, who worked withMr. Mackay and the Historical Society on

the design of the road sign and the resultis the signyousee installedalongConcordRoadtoday.TheBillericaHistoricalSocietydecided to use only the upper torso of thelogo.Itmakesforaveryuniqueroadsign.

Thefullfigurelogo,completewithlegs,has been adopted by the Billerica ColonialMinuteMenastheirlogo.Asthischaracterevolved and legs were added, I saw theMinuteman statue Ihadenvisionedon thecommon.

At the annual meeting of the BillericaHistoricalSocietyandlaterattheLionsClub,Ispokeandsharedmydreamofan“original”BillericaMinutemanStatueonthecommon.This generated some interest so I foundedtheBillericaMinutemanStatueAssociation.MymissionistoraisethefundstocastandinstallaMinutemanStatueonthecommonin the town of Billerica. I believe a brandnew, historical Minuteman Statue, right inthemiddleofMinutemancountry,willdrawpeoplefromallovertheworld.

Ienvisionthisstatuestandingona6’X4’X6’highrockwiththeprojectestimatedtocost$75,000.Ihavereceivedagrantfromthe Billerica Arts Council, a local agencywhich is supported by the MassachusettsCultural Council, a state agency. LeonardBuckland, theBillericaPoet,hasdonatedabooklet,spotlightingthreeBillericaPatriots

andsomeofhispoetry,whichwillsoonbeavailablefor$�.00.HelenPotter,artistandsculptor,alongwithHailey Hartshorn, a student at the LockeMiddle School, are presently working onthesculptureatHelen’sMillMouseGallery.MarkBurke, a student atShawsheenTech,hashelpedinthepast.Clayandsteelforthearmature, have been purchased. The headisintheprocessofbeingsculptured.ItcanbeviewedonYouTube,as the thirdvideo,at the following link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=FR&hl=fr&v=j7HrfnHxGNo&feature=channel

Donationsforthestatuemaybesentto:BillericaMinutemanStatueAssociationEnterpriseBank674BostonRoadBillerica,MA018�1Tel:978-�6�-01�3

Foradditionalinformationpleasecontact,BillericaMinutemanStatueAssociationBillBrimer,President81ArmandoWayTewksbury,MA01876T:978-658-038�[email protected]

[SubmissionByBillBrimer]

the biLLeriCA CoLoniAL minutemAn stAtue: Vision to reALity

New this summer, the Pan-MassachusettsChallengeBillericaBMXKidsRidewillbeoneof35PMCKidsRidesheldinneighborhoodsthroughoutNewEnglandandbeyond.Nearly6,000 cyclists between the ages of two and15 will ride between one and �6 miles inmini-bike-a-thons to raise money for cancerresearch.

The PMC Kids Rides are spokes in thePMC wheel, supporting more than 5,500adult PMC cyclists in their mission to fundcancerresearchandtreatmentatDana-FarberCancerInstitutethroughitsJimmyFund.ThePan-MassChallenge is the two-day,190-milebike-a-thonheldeachAugust.Since1980,thePMC has raised $�70 million for the JimmyFund.PMCKidsRidesofferawayforchildrentobecomepartofthePMCmission,involvingyoungpeopleinvolunteerismandfundraisingina safe andathleticway.Todate, thePMCKidsRidsprogramhasraisedmorethan$�.3millionforthePan-MassChallenge.

TogivetheKidsRidecyclistsanadditionalpush,thePMCwillrecognizecyclistswhoraise$�50ormore.RiderswhomeetthisgoalwillbehonoredasHeavyHitters andwill receiveahat, certificate and sticker toplaceon theirhelmets.

ThePMCBillericaBMXKidsRideexpects100childrenuptoage14,torideoneoftworoutesaroundtheVietnamVeteransMemorialParkorontheBillericaBMXrace track.The

PMC Billerica BMX Kids Ride was startedby members of Billerica BMX and its trackoperators,Kerry andBobPottle.ThePottles,whoareavidsupportersofthePMCmission,are bringing their two favorite organizationstogetherforthisevent.ThePMCBillericaBMXKids Ride aims to attract young adventuriststothenewestsummerOlympicsportofBMXracing while supporting a worthwhile cause.Apartyincludinggamesandactivitiesforthecyclistswilltakeplaceaftertherideaswellasthe opportunity to watch or even participateinanactualBMXrace.Theridehopestoraise$3,000forthePMC.

The PMC Billerica BMX Kids Ride willbeheldfrom9to11:30a.m.onSunday,May16,atVietnamVeteransMemorialParkon500TrebleCoveRoadattheBMXtrackinBillerica,Mass. There is a $10 registration fee and asuggestedfundraisingminimumof$�5.PMCKids Rides sponsors include Stop & Shop,Overstock.com and the Yawkey Foundation.ContributionscanbemadepayabletothePan-Mass Challenge.To register, visit http://kids.pmc.org or for more information call (781)791-4507or

(800) WE-CYCLE. BMX racing inBillericaissanctionedbytheAmericanBicycleAssociation. For more information about thetrackandracing,visitwww.billerica-bmx.com.

SubmissionByBillericaBMX

biLLeriCA bmX rAising money for the pAn-mAss ChALLenge

��/thebillericagreen.com/April-May�010

Leadership.Camaraderie.Family.ThesearethreequalitiesthatarestrongamongthetalentedathleteswhomakeuptheBillericaMemorialHighSchoolGirlsSoftballTeam.Head Coach Patty Higgins, who is in herseventeenth year at the helm, knows whatit takes to field a successful team and shebelieves she may have one for the �010season.

“It begins with the captains,” Higginsexplained.“OurcaptainsareSarahQuatieri,Lilly Perkins, and Leah McWilliams. Theyaregreatleadersandmatureyoungwomen.”

Onarecentweekdayafternoon,theteamhadascrimmagegameatalocalhighschool.Thecaptainsensureeveryoneandeverythingwasaccountedfor.

“WhenIarrivedatthefield,Iaskedoneof the captainswhy they leftbefore Idid,”Higginsexplained.“Shesaiditwasbecausethey (the captains) wanted to get the girlsreadyforthegame.”

Quatieri, a senior pitcher, who lastseasonwasanallconferenceselectionandaLowellSunall star,will takeher fastball toWorcesterPolytechnicInstitutenextseason.

She explained the philosophy of all threecaptains.

“We do our best.” Quatieri said, “Ourhearts are in it.We need everyone here. Ifonepersonismissingthenthatchangesthewholedynamicoftheteam.”

Perkins, a senior, is in her third yearwith the Indians and is the team’s catcher.AccordingtoHiggins,Perkinstakescontrolofthegamewhenonthefieldbydoingwellcalling the games. Perkins felt her coach’sencouragementmadetheteamsuccessful.

“Coach is amazing,” Perkins said. “Shewantsustohavefunandallofthecoachesencouragea familyatmosphere.They stresscommunication and the mental aspects ofthegame.”

McWilliams, a senior shortstop andsecond baseman, has been a varsity Indiansince her freshman year. She echoes herteammates’ sentiments when asked aboutCoachHiggins.

“She’sawesome,”explainedMcWilliams.“Youcouldn’taskforabettercoach.Welearnsomuchfromhereveryday.”

When asked about the team’s outlook,

McWilliamspointed out the team has great goals andexpectations.

“Weplanongoingfar,”saidMcWilliams.“Weplanonworkingreallyhardanddoingourbest.”

Coach Higgins, who is assisted byEd Romkey, Katie Button, and MicheleMontgomery,isenthusiasticaboutherteamandlooksforwardtothisseason,hopingthata few years from now the players will takeawayspecialmemories.

“Thisisafunteam,”Higginssaid.“We

hopetogoalongwayinthetournament.”

Traditionally, BMHS has fieldedcompetitiveteams.Eachmemberofthe�010team wants to be more than competitive.Theyareanintensegroupwholovetoplayand enjoy being together on and off thefield.Thefamilyatmospherefosteredbythecoaches and captains could help this teamachieveitsgoalofastatechampionship.Toseethisuniquegroupofathletes,checkouttheirscheduleonwww.highschoolsports.net

By Shawn Hutcheon, Sports Writer

ThesportoflacrossewasfirstplayedinwhatisnowtheUnitedStatesandCanadabythenativeAboriginals,possiblyasfarbackasthe1�thcentury.ItistheoneoftheoldestsportsintheAmericaswhichwasalsoplayedbyNativeAmericanwoman.Today,lacrosseisplayedbymillionsacrossthenationincludingathletesatBillericaMemorialHighSchool.

TheBMHSgirlsteamwasstartedasaclubteamin1984byCarolynO’Brien.UnderO’Brien’sguidance,girl’s lacrossebecameavarsitysport.StacyFredatookoverthecoachingreignsfromO’Brienandcontinuedtogrowtheprogram.Itgainedpopularityandmoregirlstriedout for the team.Oneof thosegirlswasAshleyMartell. Martell played varsity lacrosse from 1999 to�003withFredaplayinganinfluentialroleinherlife.

“StacyFredainspiredmetobecomeateacherandacoach,”Martellsaid.

After graduating from BMHS in �003, MartellwentontoplayatSpringfieldCollege.Upongraduatingfrom Spingfield College, Martell taught at BedfordHigh School but lacrosse was still in her blood. ThisresultedinMartellbecomingtheassistantcoachofthegirlsteamthere.

After coaching at Bedford High School for oneseason,BMHSheadcoachPaulPowderleyaskedhertocoachwithhim.

“Icouldn’tturnitdown,”explainedMartell.“ItwasanhonortocomebackandcoachattheschoolwhereIplayed.”

Powderleyretiredafterthe�009seasonandMartellwaselevatedtoheadcoach,with�010asherfirstseasonasheadcoach.Shedecidedtoinstillacultureofpride

andtraditionbybringingCarolynO’BrienbackasthejuniorvarsitycoachandfellowBMHSalumsSamanthaLaferriere and Colleen Lynch as the varsity assistantcoachandfreshmanteamcoach,respectively.

“Allof the coacheshavebeenwonderful,”Martellsaid.“Weareafamily.We’reallonthesamepage.”

Withtenseniors,Martellhashighexpectationsofcohesivenessandleadershipforthisyear’steam.

“Wewantthemtosupporteachother,”saidMartell.“Wewantthistobealifelessonforthegirls.We’realldifferentbutweareherebecausewelovelacrosseandweneedtobeafamilytoachieveourgoal.”

Martell credits the team’s captains, Andrea Bozza,Jennifer Carew, and Heather Timmons, for bringingthisgrouptogetherquickly.Tri-captainAndreaBozza,whowasaconferenceallstarinhersophomoreyear,isinherfourthseasonontheteamandisimpressedwiththenewcoachingstaff.JenCarew,alsoatri-captainandaconferenceall star, is inher thirdyearonthe team.Shewillplay atWestfieldStateCollegenext yearbutislookingforwardtothisseasonwithBMHS.HeatherTimmons is also inher third seasonwith the Indiansand a conference all star. She rounds out the captaintriumvirateandagreeswithBozzaandCarewthatthecoachingchangehasbroughtanewatmosphere.

“Last year, we lost in the opening round of thestatetournament.”Carewsaid,“Iwanttogetpastthatroundandeveryoneelsewantstodothattoo.That’sourprimarygoalasateam.”

The coaches and players of BMHS have set highstandardsforthemselvesasahighlyskilledandtalentedgroupwithanunmatchedpassionforthegame.Theyaredeservingofyoursupport.Theteam’sschedulecanbefoundonwww.highschoolsports.net.

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strong LeAdership guides bmhs girLs softbALL teAm

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MynameisKatie.Iwasfoundinanabandonedhousewithmybabiesandmanyothercatswhohavebeenadopted.Iliketobepettedandbrushed.Ifyouhaveroominyourheartandhome,pleasesendanapplicationforme.Iamup-to-dateformyshots,housetrainedandspayed.Adoptionapplicationsavailableatwww.billericacatcarecoalition.org.

Moredogs are euthanizedbecause oflack of training than any other reason,studies show.Adogwhohasneverbeentrained before can become fearful andfearfuldogsbite.SandraBrigham,Ownerof ‘Train Up That Pup!’, sees this often.Hersolution?Bringtheminyoung.

BrighamstartedhertrainingbusinessinAug.�009afterworkingasaparalegal.Even while in her career, she could notwait to go into training. Having grownupinMaine,Brighamwasalwaysaroundfarmanimals.Evenasachild,herfamilyhad many dogs they never trained. Itwasn’tuntilshegotadogasanadultthatsherealizedtheneedandvalueintrainingherdog.Shewasalongdistancerunneratthetimeandhadtohaveherdogoffleash.Sherealizedthatherdogneededtoremainincontrol.

“Youhavetounderstandyourdogandwhatmotivatesthem,”saidBrigham.

Brighamechoeswhattheveterinariancommunity recommends which is dogsshouldstarttrainingaftertheirfirstroundofvaccinationsateightweeks.Atthatage,your puppy should be introduced to avarietyofenvironments,experiences,andpeople. Their best learning happens forthenextfourweeks.

“The window of learning closes attwelveweeks,”saidBrigham.

Brigham’s program is five days perweekforonehourperday.Fourdaysshespends with the puppy and one day isspentwiththeowner.Shepreferstostart

them at eight weeks but will start themas late at 16 weeks. Her cut off age is 6monthsbecausebythen,iftheyarebiting,theyneedtobereferredtoaveterinarian.

“You can’t cure aggression,” saidBrigham.“It’smanagementforlife.”

After the initial consultation, theownerwilllearnthebasicsofcrate,chewtoyandhousetraining.ThenBrighamwillassessthepuppy’sdailyroutine.

“This all factors into their behavior,”saidBrigham.

ThenBrighamtailors theprogramtothepuppy’stemperamentandtheowner’sgoals. Although the puppy comes homejustweeksold lookingvery cute,once itstartsbiting,theownerlosestheconnectionwiththedogoutoffrustration.

“It’smyjobtobuildthatbond,”saidBrigham.“Peopledon’thavethetime.”

Brigham only uses positivereinforcementandrefuses toutilize leashjerks or prongs. She follows the daytraining model where she goes to thehome, does all the training and teachestheownerhowtomaintainthebehavior.In addition to maintaining the bonds,Brighamiscommitted toachild’s safety.She reassures owners their puppy willthrivefromcleardirection.

“You will end up with a confidentdog,”saidBrigham.

For more info, contact SandraBrigham at 978-436-0318 orwww.trainupthatpup.com.

Research on www.cnn.com/healthhas shown that chocolate is good for you(especially dark chocolate, in moderation).Chocolate is “heart healthy” (lowers bloodpressure and bad cholesterol), gives skin ahealthierglowbyincreasingbloodflow,helpsboost memory, and can increase romanticdesire.

OnFri.,May14from7–9:30pm,attheIndian Ridge Country Club at 73 LovejoyRoadinAndoveryoucanjoinBillericaCatCareCoalitionattheir6thAnnual“TheCat’sMeowChocolateTasting&SilentAuction”.

You will enjoy the benefits of chocolatefromadozenchocolatiers.ThiswillincludeStarbucks, Mrs. Nelson’s, Lindt and manymore,andwillhelpcatsandkittensinneed.Ticketsare$�5.00andcanbepurchasedatTheCatDr.,Bedford; MiddlesexCountyAnimal Hospital, North Billerica; Shank’sMare,NorthBillerica;andAndoverAnimalHospital.OrsendachecktoBCCC,P.O.Box141,NorthBillerica,MA0186�orpurchaseon-lineatwww.billericacatcarecoalition.org

[Submission By The Billerica Cat CareCoalition]

sAVe A CAt, eAt ChoCoLAte

LeArning to LeArn: trAining puppies sAVes their LiVes


ByLianaMeasmer

ThefirstsectionoftheUSConstitutioniswhatdefinesourinalienablerightsascitizensofthisgreatcountry.Asweallknow,thepreamblereads:“...WethePeopleoftheUnitedStates,inordertoformamoreperfectunion,establishjustice,insuredomestictranquility,provideforthecommondefense,promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings oflibertytoourselvesandourposterity,doordainandestablishthisconstitutionfortheUnitedStatesofAmerica...”Aswereadon,sectionfourguidesallourelectionsandmeetings.

Fortunately,wehavethefreedomthatourlocalBillericagovernment is carried out through a RepresentativeDemocracyatourTownMeeting.WithSpringuponus,ourannualtownmeetingisfastapproaching,thusremindingusofourcivicduties,rightsandresponsibilities.

Ye Olde Meeting HouseIn 1658, �5 families residing in Billerica had built a

meeting house with Reverend Samuel Whiting as theirfirstminister. Inthatdayandage, therewasnoseparationof church and state. The church was the government andattendingservicesandweeklytownmeetingswasmandatory.Atthetime,Tewksbury,Carlisle,Wilmington,andBedfordwereallpartofBillerica.

Imagine farmers from miles around who had to makethelengthytripeveryweektoatownmeeting.Tonotattendmeant to be fined. After a while, it resulted that residentsintheseoutlyingareaspetitionedthecentralstategoverningbodysituatedinCambridge,MAtobreakoffandformtheirowntowns.

Eventually, open mandatory meetings stopped beingmandatory.Theoldmeetinghouseeventuallybecametownhallwhere,inthelargegreatroomupstairs,themenoftownvotedontheissueswhichimpactedtheresidents.

Town Meeting is BornTownmeeting,ameetingofregisteredvotersofatown

to conduct town business, remained the basis of towngovernmentsinNewEnglandforover300years.In19�6,the Massachusetts General Laws were amended to enabletownswithpopulationover6,000toadoptalimitedformoftownmeetingwithavotingbodyofTownMeetingMembersequalto�percentoftheregisteredvoters.Billericachosethisformoftownmeetingin1955.

Ouroldesttownmeetingrepresentativeintown,MissMaryPasho,remembers.Almost90,sherecallssittingattheoldHoweSchoolandthenupstairsinthegreatroomofwhatisnowourpubliclibrarywithherfather,ChesterPasho,whenhevotedatopentownmeetings.Whenshewasoldenoughandallowed(aswomenwerenotinitiallyallowedtobevotingmembersinopenmeetings), shebecameanelectedrepresentativeherself.Herfatherwasatownmeetingrepresentativefor64yearsandMaryisapproaching60yearsherself.

“Iattendedopenmeetingsandat�1,Ivotedatthem,”saidPasho.

How it WorksTownMeetingmembershipconsistsof�41representatives

whoareelectedamong10precincts.Onethirdofthebodyiselectedannuallytoserveathreetermandregisteredvoterwithtencertifiedsignaturesonnominationpapersmayrunforthisoffice.

The documentwhich is the instrument Selectmen andConstables use to advise voters of issues to be acted uponistheWarrant.Itconsistsofarticleswhichcanbeauthoredbyrepresentativesortownofficialsandwhicharethebasisbywhichtownmeetingisrun.TheWarrant isavailabletothepublicforreviewattownhalloneweekpriortothefirstscheduledtownmeeting.

Spring town meeting convenes on the firstTuesday ofMayandrunsonconsecutiveTuesdaysandThursdaysuntilallbusinessonthewarrantisactedupon.Falltownmeetingconvenes on the firstTuesday in October and follows thesameschedule.

Town meetingbusiness usuallyconsists of approvingor disapproving theannualbudget,adoptingor rejecting by-lawchanges, hearing andacting upon reportsfrom town offices,and establishing ordissolving committees.Town meeting musthave present at eachsessiontheModerator,the Town Clerk, theFinance Committee,andasimplemajorityoftherepresentatives.

Town meeting representatives, who attend anorientation the Thursday before town meeting,are responsible tobecome familiarwith the issueslocated in thewarrant.Theirvotescreate the lawsthatgovern,dictate,andaffectthecitizensthatliveandwork in thiscommunity. It is imperative thattown meeting representatives realize their duty ofbeingpresentatallsessionsoftownmeeting.

What You Can DoVotingis thebestwaytomakeadifference.It

is our right with four of the amendments of ourconstitutionclearingtheway.The15thAmendmentfrom1870allowsforanyraceorcolortovoteandwasestablishedpostslavery.The19thAmendmentfrom 19�0 allowed for women to vote. The �4thAmendment allows voters who haven’t paid theirtaxestogettothepolls.The�6thAmendmentof1971allowsvoterstobeasyoungas18yearsold.

For more information on town meetingrepresentatives or for a copy of the warrant, visitTownHall(978-671-09�4)at365BostonRoadorourTown Clerk, Shirley Schultz between 8:30am-4:00pmOtherwise,gettothepollsbecauseonlyyoucanmakeadifference.

References1. Town Meeting Representative Handbook; RevisedFeb.1,�004�. BillericaTownHandbook:BillericaLeagueof WomenVoters.AutumnPrinting.19873. KathyMeagher,HistoricalLibrarian4. MaryPasho,TownMeetingRepresentative5. ShirleySchultz,TownClerk

For The PeopleBy The People


Back in 195�, Eye Research was votedas the official project of MA Lions afterDistrict Governor E. Daniel Johnson wasapproached by a friend with a blind son.Withnofundsavailable,nocausecouldbefound.TheLionsofMAwereaskedtohelpthemedicalprofessionraisefundstocombatthishorriblediseasewhichwasafflictingfourout offiveprematurebabiesweighing fourpoundsorless.

The MA Lions Eye Research Fund wasincorporated in 1958. Every dollar raisedisused to researchprojects thatbringwiththem federal and other funding. All boardmembers are volunteers. Between 1951and �006, nearly $�6 million in projectswere funded, with requests for nearly $50million.

Through the fundedresearch, thecausefor Retrolental Fibroplasta (blind babydisease)wasfinallydiscovered.Itwascausedbythehighlevelofoxygenintheincubatorsofpreemieswhichresultedindamagetothedevelopingeyes.

So many have been helped, includingthosewithglaucomatodiabeticeyediseaseto cataract extractions. Monies have beencontributed to hospitals and institutionssuchasBUMedicalCenter,JoslinDiabetesCenter,andChildren’sHospital.

In the 1950’s, it was a cornea surgeon

whohad�4hourstogetarecipientadmittedand surgery performed after a donor haddied.Today,thedonorcorneacanbestoredforupto5days,allowingsurgerytobedoneunderthemostoptimumconditions.

In the early 1970s, the first laser usedto treat eye disease in New England wasdesigned and constructed at the LionsEye Research Laboratory at BU School ofMedicine.Nowlasersareusedtosuccessfullytreatmostretinaldiseases.

Morethan40millionpeopleintheworldareblindtoday.Morethan4300peoplegoblind (three people per minute), with 80percentoftheworld’sblindneedlesslyso.

The Lions need everyone’s help ineradicating preventable blindness. Join usforthe�010JourneyforSightWalk-a-thononSunday,May16.Shirtsponsorsfor$100willhavetheirnameappearonthebackofshirtswornbyanyoneraising$50ormore.Orsponsoramilefor$50withasignsaying“This mile is sponsored by “your businessname”or“yourfamilyname”.

Alldonationsaretaxdeductible(federaltax id04-��7806�).Formore informationonsponsoring,walking,thelocationorthetimes, contact Lion Annette Presseau [email protected]@comcast.net.

[SubmissionbyTheLion’sClub]

Journey for sight WALk-A-thon: heLping the WorLd keep their Vision

YankeeDoodlefounderswouldbeproudto know that Homecoming is celebratingits �0th Anniversary this year. Throughthe efforts of so many people in Billerica,it continues to be the largest single eventhostedinthetown.

Thethemeforthe�010Homecomingis“�0YearsofCommunityPride”andwillbeheldon

Sept.18-19.Over theyears, therehavebeenanumberofthemescelebratingthearts,our service men and women, our heritage,volunteerism, sports, andmanymore.Thisyear’s theme will allow participants to pickfromanyofthepreviousthemestodecoratefloats,andcarssincethisyearisacelebrationof all previous Homecomings and all thememoriestheybring.

In recognition of the economic times,marketplace vendors (a.k.a. resellers whodonotmaketheitemstheysell)canchoosebetween a one day fee of $75 or two daysat $100. Non-profits (only) who are fundraisingbysellingfoodorothercommoditieswillpay$100.

Confirmedeventsinclude:TheFullTurnBand as the the annual fireworks band onSat., Sept. 18; The 4 Paws in Action showonSun.,Sept.19;AfterburnersRockBandfrom Hanscom Air Force Base on Sun.,Sept.19;andaspecialSkatingShowattheHallenborgRinkonSun.,Sept.19.

Several new options are being givento businesses who might want to sponsorspecific events since this will be a large

extravaganza.Theyinclude:(1)Fireworksandfireworksentertainmentsponsorsof$500forentertainment or $1000 for fireworks; (�)HighSchoolentertainmenttentsponsorsof$500fortent1or$1000fortent�;and(3)ActivityTentSponsorswith3tentsat$500each. Skating show sponsors are needed asfollows:(1)twomajorsponsorsfor$500;(�)4supportingsponsors$�50and(3)programlistingsponsorslistedat$�5each.

Thereisaspecialsilentauctionfundraiserbeing planned for May (date TBA), onlineauctionsscheduledforJune,July,andAugust,and the annual Summer Marketplace fundraiserscheduledforAugust.ApossibleindoorgolfcompetitionbetweentheschoolsbeforeschoolendsinJuneisalsointheworks.

There are plenty of volunteeropportunities available. There are openingson several planning committees as well asa need for a new web master and a publicrelationsperson.

Thebestwaytogetinvolvedistojumpright in. It’s a lot of fun and the payoff iswatching all the faces and the excitementon Homecoming weekend. The sense ofexhilarationcan’tbeexplained.Sobecomeapart of it! For more info, visit our websiteat www.yankeedoodlehomecoming.orgor through our Facebook page at BillericaYankeeDoodleHomecomingInc.

[Submission by The Yankee DoodleHomecomingCommittee]

yAnkee doodLe 20 yeArs strong: be A pArt of your homeComing


By Elise Celli“Noah has diabetes”, the doctor said.

Just like thatmyworld swirled into chaos.I pleaded, “Don’t say that….don’t say that“.Shewasourpediatricianandwasalwaysupbeatandpositive.Butnowhadsheactuallyhad tears inhereyes.SoI steeledmyself. Ididn’tknowmuchaboutdiabetesbutIknewIdidn’twantNoahtohaveit.

BecauseNoah’sbloodsugarwassohigh,sheaskedmeifNoahexhibitedanyunusualbehavior recently? Noah’s energy level hadfluctuatedgreatly.Ioftenhadtotakehimtotheparktolethimrunaround.Oddly,he’dabruptly stop, becoming almost exhausted.Noah also began to eat more food, up tothreesandwichesatatime.Andhewasverythirsty.Itseemedhealwayshadajuiceboxinhishand.

Then he started having “accidents”.I suspected a urinary tract infection so Idecided that I’d take him to the doctor’sofficethenextday.Whileinhiscarseatonthe way to the doctor’s office, he began topassout.AllthesuddenIwasscaredandmyfearwassadlyjustified.

Wewentdirectlyfromthepediatrician’soffice to “diabetesboot camp” at theofficeof a renowned diabetes doctor. This newdoctorexplainedtomethatjuvenilediabetesis caused by the body’s destruction of theinsulin producing cells of the pancreas.Insulin is a hormone which regulates thelevelofsugarintheblood.

Noahwouldrequireinsulininjectionstolive.Without it,Noah’sblood sugarwouldcontinuetoraisecausingcomaandeventuallydeath.Closemonitoringofhisbloodsugarsthrough a finger prick would be requiredevery fewhours.After obtaining thebloodsugarlevel,ashotofinsulinwouldbegiven.The dosage would be calculated based onhowmanycarbohydrateshe’dbeeatingandavarietyofotherfactors.Becausehewouldbegetting insulin“artificially”, therewouldnow be the risk that Noah’s blood sugarwould drop too low.To bring the numberbackuphe’dhave to ingest sugar. If it gotdangerously low, the use of an emergencyglucagongunwouldberequiredtoputsugardirectly into his blood stream. This is whydiabetics always carry candy or juice andshouldcarryaglucagongunaswell.

Myheadwasswirling.Bloodsugarlevels,complexcalculations,insulin!Mychild’slifenow depended on medical care that I hadto learn how to give him. Noah would beahumanpincushion.HowwouldIeverbeabletogivemychildinjections?Theabsoluteinjusticeofallitallinfuriatedme.InwardlyI was a wreck, while outwardly nodding. Iwasinshock.

Ispentaweekatthenewdoctor’sofficeandwastoldtocallineachtimeItookNoah’sbloodsugar.Atfirst,thedoctortoldmewhattodoandwhy.Thenthedoctorbegantoaskmewhattodoandwhy.EventuallyIweanedoff the phone calls. I spent another week

s eque s t e redin my home getting a handle on our newschedule:uponwakingupcheckbloodsugar,measure food, tally up the carbohydrates,calculate dosage and give injection. Repeatat snack time, lunch time, afternoon snacktime, dinner time and desert time. Checkblood sugar at midnight and give Noaheitherasnackorinsulin.IalsohadtohelpNoahtrytounderstandwhatwashappeningtohim.ItwascriticalthatNoahbeabletocommunicatewhathissymptomswere.

But all this took place either at thedoctor’s office or in our home. Eventually,we’dhavetogooutandfacetheworldandeventually,Noahwouldhavetoadjusttolifewithdiabetesatschool.

Tobecontinued…

diAbetes boot CAmp

Wow!Witha fewdaysnear70degreeseveryone starts thinking SUMMER! Yes,bathing suit weather is just around thecorner.Atthistimeofyear,mybusinessseesitssecondrushofpeoplewantingthequickfixtoLOOKGREAT!Andwhocanblamethem?It’sembarrassingtryingtosqueeze�0poundsoffrostingintoa1-poundcan.

Butthereasonforthisarticlegoesbeyondwhatyouwillseeinthemirror.Iamtalkingaboutwhat’sgoingonundertheskin,insideyourbody.Idon’tknowaboutyoubutIamscared stiff of “medical procedures” as theyaresosimplycalled.Havingacatheterstuckupmyfemoralartery,intomyheartto“havealookaround”isnotmyideaofalittleofficevisit.NordoIliketheideaofpumpingmybodyfullofchemicalstotakeovermybodilyfunctionsandregulatemysystems.IWANTTOCONTROLTHATONMYOWN!

My point is that EXERCISE ISMEDICINE.Whenapersoncomes tomefor training, the first thing we do is a fullevaluation.Thistellsmetheirpercentageofbodyfat,leanmuscleandrestingmetabolicrate. From there I can prescribe the best

food plan and exercise routine possible. Iknowthattheywanttolookbetter,thatisagiven,soIeducatethemtorealizetheywanttoexercisefortheirhealthwithqualityandlongevityoflife.

I like to see that a person has regularphysicalexams.Duringthisexamyouwantyourdoctortocheck:

• Skin for moles or growths that you cannotsee•Eyes,ears,noseandthroat•Perform a resting EKG and possibly a stressEKG•FullGynoorProstateexamespeciallyif over30.•Full, FASTING Blood Profile, include abreakdownofyourbloodlipids•FullurinalysisThistypeofexamneedstobedoneona

regularbasis,yearlyifpossible.Yourdoctorshouldsendyouthewrittenresultswithanexplanationofwhereyouarephysically.Askforitatthetimeoftheexam.

Now that you have the results you canimprove on many of these numbers byexercising and eating properly. I have had

clientstosstheirmedsoutthewindow(withtheir doctors permission, of course) justbecausetheylostbodyfat,increasedmuscletissue and metabolism all while exercisingand eating properly. Their reason to startexercisingwasbecauseofwhat they saw inthemirrorBUTthetruthisthatthehealthbenefits to areas we cannot see (under ourskin)farexceededtheirgreatestexpectations.I love it when a client comes back from avisittotheirdoctorwithonelessprescriptionandhowhappytheyarethattheirnumbershave decreased and energy levels haveincreased. There is no better feeling forthemormyself!

No matter what your age, (I was �0and invincible too once) you need toconsideryourhealthaboveallelse.Asideeffect of eating healthy and exercising isLOOKING HEALTHY and the mirrorwilltellyouthat,Iamsureofit.

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

fitness: it’s not Just WhAt’s in the mirror

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

Sinceitsinceptionin199�,theBillericaPartnersforEducation(BPE)hasdedicateditselftoenrichingBillerica’spubliceducationby continuing to fund grant programs inall Billerica Public schools. Most notably--elementary literacy, innovative middleschoolprograms,andthehighschoolcareer“ShadowDays”.ThePartnershavealsomadedonationsexceeding$160,000overthepastfouryearstotheInnovativeClassroomGrantProgram.

The BPE hosts two large fund raisersannually which ensure these grants areavailable. The Town Wide Talent Showand the Annual Fights for Education. Thisthirteenthyear,thefights,wherearegulationsized boxing ring is brought in and set upintheLodgeoftheElks,willbeonFriday,April30.

Ticketsforthefightsare$50inadvanceandcanstillbepurchased.Thisticketpriceincludes dinner at 7 pm before the fightsbegin. Walk-in tickets are $15 and will behonoredat8pm,minutesbeforethefightsstart.Thefightsactuallybeginat8:15.

This annual fund raiser boasts boxersstartingasyoungasadolescenceandcomingfromgymsinsurroundingareastoputtheirskillstothetest.Thethree-round-boutsareGoldenGlovesanctionedanddrawalotofinteractionfromthecrowd.

Most of the boxers come from outsideof town but last year two brothers fromBillerica proved victorious in their bouts.TheTrindadebrothers,LeoandPedro,bothcameinfirstplace.Theboys,whomovedtotheUSeightyearsago,hadbeentrainingforoveroneyearfortheboutthatnight.ComingfromtheLowellWestEndGym,trainingforthemalso involvedrunningthreemilesperday. For more information on tickets andadvertising, contact Fran O’Donnell at theSchoolDepartment(978-5�8-7908).

fridAy night At the fights: bpe eVent drAWs LArge CroWds

Boy Scout Troop 11 serves theseniorsat theAnnualSt.Patty’sDayluncheonattheCOA.


Nowthatspringisuponus,itbecomesveryapparentthatouryards,roads,gardensandpublicspacesneedsprucingup.Thisyearin particular is going to prove challengingin several parts of town, given the recentflooding.Ifyouareinterestedintakingafewhours to clean up your neighborhood or apublicareaintown,thanweareinterestedinworkingwithyou.TheBillericaCommunityAlliance in conjunction with the Town ofBillerica is working on the annual cleanupeffort known as ‘Clean Up / Green Up.Saturday, May 1st has been designated asthe day for getting out and improving ourtown.Wewillhaveacentralstagingareaatthe Billerica Council on Aging where youcan sign up for a particular street, park orarea as well as pick up trash and leaf bagsthat canbeused for the collectionof litterand leaf debris. Most efforts occur duringthemorningandwealreadyhavealonglistof areas around town that need attention,particularlytotakecareofroadsidetrash.

InadditiontocleaningandgreeningonMay 1, we are also working on a recyclingeffortattheMarshallMiddleSchoolfrom9am until noon. If you have used furniture,bicyclesorappliancestodonate,wewillhaveseverallocalcompaniesattheMarshalMiddleSchool who will be accepting donations. Aused bicycle can be donated for a $10 feeto Bikes Not Bombs, an organization thatrefurbishesthebikestobeusedindevelopingnations. If you have gently used furniture,MissionofDeeds,willacceptdonationsatno

charge. If youhave appliances or computerequipment that needs to be recycled,ApplianceRecyclers,willbe there to acceptthose. The usual fees charged by ApplianceRecyclers to pick up used appliances orcomputerswillstillapplyforthoseitems.Fordetails on those fees, you can see theTrash& Recycling page on the Billerica Dept ofPublic Works website at www.billericadpw.org.Lastly,Pro-Shredwillshredonerecyclebin’sworthofpaperatnocharge.Wehopethatthecommunitywilltakethisopportunitytocleanupanddonate.

Localbusinessesarealsogettinginvolvedby taking on a specific project or clean upeffort. Many of the projects are related tosprucing up public spaces and cleaningroadsideareasaswellasrakingandplanting.Inadditiontothesetypesofprojects,wealsohaveprojectsthatinvolveotherskillssuchaspainting,buildingshelvingandthelike.Localbusinesses who are participating this yearincludeRaytheon,Lantheus,AmericanScienceandEngineering,EMDSerono,NuveraFuelCells and Enterprise Bank.We can howeveralwaysusemorehelp and there is lotsmoretodo.Ifyourbusinessororganizationhasaninterestinparticipating,contactourofficeat978-667-4174formoredetails.

IfyouareinterestedinmoreinformationonCleanUp/GreenUppleasecontactouroffice via phone at 978-667-4174 or [email protected].

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

CLeAn up / green up

Business to Business•By Pat Zapert

InhonorofSt.Patrick’sDay,thepubliclibraryhostedtheCelticBellsprogram.TheBell family, headed by Nancy and Jeremy,emigrated from Scotland �0 years ago andbegan performing in school and libraryshows, bringing the Scottish culture to lifethrough their story telling, dancing andmusic.Theyaddedtheir twochildren-Katie(1�) and Calum (9) to the traveling showmakingitacompletefamilyaffair.Formoreinfo,[email protected].

For30years,theIrishAmericanClubhashelditsalldaySt.Patty’sparty.Bandsandperformersgracetheir stage every hour while Mr.Jack’scateringservesupthestandardfare–cornedbeefandcabbage–tothe hundreds who celebrate beingIrishforthisoneday.


It’s not who you think. OUR SeanColeman is a local Billerica boy who isworkinghardtomakeitbiginthemusicworld. With numerous CD’s under hisbelt, this versatile singer/performer/songwriterhasafamiliarrockstylewithaflairallhisown.

Most weekends, you can findColeman belting out danceable coversongs with the band “That’s That”at the local Dracut watering hole,‘The Boathouse’. This regional band,consistingofGaryCioffiondrumsandChazMackenonguitar,justcelebratedtheirnineyearanniversarywiththreeofthosefeaturingColemanastheirfrontman.

“He’s become the leader,” said J.Blues,thebandBassplayer.

Coleman made the decision togo intomusicduring thefirstdaysof

guitar lessonsback in1983.Hewas16and looking forward writing his ownmusic.

“Thatmarks thedaywhen I startedgivingitmyall,”saidColeman.

HisfirstgigwasplayingwiththePatBenetar cover band “Fire and Ice” whowas featured at Billerica’s own Mic Kee’sonthewater.Colemanwaswiththisbandfortwoyearsuntilthebandsplitandtwomembers joined him to start their owngroup,Mentalear.

ColemandecidedhewantedtomakehisownCD’sandin1996cameoutwith‘Attitudes’,adanceablemixofhisfavoritecover tunes. ‘Super Strings’ followed in1999andthistotedanallelectric,cleansound.Foralittlevariety,Coleman’srock‘More than Meets the Eye’ was next in�001, followed by ‘Colemanian Frame’in �004 which was definitely more

commercial.Hismostrecent�009CD,‘UnifiedField’,isanacousticrockalbumthat is available for sale on iTunes orcrybaby.com.

“I want Sean Coleman to gointernational,”saidColemanofhisfuturegoalsgoingforwardfromhere.

Currently, Coleman’s song “RiseUp” was offered a spot on the MotherUniversecompilationalbumthatwilluseproceeds to help raise global warmingawareness. Coleman is looking forwardtothisopportunityasanotherwaytogetname recognition while being involvedwithsuchanimportantissue.

“A day never goes by where I don’twritemusic,”saidColeman.

To find out more about Colemanandhearhisnewestalbum,visithimonhisMyspacepageatwww.myspace.com/seancolemanmusic.

seAn CoLemAn roCks the CroWd

WhenKarynButtonenteredaroom,youknewit.Shewasvibrantandconfident,lovingthelimelight.Herpositiveenergymadeherthelifeofthepartythatpeopleweredrawnto.ThisBillericanativewasalwaysimpeccablydressedinthelatestfashionsandtookcareofherappearance.

“Shewas very beautiful, inside andout,” saidKirstenButton,Karyn’soldersister.

Karynwaspassionate about a lotof things, especiallychildrenandart.ShegraduatedwithaBachelor’sDegreein Early Childhood Education from Salem State Collegein1998andwasinherelementwhenshewaspaintingordrawing.Shesharedthisloveofartwiththechildrenshetaught at theTLC Learning Center in Burlington or inherartclassesattheChelmsfordArtCenter.KaryncouldalmostalwaysbefoundwithabinofcraftsinhercarandwasanavidsubscriberofFamilyFunmagazine.

“Everybodythatshemet,shetouched,”saidKirsten.Karynhadsomuchgoingforher.Tragically,herlife

wascutshortatage�7onDec.13,�00�whenonRoute3,hercarskiddedoniceandrolledover.Whatamazedherfamilymostwasthelargenumberofpeoplewhoattendedthe wake and funeral. She was remembered by

so many that hermother and threesisters decided tostart the KarynButton MemorialFoundation sinceKaryn was verymuchanactivistandwasespeciallyhappywhenshecouldgiveback to children inneed.

“By doing this,we are keepingKaryn alive,” saidKirsten.

The KarynButton Memorial

Foundationhasgivenbackinsomanywaysovertheyears.TheywereabletofullyfundtheBillericaMiddleSchool

Art Enrichment programfor 4 years (�004-�007). The Karyn Button MemorialScholarship was created through the Billerica ScholarshipFoundation and it is awarded in her name yearly to agraduating student furthering their education in the arts.This year’s fund raiser proceeds will increase the KarynButton Memorial scholarship amount to be distributed,as well as assist classrooms in need with specific projectssubmitted to www.donorschoose.org and to Billerica’sPartnersforEducation.

Thisyear,thethemeisaflashbacktopromnight.ThisfundraisingeventwillbeonApril17startingat7pmattheLodgeof theElks.Dressingup inanoldpromdress,suit or tux is optional although encouraged. Tickets are$15, in advanceor at thedoor and thenight includesdj,dancing, bartender, food and snacks. Although there willalsobenumerousitemsavailableforraffle,thefamilyisstillacceptingmoredonations fromlocalbusinesses.Formoreinformation,[email protected].

“She would have wanted to give back this way,” saidKirsten.

CeLebrAting A beAutifuL Life

TheBillericaSonsofItalyvotedayearagotoformaJuniorLodge.WhenDr.BobCalabresediedunexpectedly,theSonsof Italy voted toname the JuniorLodge inhismemory,givenhisdedicationtotheyouthinourtown.

Since then, the lodge has worked diligently to signon youth needed to meet the membership requirement.AlthoughallmembersdonothavetobeofItaliandescent,anyoneholdingofficedoesneedItalianancestry,nomatterhowsmall.Recently,theefforthasreceivedaboostwiththeseveralstudentsfromtheBillericaMemorialHighSchool(BMHS)addingtheirnamestothelistofthoseinterestedinbecomingmembers.

Wearestill lookingforafewmoreBillericayouthtosign up. They can be from BMHS, The ShawsheenVocTech,charterschools,oranyprivateschools.TheinductionofJuniorlodgeisplannedforMayandthemembershipfeeis $10 per youth, with a family cap of $�5 for multiplefamily members. The lodge accepts youth from ages 10to 18. Contact Joan at soi��[email protected] for moreinformation.

[SubmissionfromTheSonsOfItaly]

CALAbrese Junior Lodge moVing forWArd

TheLion’sClubworkscollaborativelywiththepublic schoolsandShawsheennursingstudents totesthearingandvisionforincomingKindergarteners.NicoleQuinn,anOptometristfromtheNewEnglandCollegeofOptometryatTufts,commonlycatcheslazyeyeandfarsightedness.Thisyear,amongalltheotherchildren, she checked JackWalsh (The Kennedy) andLaurenAucoin(TheDitson)who,almostfiveyearsold,arelookingforwardtostartingschool.


Whatwe’reworkingonforMay:

MomsandDadsMatterMost:Wewanttohonorthosewhocareforus,whotaughtus,andwhowewillalwayslookupto.

TheForgottenWar:60yearsago,1millionsoldiersgavetheirlivesintheKoreanWar.Thisyear,weremembertheirsacrifices.

RelayForLifeStories:Thoselosttocancerwillneverbeforgotten.Thosewhofacecancerwillbesupported.Thehopeisthatonedaycancerwillbeeliminated.

Residentswhomakeadifference:Readaboutyournextdoorneighborwhodoesextraordinarythings.

CaptionContestWinnerAnnounced!SubmityourCaption.Detailsonpage18.

The Annual Senior Citizen of the YearAward which recognizes the outstanding,long term contributions to the Town ofBillerica by one Billerica’s Senior Citizen,was named in honor of the late Eugene(Gene) L. Lecomte. Gene exemplified theprincipals of service, character, vision andpassionforcommunityservice.Heservedasastandardbearerforexcellenceinvolunteerservice to Seniors, and was committed toimproving the quality of life of Billerica’sSeniorCitizens.TheAnnualSeniorCitizenoftheYearAwardhonorstheachievementsandskillsofourseniorcitizens. Therearemanytalentedanddedicatedolderresidentswho inspire and motivate us to make adifferenceinthecommunity.

The nomination criteria which wasestablishedbytheBillericaCouncilonAgingand the Friends of the Council on Agingaimstorecognizeindividualswho:

•ServeasastandardbearerforexcellenceinvolunteerservicetoSeniors;

•Dedicatetheirtimeandtalenttomakethecommunityabetterplace,and;

• Enhance the lives of Billerica’s SeniorCitizens.

To be eligible, nominees must be age60 and older, live in the town of Billerica,and contribute in a significant way to thecommunity. To nominate a senior, submityour nomination during the designatedperiod: March 15th to April 16th. Yourreason fornomination is crucial inhelpingthe selection committee choose and yournomination form should be as completeas possible to give your nominee the bestchanceofbeingselected.Ensuretheformissignedandincludesyourphonenumberinorderforyournominationtobeconsidered.TheFriendsoftheCOAandBillericaCOAwill announce the winner and recognizeall nominees at the Annual Senior Citizenof the Year Dinner and Awards night, onMay7, �010 at theLodgeof theElksonWebb Brook Road. For more information,contacttheCOAat978-671-0916.Adownloadable nomination form is available atwww.thebillericagreen.com and should bereturnedtotheCOA.

[Submission by Billerica COA andFriendsofBillericaCOA]

senior Citizen of the yeAr nominAtions ongoing

Over 100 Veterans gathered for the 5thAnnual Veteran’s Breakfast at the Lodge ofthe Elks sponsored by the Billerica Office ofVeteran’s Services. They enjoyed a deliciousbuffetfromMr.Jack’sCateringandlistenedtoguest speakersCommanderTimothyCooperoftheUSSConstitutionandJohnHodgeofFLIRSystems.EveryvetintheroomraisedtheirglassinhonorofthePOW/MIAaswellwhohadanemptyseatatthetable.

Our community run cancer fighting event needs your help. Form a team today!

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of BillericaJune 12-13, 2010Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica19 Campbell Road, Billerica

At Relay teams take turns walking around a track to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. Special activities at Relay celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, remember those we have lost, and give everyone the chance to fight back against cancer.

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

Your invita on to get involved

April 2010 designed and illustrated by Tony Luongo

Documents

Transcript of April 2010 designed and illustrated by Tony Luongo