The Bellingham Bulletin October 2009 : Page 1
T Bulletin Bellingham’s “Good-News paper” for over 15 years! Visit our website: www.BellinghamBulletin.com October 2009 Bellingham Bulletin See page 2 Since 1994 for money-saving coupons from FAMOUS PIZZA! Direct-Mailed into every Home & Business in Bellingham! Volume XVI, Issue 1 Bellingham’s “hometown” newspaper since 1994 Dinner Honors the “True Heroes of Our Nation” Employees to Collect Food Items Throughout the month of October, em- ployees of the town hall complex will collect food items for the “Help Our Neighbors Food Drive.” Items collected will go to the Loaves & Fishes food pantry at St. Blaise Church at the end of the month. When resi- dents visit the complex, they are asked to please bring a canned or dry good to put in the collection box. “In this very unstable time of economic hardships, we would like to make sure that our neighbors are being helped to feed their families,” noted Town Clerk Ann Oda- bashian. “So with your help and that of the town hall complex employees, we are sure that we’ll be able to give a helping hand to the food pantry, whose services are in more demand than ever.” A tree is also being donated for the Tree of Gold Star Mothers Nancy Pirelli (left) and Jodi Cabino Cipriano Windows beaded with raindrops looked out upon a leaden sky and lake, and inside the Myriad Ballroom in Mendon tears some- times reflected the raindrops; but along with the tears came hugs and handshakes that offered support and genuine caring. This was the scene of the third annual Thanks to Yanks dinner, a very large “random act of kindness” planned and put into effect by Mike and Donnalee Shain, with help from many others who wanted to join the Shains in honoring military families in the area and all those affected by the events of September 11, 2001 (the dinner is always held on 9/11). Just inside the door, Uxbridge Supports Our Troops (USOT) was holding a raffle for a red-white-and-blue quilt made by USOT members, the proceeds from which would go to buy supplies and pay postage on CARE packages for deployed troops. Also on the table were cards and en- velopes for sending notes to those in the service. Two other tables held large cakes decorated with American flag motifs, which would later become dessert for the dinner. A large sign behind the table read “Support Military Families,” and a diorama of the still-standing Twin Towers carried a sign that said “We Will Never Forget.” Emcee Dick Ferrucci opened the program by saying, “I wish in the real life we didn’t have to be here.” Unfortunately, for the Gold Star families in the group it was all too real. I happened to be at a table made up of such families, and I asked the mother sitting next to me if she felt resentment at losing her daughter in a war that many feel should not have been fought. She replied that what she feels the most is just a huge emptiness. “I Thanks to Yanks - cont. on page 20 Lights program at St. Blaise as was done last year. All town hall complex employees con- tribute to the cost of the tree and decorations. “We look forward to seeing a lot of our residents during the month of October,” encouraged Odabashian. Blood Drive Set for Oct. 24 octoBer 2009 Pumpkin Stroll & Trick- or-Treating Announced Town Clerk Ann Odabasian announced recently that the fourth annual Pumpkin Stroll will take place on Saturday, Oct.17. “We have had a great turnout year after year. We look forward to having as many people participate as possible.” Carved pumpkins may be brought to the town common between 12 and 2 pm on the 17th. The pumpkins will be lighted at dusk. As in previous years, the Bellingham Busi- ness Association will be there supplying goodies for all the kids present. On Thursday, Oct. 29, 12–4 pm, children are invited to the town hall complex for trick-or-treating. The event offers kids a safe way to enjoy the holiday, and town employees have a great time checking out the creative and unique costumes. 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Dinner HonorsThe True Heroes of Our Nation
Windows beaded with raindrops looked out upon a leaden sky and lake, and inside the Myriad Ballroom in Mendon tears sometimes reflected the raindrops; but along with the tears came hugs and handshakes that offered support and genuine caring. This was the scene of the third annual Thanks to Yanks dinner, a very large “random act of kindness” planned and put into effect by Mike and Donnalee Shain, with help from many others who wanted to join the Shains in honoring military families in the area and all those affected by the events of September 11, 2001 (the dinner is always held on 9/11).<br /> <br /> Just inside the door, Uxbridge Supports Our Troops (USOT) was holding a raffle for a red-white-and-blue quilt made by USOT members, the proceeds from which would go to buy supplies and pay postage on CARE packages for deployed troops.<br /> <br /> Also on the table were cards and envelopes for sending notes to those in the service. Two other tables held large cakes decorated with American flag motifs, which would later become dessert for the dinner.<br /> <br /> A large sign behind the table read “Support Military Families,” and a diorama of the still-standing Twin Towers carried a sign that said “We Will Never Forget.” Emcee Dick Ferrucci opened the program by saying, “I wish in the real life we didn’t have to be here.” Unfortunately, for the Gold Star families in the group it was all too real.<br /> <br /> I happened to be at a table made up of such families, and I asked the mother sitting next to me if she felt resentment at losing her daughter in a war that many feel should not have been fought. She replied that what she feels the most is just a huge emptiness. “I<br /> Hearts with holes in them there that night. The Shains feel those hurts; that is why they spend untold hours planning this dinner, which is free to all who come because so many companies and individuals make it possible. This is their way of “giving something back” and letting those who have those hurts know that there are people who care and who appreciate the sacrifices that military families make in the service of our country.<br /> <br /> As Mike Shain delivered a welcome, he reminded the group of the Thanks to Yanks motto: “Remember, Respect, Revere.” Several members of the Blackstone Valley Young Marines presented the colors, after which Upton policewoman Shanna Glassman sang the national anthem, Father Mullen of St. Brendan’s in Bellingham pronounced a “blessing of our heroes,” former Marine Kenneth Isaksen spoke briefly about forming the OIF/OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom) Veterans of Massachusetts (to advocate, educate, and communicate), and Debbie Kane played “Amazing Grace” on her bagpipe.<br /> <br /> After grace, pronounced by the Rev. Father Preble of St. Michael’s in Southbridge, a dinner of salad, pasta, meatballs, roasted potatoes, roasted chicken, rolls and butter, lemonade, cake, and coffee was served to about two hundred people.MA Department of Veterans’ Services Undersecretary Coleman Nee said, “I’m more than impressed” as he recognized the Shains for their efforts in sponsoring the Thanks to Yanks event. “Although this is a bittersweet day [9/11], I’ve seen the best of what Americans can do in supporting and helping others. It really touches my heart. In spite of everything we’ve been through in the last eight years, America in my mind has never been stronger. This event is something special.” State Rep. John Fernandes spoke of his remembrances of 9/11/01, and said, “If there is any message we can deliver here, it is to assure you we care about what is going on in your lives, and if there’s anything we can do to help you, please let us know. This is the kind of event that should go on across the nation.” He was followed by Brigadier General Thomas Sellars, who said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that we are going to win this fight. It will take time, but at the end of the day we will be victorious.” (Which fight he was speaking of was not clear.) His optimistic message continued with “We are going to be able to move our country forward as we did at the end of World War II.” Well, it is one thing to hear politicians and military personnel; it is quite another to hear a mother who has lost a son or daughter in a far-away war. Gold Star Mother Jodi Cabino Cipriano knows exactly how many days it has been since her Marine son Shayne was killed: “My 19-year-old son, Shayne Matthew, was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq 1,438 days ago; October 6 will make that four years.” She envisioned the situation in which our troops have their daily existence. “It doesn’t matter if they are having a good day or a bad day; it doesn’t matter if they have brand-new stuff or lack of stuff, from equipment to gear to clothes; it doesn’t matter if they have been out for 5 and in for 2, or if their bellies are full or not; it doesn’t matter if they didn’t receive CARE packages from home or letters that were sent; it doesn’t matter what is happening to theirLives at home or to the people they love; it doesn’t matter if they feel sad, scared, hurt, missing home; none of it matters.<br /> <br /> They wouldn’t show it anyway. Their bond is forged on the battlefield. They would lie down and die for each other. They persevere. They go on with a determination and mindset that is what makes America great. They stand tall, no matter what’s going on, for a country and a cause… Let us never forget to take the time to ponder and always remember the cost of this warrior. He is nineteen years old and up. On the front lines his average age is 24 and under.<br /> <br /> Their sacrifices are many.” Standing beside Jodi at the microphone was another Gold Star Mother, Nancy Pirelli, who lost her son, 29-year-old Staff Sergeant Robert Pirelli, killed by small arms fire in Iraq in 2007.<br /> <br /> To close the program, Shanna Glassman sang “God Bless America,” Donnalee Shain urged that we should all be thankful for the rich tapestry and diversity of America, and Mike paid tribute to the Patriot Guard: “If ever I saw a selfless act of kindness, it is what these people do.” (Space prohibits an explanation, but a bit of Googling is well worth the effort.)<br /> <br /> Father Clifford of St. John’s in Hopkinton delivered the benediction; but before he did that, Shain (pictured right) repeated the Thanks to Yanks motto, noting, “Those who serve and those who sacrifice are the true heroes of our nation.” story & photos by Dr. Florence Ames, Bulletin Editor
Employees To Collect Food Items
Throughout the month of October, employees of the town hall complex will collect food items for the “Help Our Neighbors Food Drive.” Items collected will go to the Loaves & Fishes food pantry at St. Blaise Church at the end of the month. When residents visit the complex, they are asked to please bring a canned or dry good to put in the collection box.<br /> <br /> “In this very unstable time of economic hardships, we would like to make sure that our neighbors are being helped to feed their families,” noted Town Clerk Ann Odabashian.<br /> <br /> “So with your help and that of the town hall complex employees, we are sure that we’ll be able to give a helping hand to the food pantry, whose services are in more demand than ever.” A tree is also being donated for the Tree of Lights program at St. Blaise as was done last year. All town hall complex employees contribute to the cost of the tree and decorations.<br /> <br /> “We look forward to seeing a lot of our residents during the month of October,” encouraged Odabashian.
Pumpkin Stroll & Trickor Treating Announced
Town Clerk Ann Odabasian announced recently that the fourth annual Pumpkin Stroll will take place on Saturday, Oct.17. “We have had a great turnout year after year.<br /> <br /> We look forward to having as many people participate as possible.” Carved pumpkins may be brought to the town common between 12 and 2 pm on the 17th. The pumpkins will be lighted at dusk.<br /> <br /> As in previous years, the Bellingham Business Association will be there supplying goodies for all the kids present.<br /> <br /> On Thursday, Oct. 29, 12–4 pm, children are invited to the town hall complex for trick-or-treating. The event offers kids a safe way to enjoy the holiday, and town employees have a great time checking out the creative and unique costumes.
Blood Drive Set For Oct24
The American Red Cross will conduct a community blood drive at the Bellingham Senior Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 am to 2 pm. For an appointment to donate, which will help to avoid waiting, call 1-800-448-3543.<br /> <br /> The senior center is located at 40 Blackstone Street, just south of Bellingham center. Positive ID is required. For more information visit www.<br /> <br /> Newenglandblood.org.
