Thursday, April 21, 2011
McMahon named Best School Nurse in the state.
JoAnn McMahon, Fiske Elementary School's nurse, had no idea she had been nominated by her boss, Jill Gasparini, to receive a nursing award until she received news that she had won. McMahon was selected over all other nurses in the state nominated for the William P. Doran Excellence in School Nursing Award. She has been a nurse for 30 years, always working with children, and even with premature babies earlier in her career. Parents wrote to the Dept. of Public Health in support of her nomination – a fact that McMahon said she is still surprised by. She spoke candidly about her daily challenges, and how proud she is of many Fiske students who struggle with different medical needs. Fiske has four children with type 1 diabetes, all of whom …
42.460334
-71.221549
Fiske Elementary School
55 Adams St, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-fiskes-joann-mcmahon-wins-state-nursing-award-use-april-21
232084
/locations/4107300
Monday, April 4, 2011
Rehearsal draws a large crowd to the Battle Green.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Monday, April 4, 2011
If you are not one to get up on Patriots Day at 3 a.m. for a prime viewing space at the annual re-enactment of the battle on Lexington Green, then the rehearsal might be for you. More than 1,000 people turned out to watch Sunday afternoon's rehearsal, enjoying the sun, warm weather and blue skies - a pleasant reminder that spring is here, despite the five inches of snow that fell on Friday. The Minute Men and Red Coats went through their movements, practicing the order of the battle three times and making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time.
42.44867
-71.2297
Battle Green
Massachusetts Ave & Bedford St, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-minute-men-rehearse-for-battle-re-enactment
1306074
/locations/3891672
Sunday, April 3, 2011
LEF spring celebration raises money for Lexington schools.
The Westin Waltham was certainly jumping and jiving and Saturday evening as host to the Lexington Education Foundation's annual fundraising event. Hundreds attended, bidding on donated items and services and participating in a live auction in the grand ballroom. In a change from previous years, hors d'oeuvres were served instead of a sit-down meal. Guests perused the many donated items and services, while enjoying the sounds of Lexington High School Jazz Combo. At 9 p.m., a short presentation focusing on LEF's work and achievements in the last year was shown on large screens in the ballroom, while guests enjoyed dessert. Following an entertaining live auction, many hit the dance floor, jiving to the sounds of "Eight to the Bar." Lexington …
42.43964
-71.25069
Lexington Education Foundation
594 Marrett Rd, Lexington, MA
/articles/lexington-education-foundation-holds-annual-fundraiser
188804
/locations/3883959
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A look inside the house as it is raised for moving.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
The old white house at 1991 Massachusetts Ave. near St. Brigid Church is almost ready for it's move a half-mile away to the lot at 35 Hancock St. A newly-poured concrete foundation stands ready on the lot, and this week, the house was raised onto steel beams to ready it for its journey on April 9. I had a chance to look inside the house, and talk to owner/contractor, Pat Carroll. Unexpected discoveries and a couple of mysteries are keeping Pat very enthusiastic about this project, he said. Removal of the rear extension unearthed an unusually old-looking foundation, perhaps suggesting that the front of the house was in fact newer and had been built onto the foundation of an older rear building. Although there are many hand-made iron nails …
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Much-anticipated trip is annual right-of-passage for fifth graders.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Thursday, March 24, 2011
About 80 fifth grade students from Fiske Elementary School embarked Monday morning on a much-anticipated trip to the W. Alton Jones Campus in Rhode Island. The three-day, two-night trip was for many a first experience being away from their families overnight. Arriving to heavy snow, followed by rain, was not ideal, but everyone managed. Thirteen parent chaperones, (including myself) were divided among six cabins, three for girls, three for boys. The students were tasked with getting their groups showered and dressed in the morning, off to breakfast, seated for lunch, to the cabins for quiet time from 4 to 5 p.m., gathered for dinner and ready for bed and lights out. The students learned about ecology, archeology, team building and …
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Parents enjoy March Madness basketball on the giant screen.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Saturday, March 19, 2011
On Friday evening, the Lexington Depot was the scene for the second "Distinctly Diamond" social event for parents with children at Diamond Middle School.parents attended the informal event, the main feature of which was a giant 16-foot television screen playing live March Madness basketball games. In a change from last year's event, the organizing committee choose to create a sports bar theme with innovative bar tables that changed color throughout the night. Given that most parents agreed their children were mortified at the sight of them at or near their school (and worse, actually with Mom or Dad...) this was a rare opportunity to chat with other Diamond parents, renew friendships and catch up with neighbors after the long winter. Food …
42.46279
-71.23229
William Diamond Middle School
99 Hancock St, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-distinctly-diamond-social-at-the-depot
232113
/locations/3737505
42.44844
-71.22795
Lexington Depot
13 Depot Sq, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-distinctly-diamond-social-at-the-depot
232183
/locations/3737506
42.453296
-71.232774
Neillio's Gourmet Farm
53 Bedford St, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-distinctly-diamond-social-at-the-depot
188350
/locations/3737507
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Two-month trip is a dream come true for former Fiske Principal Nancy Peterson.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Thursday, March 10, 2011
Former Fiske Elementary School Principal Nancy Peterson has long promised herself a round-the-world trip, and finally her dream is coming true. Nancy jets off on Wednesday on a two-month trip to visit Argentina, Turkey, India, Australia, New Zealand, Figi and Guam. "This was a retirement present to myself," she said. "Someone once told me that if you don't do it in the first year of your retirement, you never will!" Planning the trip seems to have been almost as much of an adventure. Nancy's dining room table is covered with travel guides, notes, a lengthy trip itinerary and various travel medicines. Her beloved cocker spaniel, Kirby, will be going to stay with Nancy's sister, Karen. With packing gradually getting underway, Nancy …
Monday, February 28, 2011
Teams perform routines as a send-off to National competitions.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Monday, February 28, 2011
Skaters of all ages from the Hayden Synchronized Skating Teams performed their routines to the waiting crowd Sunday, Feb. 27, on Oscar night, at the Hayden Recreation Center. Sunday night's event was the annual send-off for the teams, giving performers, who range in age from 7 to adults, an opportunity to showcase their well-rehearsed routines in front of a crowd, and prepare for national competitions. HSST Executive Director Bill Fauver, and HSST Head Coach Saga Krantz were on hand to offer support and last-minute advice to teams. Krantz herself has incredible experience on the ice, and many professional and personal achievements, including a silver medal in World Synchronized Skating, and U.S. coach of the year award in 2008. Of …
42.44729
-71.23942
Hayden Recreation Center, Main Facility
24 Lincoln St, Lexington, MA
/articles/hayden-synchronized-skating-teams-perform-championship-routines
188695
/locations/3529045
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Knights of Columbus Hall transformed into a blood donation center for The American Red Cross Feb. 23.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Donors arrived at the Knights of Columbus hall in Lexington almost as soon as the doors opened for The American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, Feb. 23. For many, donating blood is the ultimate way to give back... without spending money, while providing a valuable gift. Laura, the Red Cross charge nurse and supervisor, was hopeful that around 40 useable pints of blood and/or blood products would be collected yesterday, after 55 confirmed donor appointments were made in advance, and walk-ins were also expected. After a brief health history and wellness check, donors sit or lay on beds to donate blood. The entire process takes about 45 minutes. Those age of 16 and older are eligible to donate, although charge nurse Laura did caution …
42.45887
-71.23785
Knights of Columbus
177 Bedford St, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-knights-of-columbus-blood-drive-draws-residents-to-donate
188794
/locations/3489714
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Jackie Katzenstein shares Wild & Woolly's story.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Bruce
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Thursday, February 17, 2011
Back in the early 1970s, Wild & Woolly owner Jackie Katzenstein used to sell hats and scarves from a cart at Quincy Market in Boston. As business grew, Jackie hired some of the wives from Hanscom Field to help with production. She really hadn't intended to open a shop, but a friend who owned the bookstore (which occupied the left half of Wild & Woolly's present location) gave her space in the cellar... and Jackie hasn't looked back since. Over its 35 year history, Wild & Woolly has moved locations several times, eventually coming back to occupy the old bookstore location around 1989. Jackie later expanded the store by purchasing the neighboring Mexico Sister City Charity Store, and combining the two spaces into one. At age 5, Jackie's …
42.448899
-71.228819
Wild & Woolly
7 Meriam St, Lexington, MA
/articles/photo-gallery-knits-knots-and-socks-at-wild-woolly
188497
/locations/3429581
Sheila
3:37 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011
I find it sad to see a lovely home described as dilapidated and unused. For years I had an aunt (she was a neice to the owners that left that house to St Brigid's parish) that lived in that house, along with a mini apartment for Fr.Casey, former pastor of St Brigid's. It was a welcoming house, always filled with the aromas of meals being cooked, and items being baked. Family in Ireland was … more ›