By Mary Ann Sullivan
7/17/08

Special Wii Program
Have you heard about the hottest new video game to hit the market in a long time? It is called Wii and it is enjoyed by all ages and is a great way to spend time with friends and grandchildren. We know many of you love to bowl down at Cunningham Hall, but that program does not continue during the summer. So here at the senior center, we have Wii and you can enjoy reality bowling in cool comfort. Wii is a gentle physical game and mental exercise—all the secret ingredients to healthy aging. We now offer Wii every Wednesday and Thursday afternoons starting at 1 p.m. There is no charge and van service is available to come and play. As a special incentive to give Wii a try, we will host “Make Your Own Sundae” on Wednesday, July 23, in addition to a Wii demonstration by some of our younger experts.
This has really taken off in Hingham, Cohasset and other area senior centers so we want to make sure our Milton seniors find out more about this great opportunity. Please feel free to call or just stop by and give it a try. We know you will enjoy it!
Swimmercise at Cunningham
Our great Swimmercise instructor, Chelsea Mitchell, is doing a fabulous job of getting our seniors moving in the pool. She teaches the class every Tuesday and Friday from noon to 1 p.m. This is the time when the pool is closed to the general public, and we have the entire pool for our class. It is a pay-as-you-go class, and van service is available if you need a ride to the pool. I dare say that even on the hottest day there is always a cool breeze at Cunningham.
A pool tag is required and can be purchased for just $5 for the entire season. It is so important to keep active, especially during the summer season, so this is a great way to keep cool and get some low-impact water aerobics at the same time. This group is open to all residents and we would like to see a few more men join us. Please give us a call at 617-898-4893 with any questions. Again, special thanks to the wonderful staff at Cunningham for always
making this pool time available to the seniors.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Who doesn’t like a baseball game on a summer afternoon, and if you can’t be at Fenway Park, we have the next best thing…a Pawsox game. The date is Sunday, Aug. 10, and the bus will leave the COA parking lot at 11:30 a.m. for the trip to Pawtucket. The fun will start at 1:05 p.m. when the Pawtucket Red Sox will take on the Charlotte Knights. The cost is just $30 and includes transportation and reserved grandstand seats (which are under cover). This is a great opportunity to watch the team that feeds our World Champion Red Sox each year and see tomorrow’s stars today! There are only eight seats left, so call early to join in on this great summer day trip. For additional information and to sign up, please call Alice Mercer at the senior center.
World’s End Special Trip
On Monday, July 28, the vans will be heading down to one of the most beautiful spots on the South Shore, World’s End in Hingham. This is a fabulous spot any time of year but especially in the summer. You can sit and watch the simple beauty of nature or take a short walk with friends. Plans also include a stop for ice cream on the way back to Milton. My grandson Andrew tells me that the Dairy Queen has the best soft serve around, and it is on the way back home. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. If you want to join us please call. We are also in the midst of planning our fall trips, and if you have a location in mind, please call us and we will do our best to accommodate your suggestions.
Scam Alert
Please be aware that identity thieves are currently pushing telephone and e-mail scams involving the economic stimulus payment checks. The IRS has confirmed and documented a number of the scams. Please be advised that the IRS does not go door-to-door or make outbound phone calls, and it does not ask for your credit card information. A recent phone call from a Milton senior stated that she received a call asking for her credit card number so that her stimulus check could be mailed to her. The person immediately hung up the phone and called us here at the COA to make us aware of this latest scam in our area. No matter what the circumstances, never give out personal information or credit card numbers to anyone over the phone. We want to do everything we can to make sure you are not a victim of a scam or identity theft.

By Richard G. Wells Jr.
Chief of Police
7/10/08
For the first time in three years, the Milton police summer DARE program has returned to our town.
The first session was held last week. About 60 Milton middle school students attended the session. The attendees where paired with 10 Milton officers for the week. The session received important support from the Copeland Foundation.
The camp is coordinated by Officer Mike Dillon, who served as Milton’s DARE officer at the Pierce Middle School for 10 years. The goal of this program was for the students and officers to engage in positive team-building activities aimed a building the self esteem of the students as well as providing one-on-one interaction on drug abuse, bullying and the dealing with peer pressure. The summer vacation period is a critical time for young teenagers. The summer DARE program provides positive alternatives for Milton youth.
Daily activities included an interactive discussion with inmates and staff at the Norfolk County Sheriffs’ House of Correction as well as a day class at Camp Squanto in the Myles Standish Reservation in Plymouth.
Under the direction of the Boy Scouts of America, C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) motivates attendees to undertake in multiple physical challenges aimed at fostering group problem solving, as well as developing individual skills. This highly-recognized program was warmly received by all in attendance.
The week ended with an evening trip to the Pawtucket Red Sox followed by a trip to Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire. Session 2 will be held beginning the week of July 28 for students entering the eighth and ninth grade. There are limited openings left. For information on admission you can e-mail mdillon@mpdmilton.org.

By Suzette Martinez Standring
Contributor
7/3/08
The restored beauty of New Orleans is like a new grime-free Sistine Chapel. I was in the city with more than 50 members of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists as part of our annual meeting, “New Orleans, We Have Not Forgotten” on June 20-21.
We saw, heard, tasted and felt the city’s resurgence. It’s hard to believe its near-death experience from Hurricane Katrina was only three years ago. Today the glory of the French Quarter is reclaimed, Canal Street bustles, the aquarium is restored and the new Audubon Insectarium just opened. So many grand old restaurants are once again dishing up fantastic fare.
The music is back and everywhere people are jazzed to see you.
We also toured the near ghost towns of the ninth ward and St. Bernard Parish, where houses were swept away and now vegetation cuts through foundation slabs to reclaim acres of former neighborhoods. The devastation from Hurricane Katrina sent more than 300,000 people into exile.
But those who have returned to their beloved land talk about God and gratitude. Over 1.1 million volunteers gave 4.5 million hours in cleanup, help and hope, along with $25 million in donations.
So much still needs to be done, but the progress is inspiring.
Carol Boasberg’s tour business is slowly on the mend and now includes visits to the devastated areas. She received nothing for home damage when her insurance company deemed it all “an act of God.”
A double amputee, “Tony,” was homeless before Katrina and he is still is. But having survived the disaster, he wants to lighten the load of others by being an example of happy existence.
“No matter what our physical condition, we’re all working toward being spirit someday, so you might as well start now,” he says.
Cabdriver Isaac Lindsey’s family of five lost everything, but through phone numbers posted on CNN, they were rescued by a family in Fort Worth,TX.
“From the minute we met them, we felt like we had known each other for years. They made us so at home,” he said.
What does New Orleans need? The tourist industry wants visitors. They want to dispel the image of a flood-ravaged city.
Volunteer networks, such as Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat-nola.org) and the St. Bernard Project (http://www.stbernardproject.org) need help with rebuilding. Can you do plumbing? Electrical? How about if your family comes out for a memorable vacation to lift walls and hearts for a day or two? A comfortable “volunteer camp” provides space to stay.
What is the message from everyday folks?
Don’t forget us.
Tell them we’re not lazy.
Tell them we’re not freeloaders.
Tell them we all just want to come home.
New Orleans has always been a historical city of colorful characters, music and great food. But there is something more now, a deep sense of gratitude, joy and connection. New Orleans is like a terminal cancer patient who has had a miraculous recovery. She’s on her feet better than ever and her family welcomes you because she gains strength and healing with every visit.
I was jazzed to be there.

By William Curry
Times Staff
6/26/08
The Celtics have once again claimed the crown in NBA league play bringing home the Larry O’Brien trophy and banner number 17.
For their number one fan this was surreal. Since my childhood I’ve observed the franchise and learned the game of basketball from the best teachers one could ask for. Attending games with my family I was always awestruck by the fervor of the Boston Garden crowds and their passion for the game. I always felt connected to the team and their success. My indoctrination as a “Celticphyte” became official when my parents were honored by the team as long-time season ticket holders at the original Garden. For a youngster the line of fantasy and identification blurred with reality, and I was a Celtic, (the blood once appearing in the veins as blue became green). Though interest waned with their fall from dominance, true fans remained vigilant.
From start to finish, this 2007-2008 season was straight out of a story book. However, to understand the success of the organization and its revival, requires a look further back. It’s obvious the franchise has had great success, but the reasons for this success is what is most notable. Their team style of play and strong role playing has been the hallmark of the organization. From sixth men, rebounder/defenders to scoring machines and spark plugs, successful squads must have their bases covered and the champions have filled it out from players 1-12. A mix of class and grit, veteran leadership and youthful exuberance were ever-present.
Recently, things have been challenging for a C’s fan. It seems that fate had a tragic twist for the players
and families of the greatest franchise in sports history. The death of draft pick Len Bias followed by Celtic great Reggie Lewis hurt the team’s heart and psyche. After bottoming out in 1996-1997 with a record
of 15-67 it couldn’t get any worse for Causeway’s finest. Many believed the team was looking to turn the tide for its future hopes with such a poor season. Terrific college coach Rick Pitino was brought in to
lead the team. With Tim Duncan on the horizon
and the great probability of a number one pick, optimism was high. Again disappointment ruled the
day and the number one pick went to the San Antonio Spurs. To the dismay of many, Pitino never found the same success at the pro level and, during this time, some questionable financial decisions started the team on a path of even greater difficulty. After losing seasons and relieving Red Auerbach of his title, Pitino finally gave up on the team midseason. The anomaly, Jim O’Brien’s three-point shooting show, followed by the Vin Baker experiment raised more questions on the team’s future. Jim O’Brien’s approach, although a departure from traditional Celtics offensive basketball did thrive, although in a Frankenstein-like way. The 2001-2002 squad endured to the Eastern Conference finals losing to the soon-to-be bitter rival New Jersey Nets.
Though we continued to see playoff appearances from the team, from the perspective of Basketball Executive Danny Ainge, the personnel was not good enough to get the job done of winning a championship. Many changes followed, and for a fan like me, betrayal was the only word to describe the feeling of seeing popular players like Eric Williams, Tony Battie and Antoine Walker pass out our doors. Confusion can only describe seeing players like Ricky Davis and Jiri Welsch come in and Walker return. The lack of patience with many young promising players through the years has only evidenced the demand for a winner. I loved Ainge’s fearlessness and confidence as a player but was having a hard time finding a way to love the new Danny. If anyone knew what the “plan” was, it was clearly unseen in its earliest manifestations. At times, things that seem functional have flaws that need to be leveled before they are rebuilt into glory. Experiencing the growing pains was excruciating. A taste of the old success was enough to have fans salivating and the appearance of its dismantling was disconcerting.
With a repeat of our lottery woes we missed out on college stars Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. It seemed we were lost in space. But sometimes failures are a blessing in disguise.
Some may suggest that ownership applied the pressure to trigger the more recent successful moves of the organization. All the credit, however, must, and has gone to Ainge for hammering out the deals that have brought in Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and banner number 17. To point to these players and their contributions would be obvious; with Paul Pierce they formed a dominating trio and were the keys to our success. However, the efforts of developing players like Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe, can’t be overlooked. Indeed veteran players like James Posey and PJ Brown’s contributions off the bench were also essential and quintessentially Celtic in their defensive and hustling approach.
These players will all hopefully remain and pursue the dynasty that is their potential. The opportunity is there and with the continued development and jump shot of Rondo, confidence and touch of Glen “Big Baby” Davis and the defensive emphasis, I see no reason our success can’t continue.
Every player deserves a mention for his work and part he played in honoring this city. The whole team shares the credit for this championship, particularly the coaching staff lead by Glenn “Doc” Rivers. Reaching into uncharted territory as an NBA coach, there were obviously many challenges. From injuries to performance, Rivers had many personalities and situations to manage and did so beautifully.
The path to 17 was not always clear. Adversity in the form of the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons presented enough resistance to put doubt into some fans and downright fright in others. Our team stayed the course and the rest is, as they say, history.
A rabid fan encountered the coach by chance
while downtown and couldn’t resist offering his
predictions for success and wishes of goodwill. “We’re gonna get ‘em this year Doc!” howled the starstruck onlooker. “All green baby, let’s get it! Let’s go!” A refined Rivers acknowledged the man wearing his Celtics hat and possessed look with a smile, quick step and a thumbs up.

By Catherine O'Neill
Contributing Writer
6/19/08
Several hundred words to tell about a lifetime: When thousands cannot explain just the dance of her eyes when she smiled. And millions would not do justice to the natural beauty that radiated from her every pore.
Ann Marie Ford was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor about a year ago at 43 years old.
Her husband, Bobby, daughter, Ashley, and son, Brendan, waited for the surprise ending. They waited for someone to figure out a way to make her better. They waited for someone to come out from behind the curtain and tell them it was all a big mistake.
Recently the brakes slammed on hope.
The screech broke hundreds, if not thousands of hearts. The jolt of the realization her laugh would never be heard again bowed so many heads so very low.
If the sum of one’s life were measured by love, Ann Marie Ford’s would be counted as if she lived for eternity.
It seemed like our entire city came to pay their final respects for her abbreviated life. A remarkable tribute for a woman who held no public position of celebrated distinction, of celebrity, or of fame, just a Dorchester girl, who had a complete life long dedication and devotion to the concept of “do unto others.” And who had the unabashed capacity to make you smile.
“It was one of the most well-attended visitations in recent memory,” Jed Dolan of Dolan Funeral Services said.
When I drove away and looked back at the line wrapping the outside of the funeral parlor I couldn’t help but smile at the thought Ann Marie would have been delighted so many friends visited; but in the next breath she would have been angry they were uncomfortable and that they had to wait in the line for such a long time.
That was the Ann Marie I knew, the one who always thought of others.
If you didn’t know her, then I wish for you to meet someone in your lifetime that has just half the stuff she was made of. Just half, and you will be in good stead. You will have the only friend you will ever need.
She traveled in a pack with her girlfriends before the notion was popular. Since they were in kindergarten I have watched each of its members grow to women and marveled at their constant companionship. And I cried for them when I saw “their collective brow of woe.”
Love is a strong condition.
Real love. Whatever that means between two people, mother, daughter, sister, friend or husband. And sometimes, when it’s very special, it lives on after someone. And if you’re very lucky love can be so strong that it can carry you through some crippling moments.
She knew her time on this earth was limited and left a friend very specific instructions that the day after she died they were to call her husband Bobby to tell him how much she loved him.
He got that phone call.
So even though she was not here on earth there was still stuff to measure and count. So even though her heart was not beating, she was still loving.
Even though.

By Dr. James Lin
and Dr. Clifford Gluck
Milton Hospital
6/12/08

What does the prostate do?
This small gland makes a fluid that activates sperm and provides protection against infection.
Why are prostate problems so common?
As we age, changes in our body may cause the prostate to grow and cause health problems such as difficulty urinating. These changes put our bodies at risk of prostate cancer. The most common cancer in men is prostate cancer. There are easy tests to screen for such problems.
Isn’t frequent urination a normal occurrence as we age?
Actually no. Urinary problems may be a sign of a cancerous or benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate that can cause blockage of the bladder. If you are having any urinary symptoms such as slow urinary stream, going to the bathroom several times a night, or trouble emptying your bladder, tell your doctor. There are many ways to fix them with medication or other treatment options. The earlier they are caught and treated, the better.
I feel fine. Why should I have a prostate exam?
One in seven men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. In the early stages, there are no symptoms.
I’m nervous about the screening. What does it involve?
Your doctor performs two tests to check prostate health: a digital exam that takes just a few seconds and a blood test. The digital exam involves the doctor inserting a finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for anything unusual. It might feel uncomfortable but it’s over in seconds.
Your doctor should also take a blood test that checks the PSA levels in your blood. PSA—which stands for prostate-specific antigen—measures the level of protein in the blood produced by the prostate.
Why can’t I just have the blood test and skip the digital exam?
Some patients have a normal PSA reading but still have a lump in the prostate. That’s why these two tests together are the best way to catch and treat prostate cancer in its earliest stages.
When should I begin having screenings?
All men should have prostate exams starting at age 50. However, if your father, brother or uncle has had prostate cancer, ask your doctor to begin screenings at age 40. If you are African American your screenings should also start at age 40.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Oftentimes the prostate is removed. Today there are new minimally invasive surgeries that drastically reduce recovery time, pain and side effects to a man’s quality of life.
Today, there is a new robotic technique—using a machine called the da Vinci—that enables the surgeon to spare the nerves. This protects a man’s ability to experience sexual activity normally and prevents uncomfortable problems such as incontinence.
Making small incisions, the surgeon uses the da Vinci machine to look into the body with a high-resolution camera.
What is the recovery like for patients having this type of surgery?
Usually patients can go home from the hospital within one to two days. Recently, a patient in his 50s went through this surgery. The day after surgery, he looked great. He was sitting up watching TV and greeting visitors with a smile.
As physicians, it’s fulfilling to continue to find ways to improve the care and quality of life of our patients. We’re using the da Vinci for prostatectomies and hysterectomies, and we hope in the future to extend its use into urology and kidney surgeries.
What is the best thing I can do to protect my prostate health?
Eat a healthy, low-fat diet. Also, foods with lycopene contain protective antioxidants that are believed to lower your risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene is found in cooked tomato foods like marinara sauce.
Most importantly, ask your family care practitioner for regular prostate cancer screenings. Ask for this quick and easy test. It could save your life.
For more information contact Milton Hospital at 617-696-4600 or visit www.miltonhospital.org.

By Paul DiManno
6/5/08

Summer Programs
We are currently accepting registrations for our summer programs including the Cunningham Park Playground Program, the second annual summer program for 13 and 14 year olds, and sports clinics, including baseball, basketball, golf, track and field, softball, lacrosse, soccer and tennis.
We are now accepting registrations in our office at town hall from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The programs are beginning to fill so reserve your spot now! The summer program for 13 and 14 year olds is open to Milton middle school students (girls and boys). The program will be held Monday through Thursday for six weeks at Cunningham Park. Activities will include wiffleball, dodge ball, flag and Frisbee football, volleyball, badminton, swimming, field trips and much more. We will be going on at least one field trip a week. This recreation program provides our middle school students with a place to go and interact with their friends and peers in a supervised environment. Most of these programs are for residents only.
Summer Concerts
The Tuesday Night Summer Concert Series got underway on June 3 with a performance by the Canton American Legion Band. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Baron Hugo Gazebo on the town green at town hall. We will also be holding a special children’s concert, “Yodel for a Fish,” on Thursday, June 12. This concert is co-sponsored by the Milton Early Childhood Alliance and the parks department.
Summer Tennis
Watch for our Kelly Field Summer Tennis Program fliers. This program will teach fundamental and intermediate tennis skills to children and adults.
Outdoor Basketball
The MOB (Milton Outdoor Basketball) registration forms are now out. This is a very popular program for girls and boys in grades three to eight. Please have your registration forms in before Aug. 15.
For any additional information on any of our programs, please call 617-898-4940 or visit our website at www.townofmilton.org.

By Suzette Martinez Standring
Contributor
5/29/08
Maternal instincts took over when my laptop went in for routine servicing. Pulling it tenderly out of its quilted bag, I hesitantly turned it over to the techie.
“How long will you keep it?” I asked anxiously.
“Oh, probably overnight, but it could be up to 72 hours,” he said.
Seventy-two hours without e-mail? (The first stirrings of withdrawal.) My computer and I had never been separated. Long hours together would just fly by. What would I do for three days?
Narrowing my eyebrows, I sized up the man in charge: young, nonchalant and a bit perfunctory when booting my baby up. I didn’t like this stranger’s bedside manner.
“It’s cool, you can go,” he said.
The absence of a computer is like a missing pet. Though I’ve never ascribed a name or gender to my laptop, it still has a presence I got used to having around.
For example, whenever I drop my dog Mojo off at the pet sitter’s house just before a vacation, I spend the rest of the day thinking she’s still at home. I call out, but no furry little gal comes running. There I am tossing half a meatball on the floor, forgetting no little snoot is there to snarf it up.
My absent computer was like a “phantom limb.” With a sudden urge to “Google,” I head to the table where it usually sits. Nothing. My fingers itch to type up some quick ideas. Sorry.
The worst was my e-mail craving. Who knew jonesin’ for e-mail could be like crack? Was the library closed? They have public computers. Driving down, I half wondered if I’d have to break in and claw my way to a fix.
Mercifully, the place was open.
“I need a computer,” I said, dangerously close to the DTs.
I think my hand actually trembled as I reached for the access card. OK, I get 60 minutes, now counting down.
C’mon, c’mon, open up already and suddenly, there it was, my inbox.
You have 24 unread messages.
So this how Lestat the Vampire felt right before sinking his fangs into someone’s swanlike neck—delirious expectation.
But what exactly am I feeding on? Empty calorie fluff—back-and-forth bantering, forwarded jokes, the occasional comment from an editor.
That’s when my Inner Warden whapped my knuckles.
“Just look at yourself! You’re in a prison,” she scolded me.
It was a moment of clarity. Electronic fangs had me solidly by the scruff of the neck. With 30 free minutes still to go, I backed away from the computer.
That afternoon in the garden, I raked off old leaves to uncover budding perennials. Later, strolling along the edge of a hidden pond, the air was wild with bird song. The next day I discovered what God smells like when I sniffed the full-bloom fragrance of lilacs at the Arnold Arboretum. Without a keyboard just one tap away, my husband had my full attention every night.
So when the center called, 48 hours later, to say my computer was ready, I left it there for another day. Reminder to me: real life is so much more fun.
E-mail suzmar@comcast.net.

By Paul DiManno
5/22/08

Fish Stocking
On Wednesday, May 7, a group of third grade students from the Glover School joined the parks department at Turners Pond to participate in the annual stocking of Turners prior to the Ed Baker Fishing Tournament. Wayne Miller from Blue Stream Hatchery educated the students on the different species of trout that are released into the pond while giving a brief history on the origins of the fish. The morning ended with a question and answer session followed by a contest to see who could guess the number of fish released that day. Declan Foley was the winner with a guess of 170 fish. For his efforts Declan received a fishing badge for the 2008 season. If you are wondering, the exact count was 172. The parks department would like to thank the Glover School teachers and the third grade students for joining us and we look forward to continuing the tradition next year.
Summer Program
By now, all students should have brought home (via backpack) the 2008 Summer Recreation Programs brochure. This brochure will explain our Summer Playground Program and all of our Sports Camp programs. We are now accepting registrations in our office at town hall from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These programs are for residents only.
Basketball Clinic
Watch for the Lamar Reddicks Basketball Clinic fliers for boys and girls ages 3–8 held on Sunday nights (June 1, 8, 15, 22) from 6 to 9 p.m. New this year: eighth grade elite basketball clinic for boys and girls held on Sunday nights (June 1, 8, 15, 22) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Both clinics will be held at the Casey outdoor basketball courts located at 25 Gile Road. Lamar Reddicks, the assistant basketball coach at Boston University, will direct the clinics.
Summer Concerts
The Tuesday night summer concert series will be getting underway on June 3 with a performance by the Canton American Legion Band. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Baron Hugo Gazebo on the town green at town hall, 525 Canton Ave. We will also be holding a special children’s concert “Yodel for a Fish” on Thursday, June 12. This concert is co-sponsored by the Milton Early Childhood Alliance and the parks department.
Adult Tennis
Back by popular demand, adult tennis on Wednesday evenings. This will be a group lesson or a doubles format program held at the Kelly Field tennis courts, 299 Brook Road, from June 4 thru July 9 (six weeks) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All levels welcome. Format: beginner instruction with Weymouth Club pro or organized doubles matches. Registration fee is $30 per person for group lessons or a registration fee of $10 per person for round robin. You can visit www.townofmilton.org to get the registration form or come by the parks department and pick one up. Please make check payable to: Town of Milton, 525 Canton Ave., Milton MA 02186.
Golf Clinic
We are accepting registrations for an adult golf clinic through the Ponkapoag Golf Shop. Four one-hour lessons will be held on Wednesdays, once a week, on May 28, June 4, 11 and 18. Lesson times: noon–1 p.m. or 6–7 p.m. The cost is $130.
Middle School ID Program
The parks and recreation Middle School ID Program is open to Milton students in grades six, seven and eight. This program offers monthly events such as ski trips, dances and a boat cruise. All students who wish to participate in the program must have a photo ID taken. We will be taking pictures for the students’ photo ID on Friday, May 30, at the Fifth Grade Unity Day at Cunningham Park. The rain date is Monday, June 2. Students will be asked to fill out a form with their name and address to complete their ID. Pictures will be taken on the lower floor of Cunningham Hall. Registrations will be held in September. The completed picture IDs will be available at the September registration dates if your child wishes to participate in this program. Notification of the registration dates will be sent out during the first week of school.
Call 617-898-4940 or visit www.townofmilton.org for information.

By Mary Ann Sullivan
5/15/08

Golf Tournament Update
As you know, Town Meeting started on May 5, and Philip and I were very busy working the crowd to try and secure donations for our upcoming golf tournament. We recently had to put together a report that details how much it costs to run our transportation program. The cost was $128,400 of which the town appropriates $65,600. This leaves us $62,800 to raise through donations, the golf tournament, etc. I dare say it is not a fiscally-sound way to run a major program. So that is why we work so hard to make this golf tournament successful.
We have so many seniors in our town who are in desperate need of transportation. Many seniors need rides to radiation treatment five days a week. This is expensive but how do you tell them you can’t help them when they are in such a difficult situation. Just last week, a sweet lady called to ask for help and told me she needed to go to Dana Farber but could not afford the gas. It is stories such as this that we need to address and do all we can to help our seniors in their time of need. We are not asking for a lot, and if everyone just helped out a little we would raise enough money to keep this wonderful program fully funded.
I have been in elder services for 17 years, and I have to say I have never seen so many seniors with so many needs. It is our moral obligation as a community to try and help them out. Please take the time to make your donation, and I assure you it will be appreciated.
Special thanks to the following friends who stepped up to the plate this past week to help support our efforts:
Dan Sullivan, from Sullivan’s at Castle Island, is a hole sponsor. What a special person and a good friend. Eleanor Richenburg, who volunteers here every week to assist seniors with vision problems and do their grocery shopping, also sponsored a hole. Eleanor is a very kind person and a gift to so many seniors in our town. Tim and Brendan Corcoran, two of our fabulous young volunteers, sponsored a hole as they have in every tournament. Jean Moore, Olive Smith and Attorney Philip Murphy all sent in checks for co-hole sponsorship. All three understand what we do here at the COA. Joan Joyce, Anita Ballou, Channing Coveney and Bill Roper all donated golf carts to help the cause.
New golfer sign ups include Sen. Brian Joyce, who was the first person to sponsor a hole and will now join us for the event. Thank you my friend. Our golf committee member and friend, Jim Bono, signed up his team. The legend herself, Pinky Hope, again will join us with three of her friends. The great Miltonite, George Thompson, will join us on the links and we appreciate his support.
We received raffle donations from Mackie of Mackie’s Barber Shop, the woman who makes Philip look so great all the time, and our friend Megan Adler, who has started a new business called Senior Adventure. Thanks also to those of you who have purchased raffle tickets from Philip.
It was a good week, but we have such a long way to go to reach our goal. Again, the date of the tournament is Monday, June 2, and we still need golfers. It is just $150 to golf and the donation includes lunch, dinner and 18 holes of golf with a cart and a golfer’s goodies bag. We are also desperate for gift certificates or sports tickets for our raffle. Please feel free to contact us at 617-898-4893.
Men’s Breakfast
We hope many of you will be able to join us on Thursday, May 29, at 9:30 a.m. at the senior center, 10 Walnut St., for our monthly Men’s Breakfast. Ladies are welcome to join us at this fun gathering. This month, our guest speaker will be Jack Coffey. Jack will serve as a moderator for a discussion of current events and many other “hot” issues. Jack is originally from South Boston and has lived in Milton since he was 10 years old. He is a “Triple Eagle” and a retired Marine. He served as an assistant district attorney and he retired seven years ago from practicing law. A former Town Meeting member, he has served on many committees here in Milton. He was also active in many youth sports throughout the years. We hope that you will join us for breakfast and what promises to be an enlightening and exciting discussion. If you need a ride please call us and we will be happy to accommodate your request.
Economic Stimulus Scam
Now that the government is issuing checks to help stimulate the economy, the IRS has advised us that there are now many people out there trying to scam you out of your refund check. We strongly advise you not to respond to any requests for your Social Security number or other personal information from any organization purporting to be from the government or acting on behalf of the government. These are scams. If you receive such a phone call, give no information and just hang up. This is true of any scenario when you receive an unsolicited phone call. You should never give out any personal information no matter what the caller says or how convincing they sound over the phone. There are many people out there trying to scam the elderly so please be on your guard. Also, if you have any concerns, please call the police department and report it so they can stop the scams.

Quote for the Week
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

John F. Kennedy

By Suzette Martinez Standring
Contributor
5/8/08

Back in 1974, having a single child was common. Today, almost every “only child” I know, including my own daughter, has at least two kids. To them, sibling companionship is important.
Way back when, I placed importance on slow population growth, career freedom and maintaining my ability to do more for my one child.
(Whom am I kidding? I couldn’t juggle more than one kid.) So here I am an old hand at raising a kid, and now I have two granddaughters. Isabella, 3 years old and Lulu, 2 months old.
And I’ve learned a new life lesson.
I’m out of my depth on the babysitting front.
Mothers-of-more-than-one-kid, I bow before you. How in the world do you get from day to day?
I forget how much a baby can cry and eat (and cry some more). Nice robust little lungs, God bless little Lulu. Isabella is all energy and imagination.
She commands, “You be Jasmine and I’ll be Aladdin.” Or, “Let’s go to the zoo.”
There I am schlepping Lulu and watching imaginary animals behind the stair railings. Gee, this little bowling ball of a baby loves to be rocked and carried. I power walk 50 miles around my living room just to get her sleepy.
Isabella is very good with her little sister. Lulu will be full-gale-force squalling and Isabella pulls on the baby’s toes and says, “Don’t cry, Lulee.”
And like magic, Lulu stops crying.
“What’d you do? Did you press some magic acupressure point or something?” I ask the 3 year old.
I am an eight-armed Hindu goddess juggling bottles, diapers and blankets while rocking and singing to Lulu. I cook, cajole, play games and paint with Isabella. All the while keeping my eyeballs peeled for choking hazards and other such catastrophes.
I worship at the Altar of Dora.
Isabella began picking leaves from a plant to “pretend cook.” Soon a forest primeval sprouted on the rug. Never mind cooking, the real fun was stripping branches clean.
Lulu was crying, my shoulder was hurting, and I trailed Isabella like a hawk to make sure she didn’t put anything in her mouth. My poor bald ficus—it was time to assert authority.
“Honey, don’t pick any more, it’s not good for the tree.”
Suddenly, an unhappy departure from the Garden of Eden loomed before us, and like the ancient story, it was based on, “I told you not to do that.”
Little Isabella’s mouth took a downturn, and a throaty wail was in the works. I headed it off at the pass.
“Fine, fine! Pluck it bare. I love a minimalist look!”
Mercifully, through Curious George, a half-hour reprieve in Paradise was ours. Star soon arrived to shepherd her little brood home, following the Hansel-and-Gretel trail of leaves toward the stairs.
And so I marvel at mothers who raise more than one little urchin. It was something I never did, and I treasure the new experience. It is a great blessing. As the mother of a single child, the joy of two grandchildren affirms something I always suspected deep inside.
My limitations.
(Suzette Martinez Standring can be reached at suzmar@comcast.net.)

By Mary Ann Sullivan
Staff Writer

Driving is a Privilege
This week, my column differs a little from its usual format because it is all about driving.
On Tuesday, Feb. 19, we saw firsthand the damage that can be done by a driver, who hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and plowed into the senior center. The good news, for which we are all thankful, is that no one was injured. The building took a major hit and the repairs will be costly and inconvenient for us.
This accident hit too close to home.
Much has been written lately about driving and especially about elderly drivers. I have been very vocal on this issue. I recently attended a statewide meeting during which the elderly driving issue was discussed, and I was in the minority when it came to supporting Sen. Brian Joyce’s proposal to re-test elderly drivers.
Many of my peers expressed concern that if we take away a senior’s right to drive, he or she will become isolated, and there are some COAs in the state that do not have vans to get seniors to various destinations.
I stated my reasons for wanting to see safeguards in place but for the most part these fell on deaf ears. It is also interesting that AARP has not taken a stand on this issue. It seems as though no one wants to be the “bad guy.” I have to say that if you could hear some of the comments from my seniors, you would think I was the bad guy.
When I think of driving, I remember so many things. The endless hours I would sit in our driveway with my younger brother while he pretended to drive my dad’s old Ford. When all of my friends started to get their licenses, I didn’t, and I really don’t know why. Perhaps it was because my mother never drove, and we only had one car.
My friend, Ruthie, had her license and her dad’s car most weekends. We would each chip in 50 cents and fill the tank and leave Dorchester and head down to the Burger King in Lakin Square to see how the “other half” lived.
My grandson, Andrew, can tell you a funny story about the Burger King, because it was there that I met my husband. Every time we go there he reminds me that he hopes he doesn’t meet his wife there.
Then after I married, I still had no need to drive as Papa drove me everywhere I needed to go, and he was the best driver around in his Rambler. Papa drove until he was 93, and then he had an accident. He was trying to get on the expressway at Granite Avenue and hit a truck. Luckily, he and Nana were not hurt but it was the end of his driving, and I know how much it hurt him.
Back then; I think driving was more fun. I remember Sunday afternoon drives down Jerusalem Road in Cohasset and dreaming about buying our first house right on the water. People were more courteous. No one had road rage and, thankfully, cell phones were not even thought of then.
I did finally get my license when Laurie was born, but I never really liked driving. I always worried about the what ifs, and so I drove too defensively and probably still do. When my children got their licenses, I remember all the nights I waited to see the headlights and was thankful they made it home safely. Recently, my dad had to give up his license due to medical problems, and it was by far one of the hardest decisions we had to make as a family. To this day, he reminds me that he can still drive and how much he misses it.
Driving is such a major part of our lives, and for some elderly it is one of their last strands of independence. Here at the COA, we offer many safe driving programs and get great turnouts but the message still seems to fall on deaf ears.
At a recent program on driving, I started out by asking who in the group did not like to drive and out of 45 people, the only one who raised a hand was me. I have heard all the rationales from “I only drive to church,” “I never go on the highway,” and “I drive slowly.”
One senior recently asked me why it was that it seemed like people were always driving too close to her car, and I asked her what her average speed was, and she said, never more the 20 miles an hour. People are in a hurry now, and they are more concerned about talking on the phone and do not pay enough attention to their driving. I’m guilty of this myself. It is not a good idea to get caught up in a conversation while you are at the wheel. You need to concentrate 100 percent on what you are doing.
I need to practice what I preach! A lady last week told about her new car and that her son had told the dealer to put in the navigation system so she wouldn’t get lost. Her comment was how does she look at the screen and all the buttons and still drive! I also remember my dear friend, Mary, who when her family finally, after many near accidents, took away her car, she called up and ordered another from a dealer who delivered it the next day, and she wrote him a check. Seniors will sometimes go to extremes to keep driving.
Although Sen. Joyce is seeking to have drivers retested at 85, I would like to see it happen sooner. I would also like to continue to explore the possibility of getting a reduction on your insurance, if you are willing to be retested. These are issues I will continue to lobby for on Beacon Hill.
Here in Milton, we have options for seniors who are no longer able to drive. We have six vans and drivers who are ready and willing to help seniors get to doctor appointments, grocery stores and other activities. When I talk with a senior about driving and the options that are available here, they often tell me they don’t want to go on a COA van. One senior asked to be picked up around the corner so her neighbors would not see her getting in the van. She was going to chemotherapy and feeling weak but her pride kept her from making the trip easier. I try to tell them that they should focus on the positive aspects of a van ride. No cold car, no trying to navigate the traffic, a friendly driver who drops you at the door, but most seniors still want to avoid the vans. The funny thing is that once a senior uses our van service they are thrilled with it. It is just getting them to that point that is difficult.
As we age, we all experience change and loss for it is a real part of the aging process. I know the key to successful aging is maintaining your independence and interacting with other people. You can still do that without driving and that is the message we have to get out. Another thing is that not everyone who is tested will have to stop driving. In my opinion, not all seniors have lost the ability to be safe drivers. My office at the center looks out over the parking lot, and I dare say I see a near miss each day. I take the time, as does the entire staff, to talk with seniors about their driving skills and offer options. We will even take the time to contact a family member to express our concern about a senior’s driving ability, but often times the adult children don’t want to hear it. One daughter told me she works and has no time to drive her dad. He continues to drive and is very unsafe on the roads.
It is time we all take a closer look at driving and remember that driving is a privilege and not a right. I realize that my position on this issue has not won me many friends. As difficult as it may be for a senior to finally give up the keys, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for them to live with the guilt associated with a tragic accident involving an innocent person. Let’s all try to work together to do all we can to keep our roads and walkways safe for everyone.