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Salem Community

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Salem Community

Northeast Rehab

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Car Fit Event

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with Their Second

by Len Lathrop

Salem Community

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Georgette Croteau gets ‘fitted’ to her vehicle with the help of Susan Riley and Lisa Bradford

by Jay Hobson

Saturday’s rain didn’t deter Northeast Rehab from holding their Car Fit event. Car Fit is a program where seniors are “fit” to their vehicle by learning what the appropriate distance the steering wheel should be from the knees and chest, how the side mirrors should be adjusted, and a host of other information checked off on a 12-point checklist that enables the driver to better utilize their vehicle’s adjustments and features, thereby making for a safer driving experience.

According to Northeast Rehab Marketing and Development Coordinator Kristen Schmidt, safety is the main concern. “There has been a lot of stories in the news lately about seniors not being fit to drive and all the accidents, etc., so we’re trying to put a positive [take] on that. We’re trying to take seniors who are driving and keep them driving safely as long as possible by showing them how they can drive more safely,” Schmidt said.

Drivers at one checkpoint were asked a series of questions to ascertain how well they knew their vehicle. Georgette Croteau, 61, of Salem was asked about seat belt use and how often she uses them, and if she knew how to adjust the seat belt, headrest, adjustable steering wheel,

and high/low beams. She was then asked to demonstrate her ability to go from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.

In introducing the evening and welcoming those invited, Jack Clancy, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Bank, defined the meaning of the event: “Welcome to Enterprise Bank’s 2010 Celebration of Excellence. This evening, we gather to celebrate the entrepreneurial and community spirit and the far-reaching effects this has on our communities and lives. Together, we will laud the passion, vision, commitment, people, and sound business strategy it demands to create success.” This is the second time that the bank has cheered those organizations, businesses, and individuals whose innovation and drive provided jobs and opportunities and impacted communities.

exam was the side-view mirror test. Susan Riley, an inpatient Occupational Therapist, conducted the exam with the help of Rehabilitation Aide Lisa Bradford. Bradford was asked to stand behind Croteau’s vehicle and slowly walk to the front of the car. Croteau was asked to indicate, using the side view mirror only, when she lost sight of Bradford. When this was accomplished, Bradford took several more steps forward, and Croteau adjusted her mirror until Bradford was again in view. This gave Croteau a wider angle of view of traffic on the driver’s side of the car and took several feet off the driver’s “blind spot.” In essence, when Croteau loses sight of an approaching car in her driver’s rear- view mirror, the car is visible to her in her side-view mirror. When the approaching car leaves the side-view mirror, she can now actually see the car through her window. She never loses sight of the passing car. After about 50 questions, a walk around her vehicle, and different adjustments to the seat, steering wheel, mirrors, and headrest, Croteau passed with flying colors.

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Salem Community

An interesting aspect of Croteau’s

Highlighting the event was New England Patriots former linebacker Tedy Bruschi; however, almost stealing the evening was John Thibault, a 20- year member of the Greater Lowell community and Executive Director of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, who was invited to introduce Bruschi. Thibault suffered the same type of stroke that had slowed down the Patriot superstar in 2005. Thibault spoke of his stroke and his reactions with Bruschi during rehabilitation in Boston and, in closing, when Thibault explained why he was speaking from his seat, fearing the stairs to the stage. “One day, you will be able to walk up those stairs,” Bruschi told Thibault as he took the stage. Receiving Business of the Year honors were Konarka of Lowell, Countryside Veterinary Hospital, and MedStar Ambulance. Other finalists included Canobie Lake Park, Cube 3, and Heritage Properties. Frank Descoteaux, owner of Mambro Grill of Lowell, and Susan Leger Ferraro, founder and president of Little Sprouts, Inc. of Lawrence, were awarded of Entrepreneurs of the Year. Other finalists were David Garofalo of Two Guys Smoke Shop of Salem and John Haley of Watermark Environmental of Lowell. Community Service awards were presented to Dr. Daniel Asquino, president of Mount Wachusett

Community College, in the individual category, and Anton’s Cleaners in the business category. Other finalists included Deb Chausse of House of Hope and Renetta Johnson of Children’s Hospital-Boston in the individual category, and Trinity EMS and MSI Mechanical Systems in the business category. Non-profit of the Year went to

by Robyn Hatch

Emily Cousin fixes Gavin Chandler’s sleeve Alex Ameen can’t believe Dominic Murphy’s artwork Aryanna Rischer and Katherine Norcross stuff worms Mobile project table

Littleville Learning Center held their Art Show Open House this past week. The school, which was opened eight years ago by Director Laura Devine and her sister, Valerie Longo, offers a real, hands-on, “let’s get creative” atmosphere to the 50 to 60 students who attend, with infant care, toddler classes, pre-school, pre- K, kindergarten, and kindergarten enrichment available. The school’s eight teachers include Devine’s mother, Lillian Longo, and their cousin, Sheri Sharkey, who also serves as the Art Director. Monthly themes and curriculum with many age-appropriate activities, a low student-teacher ratio, and indoor gymnasium classes make the day fun. Hot lunches and snacks are provided to all attendees. The quality and quantity of the students’ art projects on display at the Art Show Open House, which was run by Sharkey, were really impressive and surprising, and suggested that the students’ abilities were well above their ages. Creative projects on display included stained-glass windows, musical instruments, and drawings that could easily have passed for high school- level drawings. The small one-on-one with each student gave much time for exploring different techniques and “stepping out of the box.” Throughout the month, the children have been learning about several forms of art, and the cultural origin and techniques of many artists. The children were also encouraged to interpret and create their own works of art to display for parents and friends at the Annual Art Show.

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Colby Downan points out his artwork

Right:

Ana Taylor makes a good effort

George L. Duncan, Founder and Chairman; Jack Clancy, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Bank; Tedy Bruschi, NFL superstar and stroke survivor; and Richard Main, President

Gino J. Baroni, Trudent Building, LLC in Salem, member of the 2010 Judging Committee; Dr. Brian Holub, Countryside Veterinary Hospital; Rick Hess, President and Chief Executive Officer, Konarka; Nick Melehov of MedStar Ambulance; and Jack Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Bank

the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. Also included in this category were Community Health Connections, Inc., the Lowell Community Health Center, and D’Youville Senior Care. John Chemaly and Gary Sepe

of Trinity EMS were honored with the George L. Duncan Award of Excellence.

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Volume 3 Number 44 May 14, 2010 12 Pages

Enterprise Bank Leads the Way

Celebration of Excellence Awards

Littleville Art Show Showcases Early Talent

staff photo by Jay Hobson

staff photos by Robyn Hatch

courtesy photos by Kevin Harkins Photography Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12