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EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Follow Christine Lott as she builds a Church in Tanzania (here)

Stoughton Meeting Calendar

Tuesday, July 8th

7 p.m. School Committee Meeting, Stoughton High School, TV Studio

HELP SAVE AMES POND

(hank herbowy photo)

Sign the Ames Pond Letter of Support (here) To make arrangements to sign it, contact Diana Germain by emailing amespond@gmail.com

Read memo from Health Agent James Conlon regarding maintenance plans for Ames Pond (here)

Minutes from June 12th Meeting (here)

The next Ames Pond Citizens Committee meeting is Thursday, August 28th at 7:30 p.m. in the Fitzpatrick Room of Stoughton Town Hall, First Floor, at 10 Pearl St., Stoughton.

Party All Night Long (PHOTOS)

Stoughton Historical Society (May Newsletter)

Stoughton Youth Commission's Operation Horizon Summer Trips (HERE)

Stoughton No Place for Hate Committee

BROOKFIELD ENGINEERING

Public Hearing

July 10, 2008 7 p.m.
Stoughton Police Community Room

The Latest on their remediation efforts of pollution problem
(AGENDA)

Tiny Treasures Family Childcare

Yard Sale

Saturday July 12^th

9am – 3pm

184 Central St

Stoughton

The kids are trying to raise enough money to have an end of summer carnival.

Your support will be greatly appreciated!!!

ARTWORK OF NANCY WLUKA AND DELORES L. STATON SHOWING THIS SUMMER IN LIBRARY’S WOODWARD GALLERY

The Stoughton Public Library is pleased to be showing the artwork of Nancy Wluka and Delores L. Staton this July and August. Nancy’s paintings use mixed media, collage, acrylics, water colors and glazes. She is a graduate of the New England School of Art and the Rhode Island School of Design Creative Decorating Program. Delores uses watercolor in her paintings, and is a devotee of French Impressionism. Wluka is a real estate agency owner and Staton is best known as the founder of the Taste of Stoughton.

POOL PARTY AT THE OUTDOOR POOL &

SPLASH PARK AT STRIAR JCC

FREE FUN ON JULY 16!

The Striar Jewish Community Center in Stoughton invites you to a Pool Party at the Outdoor Pool & Splash Park on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 4pm. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the pool, activities, food and more. Fun for all ages. FREE. The Outdoor Pool & Splash Park offers 5,100 square foot heated pool, 25-yard lap lanes, splash park with arch, sprinklers and spouts, zero depth entry family area, poolside café, umbrella tables, chaise lounges, shaded areas, picnic area and more. For more information about the event or to join the pool, contact Ellen Greene, Membership Director, at 781-341-2016 x262 or egreene@jccgb.org. The Striar JCC is open to the entire community.

CRAYFISH PARTY!

at IKEA

July 22 and 24

Stoughton Black Knights Gridiron Club
GOLF TOURNAMENT

August 8, 2008
1:30 p.m.
Old Scotland Links in Bridgewater

(Sign Up Form Here)

Bringing the community together one play at a time.

STOUGHTON STARS, INC.

PRESENTS A LIVE

BROADWAY REVUE

DINNER THEATER

Friday August 8, 2008

6 pm – 10:30 pm

Portuguese National Club

21 Railroad Street

Stoughton , MA . 02072

Dinner and Show Included

Cash Bar and Silent Auction available

$30.00 per Person or $50.00 per Couple

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!!

Limited Seating Available

Purchase Tickets at Page’s Market or Bob’s Foodmart

Tickets will NOT be available at the door!

For tickets , contact either WWW.STOUGHTONSTARS.COM or Kristine at 781-975-6783

FRIENDS FOR SENIORS GOLF TOURNAMENT 2008

(application here)
September 13, 2008
Lakeville Country Club

Don't Miss it! Here's a few scenes from last year:

~ Please reserve your space no later than Friday, August 22, 2008. ~
~ Any questions, please call Dennis McCarthy 781- 341- 0158.

SORRY YOU MISSED:

The Salute to Acting Police Chief Chris Ciampa---who knew he was the Don Rickles of Stoughton? And, with the next Acting Chief Tom Murphy (July 1), Stoughton found themselves a new M.C. for events (I'm off the hook!)

A Tribute to Ron Christianson, Legendary Coach of Stoughton's Best Music Teams

(terry schneider photo)

The Celebration to honor the award-winning 35 year career of Stoughton Public School's Director of Fine Arts Ron Christianson was simply a spectacular event. Hundreds of people came to honor him on a Father's Day afternoon at Stoughton High School. In an event coordinated brilliantly by Mary Coulter-Bennett, the get together was a success on so many levels. It began with a recorder solo of the elementary school music program's staple "Hot Cross Buns" by adorable South School first grader Mia Qi Bennett. Retired SHS Principal Phil Iacobacci gave a welcome to the crowd. Iacobbaci also started at Stoughton High in 1973, as did Christianson. He said Ron was "the leader of the best band east of the Mississippi." School Committee Chairman Allan Mills said of Christianson, "He set high standards for himself, his staff and his students. His reputation will live on in perpetuity." Synneve Carlino, a 1987 SHS grad, said Christianson taught her and her classmates, "That it takes practice, discipline and hard work to succeed." Carlino is now the Director of Public Affairs for Carnegie Hall. The SHS Alumni Band, featuring over 50 talented musicians, received a standing ovation from the crowd. They were conducted by Elana Swardlick of the SHS Class of 1997, a music educator in Norwood. Their amazing medley included tunes like "Yellow Rose of Texas", and "Love Me Tender" and a marvelous rendition of "Holst Suite." Stoughton Public School's new K-12 Director of Fine Arts John Kearns said he had good and bad news for Christianson. "The good news is I saved on my car insurance. The bad news is that your family sold you out big time." He then commenced to show a number of embarrasing photos of Christianson from toddlerhood to his SHS days, to the delight of the crowd. He warned the women in the audience, "No screaming, no rushing the stage, and no throwing clothing items." Kearns also spoke about Christianson's musical recording---with Franki Gubala & his Polka Fun Boys. "I'm sure the girls--who loved the rock guitarists and drummers--swooned with the polka music and his violin playing." The SHS Chorus, under the direction of Dan Davey, played a couple of tunes, the last one (a tune from Broadway's "Wicked") with the telling lyrics, "Because of you, I have been changed for the better." It was a sentiment echoed all afternoon by those in the auditorium. Susan and George Day, founding members of POPS (Parents of Performing Students) introduced the current president Nancy Morris (a dynamo), who said, "I'm glad to see the auditorium so filled with love for Mr. C. You leave our children in very good hands, and we thank you for that." Mark Rappucci, a 1983 SHS graduate and an instrumental music director at a Connecticut high school, said, "I'd like to thank you for being our musical father on Father's Day." The Kane and Day families combined their talents on a hilarious sendup of "Hey Jude", called "Mr. C." Brockton music teacher and SHS grad Bob Ferrante told a few stale jokes, and then blew away the crowd with a personalized version of Sinatra's "My Way." After a humorous video presentation from the officers of the Class of '08, Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terry Schneider presented Christianson with an Award from the Chamber for his years of service. Time waiting for Ron to hit the stage was filled by a babbling dude in sunglasses. The SHS Jazz Band, under the direction of Paul Alberta---retired director of fine arts in Norwood--was its usual brilliance. The band--like the rest of the SHS Music Dept.--have swept awards all over the country, and the world! Joyce Parsons, past POPS president, and Interim Supt. of Schools Tony Sarno, also got to salute Mr. C. Mr. Christianson then got to thank the throngs, and everyone went downstairs to the cafeteria for nosh. A wonderful time was had by all. Mr. C's legend will live on through the hundreds of trophies in the high school cases, and the thousands of students who have soaked up his wisdom and positive role model over the past 35 years. Happy & Healthy retirement, Mr. C. (Christianson, and a group of talented juniors and seniors will appear on this weekend's Snyder's Stoughton TV Show, Friday Saturday and Sunday night at 7 p.m. on Comcast Channel 9.)

Some of The Alumni Band (Nancy Morris photos)

The Performing Arts Center at SHS was renamed the Christianson Performing Arts Center

FEARSOME FOURSOME –Mark Sokoll, left, president of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston, and Jeffrey Savit, right, JCCGB board chairman, finish their round of golf in fine fashion as they pay tribute to Steve Greene, (second from left) of WB Mason, and Andy Janfaza of HighVista Strategies, during the JCCGB's 5th annual golf tournament held on Monday, June 16, at the Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth. Greene and Janfaza were honored for their outstanding and longstanding commitment to the community. More than 220 golfers participated in the event, which raised over $300,000 for vital JCC services such as summer camp scholarships, early learning center scholarships and special needs services.

Mr. Moderator, do you recognize me now?
(Hank Herbowy photo)

Second Annual Gerry Hartstone Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament
held at Ahavath Torah Congregation on 5/18.08

STOUGHTON BUILDS
FUNDRAISING CONCERT featuring
Stoughton's Own LORI MCKENNA

May 18 at the Shaw's Centre in Brockton
SHE ROCKED THE HOUSE!

Friday Night (May 16):

FUNDRAISER FOR "WILLY" FRANCIS
BIG SUCCESS, NETS $5400

'Willy' Francis, the Deputy Chief of the Stoughton Auxiliary Police, was in a serious car accident in December. Thankfully, he is on the road to recovery, but he has a long road ahead of him, which will take a toll on him physically and financially. The Stoughton Auxiliary Police are a ubiquitous presence directing traffic, closing off roads and keeping residents safe during parades, festivals, funerals, and many other town events. Residents "gave back" at the San John Filarmonica Society Friday night (May 16) in an event conceived and hosted by Stoughton Police Officer Lino Azul. Entertainment was presented by the excellent band, Wild Blue Sunday. An excellent time was had by all, at the event which featured delicious food, fun raffles, and a bit of adrenilan for Officer Francis. Financial highlights included a donation of $500 from the Doin' It For Diane Committee and $100 from the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce.

"DOIN' IT FOR DIANE" FUNDRAISER NETS $14,800 for Food Pantries

Saturday Night's (5/10) Doin It For Diane Fundraiser for the Stoughton Food Pantry and St. Anthony's Free Market was a rousing success, netting $14, 800. The fundraiser, named for the late Diane Murray, brought a smile to the face of her widower Dr. David Fisher. "Unbelievable." was his reaction to the capacity crowd and final results. This year, the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce took over the event, and Executive Director Terry Schneider and his wife Joanne led the charge. Schneider, speaking of his Doin' It For Diane Committee, wrote, "We Did It Again For Diane, who I'm sure is sitting upstairs, proudly looking down on what we've accomplished, but we also did it for those who cannot do it for themselves, whether temporarily or permanently. We should all be very proud of what we've accomplished in one evening, whether a volunteer worker bee, a donator of food, a donator of raffle items or a donator of food. The sucess of the Not Just Spaghetti Dinner would not have been as sweet without every one of you. Like a jig saw puzzle, if a piece or two is missing you can still make out the picture but it certainly wouldn't be as clear and complete as when all the pieces fit just right. Thank you all for making it all Just Right!"

The Doin' It For Diane Committee included:

Suzanne Blacker ~ Ilse Marks Pantry, Stacey Doiron ~ Panera Bread, David
Fisher ~ Resident, Christine Gallagher ~ St. Anthony's Free Market, Anne
Havlin ~ St. Anthony's Free Market, Nadine Israel ~ Fred & Nadine Team,
Steve Kelly ~ Kelly Contracting, Stephanie Martin ~ Webster Bank, Cindy
Pazyra ~ Resident, Maria Pimental ~ Randolph Savings Bank, Bernie Planeta ~
Millennium Marketing, Hank Polanzak ~ Ilse Marks Pantry, Joanne Schneider ~
Stoughton Chamber, Terry Schneider ~ Stoughton Chamber, Beth Snell ~
Randolph Savings Bank, Mark Snyder ~ PMP Network, and Fred Yaitanes ~ Fred &
Nadine Team

IKEA Donated $2500 to the event. Other high bidders included A Bid to have lunch with Congressman Stephen Lynch in D.C., along with a White House tour went to a winning bid of $1000.00 that was split between Richard and Ann Power, and Nancy and Stephen Rowe. A package for lunch with State Rep. Lou Kafka went to Robert Germain for $225.00. Two Red Sox tickets (with a face value of $90) went to Bill Horan for $210.00. And a pair of Lori McKenna VIP tickets went to some guy with crooked sunglasses for $100.

The Echoes entertained the crowd

14 Year Old magician David Rysin impresses an attendee.

DJ Sonny B Jr. (Joey Apotheker) and Emcee Mark Snyder

Anne Havlin, David Fisher, Suzanne Blacker, Hank Polanzak and Terry Schneider

"Hot Hot Hot" Conga Dance and Limbo

(Photos by Joanne and Danielle Schneider)

Doin' It For Diane Site by Terry Schneider

A REVIEW

Bobby Amaral and Megan Porter star in "High School Musical"

The Jocks include David Morris, Jeff Numero, Bobby Amaral, Bobby Brown and Alex Kosta

Becca Griffing and Damani Barboza doing their thing in High School Musical.
(photos by Nancy Morris)

ART EXHIBIT

HENSON JACKSON GALLERY ART SHOW April 26
(pictured left to right) Owner Everline Henson-Jackson, Artist Carol Hiltz Chisholm, and Stonehill College seniors Sabrina Boniface and Catie Licalzi.

WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY!

WHAT A GREAT TIME at Earth Day festivities on April 26 at Bird Street Conservation Land and at Bradley Lessa Memorial Playground in West Street. Stoughton Community Police Director Lt. Robert Devine led a spirited biking expedition at 10 a.m., after early morning bird watching, led by Deborah Sovinee. Then Elisa Blanchard talked about recycling. John Linehan of Zoo New England brought a few of his animal friends to Bird Street. Robert Brahm exhibited his amazing wood carvings. Professor Jonathan Twining of Eastern Nazarene College gave a fascinating tour of the Vernal Pools in the conservation area between West Street and Plain Street. He was aided the fascinating historical ruminations of Stoughton Historical Society president Dwight MacKerron. Steven Wright gave a presentation on Coyotes in the area, with an excellent slide show. Maria Issac discussed Bird of Prey and did a reptile show. Officer Lino Azul and his dog Baron gave a demonstration, along with other attack dogs and a drug-sniffng dog, from a county contributor. Also represented was Habitat for Humanity's Stoughton Builds, and the Neponset River Watershed Association. What an amazing event. Next year will only get bigger and better! Hats off to Denise Lochiatto and all the volunteers!

HAT FOUND AT EARTH DAY

This youngster's University of Notre Dame collegiate cap was left behind at the Town of Stoughtons Earth Day Celebration at the Bird Street Conservation Area on April 26, 2008. Is it yours? If so, go see James Conlon in the Engineering Dept. at Town Hall to claim it!

THE RUSSIANS AREN'T COMING---THEY'RE HERE!

Russian guests from the Russian National Standing Amputee Ice Hockey Team recently made a "Thank you" visit to New England Sinai Hospital. From left to right: Nikolai Maslov, VP of the Russian Federation of Handicapped Hockey, Gennady Trunin, Defenseman, and Alexei Balakhontsev, Captain of the Russian National Standing Amputee Ice Hockey Team, and 4th from left: Mark Pitkin, Ph.D., Director of Sinai’s Center for Human Performance and Research, Sinai President and CEO Lester P. Schindel and Chief Medical Officer Lawrence S. Hotes, MD on April 7, 2008, and brought memorabilia of the first amputee hockey game on December 04, 1999, in Lowell, MA.

Selectman Chairman John Kowalczyk presented an award from Senator Brian Joyce to Charles Starkowsky,who was honored for 26 years as Stoughton's Town Engineer. He had been named to the Conservation Commission in 1963. Ceremony was part of a larger event hosted by Dwight MacKerron Sunday (4/20) at Stoughton Historical Society.

Pictured (l to r) are Selectman Chairman John Kowalczyk, former Town Engineer Charles Starkowsky, Stoughton Historical Society President Dwight MacKerron; environmental activists Kathy Murphy Williams Sylvester and Joanne Blomstrom; and Stoughton Town Environmental Agent Jim Conlan. (Hank Herbowy Photos)

Friends For Seniors Holds Dinner Dance

The Kitchen Crew

The Friends for Seniors held a wonderful dinner dance, attracting over 200 senior citizens to the function hall at the Immaculate Conception Church Saturday afternoon (4/12). Master of Ceremonies included President Dennis McCarthy and Vice President Josie Sargent, and Secretary Lorraine J. McCarthy. The Friends for Seniors is an independent organization that does wonderful things for seniors in Stoughton. They will be holding a golf tournament in September. The people behind this fantastic organization include Treasurer Carol Weineck, and Executive Advisors John O'Meara and Greg Bartlett. Board members include Phyllis Tabbi, Lee Lysko, Alice & Joe Araujo, Fred Sargent, Jerry Capozzoli, Dave Sheehan, Mike Sammarco, past president and founder Dave Doherty, Candace Fisher, Carol Weineck, Natalie Resnick, Anne & Cal Calibani, and Rev. Joseph McDermott (Father Joe). A delicious dinner was cooked by Sammarco, Dennis Gada, Robert Jordan, Charlie Dreist, and Dan Skiba. The food was served by members of the National Honor Society at Stoughton High. An excellent time was had by all. SENIORS---FREE BINGO!

National Honor Society Students from SHS acted as servers

Snyder's Stoughton between Friends For Seniors VP Josie Sargent and President Dennis McCarthy
(photos by Hank Herbowy)

Secretary Lorraine McCarthy with Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz

Former Selectman and author Charles Yaitanes, A 50 year member of the Stoughton Lions Club,
receiving a Life Membership award from King Lion Bill Harmon at Nocera's Restaurant last Wednesday night. (Hank Herbowy photo)

EARTH DAY 2008
SLIDE SHOW & ART EXHIBIT AT TOWN HALL
APRIL 24, 2008

Stoughton Historical Society president Dwight MacKerron, along with Town Hall's Denise Lochiatto, presented a fun night Thursday at Town Hall. Faces in the crowd included Zoo New England CEO John Linehan, and Stoughton's Environmental Agent Jim Conlan and his family.

Another Stoughton Eagle Scout

Matthew Romano is Stoughton's newest Eagle Scout. He installed tables and ADA compliant items at Lessa Playground, as well as clearing trails at Bird St. Sanctuary. We congratulate Matt!

SHALOH HOUSE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
April 6, 2008

Congregants gather for Shaloh House Expansion Groundbreaking. Pictured (center) are State Rep.
Lou Kafka, and Shaloh House President Steve Rosen

President Rosen,. Rabbi Gurko and Rep. Kafka

(Mark Snyder Photos)

REVIEW:
Family International Night

The night of food and entertainment, held on Saturday, March 1 at O'Donnell Middle School, was a blast! Delicious foods and desserts from the international community, and wonderful musical performances by the award-winning Stoughton High School Jazz Combo, and Stoughton native Michelle Romeiro, capped a fantastic night. Family International Night was sponsored by Stoughton No Place For Hate Committee, Stoughton Clergy Association, Stoughton Public Schools, Massasoit Community College, and Stoughton Chamber of Commerce. Romeiro, a graduate of Stoughton High, has an amazing voice and captivated the crowd with Portuguese music, as well as popular American music, and a salute to Abba. Romeiro's second CD, "Bola de Cristal," was recently released, and features nine Portuguese tunes, and an English one, "I Can Live Without You." (go to www.michelleromeiro.com for ordering info.) Beautiful twins Nina and Leana Pestana danced behind Romeiro. Before Romeiro's set, the Stoughton Jazz Combo hit center stage. Singer Megan Porter is simply amazing---a wonderful talent with a full, wide-ranging voice. The Combo includes Jeffrey Numero, David Morris, Jack Pombriant, Nick Silveira, John Widberg, and Porter. BatukAxe, an Afro-Brazilian Band, and a Brazilian Gospel Group also performed. The Committee that put on the event included NPFH co-chairs Selectman Richard "Dick" Levine and Karon Skinner Catrone, Nicole Barnaby, Stoughton Library Director Pat Basler, Beverly Harris, Susan Kafka, and SCC President Terry Schneider. Levine and local access TV Personality Shirley Farber co-hosted the event.

Selectmen Dick Levine (r) speaks with selectmen candidates Steve Anastos and John Anzivino at Family International Night.

A GROTTO IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

at Immaculate Conception Church

How can you support it?

(details here)

Rev. Jean Lenk, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Stoughton, presents a check for $3679 to Ms. Cindy Benedetti, faith representative for the South Shore Habitat For Humanity "Stoughton Build" group who hope to break ground on their first home this spring. The donation is part of the First Congregational Church's Capital Campaign drive and represents their commitment to local Mission giving. Also witnessing the presentation are other members of the Capital Campaign Task Force (back row) Paul Christensen, Charlene Smith (front row) Janet Clough, Rev. Lenk, Cindy Benedetti and Milly Christensen.

Stoughton's No Place For Hate Committee

NPFH Website

LOCAL CHILDREN RAISE SERIOUS BREAD for 2007 Walk For Hunger!

Thirty children from Stoughton’s First Congregational Church on Pierce Street completed 252
laps in 30 minutes at Halloran Park on Sunday raising over $700 in support of Project Bread. The “Feet for
Food” children’s walk is held annually to support Project Bread and the Walk for Hunger.