Tuesday, June 11, 2013
As Father's Day approaches, consider honoring the men most influential in your life by sharing their stories in Local Voices on Tewksbury Patch.
Father's Day is right around the corner, and the sale signs and circulars are everywhere promoting gifts like ties, electronics and other gadgets for Dad. But this year Patch invites you to gift your father, stepfather, uncle, grandfather or any other man that has been influential in your life with a unique tribute: share his story. What are some of your fondest memories with Dad? What advice has he offered you that has helped you the most over the course of your life? Why is he so special to you? Why does he deserve recognition? (You can also take the opportunity to brag on your husband about what makes him an amazing father.) Tell us about your Dad and share photos through our free Local Voices blogging section. Then you can …
Sunday, April 28, 2013
It's seafood season and food columnist Bob Leo has everything you want to know about everyone's favorite crustacean.
I recently ran into an old friend of mine who makes his living selling lobster. He has a small warehouse with waterfall style tanks. These enormous bins sit on top of railroad ties and cascade over into each other with a pump on the bottom returning the treated seawater to the top. It was a long hard winter for my friend. Frigid weather and an abundance of storms kept the local lobster fleet docked for much of the season. But spring has finally sprung and prices are finally down. This past month has created an abundance of the spiny buggers and deals are a bound by everyone from your local grocer to the seafood restaurants that are famed for the NE delicacy. Keep in mind, however, not all lobster is created equal. The most sought after …
Reader says Markey is a leading proponent of nuclear power plant safety.
To the Editor: In the primary election on Tuesday April 30, No More Fukushimas strongly endorses Congressman Edward J. Markey as the next U.S. senator from Massachusetts. As a leading proponent of nuclear power plant safety at the Seabrook nuclear power plant– as well as at nuclear plants across the nation—Ed Markey has worked tirelessly to protect the public safety of thousands of Massachusetts families and millions of Americans. For decades, Congressman Markey has been a powerful voice for those of us who live and work in the shadow of the Seabrook plant. The public needs Ed Markey now more than ever, as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Seabrook plant owners rush to extend the operating license of the Seabrook nuclear …
Sunday, April 14, 2013
What's a person with a sweet tooth to do?
“Sugar (do-do-do-do, doot doot, oh, honey honey, you are my candy girl........ “ Please, tell me I'm not the only one who remembers this classic from the Archies? Ok, how about this one, “Pour some sugar on me”? Really, the list of songs with sugar in the title goes on and on and on. From the Mills Brothers’ “Sugar Sugar” to the Stones’ “Brown Sugar” to 50 Cent’s “Sugar” and hundreds in between. The truth is this sweet, granular substance that dates back to the 3rd century isn't as desirable as songs would have you believe. Sugar, a simple carbohydrate composed of hydrogen and oxygen, is a leading cause of obesity, diabetes, dementia, and cardio-vascular disease. It is an empty food that has high caloric energy but absolutely no nutrients…
Friday, April 5, 2013
Reader says that Wentworth has inspired him with his vision.
To the Editor: A few times in my life, I have become inspired by a person whose vision, hard work, and unselfish motives are directed towards the greater good of their community. Jim Wentworth is definitely one of those individuals. In the last two years, I have had the privilege to get to know Jim personally and during this period have witnessed his passion and commitment for a better Tewksbury. His energy, enthusiasm, and unyielding positive nature are always present when he discusses his ideas to improve Tewksbury. Unlike most, Jim does more than just speak of his ideas; he puts in the required hard efforts needed to bring them to a reality. A case in point is Jim not only supported the” idea” of the new high school, he was part of a …
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?
All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …
Friday, February 8, 2013
Common sense advice for staying safe on the roads.
The State Department of Transportation offers the following tips for driving safely, while plows are busy clearin the streets. These tips are especially valuable for young drivers who made be driving in winter for the first time.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A Patch blogger's post about not helping her children on the slide is being debated across the country.
A Patch blog from Alameda, CA, called “Please Don’t Help My Kids” has struck a nerve with readers across the country. Posted in September, the blog has taken off over the past few weeks as it has found a second life through social media sharing. The blog has 124,000 Facebook recommendations and 833 people have tweeted the blog. The blog is an open letter to other parents at the playground. The blogger Kate Bassford Baker’s basic request is for parents to not help her daughters on the slide. She wrote that she wants her daughters to do things and learn things on their own. Learning to walk up the slide’s ladder is the first step to learning new things and overcoming obstacles, she wrote. “Because, as they grow up, the ladders will only get …
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
For parents, it's difficult to explain to children what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School. But what helps is focusing on the heroes who emerged that day.
As I sat down to ponder my Life in The Mom Lane article this week there simply didn’t seem to be any real decision as to what subject to choose. Yes, I would have loved to write an article that would spread some holiday cheer but there is no bigger issue on the minds of moms right now than the tragic events that took place last Friday morning in Newtown, Conn. I admit that, when I woke up Friday morning, my mind was pretty much consumed with holiday stress. Frankly, that morning nothing seemed more monstrous than the task of getting everything ready for the Christmas holiday. That feeling, however, didn’t last very long. I was in line at a local store when the first indications of what had happened began pouring in. My phone buzzed and I …
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Though Santa is still the number one man, these little friends are becoming a holiday staple.
These days it seems that there is a bit of competition when it comes to holiday traditions. Without a doubt, Santa is still the number one man when it comes to Christmas but, alas, there is a new kid in town when it comes to getting attention. Lately it seems that someone a little smaller than Santa has also moved into the hearts of children. That someone is The Elf on the Shelf. As the mom of a teenager I have no experience with this little elf. As a matter of fact I had to enlist the help of a friend to learn exactly what this new tradition is all about. It seems that these elves, like most, are Santa’s treasured assistants. While many of their friends are at home in the North Pole making toys these elves have a different role in the …
Don Ordway
4:17 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2013
Great information Bob. Our favorite spot for lobster in the summer is at Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove. A small cove at the end of the marginal way at Ogunquit, ME. Great butter and atmosphere. Top it off with a double scoop of Richardson's ice cream. This is also a favorite spot for President Bush 41 at lunch time on the weekends in the summer. They sit outside and at a corner table with the … more ›