Fire officials hope the switch to a new townwide communication system will make it easier to get emergency information out to residents without affecting the department’s bottom line.

Though emergency management officials have used telephone lines to make reverse-911 calls to residents during an emergency in the past, Fire Marshal Jeffrey Emanuelson said the new system – known as CodeRED and implemented as part of this year’s budget – is an Internet-based network that gives the Fire Department the upgraded ability to make 60,000 calls in an hour.

Despite the annual cost of $15,000, Emanuelson said the department could make the transition from the older, landline-based system without affecting the budget or the town’s tax rate. At the same time, the new system offers a range of new abilities, from contacting residents on their cell phones to sending out text message alerts and updates.

“Under the old system, we had we had to purchase telephone lines from FairPoint ... It could make nine phone calls at a time, (multiplied by) however many repetitions we had to get out. It would take hours to do a townwide notification for a town of about 30,000,” Emanuelson said. “There is no software to update and nothing to maintain. We don’t have to do anything here.”

While plans to upgrade the department’s emergency communication system were in the works during last year’s budgeting process, Emanuelson said December’s ice storm brought home the advantage of being able to contact with residents via their cell phones rather than landline telephones.

“A lot of landlines were down during the ice storm, and even though we were making phone calls, they were going unanswered,” he said.

CodeRED has the advantage of allowing residents to sign up for the notifications through the town’s Web site as well, according to Emanuelson.

For those residents without Internet access, a manual sign-up process will be available at key locations around town, like the Kelley Library and fire and police departments.

Fire Chief Kevin Breen said the Web-based communication systems are beginning to garner more attention from emergency officials across the state and country.

“You think about all these disasters, and we’ve started to notice a lot of universities and areas have these Webbased systems. UNH has it for parents and students can do the same,” Breen said. “For instance, if we have the ice storm again, we will be able to use this system to reach out to people; they can key in a number (if they) require additional help or service.”

In the future, Emanuelson believes the system will also allow the town to send out e-mail alerts or updates to residents as well as text messages and prerecorded telephone calls. One of the many advantages of the new system, Emanuelson said, is that the cost to the department stays the same even as new options are made available.

A row of small decorated bags placed along a section of Salem High School’s running track carried messages of love from Tom Murphy’s family.

“To the world he was just one man,” read the words on one bag. “To us, he was the world.”

On another bag: “We miss you, papa. You will always be in our heart.”

Tom Murphy was 78 when he died of cancer last January, leaving behind his wife, Mary, six children and seven grandchildren. Now his loved ones are helping others who battle the disease.

They gathered as “Tom’s Team” to participate in Salem’s fifth annual Relay for Life celebration, which was held at the school on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. The event financially supports the American Cancer Society.

Murphy, who lived in Somerville, Mass., had lung cancer that spread to his liver.

Wearing green T-shirts and shielded from the hot sun with their tropicaltheme tents, team members sold make-your-own ice cream sundaes.

“We’re going to walk the track, spend the night, party with the survivors,” said team member Gail Scarpone.

Relays to benefit ACS are community events where participants of all ages and walks of life come together to fight back against cancer, celebrate the lives of those who have survived the disease, and remember loved ones who succumbed to it.

Funds support the organization’s research, community services, education and advocacy efforts to benefit patients and their families.

Going into the weekend, Salem relay organizers estimated that more than 800 people would participate in the overnight event to raise more than $200,000.

Eighty-two teams from the community participated. They represented businesses, churches, students, town departments and others from the Salem area. Teams were encouraged to have at least one member walking the track throughout the 18-hour event.

“We really appreciate all the teamwork and all the work everyone puts into this event,” said Salem Police Chief Paul Donovan, who co-chaired the event with Lynne Martineau.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. In New Hampshire, more than 7,600 residents will be diagnosed with cancer in 2009, according to relay organizers, and 2,600 people will lose their lives to the disease in the state.

Because of advances in research, early detection and treatment, 66 percent of all cancer patients survive five years or more, according to organizers.

“The relay we began five years ago has become much bigger than we first imagined,” Mary Reese, the event’s honorary chairman, told attendees.

It’s a cause important to her. Reese’s sister, Catherine Benedict, lost a 13-year battle with brain cancer and Reese experienced many ups and downs as a caregiver.

Reese is looking forward to the day when the world is cancer free, she told the gathering, and she’s been inspired by people she’s met and the stories they’ve shared.

Survivors and caregivers each walked a lap around the track, and Donovan encouraged people who have questions about cancer to visit the event’s education tent. The survivors were greeted by applause as they walked past onlookers.

There were inspirational messages, such as “Love is Stronger than Cancer,” posted at the event. And there were educational messages, too. According to one sign, early detection can prevent nearly 90 percent of colon cancer cases and deaths.

Despite the relay’s serious mission, the mood was upbeat and there were plenty of things to do.

People threw Frisbees, listened to music, blew bubbles, competed in dodge ball and enjoyed many other activities. Team tents offered games, contests, raffle prizes and food.

And the event was divided into hour-long lap times that were each designated with a specific theme, including the Teddy Bear Lap, the Party Like a Rockstar Lap and the Superheroes Lap.

Rob Anderson, costumed as “Thing,” and Leo Ouellette, dressed as “Mr. Fantastic,” two of the Fantastic Four superheroes, drew attention as they circled the track and occasionally posed for pictures. They are members of the PB&J Team, which has lost several family members to cancer.

At one tent, relayers could “Beat Cancer for a Buck.” A striking dummy from a selfdefense studio wore a shirt carrying the message, “Beat Cancer.”

“Some people come over and have fun and beat on it a little bit,” said Ed Redmond, owner of Shield Defensive Tactics in Windham, who lost a grandfather to cancer.

Other members of his teams – Warriors for a Cure – sold lemonade and baked goods, including cookies that customers could decorate.

The event also featured a Relay Store where people could purchase caps, shirts, reusable grocery bags, teddy bears, holiday ornaments, piggy banks, magnet clips, bracelets, flashing wands and other items. Their purchases also benefited ACS.

American Steel Cagefighting makes its professional mixed-martial-arts promotional debut July 31 with a 10-fight card scheduled at the Icenter in Salem.

The main event pits Lance Everson, 11-6-0 and fighting out of Mansfield, Mass., for The Boneyard, against U.S. Navy veteran and Nashua resident Woody Weatherby, 7-1- 0, representing Renzo Gracie NH.

The co-feature matches IFL veteran and Manchester resident Nate Lamotte, 10-4-0, and Doug Gordon, 9-7-0. The Super Fight matches super heavyweights who both fought in the UFC, veteran Kevin Jordan, 11-8-0, and Patrick Smith, 16-13-0.

All fights are scheduled for three 3-minute rounds; fighters and fights are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50, $75, and $100, are available to purchase at Stateline Ticket Agency in Salem and all Two Guys Smoke Shop stores in Salem, Nashua and Seabrook, as well as by calling toll free (888) 22404272 or visiting www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; the first fight starts at 8 p.m. For details, visit to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com.

With memorial services for Army Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo set for this weekend, Bob Castricone wants to make sure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.

Castricone, treasurer for the Salem Veterans Association, is working with members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to have a bronze plaque bearing Lo’s name and service placed at the intersection of Geremonty Drive and Main Street. Castricone hopes to have the plaque in place by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in time to let local veterans honor him with a small ceremony.

“We’re going to dedicate Veterans Day this year in his memory,” Castricone said. “Once we get that plaque we’ll put on a little ceremony there. We’ll have a little prayer, a firing squad and play taps.”

Lo, 23, died in Iraq on June 13 after a roadside bomb he was disarming detonated. A 2004 graduate of Salem High School, Lo will join Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo and Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis of the Army’s 82 Airborne Division as the third serviceman in the community immortalized by a plaque after dying in Iraq.

His will be the 28th plaque placed in town, memorializing the community’s war dead, according to Castricone. Castricone said the location for the bronze memorial was chosen due to its proximity to the Lo family home.

“What we tried to do is put the plaque as close to their home as possible,” Castricone said. “They were (in the past) just putting the names in town where they were visible. We put Nick Arvanitis’ plaque on Old Rockingham Road where he was living. The one we’re putting up now, it’s going to be put up on Geremonty Drive ... and that’s close to (Lo’s) home.”

The actual installation of the plaque and the maintenance of the location is handled by the Salem Department of Public Works. David Wholley, DPW operations manager, said the spot selected for Lo was also intended to keep the sacrifices of the current war in the public eye.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Puzzo, an aerospace science instructor at the Salem High School who knew Lo from his days in the Air Force Junior ROTC program, said the efforts to memorialize the staff sergeant were indicative of the community’s strong support for veterans and military families.

Puzzo, who is serving as a liaison between the family and the school district, said both he and the Lo family had been inundated with phone calls offering support since the news of Lo’s death was released.

“I know almost everyone in his graduation class have already been in touch with the family ... A lot of cadets have been by the school,” Puzzo said. “I’ve seen a lot support coming my way and to the family as well. There is very strong support in the community.”

Calling hours for Lo will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem, followed by burial in the Pine Grove Cemetery.

Engaging in a little trash talk over the next year could cut down on transfer station costs while providing a boost to the town’s recycling numbers, according to public works officials.

With selectmen preparing to appoint six residents to a new nine-member Municipal Solid Waste Committee in the next several months, Department of Public Works Director Rick Russell said the group will explore every alternative available to the town’s current waste and recycling programs.

“There are always people asking why don’t we have this or why don’t we do that, and we figured it’s time to start looking into the other options out there,” Russell said. “We’re going to look at everything.”

That could mean a shift from the town’s current waste program, which is funded directly by the town’s taxpayers, to another type of waste management program. Russell said that could include a “pay-as-you-go” program or an incentive-based program and could mean implementing a town-wide system of curbside trash pickup.

Under a pay-as-you-go program Russell said residents using the town’s transfer station to would be required to purchase special trash bags before disposing of their waste, also known as a “bag-and-tag” program. An incentive-based program would encourage residents to recycle more often, by offering coupons or other rewards to residents that meet a set monthly goal.

Either option could be put into place if the committee recommended turning to a townwide curbside pickup program, Russell said, but he stressed that there was any number of other variations the town could implement.

“The whole way it’s set up right now, it’s tax based. Everybody is paying for it. Some people don’t even use it and they’re paying for it,” he said.

“We’ll look at the operation that we have now and (see) how we can improve on it.”

Russell is also hopeful the committee will find a way to increase the town’s recycling numbers, which he said have settled in at roughly 15 percent after hitting a high of 18 percent in January. Officials saw a steady increase in recycling since September, when the town switched to the single- stream method, but Russell said the figure should be closer to 30 percent.

Not only does increasing recycling make sense for the environment, but it saves the town money in the long run, Russell said. Casella Waste Systems currently charges the town $81 for each ton of trash hauled from the transfer station.

By comparison, a ton of recyclables costs the town $26. Every ton of recyclable material removed from the trash stream saves the town $55, according to Russell.

“One of (my) goals is going to get the recycling up and that’s just me personally ... We’re recycling and there are savings and where there aresavings, you have got to put the extra effort into it,” Russell said. “We have got a lot of work to do ... there are different ways out there. What works with one community doesn’t work in another.”

The members of Salem High School’s Class of 2009 face exciting opportunities but also challenges in the years ahead, they were told at their graduation ceremony.

But they are prepared to successfully meet those challenges, they were told, because of the education they received.

“Receiving your high school diploma signifies that you have earned a level of success and stand ready to begin the next phase of your life,” Principal William Hagen told the graduates at the Friday, June 12, ceremony.

“The experience has been different for each of you but will serve as a foundation upon which you will build your future.”

Dressed in blue and white caps and gowns, 530 graduates received diplomas at Grant Field as a large audience of proud parent parents, friends and other relatives applauded and cheered.

Throughout the ceremony, graduates heard words of praise and encouragement and were told they have the potential to achieve greatness.

“You can be whatever you want, as long as you believe in yourself,” said Class President Rob Nee, who told his classmates not to allow people’s criticisms and negative attitudes keep them from achieving their dreams. “I am very proud to be part of such an amazing group of students. Today, I am challenging you to take advantage of your freedom. Do something great with your lives and strive to be the best you can be.”

Co-valedictorian Kripa Patel thanked teachers for their inspiration and recalled some of the special memories and achievements of the class during their 714 days spent together at Salem High.

Graduation, she said, is a celebration of the relationships the students had forged and of the time they had spent together. She encouraged the graduates to create great memories for themselves.

“When you finally grab those stars you’ve been reaching for, create even more dreams for yourself and live them out, too,” said Patel.

“When you look back on your life, it shouldn’t matter that you didn’t end up shooting hoops for the NBA or launching a multi-million dollar company or becoming the most gifted actor Hollywood has even seen. What matters is that you do what you love. Be spontaneous. Be creative. Be passionate.”

The graduates had entered the field to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Class Vice President Jharid Pratt led the audience in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

“The Star Spangled Banner” and “Omnia Sol” (Let Your Heart be Staid) were performed by the school’s honors chorus. The school’s band performed the “Symphony for Brass and Percussion.”

“While we aspire to go our own ways and chase success, we will also never forget the bonds that we have formed with one another,” said vovaledictorian Nick Letizio.

“Though these years together have been primarily for the purpose of preparation for our lives and our careers, they are not years that are easily left behind.”

Every graduate can be successful, Letizio said.

“Congratulations on this momentous achievement – surely the first in a string of many to come. It’s been a great ride, one I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world,” said Letizio. “I have no doubt that we will all make Salem and Windham very proud.”

Graduates are receiving more than $8 million in college scholarships and grants. They are donating parade banners to the school as their class gift.

Over the past four years, Hagen said, the graduates had developed an understanding of the importance of friendship and had learned to take care of each other during good and bad times.

“I am confident that as each of you plan your future and aspire to achieve your own dreams, you will remember that your life will be enriched by the lives you touch,” Hagen said.

Hagen praised teachers for providing students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, recognized students who are continuing their education, and honored parents and guardians for nurturing, guiding and supporting their children.

Hagen also recognized 14 graduates who will be serving in the armed forces. They received a standing ovation. Fortunately for all the graduates, rainy weather had stopped in time for the ceremony. Dark skies had receded and the sun shone on the field.

“Welcome to New England. This morning, it was 57 (degrees) and raining as we set up,” said Hagen. But now, he said, “We have this glorious afternoon today for our graduates.”

Across town, flags have been lowered to half-staff as members of the community pay their respects to the family of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo.

Lo, 23, was killed in Iraq on June 13 after a roadside bomb he was trying to defuse detonated. He is remembered by those in the community who knew him as a hard-working, intelligent and driven young man.

His older brother Raymond said Lo was a dedicated student and committed to serving his nation.

“Nothing could stop him,” Raymond said. “He never missed a day at school or a day at work. He was just something else. That’s what makes it so much harder.”

According to Raymond, his brother had some good experiences in his years as a member of the high school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program. Despite his excellent academic record, Lo chose to enter the military after graduation rather than head off to college.

“My mom tried to convince him to go to school, but this is just what he wanted to do,” Raymond said. “If he could help, he’d make himself available.”

Superintendent Michael Delahanty was Lo’s principal for five years, following him from his days at Woodbury Middle School until his graduation from Salem High School in 2004. Delahanty said he had the opportunity through those years to watch Lo grow into a “fine young man.”

“He was one of those kids who was so bright and articulate,” Delahanty said. “With so many graduates, he certainly stood out.”

According to Delahanty, district administrators and educators are planning to sit down in the coming days and discuss how to properly remember Lo, the third service member from the community killed in Iraq in the past three years.

On May 1, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo, 21, died in Al Anbar province, Iraq, when a landmine exploded underneath his Humvee.

On Oct. 6 of that same year, Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis, 22, of the Army’s 82 Airborne Division was shot and killed while on patrol in Iraq. Plaques commemorating both men’s service to the nation have been placed around the community since their deaths.

Salem residents and town officials reached out to the Lo family, offering whatever help they could in the days ahead.

“Whatever assistance we can provide we offer,” said Capt. Shawn Patten of the Salem Police Department. “It hits home when a hometown boy or girl is killed. It’s a tragedy and we have the utmost respect for him ... We have to make sure we never forget.”

“All of our hearts will be heavy as we remember Sgt. Lo,” said Assistant Fire Chief Paul Parisi. “We’ll be thinking about his family and his sacrifice.”

State leaders also extended their sympathies to the Lo family. Gov. John Lynch said the family remained in his thoughts and prayers as well as those of his wife, Susan.

Sen. Judd Gregg praised Lo as a gifted student and an extraordinary young man.

“He chose to delay his plans to begin college in order to serve his country, which he did with honor, dignity and courage, saving countless lives by working to disarm roadside bombs in Iraq,” he said.

Congressman Paul Hodes said Lo’s family, friends and those in the community who knew him remained in his thoughts.

“I join all of New Hampshire in honoring the brave service Sgt. Lo gave to his country,” Hodes said in a statement.

Raymond said the outpouring of support from members of the community and telephone calls from state leaders had made the tragedy easier for both him and his family as they make arrangements for his brother’s funeral.

“Everyone has been really helpful in offering support and lending a hand out to my parents,” he said.

During its regular-season meetings with Hudson and Londonderry, Woodbury Middle School won by a combined five runs.

The postseason was a different story.

After a first-round bye in the Tri-County tournament, the Warriors pounded out 33 runs in two games to cruise to the league title.

On June 2, Woodbury blasted Londonderry, 18-1, in the semifinals, pounding out 19 hits in only four innings of play against a team that took the Warriors to nine innings during the regular season. Woodbury followed that dominating performance with another mercy-rule win when facing Hudson in the league final.

Hudson jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Warriors scored 15 unanswered runs and earned a 15-3 victory on June 5, also in four innings.

In two abbreviated playoff games, the Warriors smashed 35 hits and scored 33 runs, led by Samantha Cloutier’s 5-for- 8 performance that included eight runs scored.

Kaitlyn Arsenault was also 5-for-8 and scored five runs, while Rachel Morrissey and Amanda Bickford were each 5-for-7 and Jillian McCollgan and Rachel Murphy went 4- for-5 apiece.

Of the 35 hits in the two games, 31 were singles, and Woodbury batted .583 as a team.

“The whole focus was to start learning to make adjustments to pitches,” said head coach Rino Beninati. “If they weren’t able to catch up on the fastball or they had two strikes on them, they were just trying to make contact. They weren’t going to smash the ball, but they weren’t going to strike out.”

Beninati said he was most impressed because his offense turned in such a dominating performance against pitchers who had previously proven to be among the better arms in the Tri-County League.

Beninati was particularly pleased that 20 of his squad’s 33 runs crossed the plate with two outs.

While winning the championship was an accomplishment for his team, Beninati said he is more focused on the contributions his players can make once they leave him.

“We’ve won many titles, to the point where you don’t remember the records or who you beat. It’s about the program, and it starts before me,” said Beninati. “When I look at how well the high school does, that’s the goal. We want to prepare them to be a part of that. Winning is secondary.”

The mentor said the key to his team’s success was the focus on fundamentals and repetition.

Despite having many successful teams, Beninati hasn’t had a team swing the way this year’s Warriors did in the playoffs.

“I’ve had teams that were much more talented than this one,” said Beninati. “I’ve never had anyone who’s performed that well before.”