Salem Observer : Salem, fundraising

Santa waives fee, but organizers are still short funds

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:31:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

When even Santa Claus is donating his time to keep an annual holiday parade afloat, it’s a sign of a tough economy.

In better times, Selectman Patrick Hargreaves and a team of volunteers have fundraising for Salem’s Nov. 29 parade wrapped by the end of October, but this year the big day is fast approaching and the stocking is less than half full. Organizers have just $7,000 pledged or in hand of the $15,000 needed.

So in the spirit of the holidays, Santa waived his usual appearance fee. It won’t make up for a lack of donations from the community, Hargreaves said, but every little bit helps.

“Usually we pay him $100, but this Santa said, ‘Don’t worry about it, it’s free. I understand what’s going on.’ That’s something I didn’t expect,” said Hargreaves. “We’re having a hard time collecting the money because of the economy.”

Local businesses that gave generously in past years haven’t returned requests for donation. Some, including Circuit City and Furniture World, have closed shop, he said.

About $3,000 has been raised so far, with another $4,000 coming from town coffers, leaving an $8,000 hole to fill, Hargreaves said.

If more donations aren’t received quickly, Hargreaves will trim this year’s festivities. When money came up short in 2008, he reached into his wallet to pay the bills. But he can’t put on a $15,000 parade with $7,000.

Even participation has taken a hit, Hargreaves said. Last year, 68 local groups and businesses joined the fanfare. That number will be closer to 30 this year, he said.

Pentucket Bank, with a branch in Salem since 2006, is one local institution still happy to take part in the parade, said President Scott Cote. Despite the economy, business is good and the bank likes to be a good neighbor, he said.

“We believe strongly in community involvement,” Cote said. “I think the economic conditions are difficult, but community banks like us are doing very well. We don’t want to stop what we do normally. It’s a good business activity and shows that we’re a good community member.”

Salem Christmas Fund also needs help Hargreaves isn’t the only local fundraiser worrying about the economy. Alan Phair, chairman of Salem’s Christmas Fund, hopes residents continue to be as generous as they have in the past to help the town’s families in need.

“I’ve always found in the past when things are difficult, people tend to help out those in need, sometimes even more so,” he said. “We shall see.” After last year’s financial collapse, the fund was about $5,000 short of reaching its $32,000 goal, Phair said. Anticipating a greater need than ever this year, the group will cast a wider net for donations than they have in the past, he said.

Hargreaves also plans to reach out to more residents and businesses than usual. Though the parade will go on this year regardless, the struggle to raise funds has him wondering if it’s worth the work to put it on again next year. Selectmen have already cut the town’s contribution out of the 2010 budget, Hargreaves said.

“It’s up in the air right now,” he said. “It’s a struggle to get through and you start to think it’s time to move on, but then you think, ‘I can’t do that because I love Christmas.’”

To donate to the parade, mail a check made out to Salem’s Holiday Parade to: P.O. Box 2360, Salem, NH 03079. To donate to the Christmas Fund, mail a check made out to Salem Christmas Fund to: P.O. Box 1234, Salem NH 03079.

Booze on Salem High School grounds; Nine arrested

Salem Editor — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:39:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

Nine high school students from two communities were taken into police custody on alcohol-related charges for allegedly drinking before a school dance on Sept. 26.

Police said school administrators contacted the authorities after questioning the students who displayed “obvious signs of impairment” as they made their way into the Salem High School Freshmen Reception between 7 and 9 p.m.

Authorities believe the students had been drinking in the school parking lot and tried to sneak some of the liquor into the event using water bottles. Several bottles of alcohol, including rum, were recovered in three of the students’ vehicles, prompting authorities to tow the vehicles, according to Capt. Shawn Patten.

Three other students were taken into custody, but did not face charges after officers administered blood alcohol tests.

Patten said the police department has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking, to which he attributed the low number of similar incidents in the past.

“Salem High School administrators and the (school resource) officers ... work together to try and prevent these things from happening,” he said. “We do a good job, and we don’t see a lot of those problems. Like any other community, it happens, but we’re not overridden with it.”

Superintendent Michael Delahanty said that while the alleged behavior on the part of the students taken into custody was unfortunate, it was not uncommon when several hundred adolescents come together under one roof.

“There were about 800 or 900 students in attendance and one of the things that I’ve said regularly and repeatedly, you can’t go to too many places and have that number of adolescents in one big room and not have problems unless there is a tremendous amount of respect for the school and the culture of the school,” he said.

“There was no improper behavior during the dance, it was just the misfortune of several students ... who had been drinking some type of alcohol before getting to the dance.”

Delahanty praised the actions of school administrators on the scene who promptly brought in the authorities after suspecting alcohol-use among some of the students. He said they acted without hesitation even as they knew the incident would bring bad publicity upon the school.

According to Delahanty, the freshmen reception has been an annual fundraising event for the senior class over the last 15 or so years and generally includes a series of short skits or performances before becoming a dance. Students caught consuming alcohol or any other illegal substance before or during a school event face automatic consequences.

Each of the students will serve school suspensions of varying lengths, he said. Emily Anyon, 17, Elanor Bouraphael, 17, Samir Ramey, 17 and David Welch, 17, all of Salem, are facing unlawful possession of alcohol charges, along with Kimberly Foote, 17, Kina Wilbur Kamien, 18, and Justin Shepley, 18, all of Windham. Kamien was also charged with transportation of alcoholic beverages along with Christine Hill, 17, and Brad Morisseau, both of Salem.

All of the students were released into the custody of their parents either at the school or at the police station, authorities said.

Relay for Life cancer event at Salem High School draws survivors, supporters

Salem Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:31:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

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.

Salem Christmas Fund looks for donations to help those in need

Salem Editor — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:20:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

Ann, a single mother of two children, is struggling to make ends meet. She uses her sister’s cell phone because phone service to her home has been turned off. In the past, her electricity has been shut off.

“I’m trying to work, get a better life for my kids,” said Ann who lives in Salem. “It’s been very difficult.”

That’s why Ann has been grateful for the help given by the Salem Christmas Fund. The all-volunteer organization is providing needy recipients with vouchers for clothing, toys and 35-gallon bins containing food for a Christmas dinner and other items.

“The Salem fund has been a Godsend to me,” said Ann, who has an 11-year-old daughter and a teenage son who struggles with disability and medical issues.

Last year, the fund provided roughly $31,800 worth of help to approximately 600 people, and its members would like to raise at least that much money this year.

But with Christmas just two weeks away, only $13,220 has been raised so far. The group has roughly $4,600 less than it did this time last year.

“This year, funds are down, so we do need people to help,” said Al Phair, chairman of the organization’s board of directors. “We can use as much as we can possibly get.”

The fund helps families and individuals in need who meet certain income guidelines. Gifts are also provided to Salemhaven residents and Salem residents at the county nursing home in Brentwood.

Donations come from individuals, businesses, community groups and others.

In Ann’s case, she faces rent, utility bills and other expenses. Unable to support her family with a job that paid only $18,000 a year, she gave it up and now works a temporary job that pays more. But the job is scheduled to end Dec. 19 and she doesn’t know if it will continue.

She receives child support from her daughter’s father, but fears the $50 she receives weekly from her son’s father will stop when the boy turns 18 in the spring.

Worried how she’ll pay her bills, Ann said, she’s enduring “a lot of sleepless nights right now.”

The organization receives referrals from churches, neighbors, organizations, the town’s human services office and others. People can ask for help directly. The fund has been helping people since 1974, and no one who has met the eligibility requirements has been turned away.

“Our mission is for them to have a nice Christmas,” said Sally Sweet, the fund’s coordinator.

For Ann, Christmas would be almost nonexistent if she didn’t have the fund to rely on, and she appreciates the assistance. She hopes someday she’ll be in a position where she can help.

According to Sweet, many recipients express their appreciation for the assistance they get.

“They’re so grateful and they’re so happy to have the help so it makes you happy, too,” said Sweet.

To donate:
Donations can be made payable to the Salem Christmas Fund and mailed to the fund at P.O. Box 1234, Salem, NH 03079. To donate toys, contact Sally Sweet at 898-5676.

Salem boy helps those in need on his birthday

Salem Editor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:00:00 GMT

BY DONNA KISH

If you asked Salem resident Anthony Bellomo what he wanted most for his eighth birthday, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Instead of gifts, Anthony, a second-grader at North Salem School, asked his friends to bring food donations to his birthday party. He and his friends then headed down to the Rockingham County Community Action Program, located on Lawrence Road, and brought in the food they collected.

Anthony thought of the idea after his mother, Linda Bellomo, showed him a Salem Observer newspaper article showing empty shelves at the food pantry.

“I looked at the picture and saw that they didn’t have any food,” said Anthony. “It made me think that they needed food more than I needed toys.”

With the holidays approaching and the country’s economic crisis affecting millions, more and more food pantries are in need of donations to help stock the shelves to meet the growing demand from area residents.

“I thought it was a great gesture and promising to see that young people are thinking about what we are facing in terms of poverty,” said Rockingham County Community Action Program Coordinator Brandi Bobusia. “It is inspiring that young people are taking action.”

The pantry serves Salem and 11 surrounding communities, and is currently providing food to some 40 households a month, most of which have children. According to Anthony, the pantry is always in need of donations, since most families are returning more often for food because of the economic climate.

“When I went there with the food, they said to me, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of food you got there,’” he said. “It made me feel like I did the right thing.”

His efforts aren’t stopping there. His mother will be taking him and his friends back to the pantry this week to help assemble Thanksgiving baskets for area residents.

Character Counts at North Salem School
Bellomo’s family may have given Bellomo the most precious gift of all – a strong foundation of morals and values, as well as the desire to help others. However, there is another effort going at Bellomo’s school that is also having a great impact on his charitable ways.

Bellomo attends North Salem Elementary School, where they have begun an innovative program that teaches ethical behavior in addition to academics.

The “Character Counts at North Salem” program was introduced into the school last year and is already having an impact on students, according to Principal Janice Wilkins.

The program provides teachers with tools they need to help strengthen students’ moral compass. Character Counts is centered on the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The school’s guidance counselor teaches students all about each trait in the classroom and ways that they can live by the program.

Students will earn recognition when a staff member “catches” a student demonstrating one of these traits, according to Wilkins. Students receive special certificates and recognition during morning announcements, as well as their names in the newspaper.

Currently, the trait focus is on citizenship, which is exemplified best by Bellomo’s recent efforts.

“We are so proud of Anthony,” said Wilkins. “It was just so thoughtful. He has a big heart.”

Food drive
Another way the school is bringing the “Character Counts at North Salem” program to life is through charitable efforts such as the school’s annual food drive. This year’s donations far exceeded last year’s and Wilkins credits the “Character Counts” program for helping them achieve an overwhelming amount of participation.

The donations will be making their way to four area food pantries, including The Rockingham County Community Action Program, The Pleasant Street Food Pantry, St. Joseph’s Food Pantry and the Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church Food Pantry.

Our hallways were brimming with food,” said Wilkins. “It is my hope that through these character-building efforts at school, a sense of responsibility and caring carries over into a student’s everyday life.

As far as Anthony is concerned, he already has his sights set on his next birthday and said he has a whole year to think about which charity he will be helping next.

“I learned that there are a lot of people out there who don’t have a lot and they need our help,” he said. “I want to help others."

Salem dentist buying Halloween candy to donate to troops

Salem Editor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:55:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Some members of the American armed forces won’t need to dress up in costumes to earn their Halloween candy this year.

James Dickerson and Adam Wolff, dentists at Pediatric Dentistry of Salem, are organizing an event to help protect the teeth of area youth while also helping soldiers in Iraq.

On Monday, Nov. 3, residents will be able to come to the 389 Main St. office and sell back Halloween candy, with the sweets being shipped to soldiers as part of care packages.

“We really wanted to just support the troops over there,” said Dickerson. “This is a great thing because we can get the candy away from the kids while also doing something for the troops who are fighting for our country.”

Dickerson said the son of one of the office’s dentist assistants is serving overseas, which was part of the motivation of the event as well.

“It rings at home so much more when you have a face to put on it,” said Dickerson.

The event is being run along with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that aims to lift the morale of troops.

Anyone bringing wrapped candy will be able to sell it back for $1 per pound. The buybacks will be accepted between 2 and 6 p.m. at the office. Sellers will also receive a new toothbrush.

“Anybody who wants to come in, we’ll be more than happy to buy it back,” Dickerson said.

Dickerson said after talking with parents coming into his office, he realized there would be an interest for people looking to get rid of excess Halloween treats.

“We have so many parents who complain about how much candy their kids get and that they don’t know what to do with it,” Dickerson said. “It made so much sense once we saw this. We’ll be helping these people out, the candy won’t be wasted and it will be all for a good cause.”

Salem tots participate in hop-a-thon for cancer research

Salem Editor — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:13:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

When young students recently hopped to music at Littleville Learning Center, they were doing more than getting some good exercise. They were raising money for the American Cancer Society.

On Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8, preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten students took turns hopping for a total of 30 minutes each day. During two weeks leading up to their hop-a-thon, they had collected pledges from relatives and friends.

“The kids love it,” said Littleville’s co-owner, Laura Devine, who explained to the students that they would be helping people with cancer, including sick children. “They get a kick out of it.”

Their hop-a-thon supports the Relay for Life fundraiser that is held in Salem annually to benefit the ACS.

This is the third year that Littleville students have hopped to make a difference in cancer patients’ lives. In 2006, Salem resident Dawn Mastrogiacomo and the school’s staff came up with the idea for a hop-a-thon. That year, students raised $1,700. They brought in $2,300 last year.

A Relay for Life is an overnight event where participants raise money for cancer research and ACS programs and celebrate cancer survivorship. Relays are held in communities throughout the nation.

This year’s relay in Salem begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, and concludes at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 22. Over 18 hours, members of teams will take turns walking laps at Salem High School’s Grant Field. Last year’s event raised approximately $250,000.

Mastrogiacomo, a breast cancer survivor, is a member of a group of women, Team Mom-O-Gram, who will be participating. Mastrogiacomo will bring the money the Littleville students raised to the relay.

“They can play a big role in Relay for Life even though they’re on (summer) vacation,” said Mastogiacomo who had sent her daughter, Jamie, now 8, to the school.

On the first day of this year’s hop-a-thon, the children hopped to music by Hannah Montana and Kidz Bop as Devine’s sister, school co-owner Valerie Longo, cheered them on.

Colorful helium-filled balloons decorated the area, and nearby hung an American Cancer Society Relay for Life banner. It read: “It’s about being a community that takes up the fight.”

Show to raise money for SHS grad hurt in crash

Salem Editor — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:40:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

As Tim Morris recovers in a Salem rehabilitation hospital from the serious injuries he suffered in a car accident this summer, friends of the Windham man are rallying to help him pay his medical expenses.

A benefit has been planned to raise money for Morris, who did not have health insurance when his Jeep Grand Cherokee hit a curb and rolled over.

Morris, 26, took a turn too fast off a wet highway ramp around 1:30 a.m. on July 20. When the jeep rolled over, Morris, who was not wearing his seat belt, went through the moon roof.

Two friends riding in the car were hurt but not badly. They were treated and released from the hospital.

But Morris’ injuries were much more serious. According to his friend Chris Massie, Morris suffered a concussion, a bruised spine, two broken vertebrae, two broken bones in the hand, a broken collar bone, seven broken ribs and severely bruised lungs.

He was transferred from the Elliot Hospital in Manchester to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he spent about four weeks. He’s been at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem about a month.

Massie and Morris grew up in Windham, graduated from Salem High School in 1999 and went to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

“He’s a real people person type,” Massie said. “Even now he’s asking how I’m doing. The nurses – how’s their day? He’s a happy kid, extremely positive. He’ll take the shirt off his back for you.”

Morris received a master’s degree in physical education from the University of New Hampshire. He was working part time as a physical trainer at a gym in Tewksbury, Mass., while looking for a full-time teaching job.

Massie, who visits his friend every day, said his friend could be spending another six weeks in the rehabilitation hospital.

“It was such severe injuries,” Massie said. “He has a lot of strengthening he needs to do and a lot of adjustments he needs to make.”

Aron Cleary will perform a hypnotist show on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Claddagh Pub and Restaurant, 399 Canal St., in Lawrence, Mass, to raise money for a fund that’s been established to help Morris.

Audience members of all ages are welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.

“Aron was very nice to volunteer his services,” Massie said.

Cleary, a 2001 Salem High School graduate, was certified in hypnotherapy from the Valley Hypnosis Center in Methuen, Mass.

Cleary, 24, became interested in hypnosis after watching a college psychology teacher, who is a hypnotherapist, hypnotize a student.

Cleary has performed two shows, and agreed to perform a benefit after Kristen Vadala, a friend of Morris, said she was looking for a fundraiser to support him.

“He’s friends with a lot of my friends so I thought it would be a nice thing to do,” Cleary said.

Cleary, who will ask volunteers from the audience to come on stage, said he can hypnotize a guy into thinking he’s an exotic dancer and elicit laughter from someone who thinks they are watching a funny movie.

Massie is hoping for a big turnout.

“It’s obviously important,” he said. “It would mean the world to Tim and his family. It’s a tough situation he’s in, that anyone could be in.”

Tickets cost $10 each and can be purchased at the door or by contacting Kristen Vadala at kristen.vadala@ebtc.com or by calling 458-5516.

People who cannot attend the show can still support the fund. Donations can be made to the Timothy Morris Medical Fund and be mailed to Citizens Bank, 115 Indian Rock Road, Windham, NH, 03087.

To learn more information about Morris and his situation, visit www.fortimmy.com.

Relaying hope – Salem event brings residents together to fight cancer

Salem Editor — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:01:00 GMT

BY MATT HERSH

The theme of the day was cancer, but the mood and atmosphere were nothing but positive at Salem’s third annual Relay for Life.

More than 1,500 people gathered at the Salem High School track where they walked laps for 18 hours, shared stories about overcoming cancer and raised more than $225,000 to fight the disease.

The event has become increasingly popular over the past three years, with attendance growing exponentially every year, according to publicity director Laurel Redden.

Since 2004, more and more people have heard about the day’s events, which include not only walking, but many other activities.

The track was decorated with dozens of stands and tents, where teams of participants sold raffle tickets, baked goods, and other items to raise money.

The day kicked off at 4 p.m. with a lap walked by 150 cancer survivors, all demonstrating the possibility of overcoming the disease and inspiring others to keep fighting.

Following the survivor lap, several other laps were theme-based, including Disney, Halloween and pirate themes.

Members of the town’s boards and committees could be seen showing their support during the dignitaries’ lap, and at nightfall, the luminary lap took place, where hundreds of white bags with lights in them were lit to pay tribute to cancer victims and survivors.

Though there were plenty of tears, most people at the event said they were honored to participate in such an event.

“What brought me out today is that there’s too many people I know who have passed away from cancer,” said Salem resident Donna Palmisano, who has been battling lymphoma for the past few years. “Far too many people have it.”

Like Palmisano, many others said their family members have been stricken with the disease and finding a cure resonates with them on a personal level.

Organizers said this year’s event was the most successful one yet, and next year could be even bigger.Planning for the 2008 event will begin in September.

“It just gets better every year,” said Mary Reese, a member of the organization committee. “Everyone knows someone whose lives have been touched by cancer. These are the peoples’ lives that we’re hoping to make a difference in.”