Salem Observer : awards

Room at Salem church named for former organist

Salem Editor — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:58:00 GMT

During 18 years of her service as organist at the First Congregational Church of Salem, Ruth L. Henning did not miss one weekly service.

Henning was the organist for a long stretch of time – beginning in the late 1960s or early 70s and continuing until 2004.

And she was an important part of the church in other ways, too: senior choir director for about a dozen years, 47 years as church council secretary, six years as treasurer, and several offices held in Philathea, the church’s women’s fellowship group.

In recognition of her outstanding service to the church, its congregation dedicated a conference room in her name.

“It’s no surprise,” said one of Henning’s nieces, Nancy Callahan, following the Sunday, Dec. 9, worship service where Henning was honored. “I can’t ever remember a time when she wasn’t active with the church, especially in music, but in every aspect of the church.”

“She led by example,” added Callahan, who has served 27 years as clerk at her Congregational church in North Falmouth, Mass. “I’m following it but I’ll never catch up to her.”

Henning was honored almost 55 years to the day she joined the church: Dec. 7, 1952.

Shortly after she arrived, she began playing piano and organ duets with Mary Ritchie – Henning on the piano, Ritchie on the organ.

When Ritchie retired from the job of church organist, Henning assumed the role. She stayed on until three years ago when she had a knee replacement.

For 18 consecutive years, she never missed a weekly service, even on days she didn’t feel well.

“I love this church,” said Henning, who turns 94 in January. “I love the people – that’s why.”

During the Dec. 9 worship service, Rev. Jessica McArdle, the church’s pastor, expressed her appreciation to Henning for her years of service and the congregation gave her a standing ovation.

Chuck Stern, a member of the church’s stewardship committee, presented Henning with a plaque.

Henning’s 55 years of service, according to the plaque, serve as an outstanding example of her stewardship and the congregation is honoring her with loving admiration.

“She truly gave joyously,” Stern said after the service, adding that Henning took little pay for her work. “You’re hard pressed to find someone who is just so willing to give freely. She’s just a marvelous woman.”

Following the service, during fellowship hour, a celebration cake was enjoyed by members. It was baked by church member Nancy Parsons.

Several well-wishers hugged Henning and told her she deserved the honor.

“She’s just wonderful,” said church member Betty Sears. “She’s very caring about all the activities of the church, not just music.”

“I think it’s a much deserved honor,” said another of Henning’s nieces, Priscilla Cravino of East Kingston. “She’s just been dedicated to this church. She’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Henning wore a corsage, a gift from her church family. A bouquet of flowers was a gift from Wendy Lisbon, another of Henning’s nieces, along with Lisbon’s husband, Joseph, and her children Alexander and Adrianne Leriche. They live in Florida.

The conference room is multipurpose space that is used for meetings, storage, Christian education and sometimes for choir rehearsals. A plaque on the door officially recognizes it as the Ruth L. Henning Conference Room.

Prize teacher – Moeschen receives state Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:00:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

When Woodbury Middle School Principal Maura Palmer announced to an assembly of eighth-graders that music teacher Pat Moeschen had been chosen as the 2007 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, the students responded with an enthusiastic standing ovation.

“You guys, the students, make me have a good time in school,” said Moeschen, who said he was flattered to receive the honor. “You guys allow me to have fun in my classes, you keep things interesting, and we have a great time.”

The surprise announcement was made on Thursday, Oct. 18, in the school’s gymnasium.

Palmer called Moeschen an innovative and committed educator who goes above and beyond his basic responsibilities. He truly cares about his students, is dedicated to helping each one achieve their potential, and teaches with a personality and a sense of humor that is second to none, she said.

She also said that his leadership as a community spokesman for muscular dystrophy research has gained him respect. Moeschen, who uses a wheelchair, has Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy.

“He is honest, reflective, and has the ability to look at the bright side of difficult situations,” Palmer said.

Moeschen was chosen as the local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year last spring. He was nominated by eighth-grader Donnie Dortona, who was a clarinet player in the sixth-grade band.

“He’s always funny and I always looked forward to seeing him,” Donnie said after the assembly.

Moeschen received several gifts, including a one-year membership to Phi Delta Kappa International, a professional education association and a partner in the Teacher of the Year program.

In his honor, the school received a $10,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation.

State Rep. Mary Griffin presented citations from Gov. John Lynch and from the state House of Representatives.

State Sen. Michael Downing presented a proclamation from the state Senate recognizing Moeschen’s achievement. Downing said Moeschen is an inspiration to others and should be commended for having a positive impact on children.

Moeschen’s mother, Helen, a Salem resident, attended the award ceremony. So, too, did Moeschen’s sister, Sheila, who drove up from Waltham, Mass.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said after the event.

This is the 12th year of the annual Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club State Teacher of the Year program. Since 1995, the companies have honored nearly 30,000 teachers and donated more than $22 million to schools throughout the United States.

As a state winner, Moeschen is a contender for the national Teacher of the Year Award.

Salem shines – Town makes Money’s top 100 places to live

Salem Editor — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:14:00 GMT

BY MATT HERSH

Many Salem residents would say they love their hometown because it has everything they need – easy access to Boston and the beach, good schools, reasonable taxes and lots of scenic beauty.

Now, the town’s many offerings have been recognized by Money magazine, which ranked Salem among the top 100 communities in the nation with populations under 50,000.

Named the 85th best place to live, Salem topped more than 2,800 communities from across the country. The magazine based its rankings on employment rate, health, economic condition, diversity, home prices and green space.

Most residents interviewed said they recognize all of the benefits Salem has to offer, and they’re not looking to go anywhere else.

“We moved here five years ago from Pelham because we knew it is a great place to live,” said Tracey Hoover, a mother of four who cited the school system and town resources as reasons for loving Salem.

As years go by, Salem continues to offer more commercial locations for businesses, which has brought increased revenue and a growing population. Some residents said this adds to the town’s traffic problems, but it doesn’t disrupt the scenic areas.

“You don’t ever really have to leave because everything you need is here,” said Maureen Sullivan, who has lived in Salem for 22 years. “I think its a great family town.”

Younger residents said they love Salem because it has been and will always be, their hometown.

“I love it because it’s so scenic, and all of my friends are here,” said 13-year-old Maxwell Zsofka. “I probably wouldn’t want to move anywhere else.”

But mostly, people said they stay in Salem because of the relationships they have formed in town.

“We have great people here,” said Jonathan Smith, who has lived in Salem for 43 years. “I have good neighbors and good friends and that’s what keeps me here.”

Town officials said it’s the community’s offerings that make it a great place to start a family.

Community Development Director William Scott cited institutions that make the community work, such as the Boys & Girls Club and the Ingram Senior Center.

“People here care about children and senior citizens,” he said. “They also care about things like taxes and infrastructure.”

Scott said the town’s growth and popularity are likely to continue in the future as the Interstate 93 expansion project moves forward and the town works on developing a more comprehensive commuter system.

Town Manager Henry La-Branche echoed Scott’s thoughts, saying the town is able to cater to every sector of the population.

“I think there are a couple of factors that stand out,” he said. “One is economic stability because there’s an excellent balance of commercial and residential to support the school district and town services. The other thing is quality of life.

The municipal side works hard to maintain a high level of services in all areas.”

To view Money magazine’s full list of the top places to live in the nation, visit money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/.

Talanian named to NEPA Hall of Fame

Salem Editor — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Congratulations to Salem Observer columnist and saleswoman Elsie M. Talanian, who has been selected as a member of the 2007 class of inductees to the New England Press Association Newspaper Hall of Fame.

Elsie, 86, has been an employee of the Salem Observer for more than 40 years. She’s known to readers for her column, “A Chat With Elsie,” a folksy collection of local announcements and wisdom, and one of the most popular items in the paper. She’s also well known throughout the
Salem community and surrounding towns as a successful advertising saleswoman.

She is one of three chosen from many applicants to receive the honor.

“Selection for the New England Press Association Newspaper Hall of Fame, which occurs annually, is no small accomplishment,” said Brenda Reed, executive director of NEPA, in a letter to Elsie. “It is rare when an individual has the ability to leave such a positive and lasting impact. We offer you our profound gratitude and congratulations, as this honor will solidify your place in New England Press Association history.”

Salem Observer Publisher Amy J. Vellucci said Elsie’s selection makes perfect sense, as she’s “contributed to the success of the Observer in countless ways over the years. She is one of a few rare individuals in the newspaper industry who has both editorial and sales talent and is able to combine both to produce the best possible outcome for our readers and advertisers.”

She will be a guest of honor at the Hall of Fame Reception on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, where she will receive a plaque and be invited to share stories of her experiences in the newspaper business. She will also join the NEPA board of directors at a pre-Hall of Fame reception gathering in the The Presidential Suite.