Community Events...
Sweetheart Dinner Dance 2012 - Be A Sponsor
The Eighth Annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, February 16th 2012. This event has become one of the signatures of this organization and is something that truly embodies our community commitment.
This is a free event for couples married for 50 years or more. It includes dinner, live music, commemorative photographs and a group renewal of vows. In 2011, seventy-eight Billerica couples participated in the event. Those couples ranged from having been married just over 50 years to one couple who had been married for 78 years.
We are pleased to have had great sponsor support again this year for the event. Our financial sponsors include:
Major Sponsor:
FLIR Systems
Table Sponsors:
Billerica Access TV, Billerica Lions Club, Billerica Rotary Club, Brightview Concord River, Cabot Corporation, Dr Scott Goldberg, DMD, Enterprise Bank, Fred Ciampa, CPA, Friends of the Billerica Council on Aging, Guardian Angel Senior Services, LPL Financial., Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley, Marshall's Auto Body / Carstar, Northern Bank & Trust, Right At Home Senior Care Services, Stoneham Bank
Half Table Sponsors:
American Dream Homes, Billerica Sons of Italy, Frank Hynes & Associates, Home Instead Senior Services, O'Connor True Value Hardware, Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle
Couple Sponsors:
Don Hoban of Hoban Renovations, Brett
Beaurivage of MTM Brainerd Insurance,
Integrated Financial Partners, Noonan & McDowell and Printing & Graphic Services
Services
In addition, we have a number of businesses who are providing a service for the event:
Billerica Crossings, Billerica Garden Club, Buffets Inc, Billerica Recreation, Courtyard by Marriott - Billerica, Curtis Knight Entertainment, Sweeney Funeral Home and
Paul DeStefano of DeStefano Store Fixtures
If you are interested in being a sponsor of our 2012 event, contact the office at 978-667-4174 or via email at info@billerica-alliance.org.
2012 Health & Wellness Fair - Saturday, March 31st
The Alliance will once again partner with the Billerica Lions, Billerica Elks, Billerica Council on Aging, Billerica Recreation, Billerica Board of Health and the Billerica Schools Food Services program on the third annual Billerica Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 31st at the Billerica Lodge of Elks from 10 am to 2 pm.
This free event is open to the public and features up to 70 different vendors presenting products, services and information related to health and wellness. This is a low cost event for those vendors who do participate and is an excellent opportunity to showcase your services to local residents.
Vendor registration has begun and is being done via the Facebook 'Billerica Health and Wellness Fair' page. We are currently seeking sponsors for the event and have several options available beginning at $250.
For more information on sponsoring the event, contact our office at 978-667-4174 or via email at info@billerica-alliance.org.
Green Up / Clean Up - Saturday, May 5th
Spring is sooner than you think. We have already begun working on our Clean Up and Green Up plans for 2012. The annual community day will be on Saturday, May 5th and will again feature a recycling event at the Marshall Middle School as well as activities around town to help clean up the community.
We are also seeking projects and business support for this year's event. If you are a business who would like to donate funding or manpower or both for a community project, we can help you find a project that meets your needs. If you are a community group with a project that could use some manpower, we would like to learn more about the work.
Please contact our office at 978-667-4174 or via email at info@billerica-alliance.org for more information.
Find Us on Facebook or Connect With Us On Linkedin
The Alliance now has a presence on both Facebook and Linkedin. We will use these social networking sites to communicate with our members and it is also a vehicle for our members to let us know about their upcoming events or news.
You can help us by 'liking' us on Facebook: www.facebook.com
You can connect with us on Linkedin at: www.linkedin.com
Community News Items..
Healthy Heart Event - Thursday, February 9th
Brightview Concord River will be hosting a 'Heart Healthy' event on Thursday, February 9th from 5-7 pm at their Concord Road location. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the facility and what it offers their residents. Bring your valentine and enjoy refreshments, entertainment and tours of the their assisted living community where residents enjoy a healthy worry-free lifestyle, 24 hour support and good friends nearby.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Brightview at 978-262-1410.
Billerica Scholarship Foundation - Team Trivia Challenge - February 10th
The 17th Annual Team Trivia Challenge will be held on Friday, February 10th at the Billerica Lodge of Elks. The event, open to the community, is an opportunity to raise scholarship funds, as well as a friendly competition for participants.
The Challenge is comprised of 50+ 4-person teams and includes 3 rounds of 20 trivia questions chosen from several sources (trivia games, books, internet, etc.). After the third round, the top scoring teams advance to the bonus round and vie for the coveted first place. Options to participate are:
- Sponsor and/or participate on a team - pre-registration is required. Registration forms are available at www.billericascholarship.org, the Billerica Public Library, and the School Dept. at Town Hall.
- Contribute to our raffle table - no item is too small
- Place an ad in the Program Ad Book - space starts at $25, order form is attached. This is great opportunity to: highlight your business as a BSF supporter; send well wishes; or challenge to a participating team or individual
- Make a donation - The donation will be acknowledged in the Trivia Program Ad Book.
The goal is to raise over $10,000 in support of Billerica Scholarship Foundation (BSF) sponsored scholarships. All monies raised go directly to scholarships. For more information contact the Scholarship Foundation, website www.billericascholarship.org
Retirement Expo - Saturday, February 11th
Billerica’s first Retirement Expo is scheduled for Saturday, February 11th from 10am to 2pm. The event is free and takes place at the Billerica Public Library on Concord Road in Billerica Center.
If you’re planning to retire someday or are already retired, stop by for a chance to meet Retirement experts, ask them questions, and collect information. The focus of the Expo is to promote early planning for retirement and, subsequently, have a happy and secure future. Bring the whole family, however, because the Children’s Library will be having special events and activities.
Exhibitors will have information tables and representatives who will help answer your retirement questions. Participants include: Social Security, Certified Retirement Coach, Professional Organizer, EBay Trading Assistant, Tax Specialist, Financial Planner/Retirement Counselor, Travel Agent, Real Estate agents from Billerica and Florida (on Skype), Estate Planning Attorney, Insurance Specialists, Assisted Living Facility representatives, Artist, Computer Expert, Elder Network of Merrimack Valley, and the Billerica Council on Aging. All participants specialize in helping people with Retirement.
Expo organizers Liz Bentz of the Billerica Public Library and Sandi Bazza, Certified Retirement Coach, hope to continue the Retirement Expo as an annual event. For more information on the Library’s activities, visit their website at BillericaLibrary.org. There is no snow date for the Expo.
Spin for Pets - Anytime Fitness & MSPCA - Saturday, February 11th
Anytime Fitness is encouraging animal lovers to get fit and help animals in the 9th annual “Tour de Pooch & Pals” Spin for Animals, scheduled for Saturday, February 11th from 9am-12pm. In an effort to raise money for the animals and programs of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Anytime Fitness is calling upon health enthusiasts and animal lovers to spin, run, row, or step for 1 to 3 hours. Although the event was initially intended as a “spin” event, Anytime Fitness is urging participants to utilize all forms of cardio equipment to include bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and indoor rowers.
Back in its first year in 2004, the Spin raised just over $2000, but has grown to be a significant source of funding for Nevins Farm, raising over $27,000 last year. Anytime Fitness is just one of several clubs in the area participating in this annual fitness fundraiser. “This is our first year participating in the Spin for Animals, and we want to make a splash!” said Wade Winters, owner of Anytime Fitness in Billerica, MA. “The biggest thrill is knowing we will help save some animals with our efforts.
For more information contact Anytime Fitness at 978-667-0300 or via email at BillericaMA@AnytimeFitness.com
Camp and Recreation Expo - Sunday, February 12th
Looking for ways to have fun this summer? The Billerica Recreation Dept will host a Camp and Recreation Expo on Sunday, February 12th at the Billerica Elks from 1 to 4 pm.
This free event features summer camp programs, educational programs and recreation opportunities for children and families. There will be day and overnight programs represented. Programs for children with developmental disabilities will be represented. Meet and talk with representatives from each camp or program. This event allows parents and kids, to find the perfect summer experience together on one easy to manage afternoon.
For more information contact Billerica Recreation at 978-671-0921 or e-mail billrec2@town.billerica.ma.us
MCC - Second Annual Sunday Skate - Sunday, February 12th
Middlesex Community College will hold their Second Annual Sunday Skate on Sunday, February 12th from 1 to 3 pm at the Fitness Trail Pond on their Bedford campus.
This is a free fun way to spend a winter's afternoon. The event is open to the public and free refreshments of hot chocolate and s'mores will be available.
For more information, contact Patrick Cook at 978-656-3134 or via email at cookp@middlesex.mass.edu
Lowell Memorial Auditorium - Ultimate Prom - Saturday, February 25th
Mill City Management is pleased to present the Ultimate Prom Expo 2012 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, February 25th from 12pm to 6pm. The Ultimate Prom Expo 2012 is an exclusive showcase of both local and national vendors which have been hand selected from many categories based on the highest caliber of services and products in order to provide attendees with every element needed to ensure the perfect prom day! This “one-stop-shop” event is the best way to meet with all of the finest companies all under one roof. Get a first hand peek at the latest trends in prom dresses, tuxedos, hair styles, jewelry, and accessories, plus much, much more! There will be many vendors offering “one day” event specials, promotions, and give-aways that you will not want to miss.
Enjoy our fashion show which will feature local vendors premiering the latest trends in dresses, hairstyles, tuxedos, and much more. Also, throughout the day, there will be hair and make-up demonstrations for you to participate in or just enjoy! One lucky winner will win the Ultimate Prom Package which will include everything you need to ensure that your big day is special. You must be in attendance to be eligible to win, so make sure you stay until the very end!
Tickets are on sale now and are available for purchase in person at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office located at 50 East Merrimack Street in Lowell, by calling the box office at 978-454-2299 or online at www.lowellauditorium.com.
Billerica Selectmen Secognize Christmas Luncheon Kolunteers
Excerpts from January 22nd Billerica MInuteman Article by Carla Agostino
At its most recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen extended its appreciation to the volunteers from Temple Shalom Emeth (TSE) in Burlington who coordinated a Christmas Day luncheon for senior citizens for the past two years. Council on Aging (COA) Director Donna Popkin also showed her gratitude toward these individuals whose selfless dedication provided a place, and meal, for the town’s elders who would have otherwise spent the holiday alone. “The COA board wanted to thank them in some way; when we work with individuals who want to improve the quality of life of our seniors we want to recognize them,” Popkin said. “TSE members need to be recognized because the COA hopes that seniors who spent this last Christmas alone will know they don’t have to spend this Christmas alone.”
Committee Chairman Tikkun Olam and event organizer Steve DiOrio accepted the certificate on behalf of the volunteers. “It is a tremendous honor and we really do appreciate it, it means a lot to me and the volunteers,” DiOrio said. “We also appreciate the generosity from the business community.” This past Christmas drew a crowd of approximately 50 elders and 35 volunteers. DiOrio said he would like to see 100 attendees at next year’s luncheon and hopes the public recognition will raise awareness of the event to attract more seniors, volunteers, and sponsors. DiOrio and the rest of the TSE volunteers are already anticipating this year’s Christmas feast.
To read the full article, see the Billerica Minuteman's website at www.wickedlocal.comNew Director at the Helm of Billerica Library
Excerpts from January 4th Billerica Minuteman Article by Mary McBride
This week, the community welcomes Liz Vezina as new director of the Billerica Public Library. Vezina comes to Billerica from the Fisher-Watkins Library at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, where she coordinated community programs such as author visits, poetry nights and community outreach programs.
Lest one wonder what brought Vezina from academia to what has become a virtual community center in the heart of the Billerica, she is actually returning home. From 1991 through 1996, Vezina served as youth services librarian at the old Billerica Library, now home to the Council on Aging. “It was awesome, I loved it”, said Vezina of her youth services experience. “The happiest five years in my career — fun and energizing.” Vezina said she has always loved public libraries and an independent school was not what she had planned, but she enjoyed Cushing just the same. “We converted the facility to an innovative digital library and started an award-winning website. Being back in Billerica will be a change and I’m looking forward to working with this great staff and the public again,” she said.
A resident of Lunenburg, Vezina originally came to Billerica in 1991 as a young mother, sharing a job with Children’s Librarian Jan Hagman until she worked her way into the full-time youth services position. Hagman is one of the six staff members who remain at the Billerica Public Library even after the 15 years since Vezina left for Cushing. The new director attended Boston Public Schools and graduated with high honors from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst with a degree in psychology. She then earned a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College in Boston.
o read the full article, see the Billerica Minuteman's website at www.wickedlocal.com/billerica.
Billerica Recycler Given 20 Days to Fix Noise Issues
Excerpts from January 12th Boston Globe Article by Brenda Buote
The Billerica Board of Health on Monday sustained its earlier finding that Empire Recycling LLC has violated the town’s noise ordinance and gave the company 20 days to submit a plan to correct the problem, a move that neighboring residents hope will trigger another review of the facility’s expansion. Joseph E. Motzkin, who, together with his son, Joseph H. Motzkin, owns and manages the Sterling Road recycling facility, said he may appeal the decision in Middlesex Superior Court. If that happens, it will be the second court action involving Empire Recycling to be filed this year. “I don’t know yet,’’ the elder Motzkin said of a potential appeal. “I still don’t think we did anything wrong. I bought this property so I could run my trucks. It’s zoned industrial. I just don’t see how [the health board] can go against me like that.’’
The health board’s unanimous decision sustained the findings of a sound study that was conducted in November and found noise generated by nighttime operations at Empire Recycling violated the state environmental code and the town’s general bylaws 24 times during a seven-day period. The company operates 24 hours a day, six days a week. Citing that study, public health director Richard Berube on Dec. 7 had ordered the company to draft and implement a plan of correction. Empire Recycling disputed the sound study’s findings and requested a hearing before the health board.
Empire Recycling has for many months been the subject of a steady stream of complaints from Swanson Meadows residents, who say loud banging generated by the facility often wakes them in the wee hours. Seven Swanson Meadows residents, including Frechette, on Jan. 5 appealed the Planning Board’s Dec. 12 approval of Empire Recycling’s expansion project in Middlesex Superior Court, claiming the board’s decision was “arbitrary and capricious.’’ The Planning Board had rejected suggestions that it limit the facility’s hours of operation or require the company to build a noise barrier.
A Globe review of state records shows expansion of Empire Recycling’s 15,400-square-foot facility is necessary for the company to comply with a consent order issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in February 2011. State officials are demanding the company fully enclose its operations. The company had been cited for receiving and storing materials outside in violation of state regulations for solid waste facilities, Department of Environmental Protection records show.
To read the full article, see the Boston Globe's website at www.boston.com
MCC Hosts Exhibition by Cambodian-American Artist
Middlesex Community College will present A Constant Traveler, an exhibition of 27 paintings and mixed-media collages by Cambodian-American artist Chath Piersath, on display Jan. 23 through Feb. 29 in Henderson Hall Gallery on the Bedford campus, 591 Springs Road. An opening reception for A Constant Traveler: Chath Piersath will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the gallery. A short video about the artist will be screened. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Piersath lives in Bolton and divides his time between Cambodia and United States. In his artwork, he explores the geography of his life. When Piersath is in Cambodia, he thinks about the people he knows in the U.S. While he’s in the U.S., his pictures are filled with Cambodians. The result is a haunting series of portraits of people caught in an artistic world between literal description and imagination. Some of these artworks began life as movie advertisements – commercial handbills advertising the latest cinema releases. Piersath transforms these ads by over-painting, turning starlets and leading men into Buddhist monks, self-portraits or characters observed on the streets of Phnom Penh, Turkey, Paris or Lowell.
For more information about A Constant Traveler: Chath Piersath, contact Jan Arabas at 781-280-3784 or arabasj@middlesex.mass.edu.
Marshall's Auto - iPods for Wounded Veterans
Marshall's Autobody CARSTAR invites you to help support wounded veterans. Every day we are grateful for the men and women who serve our country for our freedom, and this year we have decided to focus our fundraising efforts to "iPods for Wounded Veterans."
"iPods for Wounded Veterans" is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing wounded veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with iPods, iPads and iTunes gift certificates. With your help, they hope to provide the wounded military personnel use of these small luxuries to make the recovery process more bearable.
Checks can be made out to "iPod's for Wounded Veterans" and sent to Marshall's Autobody CARSTAR. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Marshall at 978-667-5000.
Billerica conservation chief hopes for fresh start
Excerpts from December 7th Lowell Sun Article by Evan Lips
Adam Bossi, a former conservation administrator in Wellesley, said yesterday he's found a new home in Billerica. But the town, which offered Bossi the keys to its open environmental-affairs director position in September, almost failed to get its man. The Somerville resident talked about how he found out about the opening in Billerica and immediately applied. The position, advertised last summer after former Conservation Commission Director Markus Pinney's June 17 resignation, garnered a lot of interest, Town Manager John Curran said yesterday. But Bossi said he grew tired of waiting to hear from Billerica and when Tewksbury offered him a job as conservation agent, he accepted. "Tewksbury moved like lightning," he said. "But Billerica reached out to me shortly after I started there. It's a step up in a lot of ways and I was ready for the challenge."
Bossi is tasked with overseeing a town with two major rivers and a bevy of wetlands. Curran said Bossi's interview was what put him at the top of the list. "He came off as a reasonable guy who can work with a lot of people," said Curran. Curran added that conservation oversight in Billerica has been like a "pendulum swinging from one end to the other" in recent years. "There was a time where we had no oversight at all," he said. "Then when it swung the other way, people complained that they were being watched all the time."
Bossi said he's still trying to find some time to explore some of the town's public spaces. "But I'm always blown away by the amount of natural area that can be found right in people's backyards," he said. "Some of the places I've seen in town are almost like northern New Hampshire."
To read the full article, see the Lowell Sun's website at www.lowellsun.com
Billerica officials Denounce Jail Plan
Exceprts from December 6th Lowell Sun Article by Evan Lips
It was the town's turn to have its say about the future of the Middlesex House of Correction. Selectmen last night took advantage of the chance to ask questions and lob comments at state Division of Capital Asset Management Commissioner Carole Cornelison, two weeks after town officials discovered that DCAM was advertising the sale of the jail high-rise in Cambridge and planned to move about 400 prisoners to Billerica. Cornelison apologized for leaving Billerica officials out of discussions and said she wanted to use last night's meeting to "allay any fears." But her apology and promise that any expansion at the Treble Cove Road facility to accommodate new prisoners would be temporary did nothing to quiet skepticism.
Selectmen voted unanimously to send a letter to the state asking that any violent criminals awaiting trial in Billerica be sent elsewhere, and demanded that all communication between DCAM, Gov. Deval Patrick and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian regarding expansion plans be documented. "It's always been medium security," Selectman Mike Rosa said. "You said you'd only move prisoners up here if it was secure, but unfortunately you're already moving violent offenders up here." Rosa and others said they had no idea the jail in Billerica was already housing violent suspects until they read about it in The Sun.
Town Manager John Curran also pointed out other areas of concern in addition to safety. Town Meeting recently voted to spend $17 million to upgrade the town's wastewater treatment facility in order to secure the state's permission to connect more than 400 homes to the town's sewer system. "The irony is that we have one state agency hitting us up because of sewer capacity and another that wants to overtax it," Curran said. "Does that mean the state gets a pass?"
Curran pointed out that Cambridge today houses 205 more prisoners than its 161-prisoner capacity. An expansion in Billerica, completed in 2000, set a maximum population number at 624 inmates. Curran said the latest count is 827. Billerica Police Chief Dan Rosa, responding to Cornelison's claim that DCAM officials have talked to other communities about plans to build a new corrections and courthouse facility in the county's southern region, asked the commissioner which towns have been contacted. Cornelison did not name specific towns and said officials are still researching. "I'll point out there is a $100 million bond passed in a bill to build a new facility," she said. "Maybe that's an indication of the intention to find another site."
Billerica Neighborhood Brigade - Donate for Food Pantry
Each year the Billerica Food Pantry puts together a Thanksgiving meal from donations by local businesses and town funds to give to families in need in Billerica. Last year the Billerica Neigbor Neighbor Brigade donated 200 loaves of bread and/or pies to include with the meal.
If you would like to donate a loaf of bread to be enjoyed over the Thanksgiving holiday such as pumpkin, banana, etc. or a Pie such as blueberry, apple, pumpkin, etc. please logon to the the Billerica Neigbor Brigade website and go to NOVEMBER 20th. There are tasks labeled bread or pie and you can sign up to make a donation there. If you are donating more than one bread or pie you will need to sign up multiple times by selecting each task.
Pies and Bread will be delivere on Monday, November 21st so all donations must be recieved by Sunday, November 20th at 6pm. For more information on how to participate, see the Billerca Neighbor Brigade website at www.billericaneigborbrigade.
Lowell Memorial Auditorium - Signature Chefs Auction & Fall Events
The Lowell Memorial Auditorium's 2011 - 2012 Season has a great lineup.
Upcoming events include:
- Golden Gloves - Tuesday, February 7th
- Steve Trash - Wednesday February 8th at 10 am
- Golden Gloves - Friday, February 10th
- Blast - Saturday, February 11th
- Big Hearts Comedy Show - Featuring Paul D'Angelo, Jimmy Dunn & Tony V - Tuesday, February 14th
- Golden Gloves - Tuesday, February 21st
- Golden Gloves - Wednesday, February 22nd
- Ultimate Prom Expo - Saturday, February 25th
- Come Fly Away - Music of Frank Sinatra - March 1st
- Casting Crowns - Thursday, March 15th
- Phil Vassar - Thursday, March 22nd
- Real Oldies Live - Friday, March 23rd
- Monty Python's Spamalot - Tuesday, March 28th
- Get the Led Out - April 6th
To see the full list of the 2011 - 2012 schedule, visit the Lowell Memorial Auditorium website at www.lowellauditorium.com. You can also contact the box office for tickets at 978-454-2299.
Billerica Food Pantry Emergency Fuel Assistance Programs
The Veterans Office at Billerica Town Hall coordinates the Billerica Food Pantry and an Emergency Fuel Assistance Program for Billerica residents. You can help any of these efforts in the following ways. It is always a good time to make a donation to these worthy causes.
Billerica Food Pantry accepts donations of non-perishable food items throughout the year. They will also accept monetary donations that will help them to purchase the perishable food items that they distribute each month. Many of our member organizations have consistently worked with the Pantry over the years but more help is always welcome.
Emergency Fuel Assistance for Billerica residents is also run out of the Veterans Services office. You can help by making a monetary donation to help support this seasonal need.
If you are interested in helping with any of these efforts, contact the Billerica Veterans office at 978-671-0968.
Support the Bennett Library
Billerica's crown jewel, the historic Bennett Public Library is conveniently located on the Common in Billerica center. A cultural landmark dedicated in 1881, the building has recently been restored to its original splendor and turn-of-the-century elegance. Period colors, drapery, stained glass windows, and lighting fixtures provide an awe-inspiring glimpse of the Victorian era, a time when The Bennett was Billerica's cultural hub and meeting destination - just as it is today.
The library is privately owned and managed by the Bennett Public Library Association, which was chartered in 1880 to preserve the building and to make the public aware of its availability for cultural, civic, and social events. The Library is available for rental and has a capacity of 75. Individuals, families and businesses can also become a member of the Association: Membership fees are:
- Individual $10.00
- Family $20.00
- Corporate / Sponsor $50.00
To learn more about the Bennett, see their website at or contact them at 978-667-8830.
Billerica Food Pantry
If you wish to contact the Billerica Food Pantry, their contact information is on the page of our website or you can reach them by calling 978-671-0968.