Cancer Survivor Hosts Golf Tourney to Support Jimmy Fund

Rick Giovino- Allison Goldsberry

Medford native Rick Giovino is only twenty-three-years-old, and he is a three-time testicular cancer survivor.

“It has been a rocky road the last three years or so and has significantly changed my life,” said Giovino. “I have put life into a completely different perspective after going down the road I’ve traveled. I have a much greater appreciation for the little things in life as well as the bigger, obvious things most importantly [like] friends and family.”

Giovino and friend Timmy Patterson, whose father passed away from cancer, are hosting a golf tournament in June, with all proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund.

“I decided after my third surgery to do my part in making a difference for cancer victims and their families,” said Giovino. “Because I have a passion for golf and have played in several charity tournaments, I decided to put together one myself. We [Giovino and Timmy] have both had our lives significantly altered by cancer and have such a passion to fight cancer and raise awareness in the process.”

The disease never did slow down Giovino, a talented golfer who competed in both high school and college. Giovino graduated in 2008 from Malden Catholic and recently graduated from Assumption College in Worcester, where he majored in Business Management and Marketing.

Ever the avid golfer and athlete, a battle with cancer came an an unwelcome surprise for Giovino while he was in college.

“This is something you would never in a million years picture yourself to be involved with,” said Giovino. “I have always seen myself as an outgoing and fun to be around type of guy and was determined to not let this disease step in my way. Going through this in the middle of my junior and senior year of college was not the ideal situation…College is suppose to be the best years of a young kid’s life and I certainly wasn’t going to let cancer get in the way.”

Giovino’s positive attitude kept him going during challenging times.

“It was very difficult being an athlete and busy body to be sidelined for several weeks due to surgeries and treatments but I accepted the challenge and made a commitment to make every effort to beat cancer doing whatever it takes,” said Giovino. “I have always been an active guy who exercises and eats right my entire life so hearing the news that I had cancer was truly a shock. I pride myself on being the guy that has cancer but [you] would never know it unless I told you myself.”

Giovino credits his family and friends for helping him stay positive and fot remaining by his side during surgeries and doctors’ visits.

“God has truly blessed me with many amazing people…I firmly believe I would not be as courageous, determined and successful as I consider myself to be, without them,” said Giovino. “Those people are Rick and Dawn Giovino, my parents, my aunts Lynda and Lisa Giovino, aunt and uncle Leanne and Bill Naisse, aunt, uncle and cousins Ron, Jeanne, Ronnie, Danielle and Lauren Giovino, aunt, uncle and cousins Rob, Wendy, Kayla ,and Kristina and my true best friends, Jay Davis, Craig Hooper, Pat Long, Pat Souza and Jerry Savino. These people saved my life and mean more than words can describe to me.”

The first annual Mike Patterson “Don’t Ever Lay Up” invitational golf tournament is taking place on Friday, June 14 at Mount Hood Golf Course in Stoneham. For more information contact contact donteverylayup@gmail.com or mikepattersongolf@gmail.com.

Passport to the Future: Free Informational Programs on Aging, Caregiving, Finances Continues May 23

familyWhen you decide that you would like to go on a trip you are probably going to invest a significant amount of time making preparations. Of course you want to identify your destination, and you will probably develop an itinerary. If you are like many people, you will consider all the contingencies that may arise and will make certain that you are prepared to handle them.

Life can also be viewed as a journey, and along these lines it is important to make preparations for all the eventualities of aging. If you are a caregiver, it is also important to help your loved one prepare for these changes. To assist adults, boomers, and caregivers on this journey, Medford Health Matters is hosting a series called “Passport to the Future,” consisting of four educational programs dealing with the aging process, caregiving, financial planning, and elder law.

The final program, Strong Bodies…Strong Minds, is taking place on Thursday, May 23, from 5:30-7:30PM at Medford City Hall. Think positive, eat well, be active and stay strong. Join us for an evening filled with health and wellness.

senior coupleThis series is being sponsored through funding from Mt. Auburn Hospital. The last program is Strong Bodies…Strong Minds on Thursday, May 23.

Registration is required to attend. Please call Mystic Valley Elder Services at (781) 324-7705 extension 161. Give-aways and raffles will also be among the offerings.

Medford Health Matters, formed in 1995, is a community coalition whose mission is to foster an environment of wellness and healthy lifestyles for all those who live, learn, work, and play in the City of Medford.

- Information from Medford Health Matters and Hallmark Health

New Homeless Animal Prevention & Care Fund Raises Nearly $250k

Senator Patricia Jehlen announced that the new Homeless Animal Prevention and Care fund raised $249,030 this tax season to help animals.

The fund was created as part of Chapter 193 of the Acts of 2012 that also updated many of the laws pertaining to animal protection and control.

“It is exciting to see the bill I sponsored, S. 2192, making such significant progress for animals,” said Senator Pat Jehlen. “Residents of Massachusetts have demonstrated once again how generous they are and how much they care about the health and welfare of animals.”

More than 17,000 taxpayers made donations on line 32f of their state tax form. The fund is administered by the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and will be used to help reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs by spaying/neutering animals in shelters and animal control facilities, and provide vaccinations. The fund will also assist families who would not otherwise be able to afford these services for their pets and provide training to municipal animal control officers so that they can safely and effectively protect animals and people in their communities

“We are so grateful to Senator Jehlen, the legislature, the Governor and all the people involved with making this fund become a reality. This fund can truly be a game changer for ending the problem of homeless animals in Massachusetts.” stated Jean Weber, Director of Animal Protection at the MSPCA-Angell.

The new law also called for the creation of a 5-member advisory committee appointed by the Governor that assists DAR in establishing procedures for the disbursement of funds. To date, 4 of the 5 members have been appointed. They include:

Kara Holmquist, shelter/humane society member
Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, veterinary member
David Feldman, public member
Cheryl Rudolph, animal control officer member

A fifth member, a pet industry trade representative, has yet to be appointed. All members are required by statute to have an active interest in educating residents relative to the benefits of pet population control.

- Information from State Senator Patricia Jehlen

Paul Bunyan, Fuzzy Looking for Homes

Paul Bunyan

Paul BunyanMy name is Paul Bunyan but I’m being called Paulie for short. I’m a 2-year-old male blue nose pit bull. I’m incredibly friendly and lovable, which is pretty much true to my breed. I am happiest when I’m with you, but absolutely do love playing with a ball. I love to walk around with one in my mouth just to make sure I have one should the need arise. I’m very well behaved and walk great on a harness. I am crate trained and respect gates. I’d be best as an only as KC right now does not know enough about me to say otherwise. Watch my video and you can see how good I am, how much I love my ball and how with more training I will give my ball up more readily!

We are looking for someone who owns their own home or is in a stable rental situation.

Fuzzy

FuzzyHi! My name is Fuzzy! I am a 5 1/2-year-old Poodle/Lhasa Apso (maybe Shih Tzu) mix. I was born in October of 2007. Even though I came from a tough situation, I am very well-behaved, sweet, and a lot of fun. I am well-mannered inside and outside the home. I LOVE going for walks and spending time outside but I have no problem being inside and just snuggling. I get along great with other dogs of all sizes, both male and female. I even get along with cats and kids. I can just have fun snuggling and/or going outside for fun walks and running time with my owner and dog friends!

About Kitty Connection

Kitty Connection is a no-kill, all volunteer rescue based in Medford, MA. We are dedicated to helping animals in need and provide foster homes for them until they are adopted into loving, forever homes.

**Cats/dogs are sometimes temporarily staying at foster homes away from locations listed below

Phone: (781) 393-9995

Email: kc@kittyconnection.net

Website: http://www.KittyConnection.net

Please call 781-393-9995 or email us for an appointment.

Thursday Fortnightly Club Holds Spring Fundraiser

Thursday Fortnightly Club

The Thursday Fortnightly Club held their Spring Luncheon fundraiser at the Winchester Country Club on April 27, 2013. Thanks to the hard work of our chairladies, Sandra Banks, Kathy Cabral, Kris Conley, and Chris Cabral, everyone enjoyed a very successful event, which included many donations for our raffle tables. Many thanks are given to them for their efforts. Our Annual Banquet is scheduled for June 6, 2013, at the Continental Restaurant, Saugus, MA. This is a business meeting for the club. Our chairladies, Eleanor Caruso and Paula Barry, (pictured L to R), have already started to plan a wonderful business and social event.

- Submitted by Virginia Buckley

MHS Softball Team Profiled on Channel 5′s ‘High 5′

The Medford High School girls varsity softball team was profiled on Channel 5′s popular local sports feature “High 5″ last week.

The Mustangs dedicated their season to Medford’s Krystle Campbell, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. The team accompanied the Campbell family to the field at Fenway Park recently and supported Krystle’s mom, Patty, as she threw out the first pitch.

Patty Campbell is pictured below with the team after tossing the first pitch to Red Sox player Jonny Gomes. Photo by Brita Meng Outzen, Boston Red Sox.

Watch the girls softball team’s feature online.

Video of the team and the Campbells’ at Fenway is also available online.

Medford at Fenway

- InsideMedford.com

Mustang Baseball Tops Matignon; Last Home Game Monday

Jake Porrazzo

Senior captain Jake Porrazzo.

- Allison Goldsberry

The Medford High School boys varsity baseball team improved their record to 15-3 with a road win over Matignon on Saturday.

The Mustangs topped the Warriors 13-5, according to assistant coach Ryan Kozul.

Eric Spinale earned his first varsity win on the mound with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Senior captain Jake Porrazzo was 3-4 with two doubles, a triple, and four RBI’s. John Lavoie, also 3-4, contributed two RBI’s while Ryan Covelle scored two runs. Sean Doncaster had a triple and two RBI’s. Dave Center added two RBI’s while Chris Hayes had an RBI.

Medford’s last home game of the regular season is Monday. The Mustangs will host Stoneham at 3:45PM at Tufts University. Medford then finishes up the regular season at Lexington on Tuesday.

Medford, 7-1 in the Greater Boston League, clinched the GBL title last week with a win over Malden. It is the first time in over ten years the baseball team has won the league title. The Mustangs are awaiting word on state tournament seedings.

Over 3,400 Graduate from Tufts University

On Sunday over 3,400 students graduated from Tufts University

According to information from Tufts, the university awarded 1,496 undergraduate degrees and 1,949 graduate degrees.

One of Sunday’s degree recipients was Jim Boyd, 71, former television reporter for Channel 5 News.

Tufts commencement

Graduates attend Sunday morning’s Tufts University 157th Commencement ceremony held on the Medford/Somerville campus. Photo by Matthew Modoono for Tufts University.

Tufts commencement 2013

Tufts Medical students celebrate on graduation day. Photo by Kelvin Ma, Tufts University.

Tufts commencement

Tufts commencement speaker Claude Steele. Photo by Kelvin Ma, Tufts University.

- InsideMedford.com

River Life Mural Unveiled at Andrews Middle School

AMS mural

After months of work with professional artistic David Fichter, a mural depicting the history of the Mystic River was unveiled at the Andrews Middle School on Friday.

“River Life” depicts the Mystic from a historical, social and ecological perspective and hangs on an exterior wall of the school building less than 200 yards from the Mystic.

Along with Fichter, Andrews art teacher Peter Gallagher worked on the mural tirelessly with his students. Members of the community also contributed during an open paint day in March. Generous donations from the public and businesses also helped make the project possible.

More information about the mural and photos from Friday’s unveiling are on the Andrews Middle School website.

- InsideMedford.com

New MHS Alumni Group Holds 1st Meeting May 22nd

Join the Medford High School Alumni Association!

Our first meeting is Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 7pm in Room V222 at MHS (across from the girls locker room).

Anyone is welcome to attend!

About the MHS Alumni Association

The newly formed Medford High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) is seeking the help of all Medford High School alumni in starting our organization.

The MHSAA’s mission is to support the current generation of Medford High School students and create a networking base among all alumni.

All Medford High School Alumni are welcome. We would like all MHS class reunion boards and any interested alumni to contact us via email.

Contact and further information:

Email: mhsalumni@medford.k12.ma.us
Twitter: Follow us on Twitter @mhsalumniassoc
Facebook: “Like” us on Facebook at Medford High School Alumni Association

- Information from Dan Costello