Associated Press vs USA government

The United States government acted appropriately in the recent scandal involving the Associated Press. The government’s job is to protect America and all of its citizens from danger. If there is the slightest hint or detection of possible terrorism all actions should be taken in order to prevent it. The associated press has no right to be angry that their phone conversations were recorded. The government was not recording these conversations for their own pleasure; they were trying to prevent speculated terrorism. People should be praising the government for being pro active and acting upon terrorism scares; for it is this pro activeness that assures our safety.

Grandma's advice

            While sitting in my grandmother's room after she passed time seemed frozen. The past few days had been a blur. The funeral director had come to take her, and the once chaotic room was now quiet.  All I could do was stare at her empty bed and try to remember the sweet sound of her voice. As the reverberations of my family members talking in the other room became clearer to me, I gradually realized they were planning her funeral. This was heart wrenching to me; Cancer had won the battle and had taken from me one of the most important people in my life. Could this really be happening? Is she really gone? Overcome with grief I struggled to find something of hers to grasp on to.  I suddenly realized that I did have something; this being sixteen years of warm and beautiful memories.

The positive and joyful manner of how my grandmother lived her life has greatly influenced me. She challenged me to be the best person I could possibly be and showed me how to be strong. Her whole life was spent battling one illness after another and with every new adversity she faced she was always full of love, hope, and joy. Through it all, she always told me to live each day to the fullest and take nothing for granted. My grandmother lived her life to these standards even when she was battling an illness. I have worked hard to incorporate my grandmother’s words and advice into my daily life. Her advice has influenced and pushed me to succeed and to strive for the best. She has encouraged me to try new things and to always have a positive attitude.

     The smile that my grandma continuously wore would light up any room. God was blessed when my grandmother left the world for heaven because he gained an angle. It is difficult to face the world without my grandmother, knowing that I will never get the chance to see her smile again. However, I do know that my grandmother will always be watching over me. I will be able to see my grandmother and picture her in my memories; she holds a special part of my heart.

Boston Marathon

  On Monday April 15^th I was one of amongst thousands of spectators who were watching the Boston Marathon from the sidelines. I went to watch the Marathon to support a family member who was competing in the race. Fortunately I was not near the finish line when the explosions had happened. I had been watching the race from a few miles away and left before the bombs were detonated. When I learned about the terrorist attack I was in a panic and feared for the safety of the family, friends, and other people who were spectators of the race. I frantically began calling those who I knew were still present at the race hoping and praying for their safety.

  The Boston Marathon attack was a situation that nobody saw coming. Everyone who went to watch the race had only one thing in mind. This was to cheer on the brave and dedicated athletes who were running in this famous 26.2 mile long race. The runners in this race were only thinking about finishing the race and achieving the best time they could possibly get. The motivation for a runner to finish their race varies amongst its twenty thousand plus competitors. Many runners run for a cause or for a person. One of the most famous runners of this race is the father son team of the Hoyt’s.  Being a runner in this epic race is a huge success and you have to have mental /physical endurance to run all the miles and hills that entails. You strive to step across the finish line; symbolizing your victory and success as a runner and an individual.

    The Saturday before the race I was in Boston visiting my grandfather at Mass General Hospital. My mother, her cousin and I decided to take a detour before the visit. As my mom’s cousin Marianne was driving, my mother and I jumped out of the car and walked to the finish line of the Boston Marathon. It was serial to be standing on the finish line looking at the various people surrounding it. Everyone was happy and excited for race day. You could easily pick out the participants of the marathon in the crowd. My mother and I started to talk to some of these runners and ask them questions about the race. One man we talked to was running the race for the first time. He told us what bib number he was and what race time he was hoping to get. You could see how genuinely happy this man was to be participating in the race. My mother and I wished the man good luck and I said I would cheer for him from the side line if I saw him running. Before we met my mother’s cousin back at her car, she told me to kneel down and touch the finish line with my hand so she could take a picture. I felt honored to be able to take a picture at the finish line and to meet some of the runners competing in the race. The next time I see the finish line of the Boston Marathon I hope it is after I’m done running the race.

   My prayers and condolences go to the victims and the families affected by the Boston Marathon terrorist attack. There were three casualties resulting from the bombs; four casualties all together. 260 other people were injured by the attacks; injures such as loosing legs, feet and arms. I hope that these people who were injured make a full recovery and learn how to adjust to their new way of life. In the midst of this tragedy the people of the city of Boston and of America showed their supportiveness and willingness to help. A foundation called “One Fund Boston” was established and already raised over 20 million dollars to aid the victims of the attack. Boston pride was showcased at the various sporting games of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox. Both of these teams paid tribute to the attacks in their pregame shows, where they showed a video and fans took part in singing the national anthem to honor the victims of the attacks.  Boston is strong, and we showcased our strength by coming together in tragedy. My thanks go out to the first responders who risked their own lives to help those injured by the blasts. I also thank the many police officers who worked long sleepless hours to track down the ones responsible for the attacks. Because of their great efforts we were able to catch the terrorist and give Boston back a little bit of comfort and normalcy. Monday April 15^th will be a day never forgotten by Boston and those effected by the attack.

The Boston Marathon

 On Monday April 15^th I was one amongst the thousands of spectators who were watching the Boston Marathon from the sidelines. I went to watch the Marathon to support a family member who was competing in the race.  Fortunately I was not near the finish line when the explosions had happened; having been watching the race from a few miles away and leaving before they occurred. When I learned about the terrorist attack I was in a panic; fearing for the safety of the family, friends, and others who were spectators of the race around the finish line. I frantically began calling those who I knew were still present at the race hoping and praying for their safety.  

A Blast from The Past

         

     A time capsule from 1946 has been discovered by a former Sharon resident.  On Wednesday April 3^rd George Markt, former Sharon resident, stumbled upon a time capsule while planting a tree in Sharon center.

    George decided to give back to his former community by planting an oak tree in Sharon Center. “I have a lot of memories from meeting my friends in Sharon center when I was in high school” Markt explained. Since spring has finally arrived, Markt felt that the perfect way to finally give his thanks to the center was to plant the tree. When George picked the spot for planting the tree he did not think of finding a time capsule. “I picked the spot close to the church because I used to spend a lot of time around there” George said.

  Ironically the time capsule that Markt found was actually made and buried the year he graduated high school in 1946. After examining the capsule Markt was not sure who buried it, or who owned its contents. However, the capsule’s contents did spark many memories for Markt; reminding him of his childhood and the past. Each object that Markt observed inside of the capsule sparked another story and another memory of what life used to be like.

   The changes that have happened over the past 67 years since George had graduated from Sharon High School have been remarkable. In today’s society we have the latest technology and conveniences, which is drastically different from society in 1946. “I used to ride around in a horse and wagon with my grandfather” George explained. “Everything was a lot slower and simpler; family was greatly valued and we were always around each other”. Markt described how when he was growing up he didn’t have modern conveniences like a television or even a freezer. “At my grandparents’ house we didn’t have indoor plumbing; we used chamber pots and an outhouse” Markt said. He explained that to find out the latest information you had to listen to the radio or wait for a newspaper.

   “I like television and new medical advances best about modern day society” George said. He enjoys the way that modern technology has made life easier and more convenient. However there are some changes in modern day society that Markt is not in favor of. “I don’t like how people do not know how to communicate with each other; all teenagers and young adults do today is play on their “boxes” and ignore each other” says Markt. Markt refers to cell phones as boxes, and does not agree with their constant usage. Markt misses the days when people actually talked face to face to each other. He wishes and hopes that people start to take a step back and enjoy life experiences again.

  Markt hopes the owners of the capsule come forward to claim their belongings. He has given the findings to the local town historical society. The historical society plans to display the findings until or if ever they are claimed. The public is welcomed to come and view the historic objects on display. Finding this time capsule has in a way combined the past and present.  Learning about the past teaches us to value what we have.

Bumpa's Battle with Cancer

    My family has recently been informed of some devastating news; being that my grandfather has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My grandfather, who our family calls Bumpa, has previously had this type of cancer and has had a piece of his pancreas removed during treatment. The first round of this disease was a hard battle for Bumpa to endure; but he beat it and has been in remission for several years. Bumpa is a strong individual and has worked hard during his life to provide for his family. He is the glue that helps my family stick together; his house being the center for holiday celebrations. Unfortunately last October my grandmother, Bumpa’s beloved wife, lost her own battle with cancer. The news of Bumpa’s cancer returning shocked and scared are whole family. We were so focused on trying to keep him occupied not thinking as much about my grandmother’s death that nobody even thought he would get cancer again. Even though he is older and my grandmother is not here to support him, we have hope and belief that Bumpa will make a full recovery and beat this disease again.

   When you hear that someone you love has cancer you first wonder why. You have questions like; how do they get this disease, why has it happened to this person, or what the disease even is. Really nobody knows why cancer happens. Scientists have discovered something’s that may lead to cancer but there is a lack of knowledge of how one contracts it. Cancer is a scary disease that has many secrets hidden inside of it. Cancer affects everyone in the families of its victims. The family members of cancer patients endure emotional roller coasters. As a family member of various people with cancer or those that have had cancer I have learned that it is best to be informed. It helps if you know a little bit about what type of cancer your family member has. Having knowledge on a certain subject allows a person to feel better about the situation they are in.

    To find out more about my grandfather’s type of cancer I searched the web and came across the American Cancer Society website.  This website helped inform me of what a pancreas is and what types of cancer can infect it. A pancreas is and organ about six inches long and 2 inches wide, found deep in the body behind the stomach.   Two different types of glands make up the pancreas. One gland called the exocrine gland makes pancreatic juice filled with enzymes that help the body break down fats and proteins. Most cells in the pancreas are a part of the exocrine system.   Endocrine cells of the pancreas are arranged in clusters called islets that produce hormones such as insulin that balance the amount of sugar in the blood. Both the exocrine and endocrine cells in the pancreas can develop tumors that may be cancerous. Not all of the tumors of the pancreatic cells have cancer. A small number of them are cancer free. However, exocrine tumors are the most common type of pancreatic cancer. These tumors are called adenocarcinomas cancer, which means that the cancer has started in a gland cell. The treatment and possible cure of this type of cancer is based on its severity and size. This type of cancer is most likely the type that my grandfather currently has. The last time he had cancer in his pancreas it was called ampullary cancer. This cancer starts where the bile duct and the pancreatic duct empty into the small intestines. This cancer causes yellowing of the skin and eyes so it is usually detected early; which happened to Bumpa. Cancer in these endocrine cells of the pancreas, are less common.

   Bumpa has the strength and support to make a full recovery from his cancer. With the love from our family we will make sure that he gets the best care possible. We have fortunately again caught Bumpa’s cancer early. As of right now the doctors have spotted three cancer spots on his pancreas. They believe that they will be able to remove his whole pancreas to try and eliminate the cancer completely. Surgery is Bumpa’s best hope to eliminate his cancer, so we are all praying that he is able to get it.

Volunteer for the 2^nd Annual “Keep Norton Beautiful” town cleanup

Volunteer for the Second Annual “Keep Norton Beautiful” town wide clean up! This year’s event will be held Saturday, April 27^th from 9-11 am rain or shine. Last years “Keep Norton Beautiful” town cleanup was a huge success! The great efforts that volunteers put forth really showcased their enthusiasm and spirit towards the community.  Over 375 volunteers donated their time; spending two hours cleaning trash and other debris off of Norton streets. With the great efforts from volunteers we were successful in cleaning 32 streets; equaling more than 50 miles of Norton road. The 375 volunteers included many different community members, organizations and even members from neighboring towns. A total of 130 community service hours were given to Norton High School Students who volunteered their time. 33 sponsors and other various donations helped aid the funding for materials needed during the cleanup. The DPW were so generous providing trash bags and their time to aid us in the event.  To sign up for this year’s clean up visit www.keepnortonbeautiful.com. Donations are also accepted; checks made payable to Town of Norton (put Town Cleanup in memo line), c/o Board of Selectman, 70 East Main Street, Norton MA 02766. Sign up and help keep the town spirit of Norton’s 300^th anniversary and last year’s cleanup going!