The Norfolk Times

Norfolk Family Opens Hearts and Home to NYC Child for 10th visit

(Left to right: Paul, Robert, Kevin and Sam Williamson in 2010.)

Norfolk residents, Mark and Mary Williamson, have opened their hearts and home to Robert, age 17, of Manhattan, through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program since 2009. Mark and Mary first learned about The Fund through their neighbors. Mary said, “I wanted to help a child have for a week or two in the summer. Our neighbors had a good experience as a host family and I wanted our children to be exposed to different experiences.”

The Williamsons are so excited to welcome Robert back on August 1st for his 10th annual visit.

(Left to right: Sam, Paul, Robert, and Kevin in 2018.)

With this year being Robert’s tenth visit, Mary said when he was younger, Robert loved catching frogs at the pond, going to the aquarium and zoo, and swimming at the beach and the pool. Now, Robert has become fully involved with life in Norfolk with the Williamson family. Robert and Paul (as well as all of the brothers) get along really well. Mary said, “Robert has gotten to know Paul's friends over the years, and they have become Robert's friends too. Robert now communicates as much with Paul's friends via texting and social media as he does with Paul.  Our experience and Robert's experience has been greatly enhanced because of our community of friends who enjoy Robert's company too.”

 The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.  Each summer, thousands of children visit volunteer host families along the East Coast and Southern Canada and at The Fund’s five overnight camps in Fishkill, New York.  Fresh Air children also participate in year-round leadership and educational programs. 

 To learn more about how to become a host family in Norfolk, please call Diane Cardner at 774-315-8047 or visit www.freshair.org.

Superintendent Paul Zinni Brings Enthusiasm and Experience to King Philip

By Scott Manchuso

Paul Zinni may have just started his role as the new Superintendent of Schools for the King Philip Regional School District, but he brings a valuable perspective from years of broad experience as an educator. He also brings an optimistic and enthusiastic attitude that is sure to help set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Zinni officially started in his new role July 1, 2018, but he’s been working to attend numerous district functions and town committee meetings while he continued to serve as Superintendent of Schools in Avon. “I’ve already attended various budget and town meetings before my official start date so that I could learn as much as I could through this budget season,” said Zinni in a recent conversation.

He continued, “In talking with members of the school community, particularly at the teacher appreciation days, what is obvious to me is that there are a huge number of achievements to be proud of at King Philip. I am really looking forward to working with the communities, the teachers, the administration, and of course the students to help deliver a great educational program.”

Having already met with the superintendents and special education directors of the elementary schools in Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham, it’s clear that he intends on taking a strategic view of the educational system in order to be successful at the higher grades. “We need to make sure that we are working together in our communities to deliver a seamless education process to these students as they continue on their educational journey from kindergarten through twelfth grade,” said Zinni.

His first hand experiences in various positions prepared him well for the role of superintendent. Zinni started his full time education career as a special education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. His career path eventually led to teaching at all levels from preschool through high school, before moving on to help establish new early education capabilities and run an early education program for the town of Taunton. He later moved to Avon Public Schools where he was the Director of Pupil Services for over a decade. “My efforts there were to maximize the learning capabilities of all students by helping to design the programs and services that layered on top of the curriculum.”

Promoted to Avon Superintendent of Schools in 2013, Zinni not only focused on the school curriculum, but also on how the schools interacted with the community. He cultured the school’s relationship with older residents in town to develop volunteer programs so that students could work with the seniors via special outreach programs. “We had the senior center close to school, so it was a natural fit to facilitate one-on-one mentoring programs where students helped seniors with technology challenges,” explained Zinni. “We also invited the seniors to daytime showings of the school theatrical productions, and we did outreach to seniors unable to leave their homes. (I am not fond of this word – could we do “seniors who were unable to leave their homes). The programs were well received and rewarding for those involved on both sides of the equation. I understand there is a solid history of volunteerism here at King Philip, and I am looking forward to participating and learning more.”

His dedication to education doesn’t end when heads home at the end of the day. Zinni is a respected educator and as a result was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Council of Exceptional Children, a national organization of educators, based in Arlington, VA, who are focused on “Advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. We accomplish our mission through advocacy, standards, and professional development,’ according to the organization’s website.

“I live for education and it’s part of our regular dinnertime conversation,” explained Mr Zinni, with sincere enthusiasm, “See my wife, Catherine, is also in education and together we have over 60 years of experience. It’s just who we are and we love it.” Mrs. Zinni works in Abington, where she is the Principal of the Beaver Brook Elementary School.

Zinni encourages community members to reach out this summer and make plans to stop by his office if they are interested. He also noted that as the school year gets closer, he plans on a program to meet more members of the community.

Norfolk's Saint Aubin to Swim Boston Harbor

Patricia Saint Aubin of Norfolk will swim in Boston Harbor alongside Olympic swimmers Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Doug Gjertsen, Alex Meyer, and Eric Wunderlich for the 22nd annual Swim Across America Boston Harbor Swim on July 13 to support pediatric cancer programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC).

“Swim Across America’s Boston Harbor Swim is such a wonderful day filled with incredible swimmers and volunteers. It is inspiring to see swimmers of all ages come together in the fight against cancer. Having the opportunity to do something you love and support a great cause is the best feeling,” said Kitty Tetreault, event director, Swim Across America Boston.

The SAA Boston Harbor swim is a 22-mile relay-style open-water swim beginning at 7 a.m. on July 13 from Rowes Wharf behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. A minimum fundraising pledge of $2,000 is required for individuals to participate. Patricia will be swimming for Team Kitty's Kats.

Swim Across America (SAA) is a non-profit organization that runs events from Boston to San Francisco to support cancer research at the country’s finest hospitals and institutions. At SAA, money raised locally stays local, ensuring that swimmers know their efforts will benefit their communities directly. Proceeds from the Boston-area swims benefit the David B. Perini, Jr. Quality of Life Clinic at Dana-Farber, where experts help pediatric cancer survivors with an array of issues, including long-term effects of treatment, social and psychological concerns, and the risk of second cancers. Proceeds also benefit the continued research of David Sweetser, MD, chief of medical genetics at MGHfC.

Sweetser is focused on identifying novel and non-toxic therapies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Funds additionally support programs such as art and music therapy and child life services that enhance the quality of life for the hospital’s youngest cancer patients.

To register, support a swimmer or learn more, please visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/boston.

American Pickers to Film in Massachusetts

The stars of History Channels American Pickers are heading to Massachusetts. Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team could potentially swing by Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville. 

The hit show follows Wolfe and Fritz, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques and they're looking for leads on hidden treasures. Anyone interested or knows about a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through contact the show at americanpickers@cineflix.com  or call 855-OLD-RUST. Emails should includes contact info, location and description of the collection with photos. The show may also be contacted through Facebook, www.facebook.com/GotAPick. 

S.A.F.E Coalition and Sacred Tree Yoga Studio & Wellness Center Coming together to make a difference

Coming together to make a difference is the purposeful mission of S.A.F.E. Coalition and Sacred Tree Yoga Studio and Wellness Center. S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by the affliction of drugs and alcohol. By empowering those affected, including families and loved ones, with tools necessary to succeed on the journey for recovery.

S.A.F.E. is sponsoring Yoga classes at Sacred Tree Yoga Studio located at 65 Holbrook St. Suite 110 in Norfolk. The classes are designed specially to those in recovery as well as a specialized class for family and loved ones.

Yoga for Recovery is offered every Friday at 7-8pm. This practice explores the parallels between yoga and the twelve-step path weaving together a tool for enhanced healing. This integrative practice offers breathing, stretching, inspiration, relaxation, and meditation while offering support for self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-care on the road of recovery. Absolutely no yoga experience is required. Dress comfortably. All props are provided. Come with an open mind and open heart for an opportunity that can improve the moment with a supportive community where people help people.

Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga is offered every Friday at 5:30-6:30pm. This practice is for parents and loved ones of those suffering from the disease of addiction. This practices slows down the body and mind through passive movement while using props for support. Receive nurturing, comfort, inspirations, insights, and tools for daily living during a series of restorative poses that are supported with bolsters, blocks, straps, sandbags, blankets, and pillows. All props are provided. Honor yourself by allowing the physical, mental, and spiritual body to integrate and heal through relaxation and restoration.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start time. This provides sufficient time to get settled in prior to class. Class starts promptly and there is no late admittance. Note that Smoking is not permitted on the grounds.

A community that grows together, builds strength together. Share this information with those that could utilize the tools of yoga to enhance and heal through tools for daily life.

Cheering All the Way to Disney

Three cheers for the King Philip Chiefs Cheerleaders. For the first time in King Philip’s history, a Cheer team has earned a place to compete at the Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships in Orlando.

The road to the National Championship hasn’t been easy for this Varsity squad. Back in 2015, the girls took their halftime routine to the Hockomock League competition for the first time but failed to qualify to advance further to regionals.

After tears were shed, determination was born. The next year they were focused to advance further. They prevailed at the league championships, but fell short at regionals despite their solid performance. The girls placed ninth out of 11 teams leaving them disappointed yet resilient once again.

This year the girls and their coaches, Jill Bell and Vicki Vezina, set a goal for even stronger competition performances. Their hard work, focus, and team work paid off big time. In October, the team was crowned Hockomock Champions and earned 2nd place and Best Dance Overall at the Cheer for a Cure competition. Last weekend, the girls competed at the Pop Warner New England Regional Cheer Competition in Springfield against nine other top teams and placed 2nd earning them a coveted spot at the Pop Warner National Cheer Competition at Disney World. Their accomplishments have exceeded their wildest dreams.

With only two weeks to prepare and plan their trip, these 18 girls along with their coaches and families are in high gear fundraising to make this once in a lifetime experience come true. The team has a Go Fund Me account set up for donations to offset the expenses for this trip. The girls will also be accepting donations and selling chocolate bars at local businesses over the next week.

For most of these girls, this will be their last year in the program which ends in 8th grade. Head Coach, Jill Bell, shares her pride in this particular group of girls. “I’ve had the pleasure of seeing these girls grow up together. They’re hard working, supportive of each other, and a lot of fun. They’re great girls - on and off the mats. Vicki and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve already accomplished and we’re so excited for them to have this amazing experience.”

To donate to King Philip Pop Warner Cheer team’s fundraising efforts, visit www.gofundme.com/kp-chiefs-heading-to-nationals-in-o. About Pop Warner Little Scholars:

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is a non-profit organization that provides youth football and cheer & dance programs for participants in several states and countries around the world.

Pop Warner is the largest youth football, cheer and dance program in the world. Youth from Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham participate in our local King Philip Pop Warner organization.

For additional information, please visit www.kpchiefsfootball.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KPChiefsFootball

Eleanor Spellman Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

Eleanor Spellman, a student at King Philip Regional High School, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.

“The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”

Prudential Spirit of Community Award applications were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Hands On Network affiliates. These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.

Norfolk's Andrew O'Leary Capture State Golf Title

By Meghan Leger

Catholic Memorial junior Andrew O’Leary continued his dominance on the golf course this week, winning the MIAA Division II Individual State Golf Championship on Monday at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown. O’Leary shot one under par, a 71 to seal the victory.

Coming off his second-place finish in last week’s Division II South Shore Sectional Golf Tournament, the Norfolk resident was pleased with his finish, but remained focused on returning to the course to compete for the individual state title.

The windy and cold weather of the day caused a lot of trouble for the golfers. Even O’Leary struggled on the first 8 holes, shooting three over par. However, he proved why he is among the state’s best golfers by shooting four under par on the final 10 holes.

O’Leary came out on top of 25 other area golfers to take first place. He was the only golfer to shoot under par on the day, and his victory came with a three-stroke lead over the second-place finishers.

O’Leary recently committed to The University of Notre Dame to play golf.

Warriors Show Love for Ailing Junior

King Philip High School football fans did double duty during the Friday night game. They cheered loudly as KP bested Foxboro 21-0, and they also showed their support for Jake Rackauskas, a junior battling brain cancer.

KP Cares, a high school community service club, organized "White out Cancer," an event for Rackauskas, encouraging fans to dress in white for the game. The group also arranged to have all proceeds from the snack shack and bake sale held during the game to go to the Rackauskas family. 

(Image: Warrior fans showing support for one their own - "No one fights alone". Courtesy of KP Cares.)

Layman is Heading to Portland

(Photo courtsey of Maryland Athletics.)

Wrentham's Jake Layman was selected 47th in the 2016 NBA draft and will soon become a Portland Trail Blazer. The Western Conference team acquired his rights after the Orlando Magic selected him in the draft. The Blazers exchanged a future second round and cash consideration.

In a statement from the Trail Blazers, the team's head of basketball operations Neil Olshey said, “Jake is a high character young man with a skill set we value on both ends of the floor. His ability to defend multiple positions and shoot the ball from range will be positive additions to our roster.”

Layman was a star basketball player for King Philip Regional High School and a four-year player out of the University of Maryland. To learn more about Layman and his pursuit of an NBA career read, "Layman Waiting for Draft Day".