Friday, June 30, 2017

COME TO OUR BONFIRE JULY 3RD - WEST BROOKFIELD, MA

The pile of sawmill slabs is diminutive! All we need is some good July weather. The entire Town Common is standing tall and now we welcome the Public to join in our festivities.

"WALK ON BY"



 


JFK FOREVER STAMP STILL AVAILABLE AT SOME POST OFFICES

As you know I use the rule of three in my life's efforts. In my quest for more Kennedy forever stamps I hit on the my fourth attempt! Warren, North Brookfield and West Brookfield were out so I gave East Brookfield a shot! BINGO. The new postal clerk, and friend, Tony Piazzo obliged. He even had at least two sheets in stock!





In my view these new stamps will truly be forever like anything and everything "Kennedy." So if you want a new Kennedy souvenir for 2017 try your local post office.

WB BASEBALL

The kids had a ball!


Gabe Paquette & Chase Potvin with award shirts

Thursday, June 29, 2017

A TIP FOR OLD FINGERS- GET A RUBBER TIP!

I can't say enough good for some help. My old hands have found new life with the help of a pen. 'It's so easy when you use Lestoil! Rubber tip is the word!

GET A REAL TASTE OF HISTORIC NORTH BROOKFIELD.. CHECK OUT RAD-X-PICTURES YOU TUBE!

Friend "Jimmy" K tipped me off the other night on seeing former police chief Nelson Barrett On You Tube! Some will remember Chief Barrett in the Seventies. "Nellie" was involved with Long View's fame.






The clip showing the chief and his cruiser is interesting! I never knew of this existing Young Tyler Nickerson and Rad-X-pictures has done a great job in preserving NB's future. Also, a special presentation on the Duncan Block (Center of North Brookfield) is certainly worth watching. Check them out!






My time at the VA optometrist was good. A comprehensive eye exam by a delightful young optometrist-in-training reassures me my vision is "good for my age!" My patriotic golf shirt was popular with folks of all ages.






Son Josh just visited with "dad" for five minutes. Chase-Soccer is amazing making another big boyhood team across Mass. Sure keeps Chase busy.


Bills have been paid for another month! Now, if we could only bribe the weatherman. How much, Pete Bouchard? LOL




The more people I speak with, the more admit watching YouTube.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

GOOD ONCOLOGY REPORT

My 140 mile round trip to Mass General was uneventful! My blood counts are steady and that makes me and doctor Dey happy. Better yet, maneuvering around MGH and "people watching" is my cup of tea. You just can't believe the sophistication of patients, employees and bloggers like me! LOL.


As you are aware I am not bashful. A comment by me can open up the door to sharing my pleasures. First at bat was a 2 day old baby and mother. "Baby Bridgette"  is brand new and the ebullient mother shared her story. "Two days old" and headed home! My mother was 2 weeks at Mary Lane at a cost of $25. Kent T. Royal, MD delivered me! remember Doc Royal? The poor guy lost a leg and retired early.


Then there was "Mike" a patient with a litany of stories. Mike was with his son and proceeded to tell me his military past. In order to make a friend we must be a friend. A MGH employee named Randy picked up on my observation of "everyone now owns a SmartPhone or does the smartphones own us?


My doctor's visit with my "Buddy," Dr. Dey, was cordial. It's like a marriage for when can you share your intimate lives with anybody but your doctor?


I had fasted for the blood work and savored two pieces of mushroom pizza for lunch.


Fast forward back to the Brookfields. Paid my rent then went to Klem's Collector Car Show. Old Jimmy Kordec chewed the fat about NB and Little Canada and enjoyed a cheeseburger on Jim. Today's weather couldn't have been better. Now the shades of night are falling. VA eye doctor tomorrow.

KLEMS - SPENCER, MA


Tuesday, June 27, 2017

CHASE RUNNER #1.

My athletic , student scholar grandson, Chase Potvin , standing tall!

PEASTONE HAIL.LOOKING FOR JULY!

Global wetting not warming. As the lady at the Warren Laundromat said "at least we don't have to water the garden." Rainbows must be everywhere! I've had it with this stuff. Bring on winter! Tourists must be reasonable discouraged.. don't you think?


Sunshine abounds before it sets. Just when you think summer is here.. well.. the Fat Lady hasn't sung yet! 1/4" rain just now! 60 degrees.



Himalayas

ANOTHER NORTH BROOKFIELD SENIOR MEAL & ENTERTAINMENT

It was an affable crowd of more than 40 Seniors enjoying a basic meal of potato salad, hamburgers, beans, franks and fresh strawberries. The best part of the meal was the entertainment by "Ragtime" Jack, direct from Bristol, TN! The guy was good playing the piano, guitar, fiddle and voice.






Ragtime Jack has a sense of humor and involved the crowd in his set.


I arrived early, showed some of my vintage photos, and did another stroll up Saint. John Street down North Common over Forest back to the center...Little Canada! It is so different today than what I remember as a boy growing up!






Forget the rainy weather. Reasonably absurd thunder & lightening now!




Enjoyed a pleasant meal visiting with Joe and Patricia Ann Zegarra residents of NB in a lovely home down in the Buzzel Valley. Mrs. Zegarra, ,too, is a stamp collector and I enjoyed talking about 'the good old days" of our stamp collecting hobby.






I did another review of "Your Blood Never Lies." Maybe several reviews will teach me more. LOL.Mother Rita was her own doctor of sorts.




Saw Josh and the three older grandchildren briefly. "School Is Out!'





Our Director Diane Nichols




"Ragtime Jack from Bristol, TN



Monday, June 26, 2017

"YOUR BLOOD NEVER LIES" bt James LaValle, RPh

The title of this library book grabbed me as I went into the WB Public Library this afternoon. Because I have a "vested" interest  in blood I spent a couple of hours reading the do's and dont's




 of proper nutrition. Boy, are we off of the mark.


The titles read Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, Glucose, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Billirubin, Red Blood Cells, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit.


Essentially you should be a medical student to understand the lingo but I must tell you I learned a lot in the time I spent reviewing it. I have been exposed blood since 2003. The good doctors at Mass General Hospital, Boston,  have total records on my condition of myelodysplasia ( low blood counts.) Wednesday I return to Boston for a checkup.


I am amazed on what we can learn from the study of blood. I think we are all guilty in eating and drinking the wrong stuff for the wrong reasons.  Booze and tobacco are the culprits as is obesity. Our systems are so sophisticated today. 100 years ago and even 50 all we had was the Wonder Drug! Today I wonder how many more are going to be prescribed to yours truly?


After reviewing parts of the book I have come to realize all the junk food we consume is just plain BAD! Eat this don't eat that.. enough!


Had my oil changed at Ken's Today in East Brookfield, then made w/ date with the NB Senior Center. Chicken Pot Pie was served at both the NBSC and the WBSC. Gas is the cheapest at Citgo in Ware $2.169! The price range is all over the map.


If you are curious about BLOOD check out the book. I like the direction it is giving me.... we always blame everything but fail to accept responsibilities. OKay, Google! LOL.


Sunday, June 25, 2017

CAMPING OUT

My little grandchildren seem to be as versatile as their parents! With tents pitched, it will be sleeping under the stars tonight!



The attraction this noon was a Turkey Vulcher flying around a dead chicken in the field.. The kids and I were amused by this entertainment! The expansive field is like an airport! I am thrilled to see the variety of entertainment the kids are receiving at their new home.

Chase won another competition in his age group! Great!





Earlier I traveled to Sturbridge for some "Walmart grub." Bread and butter pickles, Hillshire Farm Kielbasa, pitted prunes and other "health foods" bought with the gift card from Ben and Ally and Savvy. Thanks!

Speaking of versatility, Son Josh attached a brown tarp on the porch roof. Repairs will follow.

The Sunday was good, then cloudy with a brief downpour and more blue skies for the asking. Heavy traffic on Route 9. Kids should have fun sleeping out on their "farm."

Saturday, June 24, 2017

A GREAT DAY AFTER A MURKY, RAINY START!

It was like we pulled a rabbit out of the hat! Late in the morning we went from "bad to good" weather and it has lasted until sunset. Forecasts appear to be good for the rest of the weekend. The grandkids went to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Such a treat. I said to Josh "museum hopping' is a great activity for people of all ages.


John B. O'Sullivan rung me from Springfield. We are great U.S. Army buddies. I delivered some prepared strawberries to Josh & the kids and prepared a box for breakfast. I enjoyed my bacon and eggs for supper.


Lots of reruns on the Smithsonian Channel. I don't know what will appear for tomorrow night. Chase better mow my lawn tomorrow! Josh has made promise to seal the leak on my roof. LOL.


Grand Ole Oprey at 9:00 PM. Watched Barrett-Jackson from Mohegan-Sun tonight and North Brookfield's Steve Magnante! Good Luck, Steve!


FRESH LOCAL STRAWBERRIES

Nothing is finer than fresh local strawberries. In 1950 I used to pick berries for five cents a box from Stanislaw Lazerick. His daughter, Mildred carried on the tradition from a little stand at South Main and Ward Street, NB. Today, California floods the USA with strawberries, yet today I bought two boxes from a stand down Route 9. I plan on giving a box to the grandchildren on Birch Hill Road. The strawberry season is fleeting so buy your own while they last!




Friday, June 23, 2017

WHATEVER TURNS YOU ON!

The Jesuits taught me the virtue of Free Will. I think, now more than ever before we do what makes us happy! I am extremely selective on what I do, what I eat, what I don't drink, etc.

an emerging elderly American.


Jeopardy leads my list. Few others tweek my fancy. Wheel of Fortune is good.


Today, I snagged a good hardback book entitled "JOHN F. KENNEDY - PRESIDENT" nu High Sidey. I AM TOLD BY THE Hannaford cashier "there was a slew of JFK books donated. Two bucks, cheap. Check it out for there may be 9 Kennedy titles left.


I believe the West Brookfield book sale may be tomorrow.


Have an eye doctor appointment with the VA's Doctor Landry next Thursday in Worcester; Wednesday in Boston. gotta get an opinion on my dentures.


Had thick sliced smoked bacon for supper along with some macaroni salad. Decent. Cider to wash it down. I mix my drinks up: 1% milk, V8, Apple Cider and a little water. What do you drink? LOL




AN A WUN AN A TWO



FOUND ON HIGHWAY - GRACO INFANT SEAT - $100 VALUE

A GRACO Infant car seat was lost on Route 9 today. I have secured it, it's in my garage 132 East Main Street, West Brookfield! Call me - 508-867-3360!

WEST BROOKFIELD 6TH GRADE STEP-UP CEREMONY

Chase Potvin was recognized for his academic achievements> How nice.. a chip off the old block! It was a huge crowd and 52 6th Graders will be flying to Quaboag in the Fall. It seems everybody has a SmartPhone for their family photography. Principal Colleen Mucha took charge. I like her style!




Certificates of Completion were handed out. Boy, there are some fine young emerging adults and talented kids. Chase really excels in art  portraiture.






Chase Potvin receives  Academic  Award


Chase Pins his Name





Chase & Pops



Josh, Chase, &Heidi




Evelyn, Josh. Lily, Chase, Heidi & Madeline Potvin

Thursday, June 22, 2017

WEST BROOKFIELD MASTER PLAN MEETING AT SALEM CROSS INN

It was an intimate meeting of citizens and members of the Central Massachusetts Planning Commission. The meeting was in response to the recent survey launched on April 13, 2017. A total of 322 responses were submitted by town residents. It closed on May 31, 2017.


Details of the findings can be found at www.westbrookfieldmasterplan.com.


The meeting was good. We broke up into small groups and were able to share our feelings.63 % responded as "Small Town and Community."The greatest challenges were Financial. Budgets or Taxes." 93% of the responders stated they own a house 4% Rent.


 The topins covered varied from the three most important natural features in West Brookfield were chosen as Water bodies and Farms. Truly West Brookfield is bucolic and pastoral. I think West Brookfield is a "frame of mind." The current improvements on sidewalks around the Town Common are noteworthy.


We must toot our own horn" WEST BROOKFIELD, WEST BROOKFIELD, WEST BROOKFIELD!"


Why not take time to "inspect" the work of the tradesmen?! Now if we can only find a Good Citizen to restore the Conant Block across From the Town Hall before big business discovers it?!


Tomorrow at 9:30 A.M. Chase Potvin graduates from WBES! I intend on attending and cheering the boy on! How lucky we are to have such a dedicated staff in our school!

Heidi & Chase a few years back





MORE WEST BROOKFIELD PHOTOGRAPHS

A spectacular day for a camera!
New Sign


Rice Memorial Fountain

Add caption


Ye Olde Tavern



New Paquette Wall at Tavern

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

MEET DON DORWARD - AGE 89

Say hi to an amazing man from Holden, Don Dorward of Fuller Regalia fame at age 89. I have known this man since the eighties. Don made me two auction flags! Today Don and the Mrs. sport around in a 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood. Also met Butchie Golden and Kathy after many, many years. Butchie is a reader of my blog!



Mr. Dorward

Riding in style



North Carolina visitor to West Brookfield



Hatless


Jim Kordek, Claire Taylor, Dick Taylor

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OR COMMUNITY PROMOTION

Every community should have a promoter! In this age of Smart Cameras we all can pitch in> Here's some of my contributions for Summer of 2017.



New Braintree's Pollard Library

The Potvin's Barn WB


Son Josh & Heidi Post on Birch Hill Road, WB






New Braintree Congregational Church


Denis Long's Summit Barn  New Braintree










North Brookfield




North Brookfield