ReportWire

Tag: Medicine

  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    ROCKPORT

    Monday, March 11

    7:03 p.m.: A burglar alarm reported at a Phillips Avenue address was later determined to be false.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to the hospital by ambulance from Main Street at 6:41 a.m., Granite Street at 12:45 p.m. and Rowe Point at 1:13 p.m.

    12:48 p.m.: After a report was made about an animal on Smith Street, Animal Control was notified.

    9:42 a.m.: After a well-being check, an ambulance transport was refused at a Granite Street address.

    9:19 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Granite Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    MANCHESTER

    Monday, March 11

    2:11 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of School and Pleasant Streets.

    11:36 a.m.: Assistance was provided to a citizen on Central Street.

    11:31 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on the northbound lanes of Route 128 near Exit 53, a verbal warning was issued.

    11:22 a.m.: An animal complaint was made at a Beach Street address.

    11:18 a.m.: A report of an alleged fraud/scam was made at a Desmond Avenue address.

    9:26 a.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Central Street.

    4:42 a.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Beach Street address.

    GLOUCESTER

    Tuesday, March 5

    9:46 p.m.: Police responded to a past break in on Spring Street.

    Crashes with property damage only: at 6:47 p.m. at Cape Ann Medical Center on Blackburn Drive; at 3:03 p.m. at East Veterans School on Webster Street.

    12:38 p.m.: Police responded to a parking complaint at Gloucester Fire Headquarters on School Street.

    12:14 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance on Gloucester Crossing Road.

    11:34 a.m.: A resident came to the Main Street station and filed a report of harassment.

    11:08 a.m.: Larceny was reported on Fernwood Lake Avenue.

    3:26 a.m.: Peace was restored after a disturbance at the Action shelter on Main Street.

    1:02 a.m.: Four juveniles face a charge of being minors in possession of alcohol, after officers came across a car parked with all its doors open at the Dun Fudgin Boat Ramp on Leslie O. Johnson Road, according to the police report. An officer found the driver standing by the front passenger door while the three others were walking around the boat ramp parking lot. As the officer notified dispatch, three juveniles took off toward the high school nearby. A juvenile who said he was the driver asked if he was in trouble. While speaking with driver, police saw a 12-pack of Arnold Palmer Spiked malt beverage outside the driver’s side door. The driver told police the 12-pack was not his, and since he had been driving, he did not drink. The officer also saw a large marijuana smoking pipe, an open Smirnoff Ice six pack on the back passenger floor, and another large smoking pipe and two marijuana grinders with some leafy green material believe to be marijuana. Police asked the driver for his license, and he said he only had a learner’s permit, which was not on him. Other officers arrived to the front of the school and apprehended two juveniles without incident. They were brought back to the boat ramp. The juveniles said they had been out driving and hanging around since they had no school in the morning. They were asked to contact their parents to take custody of them. The officer told the parent of one juvenile he planned to file a complaint against the juvenile on a charge of being a minor in possession of alcohol. Another parent arrived and took custody of two of the juveniles. He was told his son would be summonsed on a charge of being a minor in possession. The driver, listed in the log as 16, was told he would be summonsed on charges of being a junior operator driving from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a parent in the vehicle, having an open container in a vehicle and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Police planned to charge the juvenile who ran away with being a minor in possession of alcohol. Police had the vehicle towed and disposed of the alcohol and the large marijuana smoking pipes and grinders. The report was forwarded to the Community Impact Unit for followup.

    Monday, March 4

    10:18 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Centennial and Emerson avenues.

    9:42 p.m.: A caller reported a small baggie containing a white substance, possibly drugs, was in the first parking spot to the left of the 7-Eleven off Maplewood Avenue. Police found this to be crushed breath mint.

    9:15 p.m.: A disturbance was reported at Ocean Crest Seafoods on Commercial Street. An intoxicated man was on a fishing vessel and a possible fight was reported to have taken place with no weapons involved. The man was given a courtesy ride to the train station.

    6:13 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported to police at the station.

    2:31 p.m.: A vehicle was towed after a crash with property damage only on Main and Prospect streets.

    2:27 p.m.: A 29-year-old Gloucester resident of no known address was arrested on Lincoln Avenue on a charge of distribution of a Class C drug. Police noticed a man pacing back and forth and checking his cell phone. An officer and a detective followed the man to Lincoln Avenue where he met another man and they walked into the bus stop. Police said as they drove by they could see the 29-year-old hand the other man a small object and the man hand the 29-year-old cash. Police approached the men in the bus stop and separated them. The man said he had just purchased 20 Klonopin pills for $100. Police retrieved the pills from his sweatshirt pocket. Police asked him how he contacted the 29-year-old and he said he uses his cell phone and showed police four recent calls. The detective found the 29-year-old clutching $100 in his right hand and he was arrested and charged. Police searched the suspect and reported finding over a dozen needles, tourniquets and other drug paraphernalia. Police found the suspect had a Clonazepam prescription bottle with 29 pills that had been filled yesterday. Police said it appeared the suspect was selling the medication to control seizures. He was taken to the Rockport Police Department for booking.

    1:33 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported on Middle and Pleasant streets. The call was referred to another agency.

    1:01 p.m.: An abandoned vehicle was reported at the Water Treatment Station on Russell Avenue. Police located a silver BMW on the side of the road, and a query found the vehicle was uninsured. Police had the vehicle towed and planned to file a criminal complaint against the owner, a 57-year-old resident, on a charge of having an uninsured vehicle on a public way.

    9:15 a.m.: A man reported he had left a black electric scooter unattended on the train station platform on Railroad Avenue while he went to a nearby convenience store, but when he returned, it was gone. He was told by others on the platform that a man with a cat on his shoulders made off with it, riding toward Maplewood Avenue. The scooter was described as having “Hot Shot” written on the side, one light at the front and a fingerprint reader which starts it. He estimated the scooter cost about $700. Police were unable to locate anyone matching the description.

    8:26 a.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Duncan and Rogers streets.

    2:35 a.m.: No action was required for a report of a disturbance on Bass Avenue.

    Sunday, March 3

    8:47 p.m.: No action was required for a report of a vehicle repossessed on Gould Court.

    7:17 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call from Mansfield Court.

    4:31 p.m.: A holdup alarm was reported at the Curiseport Gloucester on Rowe Square.

    3:51 p.m.: An unwelcome guest was reported at the Cape Ann Marina and Motel complex on Essex Avenue.

    1:13 p.m.: Police took a report of harassment from Millett Street.

    8:10 a.m.: A crash with property damage only at Beacon Marine Basin on East Main Street was under investigation.

    Saturday, March 2

    8:54 p.m.: Police could not locate a report of a crash with property damage only at the Flannagan Service Station.

    4:59 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported at 15 Washington St.

    3:22 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call from Main Street.

    2:52 p.m.: Harassment was reported at a café on Main Street.

    9:55 a.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 21-year-old Peabody man charging him with assault and battery on a police officer during a prisoner transport to Middleton Jail. During the ride from the Rockport Police Department where he had been booked, the man became confrontational, the report said, swearing at the officers because he was not allowed to use his vape pen, which infuriated the man. He swore at officers and became agitated when he did not get much of a response from officers, the report said. As they pulled onto the highway, the officer who was a passenger saw the man had unbuckled his seatbelt and flipped his handcuffs in front of him. The officer driving was able to get off the highway at Exit 54 and pull into a dirt lot. The man continued to be confrontational and pounded on the glass in the cruiser. The officer in back got out and ordered the man to get out of the cruiser and face away from him, but the man refused. Police were able to get the man handcuffed behind his back and continue on to the jail as the man hurled insults at the officers. He again managed to unbuckle his seatbelt, flip his handcuffs in front of him, slam on the cage, all while screaming and insulting officers, the report said. The man then began untying his shoelaces and the cruiser pulled over at Exit 47 in Beverly around 10:13 a.m. The officer in back told the man that for everyone’s safety, they needed to take his shoes and glasses. When the officer went to remove the man’s glasses, the report said the man lifted his cuffed hands and swatted at the officer’s hands and grabbed his wrists. The officer was able to break away. The officer was eventually able to remove the man’s glasses, which were placed with his belongings. Police told him he would be charged with assault and battery on a police officer, and the man continued insulting officers, slamming on the cage, and ducking down in the back seat. At the jail, police said the man continued to be confrontation and refused to comply with simple commands, and kept pulling away before he went through intake at the jail.

    9:36 a.m.: Fraud was reported on Mt. Pleasant Avenue.

    9:05 a.m.: A disturbance was reported on Veterans Way.

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  • Driver medflighted with serious injuries after motorcycle crash in Wenham

    Driver medflighted with serious injuries after motorcycle crash in Wenham

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    WENHAM – On Sunday, Wenham Police and Fire Departments responded to a call to the North Shore Regional 911 Center in Middleton about a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in the area of 52 Grapevine Road.

    The adult male operator appeared to be suffering from serious injuries, and was flown by medical helicopter to a regional trauma center.

    As of Tuesday, Wenham Police reported that the individual had left the hospital, but currently does not have a status on his condition, according to Sergeant David Marsh.

    The crash remains under investigation by the Wenham Police Department.

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    By Michael McHugh Staff Writer

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  • Pet of the Week

    Pet of the Week

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    Are you looking for a laid-back senior guy? Cooper, 12, could be the one for you! This handsome fella is considered a special needs adoption because he has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Cooper is very affectionate, loves to chat and…

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    aholbrook@gloucestertimes.com

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  • SENIOR LOOKOUT: Thank a social worker for empowering you

    SENIOR LOOKOUT: Thank a social worker for empowering you

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    March is National Social Work Month, an opportunity to honor social workers in our community and around the nation and world for the invaluable contributions of their profession. Every day, the nation’s 680,000 social workers work to empower and elevate millions of people, including some of the most vulnerable in our society.

    Social work can defined as “work carried out by trained personnel with the aim of alleviating the conditions of those in need of help or welfare.” Social workers help people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers work with many populations, including children, elders, people with disabilities, and people with addictions.

    It is my opinion that a person who chooses to pursue social work as a career must have a huge heart. The work is demanding, and the rewards can be tremendous. However, social work can be heart-breaking. It takes a brave person to enter a career of such highs and lows.

    The majority of staff here at SeniorCare are trained social workers. Our care managers, protective service staff, and much of our supervisory staff are social workers. I see these people spend their work days dedicated to finding solutions for elders who need help. Every day, I see my co-workers go the extra mile to help make an elder’s life better. I also see acts of kindness every day between my compatriots. If a staff member is struggling, there are at least five friends to provide support.

    It makes SeniorCare a pretty nice place to work.

    Why would a person choose social work as their life’s work? I asked a few of our social workers and share their feelings today.

    “I was hospitalized several times years ago and remember the difficulties and uncertainties. Social work offers me an opportunity to provide advocacy for patients and their families — to give them someone to talk to when they are having difficulties navigating the health system. Our health system is so confusing and complicated, and is getting worse all the time. Seniors and their families are in need of advocates to help them.”

    “What attracted me to social work was the social justice aspect of it. Social work identifies and focuses on the strengths of a person or situation, rather than on what’s wrong.”

    “In Massachusetts, we are allowed to make our own choices and take risks. I like helping people know their choices as they make the best decisions for their life. It’s nice to help people find their right way.”

    “I worked as a social worker in a large city and much prefer working in the smaller communities on the North Shore. There is a feeling of community here that can be missing in a big city.”

    “I have the ability to help people, and like being able to connect people with things they need. Sometimes, it’s an uphill battle, but our work helps our community and the world at large. I would hope that if I needed help, someone would give me a hand. Until that time, I will help others.”

    “As an elder services social worker, people smile when I arrive. They know that I am there to help.”

    If you have a social worker in your life, take a moment to thank them for the hard work they have chosen to do. Social workers are strong and help make our world a better place.

    Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.

    Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.

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    Senior Lookout | Tracy Arabian

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  • Melatonin Overdoses Are Spiking In Young Kids

    Melatonin Overdoses Are Spiking In Young Kids

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    More adults are using melatonin to get to sleep at night. Unfortunately, that means more young children are finding their parents’ tablets and gummies and taking them by accident.

    A new analysis in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which is published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, finds that melatonin was responsible for a surprisingly large share of emergency-department visits—7%—among infants and young kids who accidentally ingested a medication from 2019 to 2022. During that time span, melatonin caused about 11,000 such incidents.

    Past research shows that from 2009 to 2020, emergency department visits of this type spiked by 420% among this age group. In 2022, other research found a 530% increase in accidental melatonin poisonings from 2012 to 2021 among people 19 years old and younger.

    Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, helps regulate the body’s circadian cycle and is sold as tablets and gummies. In the new analysis, 47% of the kids who went to emergency departments had ingested candy-like melatonin gummies, and about half of all visits were caused by a flavored product. Alarmingly, in nearly 36% of the cases, children had swallowed ten or more gummies or tablets. Fortunately, most cases overall—about 94%—did not result in hospitalization.

    The risk of accidental ingestion is made greater not just by the availability of candy-like formulations, but by the fact that melatonin is not required to be packaged in bottles with child-resistant caps—though manufacturers can use the caps voluntarily. The new analysis did not determine what share of the emergency department visits involved tamper-resistant packaging, but 75% of the cases involved bottles—suggesting that the containers either had not been closed properly or did not have child-proof tops.

    Despite the small share of cases that resulted in hospitalizations, melatonin carries real risks for kids. There’s limited data on what happens when children take too much, but large amounts can result in nausea, headaches, diarrhea, irritability, and even suppressed breathing, according to Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

    Melatonin should not be given to children before consulting with their pediatrician. In all households with children, the researchers recommend buying melatonin only in containers with child-resistant packaging. The CDC also refers parents and other caregivers to its Up and Away campaign, which encourages keeping medicines out of the reach of children and educating children about drug safety, firmly recapping containers, asking guests to keep their own medications out of reach, and keeping the phone number to the nearest hospital and poison control center handy at all times. Over-the-counter supplements like melatonin may seem benign —but they can pose real dangers, especially to kids.

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    Jeffrey Kluger

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  • Cold Buster Green Smoothie (How to Fight a Cold) – Oh Sweet Basil

    Cold Buster Green Smoothie (How to Fight a Cold) – Oh Sweet Basil

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    This cold buster green smoothie recipe is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system, hydrate your body and send those winter colds packing!

    Green smoothies were all the rage a while ago and still are, but I never really thought they were that big of a deal. And then I realized that with all of those vitamins packed into a smoothie we would actually be giving ourselves the proper nutrition that we are recommended in getting. So, we started keeping a full supply of spinach and fruits and sure enough, not only did we start feeling better but we weren’t getting sick.

    I hate winter. I know, lots of people love it and cannot wait to get outside and enjoy all that the snow has to offer, but I hate it. Strong word? I seriously dislike it I guess. I am learning to really enjoy skiing, but I still freeze to death and cannot last very long out there. But the major reason I don’t like winter is because we all get sick and pass it around over and over again all winter long. I freeze all winter which I’m sure keeps me sick.

    You don’t have to pass a cold around all winter. Last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold and this cold buster green smoothie was a huge help! Keep scrolling to the end to see other products we love to help us survive winter colds.

    Suffering from a cold and looking for an all natural solution to fight a cold? This cold buster green smoothie is your answer! ohsweetbasil.com

    What Makes a Green Smoothie?

    The definition of a “green smoothie” can be quite ambiguous but the basics of a green smoothie are:

    Leafy Greens + Liquid + Fruit

    Then, of course, you can add other ingredient to add protein and more nutrients. Keep scrolling below to see suggestions for the best types of leafy greens, liquids and fruits. We also want to highlight what makes this recipe specifically a cold buster green smoothie.

    a photo of a tray carrying all the ingredients for a cold buster green smoothie including a half and orange, a half an apple, chunks of frozen pineapple and banana, fresh spinach, orange juice and baby carrots.a photo of a tray carrying all the ingredients for a cold buster green smoothie including a half and orange, a half an apple, chunks of frozen pineapple and banana, fresh spinach, orange juice and baby carrots.

    Ingredients in a Cold Buster Green Smoothie

    This smoothie is unique in that we chose specific items to kick the cold right where it hurts:

    • Spinach: adds great fiber, vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as iron, folate and potassium
    • Orange Juice: isn’t just about the vitamin C it’s also about staying hydrated
    • Orange with Peel: really slam dunk the vitamin C and the peel contains 4 times more fiber than the fruit itself, it has anti-inflammatory properties and may even help reduce harmful LDL’s
    • Baby Carrots: great for killing germs in the mouth and helping with digestion
    • Banana: gives the body natural energy which is something you are lacking when sick, and it helps the smoothie be extra creamy
    • Frozen Pineapple: adds flavor and helps thicken the smoothie when it’s frozen
    • Apple: adds flavor and natural sweetness
    • Ice: helps thicken the smoothie without adding sugar or extra calories
    • Optional: add a scoop of protein so our body has the nutrition needed for energy

    NOTE: We avoid dairy completely as it encourages mucus production. In fact, we skip the dairy entirely while sick.

    The measurements for all of these ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

    a photo of a blendtec blender full of the ingredients for a cold buster green smoothie ready to be blendeda photo of a blendtec blender full of the ingredients for a cold buster green smoothie ready to be blended

    How to Make a Cold Buster Green Smoothie

    Making the best green smoothie recipe couldn’t be easier! Just toss everything in the blender and blend until smooth. We are 100% loyal to our Blendtec blender. I’ve tried them all, and there just nothing that gets the job done better than Blendtec. Use our discount code (Ohsweetbasil10) for 10% off!

    I’ve read other people say do blend the greens and liquid together first before adding the fruit, but I honestly haven’t noticed a difference so I just add evereything at once.

    a photo taken over the top of two glasses of green smoothie surrounded by fresh spinach, orange wedges, and half an apple.a photo taken over the top of two glasses of green smoothie surrounded by fresh spinach, orange wedges, and half an apple.

    Variations and Substitutes

    For a true cold buster smoothie follow the recipe as written, but you can totally switch things up to find your favorite blend. Here are some ideas:

    Leafy Greens to Use

    • Spinach
    • Kale
    • Swiss Chard
    • Collard Greens
    • Beet Greens

    Liquids to Use

    • Almond Milk
    • Coconut Milk or Coconut Water
    • Oat Milk
    • Dairy Milk
    • Water
    • Fruit Juices
    • Cashew Milk
    • Soy Milk
    • Greek Yogurt

    Fruits to Use

    • Pineapple
    • Strawberries
    • Avocado
    • Banana
    • Raspberries
    • Mango
    • Blueberries
    • Apple

    Add-Ins

    • Protein Powders
    • Chia Seeds
    • Flaxseeds
    • Almonds
    • Collagen Powder
    • Almond Butter
    • Peanut Butter
    Suffering from a cold and looking for an all natural solution to fight a cold? This cold buster green smoothie is your answer! ohsweetbasil.comSuffering from a cold and looking for an all natural solution to fight a cold? This cold buster green smoothie is your answer! ohsweetbasil.com

    Can You Use Frozen Fruits in Green Smoothies?

    Yes, and you absolutely should! In fact, almost all my fruit for smoothies and my greens are frozen when I add them to my smoothie. Check out my post on how to meal prep smoothies. It not only saves time but it also helps my mornings be more stress free!

    Can Green Smoothies Replace Vegetables?

    Smoothies are a great way to get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables but they shouldn’t replace whole fruits and vegetables. Blending vegetables actually starts to break them down and you lose some of the nutrients that you would get if you ate them whole. Bottom line…don’t skip the whole veggies!

    Suffering from a cold and looking for an all natural solution to fight a cold? This cold buster green smoothie is your answer! ohsweetbasil.comSuffering from a cold and looking for an all natural solution to fight a cold? This cold buster green smoothie is your answer! ohsweetbasil.com

    Can You Taste Spinach in Green Smoothies?

    If you have the proper ratio of leafy greens to other ingredients, you will not be able to taste the spinach at all! Follow this recipe for the best flavor!

    Is a Green Smoothie Good for You?

    Drinking Cold Buster Green Smoothies is a good way to get nutrients and stay hydrated. Consuming Cold Buster Green Smoothies is a good way to get vegetables in your diet.

    But, there’s a catch…you have to watch your fruit intake as they still have sugar and carbs so people can take something healthy to not so healthy. Making a healthy smoothie takes some attention and conscientiousness.

    Will Cold Buster Green Smoothies Give Me Energy?

    Cold Buster Green Smoothies can provide you with lots of healthy calories, that your body can convert to energy.

    You don't have to pass a cold around all winter. last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold- cold buster green smoothie. ohsweetbasil.comYou don't have to pass a cold around all winter. last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold- cold buster green smoothie. ohsweetbasil.com

    Can Cold Buster Green Smoothies Be Frozen?

    Yes, Cold Buster Green Smoothies can be easily frozen.  I recommend taking it out of the freezer to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Most likely, it will still be frozen in the morning. Set the jar on the counter and it will thaw in about an hour or so.

    Will a Green Smoothie Keep Overnight?

    Yes! You can blend your cold buster green smoothies ahead of time and store your cold buster green smoothies in a sealed container for 1 to 3 days in the fridge. … Fresh is always best, but a 2-day old cold buster green smoothie is still way better than a bag of the Cheetos.

    How to Fight a Cold

    Air Purifier 

    We went ahead and got a Honeywell Air Purifier. One is upstairs and the other downstairs. They run day and night all year round and I swear it’s been helping to keep out the nasty.

    Simply Saline

    Cade cannot handle a Netty Pot but many people love it. Instead we use Simply Saline. As soon as you feel the sniffle get out your saline and keep things cleaned out. You’d be shocked how much it will help. We even use the Little Remedies one for kids and it has blown our minds with how much better they get with it.

    How to fight a cold with 5 simple tricks! ohsweetbasil.comHow to fight a cold with 5 simple tricks! ohsweetbasil.com

    Zicam Nasal Spray

    I hate nasal spray. I also hate taking those nasty vitamin c or zinc tablets to fight a cold. And do they even work? I wasn’t feeling like they were. Until I found Zicam Nasal Spray. Immediately when I get the tickle I take it and Cade is quickly following suit as he sees how well it works. I even travel with it now. It’s the only clinically proven nasal spray to shorten a cold.

    Aquafor

    Blowing your nose and a stuffed up nose that requires you to breath from your mouth all day can lead to chapped noses and lips. I love this little Aquafor tube. It’s all I use for chapstick now, but it’s great on noses that are being blown too much too.

    All of this just comes from Amazon to my house and most is around $4. I’m lazy like that, but you can always watch a store for sales too.

    a photo of two glasses full of a bright green smoothie with orange wedges stuck on the edge of the glassesa photo of two glasses full of a bright green smoothie with orange wedges stuck on the edge of the glasses

    And that’s it! What little tricks do you have to beating the winter colds? Green smoothies are a great way to start your day in a healthy way, and if you are trudging through bleak winter days trying to fight the latest cold bug, give this cold buster green smoothie a try!

    More Smoothie Recipes

    Servings: 2 glasses of smoothie

    Prep Time: 2 minutes

    Total Time: 2 minutes

    Description

    This cold buster green smoothie is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system, hydrate your body and send those winter colds packing!

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Place the juice, spinach and remaining ingredients in a blender. If you use a fresh banana, add 1/2-1 cup ice to help thicken the smoothie.

      2 Cups Spinach, 1 Cup Orange Juice, 1/2 Orange, 3-5 Baby Carrots, 1 Cup Frozen Bananas, 1/2 Cup Frozen Pineapple, 1/2 Apple, 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

    • Blend until smooth and drink up!

    Try different fruits for a new combination.

    Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 41mgPotassium: 815mgFiber: 5gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 5290IUVitamin C: 115mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 2mg

    Author: Sweet Basil

    Course: 100 Family Favorite Easy Healthy Recipes

    Recommended Products

    You don't have to pass a cold around all winter. last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold- cold buster green smoothie.You don't have to pass a cold around all winter. last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold- cold buster green smoothie.

    A snack is a great way to get the kids healthy again!

    strawberry fruit leathers ohsweetbasil.comstrawberry fruit leathers ohsweetbasil.com

    Pack all the good stuff into a pancake!

    Approaching Halloween and I've been serving up these delicious (and secretely healthy) green monster pancakes that the kids love! ohsweetbasil.com-3Approaching Halloween and I've been serving up these delicious (and secretely healthy) green monster pancakes that the kids love! ohsweetbasil.com-3

     

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    Sweet Basil

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Friday, Feb. 23

    9:11 p.m.: A Poplar Street resident reported a male called her with specific personal information, demanded money be sent via Cash App and threatened to show up and ambush the house. The caller believed it may be a friend playing a prank but was unsure. The caller was advised to lock her doors and call 911 if anyone shows up and to call back with any further information.

    8:57 p.m.: Police planned to file a complaint against a 23-year-old Gloucester resident with two counts of assault and battery and threatening to commit a crime and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. This after dispatch reported an assault involving a man making threats of having a knife running away. Police spoke to a resident who said a man broke into the apartment. Another man said the person came in through the screen door and began to punch him. The attacker reportedly hit a woman sitting next to him on the couch. The person who was attacked said the man stated he was going to stab him. The victim was able to use his foot to create distance before the man fled. Those in the apartment said they did not need medical attention. The attacker was said to be wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, a blue mask, black pants and black shoes. Police searched for the man, who was known to those who were attacked, but were unable to find him.

    4:18 p.m.: A Prospect Street resident told police he had returned to his apartment after 10 days away and saw blankets on his bed that did not belong to him, a package of Gambler cigarette filter tubes and bag labeled “APP Sampler” containing miscellaneous electronics that can be checked out of the library, the report said. The resident said his doors were locked when he left and when he returned. He said a Dell Laptop, a 10-inch Samsung tablet and a can of powdered Gatorade were stolen. Neighbors described two men who were seen in the building who might have broken into the apartment. Police planned to view surveillance footage to see if someone had entered the apartment during the resident’s absence. Police were not able to speak with the two men because they were believed to be homeless. A copy of the report was forwarded to detectives for follow up.

    3:02 p.m.: A disturbance was reported on Burhan Street.

    1:42 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported on Staten and Perkins streets.

    11:11 a.m.: Police took a report of a larceny at Sheedy Park on Pleasant Street.

    10:46 a.m.: Peace was restored after a report of stolen property on Pearl Street. A resident of the housing complex said that on Feb. 22 she was supposed to have a package with a knife set costing $89.99 and a blanket costing $49 delivered via FedEx, which told her the package had been delivered to the foyer. Police told her to contact the company from which she ordered the goods and submit a claim through FedEx.

    10:05 a.m.: Officers responded to a report of an assault at the Subway restaurant on Railroad Avenue.

    8 a.m.: Police responded to a parking complaint at City Hall on Dale Avenue.

    3:32 a.m.: Police could not locate suspicious activity reported on Pleasant Street.

    ROCKPORT

    Friday, March 1

    3:48 a.m.: Mini beat conducted on Main Street.

    Building and area checks conducted throughout town throughout the morning.

    Thursday, Feb. 29

    Traffic stops were made on Mount Pleasant Street at 6:18 a.m., Granite Street at 9:58 a.m.. and Thatcher Road at 6:48 and 11:09 a.m. and 7:48 p.m.. Officers issued three written warnings and two verbal warnings.

    5:52 p.m.: A person on Alpine Court was spoken to about a report received by police.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Jerden’s Lane at 11:41 a.m., Parker Street at 12:57 p.m., and Pigeon Hill Street at 5:33 p.m.

    Assistance was given to other agencies by police on Main Street at 3:12 and 4:25 p.m.

    Wellness checks: Calls were made by police to residents all over town at 9:47 a.m. and an officer visited Granite Street at 2:04 p.m.

    Mini beats: Officers walked Main Street at 3:11 and 3:49 a.m.; Broadway at 7:02 a.m.; South Street and Jerden’s Lane at 7:11 a.m.; Curtis Street at 9:50 a.m.; Jerden’s Lane at 7:11, 8:51 and 11:14 a.m.; and Railroad Avenue and Main Street at 11:30 a.m.

    Public Works notified of bad road conditions all over town at 12:08 and 2:36 a.m.

    Wednesday, Feb.28

    Mini beats were conducted on Main Street at 6:33 a.m., Jerden’s Lane at 7:10 and 8:41 a.m., Broadway at 6:21 p.m., Main Street and Railroad Avenue at 6:58 and 9:10 p.m., and Railroad Avenue at 11:10 p.m.

    Traffic stops were conducted on School Street at 6:25 a.m., Thatcher Road at 6:56 a.m., T Wharf at 6:01 p.m., Broadway at 7:11 p.m., and Thatcher Road at South Street at 9:33 p.m. Officers issued verbal warnings to the five drivers.

    7:03 p.m.: A person was taken to a hospital by ambulance from King Street.

    Assistance was given to individuals on Greystone Lane at 8:10 a.m. and Main Street at 3:09 p.m.

    1:51 p.m.: A party on Sandy Bay Terrace was spoken to about noise after a complaint was lodged.

    10:24 a.m.: Police wellness check calls were to made to residents all over town.

    9:34 a.m.: A driver was given a verbal warning for operating a vehicle erratically on Main Street.

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  • Grow tasty, nutritious greens indoors

    Grow tasty, nutritious greens indoors

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    Boost the flavor and nutritional value of winter meals by growing a container of greens indoors.

    Green leafy vegetables are healthy sources of carbohydrates, typically rich in fiber and nutrients, while also being low in fat and calories. Many of these vegetables can help reduce the risk of stroke, anemia, high blood pressure, certain cancers and diabetes. They also help improve the health of your gut, heart, bone and skin while boosting your body’s immunity.

    To create your own indoor garden of greens, all you need are seeds, a container, potting mix and a sunny window or artificial lights. Select a container or planter with drainage holes or reduce maintenance with the help of self-watering containers. Their water reservoirs reduce watering frequency.

    Fill the container with a quality potting mix that is well-drained and retains moisture. Plant seeds as recommended on the seed packet. You can grow each type of green in its own container or mix them up for an attractive display in larger planters.

    Water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil moist while waiting for the seeds to sprout. Reduce the need for frequent watering by covering newly planted containers with a plastic sheet or dome. Once sprouts appear, remove the plastic and begin watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to dry.

    Boost productivity and increase planting space with the help of artificial lights. You will find a variety of setups for any space in your home. Counter and tabletop light stands can be conveniently located in the kitchen or dining room. Stand-alone light shelves provide more growing space within a small footprint. Furniture-grade light stands make them easy to use in any room in the house.

    Grow greens you and your family like to use in your favorite recipes and salads. Green or red leaf lettuce is easy to grow indoors and its mild flavor is most appealing to children and picky eaters.

    Spinach is another popular and easy-to-grow leafy green used fresh in salads and smoothies or added to soups and sauces. It contains many vitamins and nutrients, including iron, folic acid and calcium.

    Kale is considered a superfood. This nutrient-dense vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If the flavor is a bit too intense for you, try the baby leaf types or braise for a milder flavor.

    Add a bit of peppery flavor to salads, soups, pastas and other dishes with arugula. Add a spicier flavor with mustard greens. Sauté mustard greens or add them to your favorite Southern, Asian, Indian or savory dish.

    Include color and flavor in your winter meals with beet greens. The leafy part of this vegetable is often overlooked but is the most nutritious part of the plant. Use these the same way you would spinach or kale.

    Make it more fun by getting others involved. Hand family members and guests a plate and kitchen shears so they can harvest and help prepare the meal.

    Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including “The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook” and “Small Space Gardening.” 

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    By Melinda Myers | Star Tribune

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    ROCKPORT

    Tuesday, Feb. 27

    11:32 p.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was refused at a Marmion Way address.

    Citizens were assisted on Story Street at 12:43 p.m. and at the intersection of Granite Street and Breakwater Avenue at 9:52 p.m.

    5:48 p.m.: Lost and found property was reported at a Main Street address.

    Traffic stops were conducted on Thatcher Road at 7:11 a.m., Broadway at 9:50 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Street at 6:41 and 10:43 a.m., Cleaves Street at 11:15 a.m., Granite Street at 1:17 p.m. and Dock Square at 1:45 p.m. Officers issued four verbal warnings, two written warnings and a civil infraction.

    12:03 a.m.: After a medical alarm was reported, services were rendered at a Millbrook Park address.

    Monday, Feb. 26

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken by ambulance to a hospital from Main Street at 6:27 p.m. and Lattof Farm Circle at 9:05 p.m.

    4:50 p.m.: A report was made about alleged larceny/forgery/fraud at a Smith Road address.

    Traffic stops were conducted on Broadway at 6:25 a.m., Mt. Pleasant St. at 2:05 p.m., and Thatcher Road at 2:27 p.m. Officers issued a verbal warning and two written warnings, respectively.

    10:08 a.m.: A police wellness check was conducted at a Main Street address.

    10:01 a.m.: An individual was assisted on Phillips Avenue.

    9:27 a.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Granite Street address for a chimney fire. The fire was extinguished within minutes after firefighters arrived on the scene.

    6:52 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Broadway, a verbal warning was issued.

    Sunday, Feb. 25

    5:45 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Granite Street address.

    2:10 p.m.: After a report of an odor at a Thatcher Road address, the Fire Department was dispatched.

    8:43 a.m.: A fire alarm was reported at a Marmion Way address. It later was determined to be a false alarm.

    7:12 a.m.: After an alarm was reported, the Fire Department provided assistance at a Main Street address.

    ESSEX

    Tuesday, Feb. 27

    Animal complaints were lodged on Apple Street at 11:26 a.m. and Haskell Court at 4:52 p.m.

    Monday, Feb. 26

    11:58 p.m.: A noise complaint was made at a Grove Street address.

    11:33 p.m.: A welfare check was conducted at Belcher Street address.

    8:04 p.m.: A utility request was made at an Essex Reach Road address.

    Citizens were assisted on John Wise Avenue at 11:38 a.m. and 3:41, 4:35 and 4:46 p.m.

    2:49 p.m.: Police conducted a community policing call at a Story Street address.

    12:38 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a John Wise Avenue address.

    12:17 p.m.: A traffic hazard was reported on John Wise Avenue.

    Sunday, Feb. 25

    9:46 p.m.: A medical ambulance transport was conducted at a Lebaron Road address.

    4:20 p.m.: A person was reported missing from a Lufkin Street address.

    3:20 p.m.: A report of a fire at a Southern Avenue address later proved to be a false alarm.

    2:44 p.m.: Erratic operation of a motor vehicle on John Wise Avenue was reported.

    12:47 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on John Wise Avenue.

    MANCHESTER

    Tuesday, Feb. 27

    11:13 p.m.: A welfare check was conducted at an Old Essex Road address.

    6:51 p.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Proctor Street address.

    2:50 p.m.: A disabled motor vehicle was reported at the intersection of Route 128 and School Street.

    1:51 p.m.: A traffic hazard was reported near the intersection of Route 128 and School Street.

    Monday, Feb. 26

    9:38 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Filias Circle.

    Complaints were lodged about animals on Alpine Road at 2:23 p.m., Raymond Street at 5:03 p.m., Beach Street at 6:13 p.m. and at White Beach at 6:25 p.m.

    Lost and found property reported on Central Street at 5:24 and 5:45 p.m.

    Verbal warnings were given to drivers during traffic stops at the intersection of School and Vine Streets at 11:21 a.m., at the intersection of Lincoln and Vine Streets at 11:35 a.m., on Summer Street at 12:32 p.m. and on Beach Street at 5:13 p.m.

    12:44 a.m.: A welfare check was made at a Summer Street address.

    Sunday, Feb. 25

    8:16 p.m.: Officers participated in a community policing event.

    12:44 p.m.: Police provided assistant to a citizen on Summer Street.

    Friday, Feb. 23

    3:10 p.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Beach Street.

    10:26 a.m.: Police assisted a citizen on Central Street.

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  • Driver pleads guilty after crash kills Andover woman

    Driver pleads guilty after crash kills Andover woman

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    ANDOVER — A Milford woman pleaded guilty Monday to negligent operation of a motor vehicle following an accident that killed a 78-year-old woman in 2022.

    Margaret Silvestri, 23, will serve 2½ years of probation, perform 100 hours of community service and lose her driver’s license for 2½ years, according to court documents.

    Francyne Fuller of Andover was struck at the intersection of Elm and Whittier streets on April, 27, 2022, about 4:20 p.m. She was rushed to Lawrence General Hospital with critical injuries and later pronounced dead.

    In Lawrence District Court on Monday, Erin Fuller King – Fuller’s daughter – described the important roles her mom played in her community and in her family. She said while the outcome did not bring “justice,” her mother would not have wanted Silvestri to go to jail.

    “And this is why we are standing here today, without a trial, without a jury, with nothing but a paltry slap on the wrist,” King said in a victim impact statement.

    “Not because I think this is what is fair or just, but because I think this is what my mother would have wanted,” the daughter said.

    Silvestri stopped after the accident and cooperated with law enforcement, according to police. She was 21 at the time.

    Silvestri was also found responsible for two civil violations, an equipment violation and an unsafe operation offense.

    The complaint against Silvestri was filed in December 2022. She originally faced a charge of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operator, according to court documents.

    In her statement, King described a traumatic series of events as friends and family members searched for Fuller after the accident, including her home, only to eventually learn of her death.

    “It was dark. Her new Toyota was still parked in her garage,” King said. “Her salad was on the counter, ready for dinner when she arrived home from her evening walk. No sign of my mother. My heart was exploding out of my chest as doubt and terror began to consume every cell of my body.”

    Silvestri will also be required to take a Brains at Risk class.

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    By Teddy Tauscher | ttauscher@eagletribune.com

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  • MassHealth rolls continue to drop, but decline slowing

    MassHealth rolls continue to drop, but decline slowing

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    BOSTON — Tens of thousands of Medicaid recipients lost their state-funded health care coverage last month amid an ongoing review of eligibility following the end of pandemic-related federal protections. Health officials, however, say the purge of insured is slowing.

    About 57,000 MassHealth members lost coverage in January as part of the so-called redetermination process, according to state data published Monday.

    That was offset by 21,000 new enrollees and 23,000 people who rejoined the taxpayer-funded health insurance program after previously losing coverage, according to the agency. That’s still a net decrease of 13,000 or more members.

    “After some very steep declines in November and December that were related to the open enrollment period, things have quieted down considerably,” Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine told reporters during a livestreamed update. “So the caseload is relatively flat through the first month of the year.”

    In December, by comparison, at least 129,000 people were removed from MassHealth’s rolls, the data shows. Those losses were offset by 16,000 new enrollees and 12,000 people who rejoined the program after losing coverage, according to the agency. That’s a net loss of about 100,000 people for the month.

    “I do expect our caseload to continue declining,” he said. “There are still people whose eligibility we’ve been protecting and we need to renew, many of whom may lose coverage. But we expected a steadier decline through the remainder of the redetermination process.”

    As of January, nearly 600,000 people have left MassHealth’s rolls. The agency began reviewing eligibility in April. But the reductions were offset by new enrollees and those who rejoined the program after losing coverage for a net decline of 279,000 members.

    State health officials said data shows that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, MassHealth was averaging a loss of about 52,000 members each month.

    Under the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government required state Medicaid agencies to provide “continuous” health care coverage, even if an individual’s income eligibility changed.

    As a result, enrollment in MassHealth – the state’s Medicaid program – swelled by more than 31% since 2000, to an estimated 2.3 million recipients.

    But the federal emergency declaration expired last May and state health officials have been reviewing eligibility for enrollees to determine if they are still eligible for state-subsidized coverage.

    The review process could see up to 400,000 people dropped from the program, according to the state’s estimates.

    Gov. Maura Healey has acknowledged the challenge of reviewing millions of MassHealth recipients, and helping those who get dropped to find new coverage. State budget officials expect the shrinking MassHealth rolls will provide up to $1.9 billion this fiscal year that could be redirected for other purposes.

    Nationwide, roughly 15 million people could be dropped from Medicaid as the federal government’s continuous coverage requirement is phased out.

    MassHealth is funded by the state and federal governments and serves about 2.1 million low-income recipients. That’s roughly one in three people in the state.

    Health care coverage is one of the state’s biggest expenses. Medicaid costs have doubled in the past decade and now account for nearly 40% of spending.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • State Senate plans another sex education reform vote

    State Senate plans another sex education reform vote

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    BOSTON — Senators next week will vote again on a bill to update the state’s sex education guidelines, something the chamber has already approved four times without getting buy-in from the House.

    The Senate Committee on Ways and Means polled the so-called Healthy Youth Act (S 268) this past Thursday, getting it ready for action this Thursday in the Senate’s first formal session in four weeks.

    The bill would update Massachusetts’ sexual health laws and create guidelines for districts that opt into teaching sex education to go over human anatomy; how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, AIDS and unwanted pregnancy; effective use of contraceptives; how to safely discuss sexual activity in a relationship; skills to identify and prevent sexual violence and relationship violence; and age-appropriate and affirming education on gender identity and sexual orientation.

    “As I said on the floor the last four times, we know our students are talking about these issues in the classroom or not,” Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the lead sponsor of the Senate bill, said. “If they’re not learning medically-accurate information taught in our classrooms, they’re getting bad information that could have long-term consequences.”

    Though the Senate has voted to remodel the education frameworks four times in the last decade, House Democrats have never taken it up. On the House side, Rep. Jim O’Day has sponsored the bill for the last 10 years.

    “When I started on this bill, the last time a framework for healthy youth, for sexual education, was addressed was in 1999,” O’Day said last month as a guest on former Senate President Harriette Chandler’s local cable show. “So here we are now in 2024, where we at least now have a good, solid, well-rounded, medically-accurate, age-appropriate, evidence-based (bill) … and this is not a mandate for this bill.”

    “That’s a disgrace,” Chandler, a supporter of the bill, said when O’Day initially raised the subject.

    The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education updated its sexual health education standards on its own accord last year to mirror some of what the so-called Healthy Youth Act calls for, after Gov. Maura Healey threw her support behind the controversial measure.

    Under the board’s new physical and sex education guidelines, students will receive sex and health education that is intended to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and teach about bodily autonomy, mental and emotional health, dating safety, nutrition, sexually transmitted infections and consent.

    Neither the guidelines nor DiDomenico and O’Day’s bill would change the Massachusetts law that allows districts to opt-in to teaching sex education. The bill before senators would also require that parents get a letter at the beginning of the school year with details about the sex ed curriculum and the opportunity to opt their child out.

    Asked by the News Service how the bill differs from the updated frameworks the board of education adopted, DiDomenico said passing the Healthy Youth Acts would codify the new guidelines.

    The bill would require data collection on what’s being taught in schools, reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education every two years. It would also require that the state revisit the framework every 10 years, as it took 24 years this time around to update the guidelines.

    “Lastly, the framework is more of a suggestion for schools. Healthy Youth is an actual curriculum. and so there’s a lot more flexibility with the framework. Theoretically ‘abstinence only’ can still be taught with the framework,” DiDomenico said. “Under this bill, sex ed would talk about consent, LGBTQ language and healthy relationships as well. It’s a lot more detailed, unlike a suggestion.”

    The senator added that 17 states require sex education to be medically accurate and 26 require it to be age appropriate. Massachusetts is not on either of those lists.

    “I think that’s a pretty compelling argument. Many states across the country have seen the value of this education,” DiDomeinco said. “This bill will give students information they need to protect their health, have respectful relationships, and have a better future for themselves. In my mind, it’s just as important as math and science and English.”

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    By Sam Drysdale | State House News Service

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  • Plant-forward, organic, and gut-friendly: Innovative baking trends for 2024

    Plant-forward, organic, and gut-friendly: Innovative baking trends for 2024

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    Research by baking industry leader Puratos reveals that 56% of global consumers are interested in plant-based sweet bakery products, 85% believe high-fiber baked goods have a positive effect on digestion, and 71% would buy more at bakeries featuring natural ingredients.

    These and other findings in the Puratos Taste Tomorrow survey help professional and home bakers alike spot new baking trends for 2024. One identifiable trend is a nostalgic shift towards ancient grains and heritage ingredients. Consumers seek the familiar flavors of the baked goods they first experienced in childhood. Authentic whole-grain bread, traditional cakes, and sweet pastries will only continue to grow in popularity.

    The ketogenic diet phenomenon has also generated a greater demand for keto-friendly baked goods that are gluten-free or incorporate alternative grains that are more compatible with a ketogenic diet.

    Greater consumer interest in plant-forward or vegan recipes will also influence bakeries in 2024. Plant-forward baked goods are not necessarily vegan, but they do emphasize the addition of flavorful plants and herbs into breads and pastries. There is also noticeable consumer interest in fermented breads such as sourdough, largely because of their positive effects on gut health and digestion.

    Ancient Grains and Heritage Ingredients

    Bakers in 2024 will want to learn more about ancient and heritage grains, such as amaranth, barley, buckwheat, kamut, millet, quinoa, spelt, and teff. Not only are many of these grains naturally gluten-free, but they can all be ground into alternative flours for both savory and sweet baked goods.

    Influential bakeries are also introducing new products featuring underused heritage and ancient grains. Grain-based porridge and veggie burgers incorporating ancient grains will make it to many restaurant menus in 2024. Exotic grains represent a diversity of cultures and introduce consumers to healthier options.

    Multicolor “Bougie” Breads

    The visual appeal of baked goods will also be prominent in 2024, with the rising popularity of multicolor “bougie” breads, also known as viennoiserie breads. Bougie breads can be sweet or savory, but all incorporate multiple layers of flavors, textures, and colors.

    Breakfast breads such as cinnamon-raisin and oatmeal-raisin will share display case space with more savory options featuring colorful herbs, doughs, and other combinations in 2024. Upscale baked goods with strong eye appeal will continue to be popular for consumers looking for display-quality brunch or afternoon tea assortments.

    Sourdough and Gut Health

    Interest in sourdough and other fermented breads should continue to rise even in post-pandemic 2024. Many diet plans encourage followers to incorporate healthier carbohydrates into their daily plans, and wheat and rye-based breads contain fructan, which is a prebiotic or “good” type of gut bacteria. Fermented breads also contain natural probiotics that promote good gut health.

    The key is to select bread containing as few processed or bleached ingredients as possible. Sugar content and gluten are also important factors to consider when shopping for a healthier sandwich bread.

    Plant-Forward Recipes

    While grain-based traditional bread may seem ideal for a vegan lifestyle, many recipes still incorporate eggs, butter, and dairy products. One baking trend in 2024 will be an emphasis on plant-forward recipes that will meet vegan expectations. “Plant-forward” and “vegan” are not necessarily interchangeable terms, but plant-forward baked goods feature grains, fruits, nuts, and herbs selected for flavor as well as substitution.

    Plant-forward and vegan versions of popular sweet and savory baked goods should trend in 2024 as consumers seek out more keto-friendly or paleo versions. Reducing or even eliminating animal-based ingredients such as milk and eggs can be a challenge for bakers, but the results can be nearly indistinguishable from the traditional versions.

    From Trendsetting Bakeries to the Home Oven

    “Home baking, whether for health or economic reasons, can be a fun way to connect with friends and family and one of the most enjoyable hobbies still,” Katalin Nagy from Spatula Desserts shares. “It’s creative; it’s fun; it’s delicious, and definitely healthier than the store-bought stuff. Traditional baking recipes rely on only a handful of ingredients like butter, flour, egg, and sugar; with homemade recipes, you can control how much and what goes into your desserts.”

    “My Dad is 93 years old and lives alone on a farm close to where he was raised.” Kathy Owens at Petticoat Junktion also believes in a traditional baking style. “My grandmother made a dessert for every meal, and my dad still loves his desserts. His favorites are Banana Cake and Peanut Butter Cookies. I make them using oil, eggs, and sugar, the usual way. We do not take gluten-free, vegan, or special diets into consideration.”

    While many of the trends in 2024 focus on professional and commercial venues, home bakers can still use them as guidelines for their own creations. The bougie bread trend alone offers bakers excellent opportunities to expand their repertoires, and creating innovative keto-friendly snacks and desserts for family and friends is bound to be popular.

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    By Natasha Krajnc | Wealth of Geeks

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  • SENIOR LOOKOUT: Dealing with hearing loss can stave off dementia

    SENIOR LOOKOUT: Dealing with hearing loss can stave off dementia

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    Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.

    The effect of hearing loss on an older person can be devastating. Having trouble hearing can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor’s advice. Hearing doorbells and alarms becomes difficult. Having conversations becomes hard. This can be frustrating, embarrassing and at worse, dangerous.

    But, these are not the only problems that can follow hearing loss.

    In a study that tracked 639 adults for nearly 12 years, a Johns Hopkins research team found that mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Moderate loss tripled risk, and people with a severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia.

    There are options to help with hearing loss, but first you need to detect its occurrence. Here are some questions based on a tool for hearing loss. If you answer yes to three or more of these questions you could have a hearing problem and you should check with your doctor. Do you:

    Sometimes feel embarrassed when you meet new people because you struggle to hear?

    Feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?

    Have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?

    Feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem?

    Attend religious services less often than you would like because of hearing problem?

    Argue with family members because of hearing problem?

    Have trouble hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others?

    Believe that any difficulty with your hearing limits your personal or social life?

    Have trouble hearing family or friends when you are together in a restaurant? Or when visiting friends, relatives, or neighbors?

    Hearing loss can happen for a number of different reasons. Hearing loss might be a genetic trait or may be caused by illness or injury. Another reason for hearing loss is having been exposed to extended periods of loud noise. Many construction workers, farmers, musicians, airport workers, and people in the armed forces are subject to hearing loss.

    There are ways to address hearing loss. You must determine what works best for you and your circumstances. Here are a few ways to counteract hearing loss:

    Hearing aids. They make sounds louder. Often things will sound different than you are used to, which can make getting use to a hearing aid difficult. You may need to try a number of hearing aids before you find the one that works for you.

    Cochlear implants. These are small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear. These implants are for people whose hearing loss is severe.

    Assistive listening device. These include amplifying devices for the telephone, or cell phone. They can also be helpful in places of worship, theaters, and auditoriums.

    Lip reading. People who use this method pay close attention to others when they talk, by watching how the speaker’s mouth moves.

    Hearing aids and other devices are rarely covered by insurance, and they are not inexpensive. But, the cost to the individual with hearing loss is much more in loss of quality of life.

    SeniorCare keeps a list of organizations that assist with hearing aids and other hearing assistance devices. To learn more, call SeniorCare at 978-281-1750 or TTY: 978-282-1836 and ask to speak with an information and referral specialist.

    Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.

    Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.

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    Senior Lookout | Tracy Arabian

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  • End to the ‘black hole’ through support group

    End to the ‘black hole’ through support group

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    LAWRENCE — At the lowest point of his life, Kevin Skinner was able to find support and recognition in a community with the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley.

    “I’m not saying (the thoughts) don’t come through my head,” Skinner said, “but we can say that without us worrying about it now.”

    The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley hosts a support group for people who have attempted suicide. Skinner joked that it’s almost like an Alcoholics Anonymous but for suicide.

    The suicide attempt survivor support group is for people over the age of 18 to connect with each other along similar experiences.

    Suicide rates have increased by approximately 36% between 2000 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide was the cause of 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes.

    The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.

    For Skinner, it felt like a “black hole” inside of him. He had just moved back to Massachusetts, following working as a “key hire” for a start-up that lost all its funding.

    “I was just feeling really down,” Skinner said. “You really don’t think rationally.”

    Skinner, who attempted suicide in 2017, said he was focused on the moving truck arriving the next day. He thought of how his wife would get angry if she could not find a check to pay for the items.

    Now, though, Skinner laughs about the situation, even calling it “a bit crazy.”

    But Skinner said he is able to do that through the support and safety he feels with the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley.

    “It’s a family,” Skinner said, adding that director Debbie Helms is the “mama bear.” “It’s just very comfortable to talk about it, and you just feel relieved.”

    Some members hang outside the meetings, going to lunch or just being there for each other, he added. They laugh and cry together, with talks ranging from serious topics to just showing a video of cats becoming scared of pickles.

    During the onset of the pandemic, Skinner said the group continued to be there for one another on Skype.

    Skinner, who did not want his photo taken, even recalled how important the group was to one woman who asked, “What will they think of me in the group” if she were to attempt again. That extra pause helped, he said.

    Suicide was among the top nine leading causes of death for people between the ages of 10 and 65 in 2021, according to the CDC. It was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 20 to 34.

    For every suicide death in the past year, there were about 38 self-reported suicide attempts as well as 265 people who seriously considered suicide, according to an Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national survey in 2021.

    The CDC estimates that 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide in 2021, 3.5 million planned an attempt, and 1.7 million actually attempted suicide.

    “I just feel for people who have to go through it,” Skinner said. “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I’m lucky that it wasn’t a permanent solution.”

    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for people in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

    Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

    To inquire about joining the survivor support group, call 978-327-6671 or complete the contact form at fsmv.org/suicide-prevention.

    Follow Monica on Twitter at @MonicaSager3

    Follow Monica on Twitter at @MonicaSager3

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    By Monica Sager | msager@eagletribune.com

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  • Danvers Historical Society exhibit explores the success of Ideal Baby Shoe Co.

    Danvers Historical Society exhibit explores the success of Ideal Baby Shoe Co.

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    A new exhibit hosted by Danvers Historical Society volunteers Sheila Cooke-Kayser and Joyce Cranford will explore the legacy of Danvers businesswoman Adra Day and the Ideal Baby Shoe Co., her business empire that supplied millions of babies around the world with the shoes they would take their very first steps in.

    While the huge factory on Locust Street in Danvers may be gone, the legacy of Day’s business still remains far reaching.

    This is largely thanks to her innovative idea based on medical research to mold baby shoes for the left and right foot as opposed to straight-toed shoes, and her intelligent, medical-based marketing.

    “She was a very smart businesswoman,” explained historian Sheila Cooke-Kayser of the Danvers Historical Society. “She would communicate with doctors and nurses about foot development, and researched what the proper shoe design for babies looked like from infancy to the first few years that they’re walking.

    “She also would encourage the doctors that she worked with to have samples of her shoes at their offices. So when you brought your baby, your doctor might have suggested the Ideal Baby Shoe Co. just like doctors suggest pharmacies and stuff like that today.”

    Going into the 20th century, the popularity of the shoes could not be overstated, with the infant children and grandchildren of famous figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Juliana of Holland, and President Woodrow Wilson all having worn Day’s shoes.

    The exhibit will not only display a huge collection of baby shoe designs from 1906 through 1970, but the 19th century shoemaking tools used to craft them, photographs of the factories, and even the promotional materials and innovative marketing that catapulted the business into notoriety.

    The Danvers Historical Society has collected such materials over decades, amassing a collection of hundreds of baby shoes of different styles and designs. In 1974, the last owners of the company, James and Robert McGinnity, donated the original shoe shop and more than 200 pairs of Ideal baby shoes to the society.

    “We really dove in, and it’s a pretty incredible collection,” said Laura Cilley, development coordinator at the Danvers Historical Society. “I just had absolutely no clue that there would be such a variety. So many incredible designs, colors, patterns — I mean, I wish they made them in adult sizes!”

    More recent research into Day’s history by historian Sheila Cooke-Kayser has revealed further details about her upbringing, business acumen, and family. We now know that she was born in Worthington in 1876 as the youngest of five children. After her father passed away in the 1890s, the family moved to Salem to work in the leather factories as stretchers, work that enabled her to bring home leather scraps and begin crafting the first iterations of Ideal Baby Shoes.

    As a part of their monthly speaker series, the Danvers Historical Society will be hosting historian Sheila Cooke-Kayser to speak more in-depth about how Day’s business went from taking home these leather scraps from her factory job to make shoes, to operating factories of her own and selling thousands of shoes a year.

    The special presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in Tapley Memorial Hall. The exhibit will be open Feb. 19, 21, and 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, also at Tapley Memorial Hall.

    Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202

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    By Michael McHugh | Staff Writer

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  • A half century of hands-on learning at Whittier Tech

    A half century of hands-on learning at Whittier Tech

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    HAVERHILL — It’s 7:45 a.m., a Tuesday in this the 50th anniversary of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.

    Principal Chris Laganas’ booming voice reaches through the intercom to 1,275 students in their homerooms this morning two days before Thanksgiving; and two months before voters would defeat a plan to build a $446 million school.

    The students are from the 11 towns and cities in which 73% of special election voters would reject the new school proposal, deeming it too costly, and almost three months before the Whittier Tech School Committee voted recently to withdraw the proposal.

    The students are enrolled in any of 23 vocational-technical shops. From culinary arts to computer-aided design, HVAC to hospitality and marketing to masonry.

    The principal’s underlying message this morning in late November is the same as it will be in late May. The same as on a Monday or Friday.

    Since Whittier opened in the 1973-74 school year, its students have gone on to be machinists, mechanics, electricians, chefs, carpenters, plumbers, nurses, teachers, researchers and businesspeople and to work in all fields.

    In the coming weeks, freshmen will select the shop program they want to pursue and juniors will become eligible for the Whittier cooperative education program in which students alternate school work with paid employment in their chosen technical field.

    Invariably, Whittier grads become handy people.

    The message Laganas relays this morning, and the words from his predecessors, is this:

    Take the opportunity in hand and work it.

    Make it and shape it in these classrooms and shops, and out in the field on coop placements working for employers, says Laganas, also the assistant superintendent, and a former professional hockey player who skated in hundreds of minor league games.

    The Whittier Way is active, a learning-by-doing approach that has driven the Whittier Tech engine for 50 years.

    Mixing things up

    In a kitchen the size of a basketball court, overhead lighting glints off stainless steel counters, mixers and dishwashing machines.

    Voices roll up against rattling dishes and chiming silverware. Pots tumble into a deep sink, thumping like a kick drum.

    Two dozen culinary arts students in aprons and instructors in chef coats and hats transition from breakfast to lunch.

    A chef calls out a reminder for students to stay on schedule with their tasks. This is crucial when shifting from one meal to the next.

    In the baking section, a youth pours chocolate chips into a mixer filled with cookie dough.

    Behind him, a student pulls a baking sheet of fresh cookies from the oven and slides it on a rack to cool.

    The smell of warm chocolate chip cookies registers bliss.

    The difference at Whittier is students get to make, bake, serve and — yes — eat the cookies.

    Culinary student Jeramiahes Vega, a junior who lives in Haverhill, pushes a cart to the baking station.

    Cooking gives him pleasure, satisfies.

    “I like the people’s reactions after they eat the food I make,” he said. “I like that. I like seeing how they change after having good food.”

    Nearby, Lillian Lefcourt, a Haverhill senior clad in kitchen whites, scrapes her grill clean. She pokes a brush into a small stainless container with melted butter. She works with purpose. No wasted movement.

    She and a classmate have been making grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches — egg and bacon or sausage and cheese — for the teachers.

    Lefcourt came to Whittier to learn a trade, to earn a living.

    “I really like baking cookies and brownies,” she says, brushing butter on the grill.

    Students cut, measure and clean.

    Chefs supervise, calling out orders as needed.

    “Guiding the students,” chef Tjitse Boringa says. “The students are doing all the work.”

    Boringa, originally from the Netherlands, has been teaching here for 23 years.

    He is one of six culinary arts instructors.

    The hallmark here and in the school’s 22 other programs is active learning.

    Beginning with the basics and building skills, not the least of which are being punctual, being attentive and finding the pleasure we humans get from learning.

    More students are continuing their education these days, Boringa says.

    A lot of them go to Johnson & Wales University or the Culinary Institute of America or Northern Essex Community College, he says.

    Mouths and manes

    In the dental shop, Skyy Skinner, a sophomore from Haverhill, practices passing instruments to her partner. Precision in simple tasks are important.

    Skinner holds an explorer, a thin stainless steel object for probing. She is poised above a set of teeth. No face or head. Just teeth on a thin post.

    She is also learning about disease control, making sure she is gloved and surfaces are clean, that the objects are sterilized and the space disinfected.

    Good dental hygiene promotes good health, she says.

    “It is important for a lot of things you wouldn’t expect,” Skinner says.

    She and the seven or eight other dental assistant students in the room all say they want to work in the dentistry field.

    This program was added in 2018. There is a demand for dental hygienists and assistants. The same is true for the budding carpenters, electricians and other tradespeople here.

    Some students arrive to Whittier with a program in mind; others find theirs through the freshmen exploratory. For three-quarters of their first year, they cycle through the different shops learning about the skills and technologies before selecting one to pursue in depth over their remaining time at the school.

    The cosmetology program has 19 students. Once they are licensed, they are placed in a salon outside the school for their co-op assignment, instructor Nancy Calverley says.

    Here in the cosmetology salon, students are coloring and styling hair and applying gel polish to nails.

    Shaylee Twombly, a senior from Amesbury, is first bleaching her client’s hair tips and front pieces so she can apply a red color and give it a halo look.

    “As you can see, it is kind of lifting down here,” she says of the color, as it shifts from a natural brown color to a lighter blond.

    “I was just bored with my hair,” says the client, a fellow student, Julianna Bucknill, of Newbury.

    The students are an energetic group and interested in beauty and fashion.

    “We are all bubbly with each other,” says Twombly, who plans to go to a two-year college and someday open her own salon.

    Shaping and selling

    A majority of Whittier graduates continue their education. Some will start their own businesses.

    A number of the teachers here are former Whittier students.

    In the wood shop is instructor Mike Sandlin, who grew up in Haverhill. He graduated from Whittier in 1997, studying carpentry, and graduated from Westfield State University with a degree in regional planning.

    He then joined the carpenters union and worked in the carpentry field for 18 years before returning to teach at his old school.

    Sometimes it takes students a few years to figure what they want to do, but many of them “are crushing it,” Sandlin says.

    A former student came in the other day and told him how she had started out with a company on the bottom rung.

    She was pushing a broom around a shop.

    “And now has worked her way up and is drawing her own kitchens and coming up with her own cabinet plans,” Sandlin says.

    The wood shop is filled with lumber and tools and machines, including shapers, routers, sanders, planers, joiners, saws and lathes.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere in the building, students decorate the school store, called J. Greenleaf, draping garlands behind the checkout counter.

    Sophomore Lia Landan, a marketing student from Haverhill, adjusts a garland according to directions from fellow marketing student Michael Wells, a junior from Haverhill, who eyes the placement from the entrance.

    Next, they string lights around the greenery and play Christmas music.

    “We have a little tree over there,” Landan says.

    “We have a star up there,” another student says, pointing to a yellow star topping the garland.

    The right fit

    Across the hall from the store is the Poet’s Inn, a cozy eatery open to the public.

    Seated at a table are senior class president Owen Brannelly, from Amesbury, and hospitality program teacher Nikolas Kedian, who graduated from Whittier Tech in 2016.

    “I realized the second I stepped into the culinary shop, it was the place where I best fit in,” Kedian says. “You start eating the food, meeting the people.”

    It felt like home. His family has worked in restaurants, he says.

    Footsteps, lots of them, approach in the hallway.

    More than 250 JG Whittier Middle School students are visiting Whittier Tech this day.

    Every Tuesday in November and a little of December, middle school students from the 11 sending communities visit the vocational school.

    Brannelly says it feels like it was only last year that he was an Amesbury Middle School student visiting Whittier. He was excited and nervous, and imagines that is what these middle schoolers are feeling.

    He had not planned on going the vocational route but decided that he wanted to try something new and different.

    He has been the class president for three years.

    He and classmates have organized school dances, including the first homecoming dance in the last 20 years.

    The dances have drawn lots of students, almost 800 of them to the last dance.

    He is interning at ARCH Medical Solutions, a manufacturing company in Seabrook, New Hampshire.

    Last year, he worked for an accounting firm as a receptionist.

    He is also earning college credits, taking classes, including English composition, at Whittier through Northern Essex Community College.

    He wants to study marketing in college and has been accepted by Big Ten schools: the University of Minnesota, Michigan State University and Ohio State University.

    He is bound for a much larger world, and ready for his next new and different adventure, well prepared for it by the Whittier Way.

    Whittier by the numbers

    Opened: 1973

    Address: 115 Amesbury Line Road, Haverhill

    Enrollment: 1,277 students

    Student-teacher ratio: 10-1

    Mascot: Wildcat

    Colors: Maroon and gold

    Sending cities and towns: Haverhill, Amesbury, Newburyport, Georgetown, Groveland, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.

    Programs: 23 in six core areas, arts and communication, construction, manufacturing, service, technology, and transportation

    Sports: 10 boys teams and nine girls teams

    2023 grads to college: 56%

    2023 grads to work: 37%

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    By Terry Date | Staff Writer

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  • Pet of the Week

    Pet of the Week

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    Meet Toby! This adorable guy is hoping to find his forever home. His favorite activities are looking out the window, lounging by his humans, and getting brushed. At 12 years old, he’s still got a playful side — he enjoys…

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    aholbrook@gloucestertimes.com

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  • ROCKPORT RAMBLINGS: ‘Shed your meds’ topic for luncheon

    ROCKPORT RAMBLINGS: ‘Shed your meds’ topic for luncheon

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    Worried your taking too many medicines? A presentation on Wednesday may help you advocate for yourself and keep medications in check throughout the aging process.

    The Rockport Council on Aging will host Donna Bartlett, author of “MedStrong,” at a special luncheon presentation Wednesday, Feb. 21, at noon.

    The lunch and presentation topic “Shed Your Meds” is free thanks to sponsorship from Addison Gilbert Hospital and the Friends of the Rockport Council on Aging. The event will take place at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway, where seats are limited and advance reservations are required.

    A board-certified geriatric pharmacist based in Worcester, Bartlett is engaged in community outreach programming specializing in older adult medication needs, affordability and prescription coverage. Bartlett has seen first-hand the effects of staying on medication longer than necessary and the impact of “over medication.”

    Those in attendance can expect to come away with a better understanding of “de-prescribing” from an expert who has been practicing, teaching and speaking on the subject for more than 15 years. Copies of Bartlett’s book “MedStrong” will be available for purchase at the event.

    Seats may be reserved by contacting the Rockport Council on Aging at 978-546-2573.

    Career Day

    The DECA chapter at Rockport High School is sponsoring Career Day on Wednesday, April 3, at the school, 24 Jerden’s Lane, from 8 to 10:30 a.m., and the chapter is seeking for volunteers for presentations. Rockport High alumni are encouraged to present. Anyone interested in participating should email DECA advisor Scott Larsen at slarsen@rpk12.org.

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    Rockport Ramblings | All Hands

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  • NH first reponders unite for benefit hockey game

    NH first reponders unite for benefit hockey game

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    Local New Hampshire first responders will trade their uniforms in for jerseys as they compete in the 16th annual Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Battle of the Badges on March 10 at the SNHU Arena in Manchester.

    The charity hockey game raises money to provide critical services for children with chronic illnesses or injuries. Funds also help support pediatric patients and their families.

    Ten emergency personnel from police and fire departments in Salem, Hampstead, Londonderry, Derry and Danville are represented on the two teams.

    This will be Hampstead police Officer Bryan Lamontagne’s fourth time playing in the game. He’s joined by Officer Tyler Phair to represent his department.

    For Lamontagne, the game is secondary to the greater purpose of the event.

    It’s a way for him to give back and help children and families going through difficult times.

    “You see the families that need the support and help,” Lamontagne said. “If it takes a little bit of time and effort on my side to help these families and raise some money for them then that is what I am going to do.”

    The players each year are assigned to a special buddy from the hospital. Lamontagne and his wife have built a relationship with their buddy’s family over the last few years and offer a little extra support, whether through social media or texts, wherever they can.

    He has children of his own and hopes his oldest son will see the impact of that relationship and what the game means.

    Phair also felt it was important to be a part of something bigger than the game of hockey, which he’s played his whole life.

    He was injured during last year’s game so this will be his first time playing in it.

    “It’s great to give back to a great cause while also playing the sport we love,” Phair said. “That’s the main reason I became a cop – to help others in need.”

    Both Phair and Lamontagne have raised funds together and already met their goal. Now, they are looking to exceed the goal.

    While local departments on both the fire and police side face off against each other, they are still united for a singular cause. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t friendly rivalry between the two sides – or a chance for friends to switch teams.

    Phair went to high school with fellow benefit player, Hampstead firefighter Zach Sylvester who is on the roster for the opposing team.

    Salem Fire Fleet Mechanic Leo LeBlanc is another first timer like Phair. He is one of three from Salem Fire in the game, joining Firefighters Ashton Rome and Dylan Ferguson.

    He saw Rome’s repeated involvement in the game and wanted to join in. He’s looking forward to being a part of this with multiple members of Salem Fire.

    As a mechanic, LeBlanc spends most of his day at the station repairing and fixing broken apparatuses and doesn’t get as many opportunities to participate in community events.

    “This is my chance to get involved with the community that I don’t get to go out and see all the time,” LeBlanc said.

    While he’s excited to gear up in a sport he plays, LeBlanc knows there’s a bigger picture why they will be there.

    “Everyone is coming together for the same reason and that’s to help these kids,” LeBlanc said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

    Danville Officer Padraig Capsalis, Londonderry Field Training Officer Cameron Verrier, Derry firefighters Cody Lappas and Timary Malley are also skating in the game and raising funds for the children’s hospital.

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    By Angelina Berube | aberube@eagletribune.com

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