Director’s Welcome

 

Happy 30th Anniversary!

As we are set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the program, I thought it might be fun to take a trip down memory lane with the Newton Parks & Recreation Department’s Special Needs Program (see page 2 of newsletter).  It all started back when Jimmy Carter was president, the medium household income was $15,064 and the cost of a gallon of regular gas was $0.63.  This was before the days of cable television, home computers or cell phones.  In fact, the Walkman was the latest innovation and if you had one there is a good chance it was playing the Bee Gees.  The year was 1978.

However, before we reminisce about the early beginnings of the program, let’s fast forward 29 ¾ years and recap the fall season just completed.  So I need you to turn off your iPhone or hi-definition flat screen television; for safety reasons please do not read this while driving your hybrid car, especially if you are text messaging.

Everything came up roses at Paddy’s Road Race in October.  The temperature rose to 75 degrees, the field rose to 1,610 participants and, most importantly, our single event fundraising record rose to over $30,000.  We thank John & Karl O’Hara and all of our sponsors (see page 14 of newsletter) for making this event such a success.  A special thanks to the race committee, our volunteers, and all of those who shillelagh shuffled the 3 mile course on race day.

This fall the Hooligans Soccer teams had another excellent year with new coaches Joe Cummings and Donna O’Connell helping veterans Stan Kruszewski and Ralph Bryant lead the teams.  The Bear Cubs kept busy with soccer and swimming on Saturday mornings and the Newton Tigers did the same with soccer followed by indoor floor hockey.  The social calendars of many of our participants were booked with our Friday Night Rocks, Phantom Gourmet and Adult Social programs as well as the annual holiday parties, thanks to the Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party Association.

We hosted over 70 athletes every Tuesday night between our track and swim teams.  This is possible due to our many long-standing (as well as outstanding) coaches and volunteers.  This fall, more than ever, we were also blessed with an abundance of new volunteers, thanks to organizations such as Boston Cares and Volunteer Match as well as Boston University students.  A huge thank you goes out to everyone who shares their time and talents with our athletes on Tuesday nights at Newton North.

On behalf of the Newton Parks & Recreation Department we thank you for your long-standing support and for being an important part of our program’s history.  We invite you to come celebrate with us in 2008.

Happy 30th!

Mark Kelly