Guided by Character, Driven by Heart

Contributed By Staff Reports

Those who live by their hearts do the right thing every day because it’s the right thing to do. This is the vibrant color of their hearts called character. Ten remarkable everyday people recently received the Heart of Billerica Award as a thank you making a difference to others and their community.

This new annual award, created by The Billerica Green, recognizes the everyday person who makes life better by simply living theirs. No town leaders or heads of organizations are considered, since those folks, who also do plenty, get recognition more often.

Once announced in June, The Billerica Green Selection Committee received numerous nominations. On the evening of the award, more than 150 people, including Selectmen Bob Correnti, Mike Rosa, and Marc Lombardo; State Representative Bill Greene; and Town Manager John Curran, came to the Buck Auditorium to applaud those who may not have otherwise been honored. The town and state officials presented each recipient with a proclamation and the Billerica Green awarded them a plaque recounting the Story of the Starfish (Check it out on page 7).

“The Billerica Green has been in business just over one year and, as a celebration, we wanted to thank the town by recognizing these unsung heroes,” said Publisher and Managing Editor Liana Measmer. “We wanted those of you who quietly make a difference, one simple act at a time, to be appreciated.”

Council on Aging (COA) Director Donna Popkin was on hand to help introduce the TILL Wheelchair Dance group, Dances with Wheels. This group got their start by performing at the COA and went onto to raise over $2000 for the Billerica Scholarship Foundation in their ‘Smell The Roses’ show. The scholarship is for a special needs student planning to attend college. This ensemble believes it’s their responsibility to be contributing members of society.

“I want to say congratulations and keep on dancing,” said Popkin.

Playground Coordinator, Sandy Libby, a driving force behind the ‘Take 5’ litter pick-up program, was emotional when she described Andy Brant. Although head injured, Brant keeps Billerica streets clean by picking up every piece of debris on Boston Road, between Sal’s Pizza and the Town Common.

“I find it comforting to see Andy’s face around town,” said Libby. “Andy takes it to a new level.”

Courtney Finn received her parents’, Laureen and Brian Goguen, award on their behalf. In March 2008, the Goguens hosted a Belizean woman and her three year old daughter who was in need of medical care at MGH in Boston. Without hesitation, this family took them into their home and for five weeks, they also opened their wallet, car door, refrigerator and heart to this mother and child.

“They took this family in with grace and love,” said Finn. “This town is better to have them in it.”

Neelam Wali took the microphone next to honor her friend Jo Leary. Leary visits elderly senior citizens, ensuring they have food, are healthy and safe and keep their doctor’s appointments. She’s spent numerous hours helping one of the town’s ‘gems’, Ms. Mary Pasho, who recently passed away at 90 years old.

“She is a lady who cares, gives, goes out of her way to help seniors and is funny when she is doing it,” said Wali. “ We need people like her.”

Lisa Marie Noke Kearney understands the heartache of a special needs child. Her son, Ryan, was diagnosed at 18 months old with autism. Autism inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings and form relationships. As a mom, Noke Kearney had to reprogram her expectations and chose to channel her grief and gratitude positively. She is active in autism organizations like Advocates for Autism of MASS (AFAM) which provide family support and lobby for state and federal funding. She specifically thanked Representative Greene who has supported her efforts and the cause for autism.

“I have enjoyed working with your office,” said Noke-Kearney. “You’re fantastic.”

Katie McCarthy, a Realtor at Burns and Egan Realty Group, nominated co-owner Bill Egan. She pointed out this local resident, who has raised his children and grandchildren here, shows his pride through his contributions and personal achievements, with one being a Little League coach for 40 years.

“He’s a guy who has a great heart and truly makes me proud to be born and raised in Billerica,” said McCarthy.

Egan humbly thanked his family and friends, explaining he never coached a problem child, attributing this success to the need for patience.

“I was lucky enough to coach,” said Egan. “I’m so fortunate.”

With a push in Billerica to explore homeschooling, parents choosing this path are always seeking enrichment activities for their children. Billerica Homeschooling Association co-founder, Jen Croce, wanted homeschoolers to participate in the town wide art show so she approached local artist, Colleen Sgroi to inquire how. Sgroi advised Croce but then took it one step further. Sgroi established art classes for homeschooled children in order to offer them enhanced curriculums.

“I believe Colleen embodies the spirit that the Heart of Billerica award was designed to recognize,” said Croce.

Our veterans are self-sacrificing, devoted, and committed. Kathleen Vogan, Secretary of the Planning Board and the Solomon Post VFW, nominated Jim Brennan for exuding these qualities.

Andy Brant: Keeping Billerica Streets Clean

By Liana Measmer

“Perhaps it’s good to have a beautiful mind, but an even greater gift is to have a beautiful heart.”

– John Nash

Andy Brant never thought his life would change forever in a split second. Following a serious car accident, Brant was in a coma for nine months, requiring multiple surgeries with no assurance he would walk again. Brant went on to beat the odds and move out on his own. The pain of life post head trauma lead him to vacillating between sobriety and drinking before moving into the Twelve Step Education Program, a sober house in Billerica, ten years ago. He is proud of his 10 + years of sobriety.

“This is a great house,” said Brant.

TILL Wheelchair Dancers: Inspiring Others to Soar

By Liana Measmer

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

-Sir James Barrie

The superstars that grace the halls of Toward Independent Living (TILL) on Boston Road love living by the code: bring smiles to others.

This day program has been assisting individuals with special needs build skills while involving them in community opportunities to serve others. One such group is the Dances with Wheels team consisting of Allison Hill, Lisa Roy, Heather March and Dennis Fryar. These four adults, under the guidance and direction TILL Staff, don’t allow the confines of their wheelchairs stop them from performing.

“We don’t care what your disability is,” said TILL Site Supervisor, Doug Townsend. “You can still dance.”

Brennan, past Commander and current board member of the VFW Solomon Post, spent a lot of time planning the Solomon Brothers Memorial, located at the intersection of Boston Road and Pollard Street. With his creative imagination, Brennan made his dream a reality in 2008. The walkway of the memorial is made of bricks that are dedicated to loved ones and Brennan has now decided to donate bricks for every veteran we have lost from Billerica.

“I wanted to ensure it will be maintained when I’m gone,” said Brennan.

Chandrakant Patel is described as an unsung hero who quietly makes a difference. From February to April, five days a week, Patel gives of his time and expertise free of charge to those needing tax assistance. In 2010 alone, he successfully prepared over 200 returns.

The Story of The Starfish

A man was walking along the beach where the sand was littered with starfish. The tide had gone out and they were all dying, unable to get back to the ocean. In the distance, the man saw a boy bending over, picking up starfish one at a time and tossing them back into the surf. The man watched intently and then approached the boy.

“What are you doing?” asked the man. “There are thousands of them. Too many for you to ever make a difference.”

The boy bent, picked up a starfish,tossed it into the water and smiled at his elder.

He was nominated by Billerica Public Library Assistant Librarian Priscilla Vaughn, and when he took the microphone, he ‘thanked’ the US Senate for such a complex piece of legislation.

“It made a difference to that one.”

“For most people, what constitutes a hero is open to personal interpretation,” said Vaughn. “To many community residents, Mr. Patel is a hero.”

Wrapping up the evening was a daughter paying tribute to her parents. Jennifer Bourdeau honored her parents, Donna and Roy Schafer, who coached Little League and Basketball for their children, having since gone on to coach these sports for their grandchildren. Now, they are also involved in the Little League Challenger League for special needs athletes.

The Schafers explained their children and grandchildren are their pride and joy. Donna explained when the announcement arrived in the mail, she almost threw it out, thinking it was a political election postcard. When she read it again, she ran to tell her husband the news.

“You’re not going to believe what she did this time,” said Donna never expecting something like this.

Before leaving, the Board of Selectmen, Representative Bill Greene and his aide, Ellen Rawlings, DJ Todd Dellaporta, the Heart of Billerica Selection Committee, Susan Akers from the Town Manager’s office, Dan Vitale of town electrical services, and Mr. Herrick who set up the auditorium were thanked.

“To those who nominated and those who received awards, it is you who really are the Heart of Billerica,” said Measmer.

Since he now lives with an impaired right side, riding a bike is an easier mode of getting around. On Boston Road a few years ago, Brant noticed a significant amount of litter. Knowing a fall off his bicycle could be dangerous, Brant decided to help the town and pick up the trash all along Route 3A. Initially, he thought to protect those who may be handicapped or elderly but today he proudly does this for everyone.

“I’m a volunteer and I don’t want to see anyone get hurt,” said Brant. “I like to help out.”

Every morning at 7 am, Brant dons rubber gloves, grabs a plastic bag and starts picking. He starts at his residence and finishes two hours later at the town common. Brant appreciates a beep or a wave, which feels like a thank you.

Twelve Step House Director Phil Molonson said Brant has more energy than anyone in the house and demonstrates a really great work ethic.

“I wish we had 50 guys like him here,” complimented Molonson.

Brant wants to encourage others to get involved by not throwing trash out their car window.

“If people got involved, we’d live in a very clean community,” said Brant.

Dances with Wheels started in 2006 intended to introduce new sensory therapies through music since there was not much opportunity for those in wheelchairs to dance. What has evolved over time is a group which has performed about 50 times throughout Massachusetts since its inception to over 3,000 people, bringing smiles, joy and hope to anyone who watches in amazement.

“No one had ever thought what the impact of wheelchair dancing would be to those who do not get the opportunity to do so,” said Townsend. “These individuals are pioneers in what they do.”

Each dancer brings something unique to the table. Allison Hill is the voice for the group. She instills hope in those who hear her since she believes the group shows others they CAN.

“They don’t see our wheelchairs,” said Hill. “They see us as people.”

Lisa Roy is the light of this circle, with her beautiful contagious smile. Roy is a performer who dances alone because she can maneuver her motorized wheelchair well. She wants people to feel good.

“People’s faces light up,” said Roy. “This gives them meaning. They can get up and try it.” continued on page 14

Jim Brennan: Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

By Nora Fiore

“Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit.”

– Mary Lou Retton

Jim Brennan believes in honor and pride. He is responsible for the Solomon Brother’s Memorial on the corner of Route 3A and Pollard Street, by the 7-11 convenience store. Brennan was the commander of the VFW Solomon Post and this cause had been near and dear to his heart. Brennan, who is a veteran, comes from a military family with a father who was a WWI & WWII veteran as well as eight of 14 siblings serving in the military.

“I wanted to honor the Solomon brothers for their heroic sacrifice to our country,” said Brennan.

Brennan got the idea in 2000 and flew with it. He designed the memorial himself, then set out to fund it. Brennan held weekly raffles to raise money but that was only the beginning. He then approached the planning board to get an easement since 7-11 owned part of the land. Once that was all set, Boy Scout Troop 55 and some Eagle scouts helped put up the fence, dig the walk, and lay the bricks. Jim is now accepting Billerica resident’s names to engrave on the bricks as a fundraiser for maintenance of this space.

“Jim worked tirelessly to get the memorial built,” said Bob Solomon, a member of the Solomon family.

The memorial honors Robert Wesley Solomon , a Naval veteran and Albert Solomon, an Army veteran. Both were lost at war. Robert’s twin David Solomon, also a veteran, is Brennan’s friend.

“I’m proud of Jim and all of the hard work that went into it,” said Bob. “The memorial came out beautifully and we’re honored by it.”

Bill Egan: A Heart for Good Sportsmanship

By Angie Orenstein

“If people like you, they’ll give you a hand. But if they trust you, they’ll give you their heart. And heart to heart, we can face anything together.”

– Steve Goodier

After forty years of coaching Billerica Little League, one would think he was ready to throw in the towel, but every year Bill Egan tells his wife – “just one more year!”

In the 1950s, Bill played Little League on Pollard Field and four decades ago, his childhood friend, Phil Hajjar, asked him to coach The Red Sox. Bill still coaches this team for 9 to 12 year olds today. Bill told Hajjar he just wanted to work with the kids but the dedicated coach eventually became more involved, serving in such capacities as league president, publicity director, and currently, head of the scholarship committee.

Bill and his wife have three sons, two daughters, and 14 grandchildren, 11 of whom play sports. After 37 years of working at Raytheon, Bill retired in 2004 and opened a real estate business – Burns & Egan – with his daughter, Kelly.

Keith Farrow, President of the Billerica Little League, was not surprised Bill was given a Heart of Billerica Award. He called this gentleman one of the better teachers of the game.

“He’s about preparing the kids for the ups and downs of not just baseball but also life,” said Farrow. “He’s all about giving back to the community and the kids.”

Bill said he’s proud he’s never argued with an umpire or raised his voice to a player. Bill likes watching the difference in his team from the beginning of the season to the end. He tells them never be afraid to fail, do their best and never give up.

“My message to everyone is to get involved, with sports, senior citizens,” said Bill. “No matter what you put into it, you’re going to get it back many times over.”