Tag Archives: Newburyport

November 21, 2008 · 5:35 pm

Don’t Extend the School Day at Nock Middle School

Why in the world would they want to extend the school day at Nock Middle School?

Alyson Aiello writes in second paragraph of “Nock looks at longer days” in the Newburyport Current (November 21st), “The idea (extra hour of school) came about based on last spring’s MCAS results, which fell short of expectations.” 

Don’t you wonder how schools with results that don’t fall short of expectations, manage to get good scores in just a normal school day?  Wouldn’t a visit to those successful, nearby middle schools make more sense than a trip to the Expanded Learning Time summit on December 5th?  Probably cost a lot less as well.

Administrators can be part of the underachieving problem. 

Some administrators make it difficult for teachers to teach.  If you think that teachers have 180 days of full class periods to teach, you’re dreaming.  Distractions may abound such as disruptive students, uncomfortable classrooms, assemblies, workshops, etc…  I suspect that the fewer the distractions the better the learning possibilities will be. 

Teachers can be part of the underachieving problem.

A few years ago in Chattanooga (TN), the teachers in the underachieving schools were required to reapply for their jobs.  Many teachers weren’t rehired. That’s because if there’s one thing that the state tests do it is to point out the underachieving teachers and departments.  I wonder if all of the Nock Middle School teachers would be rehired if they had to reapply?

Students can be part of the underachieving problem.

Lack of incentive could well be an issue.  What’s in it for a middle school student taking the MCAS?  A high schooler needs to pass to graduate.  Not so with a middle schooler. 

Also in the mix is the fact that some students learn slowly.  It often isn’t for lack of effort, just lack of ability.  However, their scores count and affect a school system’s score.

When a school’s test results fall short of expectations, does it make any sense to have extended learning time for the teachers and students who are NOT falling short?  Of course not, unless it is voluntary, which this doesn’t appear to be. 

On the other hand, why not make the extra hour mandatory for those who underachieved? 

The students would get extra help in the subject areas they need help in and be taught by teachers the administration thinks will do the best job at it.  The selected teachers would be compensated for the extra time.

The underachieving teachers would now have an extra hour to prepare and to attend teaching/subject area workshops.  Should a school system allow an underachieving teacher to be involved in extracurricular activities such as sports?

Expand the learning time only for the students and teachers who, according to the MCAS, need it.  I think it would pay off.

(Sent as a letter-to-the-editor to the Newburyport Current on November 21st)

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November 12, 2008 · 3:38 pm

Newburyport Wins Round Two in Div 3 soccer tournament

Veronica Poirier scores

Veronica Poirier scores

 (Newburyport) I took advantage of another home game (Tuesday-November 11th) for the defending state champion Newburyport girls’ soccer team and watched them defeat North Reading at Cherry Hill, 2-0.

This was an entirely different game from the Nazareth game a few days ago.  North Reading not only had good players but they share the same conference (Cape Ann League) as Newburyport.  The Hornets had hung with the Clippers earlier in the season losing only 3-1.

Again, situated near the opponent goal I caught a pretty good shot (pictured above) of a goal being scored.  It was the first one and in this case turned out to be the winner in the 2-0 victory.

Veronica Poirier was the goal scorer and it came after a Clipper corner kick (Laura Muise) and a scramble in front.  Veronica rushed down the middle and drove the ball (note the ball in the picture) high into the net.

Next for Newburyport is a rematch with Lynnfield.  The teams tied during the regular season (2-2) and this promises to be a very tightly contest affair.  The game will take place tomorrow (Thursday) in Lynn at Manning Field at 5PM.  I hope to be on hand for it.

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November 9, 2008 · 2:54 am

Newburyport girls cruise in tourney soccer opener

Sara Casey Scores

Sara Casey Scores

(Newburyport) Watched the excellent Newburyport soccer girls easily defeat Our Lady Nazareth, 10-0, at Cherry Hill on Friday (November 7th) afternoon.

The action almost never left the Naz half of the field and my location near the Naz goal provided numerous opportunities to see goals scored.  The photo above pictured Sara Casey just after she slide one past the extremely busy Naz goalie and into the net in the first half.

The Newburyport girls now advance in the Division 3 North tournament to face familiar Cape Ann League foe, North Reading.  Earlier in the CAL season the Newburyport girls defeated North Reading on the road, 3-1.  Game time is at 2PM  on Tuesday (November 11th) back at Cherry Hill Field.  This matchup is certain to be much more competitive.

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May 23, 2008 · 8:40 pm

Newburyport High School Senior Athletes Discuss Sports

No question sports are a big part of the lives of recently graduated Newburyport seniors, Colleen Coviello and Richie Burke (pictured above).

“I started playing during all seasons in elementary school,” recalled Richie. 

For Colleen a year round sports life began in 4th grade.  “Soccer was the sport I started with and then other sports came along.”

During high school, Colleen participated in soccer as well as indoor and outdoor track.  Summertime found her playing more soccer at camps.

Richie was able to involve himself in football, lacrosse, golf, basketball, and baseball during his four years at Newburyport High.  “I played lacrosse and football in just my freshman year,” he explained.  “I had a couple of concussions and switched to baseball and golf to go along with basketball.  I had to stay away from all contact sports on doctor’s orders.”

Richie’s love of sports motivated him to keep his grades up.  “You want to participate and you know that you need good grades to do that.  Sometimes you come home tired from practice/games but you know that you have to get your schoolwork finished so you do. I tried to get as much work done in school as I could.”

Organizing her schedule away from sports was important to Colleen.  “You must manage your time.  You realize early on that after practice you have to get the work done because there is no other time available.”

Colleen credited her coaches for helping her academically.  “I was never overwhelmed because the coaches were very good about giving me time if I needed to catch up on something in a class.”

For most high school year round athletes the transition to college takes some doing.  Why?  Depending on the college they attend, there is a good chance that they will not be active in college sports year round the way they were in high school. That is the case with Colleen.  She is going to Division 1 College of Charleston in South Carolina.

“I’ll try club soccer and see how that goes,” she said.  “There probably will be free time away from classes and homework.  I am willing to try new things.  Maybe volleyball or flag football.  If I’m not active I could get bored pretty fast.”

Richie on the other hand could well continue to be a year round athlete at Division 3 Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts.  He was recruited to play basketball there and expects to try out for baseball as well.  “Among other things such as working I’ll be training for college basketball.”

“Athletics were the best part of high school,” added Richie.  “My memories will be of being with different people each season.”

Colleen’s memories of high school sports are more precise.  “The thing that I will always remember will be this past soccer season (Division C state champs).  Many of my best friends were on the team.  We had an unbelievable season and ended up state champions.”

( Likely to appear in The Town Common in late June or July )

 

 

 

 

 

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April 10, 2008 · 8:38 pm

Pioneer League: A Hit with Kids and Parents

On Saturday (April 19th), Newburyport’s Pioneer League launches its 50th season.  A ten-member board runs the impressive organization that involves nearly 770 area kids from ages six to fifteen.

“We’ll be ready to go,” said League President Bob Horne.  “The fields were opened to practice on April 8th.”

With numbers second only to the Newburyport school system, this voluntary organization obviously enjoys citywide appeal. 

Ten years ago, there were about 400 players.  What draws kids is the realization that they will see plenty of action (at bat and in the field) if they sign up to play.  The certainty of playing time sits well with most parents too.

“Our goal is to teach kids how to play the game,” said President Horne.  “We want them to learn teamwork and how to get along.  During the regular season the emphasis is not with winning as much as it is on participation and learning the skills of the game.”

Bob Horne’s background would suggest why he’s comfortable with this low-key approach.  “I grew up in Gorham (Maine) which didn’t have much of a little league.  We played what you might call, sandlot ball.  There was only one real field in town. We found other places to play when it was unavailable.  You’d get your friends together and play for hours and have fun.” 

All the participants and all the games make Pioneer Park and its four fields a busy place into August.  The league has worked at being a good neighbor.  “We do our best to clean up and also we’re aware of the traffic issues on that section of Merrimac Street when games are being played,” added Bob.

A revitalization plan is in the works for Pioneer Park. The plan eliminates one of the four fields and adds off-street parking.  “The architectural plans are nearly finished and the cost for this project should be known soon,” said Bob.  “We have a fundraising committee in place.  We are fortunate to have Mike Doyle on our board to head the project. He did a similar one in Springfield ten years ago.”

The project will be done in the off-season.  “In the first phase we’ll take care of drainage issues and build a new clubhouse,” explained Bob.  “In the second phase we’ll relocate the parking and the last part will be adding the fields.” 

Bob Horne works daytime for a distribution arm of International Paper called XPEX.  Over the next 3+ months he’ll have plenty to do in the evenings as well.  He became involved in the Pioneer League 13 years ago when his son Will began playing.  Now Will is a senior umpire.

“Running this league is a 12-month job for the ten-member board,” said Bob. “We have worked well together and I hope that we’ll stay together for a while.”

“To see kids enjoying themselves and being part of respected organization in town is very rewarding.”

For more details on the league, check out their website at www.thenewburyportpioneerleague.com.

(Submitted to The Town Common on April 10, 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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March 14, 2008 · 5:22 pm

Stephen Karp Woos Newburyport

President George Washington visited Newburyport in October of 1789 on a nationwide tour.  The purpose of all the travel? By visiting in person and conversing with the locals, the first president hoped to prevent sectionalism from dividing the new nation.

Stephen Karp 3-13-08Stephen Karp’s appearance in Newburyport at the crowded Rupert Nock Auditorium on March 13 had similar purposes.  He hoped to go from, “Stephen Karp the secretive billionaire who owns most of the waterfront,” to, “Stephen Karp a person who greeted you, answered questions, and gave glimpses of his development plans.”

Did he succeed?  I think so because even in the most dangerous of scenarios (question and answer period) he was able to give responses that seemed to, at least temporarily, satisfy the questioners.

The 600+ folks that showed up pleasantly surprised Newburyport Mayor John Moak.  “This is being well received by the community,” he said while watching Stephen Karp interact with many of us.  “There’s a good mix of people already here.”

The mayor had met with Stephen Karp earlier in the evening.  “I came away with the impressions that he is a good person, with a nice sense of humor, a good sense of family, and incredibly successful in business.”

During his presentation in the auditorium, the soft-spoken, 67-year-old Karp touched on several areas of concern in the region that brought people to the meeting – Waterfront West.

Why is it taking so long (three years) to get the development started?  “We’ve been developing properties for 35 years.  Planning and regulations are the things that take time.”

Are we trying to create another Nantucket (Karp is a major real estate owner there)?  “No, Newburyport is a different market.  Nantucket is seasonal.  We’re not foolish enough to try and force Nantucket on you.”

To the surprise of no one, the visitor from Weston brought up lack of downtown parking.  “You have to address it and it must be done soon.  Things will not work without this issue being taken care of.  We could help and have done so in other places we’ve developed.”

Much of what Stephen Karp had to say was short on specifics and long on optimism.  “We value Newburyport and think that it is a special place.  We believe that we can add to its vitality without taking away anything that is already here.”

Time will tell.  In the meantime, those attending the meeting now know him a lot better and that could ease some of the perils of developing such a significant eight acres of waterfront real estate.

President Washington visited Newburyport and rode off never to return.  That is not the way it will be with Stephen Karp. 

(Submitted to the Town Common – March 14th)

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March 11, 2008 · 2:29 am

Newburyport’s “Greatest” Woman Driver?

I saw the title in the letters to the editor in the March 6 issue of the Newburyport Daily News and prepared myself for some explosive reading.

The title?  “Seeking information about ‘World’s Greatest Woman Driver’ “

I felt let down when I learned in the article that a woman from London (Deborah Cherry) was actually searching for information about another woman (Fay Taylour) who drove in car races quite a while ago.

I was expecting, based on the title, that some gentleman from the area would pour out some negative references to some of the driving habits of women he had observed on the streets of Newburyport.  I guess it was the “greatest” part that sent me down the wrong road.

I was anticipating some mention of a woman at a traffic light in town using her mirror to rearrange her facial appearance.  When the light changed, she failed to notice and instead continued with her cosmetic surgery.  How thoughtful of someone woman driverto honk their horn in appreciation of her improved looks!

I was also guessing that the young mother with the cell phone on the ear in one hand, steering wheel in the other, young kid in the backseat, and dog further back might appear in the letter.  When the light changed, around the corner she went with a one-hand turn, no directional, and little interest in the rate of speed.  There was no way that she was paying sufficient attention to driving.  Dangerous?  You bet.

Not so long ago describing someone as a, “woman driver,” referred to a person who was uncertain or cautious behind the wheel and usually that “someone” was a woman.  Not anymore!  There’s not a whole lot of caution and uncertainty around anymore by anyone. 

Many men are too aggressive behind the wheel and many women are too distracted.  My concern level regarding bad driving has not reached my fear of the possibility of Hillary or Obama being President but it is getting there. 

(This was sent as a letter-to-the-editor of The Newburyport Daily News on 3-11-08.)

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February 11, 2008 · 9:08 pm

I Voted for Barack Obama

Barrack Obama

I am writing to congratulate myself for voting for Barack Obama and being part of his 28-vote victory in Newburyport in the Democrat primary.

My vote was not based on Mr. Obama’s skin color because I’m not a racist.  I do admit,however, that I do not watch BET (Black Entertainment Television) or support the United Negro College Fund because they’re racist.

My vote was not based on Barack’s middle name, “Hussein.” That middle name is part of his Moslem background.  If I let his background factor into my vote, I would be a racist and I’m not.  However, if I learned that his hand was going to be on the Koran instead of the Bible when he was sworn in to the presidency I would vote against him.  That’s not being racist. That is believing that the Bible, not the Koran, contains the truths that I want my leader to pledge allegiance to.

My vote was not based on Barack being against the war in Iraq.  Barack was in the State Senate, not the US Senate, when the vote for that war took place.  If he had been confronted with the same evidence that President Bush and Hillary Clinton were confronted with he would have voted to go ahead with the war. 

My vote was not based on Barack’s belief that abortion should be available in all nine months of pregnancy.  I am opposed to abortion and consider the slaughter of unborn children to be a horrific tragedy.

My vote is not based on Barack’s willingness to put an end to some of the tax cuts that have been enacted during the current administration.  I defy anyone to explain to me how sending me out into the buying world with less money is going to help the economy. 

My vote is not based on Barack’s talk of unifying the country.  I believe that his idea of “unity” is for me to change my previously held positions and switch to his.  I have a right to my opinion even if it disagrees with his opinion.  Labeling opinions that are different from his, “divisive,” is a step toward trying to shut off constructive dialogue. 

My vote is not based on the endorsements of Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy.  Those two are the punch lines of jokes in any comic setting.  Kerry was offered $1 million to clear up the controversy surrounding his service in the Vietnam War.  He proved that either he didn’t need the money or he couldn’t clear his name by taking no action.  Kennedy looked out his ocean-side window and decided that his view was more important than a wind energy program that would lower electricity rates on the Cape.

So why did I vote for Barack Obama?  Quite simply it was a vote against Hillary Clinton. 

At a dinner party recently, I heard someone say that they were voting for Hillary because, “she was the only one that they could trust.”  You’re right, it stunned me too!  If past performance means anything, Hillary is the one that can’t be trusted.

Let me make a prediction: Barack Obama is going to get the Democrat nomination but during the trip to also-rans, the Clintons are going to tear that party apart.  It gives me pleasure to think that I may have had a hand in that process in a voting booth at the Brown School.

( Appeared in both the Newburyport Current and the Newburyport Daily News on February 15, 2008. )

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January 29, 2008 · 6:39 pm

Surprising Behavior by Senator John Kerry and Michael Cook

What is this world coming to? 

Is it possible that prolific letter writer Michael Cook wrote an entire entry for last week’s Newburyport Current (“Culture of celebrity is all about marketing”) without including “President Bush” and an unflattering adjective in the same sentence?

Is it also possible that our Senator Kerry called former president Bill Clinton a “liar” last Friday?

It is not only possible but also true in both cases.  I found both occurrences refreshing.

I will admit that I generally only read Michael’s entries until the word “Bush” shows up.  After that, the Far Left talking points start and my interest vanishes.  I’m not crazy about President Bush, especially on immigration, but he is not the cause of all the evil in the world. 

In this article, which I was able to read in its entirety, Michael opined on a topic that my wife and I have discussed more than a few times: “Why do some of the lightweights of our society get paid so much money?”  Like us, Michael wonders why those who really make a difference in society struggle to get by. 

Michael credits this unfairness to the fact that the successful are getting assistance from publicists while the rest of us are not.  We may be doing great things but no one is notifying the media of it or setting up contacts that will lead to financial rewards.  I absolutely agree.

I do think we have to remember that we live in a culture that is willing to pay dearly to be entertained.  Those offering the entertainment know this.  When ticket prices go up people are outraged.  However, they do have two choices – pay or stay home.  Most choose to pay and that just emboldens those offering the entertainment.

Michael thinks that the sordid lifestyles of many of the celebrities will eventually lessen our interest in following them and/or paying to see them perform.  I hope he’s right but after flipping through the TV channels and seeing previews of coming attractions, I think that those providing the entertainment totally disagree with Michael on this point.   The faces and thoughts of fools are constantly before us today and most likely will be there tomorrow. 

When the Super Bowl is over and they start interviewing the participants you can bet that more than a few players will be an embarrassment to watch………but we’ll watch just to see if they embarrass themselves.  Of course, if they’re celebrating Patriots players we’ll bear with it and the networks know that.

John Kerry 

The other pleasant surprise I referred to was Kerry calling Clinton a liar.   It wasn’t breaking news that the Clintons are often free and easy with the truth it was just that Senator Kerry showed some moxie and went after the Clintons.   Kerry’s endorsement of Obama early this month didn’t cause much of a stir. I, in fact, thought that Kerry’s endorsement might do Obama more harm than good since Senator Kerry is about as popular as those dogs that leave their calling cards down on the Merrimac River boardwalk are. 

It aggravated many Obama supporters that because Kerry delayed his endorsement he fumbled a chance to help Obama in the neighboring New Hampshire primary.  A number of national media types, much to his embarrassment, noted Kerry’s poor timing. 

The media criticism stirred Senator Kerry into action.  He made sure that he wasn’t late in having an impact in Massachusetts on Super Tuesday (February 5th).  This time around he not only told the truth about the former President but also reinforced his support for Senator Obama.  Hillary currently has a 30+ point lead in the polls in Massachusetts.  However, with Governor Patrick, along with Kerry and now Senator Kennedy backing Obama it could get a lot closer come primary day. 

So, thank you Michael Cook and John Kerry for pleasantly surprising me.

(Submitted to the Newburyport Current on January 29th as a letter to the editor. )
 

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January 17, 2008 · 7:04 pm

Former Clipper Ben Chase Stars at Emerson College

(Beverly) Ben Chase is having the time of his life.

Ben at medium size 

The former Newburyport Clipper basketball player is in his senior year at Emerson College in Boston and was an important part of a team that crushed Endicott College at Beverly on Wednesday evening, 85-53, in a nonconference game.

I spoke with Emerson coach Hank Smith prior to the game about Ben.  With no prompting, he paid the young man some significant compliments including;

“Ben is the only person in my 14 seasons as head coach to serve as captain for three years and we’ve had some great players at Emerson during that time.  He was not over his head in that position even as a young player.

“He has a serious approach to everything he does.  He is the type of role model you want for everybody.”

Coach Smith also added that, “Ben has always put himself in a position to succeed because his attitude and effort were always good.” 

In the game against Endicott, Ben poured in 21 of his game-high 27 points in the first half.  With the lead over 30 (76-44) Ben sat the last 6 ½ minutes or his totals might have been even higher.

Ben admitted afterwards that the 21-point first half was the best he had ever had.  Good time to have a big game since his parents, Robert and Lynn, were in attendance as well as his girlfriend Kim.  “This is the closest game we’ve had to Newburyport since I’ve been at Emerson so it was easier for them to see me play.”

At 6’1”, you might assume that Ben would be a guard.  You would assume wrong.  “He’s basically a 3 or 4 man because we play all small guys,” said Coach Smith.  “At times he’s our biggest player.”

Endicott was taller at every position than Emerson but it didn’t make an ounce of difference.  The Lions never pressed but still forced 26 turnovers in a relentless half-court, man-to-man defense.  On offense the Lions were in perpetual motion and made many successful darts to the basket.  When asked about his team’s quickness Ben said, “We don’t have any height.  All we have is quickness.”  That quickness has taken Emerson to an 11-1 start. 

Ben said that he grew up playing basketball in Newburyport.  “I learned so much from my high school coach and from Coach Lucey when I was younger.  Coach Lucey retired when I was in 8th grade but I played at youth camps he ran.  They started in me a love for the game that I haven’t lost.”

Coach Smith saw Ben play for Newburyport.  “He was a pretty good player in high school.  However, I wasn’t sure how he would do at the college level.  He could shoot the ball but what I liked the most about him was his attitude and the way he approached the game.”

Attending Emerson was a nice fit for Ben.  “It is a small art school and I figured that I could do film.  I also saw the opportunity to continue to play basketball.”

You get a sense of the “good” attitude that Coach Smith alluded to when Ben talks about his freshman season at Emerson.  “I barely played but we had some great senior leaders on that team.  I had the best seat in the house to learn from them.”

Ben has not been an all-league player in Emerson’s conference (Great Northeastern Athletic Conference) but that will almost certainly change at the end of this season.  Ben is scoring over 16 points per game with a number of outstanding performances in the mix.

“He has had a lot of memorable games this season,” recalled Coach Smith.  “He was MVP in the tournament at Vassar.  In the championship game, he had 25 points and was 11-for-13 from the field.  The two shots he missed he got his own rebound.  Against MIT, he was 9-for-10 and had 23 points in 21 minutes.  In a big win at Lasell he had 30 points.  He has been hitting at a very high percentage.”  Ben continued that high percentage versus Endicott making 11-of-17 shots. 

Ben has high praise for Coach Smith.  “He is fantastic.  He knows more about basketball than anyone I’ve met in my life.”  When asked specifically about what Coach Smith had taught him he replied, “To make a long story short – everything.”

Ben says that he still spends a lot of time in Newburyport visiting his mother, father, and sister at Parker Ridge.  However, that could end if things go as he hopes after graduation.  “An alumnus from the Emerson basketball program (Sam Presti) was named General Manager of the Seattle Supersonics last year.  With a little luck, I am hoping to get an internship position out there.  It would start out as a generic internship and then possibly move to player development and scouting.”

Blessed with a remarkable attitude and work ethic it is not difficult to picture Ben Chase leading the Emerson Lions to the best season they have ever had as well being highly successful in life after college.

( January 17, 2008 – appeared in the Newburyport Daily News )
 

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