Interview with comedian Lenny Clarke

Lenny Clarke talks TV


 
Lenny Clarke talks North Andover and stand-up


Lenny Clarke talks life, politics, and...softball?




Local comedian Lenny Clarke stopped by "Chuckles Comedy Club" at China Blossom Saturday night. Clarke gave Patch an exclusive interview before the show.

The 57 year-old Clarke is finishing a ten year run as "Uncle Teddy" on TV's Rescue Me, and he's set to premiere as Chelsea Handler's raunchy father in her new sitcom, Are You There Vodka, it's me Chelsea.

The cambridge native has had a 35-year career. He's been in several sitcoms including his own Lenny, then the John Laroquette Show, and most recently Rescue Me. Clarke has also had several movie roles including There's Something about Mary, Me, Myself, and Irene, and Fever Pitch.

Clarke has also been involved in Massachusetts politics, having run for mayor of Cambridge and, most recently, having stumped for Scott Brown during his improbable run for Senate.

In this installment, Clarke talks about the news that "Whitey" Bulger was captured, his interest in politics and the endurance that keeps him going.

This summer, Clarke will be on a nation-wide tour with Rescue Me stars Denis Leary and others including a stop at Mohegan Sun Casino July 8 at 8pm.

Behind the Kitchen: A look at Tewksbury's Tew-Mac Tavern

At the Tewksbury Country Club's Tew-Mac Tavern, you'll find no bags, no preservatives, and certainly no microwaves.

"Everything is made with hands," says Tew-Mac's General Manager Bob Leo, "We make our own salad dressing, our own chowder. We mash potatoes every morning. We roast Turkeys every day. To us, it's important that we make our own food."

The Tavern's menu ranges from sandwiches to full-course dinners. Leo says the Tavern's mission is to give diners the chance to enjoy home-cooked comfort food, but with a Tew-Mac twist.

"We might serve you a basket of onion rings," Leo says, "but it has a nice spicy Chipotle sauce."

Leo credits the quality of the food to the chef's behind the kitchen. He says he looks for "restaurant rats," people who want to be in the kitchen and have been there for a long time. As for service, Leo says the staff is always willing to bend for the customer.

"If there's something you like but you don't see it, we'll make it for you. If you want to substitute this for that, not a problem," says Leo.

The Tew-Mac tavern is membership free, so all are welcome. The Tavern is open year-round, and in the summer, they open up an outdoor patio overlooking the golf course.

For the last two years, the Tewksbury Country Club's been awarded the best place to get married by The Knot magazine. The tavern has also recieved a number of local awards.

Fishing derby honors fallen athlete

In 2004, Tim Roberts was the captain of the Scarlet Knights' track team. The 21 year-old high school senior spent his afternoons fishing or hanging out with his friends around town. Things changed for Roberts in the summer of 2004 when he was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. Tim lost his battle with cancer a year later in August of 2005.

However, Roberts' legacy lives on.

The "Reeling in a Dream" fishing derby is one of several events held each year in Roberts' name. The money goes to the Dana Farber Cancer Center to aid young adults with cancer (aged 18-30) like Roberts recieve "wishes" since most charities only aid those under 18. The idea was dreamed up by Tim when he was sick, and he and his friends started the fund with a charity wiffleball tournament.

"The whole idea behind this fundraising effort was him," said Tim's former coach Steve Nugent, "It all started with Tim."

After Roberts passed in August, the effort was picked up by his family and friends. For the last six years, the Tim Roberts Fund has raised thousands to help grant wishes including trips, computers, and ipads.

"He saw other patients his age so this's what he wanted to do," said Roberts mother Pat, "and the community comes out each year to support us. It's great."

The next event for the Tim Roberts Fund will be the annual wiffleball "Tourney for Tim" on August 6, 2011.

Tewksbury, MA: 2011 graduates bid farewell, look towards future

The Tewksbury Memorial High School Class of 2011 gathered together for one last time at UMass Lowell's Costello Athletic Center. Dressed in bright blue and red gowns, the graduates stood up one by one to recieve their diplomas from school principal Patricia Lally.

"Everyone of them as turned out to be a wonderful individual," said Lally, "so I don't think there's going to be a problem in the future."

It was the first time for Lally to hand out the diplomas directly, previously it had been the job of the school committee. Lally said in her address to the Class of 2011 that they were apart of her "family."

Students had mixed emotions, it was a great celebration, but for others it also meant good bye. For others still, the entirety of the event and the end of high school has yet to sink in.

"It almost hasn't sunk in yet that we're done with high school completely," said Valedictorian Victoria Aronson who encouraged her classmates to live lives "without regret."

Parents cried and cheered for their childrens' successes, happy that they've crossed another milestone in their lives.

"A very proud moment for him," said Stephanie Rogers who watched her youngest son Matthew pick up his diploma, "they're all grown up now."

Glitz, glamour, and smiles at Tewksbury Promenade

For Americans everywhere, prom is the beginning of the end for high school seniors. The tests are done, the grades are in, and seniors get together for one final, emotional dance.

Tewksbury Memorial High School's traditional "Promenade before the Prom" gave families of graduating students the chance to celebrate part of the night with their sons and daughters.

"Time flies by," said Scott Middleton whose son, Scott, is graduating this Friday. "Now, here he is a senior going off to prom."

Students, two by two, showed up at the school in bright blues, reds, and yellows. Girls were dressed to the nines, and the boys matched their dates in sharp suits. The students were filled with emotions as cameras caught every moment before the buses and limos pulled up to take prom-goers away for the last dance.

"It's bittersweet, this is the last time we're all gonna be together in senior prom," said Johnny Digiorgio.

Tewksbury memorial day parade honors fallen heroes

What a day for a parade!

On a sunny Monday afternoon, the town of Tewksbury took to the streets with its annual Memorial Day Parade. Soldiers, past and present, marched alongside Tewksbury's Town Clerk, Denise Graffeo, and US Senator for Massachusetts, Scott Brown, and the Tewksbury Police and Fire Departments.

"It's a great way to start the summer," says Tewksbury resident Liane Daigle.

Many veterans watched from the side walk as the parade made it's way along the two mile parade route from Pleasant and Main to the Tewksbury Country Club.

"A lot of the veterans today and soldiers overseas, they feel as though sometimes we don't support them," said VFW Post 8164 Commander Vincent Oliva after the parade, "these people come out, and it's good to hear them clapping and say thank you. It means a lot to us."

Other marchers included the Tewksbury chapters for the Boys and Girl Scouts, the Tewksbury Food Pantry, the Tyngsboro High Band, the Stuart Highland Pipe Band, the Aleppo Clowns from the Shriners, the Mass Brass Band, the Lowell High Band, The Andover High Band, the St. Joe's Clowns Unit, and many others.

Memorial Day 2011

"For love of country, they accepted death."
                                                                                                          -James A. Garfield, 20th US President

On May 30, 2011, the United States celebrates Memorial Day. Officials first proclaimed the holiday on May 5, 1868 in honor of those who died in the Civil War. The holiday honored both confederate and union soldiers. Today, the holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May and honors all veterans who have passed.

Below are two videos from earlier this year, stories from two local WWII veterans about their time in the service.

WWII Vet Shares His Story of Survival




It was 1945 in a Nazi war camp when local resident, Jimmy Arsenault, and 38 other prisoners-of-war decided that if they made it out, they'd tell their story.

More than 60 years later, that dream has finally become a reality with the new book, "Brothers of War: The P.O.W. Experience." The book tells how the 39 P.O.W.s all made it out alive together.

Since the mid-1970s, Arsenault has had yearly gatherings with the survivors where they shared stories of their harrowing year behind enemy lines. Today, only three remain alive.

Arsenault says he was spurred on to finish the book as he got older. The dream became a reality when the 87-year-old veteran met ghostwriter Nancy Parsons who helped put the collective memoir of the 39 survivors together.

All of the book's profits will go to aid local veterans' services. The book is on sale at the North Reading Senior Center, Carr's Hallmark, and Ryers Store.

Portrait of a Patriot: Francis "Gunner" Hayes



Francis "Gunner" Hayes spent two years serving his country in an Army tank battalion. Then, a 19 year-old Hayes serving under General Patton marched across Europe from France to Czechoslovakia, including taking part in the historic Battle of the Bulge.

The 87 year-old has spent his entire life in North Andover. He grew up with four other siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Both his parents died by the time Hayes was 13, forcing Hayes to grow up fast. In high school, friends gave the young Hayes the nickname "Gunner", a name that has stuck ever since.

Hayes spent most of his post war years tending bar at the local VFW Post until he retired in 1987. Today, Hayes continues to be a presence at town and veteran events because he says otherwise, people "will forget about you completely."

New league, new hope

One year ago, Tewksbury Youth Baseball president, Frank Flanagan, announced plans to create a "Challenger Division" in Tewksbury.

Challenger Divisions are a part of Little League Baseball, they are for kids of all ages whose disabilities prevent them from joining other baseball leagues.

"It's an opportunity to get the kids away from the parents," says Flanagan, "and let someone else show them a little fun with the game of baseball."

The league's first game was May 8, 2011, Mother's Day. They started with about 10 players, but after two weeks, the league has doubled in size. Parents like Shane Nevins whose six year-old son Christopher is autistic, says the league means a lot.

"It's amazing," says Nevins," to see him out there, I just can't say enough, it's awesome."

The league has recieved tremendous support including volunteer "buddies" from Tewksbury High School's Baseball and Softball teams.

"It feels great," says "buddy" John Saunders, "even though their disabled to see them come out and play with such heart and determination. It's great."

The challenger league plans to continue its season through June. Organizers say new players are welcome anytime. Contact Deb Rocco for more information.

It's raining...golf balls?

It was just a normal Saturday afternoon in Tewksbury, until hundreds of golf balls fell from the sky!

In an effort to raise money, T.H.E. (Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian) Farm held their first ever golf ball drop. Each golf ball cost 20 dollars, and the three closest golf balls to the hole would win a prize, the top prize set at 1,500 dollars.

A crowd of just over 50 watched as a helicopter circled a field on East Street before dumping its payload. The winners were Lorna McElaney, of Tacoma, Washington, Joyce Morency, of Lawrence, and Emily Bersin, of Tewksbury.

Susan Lorenti, T.H.E. Farm's president, says the golf ball drop is now their second biggest fundraising event and hopes to hold it again next year.

Mock accident teaches sobering lesson to students

It's a parents worst nightmare: their child is caught in an accident caused by drunk driving.

In an effort to prevent such a tragedy, the Tewksbury Police, in collaboration with Tewksbury's chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) and Tewksbury High School re-enact the nightmare scenario in front of the entire junior and senior classes. The school presents the "mock accident" with stunning realism, from the sounds of the crash to the delivery of the worst news a parent wants to hear, that their child was killed in an accident involving drugs and alcohol.

"It's like wow, this could really be me," said S.A.D.D. president and senior Renee Canlin, "It's a scary thought."

The entire exercise took about 40 minutes. The school coordinates this event once every other year, after starting it in the early 90s. Police say they think the message gets across to most students.

"If one kid decides not to drive, or not to get in a car with a drunk driver," says school resource officer Kathy McLeod, "that's win."

Several community organizations besides school and law enforcement provided services including make-up by Salon Renee, cars by Penney's Auto Body, and Saint's Memorial Paramedic Services.

Walking for a Cure

Five years ago, Andy Graham's wife Jessica lost her eight-month battle with Leukemia.

Doctors diagnosed the mother of one after undergoing a mandatory physical for her application to nursing school.

Today, Andy and Jessica's adopted daughter, Tracy (now 14), are raising money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Over the last five years, the pair have raised money under a team called, "Jessica's Friends."

This year, the team has raised more than $10,000, the largest amount raised by any team in North Reading. As a special tribute this year, Tracy Graham will sing Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" with her friend Emma, who also came to the town from the same Chinese orphanage.

The North Reading Relay for Life will be at the North Reading High School indoor track on Friday, May 20 beginning at 6 p.m. and continue overnight until 6 a.m.

WWII Vet shares his story of survival

It was 1945 in a Nazi war camp when local resident, Jimmy Arsenault, and 38 other prisoners-of-war decided that if they made it out, they'd tell their story.

More than 60 years later, that dream has finally become a reality with the new book, "Brothers of War: The P.O.W. Experience." The book tells how the 39 P.O.W.s all made it out alive together.

Since the mid-1970s, Arsenault has had yearly gatherings with the survivors where they shared stories of their harrowing year behind enemy lines. Today, only three remain alive.

Arsenault says he was spurred on to finish the book as he got older. The dream became a reality when the 87-year-old veteran met ghostwriter Nancy Parsons who helped put the collective memoir of the 39 survivors together.

All of the book's profits will go to aid local veterans' services. The book is on sale at the North Reading Senior Center, Carr's Hallmark, and Ryers Store.

42,000 walkers, 20 miles, 1 goal

On one of the clearest days I've seen in Boston, thousands of walkers including myself made their way out of Boston and back again. Walkers ran the gamut in age from tots to seniors, and every race and creed were represented.

The event raised 3.6 million dollars for Boston food banks, a number that should help ensure all of Boston's residents a meal in the coming year. Thank you to all who donated to the walk, you have made a difference.

Gold reaches a record mark

Gold reached a record high this week, crossing the $1500 mark for an ounce of gold. Patch spoke to local jeweler Steven Leed, of Royal Jewelers, and asked him about the gold exchange and the do's and don'ts of selling gold.

20 Miles for Hunger

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  -Matthew 25:35, 40

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

On Sunday, May 1st, I will be participating in Project Bread's 2011 Walk for Hunger. I hope that you will support me in my efforts to raise money to help end hunger in Massachusetts!

Why am I walking? I'm walking because many Massachusetts families are seeing their monthly income stretched beyond capacity. They are forced to go without food in order to pay their rent, utility, and medical bills. The demand for emergency food has never been greater with pantries and meal programs supported by Project Bread serving 57.3 million meals last year alone. Hunger is not just an urban problem — it exists in nearly every community throughout the state.

The money that I raise by walking as much as I can of the 20-mile route will directly help hungry people. Funds raised through the Walk support more than 400 emergency food programs in 135 communities statewide.

Who is hungry? Hunger affects more than 660,000 people in Massachusetts, including the state’s most vulnerable citizens — children, the elderly, the disabled, and the unemployed.

Hunger also affects the working poor, who use more and more of their income to pay rent, heating oil, medical care, and childcare. Both children and the elderly are disproportionately represented at emergency food programs funded by Project Bread. In low-income communities throughout the state, one child in three lives in a family that struggles to put food on the table.

Please donate to my Walk to help me make a difference and reach my personal fundraising goal. Thank you for your support of me and of hungry people. 

Together we CAN make a difference!

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

About The Walk for Hunger

Since 1969, Project Bread's Walk for Hunger has provided critical resources for hungry children and families in Massachusetts. Today, The Walk for Hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, and the largest annual one-day fundraiser to alleviate local hunger.

Money raised through The Walk for Hunger funds more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks, and food salvage programs in 135 communities across Massachusetts.

The Walk for Hunger is held on the first Sunday in May every year. The 20-mile Walk route weaves through Boston, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, and Cambridge.

About Project Bread

As the state’s leading antihunger organization, Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. In addition to organizing the annual Walk for Hunger and supporting emergency food programs statewide, Project Bread also advocates systematic solutions that prevent hunger in children and that provide food to families in everyday settings.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

Portrait of a Patriot: Francis "Gunner" Hayes

Francis "Gunner" Hayes spent two years serving his country in an Army tank battalion. Then, a 19 year-old Hayes serving under General Patton marched across Europe from France to Czechoslovakia, including taking part in the historic Battle of the Bulge.

The 87 year-old has spent his entire life in North Andover. He grew up with four other siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Both his parents died by the time Hayes was 13, forcing Hayes to grow up fast. In high school, friends gave the young Hayes the nickname "Gunner", a name that has stuck ever since.

Hayes spent most of his post war years tending bar at the local VFW Post until he retired in 1987. Today, Hayes continues to be a presence at town and veteran events because he says otherwise, people "will forget about you completely."

Running for a cause

When Andover mom Kim Grady discovered her son had Narcolepsy, she promised her son "would not be a victim." Grady's son suffers from a rare form of the disease called Narcolepsy with cataplexy, which along with sleep disturbances can cause her son to lose control of his muscles and seize up as if he was having a seizure.

John, now 14, has persevered thanks in part to Grady's effort to get him to the right doctors and on the right medicine. John has excelled in school and in outside activities including winning awards as a wrestler.

Kim Grady said she's inspired by her son's resilience and has chosen to pick up her running shoes once more to spread awareness and raise money for medical research of the disease through the non-profit organization, Wake Up Narcolepsy. Grady said she hopes that organizations like Wake Up will help doctors and researchers find less toxic treatments, or even a cure, for the debilitating disease.

Utility ratepayers and taxpayers pay as nuclear debate continues

(This is an excerpt of an article from the New England Center for Investigative Reporting.)
 
By: Maggie Mulvihill, Shay Totten, and Matt Porter

The Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth, MA.

BOSTON -- Over three decades, New England’s electricity consumers and nuclear plant owners have poured close to $1 billion into a federal nuclear-waste storage fund, holding up their end of a 1982 deal with the federal government to finance the permanent storage of thousands of tons of spent fuel from the region’s reactors.

The payoff?

An empty $11 billion hole in a Nevada mountainside, a broken promise from the U.S. government to remove the radioactive waste, and mounting bills that could still saddle New England with mothballed plants and hundreds of spent-fuel casks, turning communities into mini-nuclear waste dumps for decades, if not forever.

“It’s the most expensive dry hole we’ve ever built,” said Dave Lochbaum, a nuclear engineer and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Nuclear Safety Project. “Who would trust the government with a dollar after they’ve wasted billions? We’ve messed this up as bad as we possibly could.”

(Continue reading)