Essex Happenings May 30, 2012

Historic Derby Summer House Needs Repairs by Danvers Historical Society

The famous Derby summerhouse on the grounds of Glen Magna Farm owned and operated by Danvers Historical Society is in need of repairs.   This home now serves as the iconic logo of the group dedicated to the preservation of valuable Danvers assets has definite repairs that need to be undertaken.   The leadership of that organization has obtained an evaluation of the work that needs to be accomplished to restore the building to the condition that needs to be maintained.  The particular evaluation was compiled by Finch & Rose Preservation & Design Consultants. 

The proposal they provided is under consideration by the Board of Directors of the Society.  It is clear that this work to preserve a valuable asset is critical and must be considered.

News from North Shore Elder Services

The Director of NSES has provided the following information on a proposed new health record overhaul that could produce a major breakthrough in this region.  I felt that the report recorded in a local paper was worthy of reprinting for you in case it was missed.

Partners Health Care considers unified medical records

Health provider has patchwork of data systems

Read Boston Globe Article Here

Danvers Swamp Walk Update

Our May 2^nd weekend the building project we undertook was fun and successful. We reached the big island on the opposite side of the swamp & celebrated with ice cream on a picnic table last seen by the Danvers Conservation Commission over 8 years ago.

Danvers Rail Trail Opening Event

We can only hope that the recent weekend weather we have experienced will be replicated duding next weekend  and the  next one.   There will be traditional Memorial Day celebrations, parades and dedications to veterans from a number of conflicts remembered in communities all over the region. On the next weekend, the bike path will be officially dedicated.   Put Saturday, June 2^nd on your calendar and watch the local papers for an ambitious schedule of events that day that will provide activities for every member of the community families.  The trail and its signage program will be highlighted.   The trail has been most active over the last several months, but next weekend will mark the official opening of the recreational asset that, in time, may become one of the most used venues in the community.   The Town committee that is helping manage this track is waiting for word on a grant application that would provide funding to pave the trail and make the track even more popular and used.

Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration

On June 2, 2012 my wife and I will celebrate our golden wedding anniversary.   Our two sons are preparing a celebratory event to commemorate that event.  They are inviting family and close friends to attend.    When the event arrives, I will comment on that later.

Barbara Rosen Lecture

At the end of May, my wife and I were fortunate to be invited to attend what has become a traditional lecture for the therapists and staff at Spaulding Hospital.   We were encouraged to attend by our therapy team. This event has been presented to hospital staff for about a decade, this year focused on the Art, Science and Life Impact of Bilateral Hand Transplants.  The  presenters were a former Salem patient, Richard Mangino, who had undergone the amputation of all his limbs at Mass General after an infection that overtook his body from a kidney stone infection.   After his limbs were removed in Boston.  Richard rehabilitated for several months at Spaulding-Salem.    The other Presenter was a transplanted New Zealander, Dr. Simon Talbot who presided over the hand transplant a year or so ago at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston.   The transplant of the two hands was a most unique event, and the Doctor, patient and the hospital received much acclaim for those efforts.   The presentation was most inspiring and both presenters were open and answered numerous questions about the procedure.   

We were most pleased that we were able to attend the lecture and even though the procedure was most technical, we were able to follow the process.   Spaulding-Salem was most involved with the rehabilitation of Richard Mangino and should be highly complimented on offering this lecture subject to the therapeutic staff at the hospital.   We are indebted to Maureen Banks the CEO of the local institution for allowing us to be in attendance.  We both learned a great deal from the presenters and were inspired by the presenters’ knowledge and courage.

COPAA Meeting

I have attended meetings of the Cornell Orthotics and Prosthetics Amputee Association of Beverly where the director and manager of that operation, Posie Mansfield has provided information and presenters from regional organizations that provide updates and background on issues valuable to the members of the group.  Many are dealing with artificial limbs and that they are clients of Cornell Orthotics and Prosthetics Company of Beverly, and connections to other regional organizations that provide information to local amputees is much appreciated.    Both the company and COPAA are providing much needed and valuable connections to participants as data and connections to area resources are provided.

Boston Sports

The local baseball team has won enough times to  get their record to even, now if they can find a way to win more than they have lost, that will be a start.    It does appear that the Celtics season might be fast coming to an end.    I hope they can find way to get revitalized and give the Heat a battle for the rest of the series.