Eldridge proposes Iraq War memorial at Devens
State Representative Jamie Eldridge filed an amendment to create an Iraq War memorial at Devens in the 2008 fiscal year House budget. The amendment, co-sponsored by Representative Bob Hargraves of Groton, would provide $250,000 to build the memorial at the Devens Historical Museum.
Eldridge, who opposed the war before it began, believes the memorial is necessary to honor fallen soldiers.
“Reasonable people can debate how and when to end the war. I want to end it now, but we all agree on honoring our brave soldiers,” Eldridge said. “With this amendment, we recognize those who sacrificed their lives in service of our country in Iraq. No place is better suited for such a memorial than Devens.”
Army Lieutenant Colonel Sam Poulten of the 804th Medical Brigade reserve unit, headquartered at Devens, agreed with Eldridge about the memorial’s location.
“We honor veterans of prior wars at Devens today,” Poulten said. “And our troops today deserve the same decency and respect. We owe it to them to build this memorial.”
Eldridge also filed an amendment to provide $100,000 toward further assistance to the Devens Historical Museum to preserve the legacy of the base.
Resor hosts 27th annual senior conference
More than 1,400 area senior citizens attended a senior conference April 19 that was hosted by state Senator Pam Resor at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. The free daylong event, the largest of its kind in the state, provided seniors with information on health care, healthy eating, personal safety, and financial planning, among other topics.
“It is important to provide resources for senior residents, and this event provided a medley of educational resources and fun activities,” Resor said.
Seniors chose from more than 30 workshops offered throughout the day on retirement finance management, avoiding scams, long-term-care insurance, property tax relief, Medicare, genealogy, and personal finances. Fitness classes for seniors included seated yoga and aerobics, and, new this year, a belly-dancing workshop. Free health screenings to check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, hearing, and heart health were also provided.
Free samples courtesy of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Polar Beverages were distributed. Seniors received a hot lunch catered by Mary’s Catering, followed by live entertainment by the Senior Strutters of Sudbury. Door prizes included a Bose Wave radio, gift certificates, and more.
“I look forward to this event each year as an opportunity to greet and hear from everyone,” said Resor, who has hosted this conference for the seventh year in a row.
