Events set for Rec. needs
Published on July 13th, 2005
As an energetic youth, not a day passed by when Selectman George Seibold couldn't be found exploring his athletic abilities in the fields and parks of Stoneham.
So when the first-year Selectman learned that this year's municipal budget put the future of the Recreation Department in jeopardy by zero-funding the office, he leapt into the type of action rarely seen by a rookie town official feeling his way through the political process.
"My twins and buddies, that's where we were for most of the day. It was all we would do from the time we woke up to the time we went home," Seibold recalled, remembering how the Recreation Department's summer programs benefited his childhood.
"My biggest thing is just getting some funding for the Recreation Department. So if we can just get in some money early, the rest will be on [Recreation Director Christine DelRossi]," the lifelong Stonehamite added.
According to Town Administrator Ron Florino, with the help of Seibold and a handful of other dedicated volunteers, the youth department has in all likelihood been saved from the brink of elimination this year.
Specifically, with $35,000 already sitting in a revolving account, and an additional $15,000 to $20,000 in revenue expected from this summer's parks program, the few fundraisers that Stonehamites have quickly organized during the last few months should push the office over the financial hump needed to save the Recreation Department.
"We're looking pretty good for FY06. We're looking at between $30,000 to $35,000 that we're carrying over, and that's a good start that should take us into January. With the programs we're offering, we'll probably take in another $15,000 to $20,000," Florino added.
According to the Town Administrator, Seibold's recent drive to organize a Texas Hold'em poker tournament at the Montvale Plaza generated nearly $2500 for the Recreation Department, and the Selectman is planning to hold another similar charity event this September.
Also throwing in a helping hand, Stoneham resident Barbara Morash, who sung the National Anthem at the Memorial Day Parade, has agreed to throw a musical performance to benefit the Recreation Department this August.
"She's been great to the town. She's always helping out one program or another," Florino said, referring to the singer's annual summer benefit, which has previously provided funding for the Stoneham Police Department.
According to Seibold, he's also been working along with DelRossi to organize a golf tournament on Aug. 22 at the Beverly Golf and Tennis Club. Still seeking sponsors for the 18-hole event, the $125 cost for the golf outing will include a sit down lunch after the day of play.
"If we can get 144 people, great, but we need to at least get 100 people," the determined Selectman said. "Only 100 people would probably help facilitate [the movement on the course], but we're hoping we can top that."
"David Harrington [a Recreation Department employee] has been a big help throughout all of this. I'm new to all of this, but in my position, I can't be going to businesses and people asking for donations. So Dave and Joe Rolli took an afternoon off and did that," Seibold added, saying the handful of volunteers working behind the scenes to make these events really happen deserve the true credit.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!