AL LIPKIND IS SMILING:  The late Al Lipkind has got to be smiling at us from above. The defibrillators he worked so hard to put in every police vehicle and town building have already saved a life.  While he was battling bravely against the cancer that eventually took his life, he fought for the defibrillators and the Community Preservation Act.  One saved a life, another has saved the town future spending.  Meanwhile, the Stoughton Lions Club is donating four Zoll Automated External Defibrillators to the Stoughton Police Department.

FROM CLINTON TO STOUGHTON: The Town's new Human Resources Director, Martin McNamara, will be formally introduced to residents tonight at the Board of Selectmen meeting.  According to the agenda, the Selectmen are going into Executive Session around 6:30 p.m. to discuss the South Coast Rail.  After they re-emerge, they are expected to introduce McNamara, a Clinton resident, and long-time human resources director at a food company.

CONDOLENCES TO THE DOWNS FAMILY: We lost one of Stoughton's veteran retired teachers Sunday.  John F. Downs, who taught math at Stoughton High for thirty years, passed away surrounded by family at his home. He was 71. A Navy veteran, he was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and an assistant football coach at Stoughton High for several years.  The funeral will be held Friday, February 18 at Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park Street at 7:45 a.m. and continue to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Bridgewater at 9 a.m.

THE NURSE IS NICE: Laura Cusack, RN, of Stoughton has been named New England Sinai Hospital’s Employee of the Month for February. Described as “a true professional,” Cusack’s colleagues say she demonstrates the hard work, commitment and dedication it takes to be a great nurse and make a difference for her patients.

Her supervisor, Nursing Director Paula Picard, says, “Laura’s ability to comfort and calm her patients is a hallmark of her nursing style. She is the nurse you want by your side whether you are her patient or her co-worker. Her friendly smile and gracious manner puts everyone at ease.”

Cusack is also known for her outstanding organizational skills, comprehensive clinical knowledge and desire to constantly keep learning. She is admired for treating others with a great deal of respect and for her ability to keep a clear perspective. She lives with her husband and their two daughters in Stoughton and she has been with Sinai since 1979.

PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG FOR THE KIDS: PANL Volunteers are holding a March Madness Fundraiser for PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG (PANL), the annual all- night graduation party for Stoughton High’s senior class.  It is a alcohol and drug-free party, that features different entertainment all night, and a safe place for seniors to say their final goodbyes to their classmates, before taking off to college.  It includes dinner, and breakfast the following morning.  

The fundraising event will be held on Saturday March 19, 2011, from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. at Club Luis de Camoes, 76 Porter Street.   Their will be a Cash Elimination Raffle, featuring a top prize of $3,000 (and three $500 cash prizes).  Raffle tickets are $100 each (with only 100 to be sold). Raffle ticket prices also includes admission costs. Lucky winners need not be present; they will be notified.

Entertainment will be provided by the band “Double Shot."  The night will also feature appetizers and dessert, raffles and more!  Cost of admission is $20 and there will be a cash bar.  The organizers would also like to help the food pantry, as well. They ask party-goers to please bring a non-perishable food item. They will be delivered to the local pantries. Together, we can all help our community!

Questions? Email StoughtonPANL@gmail.com; or call Rose Eckler @ 781-344-5846

And, a special Happy Birthday to my friend, Ernie Boch, Jr.  Keep rocking!

Check back tomorrow for the next edition of About Town with Mark Snyder.