Quite a comeback
Amesbury woman offers CD of peace prayers set to music
In August 2005, Denise DeSimone (below) of Amesbury was diagnosed with stage IV throat and neck cancer and given three months to live.
She underwent grueling surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. A tube inserted into her stomach fed her for nine months. Her voice almost completely faded.
By July 2007, DeSimone was cancer-free, and the amateur singer fulfilled a dream when she sang the National
She didn’t stop there.
The next month, August 2007, she cycled 85 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge, raising more than $11,000 for children’s cancer research through the Jimmy Fund.
A member and chaplain at Unity on the River church in Amesbury for 10 years, DeSimone, 53, recently completed a two-year ministerial program and was ordained an interfaith minister on June 7.
She travels throughout the United States as a motivational speaker and workshop leader. And now, DeSimone is releasing a CD, “Pray Peace.’’
Taking peace prayers from different religions, she went into a recording studio in Nashville and created musical productions for each prayer.
“No matter what your religion or spiritual belief, I believe at the heart of each person is a deep desire for peace,’’ said DeSimone. “Now is the time to infuse the planet with peace, one person at a time.’’
A CD release party and concert is tomorrow, 7-10 p.m., at Unity on the River, 58 Macy St., Amesbury. Special guests are Jess Leary and Ann McCue, from Nashville, who helped create the CD.
Visit www.denisedesimone.com.
HIT THE BEACH: If you’ve been itching to get to the beach, but been deterred by the weather, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem has an event for you.
Inspired by its exhibition, “SurfLand: Photographs by Joni Sternbach,’’ the museum presents “Surf’s Up,’’ a festival of beach-related activities for all ages July 17.
Visitors to the museum can learn surfing techniques and tips for riding the waves in New England from surf instructors at Brickhouse in Gloucester.
Kevin Cunningham of Providence’s Spirare Surfboards, which uses alternative materials and methods to make environmentally friendly and sustainable surfboards, gives design and building demonstrations. Visitors also have a chance to design their own surfboard.
Artist Kristie Haupt teaches advance sand sculpting tricks and her students can build their own creations.
And competitors can show off their skills on an arcade surf simulator. For those who would rather watch the sport, there’s a lineup of films including “The Women and the Waves,’’ “Step into Liquid,’’ and “Surf’s Up.’’
Events run 4-10 p.m. at the museum. Admission is $10; free for museum members. Visit www.pem.org.
WHO’S WHAT WHERE: Maggie Rosinski of Haverhill has been named Exchangite of the Year by the Exchange Club of Haverhill for her contributions and dedication to the club. She was chosen by previous recipients of the award, including David Goodwin of Plaistow, N.H., Karen Currier of Haverhill, and Glen Strauss of Wakefield. Rosinski has been a member of the Exchange Club since 2003 . . . Sal Lupoli, president and CEO of Lupoli Companies, based in Lawrence, recently donated $5,000 to the new Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, which opened in June. The nonprofit house, run by the Home Health Foundation in Lawrence, has raised more than $4.5 million in a capital campaign and hopes to reach its goal of $5 million by the end of the year. Lupoli Companies is the umbrella company for Sal’s Pizza, Salvatore’s Restaurants, and Riverwalk Properties.
Items can be sent to wdkilleen@gmail.com. 