Snapshot: On duty
Spending on police per person, fiscal year 2012
Click here to see a larger, interactive version of this chart.
Additional town-by-town snapshots.
Framingham State tree to become part of Mayflower II
Part of a white oak tree that is being removed to make way for a new science building at Framingham State University will become part of the Mayflower II, the university announced in a press release.
Mayflower II is a full-scale reproduction of the original galleon, and part of Plimoth Plantation, a popular tourist and education destination. Mayflower II is away from its berth at the Pylmouth waterfront as it undergoes restoration at a dry dock at Fairhaven Shipyard in Fairhaven, Mass., according to Plimouth Plantation spokesperson Sarah Macdonald. The vessel is expected to return soon Plymouth soon, though no exact date has been set, she said.
The 56-year-old replica of the original Mayflower, which brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620, was towed to a dry dock in December 2012 to undergo Coast Guard inspection and repairs.
“We’re thrilled that this beautiful tree is being put to good use and will live on as part of Mayflower II,” said Framingham State President Timothy J. Flanagan in a statement.
Sections of the white oak will be used to replace Mayflower II’s planks and frames. The contractors removing and transporting the tree later this month are Barr & Barr Construction, from Framingham; W.L. French Excavating Corp. from North Billerica; and R.J. Cobb Land Clearing, Inc., from Bellingham.
"We are very grateful for this timely and generous gift," said Ellie Donovan, Executive Director of Plimoth Plantation. "This tree will become part of Mayflower II's living story of faith, courage and perseverance. This donation makes it possible for the Ship to continue to inspire and educate for generations to come."
The project is being undertaken by the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
Framingham State will preserve a cross-section of the White Oak to be developed into a commemorative piece of art by Communications Arts Professor Derrick TePaske. The university will be planting 99 new trees and 128 new bushes as part of its landscaping efforts following the completion of the new science facility.
Contact John Swinconeck at johnswinc@gmail.com. Follow @johnswinc on Twitter.
On Biking: Donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Martha's Vineyard Ride
When Eileen Kneeland rides her bike, she looks like many other recreational cyclists: happy, smiling, and rolling along.
But unlike most other recreational cyclists, Eileen has Multiple Sclerosis.
Fourteen years ago, Eileen went to her doctor because she was not feeling well. On a Friday night, she was diagnosed with MS. By Sunday, she struggled to stand up.
It took Eileen a month of rehabilitation at the same hospital where she had worked as a physical therapy assistant before she was able to walk again. For Eileen, a former college athlete, this was a huge adjustment.
“It was hard to face the fact that I could barely get up and roll over.”
For Eileen, being an athlete helped her recover. “My muscle memory relearned things a lot faster. Also, because I had done physical therapy, I knew what I needed to do.”
What Eileen needed to do was not easy. For this long-distance swimmer, a woman who had always been active, just walking around the cul-de-sac where she lived was a challenge.
“When I first got home, I did walks around the circle. I’d measure how far I went by how many mailboxes I passed.”
The first year that she was diagnosed with MS, Eileen volunteered to help out at the MS walk. As her recovery progressed and she got stronger, Eileen was eventually able to do the walk itself.
Most people with a life-changing illness don’t describe themselves as fortunate. But that’s exactly how Eileen sees herself.
“I’m extremely fortunate, but I know I’ve worked hard to recover. I’m also a glass is half-full kind of person. That’s how my father taught me by how he lived, that’s how I’ve always approached life. Plus I have the support of my husband, Dave, a loving family, and great friends.”
Even with all of these supports, Eileen’s recovery has not been easy. For one, she has had several exacerbations of her MS. Fortunately, they have been controlled by changes in her medication.
As Eileen descirbes it, “There are so many options for treatment now if you get MS.” Once again, this glass half-full woman finds the good in whatever comes her way.
Life has changed greatly for Eileen since she was diagnosed with MS 14 years ago. Although she tried to return to her job as a PT assistant, the physical strain was too much. For a time, Eileen worked ran a work-study program at Holy Cross, her alma mater. But when a position doing community outreach for the Worcester D.A.’s office opened up, Eileen was all-in.
Eileen’s new job was an opportunity. It was also a big change, though one that she quickly embraced.
“I didn’t choose to have MS, but I can choose how I deal with it. And that’s what I focus on when I talk with kids about peer pressure and bullying: I talk with them about the fact that they have choices, too.”
Eileen’s life has changed, to be sure, since she was first diagnosed with MS. She no longer skis—she worries she might fall. But instead of focusing on what she can’t do, Eileen found something new that she can do: ride a bike.
Before she got MS, Eileen did not bike that much. Now, it’s a different story. “I love biking: I can go fast, I get to be outside, and it’s something that my husband Dave and I can do together.”
“When I’m on my bike, I don’t feel like I have MS. I feel centered and balanced.”
Eileen wants people to know that MS is not a life sentence, that you can still be active and happy. And because Eileen can still ride, she will do the Bike MS Martha’s Vineyard Ride on May 4th.
“It’s my way of riding for those who can’t ride.”
Centered and balanced, caring and giving: that’s Eileen, both on and off of the bike.
Full Disclosure: I donated to support Eileen’s ride.
More disclosure: it’s not too late to donate to Eileen.
Jonathan Simmons is the author of “Here For The Ride: A Tale of Obsession on Two Wheels.”
