Happy 4th of July!
If my memory serves me right, this is the 14th year that the Chelmsford Business Association has participated in the annual Fourth of July parade. Due to unfortunate circumstances, the Chelmsford Lodge of Elks, which has always sponsored the parade, was unable to host it this year. As a result, the Town of Chelmsford took over the task and put Mr. John Chemaly in charge of the event. In my opinion the town put the right person in charge, as the parade was a great success.
Hearing that there were requests for more marching bands in the parade, the CBA responded to the call. We sponsored a marching band called the "Spartans" -- most of you have heard of them and are aware of their national recognition -- and then we downsized our usual float entry. Even though the skies sometimes opened with showers that didn't stop the Spartans from displaying their fantastic talent to the crowd, who cheered with delight as the band passed by them.
Although decisions were made to downsize, our float entry this year got cheers and applause from the crowd. We built a 22 foot replica of a NASCAR complete with the starter's tower and the sounds of a true NASCAR race through our PA system. As usual, we had our trusty 250 gallons of "well water" on board to fend off the "snipers" stationed along the parade route waiting to assault our faithful president, Mr. Jeff Hardy. The fight was fierce to say the least, but I can truly say that we came back with "ammunition" to spare while the "snipers" retreated wet and beaten. Although we won no awards this year, I think our entries were well done and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended the parade.
Many thanks go out to Charlie and Jean Parlee, who each year are gracious enough to let us use their barn to build our float. Where else in Chelmsford could you hide something that big?
A special thanks to committee members Brian Reidy and Bill Vines, who without their help and contributions the float would never be the success that it is. And a special thanks to President Jeff Hardy who worked tirelessly on our float for three days after just returning home from a business trip. He also had to organize a booth on the Town Common for the 350th fundraising. It's nice to be young Jeff, do it while you can my friend.
Till next year, I wish everyone a prosperous, happy and safe summer
Hank Hamelin (Committee Chairman)
From the President
Jeff Hardy, CBA President
Hello and happy summer to everyone. Just a few thoughts and updates before we head off to our summer activities and hopefully some well deserved down time with family and friends.
The board has been extremely active over the past few months dealing with an array of issues pertaining to the association as well as the business issues in the town.
Kathy Kelly and her committee worked some long hours assembling our spring newspaper insert. Once again, they did a terrific job. If you see Kathy K, Kathy O, Lynn or Mary Jane, please give them a "thank you".
What more can be said about Hank Hamelin. After many years of trying, Hank was able to get a quality marching band to lead our float. The Spartans sounded great and I want to give a special thanks to Brian Reidy and Bill Vines. Their skills and creativity is a huge asset in the assembling of the float. And speaking of the parade, the CBA would like to commend John Chemaly and the Parade Committee. These folks were given a monumental task and came through with flying colors. I think we all agree, this years parade was as good as it's ever been and we all look forward to the 350th events of next year. While I am on the subject, I am asking all of our membership to do what you can for the upcoming 350th celebration in 2005. Let us show the town what a great business community we can be.
Finally, a few CBA members recently met with the appointed Classification Committee. Although we had a healthy dialog, I think we are all concerned any time someone entertains the idea of classification. I encourage all of our membership to attend these meetings, you may find them interesting. Just a few thoughts to keep in mind. Did you realize the committee is comparing Chelmsford with cities like Framingham and Saugus? Has anyone stopped by the Billerica Mall lately? Now there is a great example of classification hard at work. Remember, these are YOUR businesses they are discussing.
I want to wish all of you a happy and safe summer. We hope to see all of you at the annual Golf Tournament in September. Thank you again for the support.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Spinners Pitching Dominates at CBA Night
On Monday, June 28th about 150 CBA members and their families attended our annual "Night with the Spinners". Being blessed with perfect weather and great pitching we all enjoyed another wonderful evening at LeLacher Park.
The Spinners took on the Aberdeen Ironbirds, after an early inning pitchers duel, Spinners batters broke through with five runs in the middle innings. Spinners pitching held the Ironbirds scoreless until the ninth innning, but preserved a 5-1 final for the win.
The association appreciates everyone who came out to make the evening a great success. See you all next year!
From the Editor
I hope everyone enjoyed the 4th of July parade as much as I did. My 2 year old grandsons agreed the best part was the fire engines. The weather could have been better but at least we did not have to worry about sun block. I want to thank Hank and his crew for the usual good job and to thank Jeff for not squirting me with water. I was wet enough. Please pay special attention to the info and sign up sheet for the Golf social. Do not get left out if you want to play. It has been suggested by the Board of Directors that I try to once again try the spotlight article for the upcoming newsletter. This is a article written and submitted with pictures of you or your company whatever you choose to be spotlighted in the next newsletter. This was a very popular ADDITION to the newsletter and it is a first come first served article. I will continue to include any and all articles in each upcoming newsletter but only one per newsletter. So do not be left out submit your info great opportunity for no cost advertisement. Have a great summer.
Kathy O'Brien
Editor
