(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

On January 27, 2012 the staff, students, and alumni of the Lincoln Tech Massage Clinic at Assembly Square held a day long fund raiser benefitting the Somerville Youth Development and Boxing Club in which all money raised went to the kids. At the end of a long day sixty seven full body massages were provided and the kids at the Boxing Club had an additional $2,010 to put toward equipment and expenses.

A special thanks to Erin O’Keefe, student services/lead massage instructor at Lincoln Tech and Lincoln Tech massage therapist Joyce Webster, both of whom spearheaded this very successful event. We also wish to acknowledge Lincoln Technical Institute as a whole for their commitment to the children of Somerville and continued support of the entire Somerville community. Thank you to Barbara Desmond, Jill Ardolino, Mayor Joe Curtatone, the Somerville News, the Somerville Journal, the City of Somerville Communications Department, Somerville Police Chief Tom Pasquarello, Deputy Chief of Police Mike Cabral and Chuck Gerlack at Somerville High School for each of their individual efforts that helped make this event such a success. Finally, thank you to School Committee members Maureen Bastardi, Teresa Cardoso and Christine Rafal for their participation in the event and on-going support.
The Somerville Youth Development and Boxing Club is free of charge to Somerville kids under the age of 21 and now has over 240 members. It is located at 11 Otis Street and is open Mon. – Fri. 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sincerely,
Norman “Stoney” Stone
President