The V. Rev. Fr. Peter Preble, celebrates 5th year

This is a special post dedicated to a very "special" person. No matter how he feels, his work, serving the Lord and God's people, has been his priority. I know he'll be there for me and for anyone who needs him. He puts up with all our teasing, of course having a great sense of humor himself, gives it right back. I try not to talk politics with him, as he knows it boils my oils. Yet, he is approachable, knowledgeable on any given subject and nothing is off the table. The first step in any healing process is admitting your shortcomings, and he is good at getting you to see them. That's why healing is possible with him as pastor. He possesses the power to reach you deep inside. And, like my mother, he has that penetrating stare, eyes that look right through you. The look that needs no words, that say it all.

We share our lives in a sort of way, being so close to the Church as I am, cooking in the kitchen, working in the garden, on various committees or, singing a Liturgy. He knows us and our lives intimately, as we know him. He's a work-a-hol-ic. Who else do you know that gets up at four in the morning to keep in touch with so many people? A goodmorning on facebook, or, a note or two on his many modes of communication, and more recently radio programs, he lets people know that he cares, as he sends out his smile in so many directions.

He participates everywhere where there are people who are in need of help and a friend. More recently he was known to ride a lawn mower on a race track, (LOL). To think about him, he is approachable, youthful, down to earth and funny. It seems he doesn't have a care in the world. But we know better.

He makes me laugh even during in a snowstorm, and because of this unique personality, people of his parish feel lucky to have him as pastor. July 5th, he will celebrate five years at St. Michael's parish in Southbridge.

I recall, joining that parish around four years ago, and he was so happy to see us in church, he couldn't hide his joy. I recall seeing him shovelling snow all alone one day as pastor, he goes beyond his pay grade. He keeps us entertained where ever he goes, because he takes us with him in his heart, which is, for those that know him "huge." And, I hope I am a better person for knowing him with his gentle correcting and guidance.

The church, community, and area towns are lucky to have Fr. Peter. Our lives are better for his being with us and with all he brings to us, everyday. I see him as the "lifeblood" to the community, with his positive influence. If we had to pay him for all he does, we could not afford him. Among his many talents are fire chaplin, cook, chief and bottle washer, radio host, and pod caster. This priest gives the best homilies and adult classes that you ever want to hear.
It has been a comfort to me, to know that while my son, Lt. Steve was serving at a fire, and I couldn't be there, Fr. Peter was there and as chaplin, was doing his duty, sometimes--just passing out much needed water to the firemen. While, at other times, it was much, much more!

He lives what he preaches: (John 15:12) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." The Orthodox Study Bible. So, come out on Sunday to meet a very dedicated pastor, a loyal friend, and a great human being, get to know him and find out why "we love him" as we do.

We are blessed Father Peter to have you, thank you for letting us share in your life, and for all the things you do for us, just because your you. For the joy you bring to our lives, and for your hard work. May you truly be happy in the work that God called you to.

Expecting Fireworks

The state of Massachusetts frowns on fireworks on the Fourth. The only way to see a display is to go to the Old Sturbridge Village, (which is our neighboring town) and that is by purchasing a ticket to the event.

Budget cuts will not allow firework displays in our town this year. Children will be disappointed but they'll live. We have got to trim the fat everywhere possible. That means no additional programs, if people's jobs are on the line due to budget cuts. Last evenings paper made it clear that the stimulus dollars hoped for will be stalled. We all know that means unpleasant news on the way.

Tonight's paper shows a picture of the neighboring town of Dudley, and neighbor to our town of Southbridge, Thompson, Connecticut. I have driven by the tent displaying a sign which reads "FREE" and they are also selling Fireworks. Our instinct is do not go there. Why? Tickets make good revenue for the town. As the the caption reads "Police plan checks for DUI, fireworks on Fourth." Courtesy of the Southbridge Evening News, Thursday, July 2, 2009.

The title says it all. The fact is that fireworks can be dangerous. I'm probably being redundant in saying that I still remember the fact that one year in Holland, after a wonderful chicken barbecue, one of the fireworks backfired onto the crowd and caught a ladies hair on fire. People ran screaming, everywhere!

It is no mistake that fire apparatus is present at all displays and public safety is always a concern. Years ago so many accidents happened by careless users that a public ban was placed in effect. It is no fun when people get hurt. One year my husband, John and I went to Webster and attended a display, but I was afraid to go to our car, as kids were throwing firecrackers underneath vehicles and all over the parking lot.

The fourth will soon be here. It is a time for celebration yes, but use your head. Do not drink and if you do, drive responsibly. I hear that there is much going on, like a tea party in Boston. Usually the Boston Pops perform and with the nice weather promised, it should be a great time for welcoming in the summer fun.

Editing the Editor

Lots of laughs once again in our local news. I thought it was the job of the news to publish the truth. That is why frankly you cannot believe everything that you read, or see for that matter. The front page of the Southbridge News showed a picture of Albanian dancers, with a caption that read "CELEBRATING ALBANIA." The Albanian annual event was held on Sunday, and the youthful dancers are brought in for entertainment, as the majority of parishioners there can only remember when. That is if they still can remember! I'm sure when they got their paper today, they were as surprised as we were at seeing the Albanian picnic was held at St. Michael's Romanian Orthodox Church, which is just a stones throw away and off of Morris Street. I thought it was the job of an editor to review the paper before it goes to print. I shouldn't be so tough on the editor, normally I wouldn't even mention it, but this is the second time the error has occurred. The mistake was also made last year.

St. Michael's parish and church picnic will be held in July, and we are all looking forward to enjoying lamb the way it should be done. I must admit that the dancers were a nice touch. We will also be having some great entertainment along with the traditional dancers.

Luckily the St. Nicholas Parish picnic was a successful event and not one drop of rain fell while I attended.

Still, I find it laughable that an Albanian picnic was held at a Romanian Church. What they did get right was "Orthodox Church." There are three Orthodox Church structures in Southbridge. One is of the Greek ethnicity, one Albanian, and one of Romanian decent. These churches are found on three separate streets. Maybe we have to send the Southbridge News pictures to clear this up. Let's see, under the caption it read, Shawn Kelley photo. Maybe Shawn is not from Southbridge. People who were born here are familiar with all of our churches, and we have many of them.

Perhaps, this will continue until someone brings this situation to light. Otherwise, the people who read the "rag," (I wonder why?) and that is what it is affectionately referred to, will continue the course, and we may have to wait and see if "three is a charm."

Oh don't be mad, so they made an honest mistake, what else is new? Besides, we could look at the bright side, that we both got the publicity on this one. Isn't that what counts?

Celebration

Tonight our family got together to celebrate, belated events that all came together here as in most years past. What we celebrated was: father's day, and both Angie and John's Birthday. It all began with our usual dinner, salad and two cakes for dessert, one for Angie and one for John.

The calories, well we won't dwell on the negative. Tonight I served a Merlot from South Eastern Australia, which seemed to be a hit. We'll have to stock up on that 10-best buys from Banrock Station.

The ice-cream cakes were from Friendly's. Nathan especially enjoyed the green (mint chip ice cream).

We talked about the trip to Mexico. Bill, Angie and Nathan brought along pictures which they showed on my TV screen. Bill and Angie actually ate fried crickets. No! EEK! I couldn't even stand to hear about it.

Nathan enjoyed the plane and he was seen sporting his new Lightening McQueen back pack. He enjoyed swimming, and to no one's surprise the beach sand. His parents brought all his trucks and he made castles. The red drink he loved was cherry, and he ate his favorite foods, tomatoes, and french fries in which a bird swooped down and stole one out from under his nose. He was able to imitate the new bird sounds he heard while he was there.

John got a TomTom for his birthday and father's day. I got a special gift from Nathan. He ran into the house with a plastic bag with the special gift for grandma that he thought of all by himself while in Mexico. He placed the items in a bag after retrieving them from the water and cared for them, even taking the bag on the plane. His dad said all he could think of was bringing these leaves as a gift for his grandma. They are sitting on my small table in the living room along with the shells I brought home from the beach for Nathan to see. The heart knows no separation from those you love, no matter time or distance. He's just a thought away, always.

Turned out to be a great day. We are happy with the election results. The family is looking forward to the Holiday weekend at the lake, and maybe we'll get to enjoy some fun in the sun. This may be just the beginning of an exciting summer, and who knows?

Tuesday Election in Southbridge

Subject: Tuesday, June 30
Southbridge Election
Tomorrow is the big day in Southbridge. Several seats are open on the Town Council as well as the School Committee. There is no one running for a seat on the Bay Path School Committee and I would like to recommend a write-in name for the opening. He is if anything, more than qualified for the job, and I'm asking people voting in Southbridge to please consider writing Peter M. Preble in for the Bay Path School Committee seat. If you don't live in Southbridge please send this to any friends that you might have in Southbridge. You will need to write in the name: Peter M Preble And color in the oval after his name or, the vote will not count. Should a special election be needed it could cost the Town about $10,000.

---------Please write Peter in. Thanks for your help!----------

Healthy Lifestyle

Extra pounds are now okay as long you live a healthy lifestyle. One that consists of food low in saturated fats and you must be well hydrated. Eating fruits and vegetables with a sensible intake of protein and good fats, along with some exercise, and you can weigh up to thirty pounds over the current BMI scale. This is what I heard tonight coming out of a new study. The new measure takes into consideration other factors not currently available on the BMI index, which is determined by just height and weight.

Yesterday we walked over four miles. While walking the beach, you are unaware of the miles. You can walk from one town to another without realizing the distance. I am not sure if all the walking caused anything but sore legs, but I certainly hope so. Every pound lost is reflective of much work. Working out consists of many different activities, such as gardening.

This is how Saturday turned out. Up early for our walk to breakfast, followed with our walk to the beach and back through the town for shopping, a total of four miles. Then to the pool where any exercise there is not felt but counts none the less. We walked to every eating establishment and every tavern for dinner. Then again, after dinner before bed.

It was not a time to saying no to little treats because that certainly will defeat the purpose. Instead, I have less. You'd be surprised how that will suffice. Never allow yourself to feel deprived.

By the end of the summer, we should all be a lot fitter and wiser for it. Good health does not necessarily mean weight according to just your height anymore, interesting!. Got to read more on that.

Wearing Big Shoes

It used to be that people would turn a blind eye on matters of someones household. We heard shouting, beatings and screaming coming from homes in our crowded neighborhood while growing up. Children were disciplined then, and couples had their brawls. Also, there were the hard working men, sometimes "loudly" staggering home on weekends. Today it is a crime not to help someone being victimized and we are told do not just stand idly by and do nothing. After all, we are our brother's keeper. We wear bigger shoes now.

Does that imply that all has changed? Perhaps not, but what has changed is that we are better citizens. People in our country are appalled by the behavior displayed by citizens around the world. More recently, the treatment of the citizens of Iran. We are hearing the cries of the people there, loudly. America has always helped wherever it can as we are a melting pot from all the countries of the world. We are brothers and sisters of people everywhere. What we are being asked is to do is turn a blind eye to what is happening by the leaders of that country. We are not deaf. We hear. Press no longer is allowed to freely express your countries voting result of the people, which tells us something has gone awry. Do you regretfully have something to hide?

People have been able to see inside your borders because of the technological advances, worldwide. World leaders have not kept silent, in expressing their disdain. This is called "freedom" of expression. What we see are your children being beaten and killed because they raised a question. That raises a lot of questions in the minds of American citizens.

Our President has expressed disapproval. He represents a position of non-violence and has pursued peace. Trying to make this world a better place is all our responsibility. Mistakes can be rectified, peace is attainable. Attitudes of regret are changeable. It must begin with "me." And the time is now.

This morning, Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying, on FoxNews.com, that our president Obama should "stop interfering in Iran's affairs." It seems to me that he has gone out of his way not to make "the same mistakes" as our late president, George W. Bush, and the word mistake, may be a matter of opinion. Am I hearing a dictator dictate to our President?

We are a young country and history has taught us much. We wear big shoes, being a resourceful and caring nation. Our president, Obama is filling those shoes well. It seems that he was accused of falling "into this trap," of imitating our former President. I believe that is the furthest thing from the truth, as they are two entirely different individuals. They do share one thing in common though, and that is the love for their country. Large shoes have been passed on, yet they are a good fit. He stands proudly in them, and we stand proudly with him. Mistake? I don't think so, make no mistake about it. Quoted information from Ahmadinejad can be found here.