STONEHAM — Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan, Interim Police Administrator Michael Lyle, Fire Chief Matthew Grafton, and Department of Public Works Director Brett Gonsalves are pleased to share that the Stoneham Department of Public Works (DPW) and Police and Fire Departments participated in a Special Olympics softball game on Thursday night.
On Thursday, July 21, family, friends, and community members gathered in the stands of Dale Court to cheer on the Sandlot Spartans Special Olympics Softball Team as it faced Stoneham first responders.
Spearheaded by Former Selectmen Bob Sweeney, this is the first year that the Stoneham Department of Public Works and Police and Fire Departments participated in the event.
Proceeds raised during the 50/50 raffle were donated to Stoneham Substance Abuse Coalition and the Special Olympics.
“This event was a true collaboration of police, firefighters, Stoneham DPW personnel, community members, and volunteers,” said Interim Police Administrator Lyle. “It is events like these that build unity in our community and we look forward to continuing this event for years to come.”
The game began with the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by an opening prayer presented by Rev Sijo Jacob.
The Sandlot Spartans Special Olympic Softball Team includes Sean Massei, Jerry Hagerty, Jillian Coen, Michael McQuaid, Steve Windsor, Jody Verity, Patrick Sweeney, Karl Hersh, Justin Kassiolis, Camilla Hegarty, Ed Dalora, Joel Peterson, and Brian McCaskell. Players were introduced as they went to bat.
Throughout the game, the Sandlot Spartans scored multiple home runs to the cheers of the crowd.
“It was wonderful to see our Departments come together for such a great cause,” said Police Department Office Manager Erin Sinclair. “This cause is dear to my heart and it is these events that make a difference in the lives of not only our Special Olympics participants but for everyone involved.”
Former Selectmen Bob Sweeney would like to thank sponsors that made the event possible including, Michael McLaughlin Electrical, Good News Garage, Lapory Painting, Hayes Instruments, and Toys Across America.
Former Selectmen Sweeney would like to extend his gratitude to the following participants; Representative Michael Day, Select Board Chair David Pignone, Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan, Tony V, and Rowan Day, Master of Ceremonies Jeanne Craigie, and Umpire Bill Dunn.
“This was an awesome community event, and I hope it is the start of a longstanding tradition in our town,” said Representative Michael Day. “Thank you to all of our police, fire and DPW workers as well as the game organizers who led the charge in pulling this together. I was honored to join the fundraising effort.”
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