February 21, 2010:
Roberta Orris of the Corporate Office sends this news:
"I am working from home, in Medway, MA, supplying natural gas to end users for Shell Energy.
My son is graduating Hofstra in May, and my daughter is a sophomore at Arizona State University.
Please let me know how you are doing. Love to hear from "Bay Staters".. we old-timers."
February 15, 2010:
Nelson Fernandez checked in with the following update:
"To my friends at Bay State Gas; just letting you know that I had to reset my e-mail, so if you e-mailed me and got no response please send them again to me - love to hear from you guys. God Bless.
PS: My sympathy to Bob Drew's family. I know Bob will be missed. Our prayers are with him and his family.
January 24, 2010:
Vic Platania checked in recently with the following update:
"Hi All,
Just got the web site for BSG Alumni from Alex. I have been retired for 7 years now. I spend the Winters in Winter Haven Florida at 4 Lakes Golf and Tennis Club and the Summers at Summer Village in Westford Mass. We had a rough begining to our retirement. My wife Diane had a horrible stroke 6 months after we retired and was confined to a hospital bed and wheelchair for 5 years before she passed away. I have since met a wonderful women at our tennis club in Haverhill Mass, and we are engaged and planning a wedding this Summer.
As you can see by my e-mail address, I am a tennis teaching pro now. I have been teaching summers up in Alton Bay NH, where we had a cottage since Diane passed away. But the cottage was destroyed by fire last Easter Sunday along with 43 other cottages, so I will be teaching this summer at our new home at Summer Village in Westford. I try to stay active playing tennis at least 5 times a week and playing softball and table tennis while I'm in Florida.
In the summer, I am busy with tennis and enjoying my 10 grandchildren. My 3 daughters are school teachers and my daughter-in-law works for the school system, so they all have summers off and spend them at our summer cottage. So it's one big crazy place, but we all love it and have a great time.
Up until this year, one of the other things I did was get together once a month with my 4 good friends from Bay State Gas - Alex Petrosino, Ray Villetta, Bob Aziz and Bob Drew - and play 45's. This has been an ongoing thing for the last 20 some odd years. As most of you know, we lost Bob Drew this last December after a long fight with cancer. He will be truly missed as a GREAT friend and coworker and someone who we all shared so many wonderful times and happy moments with!
I try to stay in touch with my friends in BSG Lawrence, stopping by at least once a month to say hello and remember the good old days. My friends in Lawrece will always hold a special place in my heart. It seems as though we all started working there at about the same time and all grew up together and raised families. There was always a bond and a family atmosphere that made working in Lawrence special! I also stay close to Joe Tinney and Paula Bishop, my two long time tennis partners and close friends. Paula is selling real estate in Andover Mass, and Joe and his wife Debby split their time between Florida and Haverhill Mass.
Well, I guess that's about it from here. I just want to say hello to all my BSG alumni and wish you all health, happness and prosperity in the future!"
Vic's email address can be found in our Email Locator. Drop him a note. We're sure he'd love to hear from you.
January 14, 2010:
I received the following message from Bob Drew's son. It's a very worthwhile read.
You can also click here to see three nice photos of Bob.
Hello, everyone. This is Bob Drew's Son, Robert Jr., and I am posting a note about the passing of my father. I actually worked for the Gas Company as a Summer Help for five years in the street department in Lawrence while I was attending college. Dad always loved working at the Gas Company and has made many friends when he worked there and they were still friends until the day he passed away. Dad faced a very brave and courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer for 17 months. He died very peacefully and in no pain. Dad had surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and did everything he could to fight this disease. My family and I stood by him while he fought cancer and we spent a lot of time spoiling him as a family. From going to Vermont, eating Tripoli Pizza, watching grandkid's ballgames and to meeting Red Sox players, we said good bye the right way and we are very lucky for the opportunity.
Born and raised in Methuen, Dad graduated from Methuen High School in 1956. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Kearsarge for four years. Bob was employed at Western Electric, was an assistant treasurer of Arlington Trust Company, and he retired from the Bay State Gas Company after 20 years as a manager/supervisor. He was currently employed at Lexington Insurance (AIG) in Boston. He was on numerous boards and committees, including the Salem/Methuen Rotary Club where he received The Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was the President of the Greater Lawrence Credit Bureau, the Chairman of the Greater Lawrence United Fund, and a member of The John Hancock Lodge AF&FM, Bektash Temple and the Lawrence YMCA.
Dad enjoyed golf, collecting, sports, cooking, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and brought laughs to everyone he met. A Manhattan and a cigar would be a favorite past-time shared with his son-in-laws. Bob was proud of all his children. He enjoyed sports events and collecting autographs and pictures of athletes with his son. He loved being with his daughters and grandchildren who brought so much fulfillment with their activities, family events, and always the unexpected His strength, courage and especially love of people will live on in all his family.
Dad was predeceased by his parents Mazie Mae (Wright) Drew and Earl Gilbert Drew. Survived by his wife Germaine (Veit) Drew; his son Robert E. Drew Jr of Methuen; his daughters Holly Drew and Bob Maglio of Candia, NH, Elizabeth and Neil Butler of Rowley, MA, and Melissa and Jay DeFrank of Haverhill, MA. 8 grandchildren: Drew, Devin, Olivia, Dillon, Madison, Stone, Mikayla, and Sophia; and several nieces.
Remembrances may be made to a foundation being established in honor of Robert E. Drew, Sr in care of Robert E. Drew Jr at First Choice Credit Union 55 Marston Street, Lawrence, MA 01841. The intent of the foundation is to create a lasting memorial in his honor, and will be a memorial that will be either constructed or donated at a later date.
Thank you very much for your time and your prayers.
Robert E. Drew Jr.
rdrewjr@comcast.net
January 4, 2010:
Alex Petrosino sadly reported that Bob Drew, formerly of the Lawrence office, passed away just before Christmas after fighting a seventeen month battle with pancreatic cancer. Please see the Lawrence Eagle Tribune for the obituary.
October 21, 2009:
We just received a message from Nelson Fernandez of the Lawrence Division.
"I would like to extend my warmest regards to all my coworkers at Bay State Gas Company. Especially to my boss Bob Aziz, Roger Bazin, Ray Valletta, Charlie Bruno, Jules Lachance, Sam Timony and John Snow. I am well living in Virginia Beach with my wife of 29 years Philomena and my two sons Timoney Nelson and Johnanthony. I'm retired and I spend my time fishing in the Chesapeake Bay for stripper and crabs. My son Timoney is a Bodybuilder and you can check him out at www.repetrope.com. Glad to have found you on line and hope to hear from some of you soon. Stay well and God Bless."
Nelson's email address has been added to our alumni Email Locator.
March 20th, 2009:
Sadly, we just learned of the death of Chris Tenney. While he had been in failing health for some time, this comes as a shock to those of us who remember him as one of the warmest and kindest people at Bay State Gas. Our condolences go out to his wife Connie, and their two children, Mariel and Andrew. Interment and memorial will be private. Donations to his memory may be made to the Brigham and Women's Cardiac Amyloidosis Fund, Brigham and Women's Hospital Development Office, 116 Huntington Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5712.
June 26th, 2008:
We just heard from Sonja Teadale. She and Jim have
moved from Naples, Florida to Longboat Key, Florida, near Sarasota.
It loooks like we're assembling a small community of Bay Staters
here. Debbie and Joe Tinney spend their winters on beautiful Siesta Key in Sarasota, while
the Doucettes (Kathy and John) and the Shermans (Anne and
Tom) are on the other side of the tracks in Venice, and Ruth and George Dorr are nearby in North Port. Here is
Sonja's update:
"When we moved to Naples we often heard that when Neapolitans
got old, they moved to Longboat Key. Well, here we are! We
made the move in March and are still unsettled as we have
renovation work scheduled from July to September. In the meantime
we are enjoying our new digs in the Spanish Main Yacht Club.
The community was built forty years ago but most of the villas
have been updated inside, and we're on a waterway that leads
from the marina to Sarasota Bay so we're spending many a cocktail
hour on our lanai watching the boat activity. And we still
can watch sunsets (we have a private beach) with the additional
bonus of spectacular sunrises over Sarasota Bay. I haven't
found a "real" job yet but within a week of moving in I had
three clients/neighbors whose gardens or dogs I was watching.
It's not bad duty considering I can ride my bike to all of
the locations. Since we're closer to Venice now, I'm hoping
we'll be able to get together (ed: with the other Bay Staters). I finally broke down and bought
a new set of clubs (my others were 29 years old), but, of
course, they haven't improved my game."
Sonja also reports that "Jim and I celebrated our 30th last year, despite Len Stone's (remember him?) predictions that it would never last. It's amazing how the years pass!"
If any other Bay Staters (including consultants, contractors, directors, associates, fellow NEGAers, etc.) live in or around the Sarasota/Venice area, let us hear from you by using the "share news" link at the top right of this page. Maybe a mini-reunion can be planned. or at least cocktails on the beach.
One last thing. Sonja is trying to get in touch with Linda and Gary Robinson. If anyone knows their email address, please send it to toniteasdale@comcast.net.
April 22nd, 2008:
Two weeks ago, George Dorr celebrated his 75th birthday at
the Heron Creek Country Club in North Port, Florida. George
and Ruth winter there and are having the time of their lives!
It was a surprise party planned by George's four daughters
and Ruth, and was attended by close to 100 friends and family.
Bay State was represented by yours truly and my wife Kathy, Tom
and Ann Sherman and Joe and Debbie Tinney. The food was great,
the drinks were tasty, the music was vintage, and it was great
to see that big smile on George's face. I'll try to get some
pictures and have them posted. Of course, we forgot our camera.
Sonja Teasdale just checked in with here new Email address
- toniteasdale@comcast.net. She'd love to hear from you. Sonja
and Jim are still in Naples, Florida. Veronica and Barry Lucier
are nearby, and Dick and Jan Davis are just a few miles away.
If anyone else from the old gas gang is down here in the sunshine
state, let me know. Perhaps we can organize a reunion.
In Memoriam
April 10, 2008
The Bay State
Gas community lost its patriarch, Charles H. Tenney II, at
age 89 on April 10, 2008. He was not only Mr. Tenney. He was Mr.
T. and he was Charlie. He loved to laugh with you, and he
always was interested in what you were doing and how you were
doing. Respect for each and every Bay State Gas employee was
ingrained in Mr. Tenney - the gas company employees were his second family.
Our condolescences go out to Charlie Tenney III and Rocky
Tenney, to Roger and Bob Young, and to their families.
January 25, 2008:
We recently heard from good guy Alex Petrosino, who worked for many years in Northern's Portsmouth office.
"I just found this site and the articles and comments brought back a lot of memories. I am truly blessed to have worked at BSG. I took an early retirement in September 2006 at age 58. Marie and I spend our winters in a great retirement community in Poinciana, Fl. and summers on Great East Lake, E. Wakefield, NH. I work part time at Disney World driving boats from the resorts to the Magic Kingdom. More fun than I ever could have imagined. I'm about 20 miles from Vic Platania so we get together once a week to play cards. In 1990 I started playing cards with Bob Aziz, Bob Drew, Ray Villetta and Vic Platania and we continue to play during the summer months.
Regards,
Alex
Editor's Note: Looking at Alex's card-playing buddies, it's easy to see how he financed his Florida digs.
April 10, 2007:
In Memoriam
Steve Durrigan has informed me that Louise "Chickie" Hatfield passed away suddenly on April 8, 2007. Following is her obituary:
Louise (Saviski) Hatfield
HATFIELD Louise Hatfield (Saviski), age 63, of Duxbury, died suddenly on April 8, 2007, while visiting with her family in West Simsbury, Conn. Mrs. Hatfield was an employee of the town of Duxbury, serving as an office manager in the town's Water Department for the past six years. In an earlier assignment with the town, she served as an administrative assistant in the Health Department. She was active as a volunteer on several town committees, including a data processing steering group in the 1980s.
Before joining the staff at the Town Offices, she was a supervisor in the data processing department of the Bay State Gas Company for more than 25 years before the company was acquired by NiSource Inc. Louise and her husband were very active in all of the activities of the Kingston Lions Club. She was an active member of the Holy Family Parish in Duxbury. Born in Brockton in 1943, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Cora Saviski of Brockton. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas A. Hatfield, who died in August of 2006. She is survived by a sister, Sophie Saviski of Brockton, a sister and brother-in-law, Susan H. and John J. Dwyer of West Simsbury, Conn., and Duxbury, a nephew, Timothy J. Dwyer and his wife Ivana of Avon, Conn., and a niece, Susan Kara Fitzgibbon and her husband John of Weston; and three grandnieces, and one grandnephew. Additionally her extended family includes numerous great-aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends and relatives may call at the Richard Davis Funeral Home at 373 Court Street in North Plymouth on Thursday, April 12, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. prior to a Mass of Christian burial at Holy Family Church at 601 Tremont Street in Duxbury at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Hatfield's memory to the Holy Family Church or the Kingston Lions Club.
I am personally saddened to hear of Chickie's passing. She
was one of those people you could always count on. She pulled
no punches, told it like it was, and in the end I knew that
only one thing mattered to Chickie: doing the best job possible
for Bay State Gas and for the people she so ably supervised
and cared so much about. We'll cherish the memories.
March 14, 2007:
From Our Roving Reporter
Hello folks, Great News. The elusive Clarence Wills has been
found. He is living in Lakeville, MA with wife Janet. He has
2 children, son Christopher and daughter Kristi. Chris lives
in Westford, MA and recently had a baby, making the Willster
a granddaddy. Daughter Kristi and hubby Rick live in Taunton,MA.
She is a school teacher in Freetown, MA.
CJW retired from BSG in 2005 and now works for IBM out of the Brockton office in the budgeting area. With him in the Brockton office are old friends Rita Sousa, Mary Jane Brophy, Diane Fasolo and Joan Calarese, among others.
Soon, on March 21st, Clarence and son Chris will be heading for Fort Myers to take in the Red Sox summer camp for a week. It would be nice if XBSGERS in the area invited the Willster and his Son over for a toddy or two.
The family also enjoys boating and fishing at their summer cottage nearby. e-mail cjwills@comcast.net
February 12, 2007:
Alumni search. One of our alumni is trying to locate Clarence
Wills. If anyone knows the email address or snail mail address
of the popular Mr. W., please click on the Share News With
Us link at the top right and we'll pass it on. Thank You.
December 1, 2006:
In Your Face LaShoto - From Our Roving Reporter
Well, well, well, dear Mr. Lashoto. Looks like you tossed
me a bone re Mr. Dexter. You told me a little fib to make
me look bad as a star reporter for this great enterprise.
I've known for years that you wanted this job and would do
anything to get me fired so you could promote your own style
of writing. Jealousy is a horrible thing, especially when
I paid for our last lunch together. So, RR.
Editors Note: Who needs Desperate Housewives?
By the way, Mr. Jeff. sent me a link that is really a lot of fun. Just click here and you'll be taken back to the sixties. Make sure your audio is on and not muted.
November 28, 2006:
Paul LaShoto checked in today with corrections to our beloved Roving Reporter's November 21st update. Seems that RR's Caps Lock fetish is also accompanied by a shortcoming in the geography department. Paul Dexter's B & B is located in Chester, Vermont, and Charlie Setian's fishing camp is in Southern Vermont. If you go to our News Archive, you'll find a March 20, 2003 story on Paul's B & B. It's hard to be too critical of the old Jeffer. He's our primary source of alumni information. We need ten more of him. Keep the news coming old friend.
November 21, 2006:
The Roving Reporter's Report #7
WELL,NOT MUCH TO REPORT FROM THE ROVING REPORTER AS MY SOURCES
AND MY "DEEP THROAT" HAVE DESERTED ME. IN THE END THEY WILL
PAY. TALKED TO PAUL LASHOTO RECENTLY AND HE GAVE ME A FEW
TID-BITS. ALL MAY KNOW THIS BUT PAUL DEXTER, FORMERELY OF
LEBOUF, PURCHASED A BED AND BREAKFAST IN MAINE AND IS VISITED
By CHARLIE SETIAN ON HIS FISHING TRIPS UP TO HIS FISHING CLUB
IN NORTHERN MAINE.
BOB AZIZ STILL WORKING ON HIS DESIRE TO PURCHASE A FEW DUNKIN
DONUT LOCATIONS IN ST.PETE,FLORIDA. EMPLOYEES IN BROCKTON
ARE GETTING READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY ON DECEMBER 9th.
WELL,THAT'S IT FOR NOW. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
July 10, 2006:
Yours truly had a surprise visit last week! John and Brenda
Snow stopped by and caught me in my PJs working on the
computer. They are up north for the summer and will be returning
to their winter pad in Hobe Sound Florida in a few months.
John was asking about old alumni buddies and said that he
was on a mission to locate Bob Aziz, who we believe
is still living in Salisbury. As it turns out, Kathy and I
sold our Newburyport home and are living in Salisbury for
the summer. So if anyone is in this neck of the woods, let
me know (my email address is in our Email Locator) and we
can all get together for milk and cookies.
I also received an urgent plea from our Roving Report, Sir Robert Jeffery. Here it is:
"Employees and former employees of the Lawrence, Springfield,
Portsmouth and Portland divisions: To keep this site going,
we need more info about happenings in your divisions. Retirees,
local news,etc. We would like to have a roving reporter from
each division. If interested, contact Captain John via this
website, or me at sjeff96@aol.com."
I think he means it, folks. Will someone step up to the bar and do the "write" thing.
July 2, 2006:
The Roving Reporter's Report #6
Seems like no one wants to report any happenings to Master
John in Bay State Nation. As not much is going on in the Southern
Division, I'll toss out a few tid-bits to keep this site going.
Months ago, Master John was sent a photo of F10. But I think, due to old age, he has misplaced it. Well I quess some of us are in the same boat. The Golden Ages???????????????
ed.note: photo will be posted soon; cat used it for nature
call.
Not much going on in the Commonwealth except a lot of rain, mostly north of Boston.
Nisource is outsourceing more and more of its activities. I think Accounts Payable is one of them.
Spoke to Marvin Hagler at a recent event here. Met him 25 years ago when the city honored Rocky Marciano. Marvin lives in a villa in Italy and is famous as an actor in cowboy flicks.
See Eileen Purcell and Kathy Desimone in various eating establishments around the city. Kathy still works for the Company.
Former BSG employees are now working as consultans for IBM.
Whats that all about?????????
Little news from the western and northern divisions. Must
have brain lock!!!! Would like to know about Al Carlson, John
Weir, etc. Come on Aziz, get off your ass and do some reporting
as Assistant Roving Reporter.
June 22, 2006:
It's been a very slow news month or two. I may have to start making things up, and that could prove very embarassing to my alumni friends, especially Bob Jeffery (who says I'd have to make things up!!).
In any case, I did have the good fortune of having lunch recently
with Mike Mulloy and Steve Curran in beautiful downtown Boston.
Steve works at the Museum of Fine Arts, where he is Financial
Administrator for MFA's construction expansion project. He
also is pulling a little night shift overtime guarding the
new Whistler's Mother Exhibit. He and wife Kathy still reside
in Canton. His two sons are both married and doing well. I
could tell Steve is a very proud papa, and deservedly so.
Mike and I got together in late May, so this was our second catching up. Mike and I drove in together, and I subjected him to a one-hour expletive filled rant on the ignominies of negotiating Boston's ungodly traffic and supremely hostile drivers. Ahhh, I was right at home.
Over a light lunch in an Irish pub near the Westin hotel, Steve, Mike and I reminisced about the good ol' days at BSG. That got us thru our appetizers (just kidding, c'mon). We were blessed to have an extremely attentive and, shall we say, eye-catching young waitress who kept us well-stacked, excuse me, I mean well-stocked with all sorts of delights from the menu.
Our lunch ended with Steve's call to "let's do it again in 6 weeks". We very well might and Steve is going to try to round up a few more of use who share the same bizzare sense of humor and a willingless to be occasionally humiliated for a good laugh.
If any of you have had get-togethers recently, why not share
them with us! Just click
here and send me a note. John D.
May 1, 2006:
The Roving Reporter's Report #5
Had a nice chat with Jim Burke last week. As we all know,
Jim and wife Pat live in Wilbraham,MA. Both are doing well
and golf together a few times a week. Son Tim and wife Donna
have a daughter Keira, making them grandparents (are we getting
old or what!!) Tim works for Shields MRI in sales. Daughter
Katy is with Soverign Bank as Manager of Human Resources.
Daughter Megan is with Putman Investments in No. Andover.
Son Jim is with AEW in Munson as a master plumber. Youngest
daughter Jeanne is raising hell out in Colorado at Colorado
University.
About 150 years ago, BSG was manufacturing gas from coal on
Grove Street in Brockton to power street lights in the city.
Now, on the same property, BSG is partnering with the city
to bring solar power to parts of the city in the downtown
area. It will be New Englands largest solar field with over
1400 solar panels. Recently federal, state and city officals
celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of the $3 million
dollar project. The panels will be provided by Schott Solar
of Billerica.
Bob Jeffery
April 17, 2006:
Gerry Doherty, longtime stalwart of our Computer Services staff, has written us with a greeting and a heartfelt request.
Hello to all my fellow alumni,
It's hard to believe that more than three years have passed since I last worked at BSG. One needs only to attend a 40th high school reunion as I did recently to be reminded of the passage of time. I couldn't help but compare the experience to the novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' when viewing the yearbook, with one exception. It was not the pictures that aged. Enough said.
I would like to take a moment of your time to talk about an organization near and dear to me. Some of you may be aware, I have been a member of the volunteer group The Samaritans for several years. The Samaritans is an organization of ordinary people like you and I who do extraordinary things. Dedicated to the prevention of suicide, The Samaritans operates a 24 / 7 hotline 'befriending' callers who are in crisis, lonely, or just in need of someone to listen, even if just for a few moments.
Being the close (if only in spirit) fraternity we have become, I urge my fellow alumni to visit the Samaritan website, learn more about the work of the organization, and contribute what you can to this very worthy cause.
Please Click Here to visit The Samaritans Website.
Regards,
Gerry
March 3, 2006:
We just received an email from Bob Mortell.
It's worth reading.
"Hi fellow alumni,
About 2 1/2 years ago I went back to Church after spending
all of my adult life not going to church. It changed my whole
life. I joined two singles groups - the Connected Catholics
of the South Shore, and the South Shore Singles. I take ballroom
dancing lessons, and go to two dances a month with the South
Shore Singles. Recently I saw Gerry Doherty at the dances.
With Connected Catholics I belong to two committees - the
social & spritual committees. We plan events like cross country
skiing, sleigh rides, pool parties, movies, bowling, plays,
Mass, and dinners, walks, and harbor cruises. They are tons
of fun with lots of laughs. We have a blast.
I'm also involved with my own St. Ann's Church in Hull. I
lector, teach sixth grade CCD class, serve on the Parish Council
and the church decorating committee, and I go to two prayer
groups a week. Two years ago, St. Ann's Church had soup suppers
during Lent (different church groups like parish council,
finance committe, St. Vincent DePaul, and others) make soups
each week to benefit the St. Rock Haiti Foundation. Each table
has a piggy bank that each person puts money in. There is
no set amount, whatever you feel like giving. Wonderful soups
are served each week.
I met the founder of St. Rock Haiti Foundation, Ralph Stowe
at one of those soup suppers. I called him on the phone one
day to ask him if he could use some medical supplies a friend
of mine wanted to donate to a charity. Ralph said he would
look at them, but what he really needed was someone to help
him move a dentist chair. I said sure I will help you with
the dentist chair. Ralph turned out to be a very special person,
and I asked him would it be possible for me to visit the clinic
in Haiti? Ralph said sure, and invited me to a cookout at
his house to meet the many people who had already visited
the clinic. I went to the cookout, and met all these special
people, doctors, lawyers, trades people, writers, and ordinaries
like me (Ed. Note: As you'll see, Bob is far from ordinary)..
They told me what to wear, take, and what shots to get in
order to go to Haiti. Six months later in January 2005 I went
to Haiti for the first time. The dentist chair Ralph had shipped
by boat arrived at the clinic the week we got there. A nurse
from Milton, Celese Cefalu, went with us. Ralph, and I put
the dentist chair together that week, but we had extra parts,
and one of the chair functions wasn't working. That day three
men were jogging up the mountain to check out a church someone
had told them about located on the top of the mountain. On
their way down, they spotted the clinic and stopped by to
see what it is all about. The three men turned out to be dentists
from Pittsburgh, Maine, and New Hampshire. They had never
been on St. Rock mountain before. They answered all of our
questions about the chair, and told us the extra parts we
had went to a different chair. We have since purchased a quiet
gas powered generator (Ed. Note: notice Bob's loyalty to his
gas company heritage!) to operate the dentist chair, and equipment.
It was during that trip that Ralph asked me to join the foundation
as their secretary, meaning I take the minutes at their meetings.
I said sure, it sounds great. It helps me to keep up with
what is going on with the clinic. We now have a child sponsorship
program to send kids to school that otherwise would not be
able to. We are starting up a goat program that will be run
by locals, which will allow the families involved to have
milk, and food, or sell the goats at the market. Without the
clinic, the 25,000 people in the mountainous region of St.
Rock would have no medical facility at all. I have been to
Haiti three times now.
Also, I have teamed up again with Gary Baker working for ASA
(American Student Assistance - student loans) working third
shift in their computer room. Gary is the Lead Operator. I
have worked there amost three years, and Gary has been here
for four. Keep up the great job you are doing with the web
site John. It is wonderful to hear from so many fellow alumni.
All the very best to you all, Bob.
Bob Dancing at Haitian Celebration
Haitian Children at St. Rock
March 1, 2006:
Linda Carpenter recently checked in with an update. Linda worked both in the Boston and Brockton offices for a number of years.
"Just happened on the Alumni Web site. Brings back many good memories having worked at the company the first time from 1961 until 1969, and the second time from 1972 to 1981. Lots of great memories with Dot Solberg and Gracie Moore. And of course, Miss Appleyard!
Since 1981 when Howard Clark gave me the 'boot', I have successfully worked for Hi Tech and Bio Tech companies as a Technical Writer and Documentation Specialist. I do have such fond memories of working with people at Bay State though and some of the names on this web site (not many) I recognize.
I married a 2nd time in 1986 and have a daughter who is 18. After staying home for 10 years with her, this year I began working in the business world again, and I love what I am doing."
Regards to all, Linda
February 14, 2006:
Hey, we just received a great report from that man from the Lawrence Division - Bob Aziz. Here goes:
"Hi John; great hearing from you as well. I do try to stay in touch with a few of the old bunch in Lawrence but of course not all. Joe Tinney is in Sarasota Fl. for the winter. Great location on Siesta Key. His wife has just retired and so this is the first time that they are able to stay the winter. He just became a grandfather so he is beaming. Vic Platania is also in Fl. for the winter and is at Winter Haven. Of course, I stay in touch with John and Brenda Snow and I love telling him that I could be his neighbor if he had paid me more. He laughs and, always the boss, reminds me that I have to work harder or smarter if I want more. Lots of laughs. He and Jeff have to have been the best to work with. Great bunch you included of course. So many great memories. Ray Villetta lives in the Lakes Region and is ok. Also talk to Bob Drew from time to time along with Alex Petrosino who you may remember more from Portsmouth. I almost never go back; not even to visit. We were truly a lucky group who did make a difference."
Bob
February 11, 2006:
The Roving Reporter's Report #4
Comments: My apologies to CEO/Editor John
for my cruller/bagel remarks. I need this job. I will be contacting
CFO, Tom Sherman for a raise and a company car. Also, my apologies
to Rita Souza for mis-spelling her name in an earlier story.
Editor's Note: If Lew Deluca
is a visitor to this website, please submit a list of acceptable
makes, models, and options for this year's company cars. By
the way Lew, $10,000 doesn't buy much these days!!
Roving Reporter Report continued .....
Talked to Mike Verocci's son. His dad, a long
time friend of BSG, is wintering in Boca Raton,Florida.
Profile: Joe Tinney
Joe and wife Debbie are wintering in Sarasota, Florida, where
they have a home. Joe is a retired Corporate Manager of C&I
Sales. His first few years of retirement were spent golfing,
playing tennis and supplementing his income at various race
tracks around the country (by the way, he was doing all this
without wife Debbie as he forced her to work till the very
end). At home in Haverhill, MA, he was bored so they purchased
a puppy by the name of Murphy, a Bernese Mountain dog. He
and Murphy would head to Florida each winter for a few weeks,
leaving his wife home to take care of things and make money
to support his betting habit (although, over the years, he
has been very successful at handicapping horse races). She
got fed up and retired and laid down the law: no more single
adventures. Joe and Debbie are enjoying retirement at thier
condo on Siesta Key, Florida..
February 9, 2006:
Sadly, we just received news from Rita Souza about her sister Pauline's husband.
"John, just wanted to let you know that Pauline Weiner's husband passed
away Jan.25. I know she had sent an update to the web page saying he was
very ill. He was 58 years young and will be missed by all of us..."
All of us at Bay State who knew and admired Pauline so much extend our deepest sympathies to her and to her family.
February 8, 2006:
Sonja Teasdale has sent us the latest scoop on Dave Blomberg, longtime accounting stalwart in both the Boston and Brockton offices.
"My former hairdresser from Scituate now works at my current
hair salon in Naples and she keeps up on things back in Scituate
(and you know word-of-mouth by hairdressers is gospel)! She
tells me that Dave Blomberg is still living in Scituate and
working for the State in the Auditing Dept. They own a vacation/retirement
home in Naples that they visit, but my source tells me that
although Dave is eligible for retirement, Nell (Dave's wife)
won't let him retire. Hmmm, having commuted with him for several
years, I wonder why?"
Editor's Note: When I joined the company
in 1966, almost 40 years ago, Dave was the first person I
had coffee with. He had 3 passions: skiing, hockey, and accounting.
He also had one of the funniest personal stories I've ever
heard. Seems that he was doing some repair work on his roof.
To secure himself, he flung a rope to the other side of the
roof and tied it to his car bumper, and then tied it around
his waist. While busily making his roof repairs, he felt a
tug, then a more pronounced tug, and then he was dragged up
and over the roof and down into the bushes below. Turns out
his wife had started the car and was driving off, with Dave
in tow!!! Fortunately, she ran out of gas (just kidding!).
Thank God Dave lived in a small cape at the time. This just
illustrates the fine line between comedy and tragedy.
February 7, 2006:
We just heard from one of the long time members of our Computer
Services organization, Ann Pope. Ann was
instrumental for many years for ensuring that our payroll
programs were functioning properly and our paychecks were
generated on time. Bless her soul.
EVIANNE - Wigs, Hair Pieces and Accessories
"If anyone is interested in a wig or hair piece, I hope you will visit my website. www.eviannewigs.com. My sister and I officially opened our store in September of 2005. Business is going very well and I just love working with the public. If you or people you know need a wig for medical reasons, or even just for fun, I hope you will get in touch with me. I give great discounts. Call for an appointment if you'd like privacy. Even if you're not interested in a wig, I'd love to hear from you."
Ann
Ann's email address can be found in our Email Locator.
February 3, 2006:
Your editor made a comment in regard to your Roving Reporter's
Report #3 (below on February 2nd) regarding the Souzas. Specifically,
I praised the glorious cruller over the pedestrian bagel.
Not to be outdone, RR shot back the following:
Reporter's Note: "Anyone that prefers a fat socked drippy cruller (glazed,chocolate or fudged) as opposed to a good Boston bagel, is a real sick puppy and needs mental health help!"
Editor's Note: Any further outbursts of this sort will force me to terminate RR's contract with the alumni website.
February 2, 2006:
The Roving Reporter's Report #3
BULLETIN: In the local paper. the Brockton Enterprise, Bay
State Gas Company's President, Stephen Bryant, announced that
BSG has asked the state Department of Energy for a rate decrease
due to milder weather here in the northeast as well lower
projections of the impact of hurricane Katrina and Rita. "Customers
could save as much as $40 a month on a typical bill of $300.
However, the lower monthly bill still represents a hike of
18-20% over last year. He also stated that the company was
looking at the possibility of outsourcing some of its Brockton
and Springfield operations that could effect 100 jobs if,
in fact, studies prove it is cost effective to do so. The
two divisions serve over 200,000 customers in over 50 cities
and towns.
On a lighter note, I (Jeff) bumped into Rita Sousa yesterday.
She was getting bagels at Back Bay Bagel while hubby Joe was
getting coffee at Dunkin Donuts for a visit to one of their
friends. Rita is one of the "nicest" people within the company.
Editor's Note: I like the light stuff better. It's heartwarming
to see that Rita and Joe have solved the bagel/donut wars
once and for all! As for me, give me a cruller anytime (or
do they call it a "stick" now? How appetizing.)
January 21, 2006:
Our Roving Reporter, Bob Jeffery, has used his vast non-profit news network (El Jefeera) to bring us updates on Roger Young and Bob Tufts. Read on:
The Roving Reporter's Report #2
As most of you know, Roger and wife Linda live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He reports that they have had almost 200" of snow so far this year. Happy sledding!!!!!!!!. They have 2 children, Geoff, who lives in New York and writes for the New York Public Library. He is also writing a novel (yet to be titled) which should be out in early summer. Daughter Catey lives in Fort Collins, Colarado with husband John Lenner, a highly respected construction manager in the area.
Roger had a heart procedure done in November. He is recuperating at home and is doing quite well. He thinks he will be able to ski soon! Don't bet on it Mr. Groundhog. Apparently he was having problems breathing and the doctors found that valves near the heart were not functioning properly. He also is taking singing and piano lessons and admitted to me that his goal is to be the next Billy Joel. RIGHT!!!!
Wife Linda takes care of her 2 horses, "Gunner" and a young one that remains unnamed because I could not read my notes. She also states that her Hubby might be taking advantage of his condition by making demands of her like fancy meals, back rubs, etc
Roger is still on th board at Nisource. His term ends in May.
Old friend Bob Tufts, retired Manager of Propane, was recently honored by his hometown of Easton by being appointed to the Ambassadors Team at the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. They meet monthly to facilitate networking among banks, schools, colleges, hospitals, etc. in the South Shore area.
January 20, 2006:
It's been quite a busy week for alumni spotting. This past
Monday, Tom Sacco and his wife Marsha passed
thru Venice FL. and had lunch with the Doucettes and the Shermans.
We'll get a photo posted soon. The Saccos proudly displayed
photos of their three granddaughters and updated us on things
back in Massachusetts. Over lunch we reminisced about the
good old days at Bay State, and Tom proudly (and justifiably)
remarked about the quality and commitment of his Gas Supply
department during some very stressful times. For all of you
who helped keep those pipes packed with therms, Tom says thanks.
On Thursday, John and Kathy Doucette literally ran into George and Ruth Dorr in downtown Venice. George and Ruth live in nearby Northport during the winter and spend summers in Pocassett, MA. Golf is their passion, and they are really enjoying themselves. George and Ruth's email addresses can be found in the Email Locator. They'd love to hear from their old BSG buddies. Editor's Note: just to make matters worse for those of us who are battling the ravages of old(er) age, George hasn't changed a bit. He doesn't live very far from Ponce De Leone's Fountain of Youth. That's a fact.
Finally, Bob Aziz has sent us his new email address. It's also in the Email Locator. Drop him a line. Maybe our Roving Reporter can do some undercover work to see what Mr. A has been up to.
January 13, 2006:
Elaine Soares and Carol Pilkington have both checked in with news they'd like to share with their many alumni friends.
Elaine writes:
Hi everyone!
I don't know if you remember me. I worked for Mr. Tenney and Roger for 3 years only and went back home to Rhode Island. I still have a copy of the poem that you (John) wrote and presented at my going away party in Westboro. I still remember many of my friends at Bay State and still have the best memories of working there with you guys. I still train my German Shepherd Dogs and now work at Lifespan in the Information Services Department. Yes - Information Services and I love it. I designed my own website (needs a little updating) but if anyone gets a chance, stop on by and visit me at www.angelan.net. Elaine Soares
Carol writes:
Hi everyone,
I am stilling working at BSG, but as a consultant in the Brockton office. Some things never change, I am sitting in the office next to Rita Souza. I am now only working part time allowing me to spend more time at home with my family. Christopher is 12 and Bryan 10. They are very active in sports, which of course make Peter and I very active in sports. We love every minute of it. Last year I received my black belt in karate, and will soon be going for my second degree. It is great to hear from everyone, and hope all are doing well.
January 3, 2006:
Well, the old year has passed into the history books. Lets's
admit it, 2005 really was not a great one for the world at
large. Let's hope for better things for mankind in 2006.
Your editor was otherwise occupied thruout the holiday season,
but I'm back and have received news from Bob Jeffery
and Walter McCarthy.
Jeff, our Roving Reporter, has uncovered the whereabouts of
two well-known and well-liked alumni friends. He works in
CAPITAL letters only (apparently his Caps Lock key is stuck),
so you can take off your spectacles:
YEAR END REPORT FROM YOUR ROVING REPORTER:
- VIC PLATANIA, FORMER MANAGER OF DISTRIBUTION IN LAWRENCE, NOW LIVES IN FLORIDA WITH WIFE DIANA.
- BOB SHUPE, AT THE RIPE OLD AGE OF 72, STILL RUNS HIS COMPANY, GOURLEY,INC, IN WALTHAM. WIFE JOAN HELPS DOING THE ADMINISTATIVE STUFF. SON ROB RUNS THE SALES SIDE OF THE BUSINESS. DAUGHTER JENNIFER IS IN REAL ESTATE IN PORTLAND MAINE. YOUNGEST DAUGHTER ELIZABETH WORKS IN KANSAS CITY. BOB HAS TWO GRANDCHILDREN, BOBBIE AND KATHLEEN. BOB HAS A CONDO IN FLORIDA THAT HE SHARES WITH JIM SMITH, FORMER VP WITH BSG AND CEO OF ORANGE AND ROCKLAND IN SPRING VALLEY, NEW YORK.
- WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ( PRE-HISTORIC): LARRY GINGROW, JOHN KING, ED HYLAND, DAVE BLOMBERG, JOHN CONSIDINE AND RECENT GRADUATES CHARLIE SETIAN AND TOM SACCO? IF YOU KNOW, LET ME KNOW.
- NEXT PROFILE: ROGER YOUNG
Editor's note: Charlie Setian is living with
his wife Marie in Las Vegas. You can find him at the craps
table at the Rio Casino. As the song goes, "he was born a
gamblin' man!".
Walter McCarthy updates us on the Fab-10,
a crew of retirees from our Brockton Division who apparently
terrorize waitresses and patrons once a month at various South
Shore restaurants and watering holes.
"Hi to all from the Fabulous 10,
I am here to report about some of the fun that we experience
when we meet monthly at various restaurants from Brockton
to the Southcoast. To name a few, Bill Reid
is still his gracious self, but very evasive when it comes
to his personal life which we have a lot of fun toying with
him. Dick Martel & Eldie Johnson,
are two old retirees from the Brockton Service Dept., along
with Bob Davis, a former Service Supervisor.
Generally all ride together to our monthly meetings and we
fight all the way back and forth regarding whose turn it is
to pay for the gasoline. You would think we are street people.
Some patrons of the eating establisments we visit are amused
by our antics and applaud us, for example, when we sing our
fight song and Happy Birthday, etc. Further reports on the
Fab 10 will be forthcoming. Happy New Year and good health
to all."
Commish, Walter McCarthy
New e-mail address: tedmac2@comcast.net
Editor's note: we'd like to hear the words of the Fab-10 fight song.
December 10, 2005:
It suddenly dawned on your editor that I was squinting more and more as I updated the news on our website. Old age has compelled me to increase the size of the text. This is my Christmas present to all of our likewise squinting viewers.
December 10, 2005:
Shy, but not yet retiring, Alba Hayward of
the Brockton office checked in today with a Christmas greeting:
"Hi Everyone,
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a VERY Happy New Year
2006. Still here in Brockton nestled away on the 2nd floor."