SBPA essay contest helps Somerville students say “Thanks, Mom”
June 9, 2009

Several dozen students, teachers, parents and members of the Somerville Business & Professional Association gathered outside the United Reformed Church on Main Street, Somerville last month to celebrate the “special ladies” In their lives.

The SBPA sponsored a Mother’s Day essay contest for elementary school students in conjunction with the Somerville Education Foundation. Students were invited to write a short essay, 50 words or less, about that “special lady” in their lives.

Winners were Laynie Dwyer, Jordan Mehan and Chris Indiasto.

Laynie wrote: “My mom is special to me because she is giving and caring. She brought me to my football, baseball, and wrestling matches and games early in the morning and at night. My mom helped out at the park in football and baseball and wrestling snack table. Especially she fought cancer. This is how my mom is special.”

Jordan wrote: “I have one very special lady. That lady is my mom! My mom helps me with my homework, cooks my meals and make our house look very clean! She is cool, young, hip, fun and crazy. I love my mom so much even though she says she loves me more.”

Chris wrote: “My mom she would win because she has to sit in those horrible chairs at work. And if she won, she would love that vacation. Plus, my mom’s back would feel better, too. My mom could use some jewelry because she really needs it. That’s why my mom should win.”

           
The contest and the downtown event was planned and coordinated by SBPA board member Leigh McLachlan of McLachlan Realtors and Annie’s Balloon Affairs, 75 E. Main St.

           
She was joined by SBPA president Kevin Cahill, Discover Wines and SBPA board members Ann Sobel of TD Bank; Guy Hoyt, Crem Builders; Valerie Gibson of the Senior Artisans craft guild; attorney Dina Confalone, Seton Anderson of Zanita Gems & Jewelry and Paul Sanford of Sanford Jewelers.

           
Prizes donated by SBPA members and merchants included one free night for the winner a Ocean Place in Long Branch, courtesy of John Morgan McLachlan Insurance Agency; Hockenberry Electric; Alpine Design, Dina Confalone and TD Bank Financial Group; a Mother’s Day Basket from Wishes & Dreams; a pedicure from Tino’s; 4 guitar or piano lessons from Somerville School of Music; four tickets to the July 5^th Patriots game and fireworks sponsored by the SBPA and an office chair from Shanahan’s Stationers.

Winners and all student participants also received gift cards and certificates from Beneath It All; Hairport; Zanita Gems & Jewelry; Big Little Railroad Shop; Deborah Fleischer (Simple Will Consultation); Discover Wines; Paul Sanford Jewelers; Rita’s and 2 for 1 hot dogs from Genie’s Weenies in Branchburg.