This Month's Features

Nearly 10 years ago, Joanne Laubacher was at a crossroads of sorts. Like many women, she was juggling a career while taking care of her family which included her three children and her mother, who was facing serious medical challenges. As she visited her mother in the different facilities where she was being treated, Laubacher was struck, she said, by many of the other seniors she met who were “vibrant, eager to learn something new and very funny.”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and the third most common cancer for both men and women in the United States. The disease claims more than 50,000 lives each year; only lung cancer causes more deaths from cancer. Many of the deaths from colorectal cancer, however, are needless. Unlike other cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, screening for colorectal cancer can save lives by actually preventing the cancer from occurring. But 23 million American adults – about one in three – do not get screened as recommended. As a result, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 135,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year, a far great number than cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, or other organs of the digestive system.

If you are a fan of our country’s national parks, you’re in good company. More than 300 million people – about equal to the entire U.S. population – enjoy the National Park system every year. And 2016 is a special year, because the National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The words “national parks” often conjur up images of soaring landscapes and dramatic terrain, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Among the more than 400 units in the park system are smaller, lesser-known sites around the country that have their own special appeals. They include magnificent scenery, overlooked chapters of American history and intriguing learning experiences.

Region - When Lee Cooprider of Stow became part of the “Thursday Regulars,” he knew that he had found a good place to volunteer. Usually with eight others – mostly men – Cooprider spends most Thursdays building houses for Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “Zero, zip, nada, squadoosh,” is he how he described his construction experience before volunteering for Habitat 10 years ago. He said that he’s learned a lot of skills along the way, but always needs direction.

Worcester resident Marty Ayotte, age 62, has become known as a multitalented athlete, musician and radio broadcaster. Being an incomplete paraplegic doesn’t slow his pace as he pedals a handcycle around the city at least three days a week. He has completed 11 marathons, five half-marathons and one 10K.

College of the Holy Cross ROTC cadets escort World War II veteran Bob Rochette from Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences at Northborough to a...

As the pounding of the sheriff’s wooden staff calls the court to order, James Hubbard prepares to defend his client. He is an orphan’s guardian who stands accused of squandering his charge’s estate. Centering his neat wig and smoothing the frilly lace sleeves of his shirt, the attorney bows to the bench and begins to plead his case. This scene is repeated today in the same place where it occurred during the 1770s. That is when James Hubbard lived and practiced law in Williamsburg, at a time that the town served as the capital of the Virginia colony.

It can be daunting and overwhelming to consider starting an exercise program; especially when you have not been that active. That’s why walking is such a great way to exercise – just about all of us can do it, it doesn’t require much more than good supportive shoes and can be done almost anywhere at any time. Now that spring has arrived, here are 10 great reasons to get going:

Northborough - Ande Lockwood was first taught how to knit by a college friend and has never stopped creating and surrounding herself with yarn. Lockwood is the current owner of Craftworks in Northborough, which is a yarn and fiber shop and artisan cooperative. The original store opened in 1979 and has since expanded in a new location to include the yarn shop.

Shrewsbury resident Marion Kaletski works out at Planet Fitness four times a week.   By Valerie Franchi, Contributing Writer Shrewsbury – If you are a member of...