Many retirees have expressed interest in a “social” or get-together. We are trying to meet that need with the following event, the “Retirees’ Reunion”. 

On Thursday afternoon, April 25, 2024, from 1:30-4:00 PM, come to the Bright School at 260 Grove Street in Waltham, new home of the Waltham Historical Society, to re-connect and visit with your former colleagues, view the Historical Society’s exhibit on the Waltham Public Schools, and enjoy very light refreshments. Jack Cox, Waltham High School Social Studies teacher and expert on all things old Waltham, will deliver a brief presentation to interested attendees later in the afternoon. All retired staff, teachers, administrators, secretaries, cafeteria workers, custodians, and nurses are welcome!

We are very grateful to the Waltham Historical Society, presided over by our own Wayne McCarthy, for graciously hosting us. We need to have a count for planning purposes, so let us know by January 1, 2024 of your interest in attending by sending an email to either of the following people:

Regina Pacitti                jpgina53@gmail.com

Marie McKenzie           mariemckenzie95@gmail.com

RSVP as soon as possible. Make it your New Year’s Resolution.

Who doesn’t remember Mr. Frank Cotter who served as a School Adjustment Counselor at Whittemore and Bright for so many years? Frank is now enjoying his retirement with his wife as they dote on their grandchildren. 

I am so grateful to Frank Cotter for the informal mentoring he provided me. When I began as a SAC at the Fitch School, Frank called me at least weekly to ask how I was doing and to offer suggestions on how to work with staff and handle the thorniest of cases. I may have worked in the WPS as an English teacher for a number of years, but mental health was a new endeavor for me. I never knew who Frank Cotter was before that first call, but I am so deeply appreciative that he remained steadfast in helping me to improve my skills and knowledge as a SAC throughout my 27 years even when I moved on from the elementary level to the older students at WHS. 

I suspect I would not have survived those early years in the mental health trenches without Frank’s guidance. He generously offered his clinical expertise, his vast knowledge of the “players”, his experience with multiple generations in families, and much practical common sense always with humor. His colleagues often sought his insight into their students and perhaps, occasionally, his assistance when they needed help with their own personal lives. Administrators relied on Frank’s understanding of the nuances of human behavior.  Frank was warm, funny, empathic, and realistic. He rarely took a sick day even though, like many of us, he worked a second job. Many of Mr. Cotter’s students still profit in their adult lives from his wise counsel, positive values, and the opportunity to process the challenges they experienced in their early years. A number went on to work in the education field themselves. I’m sure you would see a smile on their faces at the mere mention of his name. A number would even tell you that Mr. Cotter put them on the right path. Mr. Cotter is a legend! 

Frank became more than a colleague. He is, to this day, one of my most treasured friends. We always celebrated each other’s personal successes and consoled each other through life’s inevitable tribulations. I thank this extraordinary social worker and human being for his presence in my life! I thank him for being a part of my work family!

Submitted by Regina Pacitti   

In a previous newsletter, we highlighted the book Joe Salvo wrote about his remarkable recovery. His story and outreach has also been highlighted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurosurgery/patient-features#

Scroll down to view Joe's story.

The story behind the article…

Joe had been contacted by an intern working at Brigham and Women’s Hospital asking permission to put Joe’s book, I Wiggled My Toes… Hallelujah!  on their website.  It had been read by several surgeons who believed it would be inspirational to patients who had dealt with or are presently dealing with a life-changing experience. 

The above article was the result of that intern’s outreach and Joe’s response.

In a follow-up email to the Retirees’ Newsletter Committee, Joe says he has 

“a new role in life - to help as many individuals as possible who have encountered or will encounter a bump in the road.  I have assisted in speaking to four patients who were terrified because they had to have a brain tumor removed.  Each one said they felt much calmer after listening to me and realizing their tumor was much smaller than mine.”

Joe asks that you kindly help him help others by forwarding the Brigham and Women’s article to friends and relatives; especially those individuals who would benefit from reading the book.  Not only has Joe donated a book to every library on Cape Cod, where he now lives, he has received a number of positive emails and letters of appreciation for his encouraging words as well as emails thanking him for writing the book.  If anyone would like to contact him, his email is on also on his website:  www.josephcsalvo.com

*********************

Perhaps some of you were aware of the story earlier this fall of the extreme health issues facing a Waltham boy. You may be aware that he is the son of Sarah Wroblewski, who is a meteorologist on Boston’s CBS station. What you may not know is the his dad is Dr. Lyons/Bobby Lyons who not only is a well-respected associate principal at Waltham High School but is also a member of the WHS Class of      . We are all routing for Declan’s recovery.

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/declan-sarah-wroblewski-bobby-lyons-waltham-football/

(article originally posted 9/14/23)