DEDHAM —
Dear Editor:
As we look back on 27 years of organizing the world’s only literary endurance athletic event spanning five Presidential administrations, international crisis and war, the drama of social and political change, the personal loss of parents and births of children and economic gains and loss, one can’t help but pause and reflect to wonder why we spend a thousand hours of labor that culminates in a eight hour communal experience on a certain April Sunday.
Is it for the promotion of physical fitness in a nation with serious obesity issues, presenting Dedham as a place to live and do business, a coming together as a community no matter what one’s political brand and culture, increasing awareness of human rights violations in countries that many hardly know on a map or does it cause people to remember the lesson that great books should be an important part of their lives? Perhaps to sum it all up, the Ramble is designed on many levels to be compelling and thoroughly unique organic creature, much more than the usual charity-driven road race and fitness walk.
We extend our gratitude to the town of Dedham and to the citizens of the Endicott neighborhood for hosting this 2010 chapter of the Ramble. Again, hundreds of Dedham citizens of all ages and abilities were involved in the 10K, the Northstar Children’s Ramble and the Dedham Savings’ “Take A Walk”.
The Ramble owes it’s reputation for organization to the over 250 volunteers, the kindness of neighbors and church congregations that tolerate inconvenience, the homeowners who improvise water tables on their sidewalks, the agencies such as the Department of Public Works, The Dedham Fire Department, The Dedham Youth Commission, The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department and the Dedham Police measuring up to their usual high standards under the leadership of Lieutenant Cliff Pascal.
Please allow us to express our gratitude to Subaru of New England. Wholefoods, CitySports National Amusements, Dedham Savings, Dedham Square Circle, Norfolk & Dedham Insurance Company, Legacy Place, Noble & Greenough School, Harpoon Brewing, Chuck Wagon Catering, Dedham Holiday Inn, Poland Springs, Costco, Kings, Get Fused, Visi-Flash, A Tent for Rent, Fablevision, Broderick School for Dance, Thirsty Irish Running Club, Café Video Paradise, Dedham Times, Mocha Java, Fallon Ambulance, Russell Disposal Services, Dedham High School Band, Animal Rescue League, State Treasurer Tim Cahill, State Representative Michael Rush, State Representative Karyn Polito, State Senator Michael W. Morrissey, United Parcel Service, Mystic Scenic Design, Walley Insurance Co., The Total Image, Al Kennedy Sound, Parkway Running Club, Representative Paul McMurtry and the Gustin Family.
Please recognize the relentless energy contributed by the Ramble Organizing Committee: Dick & Helen Smitley. Michael Dzengeleski, Nancy Samya, PK Manzi, Dorothy Blitzer, Lou Falcone, Tracey White. Much thanks to Rick, Gail and the lovely bride Casey Lipinski who was married the very next weekend, the booming voice of the Ramble Henri Gough, John Madden, Ed Morneau, Bob Taraschi, Richard Sullivan, Dory White, Bob Desmond, Nick Spada, Tony Taurasi, Tom Clinton, the music of Julie Sweeney and our race grand marshal retiring Dedham High School music director Joe Brogan.
Planning is indeed underway as we anticipate the James Joyce Ramble’s 28th anniversary on May 1st as the traditional last Sunday of April is Easter. We hope it will be even better as part of Dedham’s 375th Anniversary and we do hope you will consider being a part of its continuing success.
We welcome your suggestions by phone 781-329-9744 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Truly,
Martin Hanley, managing director of the James Joyce Ramble
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