Bush feels annoying little tick; Lack of border security leads to Lyme disease.

Byline: Anna L. Griffin

Just a little over a year later, we're learning that President Bush was treated for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that if left untreated, can cause arthritis and other problems.

The condition was called early localized Lyme disease, and was treated last August after he developed the characteristic bullseye rash.

I wonder how the tick is feeling?

So much for border control.

I mean if the border between Connecticut and the rest of the nation had been properly secured, we wouldn't be facing this menace now, would we?

The oversized thank-you card summed up how the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts felt about the volunteers from the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, who helped coordinate a series of family activities on the last day of racing to benefit the children at the club.

Waste Management and D'Ambrosio Eye Care Inc. sponsored the day at Putnam Place, Boulder Drive, Fitchburg, which included the Mike Steidley Extreme Bike Stunt Show, a Frisbee show, face painting, games and other activities.

Outback Steakhouse sold food, with all the proceeds going to the club. In addition, the entry fees from the Citizen's Bike Race benefited fitness programs at the club, which also participated with its own ride around the course. The law office of O'Connor and Ryan PC sponsored the recreational race.

The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic is made possible by The Ronald M. Ansin Foundation, Unitil, Best Western Royal Plaza, Fitchburg State College, Workers' Credit Union and Bovenzi Inc.

The Dance Center's Competition Team of Winchendon recently attended Dance Ovations National Competition in Hyannis.

The team entered 24 original dance pieces and was awarded gold, high gold and absolute awards.

Ana Bracken of Gardner and Mary Regan of Ashburnham received an Absolute Award for their duo, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," with 298 of a possible 300 points. With this score they also received Dance Ovations National's High Score - Duo-Trio Award.

The Dance Center's Competition Team entered four regional competitions during the 2006 -2007 season and won several High Score, Choreography, Special and Judge's Choice awards. Information on the studio can be obtained by calling [phone] or by visiting www.dancecenterdance.com.

The results from the annual Great Cardboard Boat Race, held in connection with the summer reading programs at Lunenburg Public Library, have been released.

Race 1 - First place, "Electric Eel," Justin Desjardins, Katelyn Desjardins and Mathew Newton; second place "Groovy Baby," Andrew Shepherd and Robert Haluska; third place, "Ribbit," Adam Jolly, Madison Jolly and Phoebe Jolly.

Race 2 - First place, "Lancaster Golden Dragon," Paul Leone, Jennifer Leone, Devon Dilger, Meredith Campbell, Benjamin Leone, Emma Leone and Braden Dilger; second place, "Brick Steamer Ice Creamer," Marie Shepherd, Andrew Shepherd, Gisele Shepherd and Gary Shepherd; third place, "Ark," John Laundree and Laura Laundree.

Race 3 - First place, "Jesus Freakmoblie," Sarah Madden and second place, "African Queen," Victoria Smith.

Race 4 - First place, "Sci Boat," Kelly Rapoza, Emily Rapoza, Kianna Dutton, Devon Torrey, Maeve Torrey and Sarah Messing; second place, "Frigid Aire," Maxine Carbone, Samantha Carbone, Alex Babineau and Brianna Babineau; and third place, "Rainbow Fish," Josephine Bowen, Victoria Bowen, Tom Bodkin, Emily Bodkin and Isobel Bodkin.

Race #5 - First place, "Star Destroyer," Rich Lutter, Richie Lutter, Jake Lutter and Joe Lutter; second place, "Red Box Three Babes and the Bambino" Heather Siciliano, Tiffanie Siciliano, Kristen Miller and Nathan Hawkins; third place, "Santa's Sleigh," Jim Babcock, Zach Pinault, Joshua Johnson and Rebecca Blatz; fourth place, "(Card) Boardmen," Tom Alaonzo; Rob Bowen; Tom Mason and Jason Rinaldi.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, DJ Avalon presents a Karaoke Koncert in Memorial Hall, at 584 Main St., Athol, from 6 to 10 p.m. The alcohol-free event is open to all ages. DJ Avalon's karaoke song library includes more than 10,000 songs from the 1950s to the present in many styles, including pop, rock and country.

The Karaoke Koncert will feature prizes, and the opportunity for amateur singers to take the stage and perform the song of their choice. Admission is $7 at the door for all ages. Advance discount tickets are available for just $5 at Bruce's Browser in Athol, and Lu's Flower and Gift Shop in Orange.

Refreshments will be available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Memorial Hall Revitalization Fund. Signups will be held at the event on a first come, first serve basis. Visit www.djavalon.com for more information.

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ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) The Boys & Girls Club's Haywood Hunter, left, and Donata Martin, third from right, present a thank-you card on behalf of its members to Fitchburg Longsjo Classic's volunteers and sponsors: Ellen DiGeronimo, Fitchburg downtown coordinator; Don Leger, DRS Power Technology Inc.; George Gantz, Unitil; and David Farber, Waste Management; for their fundraising activities at Putnam Place, Fitchburg during the recent race. (2) Ana Bracken of Gardner and Mary Regan of Ashburnham received an Absolute Award at the Dance Ovations National Competition in Hyannis.