Civic Days.

Byline: Lynne Klaft

FITCHBURG - Civic Days began last week with the crowning of the king and queen at the Fitchburg Senior Center.

The Johnny Appleseed Harmonizers, 13 singers from Leominster and Fitchburg, under the direction of John Byrne, entertained the crowd with old-time favorites and patriotic songs. .

"They are the best group ever and anytime we have an event, they're here," said Senior Center Director Joan M. Goodwin.

Charlie Hauler started the program before the luncheon was served with the Pledge of Allegiance and sang a full version of "God Bless the USA."

"This feels like a real community center with people of all walks of life and ages," said Mayor Lisa A. Wong before introducing the four high school students who were named Fitchburg's Outstanding Young Americans.

Catherine Djerbaka a junior at St. Bernard's Catholic High School, and Benjamin Ewald of Fitchburg High School were awarded $200 in cash prizes and a free college course.

Catherine Van Amburgh of Fitchburg High School and Dylan Anderson of North Central Charter School were awarded $200 in cash prizes.

All four wrote essays on "Embracing Change."

"I thought it was important that the younger generation stop being selfish and step up to help their community," said Ms. Djerbaka of her essay.

King Leon H. Rouleau and Queen Josie A. Cormier of Civic Days were crowned by the mayor.

The royal couple will ride on the center's Fourth of July parade float and led the promenade dance on June 27.

"It's just wonderful. I get to ride on the float and I'm going to enjoy the day and the rest of the (Civic Days) week," said Mr. Rouleau.

"I love people, this is a wonderful honor," said Ms. Cormier, who volunteers at the senior center and at other organizations.

Rita Freeman, Donalda Poitras and Bea Ricci came to the celebration to enjoy the day and the ham dinner.

"We came to celebrate, and love it. We have a great time here," said Mrs. Freeman, who said they come to the center three or four times a week and love to play bingo.

Special guest George J. Bourque, former mayor of Fitchburg, who is credited with organizing the first Civic Days celebration almost 50 years ago.

Mr. Bourque said that he remembers his father being in a parade after the war and of thinking that if he ever became mayor, he would have a parade just like that.

"Mayor Bourque started Civic Days, and it's grown and grown and gotten better over the years," said Fitchburg resident Mary Morizzo.

The Harmonizers, a nonprofit group that donates all of its fees to local schools for music programming, put out a special request: They need singers and anyone interested should call Ray Dupuis at [phone].

"We do Christmas shows, Valentine shows, birthday parties and we donated $3,500 to schools last year so they can buy sheet music, whatever they need," said Mr. Dupuis.

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) The Johnny Appleseed Harmonizers perform at the Fitchburg Senior Center. (2) Rita Freeman, Donalda Poitras and Bea Ricci took part in the festivities at the senior center. (3) Benjamin Ewald, Catherine Djerbaka and Dylan Anderson were awarded cash prizes for their essays "Embracing Change." Catherine Van Amburgh of Fitchburg High School, not present for photo, also received a prize. (4) Christopher Tigran Cragin, 4, of Fitchburg, left, won the second annual Amazing Duck Race as part of the Civic Days celebration. (5) At right above are Civic Days Queen Josie A. Cormier and former Mayor George J. Bourque.

PHOTOG: (1, 2, 3, 4) LYNNE KLAFT PHOTOS (5) MICHELLE SHEPPARD