Merrimack Valley

Having a ball for a good cause


Published: April 28, 2008

METHUEN — Methuen High School's Ranger Band picked up some cash from the police yesterday.

The patrolmen's union donated $500 to the band, which is headed to Washington, D.C., to perform next month.

The Ranger Band will represent Massachusetts in the National Memorial Day Parade on May 26. It is the only high school band in the state to garner that distinction this year.

On Saturday, the band parents association held a giant yard sale and a baked goods sale to raise money for the trip.

Then, yesterday afternoon, union president and Patrolman Joseph Aiello handed the $500 check to band members. The police then played softball with a variety of hefty professional contenders. Union members faced off against retired Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and Red Sox.

A baseball clinic for kids was held before the game.

— Jill Harmacinski

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Photos

Katie McMahon/Staff photo

Members of Methuen High School's Ranger Band, from left, Nadia Castagna, 17, Kyle DesLauriers, 16, Tierney Bosci, 16, and Brandon Slowikowski, 15, accept a check from Methuen police patrolmen's union President Joe Aiello yesterday to help pay for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. The union sponsored a baseball clinic for kids and played softball against former professional athletes.

Katie McMahon/Staff photo

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Ken Ryan, left, and former Boston Bruins right wing Ken Hodge Sr. watch as Jason Richardson, 7, sprints from home plate during a baseball clinic yesterday held by the Methuen police patrolmen's union.