More Than 5,000 Ride in PMC During 33rd Event

The event welcomed nine riders from Norton to raise more than $21,500 for cancer research.

More than 5,400 cyclists took to the road this past weekend as part of the 33rd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, according to an announcement from the PMC Monday.  The ride drew riders from 36 states, including nine riders from Norton, as well as nine countries to take part in the event. Norton riders were Rob Diestel, Paul Dombrowski, Abigail Greene, Susan Greene-Hellman, Michael Haskell, David Hellman, Brian Johnson, Scot Johnson and Bryan Medeiros. Cyslists road up to 190 miles over the course of two days with the goal of raising $36 million to help fund research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Norton riders alone had the goal of raising more than $21,500. The final sum raised will be announced in November, as donations will be …

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PATCH FACTS

5 Things Aug. 4: PMC, Cal Ripken Tournament and More

Your Patch Facts for the day.

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. 1. Another hot day in the neighborhood... Today there is a 20 percent chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Otherwise, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 90. Tonight there will be calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight there is also a 20 percent chance of showers before midnight, then a slight chance of showers after 4 a.m. Patchy fog is expected after 11 p.m. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind …

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PMC Rider Profile: Michael Haskell

Norton resident to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Name: Michael Haskell Age: 30 How many PMC rides have you participated in? This is my first year. Why are you riding? I am riding to support the  Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as I believe they are making a profound difference in the lives of people battling cancer now, and those who will face the disease in the future. I was impressed to see that the PanMass event gives 100 percent of the money raised directly to the charity. What is your fundraising goal? My goal is to raise $3,200. How can people donate? I am having a fundraising party on Saturday, July 21 with several raffle prizes to raise money. If any readers would like more information they can email me at mhaskell@gmail.com.   You may also donate by visiting http://www.pmc.org/…

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PMC Rider Profile: Rob Diestel

Norton resident looks to shake things up in his service to the town.

Name: Rob Diestel Age: 45         How many PMC rides have you participated in? First PMC Ride.  Doing the 192 mile, 2 day long ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown.        Why are you riding?  This year I felt the need to shake things up a bit and serve the community a little differently, beyond coaching Norton soccer, Norton baseball, and helping out at church. After much consideration, I decided to enter the 2012 Pan Mass Challenge to raise money to support the fight against cancer. All of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. It is with these people in mind, including some friends and families in Norton that I’ll be riding for and keeping in my thoughts and prayers during the ride.  What is your fundraising goal? I would like…

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PMC Rider Profile: Bryan Medeiros

Norton resident rides in his grandmother's honor.

Name: Bryan Medeiros Age: 35 How many PMC rides have you participated in?  This will be my sixth. Why are you riding?  My inspiration for this ride is and always will be my late grandmother.  Her cancer diagnosis was the reason I started participating in charity events.  I am also riding for my dad, who is a two-time survivor, for my good friend's dad, Tony, who passed last year after a 10 year long battle with cancer and for all those who will benefit from the proceeds this event generates. What is your fundraising goal?  I have a personal goal of $6,000 and a team goal of $10,000. To donate, visit http://www.pmc.org/donation.asp. Check back with Norton Patch to view other rider profiles over the next few weeks.

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Norton Residents Ride in 33rd Annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge

PMC to take place Aug. 4 and 5.

On Aug. 4 and 5, nine residents from Norton will pedal their way into fundraising history as participants in the 33rd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), the nation’s pioneer charity bike-a-thon that raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country.  Rob Diestel, Paul Dombrowski, Abigail Greene, Susan Greene-Hellman, Michael Haskell, David Hellman, Brian Johnson, Scot Johnson and Bryan Medeiros will be among 5,500 cyclists who will ride with the collective goal of raising $36 million to support adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund.   PMC riders range in age from 13 to 88. Some are seasoned tri-athletes while others are weekend warriors …

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From the Editor's Desk

PMC Spectators Just as Inspirational as Riders

Their stories should be passed on for all to hear.

Norton resident Paul Dombrowski said that he was inspired to join the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge because of all the cyclists who passed him by last year, riding to raise money for the Jimmy Fund.  For me, it was the people cheering them on.  I awoke Saturday morning to bells, whistles, horns, a pot-turned-drum and a very annoyed dog. I turned to my alarm clock, which told me it was just two minutes from going off. I was going to skip sleeping in anyway, since I knew I wanted to take photos of the PMC riders cutting through Norton. But hearing the commotion at my neighbor’s house was an incentive to avoid the snooze button on my alarm clock when it actually did sound off.  I crawled out of bed, took a quick shower, got dressed and headed …

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PMC Traffic Report

Higher volume of traffic expected this weekend due to bike-a-thon.

While Pan-Massachusetts Challenge riders such as Norton’s own Bryan Medeiros and Paul Dombrowski pedal their way through the various routes, the rest of the town will experience the traffic side of the bike-a-thon charity.  Starting at approximately 8:30 a.m. Saturday, bicyclists will be headed south from Mansfield on N. Worcester Street. Once in Norton they will cross W. Main Street to S. Worcester Street. The route then turns onto Maple Street heading into Attleboro. The last of the riders should come around noon.  “No roads will be closed for the PMC, but drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes during those times,” said Norton Police Lieutenant Todd Jackson. “We will have a Norton officer at the intersection of North Worcester …

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PatchCast: Mob Boss, Cancer Survivor and Retiring Superintendent

Your daily region roundup.

James "Whitey" Bulger, Alleged Mob Boss, Arrested in California Easton Father and Son Ride to Fight Cancer Selectmen, Planning Board, Discuss Promoting Wrentham Retiring Sharon School Superintendent Always Loved Teaching

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