The Ed Schuler Saga.

Ed Schuler shot a 75 on Tuesday, one stroke less than his age.

That brought back a vivid memory.

I've played golf with Ed for more than 50 years and, for most of that time, I could not beat him. I came close a few times, but the excitement and anticipation always led to disaster. Standing on the 18th hole, savoring my impending victory, I would inevitably yank one into the woods, splash one into a pond, or turn a five-foot putt into a returning ten-footer.

My fortunes finally appeared ready to change, thanks to an unfortunate chain of health setbacks for Ed. In the span of one season, he endured three eye surgeries, three broken ribs, and back surgery. When he returned to golf, I was genuinely empathetic and sympathetic to his health challenges.

The unspoken part was: I was finally going to beat him.

On the day of his return, I watched him get out of the car with a slight limp and a patch over one eye. This was it—my moment of triumph.

The victory, however, was both hollow and short-lived.

I won that day by a single stroke, 81 to his 82. I briefly entertained the notion that the tide had finally turned.

The following week, Ed beat me by 12 shots.

I have never recovered.

I took it graciously, like a man. But in a moment of weakness, I admitted to Patty that I was considering poking him in the other eye.

 

For sixty-six years, with hearts full of cheer,

The Burlington Garden Club has blossomed each year.
Sharing knowledge and beauty for all to enjoy,
Teaching where to plant, how to plant, and what to plant—oh my!

Through speaking programs, learning grows,
From seeds and shrubs to flowers and rows.
Experts and friends gather season by season,
Sharing gardening wisdom and nature's reason.

We nurture the birds with food and song,
Helping bees and butterflies all summer long.
Pollinators thrive where our gardens bloom,
Bringing color and life to every room.

Our flower and plant sales brighten the spring,
Offering treasures that gardens will bring.
And planters on the Common, tended with care,
Add beauty and welcome for all who pass there.

We battle the bunnies that nibble at night,
Defend against bugs with knowledge and might.
And beetles beware—we're ready to fight,
Protecting our gardens with delight.

Education and beautification remain our guide,
With dedication and community side by side.
Neighbors and friends, both old and new,
Working together in all that we do.

So if you love gardens, nature, and fun,
Join us in the sunshine and under the sun.
Whether novice or expert, there's room for you—
Come join the Burlington Garden Club, and help our gardens grow too!

 Mr. Chairman, members of the Board, Mr. Dinezio, Mr. Lollar, and Mrs. Mills, thank you.

My family moved to Burlington in 1955, back when the town boasted one traffic light and a few thousand residents. In the 1960s, my class adviser, Ed Fogelberg, told me to stick around—“great things are going to happen here.” Turns out, he wasn’t exaggerating. Burlington has since become a cultural and economic dynamo.

It’s been a privilege to serve over the decades alongside hundreds of people who made that prophecy come true.

But the real fun has been reporting on—and bragging about—the achievements of Burlington’s finest out in the world. It’s quite a list, but not complete. There are many achieving at the highest levels in science, technology, medicine, finance, and industry.

Rodrick McKinnon, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Kali Flanagan, Olympic gold medalist
Kitty and Peter Carruthers, Olympic silver medalists
Amy Poehler, Emmy winner with 26 nominations
Steven Wright, Academy Award winner
Jay Pandolfo, two-time Stanley Cup champion
Mark Fusco, Hobey Baker Award winner
Scott Fusco, Hobey Baker winner and two-time NCAA champion
Mark Delaney, former head of the Massachusetts State Police
Mike Leone, Director of the Port of Boston
Mark Horgan, Chief Legal Officer of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet
Charlie Murphy, Chairman of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee

Not bad for a town that started with one blinking light.

I’d like to close by recognizing a few people who have inspired me through their service:

Bob Vigneau, former state representative and Burlington war hero
Bob Mercier, our first town administrator
Don Roberts, who built a recreation department for all ages and abilities
Ed Weiner, nearly 40 years on the Board of Health
Joe Keohane, 50 years in youth sports
Janet Sullivan Fitzgerald, a tireless champion of People helping People
Bob Murray, for his constant generosity
My neighbors of 50 years, Chris and Frank Monaco, have over 70 years of service between them
Brian Curtin, 50 years of service, and my friend and mentor since middle school

And finally, my wife of 55 years, Carole—my navigator—who has put up with me all this time with remarkable grace and good humor.

Thank you.