Waters Works, Inc.

PAN MASS 2012- HERE WE COME!!

admin2 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:57:12 +0000

That’s right! It’s the third year in a row and I couldn’t be more excited!

Last year’s PMC was wonderful and I am training for a successful 2012 ride. Who would have thought that over 5000 bicyclists and over 3000 volunteers could make such a difference in a child’s life!!

Please begin your suppport for this year by visiting the link below:

http://www.pmc.org/profile/AW0099

No contribution is too small and don’t forget- you’ll SAVE MONEY by doing a great thing! And with so many of our friends, loved ones and family struggling, who DOESN’T want to help at some level?

How your PMC funds fuel the fight against cancer

Since 1980, the PMC has raised $270 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber. The majority of this impressive total is considered unrestricted support-critical, flexible funding that can be directed where and when it is needed most. As the PMC generates nearly half of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue, every rider supports the efforts of more than 3,000 DFCI faculty and staff members as they make countless
advances that have become the standard of cancer care and research.

The following provides tangible examples of how unrestricted money is propelling
Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund’s lifesaving mission:

• Increasing survival rates of pediatric cancers
Overall cure rates for pediatric cancers continue to rise. Survival rates of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the most common type of leukemia in children, have improved steadily in the past 40 years-in the 1970s, five-year survival for children younger than 20 was 61 percent, and today has climbed to 83 percent. Furthermore, since 1988 two out of every three children who enter the Jimmy Fund Clinic are cured.

• Declining rates in cancer deaths
Despite the fact that the cancer mortality rate in the U.S. has risen steadily for the past 50 years, scientific advances appear to have begun to turn the tide. 1997 was the first
year in the past half century in which fewer Americans died of cancer than the year before-the start of what researchers hope will be a long-term decline in cancer deaths.

• Increasing survival rates of breast cancers
Survival rates of breast cancer have steadily increased over the past six decades-in the 1950s, five-year relative survival for localized breast cancer (cancer that has not extended to the lymph nodes or other areas) was 80 percent, and today has reached 98 percent.

• Decreasing incidence rates colorectal cancer
The incidence rates of colorectal cancer have declined for the majority of the last two decades. In 1985 there were approximately 66 cases per 100,000 individuals and in 2004 there were approximately 48. The decrease has been the most drastic from 1998 to 2004, in part because more people are being screened for the disease, which can help detect colorectal polyps that can be removed before they evolve into cancer.

• Declining incidence rates of lung and bronchus cancers
Incidence rates of lung and bronchus cancers in men have decreased considerably, from as many as 102 cases per 100,000 individuals in 1984 to almost 74 cases in 2004.
Furthermore, the incidence rate for women is advancing toward a plateau after increasing for many years.

• Funding promising early-stage research
In 2008, Dana-Farber was the second highest recipient of grant funding from the National Cancer Institute. Dana-Farber’s generous donors enable the Institute to make a stronger case for major research grants by being able to demonstrate first, through innovative pilot studies, that its work holds great promise and is worthy of further support. All donor gifts-including those from the PMC-make a huge impact at Dana-Farber because, by funding early-stage efforts, staff and faculty can leverage donor contributions into more dollars from the government to advance research even further. In addition, the competition for private grants is on the rise, and many researchers with
promising discoveries are left with few options. Unrestricted dollars help fill the gap so that investigators who are between grants can continue their work rather than having to dismantle their laboratories.

• Purchasing powerful new equipment that drives scientific results
Dana-Farber has utilized unrestricted funds to purchase new technologies and sophisticated equipment that collects and analyzes data from large numbers of genes and
proteins more rapidly and accurately.

• Recruiting world-class junior faculty
Thanks in part to unrestricted support, Dana-Farber’s adult and pediatric fellowship programs are among the most sought-after and selective in the nation. Each year, hundreds of highly qualified physicians compete for fellowships and the opportunity to train with leaders in the fields of oncology and hematology.

• Funding investigator-led clinical trials
Investigators, such as Ian Krop, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber’s Breast Oncology Center, rely on unrestricted funds to convert research discoveries into clinical trials and bring effective new drugs to our patients as quickly as possible. Krop is working to understand better the mechanics of HER2-positive breast cancer cell so that he can develop new therapies that overcome resistance to current drugs.

• Providing financial assistance to patients and their families in need
Dana-Farber’s Office of Patient and Family Assistance provides direct financial support to more than 1,200 patients annually to help them meet expenses like rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, and transportation, including gasoline. Social workers and psychologists collaborate with resource specialists to help address financial
concerns, and free financial coaching services are also offered.

• Launching nine new integrative centers
Dana-Farber recently created nine collaborative centers to facilitate the rapid exchange of ideas between scientists working in the lab and physicians who see patients.
Each center addresses a critical step along the cancer research continuum from
basic discovery to drug development and clinical applications in patients, with the common goal of developing more targeted, individualized therapies.

The following centers were created:
*      Center for Cancer Genome Discovery
*      Center for Cancer Systems Biology
*      Center for Applied Cancer Science
*      Cancer Vaccine Center
*      Center for Clinical and Translational Research
*      Center for Developmental Therapeutics
*      Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology
*      McGraw/Patterson Center for Population Sciences
*      Perini Family Survivors’ Center

THANK YOU!

Al Waters & Waters’ Works Inc.

PMC 2011 Another Success!!

admin2 — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:19:43 +0000

THANKS!!!

Littleton Man Rides to Save Children

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:17:07 +0000

Littleton’s Alan Waters to ride in Pan-Mass Challenge

July 22, 2011

Alan Waters is biking to benefit the Jimmy Fund this August, by taking part in the 32nd Annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. Approximately 5,000 cyclists (11 from Littleton) will participate in the two-day bike-a-thon across the cape, and event organizers are hoping it will raise $34 million

How did you get involved with the Pan Mass Challenge?

I lost both of my parents to cancer so I was looking for an outlet for all my pent up anxiety towards the disease of cancer. I started by riding in the Livestrong challenge in Philadelphia. My sister lives in Pennsylvania, so this wasn’t so unusual. When my friend [and co-captain of the team] Dave Christmas asked me if I would like to ride with Team Lick Cancer, in the Pan Mass challenge, I said sure. It was local and besides I was really pleased to help Dana Farber.

What was the biggest reward–and challenge– of PMC?

The reward is seeing all the young cancer survivors lining the route to thank us and cheer us on. Seeing a sign that read “I am 16 thanks to you guys,” may have been the most satisfying as well as inspirational thing I have ever read. The biggest challenge is the fact we have to get back on the bike at five a.m. the morning after riding 111 miles, to ride another 80 to get to Provincetown. That prospect of sitting on that bike seat for another five hours is somewhat daunting

Anything else you’d like to add?

Lastly I would say that cancer is a God-awful disease. Unfortunately all of us have been touched by it in some manner. I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t lost a loved one to this awful disease. Having said this, as awful as it is for an adult to be diagnosed with this disease, In my opinion it is that much more horrific for a child to be saddled with this disease. The fact that Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund focus on these afflicted children makes this event and cause all the more important.

To help Al and donate please visit Al’s Pan Mass Page

Seen first in Littleton News

Pan Mass Coming Soon

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:16:04 +0000

Connecting athleticism to charitable fundraising was a new idea in 1980 when PMC Founder Billy Starr and 35 of his friends rode across Massachusetts and raised $10,200 for cancer research. Today, athletic events raise more than $1 billion each year, funding crucial programs at health and human service organizations across the country. The PMC leads the pack. The bike-a-thon raises and contributes more than twice the sum of any athletic fundraising event in the country and has raised more than $270 million since it started in 1980. It is also the most efficient. Since 2007, the PMC has donated 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause.

Donate to Al’s ride directly by clicking here! AL WATERS PAN MASS PROFILE AND DONATION PAGE

The PMC is so respected in cycling and fundraising circles that each year people travel from all over the world to participate. Cyclists choose between seven routes that range from 47 to 190 miles. The camaraderie shared by cyclists, volunteers, and supporters is among the PMC’s greatest attributes. Doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute join their patients as teammates to ride for a unified goal. Nearly 300 PMC cyclists and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients. Thousands of riders have lost loved ones to the disease. Still more ride in honor of those in treatment.

Need to know more about this article? Visit the Jimmy Fund Site at http://www.jimmyfund.org/eve/event/pan-mass/default.html

Want to help Al Waters meet his goal, and ride this amazing ride for these wonderful, loving children? Click here to help Al Waters and make a DONATION!

Go directly to Al’s Pan Mass Page without seeing his website and story to make a donation, by clicking here! AL WATERS PAN MASS PROFILE AND DONATION PAGE, CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Pan Mass Time Is Here!

admin2 — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:07:07 +0000

www.pmc.org/aw0099

Thousands Ride to Raise $34 Million for
Cancer Research

NEEDHAM, Mass. — On August 6 and 7, 2011,
5,000 cyclists from 34 states and six countries will ride across the
Commonwealth in the 32nd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. Their goal is to
raise $34 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute through its Jimmy Fund and bring the PMC’s total Jimmy Fund
contribution beyond $34 million.

Connecting athleticism to charitable
fundraising was a new idea in 1980 when PMC Founder Billy Starr and 35 of his
friends rode across Massachusetts and raised $10,200 for cancer research. Today,
athletic events annually raise more than $3 billion, funding crucial programs at
health and human service organizations across the country. The PMC leads the
pack. The PMC has become the most successful fundraising event in the country,
as it raises and contributes more than twice the sum of any athletic fundraising
event in the country. It is also the most efficient. PMC annually contributes
100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund.

The
PMC is so respected in cycling and fundraising circles that people travel from
all over the world to participate. Cyclists choose between 11 routes that range
from 25 to 190 miles. The camaraderie shared by cyclists, volunteers, and
supporters is among the PMC’s greatest attributes. Doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute join their patients as teammates and ride for a unified goal. More
than 300 PMC cyclists and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients.
Thousands of riders have lost loved ones to the disease. Still more ride in
honor of those in treatment.

This summer, each of the cyclists commits
to raise between $500 and $4,200 for the privilege of being a member of the PMC
team. Ninety percent of all PMCers, however, exceed the minimum fundraising
contribution and one-third raise more than twice the amount required.

This commitment to the fundraising portion of the PMC journey is a
testament to riders’ dedication to the cause and their belief in the PMC
mission. Hundreds have been members of the PMC family for more than 20 years.
The PMC averages a 70 percent rider retention rate. From organizing luggage and
unloading trucks to cooking meals and serving riders at water stops, 3,000 PMC
volunteers fill jobs that are typically paid positions, thus enhancing the
event’s efficiency and culture of giving. The PMC is presented by the Red Sox
Foundation and the New Balance Foundation. Another 200 companies support the
event through donations of goods, services, and money. The PMC is nationally
recognized as a model in fundraising efficiency; it generates 60 percent of the
Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and it is Dana-Farber’s largest contributor. “The
PMC has made what we do at Dana-Farber possible,” says Edward J. Benz Jr., MD,
president of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “When they write the history of how
cancer was conquered, the PMC will be in chapter one.” For more information
about the PMC, visit pmc.org.

YEARS- RIDERS- VOLUNTEERS- DONATION

1980 – 1989- 4,968- 1,778- $3,665,800
1990 – 1999- 16,668- 11,921- $38,750,000

2000 – 2009- 39,972- 22,575- $227,200,000
31 Year Total 66,565 39,149
$303,000,000
2011 Goal- 5,100- 3,000- $34,000,000

It’s That Time Again!! Opening Pools And $aving Money With Your PMC Donations!!

admin2 — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:05:34 +0000

Indeed, it is time to open your pools again, and am I ever ready for Spring to show up!!

I want to thank all of you for last year’s season and my Pan Mass Challenge Victory! Not only was I awarded “Heavy Hitter” status because of your donations, but my incredible team “Lick Cancer” donated lots to help The Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber. That being said, I have personally been inspired to donate this year’s ride to Charlotte O’Shea [our Pedal Partner] and a dear friend and pool customer, Gayle K. Not only have you both touched my life, my soul and emotions, but you have taught me bravery and perseverance. And for this, I shall persevere with the 2011 Pan Mass Challenge.

I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU- to donate to a cause that is incredible, while saving money with Waters Works. It’s like having a tax deduction for pool service. And what’s better than that? Dana Farber and you benefit! And my body will benefit from the personal and mental strength that this challenge provides.

http://www.pmc.org/profile/AW0099

http://lickcancer.ning.com/video/for-charlotte

http://lickcancer.ning.com/profile/AlanWaters

Thanks Everyone And Bring On The Sunshine!!

Patiently Awaiting Spring ?

admin2 — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:05:01 +0000

Well, we are all trying to wait for spring…..

What a winter we have seen, here in New England!!

I hope that everyone is getting as excited as we are at Waters Works!!

This year we will begin pool openings in April, so if you are as anxious as we are to see spring- call and give us the word!! The calendar is up and dusted off, ready for another fantastic year!!

On a personal note, I have been training this winter for another Pan Mass Challenge!! I am so excited to be taking part in this again for the second year. And your support has meant the world to me……. In fact, when I embarked upon this “Pan Mass” journey last year, I didn’t realize the voyage I would truly be navigating through.. Team “Lick Cancer” sadly lost it’s young Pedal Partner Charlotte, I lost a close friend and pool customer, and several family members battled Cancer unexpectedly. When all is said and done- it’s never said and done. Dana Farber needs our help and I need to believe that we will see more “cures” emerging.

I will be posting details about the ride again, so please stay tuned. If you feel so inclined, I can be located on the site: www.pmc.org by looking up my name. I am currently taking contributions and am proud to say that my dogs were first to donate!!!! They know how much this means to me and have traveled this journey with me faithfully.

Thanks again everyone and let’s THINK SPRING!!!!

Best,

POOL CLOSINGS: It’s That Time Again…….

admin2 — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:55:58 +0000

Dear Pool Owners;

Wow what a summer! This summer has been one to remember. It is much easier thinking about closing our pools after a season like this one, when everyone has been able to enjoy their pools. On a personal note and as many of you know, I rode 192 miles in the Pan Mass challenge August 7^th and 8^th. It was such an incredibly powerful experience! And all of the money raised went directly to the Jimmy Fund. I truly can’t wait to do it again next year. Those beautiful kids made all of our efforts so worthwhile. I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me with all of your generous contributions.

I would also like to personally thank each and every one of you for another successful season! Your continued patronage is and has always been appreciated, along with your many referrals and kind words. It is always our pleasure to provide courteous and professional service. We’ve also added a website, for your convenience. Please check us out at: www.watersworks.net

Please remember that your comments and feedback are always appreciated, and very important to me, as I continually strive to deliver only the best service to my customers.

I am also painfully aware of this strained economy. Like most of us, I have felt the pinch this year. Just like in the past, I will NEVER resort to insulting my customers’ by charging a “travel charge.” We all know that traveling is an expense, incurred by just about all of us. It is simply not necessary to gouge customers or Insult them this way.

Now let’s talk about getting that pool of yours, closed. Proper winterization is perhaps the most important thing that you can do for your pool, especially if we are to survive another winter like last year’s. The correct steps need to be taken to ensure optimum condition of your pool’s winter season. These steps consist of chemically treating the pool [as it will be dormant 6-8 months], cleaning the pool, removing all of the water from the pool’s plumbing [to prevent freezing]. Winterizing chemicals can and will be added upon request, at the time of closing. The pool needs to be cleaned before the pool is covered. This needs to be done before we arrive to winterize your pool. These steps will provide your pool with its best defense against staining and discoloration.

Having your pool professionally winterized is the only way to guarantee that all water will be removed from your pool’s plumbing. Waters’ Works guarantees all closings against freezing. This means that your pipes will not freeze throughout the winter months. Waters’ Works is proud to deliver superior service to you and will continue to be the owner-operated company that it has always been, with an uncompromising commitment to fulfilling your winterization needs.

**If winter covers are needed, please call us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so that we can give you a quote in enough time to get your cover here for winterization. Also, any customers considering new mesh safety covers, please call immediately, as we are running out of time for this year’s orders.

We will offer two types of pool closings:

FULL CLOSING

Full closings consist of Waters’ Works lowering the pool water to 4 inches below the skimmer, removing and manually cleaning filter grids [when applicable], winterization of all pool plumbing and equipment [with compressed air], removing all overhanging rails and ladders, and professionally installing the pool cover, according to your pool’s contours.

PARTIAL CLOSING

Partial closings are for people looking for the assurance of having their pool’s plumbing winterized, but want to save some money, by doing the manual labor themselves. With a partial closing, the customer should clean the pool, remove the filter grids [from all diatomaceous earth filters] and/or cartridges [from cartridge filters], and lower the water level to 4 inches below the skimmer [please call with any questions about this]. To prevent the pool from getting dirty, the pool’s cover should be pulled over and covering the pool. The cover can be secured with water tubes at this time, but be sure to not fill the water tubes where the return lines are. Winterizing chemicals can be added to a partial closing, at the time of closing.

**We strongly recommend that you call us as early as possible to schedule your pool closing, as availability becomes much more limited later in the season. 978-263-4200 or email at waters.works@yahoo.com Please clearly state your desired time/days.**

I look forward to speaking with you very soon. Let’s enjoy these last warm days of summer and hope for some gorgeous foliage this year!

Warm Regards,

Al Waters

Al Waters took the Pan Mass Challenge and Won!!!!

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:00:42 +0000

The Pan Mass Challenge is a 194 mile road race, an event that draws more than 5,000 cyclists, who hail from 36 states and eight countries. Now in its 30th year, the PMC raised over $30 million from the efforts put forth by PMC cyclists on August 1 and 2, 2009. To date, the PMC has raised $270 million that has been used to improve the lives of those suffering with cancer. It is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, bringing in nearly 50 percent of its annual revenue. In 2009, 100 percent of all funds raised by PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund.

Our own, Al Waters, had the honor of being one of those riders. He rode 111 miles day one, and 81 miles day two, to complete a 192 mile course in 2 days. Al Waters and team Lick Cancer did what so many wished they c9uld have done. They changed peoples lives. We are so proud to say that Al Waters is our hero, and Team Lick Cancer were simply amazing.

The work is not done! If any of you know Al well, you know he does not do anything half way. Even though his goal was to raise 4500.00, he will receive heavy hitter donations raised status at 6300.00. He is so close and needs a mere 300.00 to achieve this amazing accomplishment.

YOU CAN HELP!!!!!!

Please help Al reach his final goal by donating to the wonderful cause. Al did the hardest part…. the ride.

Now let us all help him go out in style!!!

Al Waters is truly selfless, offering all of his clients a 50% match program on all donations. He dedicated this ride to those around him fighting this horrible disease. He is our hero.

Click Here to help.

Thank you Al Waters, and congratulations on an incredible ride!!!

Why should you have your pool opened by a professional?

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:54:50 +0000

I can absolutely guarantee that the office phone will ring this season, like it does with every season, and on the other end someone will say, “We have a problem!”. The Waters Works team jumps to action! We often get phone calls from someone that tries to open their own pool and they may have missed something. By having Waters Works open your pool, you lessen the risk of down time this season!

Some of the issues we have seen:

Obvious drips coming from filter tank, pump or visible pipes.

Sand in pool under or near the return jets.

DE in pool under or near the return jets.

DE filter isn’t putting out enough water pressure and/or isn’t effectively filtering the pool.

Sand filter isn’t putting out enough water pressure and/or isn’t effectively filtering the pool.

You notice many air bubbles mixing with the water coming out of the return jets.

You notice settled or wet dirt/You see bricks or patio blocks around the skimmers or return jets settling or sinking into the ground.

Pump makes a loud squealing noise, it heats up or is not running to its full capability.

You notice that your pool is losing water.

Just to name a few….

When a professional opens your pool, they go through a multi-step process to check everything, and prepare you for the season. Something as easy as replacing a hose before it breaks can save you from a missed July 4th party, and a guest list of disappointed people in bathing suits.