Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/633996
139 photographs courtesy of Lawrence General Hospital SPIC 'N' SPAN The Spicket River Greenway is a 3.5-mile-long "emerald bracelet" of green spaces and walking paths that connect parks and open space through Lawrence and Methuen neighborhoods, including a section that meanders through the Law- rence General campus. The river- front restoration and neighborhood revitalization began 15 years ago and has been realized through a multiyear collaborative effort that has included Groundwork Lawrence; local, state, and Federal governments; numerous commu- nity organizations; and Lawrence General Hospital, which advocated for enforcement efforts against illegal dumping with the Spicket motion of horse riding stimulates many of the same muscle groups that walking does, strengthening the core trunk muscle, normalizing muscle tone, and improving bal- ance," says Deedee O'Brien, execu- tive director of Ironstone Farm. The farm has more than 30 horses, of which two-thirds are Haflingers, a breed that has a small stature and broad back, which makes them better suited for riders. Lawrence General refers patients to Ironstone therapy programs and also sponsors the farm's efforts. In December, the hospital made a contribution to the farm's Early Intervention program—therapy on horseback for children nine months to three years old. River Task Force and the Clean Spicket Campaign. The task force championed thousands of residents who cleared more than 120 tons of debris, including thousands of tires, from the Spicket River's banks through annual cleanups. HORSING AROUND Ironstone, a 19-acre farm in Ando- ver, works with children with dis- abilities as well as adults who face numerous physical and emotional challenges. Clients may include autistic children who need help to talk and socialize, veterans trying to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, and children who need to develop stronger legs and greater balance in order to walk. "The Another way Lawrence General is helping our communities is by protecting our environment! Its LED Installation Project, implemented three years ago, introduced 155 new lighting fixtures and 1,312 lighting retrofit kits, and replaced 5,548 bulbs. The cost savings the first year was $36,000, the second year $36,000, and the third year a whopping $166,000, thereby saving money and reducing the hospital's carbon footprint. In its new single-stream recycling program, Lawrence General has recycled 61.03 tons of cardboard, paper, and cans; and the hospital has composted 20 tons of food scraps from its kitchen and cafeteria. Green Stats Lawrence General refers patients to Ironstone Farm for therapeutic horse riding programs.