Natick August 2016

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Page 12 Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com August 2016 Natick Celebrates the 4 th Photos/Via Perkins INDIA TRAVEL continued from page 10 The Taj Mahal Sunrise on the steps of the Ganges here is vibrantly colorful and cannot be described in words. Each morning over 6,000 colorfully dressed men and women arrive before sunrise to chant, meditate, worship and bathe in the “Mother River.” You will feel brilliantly alive in the cool morning air as a blood-red sun rises, and you watch this ancient ritual that represents a spiritually passionate celebration of human existence. There a palpable and forceful feeling of being alive here. This daily party-like ritual goes on literally amongst the many funeral pyres that burn the recently deceased in a ritualistic and respectful, but matter-of-fact manner. These cremations go on around the clock regardless of weather, and burn approximately 25,000 to 30,000 bodies annually. Each pyre is said to be lit from an eternal flame that has remained unextinguished since 1200 BC. Cremation is extremely important for Hindus. They believe it releases an individual’s spiritual core from its transitory physical body, so that reincarnation can take place. If the body is not cremated or not cremated properly, the soul will not be at peace in the afterlife. As the furnace-like flames from the blazing pyres singed my face and sweat burned my eyes, my pulse quickened, and I could feel the blood throbbing in my veins. I found myself pondering the contrast between how we handle death in such a secretive and uncomfortable manner in the West, and how matter of fact and out in the open it is here. I have witnessed funeral practices on six continents, and none was as transparent as what I was witnessing. Amidst the sights, sounds and smells, formidable statues of the Hindu gods Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer) look down watchfully from the ancient buildings above the steps leading to the Ganges. Life and death are both celebrated here with equal intensity and measure. Colorfully adorned Sadhus (holy men) with long beards, painted faces and little clothing, sit by in a silent meditative state, adding a surreal element to the already surreal. There is little sadness associated with death here, as Hinduism is about the infinite cycle of life, death and rebirth. Death is considered a natural part of this endless wheel. It is every Hindu’s wish to be cremated on the bank of this “Mother” river. Sadly, for those who cannot afford this process, the body is often taken by boat, weighted and dumped. Although I did not personally see bodies floating in the river, regular sightings are a welldocumented fact. Amongst the burning pyres, holy cows wander, young boys play and packs of wild dogs sit in the still warm pyre ashes, attempting to stay warm in the cool morning air. The dogs are numerous, and look healthy. You can connect the dots. You Will Never be the Same Remember my disclaimer, “India in not for everyone”? India is undeniably a journey of learning, discovery and spiritual awakening. It answers many questions but leaves you with more. Your heart will be touched by the warm, engaging and sincere Indian people who treat INDIA TRAVEL continued on page 14
August 2016 Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com Page 13 Sports Mendoza Plays Key Role as Athletic Trainer at Natick High By Ken Hamwey, Staff Sports Writer Aimee Mendoza has been on the job as Natick High’s athletic trainer for eight years, and that time frame no doubt is a testament to how much trust and confidence student-athletes, coaches and parents have in the 35-yearold native of Maryland. The role of a high school athletic trainer is crucial in so many ways, but Mendoza never loses sight of her primary function—the health and welfare of student-athletes. “My role is to ensure that our competitors are in proper shape and they’re ready to play,’’ Mendoza said. “If they’ve been injured, I’m there to help them get through rehab. My No. 1 priority is the health and safety of our student-athletes.’’ Different trainers will offer different attributes they believe are the keys to performing their roles. Mendoza has four. “I firmly believe that trainers must be personable,’’ she emphasized. “It’s also important to be patient. The need to be able to multi-task is a high priority because you’re often needed in a variety of places simultaneously. Another significant key is time management—the ability to organize your day so you can provide maximum assistance.’’ When a competitor is injured, that’s when Mendoza springs into action. That’s when she becomes a liaison with parents, doctors and physical therapists. That’s when her expertise in athletic training kicks in. Mendoza has a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State (Maryland) and a master’s degree from California University (Pennsylvania). Her major was in athletic training in both venues. “When an injury occurs in a game or practice, I’m usually the first person to assess the situation,’’ Mendoza said. “A plan then is formulated and I communicate with the doctor involved. I’ll also be in contact with a physical therapist, if one is needed. Also, I’m always speaking with parents. I try to deal with an individual’s injury by knowing the situation from A to Z.’’ If an athlete has to be transported to a hospital after an injury, Mendoza’s focus is for parents, or a family member, to get there as soon as possible. She handles contacting them if they’re not on site. “Since I’ve got to stay at the event after an ambulance has taken an athlete to the hospital, an assistant coach may be dispatched to the hospital, if warranted,’’ Mendoza noted. “What’s important when a serious injury occurs is to stay calm. The key is to reassure the injured player and the parents that everything will be done that’s required for their child. When a game ends, I’ll try to visit a player at the hospital. Parents often are uplifted when they see me and they respect others’ concerns.’’ When a patient is released from a hospital, rehab often is needed. Mendoza monitors the student’s attendance at therapy and often gets a list of exercises required for a return to good health. “I’ll work with students on their exercises wherever possible. It could involve stretching in the trainer’s office or it could be in the gym or at our fitness center,’’ she said. A routine day for Mendoza, who is employed by Metrowest Medical Center, could involve working at one of the hospital’s clinics, then heading to Natick High where her day begins at about 2 p.m. She’ll organize her day’s activity, work with athletes who need attention, then prepare for practices and games. “The most common injuries we deal with are ankle sprains,’’ said Mendoza who resides in Waltham. “Concussions, however, have received more frontpage news recently. At Natick, we follow the regulations set forth by the state Department of Public Health. We have a good team working in that area. I communicate with the nurses we have and with doctors. We make sure no one returns to compete prematurely.’’ During her high school days in Great Mills, Maryland, Mendoza played volleyball, basketball and softball. In college, she played varsity tennis, was captain of her team and was a league all-star. “I enjoy all sports, but I must admit I like being outdoors,’’ Mendoza said. “Basketball and tennis are fun to be around and football is exciting.’’ Someday Mendoza hopes to be a paramedic, but she’s comfortable in her role as Natick’s trainer. She’s often at clinics and seminars, and this summer she’ll be at the annual convention of the National Athletic Trainers Association in Baltimore. “It’s a must to stay up to date,’’ she emphasized. “At conferences, we learn about new equipment, new treatment techniques and we get refreshers on how to handle different injuries.’’ When March rolls around, Mendoza points out what that time means. It’s National Trainers Month, and Mendoza took time one year to compile a video to show how trainers perform their tasks. The video was shown at Metrowest’s two hospitals and viewed by nurses, doctors, patients and supervisors. Whatever decisions Mendoza makes, Natick High’s coaches and players trust her. Count Natick High’s athletic director Tim Collins in that group. “We’re lucky to have Aimee at Natick,’’ Collins said. “She does a terrific job keeping student-athletes safe and prepared to play.’’ Gardener Plus Your old fashioned perennial gardener Planting Pruning Weeding Mulching ~Call for our full list of services~ Washington Barbalho Owner 508.881.2264 FIREWOOD 508-380-8717 Full Cord, and Cord-and-a-Half loads, delivered to Metrowest towns. Gary Schofield
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Natick August 2016

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