Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police and Senior Citizens Participate in Forty-Fives Tournament
METHUEN — Mayor James Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon are pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department participated in a Forty-Fives tournament with members of the Methuen Senior Center this week.
The 12th semi-annual Forty-Fives tournament was held on Wednesday, April 11, at the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell St. It was organized by Sgt. Joseph Rynne of the Methuen Police Department’s Community Outreach Unit.
“I am so proud that our police department takes the initiative to participate in activities such as these, which help foster special relationships with the senior members of our community,” said Mayor Jajuga. “This has become a tradition that I hope will continue for many years to come.”
There were approximately 80 participants in the tournament, with 40 seniors and 40 Methuen Police officers competing.
Seniors Norm Breton and Frank Cali won first place, seniors Al D’Agata and Rosemary Lahage won second place, and Methuen Police Court Clerk Sharon Courage and her sister Officer Laurie Borelli won third place. Courage and Borelli donated their gift card winnings back to the Methuen Senior Activity Center.
“The goal of this tournament is to have fun, form friendships and initiate open communication between our senior residents and our officers,” said Chief Solomon. “We want to eliminate any fear that seniors may have when calling 911 and for them to feel like a true friend is coming to their aid when calling for assistance.”
Forty-Fives is a trick-taking card game that originated in 19th century Ireland. The game is now popular in the Merrimack Valley and is also known as Auction Forty-Fives, Auction 120s, 120, Growl, Spoil Five and Maw.
Methuen Police would like to thank the Irish Cottage, Bada Bing and Target, all located in Methuen, for donating the gift card prizes.
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