Dancing Their Way to Vegas for Hip Hop for Hope

Two Burlington dance students are working to compete in in Las Vegas at the Hip Hop International Dance Competition to help children suffering from Sanfilippo Syndrome.

The following is a guest article by Patrick Hindle:  Most kids start out loving to dance at a very young age but many grow out of it eventually.  However, Brooke Hindle, 16, a sophomore at Burlington High School and Nathan Patz, 12, a 5th grader at Memorial Elementary School are still dancing everyday to the tune of Hip Hop for Hope.  Brooke and Nathan dance for the world renowned dance studio Phunk Phenomenon whose mission is to raise awareness about Sanfilippo Syndrome. Phunk Phenomenon is owned by Reia Briggs Connor a former New England Patriots cheerleader, and her husband Rick Connor.  Reia and Rick’s son, Jared is diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Children with Sanfilippo are missing an essential enzyme that breaks down a complex …

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Fundraising Dance Friday for Local Man Battling Cancer

Friends and family of Bob Jankowski, who is battling cancer, are holding a fundraiser at the Woburn Sons of Italy this Friday.

The following is a guest article: The friends and family of Bob Jankowski are holding a fundraising event on Friday Jan. 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Sons of Italy in Woburn to raise money to support Bob's ongoing fight against cancer. Bob was diagnosed with colon cancer in June, 2009. He underwent surgery to have the cancer removed, but in August the doctors found that it had spread to his liver. In October of the same year, he had 60% of his liver removed. In March of 2010, he was given a clean bill of health and he was able to return back to work. By the fall of 2010, the cancer had spread to his lungs and his liver; he was told he would be on chemo therapy for the rest of his life. Bob has been a Master Mason for 27 years at Simonds …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today, June 1

A nice and sunny days, a dance for Relay for Life and a gathering of quilting enthusiasts.

Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.  Today is Friday, Juen 1. Here are 5 things you need to know: For more things to do today, check out our Events page.

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Image Gallery: Fox Hill Teachers Dance Against Bullying

Fox Hill Elementary School students were surprised by a dance performance put on by teachers with a special message on Friday.

Fox Hill Elementary School students were treated to a fun surprise during an assembly in the school’s gymnasium. Following a short talk with Principal Ellen Johnson on the students’ favorite parts of school and what they’ve learned this year about treating each other with respect and understanding, music suddenly began playing and suddenly teachers merged on center stage and began a special dance. The kids were surprised but immediately began cheering as their teachers, each dressed in a "Be the One" T-shirt, started a well-coordinated high-energy dance to the Backstreet Boys' "Be the One."  The message behind the 'flash mob' dance and the "Be the One" shirts was well-known to the students. Principal Johnson explained to Patch that this …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today, April 20

A rainy morning, sing-a-long for children and a meeting of environmentally-conscious professionals.

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. Today is Wednesday, April 20. Here are 5 things you need to know: For more things to do today, check out our Events page.

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Dancers Find All They Need at Patterson's Back Bay Dancewear

The dancing supply store at 185 Cambridge Street has been in business since 1975

Patterson’s is a name synonymous with dance wear and accessories. They have been in Burlington since 1975 and have built quite a reputation in the dance world. At one time there were 3 stores, including the one in Burlington and two others in Boston and Chelmsford. They are now sold and Patterson’s only location is in Burlington.   Fern Patterson is the owner of Patterson’s Back Bay Dancewear, located at 185 Cambridge St. At the time of this interview, she has just come back from a dance competition in Connecticut. “It’s a long day at the dance competitions, “she said, “It starts at 8 a.m. and can go until 1 in the morning.” Patterson brings a good amount of dancewear and supplies from the store with her to the competition to have …

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