Letter to the Editor (Patch, 23 May 2012)

"What do Paul Assaiante, John Nimick and Hashim Khan have in common? Winning. Not Charlie Sheen-esque #winning and tiger-blood and other ego-related nonsense: Skill, persistence, perseverance and endurance. Lots of winners will be in the house on Wednesday night for the screening of Khan’s documentary/biopic Keep Eye on Ball: The Hashim Khan Story.

Why is this interesting? Less so, for many, the opportunity to see the story of one of the greats in the underappreciated professional world of squash, than to hear about the impact that one local initiative has on the community. RhodySquash, directed by co-founder Ross Freiman-Mendel and hosted at Newport Squash on Freebody Street, is a gem in Newport that few know about. RhodySquash works with kids from Thompson via squash and academic entrenchment.

Urban squash initiatives are few and far between but are highly successful. RhodySquash, in its infancy, is no exception. By focusing squarely on academics, community service and squash – and partnering students with dedicated tutors, teachers and coaches – RhodySquash fosters more than just academic and physical fitness: it fosters confidence, teamwork, individual success and provides the opportunity to excel.

So who are Paul Assaiante, John Nimick and Hashim Khan, and why are they interesting? Hashim Khan won the British Open and changed the sport of squash forever. John Nimick was a top-ranked professional squash player and formerly was the Executive Director of the Professional Squash Association. Paul Assaiante, squash coach at Trinity College, led his teams to 252 consecutive match victories and 13 straight national championships. That’s over ten years that Trinity went undefeated, and was the longest winning streak in collegiate athletics. Paul’s teams have records that will stand for a long time in NCAA history.

Please join Ross, Paul, John Nimick and many others Wednesday night at the Casino Theatre on Freebody Street for RhodySquash’s friendraiser. In conjunction with newportFILM, they are presenting a screening of the movie, but there will also be a wine reception at 6pm and a post-screening Q&A with the film’s producer, Beth Rasin. This is an event worth attending.
This is a great organization doing great good in Newport. Please spread the word!

Liz MacGillivray, Middletown RI"

Wisdom teeth removal

My stem cells are viable ... that's all you need to know. Let me explain. For the past few weeks, my mouth had been hurting me. Deep down I knew I had an issue, but was in profound denial. When I finally told my parents, the Xray revealed that all four -- not one, not even 2.5 -- but all four wisdom teeth were impacted, and it became clear they had to go! I traveled to NYC for the procedure.

Here's the best way to describe my experience: colonoscopy for teenagers. To a normal minded, non- anesthetized individual, the actual surgery would be unpleasant; who wants to get their teeth yanked out? But, after some Valium, Local, and Nitrous Oxide, the procedure itself was joyous. While my memory fails me, I'm told that I belted opera, lectured on Judaism, bit the dentist, flirted with the assistant, and cursed like a truck driver. Regarding stem cells, we made the informed decision to save the pulp from my removed teeth, so that we can store the stem cells they contain (knock on wood that I won't have to use them ...)

After all the drugs wore off, the pain began, and I became unbearable, which is to say, I was not a trooper, even on Lodine and Percocet.

Unfortunately, I looked like a gargoyle for a days to follow, but I am now proud to report that I am without wisdom teeth, eating semi-soft food, and average looking as ever!