Published in the January 28, 2016 edition

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — Once again, the Transcript is calling upon our readers to assist us in locating the winner of the newspaper’s First Baby of the New Year contest.

The baby did not have to be born on New Year’s Day to be declared the winner. In fact, none of the previous winners in the first nine years of the contest have been born on New Year’s Day. He or she simply needs to be the first baby born to a North Reading family in 2016 among the entries received.

The contest is now in its 10th year and the Transcript is joined by many other local businesses that are eager to shower the lucky baby with a variety of generous gifts.

So who will join these past winners? Morgan Kathleen Carroll, born January 5, 2015 at 3:42 p.m.; Alessia Maria Russo, born January 9, 2014 at 1:17 a.m.; Connor Matthew Goshey, born January 3, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.; Lillian Rose “Lilli” Bemister, born January 4, 2012 at 9:57 a.m.; Gianna Maria Ferrante, born January 14, 2011 at 10:39 a.m.;

As well as, Whitney Angelina Ninomiya, born January 5, 2010 at 6:57 p.m.; Jenna Marie Arsenault, born January 2, 2009 at 11:47 a.m.; Amelia Grace Invencio, born January 7, 2008 at 9:56 a.m., and Finn Rodger, born January 4, 2007 at 11:04 a.m.

The entry deadline is being extended until a winner is found because we’re just so excited to shower the winning family with the awesome prize package we’ve assembled. It is valued at several hundred dollars due to the generosity of our contest sponsors.

So we’re hopeful our readers will help spread the word to any expectant parents they know who reside in town. Let’s add a 10th name to this exclusive roster presently shared by Morgan, Alessia, Connor, Lilli, Gianna, Whitney, Jenna, Amelia and Finn.

Simply contact the newspaper by e-mail: NRTranscript@rcn.com or by phone: 978-664-4761 or 781-245-0080 with the pertinent information and we’ll do the rest.

Entries must include documentation such as the time and date of the baby’s birth and the name of the hospital or place where the baby was born.

The decision of the newspaper is final. The relatives of newspaper employees or the contest sponsors are ineligible.

Acceptance of the winning entry is contingent upon the mother’s and father’s consent to have a photograph published of the baby and themselves to accompany a story published in the Transcript.

Extensive prize package

Local businesses have generously donated several hundred dollars worth of prizes to welcome baby and pamper mom and dad.

The participating businesses are: Abbott Shoe – $25 gift certificate; A Touch of Class – free haircut and blow dry for mom and dad; Advanced Touch Massage Therapy – free half-hour massage for mom; Walmart of North Reading – one car seat for baby; The Savings Bank, North Reading branch – $25 savings account for baby;

Also, Horseshoe Grille – $25 gift certificate; Kitty’s Restaurant – $25 gift certificate; The Farm Land, Wakefield – $50 gift certificate; Hilltop Nursery School – complimentary registration certificate, $75 value; Baubles Fine Jewelry, Lynnfield – $25 gift card for mom; and North Reading Transcript – one year gift subscription or extension of subscription for the parents.