TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
April 1, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Mar 18 – open session
Minutes from Mar 25 – open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Re-appointment of Kim Reardon as Inspector of Animals
b. Appointment of representative to the Franklin Regional Transportation Authority Board
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Shelburne Control Dispatch Center
5. MAIL
a. Hilltown Resource Management Cooperative
b. Department of Communications and Cable
c. Shelburne Senior Center
d. Associated Builders and Contractors
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a.
8.. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Police Department (7:30)
b. Fire Department (8:00)
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
April 15 – Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: FINAL Budget Discussion
April 16: Final day to sign ATM warrant and post ATM warrant
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Bulletin Board 3/31/2010
Selectboard Meeting: 4/1, 7 p.m.
Selectboard and Finance Committee: 4/1, 7:30 p.m.
Sewer Commission: 4/6, 6 p.m.
Board of Health: 4/6, 7 p.m.
Planning Board: 4/7, 7 p.m.
Selectboard and Finance Committee: 4/1, 7:30 p.m.
Sewer Commission: 4/6, 6 p.m.
Board of Health: 4/6, 7 p.m.
Planning Board: 4/7, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ashfield Tales, Both Short and Tall #6
At one time I collected electric line colored glass insulators. One day Charlie gave me one that was cobalt blue. I promptly displayed it over the meat case in the store, since this cobalt blue was a rare treasure. The next day Charlie's wife looked up and said, "Wow! You have a cobalt blue that's just like mine!"
Don Lesure
Don Lesure
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Recent Excitement in Ashfield
I found recent posts by Alan Surprenant, Ricki Carroll and David King to be thoughtful, heartfelt and encouraging. Alan’s recounting of the “turmoils in town” he remembers from 33 years of living in Ashfield is just a part of our history. Controversy has been a regular visitor to town ever since Ashfield’s incorporation in 1765. Indeed, the very act to incorporate the town was a major controversy unto itself.
One such early “turmoil” dating back to 1832 is, I think, both interesting and instructive. Back then, Ashfielder Charles Knowlton--one of three or four doctors then living in town--wrote and published a 24-page pamphlet with the intriguing title: A History of the Recent Excitement in Ashfield. It was a straight-shooting “tell all” publication, written at the height of a bitter controversy that was tearing the town apart. Knowlton described Ashfield as “far famed for peddlers and peppermint” with 1800 “enterprising inhabitants, besides a good many sheep” and sagely remarked that:
“From time immemorial there have been in this town, as in most others, two parties, the names of which have changed with changing times and circumstances. Whigs and Tories; Democrats and Federalists; Presbyterians and Baptists; Cold Water and Anti-cold Water; “John Williams party”, and “Thomas White’s party; and lastly, the TOLERATION PARTY and the PERSECUTION PARTY.”
The “Cold Water Controversy”--which Knowlton mentioned-–had divided Ashfield into two feuding camps by the late 1820s. Some in town were wholly opposed to the sale and use of ‘ardent spirits’, including beer and strong cider (preferring cold water instead) while others, who enjoyed their occasional hot or cold toddy, fiercely resisted the Cold Water Party’s efforts to introduce temperance reforms.
In the early days nearly everyone “took refreshment” whether they were cutting hay or raising a barn. Back then, town meetings were held at the meeting room above the tavern, and-–yes-–you could take a break from the wrangling upstairs and go downstairs for a shot and a beer. The tavern did a brisk business during town meetings. The tension between these two parties was heightened when, in 1827, five young men drowned in Ashfield Lake while washing sheep. They had taken two sheep for a ride in a log canoe “in a fit of merriment, occasioned by a poisonous stimulant”.
During the early 1830s an even more bitter dispute erupted when Dr. Knowlton came to town and began to practice medicine. Knowlton embraced controversial political and religious beliefs and was considered by many as a “freethinker” and thus a man of “bad principles”. He had recently published a very controversial pamphlet, The Fruits of Philosophy, or the Private Companion of Young Married People which included information about birth control. Many in town considered the pamphlet to be utterly obscene--the 19th century equivalent of pornography.
Enter the Rev. Mason Grosvenor, the new pastor of the Congregational Church, who charged that Knowlton and his friends were immoral and patrons of infidelity, and began to attack them from the pulpit. Grosvenor demanded that townspeople refuse to use Knowlton as a physician and hoped that by denying him “patronage”, he would be forced to leave town.
Grosvenor targeted other Ashfielders who supported Dr. Knowlton, and the resulting turmoil grew toxic. Ashfield historian Frederick Howes, reported that the:
“…excitement so pervaded the whole community [that] Dr. Bement, then a deacon of the church, remarked that there was not a person of calm nerves in the whole town.”
What made the Knowlton controversy stand out was that the “Persecution [of Knowlton] Party” seemed willing to use any means in their effort to drive the ‘freethinking’ doctor from town. Knowlton, in an attempt to defend himself, attended various meetings but was not allowed to speak and was shouted down for being “out of order”. He, in turn, held his own meetings, and insisted on communicating openly with both supporters and opponents, both verbally, and in writing. He argued that only open and honest communication could lead to truth and understanding and he urged everyone to openly voice their “honest opinions to the extent of [their] influence and ability, without infringing upon the rights of others…”
Then, in 1833, Knowlton decided to create what could be called a 19th century blog. He wrote and published A History of the Recent Excitement in Ashfield and laid the entire record of letters and communications relating to the controversy before the town for all to read. In one letter he wrote to Col. Abel Williams, one of his main opponents, he declared that “I too have rights and privileges as well as others. I have resolved to abide and maintain myself in Ashfield.”
In time, the “excitement in Ashfield” wound down, as all local controversies eventually do. There is little doubt that Knowlton’s embrace of open communication helped to cool the heat of the controversy. In his last letter to Grosvenor, he challenged him to “have fair open play, and no more of this secret conniving.”
Knowlton was not driven from town. His practice flourished. He died in 1850, a respected physician and citizen, and his son continued his practice. And he left his mark as a pioneer of women’s reproductive rights and birth control. You can read more about him in Wikepedia. The Rev. Mason Grosvenor, on the other hand, has been pretty much consigned to the dust bin of history. Howes summed up the affair by simply noting that “the dismission of Mr. Grosvenor in July 1835 left the church in a very unhappy state.” Most everyone was glad to see him go.
What happened back in the 1830s is not much different than what’s happening now. I’m glad that Alan’s heart won out so that he could say something about what he was feeling. Ricki’s call for openness can inspire us to “stand up and speak our truths together”. And David King’s appeal that “we’ve all got to live with each other” can be understood as good, heartfelt and sound policy.
Who knows? Perhaps in some future year, some budding historian will issue a new History of the Recent Excitement in Ashfield. If that happens, I’ll be most interested in reading the last chapters about how the excitement ended, how openness and transparency in all things public returned, and how we put the turmoil behind us and moved on.
David Newell
One such early “turmoil” dating back to 1832 is, I think, both interesting and instructive. Back then, Ashfielder Charles Knowlton--one of three or four doctors then living in town--wrote and published a 24-page pamphlet with the intriguing title: A History of the Recent Excitement in Ashfield. It was a straight-shooting “tell all” publication, written at the height of a bitter controversy that was tearing the town apart. Knowlton described Ashfield as “far famed for peddlers and peppermint” with 1800 “enterprising inhabitants, besides a good many sheep” and sagely remarked that:
“From time immemorial there have been in this town, as in most others, two parties, the names of which have changed with changing times and circumstances. Whigs and Tories; Democrats and Federalists; Presbyterians and Baptists; Cold Water and Anti-cold Water; “John Williams party”, and “Thomas White’s party; and lastly, the TOLERATION PARTY and the PERSECUTION PARTY.”
The “Cold Water Controversy”--which Knowlton mentioned-–had divided Ashfield into two feuding camps by the late 1820s. Some in town were wholly opposed to the sale and use of ‘ardent spirits’, including beer and strong cider (preferring cold water instead) while others, who enjoyed their occasional hot or cold toddy, fiercely resisted the Cold Water Party’s efforts to introduce temperance reforms.
In the early days nearly everyone “took refreshment” whether they were cutting hay or raising a barn. Back then, town meetings were held at the meeting room above the tavern, and-–yes-–you could take a break from the wrangling upstairs and go downstairs for a shot and a beer. The tavern did a brisk business during town meetings. The tension between these two parties was heightened when, in 1827, five young men drowned in Ashfield Lake while washing sheep. They had taken two sheep for a ride in a log canoe “in a fit of merriment, occasioned by a poisonous stimulant”.
During the early 1830s an even more bitter dispute erupted when Dr. Knowlton came to town and began to practice medicine. Knowlton embraced controversial political and religious beliefs and was considered by many as a “freethinker” and thus a man of “bad principles”. He had recently published a very controversial pamphlet, The Fruits of Philosophy, or the Private Companion of Young Married People which included information about birth control. Many in town considered the pamphlet to be utterly obscene--the 19th century equivalent of pornography.
Enter the Rev. Mason Grosvenor, the new pastor of the Congregational Church, who charged that Knowlton and his friends were immoral and patrons of infidelity, and began to attack them from the pulpit. Grosvenor demanded that townspeople refuse to use Knowlton as a physician and hoped that by denying him “patronage”, he would be forced to leave town.
Grosvenor targeted other Ashfielders who supported Dr. Knowlton, and the resulting turmoil grew toxic. Ashfield historian Frederick Howes, reported that the:
“…excitement so pervaded the whole community [that] Dr. Bement, then a deacon of the church, remarked that there was not a person of calm nerves in the whole town.”
What made the Knowlton controversy stand out was that the “Persecution [of Knowlton] Party” seemed willing to use any means in their effort to drive the ‘freethinking’ doctor from town. Knowlton, in an attempt to defend himself, attended various meetings but was not allowed to speak and was shouted down for being “out of order”. He, in turn, held his own meetings, and insisted on communicating openly with both supporters and opponents, both verbally, and in writing. He argued that only open and honest communication could lead to truth and understanding and he urged everyone to openly voice their “honest opinions to the extent of [their] influence and ability, without infringing upon the rights of others…”
Then, in 1833, Knowlton decided to create what could be called a 19th century blog. He wrote and published A History of the Recent Excitement in Ashfield and laid the entire record of letters and communications relating to the controversy before the town for all to read. In one letter he wrote to Col. Abel Williams, one of his main opponents, he declared that “I too have rights and privileges as well as others. I have resolved to abide and maintain myself in Ashfield.”
In time, the “excitement in Ashfield” wound down, as all local controversies eventually do. There is little doubt that Knowlton’s embrace of open communication helped to cool the heat of the controversy. In his last letter to Grosvenor, he challenged him to “have fair open play, and no more of this secret conniving.”
Knowlton was not driven from town. His practice flourished. He died in 1850, a respected physician and citizen, and his son continued his practice. And he left his mark as a pioneer of women’s reproductive rights and birth control. You can read more about him in Wikepedia. The Rev. Mason Grosvenor, on the other hand, has been pretty much consigned to the dust bin of history. Howes summed up the affair by simply noting that “the dismission of Mr. Grosvenor in July 1835 left the church in a very unhappy state.” Most everyone was glad to see him go.
What happened back in the 1830s is not much different than what’s happening now. I’m glad that Alan’s heart won out so that he could say something about what he was feeling. Ricki’s call for openness can inspire us to “stand up and speak our truths together”. And David King’s appeal that “we’ve all got to live with each other” can be understood as good, heartfelt and sound policy.
Who knows? Perhaps in some future year, some budding historian will issue a new History of the Recent Excitement in Ashfield. If that happens, I’ll be most interested in reading the last chapters about how the excitement ended, how openness and transparency in all things public returned, and how we put the turmoil behind us and moved on.
David Newell
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Override Vote on May 1
The select board voted tonight, with the agreement of a majority of the finance committee, to place a $145,000 debt exclusion override on the May 1 town meeting warrant and election ballot. The override is to pay for a new dump/sander truck and plow.
At last week’s meeting, Highway Department Supervisor Tom Poissant explained that, with about $3000 worth of repairs, the town’s 15-year-old truck might be put back into service, but it would remain unreliable.
Several members of both the selectboard and the finance committee expressed concerns about the cost of the debt override to town taxpayers. In the end, the consensus was to allow the town to make the decision.
David King
At last week’s meeting, Highway Department Supervisor Tom Poissant explained that, with about $3000 worth of repairs, the town’s 15-year-old truck might be put back into service, but it would remain unreliable.
Several members of both the selectboard and the finance committee expressed concerns about the cost of the debt override to town taxpayers. In the end, the consensus was to allow the town to make the decision.
David King
Price of Dump Permits Going Up
The select board voted tonight to raise the town’s dump sticker fees by $5 per year, to $40. Board Member Dave DeHerdt explained that the Transfer Station has been running an annual deficit of $5000 per year for the last few years, and they need to find a way to close that gap. DeHerdt also suggested that the town could save several thousand dollars a year by switching from selling bags to selling stickers, which residents would place on their own bags. Another suggested source of revenue is to charge fees for specific services, such as paint recycling, the costs of which are currently picked up by the town.
The select board also voted tonight to sell one of two parcels of land being auctioned off by sealed bid to pay for back taxes. The buyers are Heather and Bill Davis, whose bid was for $10,500. According to Tax Collector/Assistant Treasurer Laura Blakesley, the Davis’s submitted the sole bid for the Old Stage Road building lot, now assessed at $60,000. A second similar lot received no bids and will be re-listed.
The board also approved the use of Town Hall for an upcoming informational meeting on a regional fiber-optic network. The event will be hosted by David Kulp.
David King
The select board also voted tonight to sell one of two parcels of land being auctioned off by sealed bid to pay for back taxes. The buyers are Heather and Bill Davis, whose bid was for $10,500. According to Tax Collector/Assistant Treasurer Laura Blakesley, the Davis’s submitted the sole bid for the Old Stage Road building lot, now assessed at $60,000. A second similar lot received no bids and will be re-listed.
The board also approved the use of Town Hall for an upcoming informational meeting on a regional fiber-optic network. The event will be hosted by David Kulp.
David King
Tonight's Selectboard Agenda 3/25
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
March 25, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Mar 18 - open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Results of sealed bids for tax title properties (Laura Blakesley, Collector)
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a.
5. MAIL
a.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Census information
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Endorse Senior Center Strategy
b. Price increase for Transfer Station stickers
8. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Board of Assessors (7:30)
b. Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
c. Library (8:30)
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 1 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
April 15 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: FINAL Budget Discussion
April 16: Final day to sign ATM warrant and post ATM warrant
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
March 25, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Mar 18 - open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Results of sealed bids for tax title properties (Laura Blakesley, Collector)
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a.
5. MAIL
a.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Census information
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Endorse Senior Center Strategy
b. Price increase for Transfer Station stickers
8. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Board of Assessors (7:30)
b. Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
c. Library (8:30)
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
April 1 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
April 15 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: FINAL Budget Discussion
April 16: Final day to sign ATM warrant and post ATM warrant
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Cheesemaking Change
A big change for Ricki Carroll, owner of New England Cheesemaking Supply Company. After 32 years on Main Street all shipping and receiving has been moved to Whately Road in South Deerfield. Ricki moved to Ashfield in 1975 and has run her mail order business selling supplies, ingredients and equipment to people who make cheese at home since 1978. She has been instrumental in the artisanal cheese movement in America, helping many small cheese makers get started.
The business has grown out of the Main Street home in part from recognition by Barbara Kingsolver in her book 'Animal Vegetable Miracle' and in part by the international status of it's web site www.cheesemaking.com.We are happy to report that all employees have made the move with us and are very happy in the larger space with attached warehouse.
We thank Dan Phelps for the use of his warehouse space in Ashfield. We owe our life to the crew at the Post Office who for 32 years have been generous and helpful in all types of weather, even when they had to pick up 5-6 times a day during the holiday season. And to Dan, our wonderful UPS man and many others who have generously helped support us over the years.
For those who will miss all the cars on Main Street, don't worry--we are still doing a few of our cheese making classes in the Spring and the Fall. You'll see the license plates from all over New England parked for a day now and then. Jamie and I are continuing to host some fabulous singing events and we will continue to see you around, working on the flowers when the snow is gone. So from all of our employees at New England Cheesemaking Supply Company, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Ricki Carroll
Cheesemaking.com
54 Whately Road
South Deerfield MA 01373
413-397-2012
www.cheesemaking.com
The business has grown out of the Main Street home in part from recognition by Barbara Kingsolver in her book 'Animal Vegetable Miracle' and in part by the international status of it's web site www.cheesemaking.com.We are happy to report that all employees have made the move with us and are very happy in the larger space with attached warehouse.
We thank Dan Phelps for the use of his warehouse space in Ashfield. We owe our life to the crew at the Post Office who for 32 years have been generous and helpful in all types of weather, even when they had to pick up 5-6 times a day during the holiday season. And to Dan, our wonderful UPS man and many others who have generously helped support us over the years.
For those who will miss all the cars on Main Street, don't worry--we are still doing a few of our cheese making classes in the Spring and the Fall. You'll see the license plates from all over New England parked for a day now and then. Jamie and I are continuing to host some fabulous singing events and we will continue to see you around, working on the flowers when the snow is gone. So from all of our employees at New England Cheesemaking Supply Company, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Ricki Carroll
Cheesemaking.com
54 Whately Road
South Deerfield MA 01373
413-397-2012
www.cheesemaking.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Bulletin Board 3/24/2010
Posted Sale of property: March 25, 7 p.m. at Town Hall
Select Board: Thursday March 25, 7 p.m. at Town Hall
Select Board and Finance Committee Budget Hearing:
Thursday March 25, 7 p.m.
Police Chief Search Committee: Thursday March 25,7 p.m. at Fire Station.
Historical Commission: March 25,7:30 p.m.
Board of Assessors: Tuesday, March 30, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Sewer Commission: Tuesday, April 6, 6 p.m.
Board of Health: Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Planning Board: Wednesday, April 7, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Select Board: Thursday March 25, 7 p.m. at Town Hall
Select Board and Finance Committee Budget Hearing:
Thursday March 25, 7 p.m.
Police Chief Search Committee: Thursday March 25,7 p.m. at Fire Station.
Historical Commission: March 25,7:30 p.m.
Board of Assessors: Tuesday, March 30, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Sewer Commission: Tuesday, April 6, 6 p.m.
Board of Health: Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Planning Board: Wednesday, April 7, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Celebration of Life
There will be a Celebration of Life in honor of William Gray held as an open house this Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Gray's Sugarhouse on Barnes Road in Ashfield from 1-4 PM. There will be a brief time for prayer at 1 PM. The sharing of memories celebrating Willie's life will continue throughout the afternoon.
Lyle H. Gray
Lyle H. Gray
Ashfield Tales, Both Short and Tall #5
Factory workers overheard on their break:
Out of nowhere, Mike said, "Hey Rick, I just built a nice privacy fence in my backyard. Why don't you come home with me tonight and we can dance naked under the lights?"
Rick asked seriously, "Are you gay?"
"No!" Mike answered.
"OK, let's dance."
Don Lesure
Out of nowhere, Mike said, "Hey Rick, I just built a nice privacy fence in my backyard. Why don't you come home with me tonight and we can dance naked under the lights?"
Rick asked seriously, "Are you gay?"
"No!" Mike answered.
"OK, let's dance."
Don Lesure
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Farmers & Heaven by Poet Connetta Jean
"Do Farmers farm in Heaven?”
My young son asked me, so sad..
So many times he’d ridden on
The tractor with my Dad..
“Sure they do”, I told him as
His eyes turned to the sky.
“God gives us all a job to do
In Heaven when we die”.
“But, what do Farmers plant up there?”
He asked, so sure that I would know..
So I said “come sit, let’s talk a bit”
“about what farmers in Heaven grow..”
I told how there was so much food
with fields of flowers everywhere,
And how a farmer like his Grandpa
Was really needed there..
Then his eyes turned towards the window
At the tractor by the barn
And he said( as if I didn’t know)
”But he forgot his tractor Mom”
I smiled and tickled him a bit
Saying “Grandpa knows that too….
Heaven has a lot of tractors so..
He left his here for you.”
To Willie Gray from Barbara Maloney
My young son asked me, so sad..
So many times he’d ridden on
The tractor with my Dad..
“Sure they do”, I told him as
His eyes turned to the sky.
“God gives us all a job to do
In Heaven when we die”.
“But, what do Farmers plant up there?”
He asked, so sure that I would know..
So I said “come sit, let’s talk a bit”
“about what farmers in Heaven grow..”
I told how there was so much food
with fields of flowers everywhere,
And how a farmer like his Grandpa
Was really needed there..
Then his eyes turned towards the window
At the tractor by the barn
And he said( as if I didn’t know)
”But he forgot his tractor Mom”
I smiled and tickled him a bit
Saying “Grandpa knows that too….
Heaven has a lot of tractors so..
He left his here for you.”
To Willie Gray from Barbara Maloney
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A Poem to Honor the Equinox
A little madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King,
But God be with the Clown—
Who ponders this tremendous scene—
This whole Experiment of Green—
As if it were his own!
Emily Dickinson
Is wholesome even for the King,
But God be with the Clown—
Who ponders this tremendous scene—
This whole Experiment of Green—
As if it were his own!
Emily Dickinson
A Choice to Make
Well, my common sense tells me to keep my mouth shut, don't get dragged into it. Yet my love for this town pushes me to say something about what I'm feeling. And for better or worse, the heart usually wins out.
I'm starting to feel embarassed to be from Ashfield. I don't like that feeling. For well over half a year friends and acquaintances from out of town and even people I don't know ask me "So, what's going on NOW in Ashfield?" I'm never sure exactly what to say in response to their questions. One thing I do see going on in town is the division of townspeople into 'born heres' and 'from aways'. Which group you are from can then lead to what your opinion is about a certain issue(s) in town.
I find myself and a few others in a third group. I'm 'from away', moving here at the age of 22. I wanted to farm and grow apples. I didn't want to change the town, I liked it just the way it was. My children were born here. A lot of the children of the 'born heres' have moved away from town. This is true in all the hilltowns (and beyond). Many others have moved into town over the years--some of these people stayed and others didn't.
In 33 years I've seen a lot of different turmoils in town. And you know what? We survived all of them. The sewer, the town park, the water company, the old Sanderson, the new Sanderson, the solar-aquatic greenhouse, the spring flood of '87, the sidewalks (and curbs), the new town garage, the Town Hall renovations, the common, the resevoir/wells, the ice storm of '08 and on and on. Some turmoils probably escape my memory. We survived these issues because of old Yankee values. The values of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for each other. Countless folks have given of themselves in order to 'do their part', be it in town government, the emergency services, the girl scouts and boy scouts, baseball and soccer, the snowmobile club, rebuilding the town hall steeple, the food pantry, the preschool, or simply neighbor helping neighbor, family helping family.
Through all these events Ashfield remains a damn good place to live, to raise a family, to work or run a business, to grow old. This town really is quite a melting pot in 2010. And isn't that what America really is--a melting pot of diversity? Our town has so much to offer. A place where a person can get involved in so many different things. A place where a person can live and just be left alone. Or anywhere in between.
As I see it, we townspeople have a choice to make. We can continue to point fingers, place blame, and show lack of respect for each other. Or we can regroup and remember why we live here, acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and move on. I talk with a lot of different people in town and I get a sense that a lot of people want to move on, a lot of people want to get back once again to what we love about this town. It is my hope that we can do just that.
One last thing. Anybody want to bet on when the ice will come out of the lake this year?
Alan Surprenant
Apple Valley Road
I'm starting to feel embarassed to be from Ashfield. I don't like that feeling. For well over half a year friends and acquaintances from out of town and even people I don't know ask me "So, what's going on NOW in Ashfield?" I'm never sure exactly what to say in response to their questions. One thing I do see going on in town is the division of townspeople into 'born heres' and 'from aways'. Which group you are from can then lead to what your opinion is about a certain issue(s) in town.
I find myself and a few others in a third group. I'm 'from away', moving here at the age of 22. I wanted to farm and grow apples. I didn't want to change the town, I liked it just the way it was. My children were born here. A lot of the children of the 'born heres' have moved away from town. This is true in all the hilltowns (and beyond). Many others have moved into town over the years--some of these people stayed and others didn't.
In 33 years I've seen a lot of different turmoils in town. And you know what? We survived all of them. The sewer, the town park, the water company, the old Sanderson, the new Sanderson, the solar-aquatic greenhouse, the spring flood of '87, the sidewalks (and curbs), the new town garage, the Town Hall renovations, the common, the resevoir/wells, the ice storm of '08 and on and on. Some turmoils probably escape my memory. We survived these issues because of old Yankee values. The values of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for each other. Countless folks have given of themselves in order to 'do their part', be it in town government, the emergency services, the girl scouts and boy scouts, baseball and soccer, the snowmobile club, rebuilding the town hall steeple, the food pantry, the preschool, or simply neighbor helping neighbor, family helping family.
Through all these events Ashfield remains a damn good place to live, to raise a family, to work or run a business, to grow old. This town really is quite a melting pot in 2010. And isn't that what America really is--a melting pot of diversity? Our town has so much to offer. A place where a person can get involved in so many different things. A place where a person can live and just be left alone. Or anywhere in between.
As I see it, we townspeople have a choice to make. We can continue to point fingers, place blame, and show lack of respect for each other. Or we can regroup and remember why we live here, acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and move on. I talk with a lot of different people in town and I get a sense that a lot of people want to move on, a lot of people want to get back once again to what we love about this town. It is my hope that we can do just that.
One last thing. Anybody want to bet on when the ice will come out of the lake this year?
Alan Surprenant
Apple Valley Road
Friday, March 19, 2010
New Police Chief at Work
Since John Cotton took over as interim chief a little more than two weeks ago, things have been moving quickly, according to Ted Murray’s latest police liason report at last night’s selectboard meeting. Chief Cotton has had a full set of tires installed on the Ford Explorer and plans to do the same for the other cruiser soon. In the process, he’s managed to save enough on the tires to help pay for a more secure fax machine. He has also officially registered both cruisers as police vehicles (the distinctive blue plates) and will have them reinspected soon. He also hopes to bring fuel costs down through a more careful regulation of cruiser use.
Inside the office, he is working with Virginia Wiswell, the town’s tech support consultant, and Paul Swem, our local computer expert, to update the computer systems. He’s seeking a key for one of the three police safes, which has been impossible to open because the batteries in the electronic lock have gone dead. He has met with Sanderson officials to help develop better security procedures for times when elections are held at the school. Finally, he has begun a review of the department’s procedures and policies.
This Sunday afternoon, March 21, the town is hosting a meet-and-greet at Town Hall from 4 to 5 p.m. Murray said the event will give townspeople a chance to get to know the chief and also for the chief to get to know the needs of the town. Refreshments will be served.
David King
Inside the office, he is working with Virginia Wiswell, the town’s tech support consultant, and Paul Swem, our local computer expert, to update the computer systems. He’s seeking a key for one of the three police safes, which has been impossible to open because the batteries in the electronic lock have gone dead. He has met with Sanderson officials to help develop better security procedures for times when elections are held at the school. Finally, he has begun a review of the department’s procedures and policies.
This Sunday afternoon, March 21, the town is hosting a meet-and-greet at Town Hall from 4 to 5 p.m. Murray said the event will give townspeople a chance to get to know the chief and also for the chief to get to know the needs of the town. Refreshments will be served.
David King
Fiber-Optic Moves to Town Meeting Warrant
After a presentation by Ashfield Telecommunication Committee chair David Kulp, the Select Board voted tonight for a town meeting article that could lead to fiber-optic broadband, telephone, and television connections for Ashfield. The article would not appropriate any money, but, if passed, would authorize the town to begin the process of banding together with other towns to develop a shared fiber-optic network.
The exact wording of the article is: To see if the Town will vote to enter into immediate discussions with other Western Massachusetts municipalities with the intent of entering an inter-municipal agreement, by and through the Select Board, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws, for the purpose of establishing a universal, open access, financially self-sustaining communication system for the provision of broadband service, including high-speed Internet access, telephone and cable television to the residents, businesses and institutions of these municipalities; or act in relation thereto.
According to the Wired West website (http://wired-west.net), twenty-one towns have placed this article on the warrant for upcoming town meetings, and one town (Shelburne) has already passed it.
David King
The exact wording of the article is: To see if the Town will vote to enter into immediate discussions with other Western Massachusetts municipalities with the intent of entering an inter-municipal agreement, by and through the Select Board, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws, for the purpose of establishing a universal, open access, financially self-sustaining communication system for the provision of broadband service, including high-speed Internet access, telephone and cable television to the residents, businesses and institutions of these municipalities; or act in relation thereto.
According to the Wired West website (http://wired-west.net), twenty-one towns have placed this article on the warrant for upcoming town meetings, and one town (Shelburne) has already passed it.
David King
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tonight's Selectboard Agenda
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
March 18,2010 7 pm
MINUTES
Minutes from Mar 11 - open session
Minutes from Mar 11 - executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Technology Committee to discuss Fiber-Optic Network proposal (David Kulp)
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a.
5. MAIL
a.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a.
8.. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Highway Department & Transfer Station
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
March 25 - Select Board meeting 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Board of Assessors (7:30); Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
April 1 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change)
March 18,2010 7 pm
MINUTES
Minutes from Mar 11 - open session
Minutes from Mar 11 - executive session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Technology Committee to discuss Fiber-Optic Network proposal (David Kulp)
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a.
5. MAIL
a.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a.
8.. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Highway Department & Transfer Station
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
March 25 - Select Board meeting 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Board of Assessors (7:30); Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
April 1 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
New Comment
There's a new comment on the Save Western Mass. Library System post, which has disappeared below the blog's horizon. To get to it, just click on the post in the blog archive. Or click on "older posts" at the bottom of the page.
Homegrown Energy Tip #1
Can anything as frivolous as a cushioned toilet seat save energy and help save the planet? Well, yes. In a cold bathroom, a soft toilet seat has the superb virtue of not feeling like it was carved from a block of ice. So you can turn down the heat without feeling like you’re in an outhouse on the North Pole.
Ruth Julian
Editor’s Note: Please send your own energy tips for posting here. Ashfield is full of smart and creative people and the energy guides are full of the same old same old. Let’s share our homegrown ideas.
Ruth Julian
Editor’s Note: Please send your own energy tips for posting here. Ashfield is full of smart and creative people and the energy guides are full of the same old same old. Let’s share our homegrown ideas.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
For St. Patrick's Day
Traditional Irish Blessing
I wish you not a path devoid of clouds, nor a life on a bed of roses,
Not that you might never need regret, nor that you should never feel pain.
No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is that you might be brave in times of trial,
When others lay crosses upon your shoulders,
When mountains must be climbed and chasms are to be crossed,
When hope can scarce shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow along with you
And let you give your gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that name,
Whom you can trust, and who helps you in times of sadness,
Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you,
That in every hour of joy and pain you may feel God close to you.
This is my wish for you, and for all who care for you.
This is my hope for you now and forever.
Anonymous
I wish you not a path devoid of clouds, nor a life on a bed of roses,
Not that you might never need regret, nor that you should never feel pain.
No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is that you might be brave in times of trial,
When others lay crosses upon your shoulders,
When mountains must be climbed and chasms are to be crossed,
When hope can scarce shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow along with you
And let you give your gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that name,
Whom you can trust, and who helps you in times of sadness,
Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you,
That in every hour of joy and pain you may feel God close to you.
This is my wish for you, and for all who care for you.
This is my hope for you now and forever.
Anonymous
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Yes, We Can Talk
Can we talk? I agree with David, I believe that all citizens have a right to be heard. I learned a long time ago that everyone wants the same thing in the end, to feel a part of the community, to be respected and to be heard. If we could manage this here in our beautiful little town we can do anything.
I want to thank Ted who has opened up a 5-10 minute sharing time and although I respect and understand this limit I think it is only a beginning, more time needs to be given to the public. Let's put the announcements in a folder at the library for leisure reading and use that extra time to talk. Let's go back to the total openness that Davehas been trying so hard to bring to town. When people feel heard they feel included rather than excluded from the process.
There is no need for fear, it is truly over rated, we need to stand up and speak our truths together, today and every day. No more hiding,let's open up communications in every way that we can to make this the place we all want to live in.
Thank you Ruth for giving us all a place to be heard.
Ricki Carroll
I want to thank Ted who has opened up a 5-10 minute sharing time and although I respect and understand this limit I think it is only a beginning, more time needs to be given to the public. Let's put the announcements in a folder at the library for leisure reading and use that extra time to talk. Let's go back to the total openness that Davehas been trying so hard to bring to town. When people feel heard they feel included rather than excluded from the process.
There is no need for fear, it is truly over rated, we need to stand up and speak our truths together, today and every day. No more hiding,let's open up communications in every way that we can to make this the place we all want to live in.
Thank you Ruth for giving us all a place to be heard.
Ricki Carroll
Candidates for May 1 Town Election
2010 Local Election
(Please note that this is not an official ballot)
Moderator (1 year term)
Stewart Eisenberg (caucus nominee)
Karen Sullivan (caucus nominee)
Tree Warden (1 year term)
Robert Abbatiello (caucus nominee)
Thomas Poissant (caucus nominee)
Select Board (3 year term)
Douglas M. Field (caucus nominee)
Select Board (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Norman L. Russell (nomination papers)
Assessor (3 year term)
Wayne Gardner (caucus nominee)
Sandra Lilly (caucus nominee)
Assessor (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Mary Quigley (caucus nominee)
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Janet Rogers (caucus nominee)
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Edwin A. Murray, Jr. (caucus nominee)
Finance Committee (to fill an unexpired 1 year term)
Pricilla Phelps (caucus nominee)
Lynn Taylor (caucus nominee)
School Committee (3 year term)
Faye Whitney-Lussier (nomination papers)
School Committee (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Emily Robertson (caucus nominee)
Board of Health (3 year term)
Joanne Ostrowski (caucus nominee)
Constable (3 year term)
Elizabeth G. Lesure (caucus nominee)
Constable (3 year term)
John A. LaBelle (caucus nominee)
Park Commissioner (3 year term)
Nina Coler (caucus nominee)
Sewer Commissioner (3 year term)
Mary Fitz-Gibbon (caucus nominee)
Planning Board (5 year term)
Alan Rice (caucus nominee)
Library Trustee (5 year term)
David King (caucus nominee)
Barbara Sussbauer (nomination papers)
Maryellen Cranston, Town Clerk
(Please note that this is not an official ballot)
Moderator (1 year term)
Stewart Eisenberg (caucus nominee)
Karen Sullivan (caucus nominee)
Tree Warden (1 year term)
Robert Abbatiello (caucus nominee)
Thomas Poissant (caucus nominee)
Select Board (3 year term)
Douglas M. Field (caucus nominee)
Select Board (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Norman L. Russell (nomination papers)
Assessor (3 year term)
Wayne Gardner (caucus nominee)
Sandra Lilly (caucus nominee)
Assessor (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Mary Quigley (caucus nominee)
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Janet Rogers (caucus nominee)
Finance Committee (3 year term)
Edwin A. Murray, Jr. (caucus nominee)
Finance Committee (to fill an unexpired 1 year term)
Pricilla Phelps (caucus nominee)
Lynn Taylor (caucus nominee)
School Committee (3 year term)
Faye Whitney-Lussier (nomination papers)
School Committee (to fill an unexpired 2 year term)
Emily Robertson (caucus nominee)
Board of Health (3 year term)
Joanne Ostrowski (caucus nominee)
Constable (3 year term)
Elizabeth G. Lesure (caucus nominee)
Constable (3 year term)
John A. LaBelle (caucus nominee)
Park Commissioner (3 year term)
Nina Coler (caucus nominee)
Sewer Commissioner (3 year term)
Mary Fitz-Gibbon (caucus nominee)
Planning Board (5 year term)
Alan Rice (caucus nominee)
Library Trustee (5 year term)
David King (caucus nominee)
Barbara Sussbauer (nomination papers)
Maryellen Cranston, Town Clerk
More on Stolen Badge
Bill and Paul--
This is not the first time this former Chief has had possession of Ashfield-labeled equipment. A few years ago a civilian was stopped in Deerfield with an Ashfield Police jacket in his back window. This jacket was purchased at a tag sale in Buckland by the person stopped. He said that he used the jacket in the window to get a good parking spot at the airport and that it came from a former chief. Interesting, ya think?
The Ashfield Police were called and took possession of the jacket. The Select Board were advised at that time, but no action was taken. They simply said, "We are glad to have it back in Ashfield."
Now a badge, that's serious. What was he using that badge for? I hope it was just a memento. But now it's in the hands of someone else, who may not be interested in mementos. Public beware.
John Svoboda
This is not the first time this former Chief has had possession of Ashfield-labeled equipment. A few years ago a civilian was stopped in Deerfield with an Ashfield Police jacket in his back window. This jacket was purchased at a tag sale in Buckland by the person stopped. He said that he used the jacket in the window to get a good parking spot at the airport and that it came from a former chief. Interesting, ya think?
The Ashfield Police were called and took possession of the jacket. The Select Board were advised at that time, but no action was taken. They simply said, "We are glad to have it back in Ashfield."
Now a badge, that's serious. What was he using that badge for? I hope it was just a memento. But now it's in the hands of someone else, who may not be interested in mementos. Public beware.
John Svoboda
Monday, March 15, 2010
Response to Paul Swem's Post
I know a few things about the incident, but they were revealed to me in confidence. One thing I can assure you of, is that it has absolutely nothing to do with our most recent former chief.
Mr. Swem, if there is anything else you want to know, please don’t hesitate to ask. Beyond that, there most certainly is more than meets the eye since a badge can be used to impersonate a police officer and one in the wrong hands could be a real problem.. I’ve asked the proper authorities to please check into it, and no, the proper authorities are not in Ashfield. I asked as a private citizen who is worried about the town’s reputation, and I asked a friend who runs the department in question.
I will probably never know what they find out, or what action they take, but I would like to see the badge off the street.
Bill Perlman
Mr. Swem, if there is anything else you want to know, please don’t hesitate to ask. Beyond that, there most certainly is more than meets the eye since a badge can be used to impersonate a police officer and one in the wrong hands could be a real problem.. I’ve asked the proper authorities to please check into it, and no, the proper authorities are not in Ashfield. I asked as a private citizen who is worried about the town’s reputation, and I asked a friend who runs the department in question.
I will probably never know what they find out, or what action they take, but I would like to see the badge off the street.
Bill Perlman
Re: Stolen Badge
A quick answer to Mr. Perlman’s question in a recent Blog post:
Yes. Quite probably, there is more than meets the eye, as you query the Blog readers in your post. I’ll be darned if I know anything about the circumstances surrounding the event. But the description as printed sure raised my eyebrows.
A follow-up question I pose to you, Mr. Perlman: are you aware of any of the details behind the event that went un-printed and un-reported in the Recorder? If so, would you consider posting what you know for the curious readers?
Paul Swem
Yes. Quite probably, there is more than meets the eye, as you query the Blog readers in your post. I’ll be darned if I know anything about the circumstances surrounding the event. But the description as printed sure raised my eyebrows.
A follow-up question I pose to you, Mr. Perlman: are you aware of any of the details behind the event that went un-printed and un-reported in the Recorder? If so, would you consider posting what you know for the curious readers?
Paul Swem
Stolen Police Chief's Badge
Here’s an interesting tidbit.
The following item appeared in today’s Recorder. The following is verbatim.
March 12, 7:45 AM
Report of malicious destruction of property on Colrain Road where a 1999 Ford Mustang color green was parked near the street and had a for sale sign on it; car was unlocked and had a can of florescent paint in the trunk; this can was used to paint the interior and exterior of the vehicle; taken from glove box was an Ashfield Police Chief badge.
More to this story than meets the eye?
Bill Perlman
The following item appeared in today’s Recorder. The following is verbatim.
March 12, 7:45 AM
Report of malicious destruction of property on Colrain Road where a 1999 Ford Mustang color green was parked near the street and had a for sale sign on it; car was unlocked and had a can of florescent paint in the trunk; this can was used to paint the interior and exterior of the vehicle; taken from glove box was an Ashfield Police Chief badge.
More to this story than meets the eye?
Bill Perlman
Save Western Mass. Library System
Speak up now to save the Western Mass Regional Library System
The governors and legislators have made a plan to completely cut funding for WMRLS, the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System. Without WMRLS, slated to disappear July 1 of this year, our libraries will have an even harder time providing services to their patrons. Presenting this as an economically responsible action is short-sighted at best.
Forcing changes that will put many libraries within the state two to three hours away from the one “hub” in Waltham creates new costs for towns and libraries, complicates and threatens many of the services offered, and forces the MBLC and former regions to piece together ways in which the Inter-library loan program and required professional development opportunities can continue to be offered without forcing Western MA library staff members to constantly be traveling to the eastern part of the state. Instead of having a cohesive, well-developed, and experienced staff housed in one place, Western MA libraries will be forced to access services in a piecemeal fashion which, in most cases, will end up wasting money.
Libraries in our spread out, less populated area are a vital force in the education of our children and the preservation of our communities. John Ramsay, current administrator for WMRLS, says that for every $1 that the state sends to WMRLS, it saves our local libraries $8. Is your town going to be able to make up the remaining funds come Town Meeting?
If you depend on interlibrary loan as much as I do, if your kids do research at the library, if you borrow audio books and videos, now is the time to make your voice heard. It's not too late. Please call and/or write your representatives today. http://www.mass.gov/legis/city_town.htm
Become a fan of "We love Western Massachusetts Libraries" on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Love-Western-Mass-Libraries/394169075361) to get support, find samples of letters, contact info for legislators, and to find out what else you can do.
We folks in Western Mass pay our taxes, some of that money should come home to Western Mass and not stay in the new hub in Waltham.
Please act today.
Thanks,
Liz Castro
Ashfield
Here's the letter I wrote:
Dear
I am writing to you because I have recently found out that there is a proposal to cut funding for the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System, and consolidate all services in the Eastern part of the State.
WMRLS has been an intergral part of the small libraries in Western Massachusetts for 50 years. My own local library, Belding Memorial, has only 18,000 books and we depend on WMRLS.
The kids in our town use the library as a resource for learning, for research papers, for internet access, for entertainment, and as a community center.
Regional Administrator John Ramsay says that "the interlibrary loan system, which has grown from 250,000 items to more than 1.8 million last year, saves local libraries more than $8 for every dollar spent". That clearly demonstrates that this funding cut is a shortsighted measure that will cost us more money in the long run. Equally if not more important, is the noxious affect it will have on the education of the people in our communities.
In addition, a recent consultant's report found that the Western Massachusetts system is very efficient and compares favourably with what private vendors could do.
I urge you, therefore, to restore the money cut from line item #7000-9401, and vote against consolidating the regional library system into a single system based in Eastern Massachusetts.
I look forward to hearing your response on this matter.
Sincerely yours,
The governors and legislators have made a plan to completely cut funding for WMRLS, the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System. Without WMRLS, slated to disappear July 1 of this year, our libraries will have an even harder time providing services to their patrons. Presenting this as an economically responsible action is short-sighted at best.
Forcing changes that will put many libraries within the state two to three hours away from the one “hub” in Waltham creates new costs for towns and libraries, complicates and threatens many of the services offered, and forces the MBLC and former regions to piece together ways in which the Inter-library loan program and required professional development opportunities can continue to be offered without forcing Western MA library staff members to constantly be traveling to the eastern part of the state. Instead of having a cohesive, well-developed, and experienced staff housed in one place, Western MA libraries will be forced to access services in a piecemeal fashion which, in most cases, will end up wasting money.
Libraries in our spread out, less populated area are a vital force in the education of our children and the preservation of our communities. John Ramsay, current administrator for WMRLS, says that for every $1 that the state sends to WMRLS, it saves our local libraries $8. Is your town going to be able to make up the remaining funds come Town Meeting?
If you depend on interlibrary loan as much as I do, if your kids do research at the library, if you borrow audio books and videos, now is the time to make your voice heard. It's not too late. Please call and/or write your representatives today. http://www.mass.gov/legis/city_town.htm
Become a fan of "We love Western Massachusetts Libraries" on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Love-Western-Mass-Libraries/394169075361) to get support, find samples of letters, contact info for legislators, and to find out what else you can do.
We folks in Western Mass pay our taxes, some of that money should come home to Western Mass and not stay in the new hub in Waltham.
Please act today.
Thanks,
Liz Castro
Ashfield
Here's the letter I wrote:
Dear
I am writing to you because I have recently found out that there is a proposal to cut funding for the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System, and consolidate all services in the Eastern part of the State.
WMRLS has been an intergral part of the small libraries in Western Massachusetts for 50 years. My own local library, Belding Memorial, has only 18,000 books and we depend on WMRLS.
The kids in our town use the library as a resource for learning, for research papers, for internet access, for entertainment, and as a community center.
Regional Administrator John Ramsay says that "the interlibrary loan system, which has grown from 250,000 items to more than 1.8 million last year, saves local libraries more than $8 for every dollar spent". That clearly demonstrates that this funding cut is a shortsighted measure that will cost us more money in the long run. Equally if not more important, is the noxious affect it will have on the education of the people in our communities.
In addition, a recent consultant's report found that the Western Massachusetts system is very efficient and compares favourably with what private vendors could do.
I urge you, therefore, to restore the money cut from line item #7000-9401, and vote against consolidating the regional library system into a single system based in Eastern Massachusetts.
I look forward to hearing your response on this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Ashfield Bulletin Board 3/15/10
Board of Health: Tuesday March 16, 7 p.m.
Planning Board: Wednesday March 17, 7 p.m.
Select Board: Thursday March 18, 7 p.m.
Select Board and Finance Committee Budget Hearing: Thursday March 18, 7:30 p.m. for Highway Dept and Transfer Station
Police Chief Search Committee: Thursday March 18, 7 p.m. at Fire Station
Board of Assessors: Thursday March 18, 7 p.m.
Ashfield Burial Ground: Annual meeting Saturday March 20, 1 p.m. at 1547 Cape St. Gail Wiedmann 628-3245 or Tom Graves 628-3920
Park Commission: March 23, 9:00 a.m. at Elmers
Historical Commission: March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Posted Sale of property: March 25, 7 p.m.
Sewer Commission: April 6, 6 p.m.
(Meetings at Town Hall unless specified elsewhere.)
Planning Board: Wednesday March 17, 7 p.m.
Select Board: Thursday March 18, 7 p.m.
Select Board and Finance Committee Budget Hearing: Thursday March 18, 7:30 p.m. for Highway Dept and Transfer Station
Police Chief Search Committee: Thursday March 18, 7 p.m. at Fire Station
Board of Assessors: Thursday March 18, 7 p.m.
Ashfield Burial Ground: Annual meeting Saturday March 20, 1 p.m. at 1547 Cape St. Gail Wiedmann 628-3245 or Tom Graves 628-3920
Park Commission: March 23, 9:00 a.m. at Elmers
Historical Commission: March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Posted Sale of property: March 25, 7 p.m.
Sewer Commission: April 6, 6 p.m.
(Meetings at Town Hall unless specified elsewhere.)
Reminder on Comments
I have had to reject a reasonable and civil comment because it was not signed. Please remember to sign your comments.
Ruth Julian
Ruth Julian
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Have You Lost a Cat?
We saw a pale orange striped cat near our door shortly before nine tonight. The cat looked healthy, young to middle-aged, and well cared for. He/she was crying and looked upset by the weather. But the cat ran off while we were phoning Animal Control Officer Warren Kirkpatrick to see if he had gotten a report of a missing cat.
We live on March Road near the cemetery. If this is your cat, or you know who it belongs to, please give us a call.
Ruth Julian 625-8350
We live on March Road near the cemetery. If this is your cat, or you know who it belongs to, please give us a call.
Ruth Julian 625-8350
Ashfield Tales, Both Short and Tall #4
Roland cut off most of a finger. His father took him to the emergency room. While being patched up, he told his dad to find the finger and give it to the dog. The nurse fainted.
Don Lesure
Don Lesure
Friday, March 12, 2010
Town Election Candidate Info
Town Clerk Maryellen Cranston reports that Caucus nominees who wish to run for office must sign nomination acceptance papers by 5 p.m. Monday, March 15.
She also said that anyone who wants to run for election who was not nominated by Caucus may get nomination papers from her and collect the signatures of 20 registered voters. (She recommends getting 25 signatures, in case any of those who sign are not registered to vote.) These papers are also due this Monday at 5 p.m.
The Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall will be open this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. She will also be in her office to accept nomination papers from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday. Anyone who is unable to sign or obtain papers during these hours should phone her at home (628-0090) and she will work out some arrangement.
She also said that anyone who wants to run for election who was not nominated by Caucus may get nomination papers from her and collect the signatures of 20 registered voters. (She recommends getting 25 signatures, in case any of those who sign are not registered to vote.) These papers are also due this Monday at 5 p.m.
The Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall will be open this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. She will also be in her office to accept nomination papers from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday. Anyone who is unable to sign or obtain papers during these hours should phone her at home (628-0090) and she will work out some arrangement.
For the Record
Apparently there is another one of those rumors circulating around town that I am responsible for the fact that the voting polls are now being held at Sanderson Academy. Well, yes I did call the Elections Division and ask them for help to address the three broken election laws that happened during our special election to vote in a new selectboard member after Mr.Perlman resigned. A ballot was taken outside the polling place, the names were not in alphabetical order, and there was a premarked ballot given to a resident. Some see this as petty but if you put yourself in the candidates' shoes you would find this unfair. Laws are made for reasons and over the years they have been changed to be inclusive.
To justify her actions, our Town Hall Clerk called in the ADA to visit Town Hall and evaluate its handicapped accessibility. While here, they evaluated Town Hall, the Fire Station and Sanderson Academy. The school had the least problems and therefore elections are to be held there until we update Town Hall.
In 1995 the Ashfield News reported that the new handicapped lift never worked properly, so what happened and who is responsible? The selectboard at that time went ahead and installed an Ashfield stone walkway, against the recommendation of the Ashfield House owners, who said it would not meet the ADA's requirement. Lo and behold, we have to fix it. It seems to me that at times the selectboard's agenda did not take in the town's best interest, but their own.
This brings me to the acknowledgement of David's letter and I feel it is in the best interest of the whole town to have open meetings where residents can input their advice, ask questions and make comments. After all, the selectboard represents the town and we have appointed them to represent us as residents. I feel that we should see our town government as professional and have no fear of the police, clerks, assessors, or selectboard members. When we go into the town hall to do any business it should not be talked about and shared, since it is our business.
And how do people feel about voting at Sanderson? As much as I miss voting at Town Hall, because I, like most people, do not like change, it gave me an opportunity to see Sanderson. The consensus, as expressed by Sanderson Principal Budge Litchfield, was that citizens were delighted to finally see the school. The openness and architecture is a thing of beauty. It is bright and there are three cases of artwork in the lobby. He also sees the civic experience as good for the children.
But there was definitely a break in the understanding that the school children be protected. Also, Mr. Perlman felt it was okay to transfer a bag with marijuana in it in the parking lot, taking the only officer out of the building. New policies will be put into place, since Police Chief Cotton visited the school and talked with Budge.
At a later date we can be back at Town Hall and so we must all make a compromise. A committee for Town Hall has been established and we will be back better than ever, since the best interest of the town and inclusiveness are their goals. Change should be seen as positive if the intentions are for the good of all.
My thanks to all of you who are being called names and getting cold-shouldered as I have been. I know that our hearts are strong, our intentions good and we can agree to disagree with respect.
Karen Sullivan
To justify her actions, our Town Hall Clerk called in the ADA to visit Town Hall and evaluate its handicapped accessibility. While here, they evaluated Town Hall, the Fire Station and Sanderson Academy. The school had the least problems and therefore elections are to be held there until we update Town Hall.
In 1995 the Ashfield News reported that the new handicapped lift never worked properly, so what happened and who is responsible? The selectboard at that time went ahead and installed an Ashfield stone walkway, against the recommendation of the Ashfield House owners, who said it would not meet the ADA's requirement. Lo and behold, we have to fix it. It seems to me that at times the selectboard's agenda did not take in the town's best interest, but their own.
This brings me to the acknowledgement of David's letter and I feel it is in the best interest of the whole town to have open meetings where residents can input their advice, ask questions and make comments. After all, the selectboard represents the town and we have appointed them to represent us as residents. I feel that we should see our town government as professional and have no fear of the police, clerks, assessors, or selectboard members. When we go into the town hall to do any business it should not be talked about and shared, since it is our business.
And how do people feel about voting at Sanderson? As much as I miss voting at Town Hall, because I, like most people, do not like change, it gave me an opportunity to see Sanderson. The consensus, as expressed by Sanderson Principal Budge Litchfield, was that citizens were delighted to finally see the school. The openness and architecture is a thing of beauty. It is bright and there are three cases of artwork in the lobby. He also sees the civic experience as good for the children.
But there was definitely a break in the understanding that the school children be protected. Also, Mr. Perlman felt it was okay to transfer a bag with marijuana in it in the parking lot, taking the only officer out of the building. New policies will be put into place, since Police Chief Cotton visited the school and talked with Budge.
At a later date we can be back at Town Hall and so we must all make a compromise. A committee for Town Hall has been established and we will be back better than ever, since the best interest of the town and inclusiveness are their goals. Change should be seen as positive if the intentions are for the good of all.
My thanks to all of you who are being called names and getting cold-shouldered as I have been. I know that our hearts are strong, our intentions good and we can agree to disagree with respect.
Karen Sullivan
Can We Talk?
At the first Ashfield Town Meeting I attended, seventeen years ago, one of the warrant items was to appropriate funds to purchase a new fire truck. Several people questioned the need for it, and Chief Field explained what this truck could do that the others couldn’t. In the end, the town voted to spend the money.
I remember this after all these years because I was deeply impressed with the quality of the debate. It grew a little intense at times, but it was always cordial and respectful. It was the first time I saw town meeting democracy at work, and I thought it was a thing of beauty.
By contrast, when I made a factual error in a blog posting a little more than a month ago, I received an anonymous letter correcting me. The writer of the letter was invited on the blog to come forward but refused, presumably out of fear.
I can understand the fear. For years now, Ashfield has been run by people who treated those who disagreed with them as enemies to be destroyed, usually through vitriolic verbal attacks designed to bully and intimidate. Since just last summer, I’ve been called part of an ignorant mob, a liar, a propagandist with no moral center, and most recently a subversive. I’ve been accused of a ham-handed entrapment scheme and of planning to hound town employees out of their jobs. And I’ve seen e-mails in which others in town have been treated far worse.
According to rumor, those of us trying to change the way the town is run form a tightly-knit, well-organized group with a clear agenda we plan to ram down the town’s throat. Actually, we’re not that formally organized -- we haven’t even been able to come up with a decent secret handshake – and have a fairly wide range of opinions. Because of this, I certainly can’t claim to speak for anyone in town but myself.
But the main reason I’m involved in town politics is to get rid of the fear. I’d like to get back to a time when you could talk with the people who disagreed with you without worrying about having your character demolished . The town is facing serious issues, and we need to look at them from all sides to come up with the best solutions. We can’t do that if we’re afraid to talk to one another.
So let’s try it.
One issue that’s come up recently is how open the select board should be to input from the town. I feel that select boards in recent years have treated voters with contempt (the “ignorant mob” comment I mentioned earlier) and sometimes tried to work behind the scenes in violation of the open meeting law. In short, the town hasn’t been listened to. I feel Ted correctly worked to remedy this by opening up meetings briefly, as time allows, for public comment. Others, I know, feel the select board was elected to run the town and should be left alone to do so, with dissatisfaction expressed at the ballot box rather than at board meetings.
What do you think?
Any comment, from anyone in town, will post on this blog as long as it’s both civil and signed. If you comment, you will be treated respectfully. We may disagree, and the debate may even grow intense at times, but there will be no attempt to either shout you down or attack you behind your back.
I know the comment system on Blogspot can be a pain to use. You need a Google account or something similar to make it work, and most comments have to be submitted twice before they post. But Google accounts are free and easy to sign up for, and comments do eventually make it through. Or you can send a new post by following the instructions at the top right of this page. As long as it’s signed and civil, it will go up.
This is a small town. We’ve all got to live with each other. We should be talking to each other.
Try it. It’s a beautiful thing.
David King
I remember this after all these years because I was deeply impressed with the quality of the debate. It grew a little intense at times, but it was always cordial and respectful. It was the first time I saw town meeting democracy at work, and I thought it was a thing of beauty.
By contrast, when I made a factual error in a blog posting a little more than a month ago, I received an anonymous letter correcting me. The writer of the letter was invited on the blog to come forward but refused, presumably out of fear.
I can understand the fear. For years now, Ashfield has been run by people who treated those who disagreed with them as enemies to be destroyed, usually through vitriolic verbal attacks designed to bully and intimidate. Since just last summer, I’ve been called part of an ignorant mob, a liar, a propagandist with no moral center, and most recently a subversive. I’ve been accused of a ham-handed entrapment scheme and of planning to hound town employees out of their jobs. And I’ve seen e-mails in which others in town have been treated far worse.
According to rumor, those of us trying to change the way the town is run form a tightly-knit, well-organized group with a clear agenda we plan to ram down the town’s throat. Actually, we’re not that formally organized -- we haven’t even been able to come up with a decent secret handshake – and have a fairly wide range of opinions. Because of this, I certainly can’t claim to speak for anyone in town but myself.
But the main reason I’m involved in town politics is to get rid of the fear. I’d like to get back to a time when you could talk with the people who disagreed with you without worrying about having your character demolished . The town is facing serious issues, and we need to look at them from all sides to come up with the best solutions. We can’t do that if we’re afraid to talk to one another.
So let’s try it.
One issue that’s come up recently is how open the select board should be to input from the town. I feel that select boards in recent years have treated voters with contempt (the “ignorant mob” comment I mentioned earlier) and sometimes tried to work behind the scenes in violation of the open meeting law. In short, the town hasn’t been listened to. I feel Ted correctly worked to remedy this by opening up meetings briefly, as time allows, for public comment. Others, I know, feel the select board was elected to run the town and should be left alone to do so, with dissatisfaction expressed at the ballot box rather than at board meetings.
What do you think?
Any comment, from anyone in town, will post on this blog as long as it’s both civil and signed. If you comment, you will be treated respectfully. We may disagree, and the debate may even grow intense at times, but there will be no attempt to either shout you down or attack you behind your back.
I know the comment system on Blogspot can be a pain to use. You need a Google account or something similar to make it work, and most comments have to be submitted twice before they post. But Google accounts are free and easy to sign up for, and comments do eventually make it through. Or you can send a new post by following the instructions at the top right of this page. As long as it’s signed and civil, it will go up.
This is a small town. We’ve all got to live with each other. We should be talking to each other.
Try it. It’s a beautiful thing.
David King
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Election Security for Sanderson
Tonight, the Select Board and School Board members met with Superintendent of Schools Michael Buoniconti, Sanderson Academy Principal Budge Litchfield, and Interim Police Chief John Cotton to discuss the safety of school children during elections held at Sanderson Academy. The meeting was prompted by complaints over inadequate police protection during the senatorial election of January 19.
Earlier this week, Chief Cotton was invited to tour Sanderson and offer suggestions. He described a security protocol made up of several overlapping layers ranging from the building’s security cameras, to staff awareness of security concerns, to adequate police presence during elections.
With Chief Cotton’s input, Buoniconti and Litchfield will develop security protocols that will be incorporated in the building’s use guidelines. Litchfield also said concerned parents are welcome to offer their input.
David King
Earlier this week, Chief Cotton was invited to tour Sanderson and offer suggestions. He described a security protocol made up of several overlapping layers ranging from the building’s security cameras, to staff awareness of security concerns, to adequate police presence during elections.
With Chief Cotton’s input, Buoniconti and Litchfield will develop security protocols that will be incorporated in the building’s use guidelines. Litchfield also said concerned parents are welcome to offer their input.
David King
Revised SB Agenda for Tonight
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA (preliminary and subject to change) March 11, 2010 7 pm
MINUTES
Minutes from Feb 10 — open session Minutes from Feb 23 — open session Minutes from Feb 24 — open session Minutes from Feb 25 — open session Minutes from Feb 25 — executive session Minutes from Mar 1 — open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Superintendent Michael Buoniconti and Principal Budge Litchfield to discus voting procedures at Sanderson Academy
LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Nominees for elected offices to file papers no later than Monday, March 15 (see Maryellen Cranston at Town Hall Sat. 9-12, or call her at home to make other arrangements)
5. MAIL
a. Letter from Town of Buckland
b. Response from MTRSD
c. Response from Franklin Regional Retirement System
d. 2010 Hampshire & Franklin Municipal Conference
e. Baystate Roads programs
f. DPU Notices
g. Senior Center Newsletter
h. Hilltown Resource Management Cooperative materials
1. Franklin County Bikeway Plan Update
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Police Chief Search Committee questions
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Application for use of Town Hall by U. S. Census
b. Officer Skalski's resignation
8. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Belding Library
b. Belding Park
c. Senior Center
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
March 18 — Select Board meeting at 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Highway Department & Transfer Station (7:30)
March 25 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Board of Assessors (7:30); Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
April 1 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
MINUTES
Minutes from Feb 10 — open session Minutes from Feb 23 — open session Minutes from Feb 24 — open session Minutes from Feb 25 — open session Minutes from Feb 25 — executive session Minutes from Mar 1 — open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Superintendent Michael Buoniconti and Principal Budge Litchfield to discus voting procedures at Sanderson Academy
LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Nominees for elected offices to file papers no later than Monday, March 15 (see Maryellen Cranston at Town Hall Sat. 9-12, or call her at home to make other arrangements)
5. MAIL
a. Letter from Town of Buckland
b. Response from MTRSD
c. Response from Franklin Regional Retirement System
d. 2010 Hampshire & Franklin Municipal Conference
e. Baystate Roads programs
f. DPU Notices
g. Senior Center Newsletter
h. Hilltown Resource Management Cooperative materials
1. Franklin County Bikeway Plan Update
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Police Chief Search Committee questions
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Application for use of Town Hall by U. S. Census
b. Officer Skalski's resignation
8. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (with Finance Committee)
a. Belding Library
b. Belding Park
c. Senior Center
9. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
March 18 — Select Board meeting at 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Highway Department & Transfer Station (7:30)
March 25 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Board of Assessors (7:30); Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
April 1 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
10. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Agenda for Thursday SB Meeting
TOWN OF ASHFIELD SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA March 11, 2010 7 pm
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Feb 10— open session
Minutes from Feb 23— open session
Minutes from Feb 24— open session
Minutes from Feb 25— open session
Minutes from Feb 25— executive session
Minutes from Mar 1— open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Superintendent Michael Buoniconti and Principal Budge Litchfield to discuss voting procedures at Sanderson Academy
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
5. MAIL
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Police Chief Search Committee questions
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Application for use of Town Hall by census workers
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
March 18 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Highway Department & Transfer Station (7:30)
March 25 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Board of Assessors (7:30); Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
April 1 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
9. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
1. MINUTES
Minutes from Feb 10— open session
Minutes from Feb 23— open session
Minutes from Feb 24— open session
Minutes from Feb 25— open session
Minutes from Feb 25— executive session
Minutes from Mar 1— open session
2. APPOINTMENTS
a. Superintendent Michael Buoniconti and Principal Budge Litchfield to discuss voting procedures at Sanderson Academy
3. LIAISON REPORTS
a. Police
b. Fire
c. Highway
d. Emergency Manager
e. Town Hall
4. OLD BUSINESS
5. MAIL
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Police Chief Search Committee questions
7. VOTES/SIGNATURES
a. Application for use of Town Hall by census workers
8. FUTURE MEETINGS/APPOINTMENTS
March 18 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Highway Department & Transfer Station (7:30)
March 25 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Board of Assessors (7:30); Town Hall Accounts (8:00)
April 1 — Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Police Department (7:30); Fire Department (8:00)
April 8 - Select Board meeting @ 7 and Budget Hearing with Finance Committee at 7:30: Water (7:30); Sewer (8:00); Boards & Commissions (8:30)
9. PUBLIC FORUM (if time)
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Town Caucus Results
Moderator (1 year)
Buz Eisenberg 55
Karen Sullivan 26
Tree Warden (1 year)
Tom Poissant 52
Robert Abbatiello 28
Select Board (3 year)
Doug Field 44
Tom Carter 35
Select Board (2 year)
Tom Carter 36
Phil Pless 15
Cynthia Cranston 11
Norm Russell 7
Paul Swem 7
Assessor (3 year)
Sandy Lilly 42
Wayne Gardner 38
Assessor (2 year)
Mary Quigley 57
Mark Graves 21
Finance Committee (3 year)
Janet Rogers 56
Mary Link 22
Finance Committee (3 year)
Ted Murray 66
Janet Rogers 7
Finance Committee (1 year)
Lynn Taylor 52
Priscilla Phelps 16
School Committee (3 year)
Karen Sullivan 39
Jen Williams 26
School Committee (1 year)
Emily Robertson 64
Board of Health (3 year)
Joanne Ostrowski 73
Constable (3 year)
Betty Lesure 72
Constable (3 year)
John LaBelle 72
Betty Lesure 6
Park Commissioner (3 year)
Nina Coler 75
Sewer Commissioner (3 year)
Mary Fitzgibbon 76
Planning Board (5 year)
Chris Farley 47
Alan Rice 25
Library Trustee (5 year)
David King 36
Melissa Pincus 17
Not all of those nominated were present. Nominations do not become official until the candidates sign nomination papers. Deadline for signing is next Monday.
Buz Eisenberg 55
Karen Sullivan 26
Tree Warden (1 year)
Tom Poissant 52
Robert Abbatiello 28
Select Board (3 year)
Doug Field 44
Tom Carter 35
Select Board (2 year)
Tom Carter 36
Phil Pless 15
Cynthia Cranston 11
Norm Russell 7
Paul Swem 7
Assessor (3 year)
Sandy Lilly 42
Wayne Gardner 38
Assessor (2 year)
Mary Quigley 57
Mark Graves 21
Finance Committee (3 year)
Janet Rogers 56
Mary Link 22
Finance Committee (3 year)
Ted Murray 66
Janet Rogers 7
Finance Committee (1 year)
Lynn Taylor 52
Priscilla Phelps 16
School Committee (3 year)
Karen Sullivan 39
Jen Williams 26
School Committee (1 year)
Emily Robertson 64
Board of Health (3 year)
Joanne Ostrowski 73
Constable (3 year)
Betty Lesure 72
Constable (3 year)
John LaBelle 72
Betty Lesure 6
Park Commissioner (3 year)
Nina Coler 75
Sewer Commissioner (3 year)
Mary Fitzgibbon 76
Planning Board (5 year)
Chris Farley 47
Alan Rice 25
Library Trustee (5 year)
David King 36
Melissa Pincus 17
Not all of those nominated were present. Nominations do not become official until the candidates sign nomination papers. Deadline for signing is next Monday.
CAUCUS TONIGHT! 7 p.m. Sanderson
The purpose of Caucus is to nominate candidates for the following positions:
Moderator One Year Term
Tree Warden One Year Term
Select Board Member Three Year Term
Select Board Member To Fill An Unexpired Term
Finance Committee Three Year Term
Finance Committee Three Year Term
Finance Committee To Fill An Unexpired Term
Board of Assessors Member Three Year Term
Board of Assessors Member To Fill An Unexpired Term
School Committee Member Three Year Term
School Committee Member To Fill An Unexpired Term
Board of Health Member Three Year Term
Constable Three Year Term
Constable Three Year Term
Park Commissioner Three Year Term
Sewer Commissioner Three Year Term
Planning Board Member Five Year Term
Library Trustee Five Year Term
Moderator One Year Term
Tree Warden One Year Term
Select Board Member Three Year Term
Select Board Member To Fill An Unexpired Term
Finance Committee Three Year Term
Finance Committee Three Year Term
Finance Committee To Fill An Unexpired Term
Board of Assessors Member Three Year Term
Board of Assessors Member To Fill An Unexpired Term
School Committee Member Three Year Term
School Committee Member To Fill An Unexpired Term
Board of Health Member Three Year Term
Constable Three Year Term
Constable Three Year Term
Park Commissioner Three Year Term
Sewer Commissioner Three Year Term
Planning Board Member Five Year Term
Library Trustee Five Year Term
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Correction to the Greenfield Recorder
The Town Caucus will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9th in Sanderson Academy, not Town Hall.
Hope all who can will attend.
R. Dave DeHerdt
Hope all who can will attend.
R. Dave DeHerdt
The Truth Will Set You Free
Fiction? "So Perlman called the department and was told to bring the evidence in, which he did during a day when the town was holding voting for the special state election. Instead of bringing it to the station, Perlman says, he saw an officer on duty outside the polling place and stopped to give the officer the package via a 'window-to-window' transfer." From the editorial in the Greenfield Recorder, March 5, 2010.
Fact: Witnesses watched the former select board member walk into the school, enter the polling center and order the only police officer present to come with him. Both the former select board member and the police officer were seen leaving the building and going to the police cruiser. Witnesses watched as the former select board member got into his blue truck and moved it forward about four car lengths until his truck was side by side with the cruiser. A voter saw what appeared to be a black bag being passed out of the truck. A voter watched as the officer received the black bag and placed it inside the cruiser. The blue truck then drove away. Later, another voter watched what appeared to be a heated discussion the sergeant was having with the officer who received the black bag. At the time, both the sergeant and the officer were outside and away from the entrance of the school.
Question: Who was actually supposed to be on duty and inside the polling area and lobby? I wonder if another conference needs to be held at the store to untangle this web and see if another can be forged that is more plausible?
But the Most Important Issue: The safety of the children at Sanderson on voting day was most important. Officers not on duty where they belonged violated that important assignment.
S.M. Corbett
Fact: Witnesses watched the former select board member walk into the school, enter the polling center and order the only police officer present to come with him. Both the former select board member and the police officer were seen leaving the building and going to the police cruiser. Witnesses watched as the former select board member got into his blue truck and moved it forward about four car lengths until his truck was side by side with the cruiser. A voter saw what appeared to be a black bag being passed out of the truck. A voter watched as the officer received the black bag and placed it inside the cruiser. The blue truck then drove away. Later, another voter watched what appeared to be a heated discussion the sergeant was having with the officer who received the black bag. At the time, both the sergeant and the officer were outside and away from the entrance of the school.
Question: Who was actually supposed to be on duty and inside the polling area and lobby? I wonder if another conference needs to be held at the store to untangle this web and see if another can be forged that is more plausible?
But the Most Important Issue: The safety of the children at Sanderson on voting day was most important. Officers not on duty where they belonged violated that important assignment.
S.M. Corbett
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Why You Should Attend Caucus
While disaffected grumblings and loud laments are a perfectly reasonable response to anything that happens in Washington or Boston, here in our small town, where perfect democracy is available, we get exactly the kind of government we deserve.
This exercise in pure democracy begins every year at caucus. Each and every registered voter who bothers to attend has a voice, often a strong voice, in nominating candidates for the town offices that will be decided at the election on May 1.
If you think anything in Ashfield needs changing, come nominate the person who can change it. If you’re delighted with our present government, come give your support to the incumbents who have deserved your praise.
Or just come and learn how real democracy works.
Ruth Julian
Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the March, 2000 issue of The Ashfield News. This year's Caucus is next Tuesday night, March 9, at 7 p.m. in Sanderson Academy.
This exercise in pure democracy begins every year at caucus. Each and every registered voter who bothers to attend has a voice, often a strong voice, in nominating candidates for the town offices that will be decided at the election on May 1.
If you think anything in Ashfield needs changing, come nominate the person who can change it. If you’re delighted with our present government, come give your support to the incumbents who have deserved your praise.
Or just come and learn how real democracy works.
Ruth Julian
Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the March, 2000 issue of The Ashfield News. This year's Caucus is next Tuesday night, March 9, at 7 p.m. in Sanderson Academy.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Art of Ashfield Blogging
I've had some reports that, even when the directions to the right of this page are followed, some people are having trouble posting comments. Apparently the trick is just to try again.
After you send your comment, there will be a delay before it is posted. This is because I am not always online, and I must click on a button to post new comments. I have not yet rejected a single comment. The only requirement is that you sign it and make sure it meets a standard of rudimentary civility.
If all else fails, you can always send me an e-mail with "for the blog" in the subject line and whatever you'd like to say in the body of your e-mail. I cannot post it as a comment, but I can put it up as a new article.
Which reminds me that posts on all subjects are welcome. All Ashfielders and friends of Ashfield are welcome. If you have something to say on the Town Common on Main Street, then please feel free to say it on our virtual Ashfield Town Common. We are snow-free and warm, and you can reach a much larger audience.
Ruth Julian
After you send your comment, there will be a delay before it is posted. This is because I am not always online, and I must click on a button to post new comments. I have not yet rejected a single comment. The only requirement is that you sign it and make sure it meets a standard of rudimentary civility.
If all else fails, you can always send me an e-mail with "for the blog" in the subject line and whatever you'd like to say in the body of your e-mail. I cannot post it as a comment, but I can put it up as a new article.
Which reminds me that posts on all subjects are welcome. All Ashfielders and friends of Ashfield are welcome. If you have something to say on the Town Common on Main Street, then please feel free to say it on our virtual Ashfield Town Common. We are snow-free and warm, and you can reach a much larger audience.
Ruth Julian
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
No SB Meeting Tonight, Info Instead
Due to the absence of Selectboard chair Ted Murray, there will be no meeting tonight. However, board member Dave DeHerdt will be in Town Hall to take questions from prospective candidates about the duties of a member of the Selectboard.
A vacancy was created by the resignation of Tom Ulrich and Murray has said he will not run again in the May election. Therefore two positions on the board will be open for candidate nominations at Town Caucus, which will be held next Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Sanderson Academy.
A vacancy was created by the resignation of Tom Ulrich and Murray has said he will not run again in the May election. Therefore two positions on the board will be open for candidate nominations at Town Caucus, which will be held next Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Sanderson Academy.
Wisdom from a 17th Century Poet
He that hath nothing to feed on but vanity and lies must needs lie down in the bed of sorrow.
Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet
Ashfield Tales, Both Short and Tall #3
Peter Wells, one of the only residents to live on Peter Hill, came downtown one day. He appeared very agitated and upset. When asked what the problem was, he said, “My first wife left me. My second one won’t.”
Don Lesure
Editor's Note: The Ashfield Town Common is an equal opportunity blog. Therefore husband and partner jokes are welcome.
Don Lesure
Editor's Note: The Ashfield Town Common is an equal opportunity blog. Therefore husband and partner jokes are welcome.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Correction of Police News Flash Article
Interim Police Chief Cotton will have more police officers working with him than Sgt. Nunez and Officer Konopko. The Ashfield Police Department Roster also includes Auxilliary Officers Betty Lesure and Walt Zalenski.
Although not actively patroling with the cruiser, my responsibilities include being the Firearms Licensing Clerk and Police Detail Billing Officer. I attend all department meetings and training sessions, qualify every year in firearms recertification and, when scheduled, CPR and First Responder recertifications. I plan on continuing to serve the department under Chief Cotton and remain available for assistance when needed.
Betty Lesure,
Aux. OFC., Ashfield Police Department
Serving Ashfield for 24 years
Although not actively patroling with the cruiser, my responsibilities include being the Firearms Licensing Clerk and Police Detail Billing Officer. I attend all department meetings and training sessions, qualify every year in firearms recertification and, when scheduled, CPR and First Responder recertifications. I plan on continuing to serve the department under Chief Cotton and remain available for assistance when needed.
Betty Lesure,
Aux. OFC., Ashfield Police Department
Serving Ashfield for 24 years
Town Hall Bulletin Board 3/2/2011
Board of Assessors 03-02-2010 7 pm
Sewer Commission 03-02-2010 6 pm
Planning Board 03-03-2010 7:30 pm
Ashfield History Project 03-03-2010 7 pm
CAUCUS 03-09-2010 7 pm SANDERSON
Board of Health 03-16-2010 7 pm
Park Commission 03-23-2010 9 am
Sewer Commission 03-02-2010 6 pm
Planning Board 03-03-2010 7:30 pm
Ashfield History Project 03-03-2010 7 pm
CAUCUS 03-09-2010 7 pm SANDERSON
Board of Health 03-16-2010 7 pm
Park Commission 03-23-2010 9 am
Monday, March 1, 2010
Police News Flash
A report has just come in that Ashfield Police Officer Sean Skalski has resigned. This latest resignation will leave only Sergeant Kristina Nunez and Officer Jarek Konopko to serve with new Interim Police Chief John Cotton.
Interim Police Chief Starts Today
At 9 a.m. today, John Cotton was officially appointed Interim Chief of the Ashfield Police Department during an open meeting of the Selectboard. Present at the meeting were Dave DeHerdt and, by telephone conference, Ted Murray.
The Selectboard also formally accepted the resignation of Officer Joseph Cliche from the Ashfield Police Department.
Later in the morning, the new Interim Chief was officially sworn in by Town Clerk and Administrator Mary Ellen Cranston.
Cotton is retired from his position as Police Chief in Williamsburg. While there, he won a Hometown Hero Award from the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was honored for creating an Emergency Management Operations Center after the December 2008 ice storm.
His appointment starts today and runs through June.
The Selectboard also formally accepted the resignation of Officer Joseph Cliche from the Ashfield Police Department.
Later in the morning, the new Interim Chief was officially sworn in by Town Clerk and Administrator Mary Ellen Cranston.
Cotton is retired from his position as Police Chief in Williamsburg. While there, he won a Hometown Hero Award from the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was honored for creating an Emergency Management Operations Center after the December 2008 ice storm.
His appointment starts today and runs through June.
Letter from Ethics Commission to Svoboda
State Ethics Commission
John W. McCormack Office Building
One Ashburton Place, Room 619
Boston, Massachusetts, 02108-1501
February 25, 2010
John Svoboda
1530 Williamsburg Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Dear Mr. Svoboda:
As you know, the Commission has been reviewing a number of allegations relating to your former position as the Ashfield Police Chief.
Based upon that review, we have determined that this matter does not warrant further action at this time. Therefore, this file is closed.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Very Truly Yours,
Geeta A. McGrath
Senior Investigator
Editor's Note: The above was transcribed from an electronic copy of the actual letter.
John W. McCormack Office Building
One Ashburton Place, Room 619
Boston, Massachusetts, 02108-1501
February 25, 2010
John Svoboda
1530 Williamsburg Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Dear Mr. Svoboda:
As you know, the Commission has been reviewing a number of allegations relating to your former position as the Ashfield Police Chief.
Based upon that review, we have determined that this matter does not warrant further action at this time. Therefore, this file is closed.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Very Truly Yours,
Geeta A. McGrath
Senior Investigator
Editor's Note: The above was transcribed from an electronic copy of the actual letter.
New Chief Search Committee Begins Work
The Ashfield Police Chief Search Committe met briefly last Thursday to organize and review the job ahead of them. They chose Director of Emergency Services Doug Field as their chair. The Selectboard has charged the committee with the following tasks:
1.Determine the needs and concerns of the Town of Ashfield and its citizens regarding a permanent police chief.
2.Consult with the Massachusetts Police Chief’s Association regarding assistance in determining the appropriate qualifications for an initial vetting of candidates for the police chief position.
3.Research and study the current job description of the Police Chief position and present to the Selectboard any proposed changes to the job description.
4.Contact and consult with other towns with the same characteristics for ideas and advice.
5.Determine how best to advertise for the police chief position.
6.Screen all applications and decide how many candidates to interview.
7.Conduct initial screening interviews of candidates and narrow field of candidates down to four finalists to be presented to the Selectboard for final interviews.
The new committee plans to meet weekly.
1.Determine the needs and concerns of the Town of Ashfield and its citizens regarding a permanent police chief.
2.Consult with the Massachusetts Police Chief’s Association regarding assistance in determining the appropriate qualifications for an initial vetting of candidates for the police chief position.
3.Research and study the current job description of the Police Chief position and present to the Selectboard any proposed changes to the job description.
4.Contact and consult with other towns with the same characteristics for ideas and advice.
5.Determine how best to advertise for the police chief position.
6.Screen all applications and decide how many candidates to interview.
7.Conduct initial screening interviews of candidates and narrow field of candidates down to four finalists to be presented to the Selectboard for final interviews.
The new committee plans to meet weekly.
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