Send Orangetowngreen Your Information  
 

 News | Weather | Weather II| Lottery | Photos | Sports | BBC | Movies | World News | Web Search | Tool Box
Web Search Orange | Arab World News | N. Korea | We'd Like to Be Your Home Page | Job Search

Motor Vehicle Crash Report Form

Brewer Delivers $10,000 for Maher School Study

Sen. Stephen M. Brewer announced that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has awarded the Mahar Regional School District $10,000 to study K-12 expansion in Orange and Petersham. Mahar Regional  presently serves grades 7-12.  This is one of eight planning grants totaling $450,000 in regionalization planning and implementation grants that will be distributed to eight school districts statewide. The grants will help school districts explore efficiencies in budgeting through expanded partnerships and increased capacity to improve teaching and learning in schools.

"This grant award will allow Mahar Regional School District, in collaboration with the Towns of Orange and Petersham, to explore the expansion of the regional system to include kindergarten through sixth grade. Regionalization has the potential to reap great benefits, not only in providing cost-effective services but also in expanding current opportunities for our school children. I applaud the Mahar Regional School District, the Towns of Orange and Petersham, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for recognizing the potential to maximize scarce resources and for taking this necessary first step in the regionalization process," said Senator Stephen M. Brewer.

The planning grants being distributed are supported by funding from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund as part of the $1.8 billion that Massachusetts received through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Home Heating: Mandatory Upgrades Coming
In 2008, the Massachusetts legislature passed a law requiring that all 
fuel lines connecting home oil tanks to furnaces be protected with a 
plastic sheath to cut down on fuel line failures and residential oil leaks.
New construction since 1990 has followed the rule. The new law affects
homes where the new-style fuel lines have not been installed.
The change was favored by the oil heat industry. The state Department 
of Environmental Protection (DEP) released the new rules  this week. 
Everyone is required to comply by July 1 at an estimated cost of from
$150 to $350. Huhtala Oil, one of our region's largest oil companies 
said it will not deliver oil to homes that have not made the upgrade by 
the start of the 2010 heating season and others may follow.
Michael J. Ferrante, president of the Massachusetts Oil Heat Council, 
an industry group, said, "Many audiences were concerned about the 
high cost..." of cleaning up residential oil spills which are typically excluded 
from homeowners' insurance policies. He said some 100,000 of the state's 
960,000 oil heating customers will have to make the upgrade. The law also 
requires insurers to offer oil spill coverage at "a reasonable cost." 
Because the regulation was just published, the industry is seeking an 
extension of time to get the work done. He said  the industry 
"embraced" the new rules and that, "Most people are saying 'come on 
in" and do the work. This is good for consumers," Ferrante said. 
Ferrante said residential oil leaks can cost from $15,000 to 
$500,000 to clean up.
Neither Ferrante nor Edmund Colletta, spokesman for the DEP could say 
how many residential leaks happen  each year. They are not counted 
separately from delivery spills, Colletta said. There are provisions in low-
income fuel assistance programs to help cover the upgrade cost, 
Ferrante said.

River Rats Dreams turn toward spring

2009 Race: Ryan Lyesiuk of Gardner and Matt Rudnitsky won handily as more than 275 canoes swept down the Millers River from Athol to Orange. The 46th River Rat Canoe Race started below Athol's South Main Street bridge because of construction at the bridge,  and headed for Hachey’s Landing and the new riverfront park in Orange. Continuing something of a tradition, John Berry of Petersham and Brent Lyesiuk drew Starting Number 262. The pair managed to pass 251 other canoes to finish 11th. Steve Drew in the Mount Tully Kennel canoe came in 17th.

Gary G. Pond - Skydiver - 1955-2010
Service: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 - 2:00 p.m. Jumptown

Northampton Animal Auction Weekly Report

Don't Believe a Word You Read in Your E-mail

Flurry of Spam Targets the FBI

Consumers continue to be inundated by spam purportedly from the FBI. As with previous spam attacks, the latest versions use the names of several high ranking executives within the FBI and even the IC3 to attempt to defraud consumers. "It's a scam. We don't send e-mail to people. If we want someone, we just show up at their house," an FBI spokesman in Boston said. Another likely scam showed up in the inbox today, this one claiming to be from the IRS and offering a chance to claim a small tax refund.  But the web site link to claim the refund appears to be in Czechoslovakia, hardly and IRS address.

Weird Facts

Race Day on the River

HONK if you love Bob and Ray

  COMICS - DILBERT

Local Nature Web Site

Orange Garden Club

Find Farmstands Here

Millers River Environmental Center

 

Fun for Free at the Wheeler Library

Starting Thursday Sept. 16 from 4:00 to 5:00, Four Weeks For Fun For Free for Fourth Graders Up will begin at the Wheeler Memorial Library.  In the first workshop art educator Nina Wellen will start students in the construction of wire based sculptures that will then be covered with plaster.  Then on Sept. 23 from 4:00 to 5:00 the sculptures will be finished by painting.  Come engage your creative energy and get messy at the library during these first two of four fun workshops.  There is a limit of 15 participants for this event.

A third workshop will take place on Thursday September 30 from 4:00 to 5:00.  Bernadette Christian will bring her Radical Reptiles from Randolph.  Participants will be able to learn about  the wonders of snakes, tegus, chameleons and other creatures as they watch them up close.  There is a limit of 25 participants for this event.

The series of 4 weeks of Fun for Free will wrap-up with Julie Bell Davis teaching how to UPcycle an old sweater into a unique pair of mittens and/or a hat.  All necessary materials will be provided but favorite old sweaters are welcome if you bring them to the library by Sept 30.  It may be hot right now but before long it will be cold, cold, cold again.  This is New England!  There is a limit of 15 participants in this event.

Registration is recommended for all of these activities.  Call 978-544-2495 x103.

Quabbin Historians in Orange Sept. 25

 

Elizabeth Peirce,  curator of the Swift River Valley Historical Society, will speak at “Farm, Field and Forest: Living with the Land” event starting at 2:00 pm on Sept. 25 at the White Elephant, 19 East Main Street, Orange, MA.

 

Peirce is the author of two books, “Quabbin Valley: People and Places,” and “The Lost Towns of the Quabbin Valley.”  Both books present rare photographs of town life and stories of how these people lived, worked, and played from 1750 to 1938.

 

Following Peirce’s presentation, Athol Daily News columnist and author, Allen Young will lead a discussion on life in the Quabbin Valley towns.  Among other works, Young is the author of “Make Hay While the Sun Shines: Farms, Forests and People of the North Quabbin.”

 

“Farm, Field and Forest: Living with the Land” will take place in two locations – starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Orange Town Hall - and at noon at the White Elephant.  Town Hall events will involve workshops and panel discussion from sustenance hunting and fishing, to sustainable forestry and farming practices, as well as building local, sustainable economies.  The White Elephant will feature an art and photography exhibit, group discussions, and speakers on local history.

 

If you are an artist or photographer interested in exhibiting at the White Elephant for the one-day event, contact Marie MacDonald at (978)-249-6879For further information, contact organizer Genevieve Fraser at (978) 544-1872, or visit www.FarmFieldForest.org

Ashburnham Republican Challenges Brewer

Daniel Dubrule of Ashburnhan announced he is running against State Sen. Stephen Brewer in this fall's election.  The Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Senatorial District covers 29 towns and includes Barre, Petersham and Orange.

Announcing his bid for election Dubrule said he hopes to balance one-party rule in Boston, fight for lower taxes and against wasteful state spending and foster economic growth. He was born in1967 and graduated from Leominster High Scholl in 1987. He sells insurance and is a former state corrections officer, and served eight years in the US Army reserves. He is a member of the Ashburnham Republican Town Committee and has attended GOP Conservative campaign academies. He is a member of the American Veterans (AMVETS), the Catholic War Veterans, the National Rifle Assn., Citizens for Limited Taxation, the Ashburnhan Lions Club, the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Independence Day Tea Party and the state and national GOP.

For more information, visit www.StateSenatorMa.com or write to the Daniel D. Dubrule Committee, P.O. Box 336, Ashburnham, MA 01430 or call (978)-827-0326.

Route 32 Work Inches Forward 

Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre), Rep. Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer) and Rep. Christopher J. Donelan (D-Orange) announced that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Project Review Committee has approved a project to resurface Route 32 from one mile north of Route 101 in Petersham to Route 2A in Athol.

“I am pleased to learn that the Route 32 resurfacing project is moving forward,” said Brewer.  The improvements to the local infrastructure will increase accessibility and safety to citizens traveling on this road.  I applaud the efforts of MassDOT and the Towns of Petersham and Athol as they continue to work towards improving the roads in the community.”

“Route 32 is a main connector for many of the communities in the North Quabbin area and this long-awaited road project will ease transportation and make it easier for highway maintenance,” Rep. Gobi said.

 “I am pleased to hear of the progress being made on the Rte. 32 resurfacing project,” said Representative Donelan “It is important that even in these tough economic times that the Commonwealth invests in improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety of our drivers.” 

Approval of the Project Review Committee is not a commitment of state or federal funding to the project.  MassDOT will work with the Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization to evaluate transportation needs and priorities as the project progresses.

Brewer Announces 65th Citizens' Legislative Seminar

Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) recently announced that the sixty fifth Citizens’ Legislative Seminar will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 and Wednesday, October 20, 2010 from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

This program is designed to familiarize citizens first-hand with the workings of the Massachusetts Legislature. The  Seminar was established in 1976 through a joint effort of the Massachusetts State Senate and the University of Massachusetts. This two day program will allow participants to examine the legislative process and listen to presentations from Senators as well as Representatives.
“I urge citizens interested in learning more about the State Legislature to enroll in this highly informative program,” said Brewer. “I have consistently received positive feedback on the seminar. I take pride in nominating representatives from my district to participate in each session.”

Constituents residing in the Worcester, Hamden, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District,  can contact Meghan Kelly of Senator Brewer’s office by telephone at (617) 722-1540. The deadline for nominees is September 17, 2010. Space is limited.

tractor parade

Overrides Pass in Orange

Voters approved Proposition 2 1/2 overrides to keep streetlights on, the transfer station open and to fund the Wheeler Library budget and Council on Aging at a special election Monday. But they said "no" to paying for $132,000 for clerical assistants with Proposition 2 1/2 override money.
 
The library, transfer station, street lights, and Council on Aging measures passed easily as 40 percent of voters turned out. The overrides will add about $1 per thousand of valuation to the town tax rate.

During the days before the special election, Friends of the Library and others met frequently to recruit support for the overrides. Supporters with "Save out Town" signs lined the sidewalk outside the town armory where votes are cast.

The overrides will provide $262,000 for the library and $260,000 for the transfer station and street lights. The Council on Aging budget is about $23,000.

Orange Libraries Summer Reading Program

The schedule of special events at the Orange Public Libraries for the Summer Reading Club of 2010 have been severely cut back due to the fact that the libraries may close permanently shortly after July 1, 2010. With the uncertainty of the libraries’ future, performers were released from their contracts. Some artists were able to continue their commitment to perform if the Orange Libraries remain open through the passage of a Proposition 2 and 1/2 on June 14, 2010. Events scheduled after July 1are listed below but they will occur only if the Orange Public Libraries are open. All programs are free, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

June 21, Monday, 10:00-6:00: Sign up starts for the Go Green Summer Reading Program. Visit the library as soon as possible to register for programs and pick up free materials to help track and reward your summer reading.
June 22-August 3, Tuesdays, 10:30: GO Green Rise and Romp story times at the Wheeler Memorial Library.
June 24, Thursday, 4:30-6:30: Medicine Mammals returns at the request of last summer’s readers. New this year will be their tee-pee which will be set up next to the Wheeler Library. Participants will be invited inside the tee-pee and offered a chance to create a corn husk doll. Some of the animals rescued by Medicine Mammals will also be visiting the library. This three person group is dedicated to wildlife rescue following the Native American philosophy that all life is sacred.
June 24, Thursday, 6:30-7:30: Come be enthralled as Medicine Mammals performs star legends, songs, and hoop dances.
July 8, 15, 22, 29, Thursdays, 10:30: Project Wild Nature story times for toddlers to children age 7. This program takes place at the Moore-Leland Library.
July 28, Wednesday, 3:00: Trina Moruzzi, a wildlife biologist with the Division of Mass. Wildlife, will lead a neighborhood wildlife walk starting from the Wheeler Memorial Library. Come try your skills at tracking and finding other signs left by our wild neighbors. Those 7 years old or younger should be accompanied by an adult. Registration recommended.
August 4, Wednesday, starting at 4:30: The Boston Museum of Science will bring their Animal Invaders program to the Wheeler Memorial Library. Registration required.
August 11, Wednesday, 6:30: Can you make an ice cream sundae look like a tree, a frog, a snake. All who have recorded the time spent they spent reading will be invited to an Ice Cream Sundae Celebration complete with certificates, a drawing for a free pair of tickets to the Big E, and an announcement of how much money we raised for the Orange Food Pantry. Readers’ donations of canned goods will also be made into a Food Frog.

More programs may be added! Check www.orangelib.org for updates or call the Childrens’ Room, 978-544-2495, x103

Walking the Quabbin

A WALK FOR MASSACHUSETTS FORESTS - PART I – QUABBIN WALK will be held from May 17-23, 2010 from Orange to New Salem, Massachusetts.

The Walk will begin May 17, 2010 at approximately 10:15 after a Gathering and speak-out at 9 AM at the peace statue in Orange and a press conference at 9:30 AM. The walk is sponsored by MA Interfaith Coalition for the Forest and Clean Air.

Potluck discussions will take place in each community along the route, providing an opportunity for dialogue on  issues vital to the health of our planetary home and the potential for a healthy quality of life of our grandchildren.

The goal is to educate citizens across the Commonwealth about the effects of commercial logging on public lands including the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed, the drinking water supply for Boston and more than 2 million Massachusetts residents.  

 WALK SCHEDULE

Monday, May 17 – Press conference at Orange Common at Water & So. Main Streets. at 9:30 - Leave Orange at approximately 10:30 AM 

Overnight at Earthlands in Petersham after pot luck and program at the Davis Memorial Hall located next to the Unitarian Church in Petersham Center.
Tuesday, May 18 – Hardwick
Wednesday, May 19 - Ware   
Thursday, May 20 - Belchertown
Friday, May 21 - Pelham
Saturday May 22 - New Salem
Sunday May 23 - Celebration of Walk Completion in New Salem

Broken Paddle Stymies 2010 Local River Rat Favorites

After two years of drawing starting positions deep in the pack, John Berry and Brent Lysieuk caught a break - they started the 47th annual River Rat Race in the NO. 1 spot. "Brent broke his paddle on the first stroke. We just ran out of gas," John Berry said after the April 10 race. The duo finished third.

Matt and Andy Rudnitsky of Unadilla, NY beat a persistent headwind and came from a starting position of 132 to win this years race. Matt was in last year's winning canoe with Ryan Lyesiuk of Gardner.

More than 289 canoes were entered in the race from the Main Street Bridge in Athol to Hachey's Landing in Orange.

Picture Page

Library Unveils Two New Web Site Features

Walt Owens, Director of the Wheeler Memorial Library, announced that two new sections of the library's web site have been made available to the public. The first new historical section of the library's website, "Library Archives", is now available. The Archives includes numerous vintage postcards of Orange and the surrounding area, information about the Grout automobile and historical information about the library and the Town of Orange. The images from the 1900 book entitled "General Views of Orange", which includes many photographs of current and past Orange residences, are a real treasure. Owens said that this Bicentennial year was a logical time to organize and preserve some of the older items in the library's collections. Due to the foresight of former library director Janice Lanou and her predecessors, the library has an impressive collection of historical images.

The other new web site area, "Support Your Local Library", is intended to help bring in alternative funds and assistance that can be used to maintain library services.

The library's web site continues to offer access to the library catalog, research tools, and local information. The library offers a wide variety of informative and entertaining resources and all residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Library's free programs and services, including books and media for all ages.

Brewer Is YMCA Legislator of the Year

Boston, MA – On February, 9, 2010, Sen. Stephen M. Brewer was presented with the YMCAs of Massachusetts Legislator of the Year Award for 2009 – 2010 at their annual State Advocacy Day at the State House.

The award, presented by Jeanette Robichaud, Executive Director of the Athol Area YMCA, recognized Brewer for his efforts to help build strong kids, strong families and strong communities throughout Massachusetts.

Cigarette Sales Taxes Fall Off as Taxes Rise

Massachusetts' efforts to raise money by increasing the taxes collected from cigarette sales are having mixed results at best. A combination of federal and state tax hikes over the past two years have raised the per pack price of major brands in Massachusetts from around $5 to $8 per pack. By the carton in New Hampshire, cigarettes currently retail for about $50.

Robert Bliss, communications director for the state Department of Revenue said Dec. 3 that state tax revenue from cigarette sales was $47.5 million in October, 2009. In October of 2008, tax revenue from single pack sales was $51 million. Sales of the tax stamps that are affixed to each pack sold were flat at 19 million tax stamps in both October 2008 and October 2009, down from 25.8 million in October of 2007, Bliss said.

He said a combination of internet sales and sales by New Hampshire retailers likely accounts for the numbers. "New Hampshire keeps raising its cigarette tax, but they keep a healthy margin below Massachusetts," Bliss said. The number of packs sold keeps going down. It's not just New Hampshire. It is internet sales, too, he said. Bliss said there is no reason to think that smoking cessation programs account for the decline.

On a recent trip to New Hampshire we saw five cars in the parking lot of a cigarette vendor. All five had Massachusetts license plates. Massachusetts does try to bill its residents for taxes on internet sales of cigarettes from Indian reservations. The cigarette excise tax that tobacco companies must pay the federal government rose in April by 61.6 cents per pack, or $6.16 per carton. The tax now comes to about $10.10 per carton, or $1.01 per pack. The Massachusetts tax is now $2.51 per package of 20 cigarettes or $25.10 per carton.

Monument will Move to Park

A new granite veterans Honor Roll will be erected in Memorial Park. The monument will replace the original honor roll, which is made of wood. The first monument has been moved to the Historical building for safekeeping and preservation.