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Brewer Gets Charles Dick Medal

Boston, MA – On June 24, 2009, Sen. Brewer was presented with the Charles Dick Medal of Merit award from The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) at a meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veteran’s Services at the Massachusetts State House. The award was presented by Augie Grace, Executive Director of the Massachusetts National Guard Association and Major David Hencke, First Vice President of the Association. Brewer received the award for his support for members of the Massachusetts National Guard and their families, and for the example he has shown to other State Legislatures.

The award is named after Charles Dick, a Major General in the Ohio National Guard and a United States Congressman and Senator who authored the law that created the Modern National Guard. The award was established in 1988 to recognize elected officials for their support of the National Guard. Sen. Brewer is one of only five recipients from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in history. Other notable recipients include, Vice President Joseph Biden, Massachusetts Governors William Weld and Argeo Paul Cellucci, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, Sen. Thomas A. Daschle of South Dakota and Massachusetts Congressman John Olver.

Sen. Brewer was named a recipient of this award in recognition of his many accomplishments during his time as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and for his lasting dedication to the continuing support of veterans. Under Sen. Brewer’s leadership, this committee passed one of the most comprehensive state benefits legislation, known as the Welcome Home Bill. Highlights of the bill include:

• Provides a Welcome Home $1,000 bonus for Massachusetts Guardsmen called up to active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Establishing a Military Family Relief Fund for members of the Massachusetts National Guard, Armed Forces and Reserves.
• Provides all members of the Massachusetts National Guard with education and fee waivers at all Massachusetts State and Community Colleges.
• Increased daily pay for Massachusetts National Guard members.
• Increased death benefits for families of Massachusetts Guard Members from $5,000 to $100,000.
• Provides all members of the Massachusetts National Guard with life insurance policies with values up to $400,000.
• Allows Massachusetts public employees who are members of a neighboring state’s National Guard unit to apply their creditable service toward pension credits.

The Welcome Home Bill continues to help the families of Massachusetts Guardsmen and has become an example for other State Legislatures as they continue to use it as a model of strong support for their state’s guard today. Additionally, Sen. Brewer assisted in creating a law that allows Massachusetts to identify veterans so as to inform them about their benefits including the Welcome Home benefits they are entitled to. Sen. Brewer was also a co-author of the Massachusetts MERIT (Military Enhanced Relief Individual Tax) Plan, designed to relieve the financial burden of members of the Guard, Reserve and active military families, especially during times of war.

Dean's Beans Announces Economic Stimulus Plan

Dean Cycon, owner of Dean's Beans here in Orange, recently sent the following message to his e-mail distribution list.

From Dean Cycon: "I must tell you that we are doing well here at Dean's Beans during this rough economic time, and we want to count our blessings. So we would like to send a free pound of coffee to someone you know, family, friend or loved one, who is going through a hard time due to the economy, to help smooth the transition. This may seem a little off the wall, and I hope that you take this in the spirit it is given (not just a chance to give your rich brother-in-law some free coffee). So here is the deal:

Send me an email. Let me know the name and full address of your friend in need, and maybe tell me what happened (downsized, fired, business went down) if you feel okay letting me in on that. Then tell me what coffee you think he or she would like and if it should be ground or whole bean. We will send the coffee, no charge for coffee or shipping, with a little note that says someone you know cares about you. I am thinking it will be anonymous, but if you want your name, we will add that, too.

No marketing material, no gimmicks, just a little give back to some friends in need."

From all of us here at Orangetowngreen.com, a hearty thank you to someone who understands that small gestures can pay big dividends and that helping each other is the way to repair a lot of what is wrong around here.

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.

Northampton Animal Auction Weekly Report

Adams Farm Store Is Open

The store at the Adams Farm Slaughterhouse has reopened. The store features a wide range of local meats slaughtered and frozen in the farm's new USDA inspected slaughterhouse. Many local animal growers use the slaughterhouse.

Rick Adams and Noreen Heath, family members and owners, operate the store and offer beef, pork, lamb, goat and chicken in single cuts and in a variety of meat "packages." The store also carries milk, eggs, bread, various marinades and sauces and Smith's Country Cheese. The farm store is located on Bearsden Road in Athol, turn onto Bearsden Road at Athol Memorial Hospital and climb the hill for a spectacular view of the valley below and the hills beyond. Visit the web site at www.adamsfarm.biz

Sen. Brewer Announces Citizens' Legislative Seminars

Websites Reach New Visitor's Milestone

Combined weekly web site visitors to www.petershamcommon.com and www.orangetowngreen.com reached a new all-time high during the first weeks of 2009 with 28,005 hits from Jan. 1 to Jan 14.  The sites provide local news and information, photo essays and useful links to local advertisers and on-line points of interest. The sites also provide free help wanted advertising, no cost items for sale advertising, a free business and services directory, and local government information.  Launched in 1996, The Petersham site is celebrating its 13th year of operation in 2006. For info, send us an e-mail.


 

 

Wheeler Memorial Library Summer Reading

All programs are FREE
Thanks to the support of the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries

Sign-up as early as possible for Starship Adventure at Your Library and receive your free book bag, schedule of special events, coupons for discounts on nearby recreational sites, and reading log. This is the fourth year our reading has raised money for the Orange Food Pantry. Pre-registering for hands-on activities guarantees you will be able to participate.

July 1, Wed., program starts at 2:00, 3:15, 5:00, and 6:15, pre-registration guarantees you will be able to participate; children under ten must come with an adult. Boston Museum of Science experts will help us blast off into our Starship Adventure with their interactive program on Rockets. Rockets made with latex balloons will be built, and then tested for travel on a wire track and for reentry using a vertical wind tube.

July 7,Tues., 2:00. The Aliens are coming! Ed the Wizard will help us create our own balloon-body aliens and show us some magic tricks along the way. Pre-registration guarantees you will be able to participate.

July 8,Wed., 6:30. Graphic novel authors Andy Fish and Veronica Hebard will inspire teens to create their own stories using graphic novel techniques.

July 21,Tues., 10:30. An out-of-this-world, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party intended for preschoolers on up. The library will be transformed into Alice’s Wonderland as a real-live rabbit joins the Mad Hatter and Alice for tea. In addition to witnessing the chaos, all those attending will have a “spot-of-tea” in their own personally decorated tea cup. Pre-registration guarantees you will be able to participate.

July 23,Thurs., 2:00. Let your imagination carry the library into outer space. Help Nina Wellen paint a large outer space mural to hang on the walls of the children’s room. Pre-registration guarantees you will be able to participate.

July 28, Tues., 2:00. Working with pen and ink, artist Sarah Adam will encourage teens to find their own visual voice as they create their drawings.

July 30,Thurs., 10:45-11:30. Try out imitating Saturn using Shenandoah’s marvelous hoops as your own personal ring. There is guaranteed to be “allotta hoopla” as we experiment with more than just wiggling our hips to keep our rings in orbit. Register to come at 10:00 if you would like to create your own hula hoop with Shenandoah. (It will cost from $10-$15 to make a child’s hoop and $20-$25 to make an adult hoop.) Or feel free to come at 10:45 and borrow Shenendoah’s hoops for the active part of the program.

August 4,Tues., 2:00. Are you feeling like a space alien or a human astronaut? Come disguise yourself accordingly with the help of face-painter Zita Bridges. Make moon boots and helmets too!

August 6,Thurs., 6:30. Star legends, songs, hoop dancing, and an animal or two will highlight a performance by Medicine Mammals. This three person group is dedicated to wildlife rescue following the Native American philosophy that all life is sacred.

August 12,Wed., 6:30. Can you make an ice cream sundae look like a space ship? All who have recorded their time spent reading will be invited to an Ice Cream Sundae Celebration complete with certificates, a guest appearance by folk singer Paul Kaplan, 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 the best spaceship ever!

More programs may be added! Check  www.orangelib.org for updates.

Govt. Employee Pensions Reform Bill

BOSTON -- June 11, 2009 – Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced that during today’s formal session, the Senate passed pension reform legislation.

“I am thrilled that we have taken the next step to eliminate loopholes in our current law books regarding retirement compensation,” said Senator Brewer. “I firmly believe that this landmark piece of legislation will not only save taxpayer’s money, but it will also help to restore the public trust in state oversight of public retirement systems. We still have more work to do and I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel.”
 

 

 

 River Rats at the Ready

Ryan Lyesiuk of Gardner and Matt Rudnitsky of Gilbertville 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. This year, the pair managed to pass 251 other canoes to finish 11th. Steve Drew in the Mount Tully Kennel canoe came in 17th.

Digging for third place

 

 

 

 

Canoes after the race

 

 

 

 

 

Playing in puddles

 

 

 

Spectators and vendors

 

 

 

13th Annual State House Holiday Card Contest

Boston-
Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced today that the Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Galvin, is sponsoring his 13th Annual Senior Citizens Artistic Interpretation of the State House Holiday Card Contest.

Entries will be accepted from both amateur and professional artists and will be exhibited at the Commonwealth Museum. Two winning cards will be chosen by professional artists and will be reproduced and sold at the State House Gift Cart with the artist’s name printed on the card. Entries are due by July 1, 2009. All medium of arts are acceptable. The focal point must be the State House during the December season. The size requirements are a minimum of 5” x 7” and a maximum of 18” x 24”.

“I encourage seniors throughout the Commonwealth to take place in the wonderful tradition. The State House is the people’s building and I thoroughly enjoy seeing everyone’s interpretations of his building and historical landmark during such a joyous time of year,” said Senator Brewer.

Entries must be mailed or delivered to Dolores McCray (Commonwealth Museum at Columbia Point, 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125). Remember to print your name, address, telephone number and medium on the back of the artwork. An Affirmation of Award will be presented to the winning artists in a ceremony held at the Commonwealth Museum in early autumn. Artwork will be returned; however, the Secretary of the Commonwealth will retain ownership rights to the artwork only as a card.

A Quick Pick Fills Mahar Supt. Job

A divided Mahar Regional School Committee acted swiftly to replace departing School Supt. Reza Namin. On a 5-3 vote with three members abstaining, the committee named Michael R. Baldassarre to replace Namin. Baldassarre is presently the school's Director of Student Support Services. Opposition to the appointement centered around the process, not the candidate. Some members suggested appointing Baldassarre as interim superintendent and interviewing more than one candidate for the top job.

Members voting in favor of making an immediate selection and avoiding the delay and expense of a search process were Maureen
Donelan, chair; Cara Deane, Dana Kennan, Nadine Parsons, and Joseph Camden. Peter Cross, Richard Baldwin, and Robin
LaCroix voted against the measure. Pat Smith, Deborah Habib and Michael Leblanc abstained.

Voters Turn Back Override

Town voters said No to a $100,000 property tax override by a large margin, 235 to 88. The money was to be used in the town's capital stabilization fund . If passed, the measure would have added about 18 cents per thousand dollars of valuation to tax bills. Polls were open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Armory on East Main Street.

Three people, Rice Flanders and Michaele Wright were elected to two seats on the Wheeler Library board of trustees. James Cornwell was elected Cemetery Commissioner over Michael Shepardson. There were no other contests on the ballot this year.

Brewer Sets '09 Legislative Agenda

Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) who is now Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, and  a member on the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, kicked off the new legislative session recently by filing more than 100 pieces of proposed legislation. Some of the bills address public safety and environmental issues. MORE

Orange Garden Club is Thinking Ahead to Spring

Tully CCC Hosts Kids and Fish

Some 75 adults and nearly 50 kids took part in The Tully City Council Club's annual ice fishing derby  Feb. 14 on Tully Pond.

Cash prizes were awarded in three categories: Bass - 1st $75; 2d - $25; 3rd -$10; Perch - 1st $75; 2d - $25; 3rd -$10; Pickerel - 1st $75; 2d - $25; 3rd -$10. Children 14 and under got 1st, second and third place trophies for each of the categories and a free prize just for being there. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate were served. Above, a shot across the pond and a three-pound one-ounce winning bass. nearly 50 fish were caught and most were returned to the water after they were weighed.

 Kevin White and Bob Euvrard, club members, organized the annual event.

Unemployment Offices Swamped by Claimants

Massachusetts' Unemployment Offices and its claims processing system are groaning under the burden of high call volumes from people seeking unemployment information and benefits.

The Department has posted the following notice on its website: Due to an extremely high volume of calls, especially on Sunday through Tuesday, you may experience a busy signal when calling the DUA TeleClaims Center or TeleCert Line. If you cannot get through, please try again: the best times to call are after 2:00 pm and later in the week. Please be assured that no one will lose benefits because of the delays in getting through.  As a reminder, weekly benefits can be claimed through the end of each week (Friday at 7:00 p.m.) by using the phone or web.

A staff person in the Gardner unemployment office said it is taking four to six weeks to get unemployment checks into the hands of jobless residents and had no answer to give when asked what a jobless person should do for money between  last paycheck and first unemployment check. A staffer in State Sen. Brewer's office in Boston said, "Unemployment, given that the rate has soared, is extremely busy. We are doing the best we can to work through it."

Hospital Installs New Imaging Technology

Athol Memorial Hospital recently installed a new Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner from GE Healthcare. The BrightSpeed Elite (16 slice) offers the latest in “multi-slice” technology and clinical applications that  allow AMH to perform diagnostic exams more quickly and accurately. The new scanner uses a lower level of radiation than was previously possible.

CT scanning is an imaging method using x-rays to create cross sectional pictures of any part of the body for evaluation of injury or abnormality. Typical procedures include, but are not limited to, stroke and trauma assessment, identifying masses or tumors, studying blood vessels, and examination of internal organs and structures. CT scans are painless and non-invasive.

“The new scanner has dramatically increased our in-patient and outpatient capability,” explained Gary Wheeler, RT, Athol Memorial Hospital’s Radiology Services Manager. “The new scans are very fast, which was advantageous during the power outage the area experienced a few weeks ago,” he continued, “We performed nearly fifty (50) scans that weekend, instead of our usual fifteen (15). Heywood Hospital was able to send their patients needing CT scans to us, as their unit was down, and our ER experienced increased activity due to weather-related injuries. The new scanner was in place, up and running just in time.”

Athol Memorial Hospital is not-for-profit acute care and outpatient facility serving the communities of the North Quabbin region since 1950. It is designated as a Critical Access Hospital and Primary Stroke Center, licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and fully accredited by the Joint Commission.

 

 

In North Orange, Karl Bittenbender has decided to work on repairing his barn. The structure will be getting a new foundation and new floors and siding.

 

 

 

 

 

Crimson Acres Draft Horse Driving Clinic - 4/24 - Photos

Local OHOP Canoe won '08 River Rat Race

Locals Jason Gauthier and Jason Litchenberger won the 2008 River Rat Race as the weather in Orange beat all weather forecasts and produced a blue and balmy day for the 44th annual River Rat race April 12. To the east, thunder and heavy rain came as promised by the forecasters. John Berry of Petersham and Brent Liesiuk paddled in fifth, once again cursed by a high-number starting position. They started in 260th position, passing almost everything on the water, to finish 5th

In 2006, they started 299th and finished sixth.
Second and third place finishers battled to the end as riverbank spectators by the hundreds looked on. More than 260 canoes and canoeists  competed seriously or paddled on just for the fun of being there.


Second and third place was a battle to the wire.

Spectators were at the finish line

Racers congratulate each other's efforts.

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 savekeeping and preservation.

Find Farmstands Here

Millers River Environmental Center

Web Site Lists Town Phone Numbers and E-Mails
Orangetowngreen.com has added e-mail addresses that can be used to reach various town departments. 
See them here.
  

Bob Rouleau - 1929-2008

Feed a Car or Feed a Person?

Janet Larsen, research director for the Earth Policy Institute, an environmental group, says the amount of grain it takes to fill a sport utility vehicle’s 25-gallon tank with ethanol would feed a person for a year. “Turning food crops into fuel crops does not make sense, economically or for the environment,” she said.

Selectmen's Agenda and Minutes

Jobs

What's Going on at the Library?
Click Here - Find Out

Digital Brochures from roynilson.com

New England Equestrian Center Calendar

 

Weird Facts

Race Day on the River

HONK if you love Bob and Ray

  COMICS - DILBERT

Local Nature Web Site