Senior Benefit EXPO October 14
Boston- Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced today that the
Executive Office of Health and Human Services will be holding a
Senior Benefit Expo on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 from 9 AM to noon,
at the Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. at 69 Grove Street in Worcester.
The Expo will provide an opportunity for concerned seniors to speak
with representatives from various state and local agencies about
resources to assist them during this financially challenging time.
Information will be available about fuel assistance, food pantries
and Food Stamps, transportation, nutrition, health and fitness,
stroke and heart disease, personal safety, housing alternatives, and
programs for people with disabilities. There will be speakers and
tables with information staffed by agency representatives aware of
the options available to those facing the question of how to both
“heat and eat” throughout the coming months. Information will also
be available about the many programs and services available through
elder services and Councils on Aging.
“If you are concerned about having to choose between heating your
home and eating nutritious meals this winter, I encourage you to
attend this expo,” Sen. Brewer said. “I would also like to thank the
Executive Office of Health and Human Services for taking the time to
put on this event.” All are welcome to attend, especially seniors,
people with disabilities, caregivers, family, and friends. Parking
will be available in a lot right next to Massachusetts Veterans,
Inc. indicated by directional signs.

Signs of the times in Barre.
Brewer Pushes Plumbing
Board for Student Programs
Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced today that the Office of the
Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters (Board) will be drafting
regulations to accommodate vocational technical students to participate
in plumbing projects.
In an effort to end a longstanding issue of vocational technical
students being prohibited from participating in plumbing projects,
Senator Brewer filed Senate Bill 2476, “An Act Allowing Students in
Vocational Technical High School Programs to be Involved in Plumbing
Projects.” The Board met today to confirm that they will be drafting
regulations to accommodate these students to participate in plumbing
projects while ensuring their safety.
The Board will draft regulations that will only consider projects
provided by vocational-technical programs approved by the Commissioner
of Education. In addition, projects will only be considered on a
case-by-case basis.
Bob Rouleau - 1929-2008
Playspace is Seeking Volunteers in
Orange
Horizons
for Homeless Children's Playspace Program has an opportunity for
people who would like to volunteer. The group has locations in both
Orange and Greenfield (as well as all over MA). Volunteers to go into
Playspaces and play with children living in family shelters; the
commitment is 2 hours every week, for six months. As our organization
is trying to build up western MA's Playspace Program. Training is
Saturday May 24th or June 4th and 5th to increase the number of
volunteers playing with homeless children. Supplies are provided.
For more information contact
Horizons for Homeless Children
4 Open Square Way, Suite 132
Holyoke, MA 01040
P: 413.532.0526
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
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 week of April with a total
of 2,704 unique visitors. At the end of March, we broke through the
2,000 mark for the second time with a total of 2,405 unique
visitors coming to the news and information sites between March 19 and
March 26. 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. During the week of December 10,
2006, the sites recorded 2,235 unique visitors and 3,715 page views.
Launched in 1996, The Petersham site is celebrating its 10th year of
operation in 2006. For info,
send us an e-mail.
Weird Facts
Race Day on the River
HONK if you love Bob and Ray
COMICS -
DILBERT
Local Nature
Web Site
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Smithy Opens for Tours
The P.G. Nystrom Blacksmith Shop on East River Street will be open
for visitors
on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The building was built
and operated as a smithy until the death of Phil Nystrom
in 1978. Many of the original tools remain in place.
Bill Mehr of South Main Street is heading an effort to restore and
open the building as a working museum of craft and history.
Scott Smith, Singer-Songwriter Dies
After Motorcycle Crash
Cornwell Scott Smith, 53, of Main Street, Northfield, died Oct. 8 at Baystate
Medical Center, Springfield, from injuries received in a motorcycle
accident earlier in the week.
Scott was a carpenter/builder who authored several CDs of both
whimsical and contemporary guitar songs. He was a solo performer,
but over the years moved in and out of a North Quabbin musical
community that includes his brother, Doug, his uncle, Charlie Scott
of Orange and bands like the Little Monsters, Reprobate Blues Band,
the Smiths, the Hendersons and more.
Scott was born in Albany, a son of Cornwell and Dolores
(Scott) Smith. He and his brothers David and Doug and sister Dierdre
grew up in Petersham. He most recently lived in Northfield.
Scott leaves behind his daughters, Sasha, Kayla, both of Northfield
and Yona, of Warwick; his brothers, David Locke-Smith of Petersham
and Douglas Smith of Wendell; a sister, Deirdre Weisman of Elkins
Park, PA; his mother, Dolores Smith of Petersham; an uncle, Charlie
Scott of Orange; and more recently Mollie, Jasper, and Caitlin.
There are no calling hours. A Memorial service will be held on
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 at the First Congregational Parish Unitarian
Church, on the Petersham Common, Petersham, MA, at 1:00PM. All are
welcome to attend. Interment in West Street Cemetery, Petersham will
be private.
Snip, Clip and Trim Town Spending
Voters will get a change on Oct. 16 to
consider what to cut to bring the town's $16.8 million budget into
balance. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
A budget was approved at the June town meeting, but was nearly
$400,000 over the town's proposition 2 1/2 limit. Voters defeated a
$398,000 override request and the budget had to go back to the
drawing board for cuts.
Town Administrator Rick Kwiatkowski said the Finance Committee will
meet on Monday and Sept. 29 to propose and discuss final spending
cuts and reach the required tax levy and spending limits.
It's Bluegrass Time Again
A BLUEGRASS BENEFIT SHOW will be held to raise money for the
Caouette MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP fund on October 12th, 2008 at the
Athol/Orange Elks in Orange , MA .
This 3rd annualall-day event will be filled with some of the finest
bluegrass music talent featuring Travers Chandler from NC, New
England's own Stillhouse Jammers, the Hemmingway Brothers from
Maine, a reunion performance of the Cowtippers, NH's NewFound Grass
(featuring Orange native Mike Reynolds on banjo), & NYC's Big
APPLE'achia with special guests! A Blueridge guitar and an Eastman
Mandolin will highlight the list of raffle prizes including festival
tickets, CDs, and local gifts too. The show starts at noon and will
go until 7pm with food, refreshments and a cash bar available all
day. Tickets are still only $15.00 each.
The CAOUETTE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP was founded in memory of Bernie
Caouette of Petersham who passed away in June 2006. Bernie, a
retired Captain from the Acton Fire Department, was the builder of
Caouette Banjos. The scholarship is available to deserving students
wishing to further their education in a Music career and/or children
of fire department personnel. Thanks to the many generous
donations and proceeds from the previous Bluegrass Benefit shows, 12
scholarships have been awarded to date! If you are unable to attend
the benefit show and would still like to contribute to the
scholarship fund, you can get more information at
caouettemusicscholarship.com. The Caouette family greatly
appreciates your support.
Mahar Superintendent Moving On?
The Worcester Telegram Sept. 9 reports that Dr. Reza
Namin is one of six finalists for superintendent of schools in
the Quaboag Regional School District of West Brookfield and Warren.
The committee is trying to replace Carol C. Jacobs, who resigned
last summer to become superintendent in Georgetown. The
Telegram said the six finalists include: Brett M. Kustigian,
principal of Douglas High School; Dr. Namin, superintendent in the
Mahar Regional School District based in Orange; Denise Messina,
acting superintendent, Monson School District; Steven B. Schafheimer,
assistant superintendent, Brighton Central Schools, Rochester, N.Y.;
James F. Connolly, principal, Hampshire Regional High School in
Southampton, and Kelly Clenchy, superintendent Orono/Veazie School
Union 87 in Orono, Maine.
Namin, who lives in Northboro, was recently elected by the state
Department of Education to a three-year term on the Mathematics and
Science Advisory Council. He is in his third year as superintendent
of the Ralph C. Mahar School District,
Namin recently completed two three-year terms on the state's
Science, Technology and Engineering Advisory Council and took part
in the revision of the new Science, Technology and Engineering
Framework. Namin recently completed post-doctoral studies in
leadership for understanding at Harvard University, where he also
received his doctorate in math and science education with a focus on
curriculum and technology. He has also received a Certificate of
Advanced Graduate Studies in leadership and educational
administration as well as a master's degree and bachelor's degree in
chemistry and mathematics from Worcester State College (WSC).
Recently elected to serve on the WSC Alumni Advisory Board, Namin is
the only WSC alum to enjoy the distinction of having been inducted
into the WSC Athletic Hall of Fame and be the recipient of the WSC
Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Education.
Namin is also a former professional soccer player and coach. He was
named NCAA Division 1 New England Coach of the Year in 1991 for his
success in leading College of the Holy Cross into the post season.

New Season Begins
Athol Memorial Hospital’s Diabetes Education and Support Group held the first meeting of the season on Tuesday, September 16, 2008
in the hospital conference room. The meetings begin at at 6:30 p.m.
Each month, time will be set aside for recipes, news articles and
helpful products. Group members are invited to suggest subjects of
interest.
The meetings are free and open to the public. Anyone who would like
to learn about this medical condition is welcome. The group meets on
the third Tuesday of each month, September through June. Please call
Margie Sobil, RD at (978)249-1149 for more information.

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.
Ten Times Stinkier than
Ever Before
Mark your calendars for a scent-sational tenth anniversary
celebration of The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. Come find
out what brings over 10,000 people to this phenomenal event for the
whole family. The price stays low yet, the fun and beauty multiplies
each year! Delight in over 80 amazing art and agriculture booths;
everything is made by hand or locally grown. Support fabulous
artists and farmers and strengthen regional economy, shopping
locally on a gorgeous farm illuminated by fall foliage. Family
friendly admission with something for everyone: savor the chef
demos, fuel your life with a renewable energy workshop, or take a
break with a massage in the healing arts tent. It will be hard to
pull the kids away from the emus, duck-herding dogs and alpacas, but
they’ll love pressing cider or garlic papermaking. After checking
out the portable sawmill and a blacksmithing or weaving
demonstration, relax to the sights and sounds of two solar powered
stages that come alive with jazz and juggling, belly dance and
bluegrass, storytelling and soul.
Then gear up for the raw garlic eating contest-- if you can’t
stomach it like the winners at 45 cloves, just enjoy one of the
garlic growing workshops held every hour and take some home to
plant. Definitely come hungry to enjoy the aromatic array of
regionally produced, ethnic, and down home delights in the food
courts, while the scent of roasted garlic from the wood-fired oven
fills the air. What, no trash? Last year there were only two bags
for over 10,000 folks; everything gets composted or recycled. And
you won’t have to spend a buck to get a bottle of water—it flows
freely for all.
New this year:
Expanded kid’s activities featuring garlic paper making. An Iron
Chef contest! Two culinary artists get 20 bucks to purchase products
from our very own vendors then whip up a garlic dish worthy of the
taste buds of "local celebrity" judges. Our much- improved parking
and expanded shuttle lot await you. Bike, hike, parachute or ride
the Magic Bus—the free biodiesel shuttle from nearby lots. Car free
and carpoolers get a free raffle entry for great prizes.
Get it all at the Tenth Annual Garlic and Arts Festival, Saturday
and Sunday September 20 and 21, 2008.
Festival Admission: $5.00 per day for adults, weekend pass $8.00,
kids 12 and under free. Wheelchair accessible parking and restroom
facility. Follow your nose to beautiful historic Forster’s Farm, 60
Chestnut Hill Road, Orange, MA. Visit www.garlicandarts.org for
directions, pet policy, and past years highlights. The 2008 schedule
of vendors, music and performances, chef demos, activities,
workshops, and all you need to come have a scent-sational time will
be fully updated by July.
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
Save on Ink Cartridges for your Printers
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.
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