Petersham Local NEWS

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.

Serendipity at Petersham Craft Center

“Serendipity Collages”, an exhibit of art collage creations by Jane Duderstadt of Petersham, will be featured at the Petersham Craft Center, beginning with an artist’s reception on Sunday, September 19, from 4pm to 6PM. Everyone is invited to attend to enjoy the art, refreshments, and to meet the artist.

“I have created my collages out of painted colored paper,” explains Jane. “It gives me the spontaneity and freedom to experiment that oils do not. The images are roughly flowers but their images are determined by the pieces that ‘speak’ to each other. Their creation is a process of serendipity, or of fortunate and unexpected discoveries by accident.”

Jane has studied at Stanford University and the Museum School of Boston, and has lived and worked in Cambridge, Somerville, and for the last 15 years, in Petersham. Her work has been shown in Boston, New York, and throughout the Quabbin area.

The exhibit will continue September 19^th through October 29^th. The Petersham Craft Center is open Wed-Sun, 12Noon-4PM, and is located just off Rt. 32/North Main Street, near the Petersham Common. The Craft Center features handmade art and craft, antiques and more, as well as hosting artist exhibits and educational offerings. See the website at petershamcraftcenter.org or call 978-724-3415 for more information.

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).

Petersham Library Aims to Grow

The library is placing three items before the town at the Special Town Meeting on Oct. 4th.

The library is asking if the town will give it a portion of Nichewaug Inn land. If the vote is no, a second article asks the town to sell a piece of the land at a price to be negotiated.

The libary has been trying to obtain the land since the 1950's. Library president Deni Ellis said, "We believe it is crucial to any development plan... We intend to use the land for a new septic system and possible an array of geothermal wells. We do not have any plans for a parking lot in the rear of the building. Our intention is that the main entrance will remain the main entrance and that the parking along the road will be sufficient."

"A third warrant asks that the town gives us permission to apply for state and/or federal funding to be used for library renovation and to accept, receive and spend any funds. This is a general warrant that gives us permission to apply to a variety of funding sources.

"Our Building Committee has been working hard to develop renovation plans which are not yet finalized. We will present them in a public forum when they are finalized, hopefully later this fall," Ellis said.

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.

Town Hall Meeting on the Common

The Petersham Republican Town committee will sponsor a "Town Hall Meeting on the Common" from 3:00PM to 5:00PM on September 11,2010. Republican candidates for office will be available to talk directly to the citizens and answer all the questions the citizens have. William Gunn a candidate for U.S. Congress, will speak. More details as time goes on as to who else will be there. Please set the date on your calendar.

Church Supper on Tap Sept. 11

The Orthodox Congregational Church will hold a Pulled Pork Supper on September 11, 2010. The cost will be $7.00 for adults and $4.50 for children. It will be held at 6:00PM in Andrew Hall at the church.

There will be entertainment from the children of the church.

Call for tickets from any of the trustees of the church as follows:

Milton Scott 978-724-6676

Peter Bates 978-724-0100

Janice Olson 978-724 3362

Dick Nickless 978-724 3418

Rebecca Legare 978-724 0411

Petersham Bread Co. Closes

Lynne Scott has shut down the ovens at the Petersham Bread Co., on East Street. Scott said declining sales at the wholesale bread company, caused in part by a difficult economy, forced the decision. "The stores I was selling to were going out of business," she said.

Country Store Closing Aug. 4
40 Gather to Support Store

The Polus Center announced that the lease on The Country Store has ended and the store will close Aug. 4. The property is for sale.

About 40 residents met at the library July 29 to express concern that the Country Store is in danger of closing. Similar meetings were held one year ago before Rick Wilkins of Phillipston agreed to operate the store.

The group has visited the Leverett co-op and is planning an Aug. 5 meeting to update residents on information about forming a co-op to run the store.

Stephanie Selden of town, who organized the meeting, said Wilkins' lease is up and the store is now open on a limited basis to preserve its various licenses while a new buyer or other solution is found.

The store, which is owned by the non-profit Polus Center has been listed for sale at $465,000 but was recently appraised as part of a refinancing package at $230,000, she said.

Several people at the meeting favored creating a co-op to own and or operate the store. Others said only a sole proprietor could dedicate the time and effort needed to run the business.

The group agreed to craft a business plan, explore funding for a co-op and meet again in a week for more discussions. Wendy Westman of town, who with her husband Bill, owns Lazy Mary's pizza in Warren and Hardwick, said the couple had explored purchasing the business when it came on the market three or four years ago. They concluded at that time that the business could not support the asking price at the time.
The couple is still interested in the business, but would not operate it as a co-op, she said.

Selden circulated a survey to find out what services and types of products the store should offer and to recruit people from the group to draw up a business plan and locate financial support.

Craft Center Opening for Local Artist

An opening reception for the art exhibit "Light" by Petersham artist, Janet Palin, will be held Sunday, August 8, from 4-6PM, at the Craft Center, off North Main St/Rt. 32, in Petersham. Join the artist for fine refreshments and conversation. Ms. Palin, who has a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, interprets the light-filled world in bold and colorful paintings.The Craft Center is also home to other treasures, such as handmade clothing, jewelry, books by local authors, photographs, pottery, antiques, and more. The exhibit continues through September 16th. The Craft Center is open Wed-Sun, 12-4PM. Call 978-724-3415 for more information.

Snakes, Bugs and Dragonflies Workshop

Sugar Hollow Farm 425 Queen Lake Rd, Phillipston will hold a workshop to study snakes, bugs and dragonflies starting at 10 am on August 12.

For the second summer all eyes will be looking around the fields at Sugar Hollow Farm and looking for – snakes – Bugs – and Dragonflies! Participants will learn about them and why they are important to the environment from Dave Small, state environmentalist for Mass DCR and Pete Mirick of Mass Fish and Wildlife. The pair will bring some of their friends with them to help people learn up close and personally how unscary they are. They will also be on hand to answer questions about them and other insects around the yard and teach us how to live with and get along with them.

Cost of the workshop is $5.00 per person, $15.00 per family, Seniors only pay $2.00 and children of Vets and servicemen and women are free. Come down to the farm to sign up early, or a half hour early the day of the workshop. Call Lauren Roy at 978-652-5186, email lroy152@comcast.net or visit the farm Monday through Saturday 9 -5 with any questions.

House Restores Workforce Training Fund

State Rep. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) announced that $12.5 
million to the Workforce Training Fund has been restored. 
The fund provides employers with grants aimed at educating 
and training existing members of the workforce and new hires.

“This funding directly impacts a number of people and 
businesses in the 5th Worcester District, and has been a 
successful program.” stated Representative Gobi.

In order to reinstate the $12.5 million in funding, the House 
overrode a gubernatorial veto. The legislature’s conference 
committee budget which passed last month provided $24 
million for the Workforce Training Fund. The House’s veto 
override restored the funding for Workforce Training grants 
to the level of $24 million.

Through the beginning of this year, more than $175 million 
in grants have been awarded to train almost a quarter-million 
workers through the Workforce Training Fund.

Nichewaug Inn Task Force Talks Demolition

Members of the Nichewaug Inn Task Force met July 8 with 
Glenn Eaton, executive director of the Montachusett Regional
Planning Commission to see if grant money for partial or total 
demolition of the Nichewaug Inn is available.

Eaton and Shelly Hatch said there are competitive grants from
the state Department of Housing and Community Development
for which the town might apply. MRPC would help author any such
grant proposal and could serve as grant administration for up to
20 percent of the grant amount. As much as $1 million could be needed.

James Meehan of Athol, who is advising the task force, restated
his belief that the brick school building is a better candidate for
renovation than the historic wood-frame front portion of the property.
Task force chair Ann Lewis said the task force could meet again as
soon as next week to continue talking about a grant application for
full or partial demolition. Selectmen Tim Clark and Bob Legare 
attended the meeting.

Library Holds Focus Groups on the Future

As part of their deliberations on the future of the Petersham Library, the Trustees have sponsored a series of focus groups designed to gather input from traditional library users and identify new user communities. A final focus group for residents of the Petersham community at large will be held on June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Library. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to share their views on the role of the Library in the town and offer suggestions for improvement. R.S.V.P.'s are helpful but not required. For more information, contact Jayne Arata at 724-3405.

Joan Stoia, the consultant charged with gathering community input, invites residents and library users who have not been able to attend any of the sessions but would like to contribute to send written comments to her at jmstoia@comcast.net through July 15."

Town Meeting Passes $3M Budget

More than 100 voters filled Town Hall June 7 and passed most of the 54 articles on the warrant without dissent. Fifteen articles were passed under a blanket "consent" vote intended to speed the meeting through regular business.

The general government or Selectmen's budget of $1,106,000 passed with few questions as did the Mahar Regional School budget of $890,777, the Elementary School budget of $1,096,187 and the Monty Tech budget of $58,233. Voters also authorized a final payment of $1,090.73 as a final payment to Mahar for teacher salaries, and approved paying $37,895 for new construction at Mahar and $99,480 for principal and interest on the Center School construction note.

Voters approved spending for a 300-gallon gasoline storage take at the highway department and $5,000 and $10,000 to install emergency generators at the fire and police departments respectively.

Voters rejected a motion that would have required town meeting approval for any spending by the Nichewaug Inn Task Force. Chairman Ann Lewis said all spending on the property is already controlled by Selectmen. Lewis said the Task Force hopes to have a development plan in place for the property by fall or early winter.

Voters agreed to move some $246,437 from free cash into the town Stabilization Fund. Finance committee members said most of the extra funds came from department savings and the sale of a conservation restriction.

Barre Man Challenges Rep. Gobi

Rodney A. Josephson said he is officially on the ballot for state representative in the 5th Worcester District.

The seat is held by state Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer. Barre, Brookfield, Hardwick, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Petersham, Phillipston, Spencer, Templeton, Ware and West Brookfield make up the district.

Mr. Josephson, 45, a conservative Republican, said he believes in less government. An issue in his campaign will be jobs. The government should support small business to create new jobs, Josephson said.

“Government does not and cannot manage money effectively in most cases and thus their powers must be reduced.”

For information about the campaign, visit www.rodneyforstaterep.com or call (774) 200-6728.

COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT

Councils on Aging Get State Funds

Boston- Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced that the Executive Office of Elder Affairs has released Grant Award notifications for Councils on Aging (COA) in 348 towns throughout the Commonwealth.

"One of our most important responsibilities as a society is to take care of our elders, and it is for that reason I am proud the Commonwealth has provided these Councils on Aging with the necessary funding to run the programs that are so important to the quality of life for the seniors in our community," stated Senator Brewer.

Below are listed the COA’s in the area that have received funding:

• Athol: $16,499 to support a part-time clerical assistant; underwrite fitness and wellness programs; and provide basic office supplies, conference attendance and trainings.
• Barre: $5,656 to employ a part-time escort worker and pay for newsletter printing, dues, utilities, postage and volunteer recognition.
• Hardwick: $3,500 to support the director's position; provide for newsletter printing; and provide for education and training.
• Orange: $9,583 to employ clerical staff and to provide for health screenings, rent, facility/program supplies, postage and conference/in-service education or training.
• Petersham: $3,500 to print and distribute the COA newsletter, defray health/fitness activity costs; provide for kitchen and office supplies; and provide for volunteer recognition.

Cigarette Sales Tax Collections 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.

Nichewaug Task Force Annual Report

Here is the LINK

Northampton Animal Auction Weekly Report

St. Peter's Church Moved Fair to Common

Hundreds of fair-goers enjoyed the foliage and balmy temperatures as they gathered for St. Peter's Annual Church Fair. The fair featured a silent auction, plant sales and other activities.

Common Comment Draws Complaint from Neighboring Town - Read PCAbby

Colorful Fish

Signs of the times in Barre. Roy Nilson Photo.

Petersham By-Laws and Some Forms Available on This Web Site

A copy of the Town By-Laws is now available by clicking the link here or on our home page that says " General By-Laws ." Other town documents, including permits, abatement application, etc. have been available for several years along with links to federal tax forms, Registry of Motor Vehicles forms and other things.

A printed copy of the by-laws is available from Town Hall for $7.50. Selectmen's minutes are also published here when the minutes are made available from Town Hall. Information about town government is provided as a free service by www.petershamcommon.com. A copy of the Town Master Plan can be seen by clicking this Master Plan link.

This web site has been providing news and information about Petersham, and many public documents on-line, for the past 11 years at no cost to the town.

Local Farms and Pick Your Own

Search:

for

Tax Rate Rises for 2009

The tax rate for 2009 has been set at $12.38 per thousand dollars of assessed value for homes and properties in town. That's up from last year's $11.49 per thousand rate but will mean an average tax bill increase of about $185 because of falling property values. Assessor Dana Kennan said total value of all real estate in town is down about $3 million.

Town Hall Collecting Food Supplies

The next time you visit an office at the Town Office Building, bring along a non-perishable item for the food basket in the hallway. The items will be delivered to the local food pantry during the holidays. A suggested list of non-perishables is available in Dale Bull’s office in the Town Office Building.

Old Home Day - A Little Something for Everyone

The Lions Club Old Home Day Aug. 29 featured crafts and pony rides, a moonwalk for kids a local history tent and more.

Jesse Cole brought his Model T, just back from a coast-to-coast tour for veterans. The lions served up hotdogs and burgers all day long.

The day ended with a chicken barbecue and the last Petersham Brass Band concert of the 2010 season, number 772 in the band's long history

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.

Nichewaug Inn Discussion Goes on...

More than 20 residents met with members of the Nichewaug Inn Task Force Sept. 12 to hear an update on plans for the building. The town is seeking bids for demolishing the property and plans to seek a $1 million demolition grant witht he help of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC).

Several of those at the meeting said it is time to resolve the question of what should be done with the property by creating an open field that could then be considered for some sort of redevelopment.

The former hotel and Catholic girls school has been unused since the school closed in 1974. Several private owners have attempted re-use plans without success. The town now owns the property. Former Selectman Nancy Allen said the purpose of seeking bids for demolition is to get a price for the work. A special town meeting is scheduled for Oct. 4 to get town permission to apply for the demolition grant. Even if the town gets such a grant, proceeds would likely not be available until the fall of 2011, Allen said. Task Force Member David Perkins said, "We can't do anything until we know how much it will cost to rear the building down."

Nichewaug Inn Task Force Talk Back Forum

The Nichewaug Inn Task Force will hold a Public Forum about the Nichewaug Inn and Academy on Thursday, August 12 at 7:00 pm at the lower level of Petersham Town Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend with questions, ideas, and input.

Task Force members and guests will provide updates on project status including scenarios for possible demolition, seeking demolition grant funding, specific property tasks underway, responses from interested parties, and more.
At the request of the Task Force, a Special Town Meeting has been scheduled by the Petersham Selectboard for October 4 to consider possible demolition and grant funding. This Public Forum will be one venue for residents to learn more about the status of the property in preparation for the Town Meeting. Other information meetings will be upcoming.

Members of the Task Force are Ann Lewis, Anne Perkins, Chuck Berube, Tim Clark, Fred Day, Bob Legare, David Perkins, and Henry Woolsey. The Task Force meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month and holds additional meetings as needed.

Ann Lewis said, "The Public Forum is an opportunity for residents of Petersham or interested members of the public to hear about the status of the Inn and Academy, give feedback, and make sure that the Task Force gets their input." Members of the public are encouraged to seek out NITF members if they have questions.

Nichewaug Inn Decisions Loom

Selectmen voted July 29 to have the Montachusett Regional Planning
Commission to begin working on a grant application. The proceeds
world pay for demolishing the Nichewaug Inn/Maria Assumpta property
on the common. Earlier, the board asked the commission to seek bids for
the work That request will be published in the state's central bid registry.

Ann Lewis, chair of the Nichewaug Inn Task Force, said her group will continue
actively marketing the property but the town needs cost estimates in hand to
seek grant money to pay for demolition.

Selectman Tim Clarke said, "The building is really starting to crumble It is a
hazard and becoming more of a hazard."

New State Open Meeting Law to Be Explained

Town Clerk Diana Cooley and Athol Town Clerk Nancy Burnham
will hold a meeting on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 7:00pm in the lower
Town Hall to help members of town boards understand what they
must do to comply with the state's revised Open Meeting Law.

Cooley said, "We will be informing everyone of the changes and how it
affects each and every one of us." She strongly recommended that
members of all town boards and commissions attend the meeting.

All departments, boards and committees are required to comply with
provisions of the amended law, she said.

St. Peter's Fair at the Church this year

St. Peter's Fair, which had moved from the church to the town common,
is returning to the church this summer!

The fair will be held Saturday, August 7, 2010 from 9AM - 3PM

At St. Peter's Church, 18 North St. Petersham, MA

The fair features Food, Crafts, Raffles, Music, and more...

House Passes Economic Development Bill

BOSTON – State Representative Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer) yesterday joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing economic development legislation to streamline economic development agencies, make Massachusetts more attractive to businesses and establish a sales tax holiday this summer.

“This bill is a positive step in assisting existing business as well as attracting new business investments,” stated Representative Gobi.

The Massachusetts Office of Business Development would be authorized to act as the primary coordinator of business development efforts in the Commonwealth and partner with economic development organizations to develop a business development plan for an identified region of the Commonwealth.

The bill consolidates agencies that play a role in attracting business to the Commonwealth into a Massachusetts Marketing Partnership which would act as the central marketing organization of Massachusetts. The partnership would consist of members from the administration, the private sector, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and regional tourism councils.

The economic development legislation includes an amendment that would allow a state sales tax holiday on August 14th and 15th of this year to encourage consumers to shop at local businesses across the state. The sales tax holiday applies to retail sales excluding any single item priced higher than $2,500.

Academy to Get Alarm System

(July 1, 2010) – The town of Petersham has received a $5,000 grant to buy and install an intrusion alarm to protect the town-owned Nichewaug Inn/Maria Assumpta Academy.

The grant is from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town’s property and casualty insurance provider. MIIA grants are available to its member municipalities. Grants are awarded to fund equipment purchases and to implement training programs that address safety and loss prevention. These efforts help avoid accidents and potentially costly claims.

The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) is the non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). As a member-based organization, MIIA’s focus is to provide erisk management solutions to Massachusetts municipalities and related public entities. MIIA insures nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in Massachusetts. For more information please visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.

13th Annual Parade on the Fourth, of Course

The Petersham Fourth of July parade will start at the Common at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at 1 p.m.

John LePoer and Hank Sherwood are the parade marshals.

Larry Poulin of West Road, who has driving horses and carriages, will lead the horse-drawn parade segment. The Lett Family of New Salem will ride along. Other riders are welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

Motorcycles are not invited to participate in the parade for safety reasons.

Beth Cummings of West Street. started the parade as a neighborly walk around the block, again invited a growing number of civic and private groups to participate. There will be local floats, a lot of horses - both riders and drivers, antique automobiles, patriotic groups and more.

The Petersham parade is still the only Fourth of July parade in the North Quabbin region.

Robert Legare Selectman Elect

With a 19-percent voter turnout to answer just one question, Petersham native Robert Legare was handily elected to an open seat on the Board of Selectmen. He lives at 8 South Street. Legare received 162 of 181 votes cast. Former Selectman Nancy Allen, who quit the post after the spring election, got 13 write-ins. There were five blanks and one vote for John Berry.

In a letter to residents mailed before the election, Legare promised to listen and learn. Legare attended Center School and graduated from Mahar. He was sworn in immediately and will join the board on June 22.

"As Selectman, I would seek ways to improve revenue resources, address and resolve issues and to work united with the board of Selectmen, town committees and other Boards int he best intersts of the town of Petersham." Legare said.

Macro Photography Class at the Craft Center

Have you wondered how to create stunning close-up photographs? The skills of Macro photography will shared by local photography expert, Guy Bichele, at the Petersham Craft Center on Saturday, June 26, from 10AM-2:30PM. Learn to perceive and capture a whole new world of photographic opportunities and subjects. The macro lens reveals intricate details of flowers, insects, and intimate patterns of nature and the larger world. This workshop will include time out in the field to discover images and to return to the classroom to critique them. Equipment and techniques will be reviewed. Participants need to bring a compact digital camera with a macro mode or a digital single lens reflex camera with a macro lens. A tripod, flash, and a remote shutter release are recommended but optional. Open to adults and teens. Bring a lunch. The cost is $20 for members or $35 for non-members. You may register by calling the Petersham Craft Center at 978-724-3415. The Craft Center is located off Rt. 32/North Main Street, not far from Petersham Common, and on the web at petershamcraftcenter.org

plant sale

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 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 Coletta, spokesman for the DEP could say how many residential leaks happen 
each year. They are not counted separately from delivery spills, Coletta said. There are provisions in low-income fuel
assistance programs to help cover the upgrade cost, Ferrante said.

River Rat Picture Page

New Animal Shelter Nearing Completion

Only $3,000 to $4,000 remains to be raised to finish this handsome three-room animal shelter at the town Highway Department. The project was begun in 2008 by local animal eye doctor Alan Bacharach of East Street and other volunteers. A cement pad was poured and the building was put up. Interior walls, finished wiring and an outside fence remain to be finished this spring. Dr. Bacharach said anyone wishing to make a donation of any amount should send it to the Petersham Animal Shelter c/o Dale Bull at the Selectmen's office in town hall.

Office Hours Change

The Board of Health office is now open from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays only. The Board meets in the town Office Building on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Doggie Day Jan. 17 - Cats, too

Rabies Clinic and Register Rover Day was held on Saturday January 17 Town Barn, South Street. Town Clerk Diana Cooley says there are about 350 dogs in town, not counting those in breeders' kennels.

Below, the exterior of the new dog pound has been finished, but interior work and fencing is being delayed by a shortfall in donations.

Contact Dale Bull at the town hall for more information about how you can help.

We keep these Items (below) because we like them.

Church Fair Crowded Common

Hundreds of fair goers crowded children's games, food concessions, the book tables and shopped for bargains at the annual Congregational Church Fair on Saturday.

As always, auctioneer Paul Varney focused the crowd's attention on a variety of auction goods including spot welders, mowers, furniture and a snow blower or two.

Celebrating and Remembering

IN THE ARCHIVES...

Berry, Liesiuk Finished Fifth in 45th River Rat Event

9th Annual Garlic & Arts Festival

The 9th Annual Garlic & Arts Festival in Orange was held Sept. 15 and 16 to help showcase North Quabbin organic, alternative energy and crafts enterprises. See the photos.

See More Pictures

The Opinion Page | Conserving Land in our Region

Digital Brochures from roynilson.com

What's Going On? | 250th birthday cake - See the Pictures.

The Quabbin Reservoir

"Great Plates, Eat Out."

Old Home Day - See the Photos

No Rain on Our 4th of July Parade - See the photo album here.

Memorial Day 2006 - Pictures here

Memorial Day on the Common
PETERSHAM SPORTS INFO

River Rat Race. See the 06 Pictures .

Visit the library. video

Petersham on Parade - See the Pictures

New England Equestrian Center Calendar

Millers River Environmental Center

HONK if you love Bob and Ray

Help Getting to the Doctor's Office

Free rides are available to seniors 65+ to medical appointments (at Athol Memorial Hospital and its Medical Arts Building) $2.00 for persons under 65 years of age Hours of service: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Three-days advance notice is required. Call (978) 249-5600 Ext. 144 between 8 am to 3pm to schedule a ride Monday - Friday

Things to Do in the North Quabbin Region

The North Quabbin Woods Project now provides a pretty good calendar of events. Find the info here. Or list your own event Here for Free. What's going on?

If only the river were this blue...

Photos from in and around Petersham, Surrey, England

Church Fair Photos

Harvard Forest Fisher Museum

How's the Traffic Where You Are?

River Rats- '05

What's going on in the world?

Life's List of Things That Have Names
But We Don't Know What They Are ...

Look. Right There. On the ends of your shoe laces. What are those little plastic things called? Dave knows. They are called Aglets -- From the French aguilette - meaning a point. Now you can say, "Hey, I think I'll go to the store and buy a box of aglets. And maybe a pound of mullions while I am at it."

Photo albums are all right here.

Unitarian Church Calendar | Unitarian Church News

Craft Center Events