Paul working for you.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween !

Happy Halloween !

Trick or Treat 
from 
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Republican Leader Holds up Funds for Templeton Senior Center

Republican Leader Holds up Funds for Templeton Senior Center

Rep. Andrews Calls on Republican Party to End Stalemate



(TEMPLETON) – State Representative Denise Andrews today called upon House Republican Minority Leader Brad Jones, (State House - 617-722-2100) head of the House Republican Caucus to stop playing politics with the people of her district and end his party's opposition to a late year spending bill that includes funds needed to complete the new Templeton Senior Center. The bill mainly addresses deficiencies in some accounts, including one-time spending for various initiatives.



“The Templeton Senior Center project is vital to the town of Templeton and area seniors,” shared State Representative Denise Andrews (D-Orange). “The Friends of the Council on Aging and volunteers have worked for years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the project. They were asking only for a bit of help from the state to complete construction. Last week, Rep. Gobi and myself reached out to House Chairman of Ways and Means Brian Dempsey, advocating for the earmark’s inclusion and highlighting the work to date. Now, at the last minute, the Republican leadership in the House is holding everything up (District Office 978-664-5936)

to make a point. They don’t like earmarks. After reviewing the many bond bills passed earlier this year and past budgets, it’s clear these same people weren’t against earmarks for projects in their own districts. There is a real fear that the furnace in the current Senior Center will not make it through the winter. If that happens, where will Templeton seniors go?”


Thursday, October 30, 2014

BOS Meeting October 27, 2014 …the movie


BOS Meeting October 27, 2014 …the movie

This was a very long meeting.

Part 1 of the BOS/TriBoard Meeting 10/27/14

Part 2 of the BOS/TriBoard Meeting 10/27/14

Regular BOS meeting continued.

Part 1 of the BOS Meeting 10/27/14

Part 2 of the BOS Meeting 10/27/14

Part 3 of the BOS Meeting 10/27/14
This type of behavior will NOT be tolerated


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Thank you, Mr. Ritter.

 Very sad news...

Sterling town administrator dies, reportedly of dental surgery complications

Mr. Ritter (JOHN FERRARONE FILE PHOTO)

A selectman said Tuesday morning Town Administrator Jeffrey W. Ritter died sometime overnight, reportedly due to complications related to recent dental surgery.

Selectman John F. Kilcoyne said he was notified early Tuesday morning that the recently appointed administrator, who lives in Harvard, had died. Representatives at Sterling Town Hall could not be reached for comment immediately and a call went straight to voicemail.

"I'm going down to talk to people at Town Hall right now," Mr. Kilcoyne said. "People there are devastated. … I'm going to tell them not to overreact and just to know there will be plenty of help available. We don't want people to panic over it."

Mr. Kilcoyne added Mr. Ritter's death is "a loss" to the town. Mr. Ritter started in his new post at the start of the year. He previously served as town coordinator in Templeton. Mr. Kilcoyne said the administrator hit the ground running in Sterling and has been a devoted servant to the community since starting in January.

"It's very fresh. It's a real tragedy. He's a terrific guy," Mr. Kilcoyne said. "This is a terrible loss to the town, but a loss to his family, first and foremost. I don't have any details, only that there was some complication from dental surgery, and I'm not even sure how it happened. … He was really a very valuable resource to our town."

Mr. Kilcoyne said a process will soon start to appoint an interim town administrator for the time being. He said selectmen will hold a special meeting in the coming days to discuss the appointment. He noted he hoped a replacement could be found in the next two months.

Members of Mr. Ritter's family could also not be reached immediately for comment.

Mr. Ritter left Templeton after two years as town coordinator and worked in Harvard and Hatfield, as well. He is a native of Michigan.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

Contact Samantha Allen at samantha.allen@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SAllen_89.

Winchendon plan to address deficit includes override

Winchendon plan to address deficit includes override
By Paula Owen TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
paula.owen@telegram.com


  WINCHENDON — Recommendations made by Town Manager James M. Kreidler Jr. Monday night to help fill a deficit he says is about $3.857 million included $250,000 in cuts to the schools, reductions in some town employees' hours, using around $1.6 million in stabilization money that would completely deplete that account and a $800,000 Proposition 2½ override.

At a joint meeting with the School and Finance committees and Board of Selectmen, Mr. Kreidler said auditors are close to finalizing an audit for fiscal 2014 and estimate the cumulative deficit from fiscal 2013 through the end of fiscal 2015 at $3.8 million.

However, he said he could not guarantee that number won't change again in the next few weeks or before a vote at special town meeting.

The Department of Revenue is also reviewing the town's finances and previously estimated the deficit at $5.7 million through the end of this budget cycle. The DOR has asked the town to come up with a plan by Nov. 7.

The town's recommendations are subject to DOR approval, Mr. Kreidler said.

Auditors first uncovered a deficit in fiscal 2013 in the millions of dollars, much of it attributed to annual underfunding of the town's health insurance trust fund. The town is self-insured, but is switching to premium-based in January.

Mr. Kreidler also recommended hiring a finance director who would oversee the town and School Department budgets, and getting rid of the town's financial software MUNIS in favor of a simpler system. MUNIS contributed to the shortfalls in accounting practices across all departments, he said, that contributed to the town's financial breakdown.

At one point, auditors said the system crashed and all data was permanently damaged.

School Superintendent Salah E. Khelfaoui said he was happy to see that the School Department was right about the deficit in the school budget being significantly lower than the $2 million reported by Mr. Kreidler.

The School Department maintained that Mr. Kreidler had given the DOR inaccurate figures on which to base that estimate. The total deficit for the school is estimated at around $700,000, he said.

"It is not just the system we need to fix," the superintendent said. "It is communication."

Tax Title Lien Auction

Tax Title Lien Auction

A Tax Title Lien Auction is being held on November 5, 2014, at noon, at Kamaloht, 1 North Main Street, East Templeton. Pre-registration is required.



 **************************************
Tax bills are due November 3, 2014




Planning Board Meeting 10/28/14

How are the budget projections working out for the wood chip boiler?

The woodchip boiler will be discussed at tonight's Planning Board meeting.
***************************************

School addresses biomass project, safety concerns

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON - Narragansett School District Superintendent Ruth Miller and the district’s Director of Building and Grounds Bill Clabaugh appeared before the Planning Board Tuesday night to address safety concerns that have been raised surrounding the district’s biomass boiler project for the middle and high school.

The meeting served as a continuation of the Planning Board’s Oct. 7 public hearing, when Chairman Kirk Moschetti raised the issue of large delivery trucks trying to maneuver in the already-cramped central office parking lot, as well as general unease about decisions being made concerning the project without the consultation of the Planning Board.

Ms. Miller said she hoped to clear up any apprehension regarding the safety of students and staff — explaining that provisions have already been put in place to limit access to the back parking lot during regular school hours.

Requests Bring Town Pumpkin Festival Back

Requests Bring Town Pumpkin Festival Back 
Joseph Benavidez
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON - The 1st Annual Pumpkin Festival featuring craved pumpkins, fortune telling, spooky games, an open house of the Narragansett Historical Society museum and activities for all ages, attracted hundreds of attendees from the Greater Gardner area.

“It’s a great, great way to bring all of the family together,” Templeton resident Erin Mackay said. “It’s nice to have a pumpkin festival so local.”

Society President Brian Tanguay explained that when Templeton celebrated its 250th year, the town held a pumpkin festival. Over the past couple of months, residents have been asking the society if the tradition would continue in October of this year.

“We decided that with so many people asking,” Mr. Tanguay said. “We’d be happy to host a pumpkin festival — it’s a good community event.” 
News Staff Photo by JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
There were nearly 70 carved pumpkins in various stylings from Vincent Von Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night,’ a homage to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” a minion from “Despicable Me,” to spooky faces and a few scary sayings.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Meetings week of October 27, 2014

 
Meetings week of October 27, 2014



Monday 10/27/14
Town Clerk                  Ballot Testing                 8:00 am
BOS                             Kamaloht                        6:00 pm
Tri Board                     Kamaloht                        6:30 pm
BOS E session                                                    8:30 pm

Tuesday 10/28/14
Planning Board            Scout Hall                       6:30 pm

Wednesday 10/29/14
Assessors                     2 School St                      2:00 pm

Thursday 10/30/14

Senior Center              Scout Hall                         6:30 pm

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Rumor has it

Rumor has it

Rumor has it the the funding for the Templeton Senior Center that has been added to the state's supplemental budget may be in jeopardy. 

Partisan politics is in play.  All that it takes to sideline the funding for the Senior Center is one
"NO" vote by a Republican member of the House of Representatives.

Let's hope this unfortunate rumor is unfounded. All of the candidates have toured the new Senior Community Center off of Bridge St. All of the candidates seemed impressed with the progress made especially with the donations of land, time and materials.

It would truly be a shame to hold this project hostage to partisan politics.

TMLWP Light Dept. Minutes for October 2014

TMLWP Light Dept. Minutes for October 2014

Light Commissioners’ Meeting October 7 2014 

Members present were: Dana Blais, Gregg Edwards, Chris Stewart

Employees present were: John Driscoll, Tom Berry

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Dana.

The agenda was approved on a motion by Gregg, seconded by Chris, 3-0 in favor.

The August 5, 2014 minutes were approved on a motion by Gregg, seconded by Dana, 2-0 in favor.


Old Business:
The Manager informed the Board that the audited financial statements for 2013 were not yet complete by Goulet-Salvidio & Associates because the Light Plant had switched accounting firms so late in the tax season and also that the bank confirmation from the Town had taken several weeks to obtain. He had in his possession two (2) drafts of the audit but didn’t see any point in distributing them since the final version was (he thought) to be received in a week’s time. 

The Light Plant had only received one bid response from James A. Kiley Co. for a Telect unit to replace the existing Light Truck #25 for $153,000 less a $4,000 trade allowance for the 2005 Altec unit. Both the Manager and the Superintendent felt that more than $4,000 could be obtained thru the municipal bid process but the 2005 unit had had so many maintenance issues that they both felt selling it to a private party would not be just. On a motion by Gregg, seconded by Chris, 3-0 in favor the Board voted to purchase the Telect unit from James A. Kiley Co. for $153,000 less the $4,000 trade allowance. 

Saturday, October 25, 2014

TMLWP Water Minutes for October 2014

TMLWP Water Minutes for October 2014


Water Commissioners’ Meeting October 7, 2014
Members present were: Dana Blais, Gregg Edwards, Chris Stewart
Employees present were: John Driscoll, Ron Davan
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Dana.
The agenda was approved on a motion by Gregg, seconded by Chris, 3-0 in favor.

The August 5, 2014 minutes were approved on a motion by Gregg, seconded by Dana, 2-0 in favor.

Old Business:
The only Old Business discussed was the need for funding for the painting of the water storage tank on Johnson Avenue in East Templeton, and the Manager had looked into an option to be discussed under New Business.

New Business:
The Manager and Superintendent had met with Tighe & Bond and the USDA to discuss funding options for the Water Plant to complete the project of interior wall-painting of the above-mentioned water storage tank. Steve Bonavita from the USDA had done a loan term sheet for the Manager laying out 40-year options for the $650K required for the project; once with level principal and again with level payments. The level principal option began year 1 at $38K and ended year 40 at $17K, whereas the level payment option required a $29K payment every year. Both the Board and the Manager were not interested in assuming any more debt that would require 40 years to pay off, roughly double how long the new tank interior paint job would last before the Mass DEP required it again.

Dana asked how long the Water Plant had to push off this project until a better funding option was available; the Superintendent responded that it was originally supposed to be done in 2015 and we had already requested an extension. The Manager felt that

Winchendon school board quizzes auditor on deficit

Winchendon school board quizzes auditor on deficit
By Paula J. Owen TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WINCHENDON — Auditors told the School Committee Thursday night that a crash in the town's accounting system, a lack of communication, double entries and inaccurate reports all led to a deficit the town is facing that the Department of Revenue estimates at $5.7 million.

After selectmen would not allow the School Committee to participate in a joint meeting last week with auditors from Roselli, Clark & Associates of Woburn to ask questions about a fiscal 2013 audit that uncovered deficits in several town departments, the School Committee asked the auditors to attend Thursday night's meeting. The firm is still working on fiscal 2014 and 2015.

Typically, appropriating deficits don't exist, but there were so many uncovered, auditors Tony Roselli and Chad Clark said, they need to find out why. Otherwise it could happen again, they said.

The men said the firm plans to investigate and ask all department heads if they were aware they had a deficit in their budgets and if they were aware what they had to spend, and base its findings on the answers.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Playground Dedication and Pumpkin Festival

Playground Dedication and Pumpkin Festival

The East Templeton playground dedicated to Gladys Salame on Saturday  October 25, 2014 at 1:00 pm.

See below for Pumpkin Festival


Microsoft co-founder to partner with UMass in fight against Ebola

Microsoft co-founder to partner with UMass in fight against Ebola

Donna Gallagher, a UMass community health instructor who has made dozens of trips to Liberia, is seen in August with some of the items destined for medical staff in Africa. (T&G File Photo/THOMAS CAYWOOD)   

 By Maria L. La Ganga LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT

SEATTLE — Paul Allen, billionaire owner of sports teams and mega-yachts, on Thursday pledged at least $100 million to fight Ebola in what is believed to be the largest private foundation donation so far to combat the deadly disease and support health care workers in West Africa.

The gift from the co-founder of Microsoft involves the University of Massachusetts Medical School. It includes an estimated $26.5 million already donated to organizations such as the American Red Cross, to pay for equipment, volunteers and educational materials, and the Centers for Disease Control Foundation, to establish emergency operations centers in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the nations at the epicenter of the epidemic.

"The Ebola virus is unlike any health crisis we have ever experienced and needs a response unlike anything we have ever seen," Allen said in a statement. "I am committed to tackling Ebola until it is stopped."

Spencer officials say override can undo damage done by cuts

Spencer officials say override can undo damage done by cuts

By Kim Ring TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
kim.ring@telegram.com

SPENCER — Residents are doing building projects at their homes without proper permits, about 3,000 senior citizens go without many services offered in other communities, and soon people who live in town may not be able to use their library cards outside of Spencer.

But voters have a chance to fix those and other problems by approving a $484,000 override of Proposition 2½, municipal leaders said during Wednesday night's selectmen's meeting. The override request will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot as a fifth question after the four statewide initiatives. It was already approved at town meeting.

Town employees issued public pleas during the meeting Wednesday, asking residents to undo the damage done by the cuts made earlier this year in order to manage a school budget crisis. Now voters have the opportunity to approve funding to replace the seven positions eliminated at the Richard Sugden Library, where there had been 12 staff members. They can fund reopening the Town Hall to a four-day-per-week schedule instead of the current three-day week.

After 1st Ebola case in NYC, 3 others quarantined

After 1st Ebola case in NYC, 3 others quarantined
Police officers stand outside the home of Craig Spencer, a Doctors Without Borders physician who recently returned to the city after treating Ebola patients in West Africa. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) 
NEW YORK — A doctor who became New York City's first Ebola patient was praised for getting treatment immediately upon showing symptoms, and health officials stressed that the nation's most populous city need not fear his wide-ranging travel in the days before his illness began.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged residents not to be alarmed by the doctor's diagnosis Thursday, even as they described him riding the subway, taking a cab and bowling since returning to New York from Guinea a week ago. De Blasio said all city officials followed "clear and strong" protocols in their handling and treatment of him.

"We want to state at the outset that New Yorkers have no reason to be alarmed," de Blasio said. "New Yorkers who have not been exposed are not at all at risk."

The doctor, Craig Spencer, a member of Doctors Without Borders, reported Thursday morning coming down with a 100.3-degree fever and diarrhea. He was being treated in an isolation ward at Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital, a designated Ebola center.

In appearance on CNN on Friday morning, the governor said Spencer "presented himself" to the hospital when he had "a 100-point-3 fever ... not 103 ... as has been reported."

New York City's health department on Friday confirmed that the doctor's temperature was 100.3. At a news conference Thursday night, officials said Spencer had a temperature of 103 degrees.

Cuomo said Friday that the doctor "obviously felt he wasn't symptomatic" when he went out "in a limited way."

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Winchendon needs to address land issue

Winchendon needs to address land issue
To the Editor: 10/23/2014

To the Editor:

In June, I was instructed by Winchendon’s Town Counsel Kopelman and Paige that I had to sue the town if I wanted a meeting.

Before Winchendon had a Town Manager, I informed the Assessor that my property records and some of my neighbors’ were incorrect and not up-to-date. That assessor contacted the state Department of Revenue and my property assessment got corrected and increased accordingly.

At a later date, I became an owner of record again, but this time the new assessor refused to make any corrections.

Instead of contacting the state department of revenue, the town manager got involved and chose to consult with the town counsel, which instructed me to sue the town at that time.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Advisory Board Meeting October 22, 2014

Advisory Board meeting October 22, 2014

The Advisory Board meeting tonight discussed and reviewed the 12 warrant articles for the November 5, 2014 Special Town Meeting.

Article 1 -

Main motion:  I move that Fifty Eight Thousand Dollars ($58,000) be raised and appropriated in additional taxes from the FY ‘15 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town, to be used by the Town Administrator to provide 2 % raises and salary adjustments for all Town employees,  provided however that this appropriation shall not take effect unless or until the voters of the Town vote to approve an operating override of the limitation on taxes under G.L. Chapter 59, 21C(i), known as Proposition 2 ½ , to levy $58,000 in additional real estate and personal property taxes 

Adv. Board  4 YES  NO 2
 Article 2 - 
 Main motion:  I move that Twenty Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy One Dollars ($27,771) be raised and appropriated in additional taxes from the FY’15 tax levy and other general revenues of the town to be used by the Town Administrator to hire an administrative assistant in the Town Assessors’ office and an assistant town clerk, provided however that this appropriation shall not take effect unless or until the voters of the Town vote to approve an operating override of the limitation on taxes under G.L. Chapter 59, 21C(i), known as Proposition 2 ½ , to levy $27,771 in additional real estate and personal property taxes .  
Adv. Board  3 YES  NO 3

These two articles will be read IF the override passes on November 4, 2014 

Article 1 will result in a permanent increase of 10.7 cents on the tax rate
Article 2 will result in a permanent increase of 5.1 cents to the tax rate. 

Please support your Town employees at the 

polls on November 4, 2014!

  

Playground Dedication and Pumpkin Festival

Playground Dedication and Pumpkin Festival

The East Templeton playground dedicated to Gladys Salame on Saturday  October 25, 2014 at 1:00 pm.

See below for Pumpkin Festival


Templeton didn't make a mistakeTempleton didn't make a mistake

Templeton didn't make a mistake

To the Editor: 10/22/2014

To the Editor:

A Letter to the Editor from Barnard Heaney regarding the failure of the town of Templeton to bill its independent enterprises, the Water, Sewer and Light departments, for their respective shares of employee benefits accurately refers to a situation that existed in June 2014. However, the problem has been corrected.

Mr. Heaney pointed out at an Advisory Board meeting in June that the town was not billing the independent enterprises for their proportionate shares of health insurance and the Worcester County retirement system.

Billing of the independent enterprises had been done in the past, but the practice was discontinued by a previous Treasurer. When I learned of the problem, I met with the Acting Town Accountant and Acting Treasurer and instructed them to resume billing and to ensure that all funds owed for Fiscal Year 2014 were collected.

Independent enterprises were billed in July, and reimbursements owed to the town are being collected. Billing will continue on a regular basis, I have assured the Board of Selectmen and the public on several occasions that this problem has been remedied.

Mr. Heaney commented that the Sewer Department owed $60,000 to the town in June and that these funds could have been used to avoid the shutdown of most town services in May and June of 2014. 

This is not how the budget process works.

NOTICE OF PRE-TOWN MEETING

NOTICE OF PRE-TOWN MEETING

NOTICE OF PRE-TOWN MEETING —
The Advisory Board will hold the PRE-TOWN MEETING on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Kiva  conference room, 464 Baldwinville Rd. Baldwinville to discuss and vote recommendations on warrant articles for the Nov. 5th, 2014 Special Town Meeting.
Monday, October 20, 2014

STM Warrant

Fundraiser for Rep. Andrews


Amidst investigation, town appoints new collector
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

HUBBARDSTON - The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the appointment of a new full-time tax collector during their meeting Monday night to replace Treasurer and acting-Tax Collector Kristen Noel.

Kori Stuart, who has been serving as assistant tax collector, was given the nod from the board at the recommendation of Town Administrator Anita Scheipers, who said Ms. Stuart has been an asset in the office.

“She has all the right background to do the job,” Ms. Sheipers told selectmen. “She’s been learning it very quickly.”

“She’s a sharp cookie.” Selectman David Simmerer said in agreement.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Worcester Telegram LTE

Winchendon manager must go

To my friends in Winchendon: A true leader accepts responsibility for the actions of those who report to him.He does not make excuses as to why certain actions took place nor does he blame someone else for his failure to recognize when a problem exists.

So now my friends, ask yourself, does the man who manages your town exhibit any of the qualities? If so, let it go. If not then you must contact the people you elected to represent you and tell them that Town Manager James M. Kreidler must be relieved of his duties.

KEVIN M. CUNNINGHAM

Troy, New Hampshire

NOTICE OF PRE-TOWN MEETING

NOTICE OF PRE-TOWN MEETING

NOTICE OF PRE-TOWN MEETING —
The Advisory Board will hold the PRE-TOWN MEETING on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Kiva  conference room, 464 Baldwinville Rd. Baldwinville to discuss and vote recommendations on warrant articles for the Nov. 5th, 2014 Special Town Meeting.
Monday, October 20, 2014

STM Warrant

Candidate Forum

Candidate Forum

Kamaloht

5:00 - 6:00 pm

 An opportunity to meet and listen to Suzanne Bump candidate for re-election State Auditor as well as Rep. Denise Andrews.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Templeton's questionable decisions


Interesting thoughts... Who made the cuts?
How does a town pay unpaid bills from a prior year?


Templeton's questionable decisions
To the Editor: 10/16/2014

To the Editor:

Templeton’s temporary Town Administrator has made some positive changes recently, however, some things remain the same.  Case in point, is a citizen simply trying to get an answer to one financial question.

In early June Fiscal Year 2014, I attended a Waste Water Treatment Facility meeting, and learned that the sewer department owed the town $60,000 for employee benefits.  

Since the majority of our town workers were laid off at the time and not earning any income, I stopped at the town office the next morning to remind them this money was owed to the town.  

I was told the fastest way to communicate would be to email the Board of Selectmen (BOS).  At that time there was some concern that the Board of Health and Inspection Department work could not be performed because of layoffs. 

My email, dated June 3, suggested that both these departments could be back to work immediately with this $60,000.  An hour later the BOS Chairman responded that he had forwarded my email to the accountant, treasurer, and town administrator. 

Meetings Week of October 20, 2014

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Meetings Week of October 20, 2014

Monday 10/20/14
BOS                             Kamaloht                  6:30 pm
Conservation                 4 Elm St                  7:00 pm

Tuesday 10/21/14
Town Clerk (Ballot testing)                           8:00 am
MART                           Fitchburg                10:30 am
Veterans                        3 Central St               6:30 pm
Planning                       Scout Hall                  6:30 pm

Wednesday 10/22/14
Adv Board                      KIVA**                      6:00 pm
ZBA                                Scout Hall                  6:15 pm

Thursday 10/23/14
Sr. Center                        Bridge St                  6:30 pm

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Activities today!

YOUTH DAY 2014 — 

Join us at the Otter River Sportsman’s Club, 250 Lord Rd. on Sunday, Oct. 19 for an introduction to hunting, fishing and sportsman’s safety for youths ages 8 – 16. Must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and a free lunch. Rain or Shine. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the events will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be Fly Fishing - Fly Tying – Bow and Arrow Safety – Canoeing and Gun Shooting Safety. For more information: LeslieDossett@gmail.com or call 978-939-5027.

Meet and Greet for Rep. Denise Andrews
At Country Mischief
3- 4:30 pm
 

Winchendon gives manager new contract despite huge deficit

Winchendon gives manager new contract despite huge deficit
By George Barnes TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
george.barnes@telegram.com


WINCHENDON — Town Manager James M. Kreidler has been given a new three-year contract. The decision by selectmen came Wednesday after an executive session.

Mr. Kreidler said Friday that the four members of the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the new contract which would extend his current contract, which is up in June. He said the contract comes with a pay cut of 3 percent in the first year and no raises over the next two years. The pay cut would reduce Mr. Kreidler's base salary from $126,371 to $122,580.

The town manager said he requested the cut be made out of fairness because he is requesting town employees to forgo the 3 percent raise they received beginning July 1. He said the raise would be called back only for future pay checks, not retroactively.

The new contract was agreed to in executive session and then ratified in open session. It followed a 3-2 vote by selectmen to rescind an earlier vote made in September to ask Mr. Kreidler to resign. After the vote to rescind the vote was made, Selectman Jackson Blair resigned. He did not take part in the vote for a new contract.

The meeting was held Wednesday night to discuss the town's budget deficit, which the state puts at $5.7 million. It is not clear how the deficit occurred. The state has informed the town it does not have enough money to pay its bills and has advanced the town local aid money to meet its payroll.

Contact George Barnes at george.barnes@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG

Winchendon...two perspectives

Winchendon...Two Perspectives

Winchendon lost its statesman
To the Editor: 10/18/2014


To the Editor:

At the special selectmen’s meeting held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 our town lost its diplomatic voice of reason with the resignation of Jackson Blair. 

He submitted his resignation at the end of the meeting without fanfare when most of those attending had left.  He resigned in anticipation of the Board giving the town manager a new contract that he wouldn’t vote for.  

Anyone who attends the selectmen’s meetings or watches them on cable would agree he was always fair and impartial, and always — yes always — a gentleman.  

His absence on the Select Board will be missed by the average citizen who knew they would receive fair and unbiased treatment from him.  He brought a sense of dignity and composure to the board, which it often lacked.

As the meeting unfolded, the School Committee had wanted a joint meeting with the select board.  They wanted one, Jack Blair thought they should be part of the discussion — after all, the schools finances have been called into question. Wouldn’t it be good to hear from them?

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Bill Gates’ Polio Vaccine Program Caused 47,500 Cases of Paralysis Death

Bill Gates’ Polio Vaccine Program Caused 47,500 Cases of Paralysis Death

http://nsnbc.me/2013/05/08/bill-gates-polio-vaccine-program-caused-47500-cases-of-paralysis-death/ 

Bill Gates and 47,500 Cases of Paralysis

Joe Samuel (4M),- In India, Monsanto hired Bollywood actors to promote genetically engineered cotton seed to illiterate farmers. Nana Petakar became a brand ambassador for Monsanto. The advertising has been called “aggressive, unscrupulous and false.”

Bill Gates, heavily invested in Monsanto’s GMOs as well as in vaccines, hired the most beloved of Indian actors, Amitabh Bachchan, to promote the oral polio vaccine.

Here is one example of the ads Bachchan created. Here is Bachchan and use of Bollywood itself to promote the vaccines, and here isanother ad, in which Bachchan employes his acting skills.



The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says:

“Worldwide efforts in the last two decades have reduced the number of polio cases by 99 percent. Until we reach eradication, however, we are working with governments and all partners in the polio effort to ensure no child is at risk of either contracting or transmitting this crippling disease.”

Monsanto used Bollywood actors and succeeded in selling India’s farmers Bt cotton seeds. Profits for Monsanto rose. When yields were less than promised, farmers incurred massive debt, leading many to suicide, in what is considered “the worst-ever recorded wave of suicides of this kind in human history.” To date, the number of suicides has surpassed 250,000.

P. Sainath details this neoliberal terrorism:

“With giant seed companies displacing cheap hybrids and far cheaper and hardier traditional varieties with their own products, a cotton farmer in Monsanto’s net would be paying far more for seed than he or she ever dreamed they would. Local varieties and hybrids were squeezed out with enthusiastic state support. In 1991, you could buy a kilogram of local seed for as little as Rs.7 or Rs.9 in today’s worst affected region of Vidarbha. By 2003, you would pay Rs.350 — ($7) — for a bag with 450 grams of hybrid seed. By 2004, Monsanto’s partners in India were marketing a bag of 450 grams of Bt cotton seed for between Rs.1,650 and Rs.1,800 ($33 to $36).”

Long after it was apparent that Monsanto was having a lethal impact on India, Bill Gates who says he wants to help the poor in India, made a huge investment in Monsanto. Does Gates care that he invested in a company that has left poor children of India without their fathers and lost them their land they had lived on?

ORSC YOUTH DAY 2014

YOUTH DAY 2014 — 

Join us at the Otter River Sportsman’s Club, 250 Lord Rd. on Sunday, Oct. 19 for an introduction to hunting, fishing and sportsman’s safety for youths ages 8 – 16. Must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and a free lunch. Rain or Shine. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the events will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be Fly Fishing - Fly Tying – Bow and Arrow Safety – Canoeing and Gun Shooting Safety. For more information: LeslieDossett@gmail.com or call 978-939-5027.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Second Franklin State Representative Race Candidate Forum

Second Franklin State Representative Race Candidate Forum

Incumbent State Representative Denise Andrews (D) and challenger Susannah Whipps  Lee (R) will co-host a candidate forum on Saturday, Oct 18th from 5-6pm at the French King Bowling and Entertainment Center, 55 French King Highway, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Doors open at 4:30 pm.

Kathy Ann Becker, Wendell Town Moderator will be the moderator for the debate. All questions will come from the audience.

“A lot is at stake on November 4th, we have a choice on the ballot and this forum will give voters additional information in preparation to cast their ballot. Their vote will have an immediate and direct impact on tax policy, job creation, energy policy, environmental policy, education, public safety, public health, transportation and the level of investment that either we continue to make or don’t in this district,” shared Representative Andrews.

"I'm looking forward to putting my ideas on the table in Erving!" stated Susannah Whipps Lee. "The voters deserve to see the differences between us."

You can also learn more about each candidate by visiting their web pages http://www.lee4rep.com and  www.deniseandrews.org.

Homecoming

Homecoming

It's a beautiful day! Time for some football...TONIGHT


West Boylston (2-3) at Narragansett (2-3)
(Tonight, 7 p.m. Stuart Field)

Last week’s results: West Boylston def. Leicester, 21-8; Narragansett def. Ayer-Shirley, 28-7.

COA Open House


COA Open House

New Templeton Senior Community Center Construction Open House
Navigate to 79 Bridge Street Baldwinville, MA and take the driveway in-between the Pines Apartments and the Cemetery. 

Saturday October 18th, from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Curious about the progress of the new Templeton Senior Community Center?  Well, the rough-in plumbing and electrical is complete, framing done, and all the windows are in.  However, don’t take our word for it, come see it for yourself!  Tours will be given and refreshments served.  Also, visit the building in order to make an informed decision regarding construction budget warrants to be discussed at the Special Town Meeting (11/5).  For more information call the COA 978 632 4592.  

Ebola News

 Ebola News
Some thoughts on yesterday's conference call on Ebola preparedness-

Yesterday there was a conference call for public officials called by the Department of Public Health and MEMA.  It was a productive call. Many public officials, public safety officials raised a lot of good questions about safety protocols and funding to implement these protocols to deal with Ebola.

Some little known facts - in Massachusetts the DPH through local boards of health has the authority to quarantine ANYONE, ANYTIME if a disease dangerous to the public health breaks out in a town.


There are other sections of MGL that relate to quarantine:

 As well as  MGL Chapter 111 section 94E, 94 G, 95:

Section 95. If a disease dangerous to the public health breaks out in a town, or if a person is infected or lately has been infected therewith, the board of health shall immediately provide such hospital or place of reception and such nurses and other assistance and necessaries as is judged best for his accommodation and for the safety of the inhabitants, and the same shall be subject to the regulations of the board. The board may cause any sick or infected person to be removed to such hospital or place, if it can be done without danger to his health; otherwise the house or place in which he remains shall be considered as a hospital, and all persons residing in or in any way connected therewith shall be subject to the regulations of the board, and, if necessary, persons in the neighborhood may be removed. When the board of health of a town shall deem it necessary, in the interest of the public health, to require a resident wage earner to remain within such house or place or otherwise to interfere with the following of his employment, he shall receive from such town during the period of his restraint compensation to the extent of three fourths of his regular wages; [ sounds good so far....] provided, that the amount so received shall not exceed two dollars for each working day.

One thing should be clear - your local Board of Health has a lot of power.  

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Fundraiser at JK Crossroads TONIGHT 4-10 pm!

Templeton Senior Center Presents
Whispers from Heaven with Medium Andrea Allen
Thursday October 16th 

at the American Legion
11:30 - Pizza Lunch
12:30 - Andrea’s Presentation
Join internationally recognized Medium Andrea Allen as she gives us a better understanding of  how we can connect with loved ones in spirit.  This is not a group reading.  Instead, Andrea will show us that compassion, love, and kindness are the keys to communicating with our loved ones ourselves.  Andrea’s goal is to leave each and everyone inspired and empowered as she helps shed light in areas that may be shadowed. There will be an optional pizza lunch ($4/person) before Andrea’s presentation.  Please RSVP even if you are not having lunch (978 632 4592). 




Friends of the Templeton Elders
Fundraiser at JK Crossroads
119 Patriots Road, East Templeton, MA
Thursday October 16th,
from 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Help us raise money to finish the construction of the new Templeton Senior Community Center just by eating dinner here in town!  Crossroads will have a special menu that evening and $5 from any dinner purchased off that menu will be donated toward the COA’s construction.  It will be a fun evening out, as Crossroads offers samples of new beverages and menu items.  For more information call the Templeton COA at 978 632 4592.


Ebola update

Ebola update

There will be a conference call hosted by DPH AND MEMA FOR MUNICIPAL LEADERS ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT 3:00 PM.

Ebola preparedness information is available HERE.
This Department of public health website has information regarding Ebola protocols including this screening tool:

Fired procurement officer sues Quabbin school officials, alleging age, gender bias

Fired procurement officer sues Quabbin school officials, alleging age, gender bias
By James F. Russell CORRESPONDENT

BARRE — A $1.9 million discrimination lawsuit filed against the Quabbin Regional School District superintendent, school committee and finance chief by a recently terminated administrator, includes accusations against the five-town district.

One allegation is that Superintendent Maureen M. Marshall sought to disregard procurement regulations "to give business to her friends."

Despite acrimony between some town officials and the district over budget deliberations in recent years, Mrs. Marshall, and Director of Administrative Services Cheryl A. Duval, another defendant, have been commended for strict adherence to financial regulations and protocols.

William A. Burnett of Barre filed suit in Worcester Superior Court last month.

At the request of Quabbin officials, the case was transferred to federal court on Oct. 7, but Mr. Burnett's attorney plans to file a motion seeking to remand the case to state court.

"This is an action for Breach of Contract; Wrongful Termination; Harassment; Hostile Work Environment; Age Discrimination; and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress," according to the complaint filed by Worcester attorney Howard J. Potash, representing Mr. Burnett.

Barre tax collector's lawyer seeks Appeals ruling on whether charge is appropriate

Barre tax collector's lawyer seeks Appeals ruling on whether charge is appropriate

By Gary V. Murray TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
gmurray@telegram.com

WORCESTER — The lawyer representing former Barre Tax Collector Marcia Langelier on charges of stealing more than $300,000 in tax revenues wants the state Appeals Court to decide whether a law prohibiting the falsification of corporate ledgers can be applied to municipal officials or employees.

Ms. Langelier, 62, is under indictment in Worcester Superior Court on charges of larceny of more than $250 by a single scheme, embezzlement by a municipal or county officer and making false entries in corporate books.

Prosecutors allege she embezzled more than $300,000 in public funds between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 31, 2011, while acting as the town's elected tax collector. Ms. Langelier has pleaded not guilty.

Her lawyer, John J. Roemer, has filed a motion seeking dismissal of the false entries in corporate books charge on grounds that the town of Barre, while incorporated in 1774, is not a corporation within the meaning of the statute in question.