February 24 BOS Meeting…and the movie

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February 24 BOS Meeting…and the movie

Part 1 of the BOS Meeting on 2/24/14

Part 2 of the BOS Meeting on 2/24/14

Part 3 of the BOS Meeting on 2/24/14

Part 4 of the BOS Meeting on 2/24/14

This meeting may be a bit difficult to follow. Items were taken out of order due to the scheduled pole hearings. Hearings must be taken up for discussion at the posted time.

Winchendon residents to see lower energy bills

Winchendon residents to see lower energy bills

Katie Landeck
News Staff Writer


WINCHENDON — If everything goes as planned, by next winter Winchendon residents should see a reduction in their energy bills.

At the Special Town Meeting in October 2012, the town voted in favor of an article to “become an aggregator of electric power on behalf of its residential and business communities.”

This meant that town officials could bundle together the electricity used by individual residents and town businesses before placing them out to bid.

Theoretically, the company that offers the lowest rate would be awarded the contract and people at home would start seeing lower electric bills.

Fast forward a little less than a year and a half later and the pieces of that deal are finally coming together.

Not long after the Town Meeting vote, the town partnered with Colonial Power Group, an energy consulting company that specializes in aggregating electricity for towns.

Applauding the Highway Department's snow removal

Applauding the Highway Department's snow removal

To The Editor: 2/27/2014
Ernie and Sue Turcotte
Templeton
To The Editor:

Just a few words to thank the dedicated and hard working members of the Templeton Highway Department for the great job of keeping the roads open during the month of February.

Although being pressured by storms, which were sometimes back-to-back and working from a department that is understaffed and under budget constraints, this crew of dedicated employees would take to the roads in equipment that they had in some cases fabricated parts for themselves in order to keep this antique fleet on the road.

In spite of every obstacle, this crew continues to get the job done. Thanks again.

Ernie and Sue Turcotte
Templeton

Town departments asked to slash budgets

Town departments asked to slash budgets

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON— In anticipation of another budget crisis for Fiscal Year 2014, the Board of Selectmen has asked department heads to submit revised budgets with a 5 percent cut, complete with impact statements outlining exactly how the proposed cuts could potentially affect operations.

While not every budget was received, those that were read and reviewed Monday night painted an alarming picture of the town’s future. Most departments have already gone through several years of drastic cuts and level-funding, leaving their budgets at bare bones. For many, the only cuts to be made were in salary accounts.

“The low-hanging fruit has already been cut over the years,” explained Vice Chairman Kenn Robinson. “The bulk of these cuts will come in the form of salaries.”

“These people are sitting on the edge of their seats. We have long-term, dedicated employees,” said member Diane Haley Brooks.

Mr. Robinson also said the town would need to come to terms with whether they could continue to support a full-time government, or if they would need to drop down to part-time.

“Without some kind of override, we cannot support this staffing and the structure,” he said.

Worcester charts a course to better health

By Alli Knothe TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — How does Worcester plan to become the healthiest city in New England in the next six years? By, among other things, tackling systematic racism and classism.

In a 100-page report to be released Wednesday by the Worcester Division of Public Health and its affiliates, officials have pinned down dozens of short-term and long-term strategies to reach its goal.

Although there are five main areas of focus, including primary care and wellness, violence and injury prevention, healthy eating and active living, as well as behavioral health, the final category of the Greater Worcester Region Community Health Improvement Plan underlies all the others.

COA March Newsletter

COA March Newsletter

There are many exciting things happening at the Council on Aging.

Deja vu

Deja vu!  All over again

Please read:

Town of Somerset

Review of the Treasurer’s and the Tax Collector’s Offices
Division of Local Services / Technical Assistance Section

The similarities between Templeton and Somerset are striking.

STM March 29, 2014

STM March 29, 2014

Last night a majority of the BOS voted to hold a STM, funded by the school district, on March 29th.

The purpose of this STM is to allow the residents of Templeton to vote on a $500,00 debt exclusion to support more money for the Templeton Elementary School Building project.

This is an additional $500,000.  The original $550,000 voted in 2009 is not enough to get this project to schematic design.

If this article is passed at the STM, the total cost to get to schematic design will be $1,050,000. $1,050,000 includes the $230,000 non-reimbursible expense for the land search.

Request for STM

Biomass Financing

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Notice from Deputy Commissioner Nunes 

2/24/14 Town Administrator Financial Update

 

Meetings 2/24/14- 2/28/14

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Meetings 2/24/14- 2/28/14

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Monday 2/24/14

BOS                                   690 Patriots Rd              6:30 pm      

Tuesday 2/25/14

Advisory Board              690 Patriots Rd              6:30 pm

Planning Board              690 Patriots Rd.              6:30 pm

MRPC                            Fitchburg                     7:00 pm

BOH                            690 Patriots Rd.              7:45 pm

Friday 2/28/14

Senior Center                     Scout Hall                     6:30 pm

Open Meeting Law Violation

CIA's 'Facebook' Program Dramatically Cut Agency's Costs? 

From FaceBook:

Diane Haley Brooks, Selectwoman
February 5
This morning I learned that our town does not have a policy on snow/inclement weather days or early release for inclement weather for non-essential town employees.

I, along with the other Selectman, received an email early this morning from our Administrative Assistant asking what the plan was for our employees as the storm was going to continue getting worse and Harvard Town Offices were already closed. I have to say I was surprised they were even there as the schools were closed, the Governor asked for people to not be on the roads if they didn't have to be and our roads were sloppy. I saw the emails along with a reply about an hour after it was sent.

It was decided by one Selectman that they would continue to work as Gardner City Hall was open.

That was a completely unacceptable response in my humble opinion so I promptly call the Administrative Assistant and asked what the policy was ... NONE. We had a brief conversation and I told her I was sending a reply to formally request they be sent home sooner and not later for their safety and I would imagine that our town personnel that keep our roads safe and clear would also appreciate that.

HEROIN UPDATE: 60 overdoses, 5 deaths

Also on Feb. 24, in the western part of the state, a second conference called “Heroin: A community response to a community crisis” will take place at Greenfield Community College at 1 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

 

HEROIN UPDATE: 60 overdoses, 5 deaths bring national officials to Taunton for talks

Katie Landeck
News Staff Writer


REGION — Following record levels of opiate induced overdoses in the region, both local and national officials are slated to meet in Taunton on Monday morning to discuss the region’s alarming uptick in substance abuse.

In the past month and a half, more than 60 people have overdosed in Taunton alone, resulting in five fatalities. The numbers have left the city reeling as it tries to cope with figures that  double overdose statistics reported as recently as 2007.

Home News

Home News

ANIMAL RESCUE IN NEED OF ITEMS -
The animals waiting for adoption at Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue are in need of items to make their stay at the shelter a little nicer. Paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent, dish soap, trash bags, canned dog and cat food, disposable foil pans, puppy pads. - To see the full list, please visit:

Wish List   or call 978-297-2673

Items may be dropped off at the shelter located at 381r Baldwinville Rd.


NEW HOURS FOR FOOD PANTRY-
 The Templeton Food pantry will now be open one Saturday a month. The addition of a Saturday hours makes it possible for us to better serve those in the workforce who need the Food Pantry. The pantry serves residents of Templeton and Phillipston of all ages. There are no income guidelines and there is a one page intake form and proof of residency to utilize the pantry's service. The Food Pantry is run by the Templeton Council on Aging and is located at 3 Elm St. Baldwinville. For more information please contact:

Food Pantry

Food pantry Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - 1 :00 pm  second Saturday of the month 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. The second Thursday of the month we are closed

Pizza parlor opens in Templeton

Pizza parlor opens in Templeton

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

Owner Chris Christodoulou (left) with employees Mackenzie MacAdams, Megan Derosiers, and Brandon Buthen behind the counter at Reno’s Pizzeria in East Templeton.

TEMPLETON— Hungry Templeton residents have a new restaurant to try, as Reno’s Pizzeria recently opened it’s doors for business.

Owned by Chris Christodoulou and her husband Reno, the eatery seated its first customers last Tuesday after a two-year long journey. Despite the sometimes arduous process, Ms. Christodoulou was thankful for the people of Templeton for their support.

“It was the people in town that pushed us. I almost gave up,” she said. “There was a lot of bumps in the road, but we got here.”

The Rutland couple also owns Parker House of Pizza in Gardner. They decided to open a restaurant in Templeton after their customers said they wanted a location closer to home.

Detroit restructuring plan includes pension cuts

Detroit restructuring plan includes pension cuts

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DETROIT — Detroit's emergency manager filed a plan Friday to restructure the city's $18 billion debt by making cuts to pensions and creditors while offering a blueprint for emerging from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

An early draft of state-appointed Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's plan called for city pensioners to receive $4.3 billion in payments and bondholders about $1.1 billion during the next 40 years. That draft also detailed plans to help pensioners keep more of what they are owed by using state and private funds to protect against the sale of city-owned art at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Fluoride Information

Fluoride Information

10 Facts about Fluoride

“Fluoride should be a choice, not a mandate”

Should Infants Drink Fluoridated Water?

Racial disparities in dental fluorosis

Worcester telegram article:

First lady highlights drink-more-water show in NYC 

Artist Trey Speegle, left, photographs first lady Michelle Obama as she prepares to autograph his color-by-numbers mural promoting the drinking of water for good health. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

By Jennifer Peltz THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Employees receive incorrect tax forms

Employees receive incorrect tax forms

Town says software issues to blame
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Municipal employees have extra paperwork to contend with this tax season, as the town reportedly sent out multiple incorrect W-2 forms.

According to Town Treasurer Dan Keeney, the town will soon be sending out its third round of W-2’s, as both the original and second ‘corrected’ forms contained mistakes. Although Mr. Keeney said the inaccuracies will likely have little impact on employee’s taxes, the ordeal has certainly caused its fair share of frustration.

“It’s not ideal,” the Treasurer lamented. “It’s embarrassing to have to keep sending out these forms.”

Templeton board weighs limited fiscal options

BOS Meeting 2/18/14...the Movie

 

Templeton board weighs limited fiscal options

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON  — With Fiscal Year 2013’s books still open and a free cash sum still to be determined, the Board of Selectmen voted Monday to cancel the March 8 Special Town Meeting.

“If we don’t have that number, than we’re going to Town Meeting without certified free cash,” said Chairman Jeffrey Bennet. “And that takes an option off the table.”

Looking ahead, after the accountant closes the town’s books for FY13, documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Revenue for review, and only after the numbers are checked and approved will certified free cash be received. The process could take anywhere from a week to several months and as Advisory Board Chairman Wilfred Spring reminded the select board, last year the numbers were turned in at the end of February and the town did not receive their free cash number until just before May’s town meeting.

Meetings 2/18/14 - 2/20/14

Meetings 2/18/14 -  2/20/14

Tuesday 2/18 –

Elementary school (TESBC)   Central Office       5:30 pm

BOS                             690 Patriots Rd.                6:30 pm

Capital Planning              690 Patriots Rd             6:30 pm

Wednesday 2/19

MART                             Fitchburg                   10:30 am

Assessors                        School St.                     2:00 pm

MJTC                              Fitchburg                     7:00 pm

Recreation                     690 Patriots Rd              9:39 pm

Town schools face over-crowding, failing structures

Town schools face over-crowding, failing structures

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — The state of Templeton’s elementary schools has long been a hot topic in town, but a new school may soon be on the horizon.

Needs derived from growing class sizes and crumbling structures plague Templeton’s elementary schools, both of which are well over 90 years old. Templeton Central and Baldwinville Schools have had their share of problems over the years, with Baldwinville recently making news when a pipe leak caused sewer water to rain down into a classroom, forcing an evacuation.

While the broken pipe will be repaired over February vacation, there looms another issue not so easily fixed — overcrowding. According to Narragansett School District superintendent Ruth Miller, both Templeton Central and Baldwinville are toeing the line of operating over capacity and she is having the building inspector look into the problem.

The cause, Ms. Miller said, is two-fold. The previously sluggish kindergarten enrollment is picking back up and the incoming class has an unprecedented 86 students, generating class sizes of 21 and 22 kids when 18 is the ideal.

Town explores tax title auction

Town explores tax title auction

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — The Treasurer and Board of Selectmen are exploring the possible sale of the town’s delinquent tax titles after a representative from Tallage LLC attended the board’s meeting Monday night.

According to Treasurer Dan Keeney, the extensive list of outstanding tax titles goes back to 1995 and the amount owed to the town in back taxes is an estimated $863,077.43, but interest and fees bring that total to a cool $1.4 million.

Mr. Keeney explained that his department simply lacks the funds to go after delinquent property owners. The town could take the owners to court, but to the tune of $2,000 per case up front before attorney’s fees, costs can rapidly spiral out of control and exceed anything the town hopes to gain.

“I have exhausted my ability to besiege this board and the advisory board to provide extra funds for my department to go after this money,” Mr. Keeney said at Monday’s meeting. “We have an opportunity before us to negotiate the sale and allow a company to bring that up front money.”

Bill Cowin of the Boston-based Tallage LLC explained the process and benefits to the board and Mr. Keeney.

As preschool demographics change, Central Mass. private schools cut tuition

By Jacqueline Reis TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
jreis@telegram.com

 

WORCESTER — As many private schools across New England struggle to attract the youngest students, two local schools are dropping their tuition rates for those grades.

Bancroft School in Worcester announced Friday that it will drop its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten tuition rates 42 percent from $21,450 to $12,500 and Grade 1 tuition 30 percent from $23,700 to $16,500.

Today, Touchstone Community School in Grafton is announcing its 2014-15 tuition rates, which include a 15 percent drop in pre-kindergarten costs (tuition and other fees) from $15,950 to $13,500 and a 26 percent drop in kindergarten costs from $18,300 to $13,500.

Bancroft is paying for the tuition reduction by drawing more money from its endowment and reducing costs when possible. Grades 2-12 at the school are seeing the smallest tuition increase in years: 3.5 percent.

Administrator search committee finalized

Administrator search committee finalized

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — The town’s search for a new full-time administrator is officially under way, as the Board of Selectmen voted  Monday night  to appoint three members to the official Search Committee.

Former selectmen Virginia Wilder, School Committee member John Columbus, and Bev Bartolomeo will form the ad-hoc committee, reviewing applicants and making a final recommendations to the select board.

There was some controversy as to whether a former selectmen should serve on the committee, as the board had previously been advised against appointing its members in order to prevent a conflict of interest.

“The recommendation that we heard was that board members should not be on the committee,” said member Doug Morrison. “And if a current select board member should not be on the committee, than nor should a previous selectmen, in my opinion.”

The board’s Vice Chair Kenn Robinson disagreed, saying that while a current board member should not be appointed to the committee, there was no real reason a former member should be barred from participating.

Winter Classic Ice Race benefits wounded warriors

Winter Classic Ice Race benefits wounded warriors

Doneen Durling
News Staff Writer

JAFFREY, N.H. —  Though many can't wait to say goodbye to winter, there are others that look forward to the thermometer dipping below zero. Jaffrey Ice Racing Association (JIRA) celebrates the frigid temps because that is when the ice is thick and the track on Lake Contoocook is perfect, in terms of racing conditions.

Chris Denman, President of the JIRA, a non profit organization, hopes February 15 will bring many spectators to Lake Contoocook to enjoy this year’s ice races.

“This is our first year running this benefit race,” said Mr. Denman. “We were looking for an annual signature race and we decided that veterans and their families, along with the wounded warriors, needed help. We figured that is what we are all about.”

The races begin Saturday February 15, at 12 p.m. The JIRA will donate parking fees and proceeds from a 50/50 raffle to Operation Homefront, New England. OH is a “501C3” whose mission is to provide emergency financial and other types of assistance to the families of service members and “wounded warriors.”

Templeton, Gardner weigh emergency dispatch options

Templeton, Gardner weigh emergency dispatch options

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — The Board of Selectmen is once again looking into regionalizing the 911 dispatch service with Gardner in an effort to save costs. A similar plan was studied over a year ago, with Templeton ultimately opting to decline the chance to enter into a joint arrangement.

However, last month, board Chairman Jeffrey Bennett contacted Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke, asking if the city was still interested in regionalizing. 

According to Mayor Hawke, the move makes sense, especially for a community that has been struggling financially, as previous studies into the feasibility of regionalizing found the town could save a considerable amount yearly.

“The original numbers showed a savings of about $90,000,” the Mayor said. “It wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect similar numbers this time around.”

U.S. Congress approves debt limit increase after Senate drama

U.S. Congress approves debt limit increase after Senate drama

February 12, 2014|Susan Cornwell and David Lawder | Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress approved an increase in the country's debt limit through March 2015, bowing to President Barack Obama's demands to extend federal borrowing authority without conditions, but only after a dramatic Senate vote on Wednesday.

Final action in the Senate followed an hour-long nail-biting procedural tally forced by the objections of Republican Ted Cruz, a conservative Tea Party favorite. It appeared at first there would not be enough Republicans to join the Democratic majority and advance the bill.

HEROIN : A COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO A COMMUNITY CRISIS

HEROIN:

A COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO A COMMUNITY CRISIS

1st Annual Community Conference
Mission: To bring professionals and communities members together to devise a

solution to the heroin epidemic, and to improve the quality of life in our community 

Hosted by: The Opiate Education and Awareness Task Force

(A partnership founded by Register of Probate John Merrigan, District Attorney David Sullivan, and Franklin County Sheriff Chris Donelan )
Panelists and presenters will include:

Congressman James McGovern
Representing the 2nd District of Massachusetts
Senator Stan Rosenberg
representing the Franklin, Hampshire, and Worcester District
Chief Justice Paula Carey
Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court
Court Administrator Harry Spence
first Court Administrator of the Massachusetts Trial Court
Director Hilary Jacobs
Bureau of Substance Abuse Services
John McGahan
President of the Gavin Foundation, recovery for individuals, families, and the community Vincent Piro
and Michael Higgins, founders of the H.E.A.T. Program
Chief Robert J. Ferullo. Jr.

Woburn Police
The H.E.A.T. program in Woburn, MA has assisted over 2000 families by specializing in helping overcome barriers to immediate and long term treatment 

Monday February 24, 2014

1:00 p.m. Greenfield Community College 

Questions: john.merrigan@jud.state.ma.us or rebecca@nqcc.org All are welcome! 

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Feds lobby for first responders to carry overdose antidote 

2/10/14 BOS meeting… and movie

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2/10/14 BOS meeting…

and movie

Part 1 of 5   Templeton BOS Meeting  2/10/14

Part 2 of 5   Templeton BOS Meeting  2/10/14

Part 3 of 5   Templeton BOS Meeting  2/10/14

Part 4 of 5   Templeton BOS Meeting  2/10/14

Part 5 of 5   Templeton BOS Meeting  2/10/14

This BOS meeting enters the record books for duration.

Ruth Miller-

After the approval of the minutes and the reading of the agenda, Supt. Miller spoke on behalf of the NRSD regarding the budget, elementary schools and the Templeton Elementary School Building (TESBC) project. There was discussion whether this project was a town project or a school project; also another override will be necessary to get the project to schematic design.

Templeton and Hubbardston to seek funding

Templeton and Hubbardston to seek funding

To The Editor: 2/11/2014
Templeton/Hubbardston
Community Development Advisory Committee

To The Editor:

We applaud the decision by the Templeton Board of Selectmen, in conjunction with the town of Hubbardston, to once again pursue Community Development Block Grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

These grant funds will provide a welcome boost to the region’s low- and moderate-income residents.

After seeing Baldwinville’s multi-year Back Bay project through to a successful completion, the Templeton selectmen have expanded the reach of grant-funded work by including the new East Templeton Target Area in the application. The time is right to begin the transition of grant work from Baldwinville to East Templeton, by opting to fund both target areas for this year, the town is looking to make this shift as smooth as possible — particularly for those residents still on the housing rehabilitation program waiting list in Baldwinville.

Here we go again!

From: Rich Curtis Templeton Emergency Management  Director

 

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT
FEBRUARY 11, 2014  4:45 PM

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:

A winter storm will affect southern New England Thursday into Thursday night.  This storm is anticipated to impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes and potentially cause power outages, downed tree limbs, beach erosion, and pockets of minor coastal flooding.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Hampden, Franklin, Middlesex, Worcester, Essex, Norfolk, Hampshire, and Bristol Counties through Friday morning.

Ehrhard takes stance on welfare, immigration, gun laws in Templeton

Ehrhard takes stance on welfare, immigration, gun laws in Templeton

Joseph Benavidez
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — Saturday afternoon republican candidate and state senate hopeful James Ehrhard found himself at Templeton’s Country Mischief restaurant on Baldwinville Road for a “coffee with the candidate” meet and greet. Mr. Ehrhard is running for the Worcester Second District seat, currently held by Sen. Stephen Brewer.

Nearly 50 people from Templeton, Winchendon, Hubbardston, Royalston, New Braintree, Barre and Rutland joined Mr Ehrhard as he disussed his views on a wide range of issues from immigration laws, government spending, abortion, gun rights, the gas tax, school safety,  to the overall responsibilities he would take on if he were to be elected.

Coffee shop opens after controversy

Coffee shop opens after controversy

Joseph Benavidez
News Staff Writer

John Nadreau, left, and Joseph Cadette stand in front of Pro Stock Driver Dennis Maxfield’s racecar at the grand opening for their new Dunkin’ Donuts at 34 Elm Street, Templeton. The site was the former home of Grace Baptist Church.


TEMPLETON — After a controversial battle for property, a new Dunkin’ Donuts store has opened at 34 Elm Street in Templeton.

"This community has been booming, so this is a good opportunity for us," said Co-Owner John Nadreau during the grand opening Saturday morning.

Joseph Cadette, the locals other co-owner, and Mr. Nadreau have been business partners for years and this store makes the 19th one they have opened together. However, according to the pair, unlike their other stores, this one coincided with outcry from members of the community due to the fact that a historic church, Grace Baptist , would have to be tore down in order for the Dunkin’ Donuts to be built.

Posted Meetings 2/10 – 2/14

Posted Meetings 2/10 – 2/14

Monday 2/10/14

Arts & Cultural       Boynton Public Library       6:30 pm

BOS                            690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Tuesday 2/11/14

Capital Planning       690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Planning Board       690 Patriots Rd                     6:30 pm

Students bristle at WSU mandatory meals plan fee

Students bristle at WSU mandatory meals plan fee

By Shaun Sutner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
ssutner@telegram.com

WORCESTER — Harrison Ingles works a couple of part-time night jobs and attends Worcester State University full time as a commuter student.

Always on the go, he rarely stops to eat on campus.

Even so, Mr. Ingles, and all commuter students, are facing a $100-per-semester meals plan charge — whether they eat on campus or not.

The mandatory charge is part of a package of $7,534 in fees ($1,498 more if students buy health insurance through the school) that has more than doubled over the last decade and makes up the bulk of the cost of attending the university. Under the Massachusetts higher education system, tuition — at WSU, $970 — is a small fraction of the total cost.

Templeton Developmental Center Concerns

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Templeton Developmental Center Concerns

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In a Gardner News article entitled “Healing Horses”, the article mentions the non-profit organization Forward Strides providing therapeutic horsemanship to people with physical and mental disabilities. This program looks like a win-win situation: the land is preserved for agricultural/recreational purposes while providing a beneficial experience for people with mental and physical disabilities.

On Friday, February 7^th the following article appeared in the Gardner News:

Case involving Developmental Center death slows

Katie Landeck

News Staff Writer

GARDNER — The case against a Worcester man accused of shoving a Templeton Developmental Center resident against a boiler — resulting in the victim’s death — continues to stall in district court.

Templeton tightens tobacco regulations

Templeton tightens tobacco regulations

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — The Board of Health drafted regulations Thursday night tightly restricting sales of tobacco and nicotine delivery products in town, including banning their sale at local pharmacies.

The decision comes just a day after the nationwide pharmacy chain CVS Caremark announced they would stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in their CVS/pharmacy stores.

The new Templeton regulations state that no retail establishment in town that operates, or has a health care institution within it, may sell tobacco or nicotine delivery products — such as pharmacies and drug stores. Nicotine delivery products are defined in the regulations as any product made of a tobacco substitute or that contains nicotine intended for human consumption and is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a smoking cessation device. This includes nicotine gels and electronic cigarettes.

Templeton Light Plant inks wind energy deal

Templeton Light Plant inks wind energy deal

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON — Templeton will soon be expanding its renewable energy portfolio, as Templeton Municipal Light & Water recently signed an agreement with Boston-based renewable energy company First Wind.

The contract, signed between First Wind and the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, of which Templeton is a member, is a 20-year agreement allowing for the at cost purchase of energy produced by a wind farm being built in Maine.

According to TMLWP General Manager John Driscoll, the plant purchased 666 kilowatts of wind energy capacity, which will generate 2.5 million kilowatt hours of power a year of renewable energy for their light customers to purchase. Although exact pricing could not be disclosed, Mr. Driscoll said the rates would be comparably low and fixed over the course of the agreement.

“At this time it looks like a 20-year agreement,” he explained. “And knowing what our purchase price will be for these 20 years will greatly assist the TMLWP in keeping retail electric rates in town from fluctuating sharply.”

State Senate candidate to visit Templeton

State Senate candidate to visit Templeton

Sturbridge man seeks Brewer's post
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Republican James Ehrhard will host a “Coffee with the Candidate” meeting at the Country Mischief store near the town common Saturday afternoon, giving residents a chance to meet the candidate and ask the hard questions.

Mr. Ehrhard launched his campaign for state Senate in October and he has had several events throughout the district since, including apple cider meet-and-greets in November in Petersham, West Brookfield and Sturbridge. He said he hopes to visit every town in the district, which is no small feat as the seat is the second-largest Senate district in the state, stretching from Winchendon south down to Wales.

Officials to meet with state

Officials to meet with state

Winchendon to try to hash out differences between school, town
Katie Landeck
News Staff Writer

WINCHENDON —  Town Manager James Kreidler and Superintendent Salah Khelfaoui have both agreed to meet next week with a representative from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to discuss the purported net school spending deficit.

The meeting comes on the heels of a new letter from the state that says the town has a $324,000 shortfall in minimum net school spending. However, the letter also said that the town is on track to pay back the shortfall this year.

Making the right decision

Making the right decision

Area superintendents weigh several factors when calling off school
Katie Landeck
News Staff Writer

Most snow days are a tough call, according to Gardner Superintendent Carol Daring, but yesterday’s wasn’t one of them.

“A number of factors go into calling a snow day,” said Dr. Daring. “This one, in the grand scheme of things, was easy.”

On the morning of a potential snow day, most superintendents are up by 4:30 a.m. to check the weather forecast and to start making calls to the local police dispatcher, plow contractors, the local Department of Public Works and other superintendents.

Healing horses

Healing horses

Therapeutic riding coming to Templeton Developmental Center
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

The Templeton Developmental Center will be the site of Forward Strides, a therapeutic horse-riding program.


TEMPLETON — The Templeton Developmental Center is going to get some new tenants, as Forward Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship, a nonprofit organization based in Athol, is planning to  move onto the grounds this spring, offering lessons for both able-bodied and disabled riders.

The organization will have seven or eight horses in the program, which will teach general horsemanship and both English and Western riding styles, depending on preference.

When snow flies, private sector workers, businesses in area take day off

When snow flies, private sector workers, businesses in area take day off

By Shaun Sutner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
The state has become accustomed to gubernatorial edicts directing "non-essential," or as Gov. Deval L. Patrick put it yesterday, "non-emergency," state workers to stay home during heavy winter storms.

But droves of private sector employees have also taken to avoiding the workplace when the snow flies.

With about a foot of snow on the ground Wednesday afternoon, downtown Worcester was all but deserted.

The Pearl-Elm municipal garage and the private CitySquare garage (used by Telegram & Gazette employees and others who work at 100 Front St.) were more than half empty.

Propane prices, supply add to winter's sting

Propane prices, supply add to winter's sting

PRICE JUMPS BY 50 CENTS A GALLON

Harry Dileo discusses the propane business at Dileo Gas, Inc.. on Route 20 in Worcester. (T&G Staff/CHRISTINE PETERSON)

By Alli Knothe TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — Local energy prices are up because of increased demand nearly across the board, as temperatures fall to below freezing for days at a time and people crank up their heating systems.

Propane has been attracting a lot of attention in particular during this pinch because customers buy large quantities of the product at a time, then buy more when needed rather than paying for it on a monthly basis through a bill sent by a utility company.

That makes things difficult for propane consumers — especially people who are low-income, because the tanks are often filled by no less than several hundred dollars at a time.

Templeton officials consider relocation

Templeton officials consider relocation

School eyed for town offices
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Templeton’s budget woes aren’t the only issue pressing on the Board of Selectmen this month, as they, and other departments, could soon find themselves without an office.

“We’re very quickly faced with renewing the lease at this location,” explained member Doug Morrison.

The 5000 sq. foot space located at 690 Patriots Road is leased by the Board of Selectmen for $50,000 a year, and with the town’s current financial issues the board agreed paying rent was not an ideal use of their funds.

According to Mr. Morrison, the property’s landlord was looking for more money during last year’s lease negotiations in May, but understood that the board did not have the rent increase budgeted.

Non Profit plans purchase of Saloom Mill

Non Profit plans purchase of Saloom Mill

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

News staff photo by ERYN DION

Patricia Stewart (left), President and Executive Director of North Country Sustainability Center, and Board Member Ann Bryant (right) pose in front of the Saloom Mill building on Colburn Ave in Garnder. The group hopes to purchase the building with the help of an investor and turn it into a food hub for local farmers.


GARDNER — The North Country Sustainability Center is looking to lay down roots in Gardner with the purchase of the old Saloom building on Coburn Avenue.

With the help of an investor, the group plans to open a multi-purpose facility, serving as a food hub for local farmers, as well as a studio for artists and exhibit space for local 4H volunteers.

“Everyone is feeling really cynical and down, “ said President and Executive Director Patricia Stewart. “So let’s do something good.”

The NCSC teased followers on Facebook, posting photos of various parts of the building and inviting people to guess the location of their new potential home. The mill, which was built in 1900, was previously owned by Saloom Furniture Company and has just under 24,500 sq. feet of space spread over two floors to accommodate Ms. Stewart’s expansive vision.

Templeton's woes fall on selectmen shoulders

Templeton's woes fall on selectmen shoulders

To The Editor: 2/5/2014
Robert Columbus
Templeton

To The Editor:

I would like to make some comments and present additional information in regards to the Letter To The Editor published on Jan. 15 entitled “Separating fact from fiction in Templeton.”

A subject raised was the setting of the town’s tax rate. The letter writes, “It appears Mr. Columbus had a part in artificially keeping the tax rate in Templeton low over the years, yet questions how and why Templeton is in its current predicament.”

East Templeton project walk highlights key problems

East Templeton project walk highlights key problems

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON  — East Templeton village is one step closer to getting a much needed infrastructure overhaul, as the Board of Selectmen approved this year’s Community Development Block Grant application.

The joint-application with Hubbardston was drafted by Boston-based Community Opportunities Group and requests $811,728 for an East Templeton infrastructure master plan, the continuation of housing rehab programs in Templeton and Hubbardston, as well as Council on Aging outreach workers for both towns.

“There’s been a lot of talk that once Back Bay is done we should move the target area for a new development project,” explained Mike Pingpank, Senior Project Manager with Community Opportunities Group. “East Templeton has been at the top of that list for a few years now.”

Life meets art on 50th anniversary of 'Dr. Strangelove'

 Life meets art on 50th anniversary of 'Dr. Strangelove' 

BY STEVE PAUL
The Kansas City Star

Certainly it’s mere coincidence that new concerns about Russian testing of mid-range missiles come at a key and quite relevant pop-culture moment. Of course, I’m speaking of the 50th anniversary of the release of Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.”

One of the greatest of American movies, “Dr. Strangelove” was a dark and acid-edged satire of the Cold War. It depicted a crisis that brought the U.S. and the Soviet Union to the brink of mutual destruction. And it did so with wicked humor and all-too-unfortunate truth.

Regional Dispatch Debates

Regional Dispatch Debates

Barre officials blast regional dispatch

By James F. Russell CORRESPONDENT
BARRE — Police, fire, ambulance and highway department officials told selectmen at Monday's meeting about many problems with the town's regional emergency dispatch service that they said endanger public safety.

The complaining officials included the police and fire chiefs, the public works director and the commander of the Barre ambulance squad. They said some of the dispatchers act unprofessionally to them and are surly to the public, appear untrained, fail to provide vital information, frequently compile erroneous and incomplete logs and fail to notify them of emergency bulletins in a timely manner.

Nearly two years ago, in an effort to save money, the town joined Rutland's dispatch service. The regional system also includes Hubbardston and Oakham.

State to audit Wachusett schools' cash flow, with goal of cutting borrowing costs

State to audit Wachusett schools' cash flow, with goal of cutting borrowing costs

By Sandy Meindersma CORRESPONDENT

HOLDEN — The state auditor's office will examine the cash flow of the Wachusett Regional School District after a preliminary meeting with district staff later this week.

The audit, which will cost no more than $10,000, will cover cash flows for fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013. According to the letter of engagement sent by the state auditor's office, an analysis of the district's use of revenue anticipation notes and bond anticipation notes will be included.

Meetings 2/3 - 2/7

Meetings

 2/3 - 2/7

Monday 2/3/14

Sewer RATE HEARING   Reservoir St.        4:30 pm

Town Bldg Assessment              690 Patriots Rd       6:30 pm

Tuesday 2/4/14

Emergency Planning              1 Elm St.              9:00 am

Capital Planning                     690 Patriots Rd       6:30 pm

BOS Meeting 1/31/14…the movie

BOS Meeting 1/31/14…the movie

The BOS meet briefly on Friday January 31^st to discuss posting the town administrator position. The BOS also voted to approve a common victualler license for the Dunkin Donuts in Baldwinville – Grand Opening Sunday Feb. 2^nd.

BOS Meeting 1/31/14

Shedding some light…

Shedding some light…

Recording of the TMLWP Meeting held on January 14, 2014

Leak at Baldwinville school forces evacuation

Leak at Baldwinville school forces evacuation

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer


TEMPLETON — Students at Baldwinville Elementary School were evacuated Thursday morning after a pipe burst, causing sewer water to soak through the ceiling and rain down into a second floor classroom.

“In the third floor girl’s bathroom a janitor had gone in to replace an O-ring in the toilet, which is a routine repair,” explained Principal John Graziano. “At the same time, a pipe burst and water began to leak.”

The leak occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m., just as students and faculty were getting ready to start the day. According to Mr. Graziano, there were no students in the classroom at the time and those who were in the building were moved down into the gymnasium.

Hey East Templeton!

Site Walk in East Templeton at 10:00 am TODAY!

This site walk is to gather information for the CDBG grant application. Please fill out your surveys and return them! Letters of Support are needed as well!