February 24, 2010
Woodchuck Cidery President Comments on Westminster Vine Interview Experience
I am writing in appreciation for the recent article about Woodchuck Draft Cider. The entire interview and story writing process was unique in that Jen had a genuine concern in making sure that all of the information was accurate and fairly represented. This made the process enjoyable, less stressful and eliminated any surprises. In this day and age, it was refreshing to spend time with someone who understands the concerns about having their “story” put into print. In many other instances, I have been frustrated by the lack of professionalism and the “get it done now” mentality. This experience was the exact opposite. The other real positive aspect of Westminster Vine is the passion that both Jay and Jen have for Westminster in general. When you take this unique process and combine it with authors/publishers who are truly proud of Westminster you end up with an honest and very well written piece-- every time. I would enjoy having Westminster Vine back to the Cidery anytime. Thank you and all the best to you.
Much appreciated,
Bret Williams, President
Green Mountain Beverage
January 20, 2010
State Representative Lew Evangelidis Comments on 'The Ultimate Irony'
In the aftermath of Scott Brown’s historic win in the special election for U.S. Senate, the outcome of which I am very pleased, there is an irony which should not be lost on the voters of Massachusetts.
The succession law in Massachusetts which had been in existence for nearly 100 years would have allowed Governor Patrick to appoint an interim senator until the next election which would have been in November of 2010. It was in 2004 that this one party legislature decided to manipulate the law for their own purposes by taking that constitutional right away from then Governor Romney.
The law was manipulated in 2004 and again in 2009 for purely partisan purposes to support the democratic agenda in both Massachusetts and Washington.
Beyond the comprehension of Beacon Hill, the people of Massachusetts are sending an independent voice to Washington to protect us from the very interests which they had sought to preserve. My grandmother once told me to be careful what you ask for and I hope that Beacon Hill has finally learned a lesson.
Lew Evangelidis
State Representative
1st District of Worcester
January 4, 2010
Reader Encourages Voters to Research Senate Candidates--Know Who You're Voting For.
For Westminster Voters:
I have listed below some vital points to consider before making up your mind on the best candidate to vote for in the January 19 election for US Senator, filling the vacancy left by Ted Kennedy.
• Is it important that the candidate you choose already be in office, and have experience with how the government works?
• Should your candidate be a qualified and well-educated individual?
• Is “accountability” to constituents a required value of the candidate, and can be proven by her/his record?
• Is military experience, with the acquired discipline it provides, an added value?
• Would you approve of drawing the line on government spending, or just not consider a balanced budget?
• Do you believe that illegal immigrants should be protected, or deported?
• Do you agree with the strategies of previous famous presidents who have been successful in stimulating the economy by lowering taxes?
• Do you want a candidate who supports or denies accepting the Obama Healthcare bill?
• Should we put a cap on federal hires versus accepting the “Cap & Trade Bill”?
Based on the above values, I just wanted to let voters know about Scott Brown, who is running for US Senator, to replace Ted Kennedy. On Saturday, January 10, we attended a special breakfast meeting in Westboro run by the local TEA PARTY group to listen to Brown, and hear his standards for running for the US Senate.
Here’s some details I found out:
• Scott is currently the State Senator in Wrentham, MA.
• He is 50 yrs old, and graduated from Tufts University.
• His life theme = “be accountable”.
• He joined the military at 19 via the National Guard, and is still serving them 30 years later.
• He wants to support the people in MA who have had enough of high taxes, who want to “draw the line on spending”.
•He totally disagrees with Martha Coakley on every issue, especially her wanting to give protection to illegals in MA.
• Like JFK and Ronald Regan, He wants to lower taxes, which they proved will increase jobs and stimulate the economy.
• His goals for the US Senate, when he gets to D.C., as a result of being elected in MA –
o Become the 41st Senator to vote AGAINST the Obama healthcare bill.
o We need a strong border, and must insist that immigrants have the right paperwork to make them LEGAL; illegals should be sent back home!
o We must get the federal house in order and put a cap on federal hires.
o We must know where our money is going and determine NOT to overspend.
If you agree with me that these conservative values are key to who you choose to vote for, please make sure to vote for Scott Brown on January 19 to help MA elect a conservative thinker who can be the “voice of the people” both in MA, and from MA in the national US Senate.
Judy Tuttle
Westminster
December 21, 2009
Ashburnham Parents/Oakmont Administrators Applaud AWRSD Employees for Unpaid Furlough Days
To the Editor:
As citizens, educators, and most importantly, as parents, we want to offer our thanks to the employees of the Ashburnham-Westminster School District for their decision to accept a furlough. This wasn’t an easy decision for the teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, and administrators, some of whom will have given up more than $1,000 in salary to help support our schools. This comes at a time when they, like all of us, are feeling the harsh effects of the economic recession while trying to raise young families, put sons and daughters through college, or save for retirement.
We’re certain that the decision to accept the furlough was in part to prevent layoffs, but mainly to preserve learning opportunities for students. This makes the decision nobler, because anyone who knows educators understands that they go the extra mile every day on behalf of their students. Even school support staff members, who don’t serve students directly, provide countless acts of kindness and informal instruction on a daily basis.
It is these people who have reached out to help close a serious budget deficit that would ultimately have enlarged class sizes to the breaking point, deprived students of course options, and limited after school activities.
The strength of our two communities has always been our ability to band together in the face of adversity. Just a year ago we witnessed the heroism of neighbors who reached out to provide nourishment, shelter, and warmth to their fellow townspeople during a historic winter ice storm.
This year we’ve seen the generous actions of our school employees who have come together to save educational programs during a crisis caused by broken promises made by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The children and young adults of our two towns could receive no better gift this holiday season.
While we should be thankful for the selflessness of the AWRSD employees, let us hope that they’ll never be asked to balance the school budget with their paychecks again.
As we prepare to welcome the New Year, let us hope and pray that the burdens caused by the unpredictability of the economic recession will be eased in 2010.
David Uminski
Ashburnham
Greg Smith
Ashburnham
November 30, 2009
Thanks to Groovy's Dog Grooming
I would like to give a great shout out to Kim at Groovy's Dog Grooming in Westminster for volunteering to groom the Gordon Setter that was recently found behind Joseph's Bistro. The dog was quite smelly and matted. He looks and feels better after a day at the spa. Kim volunteers her time to help Animal Control Officer Eula Bradley clean up the strays.
Holly Lindgren
Westminster
November 14, 2009
Readers send thanks for coverage and transcript of Candidates Night at Forbush Library
Thanks for the highly informative special edition of the Westminster Vine. We had 2 kids going in separate directions for hockey practice on Thursday night, so we didn't make it to the candidate info night. This was very helpful. Thanks so much.
Kim Samson
Westminster
I can't say thanks, enough, for taking the time to send the candidates night speeches. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the meeting at the library. I've read every word contained in the transcript and I certainly hope the other voters will do the same. VERY eye opening!! Thanks again for doing a great job!
Cindie Hastings-Brutvan
Westminster
November 12, 2009
In support of Peter Normandin for Selectman
Peter Normandin is a man of few words. In some instances his words create a stir. In most instances he makes you think.
Peter is running for the position of Selectman in the Town of Westminster. I believe he is the person for the job. Peter brings 45 years of business experience. He brings the ability to look at a situation with a clear, common sense attitude. He is also willing to listen to both sides of an issue and present new ideas to solve old problems.
Pete has been a Westminster resident for over 35 years. His five children have all gone through the Ashburnham-Westminster school system from elementary school to Oakmont Regional High School.
Peter does many things for the town and others in his own quiet way.
I know this because I have worked with Peter for 12 years. I have seen him negotiate a multi-million dollar sale of a business. I have seen him analyze numerous financial situations with his clients and figure a way to help them in ways that will benefit them for the long run not just the short-term fix. I have also seen him do things to help others when most people don’t even know he is involved.
When Peter does something he does with his mind, heart and soul. When he decided to run for Selectman I knew he did it because it was the right time for him and the Town of Westminster to see change.
We have three choices in this election. We are very fortunate because they are three very dedicated, intelligent, experienced people. I hope the voters of Westminster get out there to vote on Tuesday, November 17th. Please vote for change. Please vote for Peter Normandin.
Julie Scapparone
Westminster
November 6, 2009
Reader Response to Board of Selectmen Meetings: Why Are Tempers Flaring story
It is interesting how you presented the members of the board and other stakeholders views in the Vine. When I do mediation, this is how we begin our discussion, allowing each person to present their side of the story. Then, the second step is allowing them to share their points of agreement. A mature board might have such skills to find common goals from different departments and volunteers. Nick Hay is a young man and doesn’t have those skills, but I am glad that he ran and tried. I feel that because we encouraged opening up the dialog through media, including televised meetings, we now see more people stepping forward, saying “I can do that!” I agree with Keith Harding that things have actually improved and certainly people like you have gotten the drift.
What I have seen in observing the Board for many years is that they take the opposite approach. They agree on a conclusion before they hear public opinion, and then they attempt to block opposing viewpoints, and try to limit discussion. I am sure that John Fairbanks has a good sense of financial matters, but I hope you will continue to watch and report closely.
Barbara Friedman
November 5, 2009
Bacon Street says THANKS!
The Bacon Street neighborhood would like to extend a huge THANKS to all those who contributed candy to our Halloween trick or treating efforts. While most all of us enjoy being part of this “wicked sweet neighborhood”, it does get expensive. One neighbor counted 827 kids this year. Your generosity also allowed neighbors who can’t normally participate be able to pass out candy and enjoy all the costumes and community spirit. Thanks also to the Vine for the idea and publicity on the candy as well as the food drive. Over 3 shopping carts (regular size!) full of canned and boxed goods was delivered to the Food Pantry and we hope this great idea becomes an annual part of our Halloween tradition!
Sincerely,
Beth D'Onfro on behalf of several Bacon Street Residents
October 31, 2009
In support of Laila Michaud
for Selectman
I write to you to recommend Laila Michaud as a candidate for Selectman in the town of Westminster.
I’ve known Laila for almost ten (10) years and am quite familiar with her extraordinary work ethic. I first became acquainted with Laila through the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). I’ve known Laila to be a thoughtful and dedicated Executive Director of MRPC while dealing with difficult financial and legal matters. I am confident that those same qualities and traits that made Laila a successful Executive Director will carry over to the political arena and make her a successful Selectman.
Mark Hawke
Mayor, City of Gardner
October 30, 2009
In support of Laila Michaud for Selectman
It is my understanding Laila Michaud of Westminster is a candidate for Selectperson. I have known Ms. Michaud since 1975 as a Community Development Planner and Office Manager for the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC).
She will be an asset for serving as Selectperson for Westminster because she has enormous experience in the field of planning and development. Laila Michaud has undertaken numerous projects on behalf of MRPC during her over 30 year association. She has directed the development of housing and related activities, regional cooperative purchasing mechanism for municipalities, zoning and development, (such as master plans for communities), participation in the Nashua River Cleanup Project in cooperation with Nashua River Watershed Association and the creation of a public transit operation on behalf of the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART).
She was employed as the Executive Director of MRPC until 2007 and because of her effort and leadership the Montachusett Region could address the growth and development in an economically productive and environmentally sound way. Elected officials of MRPC representing approximately 20 communities received her guidance and appreciated her advice in their day to day operations of their communities. I wish her the best of luck and recommend to the citizens of Westminster to vote for her as the Selectperson for one of our most dynamic communities. This community will face tremendous growth pressure in the near future and Laila will have the experience to provide the necessary leadership and guidance.
Sincerely,
Mohammed H. Khan
Administrator MART
October 29, 2009
In support of Laila Michaud for Selectman
On Tuesday, November 17th, Westminster will vote for a new Selectman. I am endorsing and voting for Laila Michaud for Selectman. She can provide this town something it has not had in many years. A voice of the people and for the people. Because of her years of experience as a principal planner, project manager, assistant director and the last years before retiring, Executive Director of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), Laila will bring to the table experience that is necessary to run a multi-million dollar business, “The Town of Westminster.” Laila is a listener and that is what this town has been missing in years past, someone who will actually listen to their constituents.
Because of the projects I have been involved in, I have gone to many MRPC monthly meetings over the past 20 years and I have always found Laila to be a true professional, fair, honest, an extremely hard worker, and an open minded leader willing to listen to both sides. It doesn’t get much better than this to have someone of this caliber running for a volunteer position as Board of Selectman.
She has the local, state and federal network that is so necessary in these tough times. She knows how the system works and how to make it work to the advantage of the town. In addition to her other tasks with the MRPC, Laila was in charge of administrative, financial, and contract monitoring with oversight of legal matters. She can bring a refreshing change to a very stale Board.
This is so exciting to have this level of talent that is willing to put the time and effort into such a tough job. I support Laila as I hope you will. Vote for Laila Michaud Tuesday November 17th. The polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Sincerely,
Donna M. Brownell
Westminster
October 20, 2009
In support of Laila Michaud for Selectman
I'm asking you to vote for Laila (Jarvela) Michaud for Selectman in Westminster. Laila has lived her whole life in this town and was a schoolmate of mine. She was always one of the top students and leaders in our class of 1963. She was a Class Officer during our years at Oakmont. She will bring knowledge and leadership abilities from her 30 years experience working for the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission to this position.
Prior to retiring two years ago, she was the Executive Director of Montachusett Regional Planning Commission for 5 years. Her skills and relationships with local, state and federal agencies will be of benefit the town.
Joyce Hannula
Westminster
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