Posted by mik - Sat, May 19, 2012, 10:36 P

Does anyone hae a wheelbarrow I could borrow ?

Maure, contact me direct. You can borrow mine.
 

Posted by mik - Sat, May 19, 2012, 10:35 P

Looking to borrow a belt sander

Rocking. Thanks.
 

Posted by PaulK - Sat, May 19, 2012, 9:13 P

Looking to borrow a belt sander

Belt sander: got one. Let me know if you want it and I'll put it out on the front deck and you can pick up whenever. XO
 

Posted by mik - Sat, May 19, 2012, 6:30 P

Looking to borrow a belt sander

Hey. I have a small project and need a belt sander. Anyone have one they cans lend for a couple of days? I'll buy my own belts. Can pick up later tonight or tomorrow morning. Thanks.
 

Posted by Lebowski - Sat, May 19, 2012, 8:44 A

PUBLIC APOLOGY

It's not just Jeff's bag tho. So I shouldn't just harp on him. The Superintendents and principals are quitters and have never seemed right. It's all in all just plain redundant. And frustrating.
 

Posted by TrickyDiegeo - Sat, May 19, 2012, 7:40 A

Voting on Tuesday

Excellent points patrick. In order for this committee to move forward, the acrimoniousness needs to be neutralized. When you have someone who refuses to listen to reason and adopts the 'by any means necessary' attitude of badgering someone with his views, it comes off as reckless and unprofessional. I grows tiresome watching and listening to someone who appears to have little desire to adhere to committee rules and meeting norms. I won't rehash all the back and forth that went on in this very forum, but that to me does not sit well.

I had the opportunity to read the Montague Reporter this morning and got a great overview of the candidates running. I was impressed by Misty Lyons' 'resume'. She has the fiscal know-how (as it is the field she works in) which I believe will be a great asset to the Committee. And I will again say that Lesley Cogswell will have my vote as well. We need new direction, new blood if you will on a committee that has failed us in the past.
 

Posted by patrick - Sat, May 19, 2012, 7:08 A

Voting on Tuesday

I have pretty mixed feelings here. Jeff is clearly a very bright guy with an excellent understanding of the issues. On qualifications alone, he is a good candidate for the School Committee, or any other committee in town, for that matter.

The problem, for me, goes back to posts in this very forum where Jeff was critical of other committee members and of the superintendent. Posts which, in some people's eyes, led the superintendent to seek other employment and left the district without leadership once again. I know some people are OK with Jeff expressing his opinions in this forum, and I am too, to a point. For me, the line is crossed when people are openly criticized. They aren't here to defend themselves, nor would they want to have to do so in a public forum. The discussion became a one-sided rant about a personnel issue that the superintendent didn't want to discuss in a meeting, let alone in this forum. This forum is not the place for that.

When I brought this up to Jeff, he said, essentially, that he had no choice but to gripe about the committee and the super in here because they don't listen to him otherwise. My take on that is that it's like justifying hitting your kids with a baseball bat because they won't do what you say otherwise. If the appropriate channels of communication don't work, it falls upon Jeff to find other appropriate channels, not to publicly criticize elected and appointed town officials in this forum. One time, Jeff even came into my shop, raised his voice at me about my disapproval of his methods, and all the customers left. He was so upset that he didn't even notice until I pointed it out.

Having bright people who understand the issues in town politics is very important. Even more important, though, is having people who know how act appropriately and to work well with other people.
 

Posted by TrickyDiegeo - Sat, May 19, 2012, 6:32 A

PUBLIC APOLOGY

No apologies needed for grammar, I completely understood your point. This stuck out in my mind about your response:

"The same snow flake year after year. "

Well said. Pretty much sums it up. He's been on the School Committee for how many years now? A committee rife with issues...and now we're being asked to re-elect him? No thanks. Time for a much needed change. Choose wisely neighbors.
 

Posted by Lebowski - Sat, May 19, 2012, 2:18 A

PUBLIC APOLOGY

I apologize for my grammar. 14-16 hours a day make spelling and grammar the least care nor worry. It's the point I care about.
 

Posted by Lebowski - Sat, May 19, 2012, 1:09 A

PUBLIC APOLOGY

Convince me. I know the difference of political (school) vs reality. I know how to pay bills, (home, the rental property  I own, and the businesses i run) I keep my ships afloat. . ( Non of this is directed at all at you homeowner. Just happens to be where I responded by the by. )
Jeff, convince me.
 Convince us. 
Convince US . Convince us that   after all this time your actually worth voteing for.  Because honestly when one can't controll ones own economics how can you control a school system?  Convince me. Convince us.  
Small town politics are easy. Mainly because the little whispers of gossip run to n fro. 
Trickling like the bloody brook, shaping stone into pebbles till the pebbles become sand. The river runs dry turning to soi, soill that grows small plant buds. The buds grow and unwrap slowly yet quickly into ferns. 

Symmetrical. 

They  then grow into mainstay belief, in a fractal pattern like a fern again or a simple cell. 
The point is there is always a pattern.  Ones true definition of a pattern is different too another, like snowflakes or politics (The two share more then most think.) 

 When one argues that they understand financial problems yet have huge problems in the same pattern (economics), well I can only take that as acknowledgement through indifference.  I can't trust one who cannot take care of anything, starting with their self. 

Change is needed. People who are in the system as their own ferns grow are needed. Those that don't have ferns growing here have no true sense of devotion. Seems its simply a time killing sense of pride that has led this system to repeat its self over and over again. 

The same snow flake year after year. 

My kids are worth my arguement. Convince ME
Lebowski
 

Posted by mamag - Fri, May 18, 2012, 11:45 P

question

So question to Ye happy articulate bloggers,
Is there any substance to Mr. Dana, 8th grade teacher, being escorted out of GFMS Friday morning by MPD?
I also heard Ms. Hearn (Asst. Principal) had an informal chat with all 8th graders.
No news given on tv stations. No chatter here. I'm interested.
Let a gal know, eh?

I did get the all school call of the Anti-bullying music production for next Monday night at TFHS theater with live coverage from cafeteria if overflow.
 

Posted by jhanold - Fri, May 18, 2012, 7:15 P

Election Date

A recent post mentioned an incorrect date for the municipal elections in Montague and Gill. MONDAY 21 MAY is the correct date; polls are open Noon - 8:00 PM in Gill and 7:00 - 7:00 in Montague.
It is important that everyone get out to vote -- on the correct date! -- because the elected positions on this ballot have as much impact on our daily lives as most state and federal offices. I customarily count votes in Montague's Pct. 5 and welcome enough work to keep me off the streets at night; the wardens and counters in Montague's other precincts, and all of Gill, will be glad to see you.
 

Posted by PaulK - Fri, May 18, 2012, 5:37 P

PUBLIC APOLOGY

Wow, Homeowner. What a beautiful post. I'm so deeply grateful for your courage and humility to step forward like this. Awesome.

People, please come out and vote for Jeff Singleton on Tuesday. It is in the best interests of the schools, the kids, the teachers, and the towns.
 

Posted by Maureclaire - Fri, May 18, 2012, 5:18 P

Does anyone hae a wheelbarrow I could borrow ?

Just need it for a few days... I'm in TF...
 

Posted by homeowner - Fri, May 18, 2012, 3:29 P

PUBLIC APOLOGY

Today I have had the honour and privilege of meeting Jeff Singleton while he was out campaining for re-election for Gill Montague Shool Committee. It is my humble opinion that this is a man who cares about the people in this community, both young and old. Jeff is a man with integrity, committment, inteligence and knowledge.

Jeff, I owe you an apology for forming an opinion about you without ever having met you. It was shallow and wrong. I deeply regret the comments I have made that were unkind to you and ask for your forgiveness. I can't thank you enough for taking time to speak with me at length about various issues. I feel that your imput and insight is invaluable to both the School Committee and this community.

Again, please accept my apology and know that you have gained both my respect and my vote!
 

Posted by newbie - Fri, May 18, 2012, 2:08 P

problem

It was my security not letting it on. Don't know why tho.. Its worth shutting it off to check the page..
 

Posted by JTHK - Thu, May 17, 2012, 10:22 P

Bear cub sighting Hatchery Road

I was driving home from Greenfield via Hatchery Road, about 9.50pm tonight, and saw a black bear cub run across the road and try to climb a tree by the roadside. Funny, that. He had a lot of trouble and eventually gave up and ran off into the fenced-in area that used to have a horse there. I wonder where his mum was.

Jonathan
 

Posted by NatureLady - Thu, May 17, 2012, 10:15 P

Plant and Garden Book Sale

The Leverett Historical Society is having its annual fundraiser
Plant and Garden Book Sale
on Sat. May 26 9-Noon

BUT we still NEED plants and garden books to be donated!

Labelled Plants can be dropped off behind the Lev. Town Hall anytime this week.
Garden books can be dropped off at the Lev. Libary entryway anytime also. (there is a box labelled "Book Sale").

Then put the date on your calendar and come by to support the Historic Society and this year the Leverett Elementary School greenhouse project!

For more info., contact Dawn 367-9562
 

Posted by newbie - Thu, May 17, 2012, 6:20 P

problem

The weather page is messed up. It locks me up and I have to reboot... Anyone else? Or maybe my security upgrade is finding something??????
 

Posted by MCTV - Thu, May 17, 2012, 1:37 P

MCTV Program Schedule 5-18-12 thru 5-24-12

Posted by mik - Thu, May 17, 2012, 10:48 A

Grand Trunk proposal

If we get the green light, we will post all updates and progress reports on the station's MontagueTV.org website. Anyone who wants to sign up will be asked to do so there.
 

Posted by MichaelNelson - Thu, May 17, 2012, 10:34 A

Grand Trunk proposal

Best of luck to you Mik, The town would be absolutely foolish to reject this offer.

Put me down as first in line to be swinging the sledge hammer to start gutting things out! I'll be there!
 

Posted by mik - Thu, May 17, 2012, 9:46 A

Grand Trunk proposal

The EDIC met last night to discuss the MCCI proposal to purchase the property containing the old Cumberland Farms building at the corner of Avenue A and 2nd Street in Turners Falls.

After a brief intro and overview of what our plans were, I suggested that their time with me (as a representative of MCCI presenting the proposal) would best be spent asking questions and discussing the proposal's details.

The Q&A period was congenial, informative, and illuminating. They still had some questions about our construction costs (ie; we forgot to include the price of insulation) and heating options, of which we have to get back to them.

Although the EDIC hasn't made an offer to MCCI for the building yet, it appears the four-person Commission is generally in favor of offering the building to us. We should note that the current chair, Andy Killean (sp?) is leaving the board as of June 1st, and Roy Rosenblatt and our own Town Planner Walter Ramsey will be joining the board next week. So, for about a week or so the EDIC will be a six-member Commission.

Also of note is the fact that the building on the lot is still under an Order from the Town Building Inspector for mold remediation. If the EDIC doesn't offer us the building soon, they will have to go to the Town and ask for the money (which Town Meeting approved) to remediate the mold. They have an estimate of about $14,000 I believe.

So, the timing on all this is pretty tight. They have to make a decision about what they intend to do with the building within the next week or so and then act on it.

They plan on having another meeting soon, hopefully next week. I'll keep everyone in the loop, and if we have enough leeway, try to have it broadcast, or at least recorded.

THIS WILL BE THE TIME for those who are interested in the health of the town's public access station to step up and either join the board, or, if we do get the property, sign up as a volunteer to help with the gutting and rebuilding of the new station.
 

Posted by PENRICK - Thu, May 17, 2012, 7:59 A

This district is a joke

Laura,
Great job at using this opportunity to remind people that it is a very poor community. Thank you for providing facts. Your comments and questions are food for thought to those who simply chose to sit back and throw rocks. Personally, I'm thinking if their children no longer go to school here, what's the problem?

People around here wouldn't know what to do if truly faced with a "ghetto" (me either - I'm from Wendell) or "racism." Be careful, where is the racism coming from? Before you answer, look in the mirror. As adults, I know you can be the solution to problems, but as parents, I hope this same discussion I'm reading in this thread isn't in your homes.

Homeowner, people have the right and opportunity to live in any community they feel matches their families needs and wants. Are you going to teach your children to move every time they see or hear something they don't like? Or, are you going to teach them how to speak and stand up for themselves? As a parent you advocate for your child. Go to meetings, run for a SC seat, support the staff, etc. If you choose to move on, how dare you now disrespect the rest of the community who truly cares and stands strong until the end. This too shall pass. Perhaps with the election on Monday or it may take a few more months. Either way, there are far too many who care who will sit idly by watching.

I remember when Greenfield schools could not get out of the headlines for months. Great things were happening in the classrooms. Like Turners, students were graduating and going to fine colleges and universities. Those stories don't sell papers, but it's a reality nonetheless. I have to agree with Laura, I don't think you will be satisfy anywhere.
 

Posted by Maureclaire - Thu, May 17, 2012, 12:02 A

Grand Trunk proposal

Sure hope it went well ! Wanted to be there; but, I have my BOA gig 6:00 to 7:00... :-)