August 19 2012Cover Photo by Scoop

North Town HallEverything Old Is New Again

Photos by Fred Merriam

BEFORE AFTER

Photos by Fred Merriam

Photos by Fred Merriam

DOT, Chelmsford store working to fix traffic lightsBy Grant Welker, gwelker@lowellsun.com

Updated: 08/09/2012 06:42:19 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_21271646/dot-chelmsford-store-working-fix-traffic-lights

CHELMSFORD -- The state Department of Transportation and Stop & Shop are working to synchronize two stop lights a few hundred feet apart on Chelmsford Street that have been causing traffic backups for weeks.

In one of the busiest commercial areas off Route 3, vehicles are sometimes unable to pass through a green light at one intersection because the following intersection has a red light. Two intersections have been out of synch: at Route 110, Glen Avenue and the entrance to East Gate Plaza; and at Route 110 and an entrance to Stop & Shop and an off-ramp from Route 3 south.

The Department of Transportation hopes to have the timing problem resolved by the end of the week, spokesman Michael Verseckes said. The work must be conducted by Stop & Shop, which is responsible for the stop light outside its entrance, he said. Once that work is complete, the state can sign off on the project, he said.

Judi Palmer, a spokeswoman for Stop & Shop, said Monday the company has made a change to the signal in accordance with the Department of Transportation.

The town became aware of the problem in June, but because Route 110 is a state highway, it was unable to fix the problem and notified the state, Town Manager Paul Cohen said.

During rush hour Monday afternoon, the traffic signals were sometimes in synch, with traffic occasionally backing up when both lights weren't green at the same time.

Follow Grant Welker at Twitter.com/SunGrantWelker.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆Saturday August 1112:15 pm-Doesn't look like the State was successful in their traffic light synchronization this past week?

Wed. August 15th 5:30 pm - Synchronized traffic lights???Fluke? Fact?Or Fiction?

Friday. August 17th 5:30 pm

No back ups at least all the way to the Best

Western that is ;)

Chelmsford man appeals

dismissal of harass suitBy Grant Welker, gwelker@lowellsun.com

Updated: 08/15/2012 06:36:51 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_21316741/chelmsford-man-appeals-dismissal-harass-suit

CHELMSFORD -- Roland Van Liew has filed an appeal of a District Court judge's dismissal of his lawsuit against Planning Board member Colleen Stansfield.

Associate Justice Laurence Pierce said last month that Van Liew "failed to show" that Stansfield's application for a harassment-prevention order was "devoid of any reasonable factual support or arguable legal basis."

Van Liew sued Stansfield in February, alleging she sought a harassment-prevention order to stifle his political speech and hurt his candidacy for Board of Selectmen. She said she got the order -- which was granted by a judge but allowed to expire soon afterward -- because he threatened to "come after" her after a campaign meet-and-greet.

Van Liew filed an appeal soon after Pierce's decision, but no upcoming hearings are set, his attorney, Alan Hoch, said Tuesday.

"We're disappointed with the decision the trial judge made and we think there are plenty of avenues for relief in appeal," he said.

A few other lawsuits filed by Van Liew also remain in court.

A hearing was held last week in Middlesex Superior Court in which a dismissal motion from defendant Roy Earley was heard. The motion was taken under advisement. Van Liew is suing Earley, who publishes an online newsletter about Chelmsford, for defamation, alleging Earley published an anonymous letter that spread "misleading information".

A lawsuit against numerous current and former selectmen also remains active in Superior Court. Van Liew alleges that selectmen in 2009, 2010 and 2012 failed to enforce a preservation restriction on the property at 9 North Road, which he said should have made a new building on the site illegal. He has asked the court to force the town to apply the restriction, which would lead to the demolition or modification of the 15,000 square-foot office building.

The town sought to have the case moved to Land Court but a judge denied the request.

Follow Grant Welker at twitter.com/sungrantwelker.

Chelmsford water districts weathering dry spellBy Molly Loughman/Wicked Local staff writer

GateHouse News ServicePosted Aug 17, 2012 @ 10:48 AM

Chelmsford —Despite the rainfall over the last month, the lack of precipitation from the mild winter, dry spring and parched summer have set off a warning flag for local water management.All three of Chelmsford’s water departments report low water levels for four out of seven months.

“Most people have slowed down with the amount of water used,” said Chelmsford Water District Superintendent Robert Delaney. “We were proactive this year… Starting at level two seemed to make a little difference in terms of managing.”

According to Delaney, January and February brought only an inch of precipitation, with similarly small precipitation numbers in spring and summer. The rainfall over the weekend was not significant enough to help ease the drought, Delaney said. The area is in need of a steady, soaking drizzle, not the sudden deluge, which often runs off, Delaney said.

Delaney said residents belonging to the district have been doing OK since starting the year off at a level two restriction for their water management program, running May 1 through Oct. 15. Environmental Compliance Manager Todd Melanson said the district started the year off at level two because it started 5 inches below the state’s annual average.

The district has 8,140 service connections, serving 78 percent of the town. With 14 well pump sites, maintaining 1,498 fire hydrants, CWD pumps an annual total of 892 million gallons to 26,409 residents. Most, 82 percent, are residential, 17 percent are commercial/industrial and 1 percent are municipal. The district has a 65-gallon per capita, per day Water Management Act goal, set by the state. Last year the district averaged 60 gallons per capita, per day. Now the district is at 46 gallons per capita, a figure reflecting its effective irrigation programs and public communication. One approach used is notifying residents through mail on water management levels before May.

Another device used to regulate water levels is the district’s weather station, featuring a solar radiation meter. Purchased to monitor precipitation and to track the solar array, the weather station produces more than just information for the district, but also funded a solar power digital signboard. The signboard is stationed in the district neighborhoods to keep residents informed about changes in water status.

East Chelmsford

East Chelmsford Water, a small water system serving 2,200 residents, is tied into Lowell’s water system, providing the area with adequate backup. Superintendent Robert Conroy said the systems are functioning fine and a water restriction has never been a major concern.“There are signs throughout the district and people always seem to obey,” said Conroy.

Copyright 2012 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

School Committee Unanimously Declines

Possible Pay IncreaseSchool Committee members rejected being considered for a $1,800 stipend for municipal board members in

Chelmsford that may be discussed at Special Town Meeting.By Andrew SylviaAugust 10, 2012

http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/school-committee-unanimously-declines-possible-pay-increase

While the subject of returning stipends to elected officials may be on the warrant at this fall’s Special Town Meeting, on Tuesday night the School Committee asked not to be a part of that discussion.

In a unanimous vote, the board told Board of Selectman vice chairman Matt Hanson not to include the School Committee if the issue of returning stipends is part of Special Town Meeting this year.

Hanson came to the board to gauge opinion on where the School Committee stood, noting for the record that the stipends had been removed shortly after the global financial crisis four years ago, due in large part to health insurance benefits for the elected officials.

While Hanson said that it would be unlikely any requested return of stipends would include insurance benefits, which could become lifetime benefits if a person served for more than ten years, he said that it was a possibility that the topic of stipends without benefits could arise, with $1,800 going to board members at-large and $2,000 going to chairmen.

School Committee member Nick DiSilvio felt uncomfortable taking a pay raise given recent requests by the School Committee for Chelmsford Public School staff to tighten their belts in recent contract negotiations.

“I don’t think it’s prudent for me to accept any kind of stipend,” he said. “I consider my position

here as being a public servant. I’m not here to make a buck, I’m here to serve.”

School Committee member Evelyn Thoren opposed the measure due to her belief that $1,800 would be a marginal incentive for any potential board members given the amount of hours that are required to serve.

“In some other nearby towns, board members will get $27,000 or $35,000,” she said. “When I tell

them this, they will look at you like you’re crazy, but that’s not what I got into it for.”

Thoren said she would feel comfortable if the discussion did go to Town Meeting, stating that the board could always refuse the stipend in a motion of their own.

Ultimately, School Committee vice chairman Michael Rigney, who was leading the meeting, agreed with the sentiment of his colleagues.

“It doesn’t look like things are

getting better in Chelmsford,” he said. “We’d be remiss to ask

for a significant raise.”

Related Topics: School Committee

School Committee member Nick DiSilvio Patch Photo Credit Andrew Sylvia

ITR NOTE ☆

Since this news article was first published ARTICLE 6 concerning stipends for Elected Officials has been pulled off the warrant and will not make it to Town Meeting.

Your Thoughts On Vending Machines in

Chelmsford Schools

On Tuesday night, the Chelmsford School Committee learned that only water vending machines will soon be allowed in Chelmsford's schools

and that there will be a ban on caffeinated drinks.By Andrew SylviaAugust 9, 2012

http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/your-thoughts-on-vending-machines-in-chelmsford-schools

On Tuesday, new Chelmsford Public School Food Service director April Laskey informed the Chelmsford School Committee is looking to remove all vending machines, with the exception of machines that sell water.There was also discussion on banning less nutritious foods from being on school grounds, even for fundraising activities and private use by adult employees, during the school day and for an hour before and after the school day as well.Today, we want your thoughts. Is this a good move to set a positive example for children in schools or does it go too far? http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/your-thoughts-on-vending-machines-in-chelmsford-schools

ITR FACEBOOK CHATTER on vending machinesParlee Donna Just water? What about healthy choices for drinks and snacks?Thursday at 9:15pm · Like

Judy Frost Straeffer The restrictions are crazy. If anyone wants to see them, here is a link for the standard itself: http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/source/mass/cmr/cmrtext/105CMR225.pdfThursday at 9:53pm · Like · 1

Judy Frost Straeffer And here is the link to the one page chart of the limitations: http://www.maschoolfood.org/pdfs/school-nut-guide-interactive.pdfThursday at 9:54pm · Like

Judy Frost Straeffer The vending machines have been very popular with students, but full of junk (pop tarts seem to be incredibly popular, as well as all kinds of chips). I won't mind them being gone, but the students will. I do have a problem with many of the other restrictions. And the very popular Common Grounds Cafe will not be able to function anymore. Nothing that was served is allowed under this standard. This was not only a once-a-week opportunity to get breakfast at school, it was more importantly a time for faculty, staff, and students to gather in a relaxed atmosphere and promote community. Very unfortunate.Thursday at 9:56pm · Like · 2

Chuck Crannell Water from the Chelmsford Water District is pretty tasty IMO. I don't understand the need to sell bottled tap water. If Chelmsford water isn't good enough for students to drink, then there is a larger problem.Yesterday at 12:02am via mobile · Like · 1

Vending Machines Patch Poto Credit Regan Rishel

Tom Gilroy The "nanny state" will not be happy until they control every aspect of our lives. The only answer less control, smaller government.Yesterday at 6:35am via mobile · Like · 2

Kathy Hunt Duffett I think the restrictions go way to far. Many kids get things from the vending machine because the lunch program isnt very good. I understand changes are happening with the lunch so maybe demand will be less. Also many kids are at CHS from start time (7am ish)until the evening and "lunch" can be as early as 10 am. The high school is a very busy place with activities, sports etc. I wonder how the restrictions will effect the DECCA kids, who sell pizza and such occasionally after school. The final point is this will be a loss of revenue.....Yesterday at 8:59am · Like · 1

Brenda Kijanka Plunkett It will only increase the "black market" sales at the high school. Some students all ready stash large amounts of soda in their lockers to sell to other kids during the day. They will just add these snacks too.Yesterday at 10:03am · Like

Anne Worth I'm REALLY glad the soda is gone, don't care about the bottled water as I hope kids can just use the water fountains, but it's sad that the Cafe will not be able to operate. I wish some good snacks could be available. Teenagers get so hungry. I'll pack extra snacks for my kids.Yesterday at 10:30am · Like

Sheila Pichette What! No milk or orange juice?Yesterday at 10:53am · Like · 1

Will Wagner seriously? When will this stop? Put the darned things back in, full of stuff. I am disgusted with the amount of interference deemed "necessary" (it's completely inappropriate, IMO). Teach nutrition in the schools and have the parents do their bloody job instead of having the government be a nanny.Yesterday at 11:11am · Like · 5

Vivian Nerrill Kids will find a way to get what they want. Especially if it's forbidden. As far as having parents do their job, we were all kids once. We acted certain ways and did certain things in front of our parents or anyone that might rat us out. The rest of the time, we did what we wanted, or we waited until we were on our own, and made up for lost time. Bad food isn't going away, but the supply lines are changing.Yesterday at 11:44am · Like

Vivian Nerrill Love the comment about the kids selling stuff from their lockers-with luck, those kids will channel their entrepreneurial spirit into something positive that'll improve the economy of this nation, and they won't rely on the government for their basic needs. For every obstacle, there is an opportunity. At least junk food is legal.Yesterday at 11:49am · Like · 3

Maria Castro Karafelis We are running into the same issues at Nashoba. The guidelines are so restricting, it's sad.Yesterday at 12:27pm · Like · 1

Judy Frost Straeffer No after school pizza sales anymore, either.23 hours ago · Like

Will Wagner That is just plain silly. Pizza is nearly the perfect food. Vegetables, grains, dairy, meat... All in a simple, easy to eat wedge.22 hours ago · Like · 1

Judy Frost Straeffer Yup. These restrictions are, indeed, ridiculous.22 hours ago · Like · 1 Mike Combs Of course it's a nanny state environment in high school, Will. It's a school for *minors*. We don't sell them cigarettes, we have a dress code, and the nanny-rules require them to stop texting or watching videos during class. Half the population is under 16.4 hours ago · Like

Mike Combs I hope they can find a way to make after-school concessions work.4 hours ago · Like Barb Costello Belanger The water fountains that every one refers to are disgusting. They are a breeding ground for germs and no matter how often they are cleaned they will always be that way. Healthy snacks, water and milk or juice/gatorade should be allowed.3 hours ago · Like

Kathy Hunt Duffett Most kids do bring water bottle with their back pack, but the food issue is a problem even if you pack healthy snacks. its a long day and you need something to eat. Imagine as an adult being someplace from 7 am until 7 pm - you cant leave the building and there is nothing to eat or drink. That is the situation at the high school in a nut shell.3 hours ago · Like Chuck Crannell If water fountains are a health hazard, then something should be done. I would imagine there's a larger concern with kids and faculty not washing properly after using the facilities. Maybe it's just me, but the irony of paying dollars for bottled tap water that we've already paid dearly for is just head scratching (although I must admit N Chelmsford water tasted horrid for the ten years I lived there).29 minutes ago via mobile · Like

Beth Bellone Keep them. Choice is good.Sunday at 10:26pm via mobile · Like

The conversation continues at the In-Town Report on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/intownreport/

Inmates spruce up Chelmsford HighBy Grant Welker, gwelker@lowellsun.com

Updated: 08/11/2012 06:37:58 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_21290421/inmates-spruce-up-chelmsford-high

CHELMSFORD -- The high school gets freshly painted locker rooms and athletic facilities at practically no cost, and the prisoners get to spend productive time in society shortly before their release. A win-win, as the cliché goes.

A small group of inmates at the Middlesex County House of Correction in Billerica is nearly done a weeks long project turning dated and drab-looking facilities at the high school into something fresh and colorful that school officials say they can be proud of. It all comes at a cost of only lunches for the inmates and supplies.

"It's quite the program," said Gary Persichetti, Chelmsford's director of public works. "It's lucrative for them to get the inmates out and working, and it's great for us because some of these things can have a pretty high cost."

The high school was renovating its locker rooms and planned to repaint the facilities anyway, Persichetti said. Having the inmates do the work instead of a contractor saved the town $20,000 to $25,000.

The inmates do a good enough job that people wouldn't know it wasn't done by professionals, said David Callahan, the town facilities manager, who also credited the workers' dedication during the project. "You can't tell the difference."

Billerica inmates have also cleaned up Varney Playground and the Parker Middle School in Chelmsford, and will soon do landscaping work around Town Hall and the baseball fields behind the building.

Last year, inmates completed projects across Middlesex County estimated to save communities $1.5 million. Projects completed so far this year total $700,000, including cleaning debris at a housing complex in Arlington after a damaging storm in July.

The projects benefit everyone involved, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said, and many wouldn't have been afforded by the communities otherwise.

Inmates have to earn their way into the Community Works Program, Koutoujian said. They are all near their release from prison and have good disciplinary records, and during the projects, in which they work in teams of five to seven, they are under the watch of a correction officer. In projects involving schools, the work is done while students are not present.

The program is popular with the inmates, the sheriff said. It allows them time out in society and provides them with a work-day routine that helps them prepare for life after their terms end. "It's a real perk for them," he said.

Follow Grant Welker at twitter.com/sungrantwelker.

For ex-Chelmsford chief, missing teen mystery still disturbs

By Evan Lips, elips@lowellsun.comUpdated: 08/12/2012 06:45:32 AM EDT

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_21295863/ex-chelmsford-chief-missing-teen-mystery-still-disturbs

CHELMSFORD -- If only someone could find Judith Ann Chartier's car."If we only could have found that car, I think this whole thing might have been solved," former Chelmsford Police Chief Raymond McKeon said Saturday morning from his New Hampshire home during a phone interview.

Judith Ann Chartier's name resurfaced Thursday after a source close to the case confirmed that investigators removed bones from the 54 Gorham St. home that her family once owned.

Chartier was 17 years old on June 5, 1982, the day she was reported missing. Her 48th birthday would be today.

On Saturday afternoon, the 54 Gorham St. property, along with a small brick structure at 58 Gorham St., remained encircled with yellow police tape. A police spokesman said investigators are still not releasing any details. Messages left Saturday with the office of Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone were not returned.

It's still unclear whether the bones are human.

At the time of her disappearance, Chartier, her parents and seven brothers were living several houses away at 70 Gorham St. The single-family house at 54 Gorham St. was owned by Algirdas Jurius from 1969 until 1994, the year the Chartier family bought the home.

They sold it in 2000 to Michael McCarthy, according to land records. McCarthy's listed phone number is no longer in service.

More than 30 years later, thinking about Chartier's disappearance still disturbs McKeon.

"We turned every stone over, every bush over," he said. "We checked every river and pond. All we had to go on was a missing-person's report and no evidence otherwise."

And a missing black 1970s-era Dodge Dart Swinger.

The car's year is unclear. McKeon said it was reported as a 1977 model, yet Dodge stopped production of the Dart Swinger in 1976.

Bones Found In Former Chelmsford Home Of Woman Missing 30 YearsFri, Aug 10, 2012 - WBZ Boston 2:45 | 52 viewsThe house is the former home of Judith Ann Chartier, who was 17 years old when she was last seen alive, leaving a party in Billerica back in June 1982.

CLICK HERE for WBZ News Report

"Either way, that car just disappeared," said McKeon. "We even checked out the junkyards where machines would squash old cars."

McKeon said he's heard stories about Massachusetts junkyards that would crush cars without recording any identification or notation for customers who were willing to pay a little extra.

"Nearly all of these places are on the level, but like anything else there are places that will do a little more for the right price," he said.

Chartier disappeared after attending a party in Billerica with her fiancé of four months, Roger Balkum, with whom she reportedly argued, according to police at the time. Chartier is believed to have driven Balkum back to his East Chelmsford home before returning to the party, where police said she was last seen about 2 a.m.

McKeon said one of the biggest leads at the time involved a man named James Mitchell DeBardeleben, who was being investigated in the early 1980s for allegedly paying for small purchases at various U.S. shopping malls with counterfeit bills. When agents caught up with DeBardeleben, they discovered evidence suggesting he committed several serious sex crimes.

One detail specifically jumps out for McKeon. It involved the fact that DeBardeleben had been in Chelmsford on the eve of Chartier's disappearance. The proof of DeBardeleben's visit was a Chelmsford motel receipt dated June 4, 1982, which authorities discovered in his car after his May 1983 arrest in Tennessee.

"They found photos of all these women being forced to do horrible things," said McKeon. "And then they found a road map of Chelmsford."

DeBardeleben was never convicted of any murders. He died in prison in 2011.

"I remember seeing a map where he had highlighted the part of Route 129 leading into Billerica," said McKeon.

The retired police chief said he remembers sending several detectives down to Washington, D.C., to question DeBardeleben. The detectives were never able to connect him to Chartier's disappearance, McKeon said.

When asked what his "gut feeling" is regarding Chartier's disappearance, McKeon started to answer but quickly backed away from the question.

"I think we should have been looking closer to home," he said.

Follow Evan Lips at Twitter.com/evanmlips.

Chelmsford girl still missing; bones in home are animalBy Sarah Favot, sfavot@lowellsun.com and Kris Pisarik kpisarik@lowellsun.comUpdated: 08/14/2012 06:46:11 AM EDT http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_21307913/chelmsford-girl-still-missing-bones-home-are-animal

CHELMSFORD -- Bones found at the home that once belonged to the family of Judith Ann Chartier, who went missing 30 years ago at age 17, do not belong to a human, a source confirmed.

Local detectives and state police assigned to Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone's office had conducted a two-day evidentiary search last week at the home of 54 Gorham St.

"Our evidentiary search has concluded," regarding the ongoing investigation at the home, said Jessica Pastore, a spokeswoman from

Judith Ann Chartier

Leone's office. She declined further comment regarding the results of the investigation.

The District Attorney's Office had not confirmed bones had been removed from the home at 54 Gorham St.

But a source had confirmed several

bones found in the home were sent to the state police forensics lab to determine whether they were human or animal.

Police Chief James Murphy last week would only acknowledge that police were conducting a follow-up investigation related to a previously reported incident.

"The status of the Chartier missing-person case will not change. It remains an open investigation," Murphy said in an email response to The Sun Monday evening. "This latest information that we followed up on was investigated similar to other calls and tips that have been brought to our attention over the years.

"Media coverage on the case certainly increases the chances that someone may remember something, or provide additional information related to the case that could assist us," Murphy concluded.

Chartier went missing on June 5, 1982, after attending a party in Billerica with her fiance of four months, Roger Balkum. Chartier is believed to have driven Balkum back to his East Chelmsford home after the couple had an argument at the party.

Chartier then returned to the party and was last seen around 2 a.m., witnesses told police at the time.She was driving a black 1972 Dodge Swinger.

At the time of Chartier's disappearance, the family lived a few houses away at 70 Gorham St., according to records at the Northern Middlesex Registry of Deeds.

The family purchased the home at 54 Gorham St. in 1994 from Algirdas Jurius, according to property deeds.

Members of the family sold the home to Michael McCarthy in 2000, who is the current owner.Last week, when news broke that investigators had found bones at the former Chartier home, Laurie Myers, founder of Community Voices, a Chelmsford-based victims-advocacy group, was hopeful that Chartier's remaining survivors would have some closure.

"I hope it's her," Myers said at the time, adding that Chartier and her family could rest in peace.Every year on Missing Children's Day at the Statehouse, the family of Molly Bish -- a Warren lifeguard who went missing, and whose remains were found several years later -- hands out roses to victims families.

Both of Chartier's parents are dead, and no one attended the ceremonies on her behalf, Myers said."For the past six years I've taken Judith's (roses) home with me," Myers said.

"My heart goes out to the Chartier family," Myers said Monday night. "The community hasn't forgotten Judy and every effort to look for her is well worth it."

The Chartier missing-persons case has stymied investigators.Police followed leads all over the country, officials said.

In an interview this past weekend, Raymond McKeon, who was Chelmsford's police chief at the time Chartier disappeared, said he believes the case might have been solved if police had found Chartier's vehicle.

"We turned every stone, every bush over," he said. "We checked every river and pond. All we had to go on was a missing-person's report and no evidence otherwise."

Follow Sarah Favot on Twitter @sarahfavot. Follow Kris Pisarik on Twitter @kplowellsun.

Put Your Best Paw ForwardSadie the good Samaritan dog is still on the look out for those in your community that are hidden and not so hidden gems.

Rosie’s Diner,North Chelmsford, receives Sadie award.

From left Santiago Rios, Sadie, Laurie Golas

Sadie thanks Santiago for the up keep and cleanliness of Freeman Lake.

Sadie thanks Laurie for watching over all the children and adults swimming at Freeman Lake.

It was a hot day over at Sully's ice cream

Sadie reading her e-mail, looking for new nominations

Sadie@SadieAwards.com

http://www.Sadieawards.com/home

Chelmsford has a new police dog on the prowl By Molly Loughman/Wicked Local staff writer

GateHouse News ServicePosted Aug 09, 2012 @ 11:01 AM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1814086790/Chelmsford-has-a-new-police-dog-on-the-prowl?photo=1#axzz23NYIY129

Chelmsford — Intelligence, strength, loyalty and obedience are attributes Chelmsford Police Department’s new K9, Flacko, possesses. A purebred German shepherd, this natural-born detective is more than just a man’s best friend to K9 Officer David Leo, but also a partner in crime prevention, a newfound relationship begun in March.

“A lot of dogs you can build up their drive, a lot of dogs naturally have drive and that’s all the police work. As long as they have drive, they can do the police work,” said Leo.

Leo is an 18-year veteran of the Chelmsford Police Department. This is his 10th as K9 officer.

According to Leo, Flacko was one of four chosen from a private breeder in Kingston, N.H., where he was tested for his drive and personality before undergoing basic patrol and narcotics training. When Flacko hit 18 months, he’d earned his way into the police force as Leo’s partner.

“When I’m working, he’s working, no matter what I’m doing. If I’m working the polls, he’s out in the car, if I’m working a road job, he’s in the car, because if something happens I go right from where I am,” said Leo.

Initially the pair participated in a 14-week training session at Boston Police K9 Academy, Leo’s third time through, where the two trained together for patrol work, including tracking, apprehension, article searches, building and area searches, obedience and agility.

“Everything we threw at him, he did it and it was nice and easy. There was not a lot of compulsion. Everything just came easy to him for the food, for the toy…He’s a lot like my first dog, Andy, a very sociable dog, but all business when it comes to work…Everything we did with him, I couldn’t ask for more,” said Leo.

Flacko’s biggest motivator: Getting his toy, Leo said.

Leo, who has drug training classes this month through September, described rolling towels with drugs inside and playing tug-of-war with Flacko. It teaches the dog the scent of hidden narcotics and a head start on his academy training.

“So once we start doing the drug academy, when I give him the command to look for drugs, he’s looking actually for that towel and when he smells that smell he thinks his toy’s in there,” said Leo.

Praise is instrumental in perfecting a dog’s job

Chelmsford's K-9 Officer David Leo and his german shepherd Flacko, 18 months old. Staff Photo by Ann Ringwood

Chelmsford's K-9 Officer David Leo uses a toy ball as a reward to train his german shepherd Flacko, 18 months old. Staff Photo by Ann Ringwood

performance. Calling Flacko “good boy” is a common method used when he exhibits desired behavior, said Leo.

During tracking, which involves indication, pursuit and praise, Leo will bring Flacko to the area to find the suspect or object before giving him the order to search and track.

“Once I know he’s tracking, I give him the verbal praise so he knows he’s getting it from me that that’s what I want him to find. It’s all verbal. You got to praise your dog. You got to talk to your dog…That’s just what they want. They want to work, they want to please us,” said Leo.

Living and working with Leo, Flacko works 40-hour weeks, typically during Leo’s evening shift. Residing in Leo’s garage and in a kennel in the backyard, Flacko is treated as a working dog, not a family pet.

Stressing the importance of keeping Flacko separate from his two sons, who are 5 and 8, Leo believes the approach will help avoid any harmful confusion.

“He’s sociable, he probably could play with them, but I don’t do it. I’m responsible for him,” said Leo.

Legacy

According to Leo, the history of Chelmsford Police Department K9 began with a single-purpose narcotics dog in the early 1990s, which lasted only a couple of years.

Leo worked with his first K9 partner, Andy, in 1994, around the same time the department made the K9 unit official.

In 2008, Andy died after contracting a bacterial infection while hauling a robbery suspect from a swamp in North Chelmsford.

His replacement, Axel, a Czechoslovakian shepherd, served the department for four years before dying of kidney cancer last spring.

“Axel had a lot of drive and wanted to do stuff for the toy, but he didn’t want to give it back. Flacko, he gives it back because he wants to play,” said Leo.

The quick transition between dogs isn’t easy. It’s a working relationship, built on hours of training and it’s not easy to replicate, Leo said.

“It was a good 14 weeks of training because he was a really good dog to work with, so I enjoyed the 14 weeks. I wasn’t looking forward to doing it again so soon because I only had Axel for four years…but I love this job, so there was no question about it, I was going to do it again,” said Leo.Being the K9 officer has a big upside.

“I get to go to all the good calls… if there’s a complete chaotic scene going on, I’m usually there. And that’s what I like. I like getting involved in all the hot calls, it’s fun.” Copyright 2012 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Chelmsford's K-9 Officer David Leo starts his german shepherd Flacko, 18 months old on an article search for a pair of brass knuckles that he buried under a pile of grass. Staff Photo by Ann Ringwood

Q&A with Kathy Cryan-Hicks,

Chelmsford Library's director of community relations By Molly Loughman/Wicked Local staff writer

GateHouse News ServicePosted Aug 12, 2012 @ 08:04 AM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1629587327/Q-A-with-Kathy-Cryan-Hicks-Chelmsford-LIbrarys-director-of-community-relations#axzz23NbLZ7BN

Chelmsford — Moving to West Chelmsford when she was six months old, and now the Library’s Assistant Director of Community Relations & Programs, Kathy Cryan-Hicks started her days at the public library 26 years ago, the beginning of an enriching journey.

After graduating from Keith Hall high school in Lowell, Hicks earned a degree in theatre education from Emerson College.

The start of her career was eclectic: work in the textile mills of Lowell; unpaid apprentice at a Falmouth summer theater; payroll and accounting for a circuit board company; substitute teacher in Boston; and myriad other positions before arriving back at Adam’s Library in 1986.

Eventually Hicks was laid off during a budget crisis and took to write abook on the life of W.E.B. DuBois. Seeing DuBouis as someone she wanted her children to learn about, she soon started a second book, a brief history on the Harlem Renaissance, which was finished in 1993, the same time the Library called her back to serve as the head of the Community Services Department. The position allowed Hicks to reach more people through library programs and publicity while learning more about the mission of public libraries. Why did you choose to spend your career working for a library?

Well, this is not any library! This is my hometown library. I couldn’t think of a better place to work but in the same library I loved visiting as a child. What keeps me here is a director and fellow staff members who encourage me to be creative in designing and planning library and community programs. We are able to work with members of the community, town departments and community groups. I can’t think of a better place to work! What does your position as the Assistant Director of Community Relations & Programs entail?

Basically I design and run library programs, coordinate monthly art exhibits, do publicity on library programs and services. I also act as a liaison of sorts with town departments and community groups. These days I am a member of the town’s Cultural District Committee – we are helping the town apply for two state-designated Cultural Districts in Chelmsford. Center Village and Vinal Square. I am also a member of the Chelmsford Cultural Council and a member of the advisory board for the new Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA) at Old Town Hall. It is so nice to have another arts venue in town –and such an elegant one at that!

What effects have the high volume of programs at the library had on the community?In addition to books, CDs, public computers, magazines and an amazing website full of resources, we are able to offer library patrons and residents monthly art exhibits, concerts, lectures, the popular “One Book Chelmsford,” a community wide reading campaign, author visits, and more. People (and other libraries!) seem to love the programs we offer and that makes us want to deliver even more! Maureen Foley’s “Dads and Donuts” has gone viral! Libraries all over are following Maureen’s footsteps and offering a similar story time. Friends of the Library is one of the library's biggest sponsors, but how much exactly do they do ?If it were not for the Friends of the Library’s book sale each September we wouldn’t have the programming that we do. They fund almost all of our programs. We do get some grant money but on the

Kathy Cryan-Hicks

whole the programming is supported by the Friends. (The town’s budget covers materials and staff not programming). What do you see for the library moving forward?I feel our library is in such capable hands, so I see nothing but more great things from it. When I sit in our department head meetings and hear the ideas and suggestions from my fellow staff I feel so lucky to be working with such dedicated and talented people. The Chelmsford Library is so well respected because of its public service attitude. When it comes to customer service, our children’s librarian, Maureen Foley puts it this way, “How can we get to “yes.” I am inspired and encouraged by the people I work with.

Our director works with so many hard-working volunteers – our Friends of the Library organization and the Trustees. The dedication these volunteers have to the library is evident all year round –not just when it’s time for the annual Book Sale. There are members of the Friends gathering and sorting and pricing books all year. They run a paperback book sale on a cart every day. The public may only be aware of these folks when the Book Sale rolls around or when they hold their monthly meetings, but there is a lot of work that goes into making things happen at the Library. Our Friends and Trustees have always been there for us staff. The Library is in good hands.

What can people do who are interested in getting more involved with their local library?Volunteer, join the Chelmsford Friends of the Library organization, run for trustee, send us their suggestions for improved services and materials, attend library programs and support their library anyway they can. What do you think are the biggest assets to a town/city supporting libraries?One just has to look around the library to see how busy it is every day. Comments we received on a recent survey confirm what we hear. People in Chelmsford love their public library and the programs and service we offer. I can’t tell you what a great feeling it is to be part of a place that people appreciate. People in Chelmsford put a lot of value in education. They understand the important part arts and culture play in a making a well-educated person. They want this for themselves and for their children. It is through remembering and passing on our culture (through the arts in particular) that we gain a better society. The arts bring us together-make us a community. And we learn to appreciate the larger community. Some of the things you see in the library’s futureI hope to see the Library and the new CCA as two of the anchors in a new Center Village Cultural District and the MacKay Library and the new Community Center in North Chelmsford as two anchors in Vinal Square’s Cultural District. The arts bring a community together. And in Chelmsford’s new Cultural Districts the Arts will also bring more visitors and commerce to both parts of town –a merging of community, culture and commerce. For example, out-of-towners will stop in to work in the library in the afternoon, stay for dinner at one of the restaurants in the area and then maybe take in a performance at the CCA.

And of course, technology will continue to improve things (in our catalog and databases) and the library will continue to stay ahead of the curve and help its patrons gently navigate the changes.

Copyright 2012 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Plotting for success in ChelmsfordBy Grant Welker, gwelker@lowellsun.com

Updated: 08/12/2012 06:37:09 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_21295800/plotting-success-chelmsford

CHELMSFORD -- There may be far less farmland in town than generations ago, but plenty of residents are doing their own farming thanks to a community-garden program that in its fourth year has grown to more than 100 plots.

At the 22-acre Sunny Meadow Farm, what started as a small group of plots has expanded each year, each providing a 15--by-30-foot space for $50 a year. Of 112 plots at Sunny Meadow and a new addition started this year off Wotton Street in North Chelmsford, only three have not yet been planted.

Phil Jones, Phil Stanway and others built it, and they came. An earlier effort failed to get off the ground, Stanway said, but once people saw plots being established, they responded quickly.

"It's local-grown stuff that people are really becoming interested in," said Henry Parlee, of Parlee Farms on Pine Hill Road, who has been involved in the community-gardens project but gave credit to Jones for his dedication.

Stanway, lead steward of the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship who has also given much of his free time, also cited Jones for helping make the growing program possible.

"If it wasn't for Jones Farm, we wouldn't have community gardens," said Stanway, who gave a tour on Friday of the growing Sunny Meadow Farm off Robin Hill Road. Jones, in turn, called Stanway the visionary.

Sunny Meadow Farm was purchased by the town using funds from the Community Preservation Act tax surcharge, and much of the rest of the work has been through donated time and funds. Volunteers have certainly improvised.

Scrap cedar has been made into a bike rack, and a long, old horse trough has become a raised garden. One Eagle Scout project added a ramp to make the beds wheelchair-accessible, and another made a fence with only two horizontal bars instead of the traditional three so that people in wheelchairs would have a clearer view of the fields.

"We've tried to incorporate the values of the people who owned the land for years and years," said Jones, who has owned Jones Farm on Acton Road with his wife, Deb, for more than 20 years. The couple serve as managers of the community-gardens program.

The program is self-sustaining, with revenue from sale of the plots paying for operations. Sunny Meadow Farm also has its own small pond for a water supply. Participants are mostly individuals -- they don't need to be Chelmsford residents -- but also a few local churches and food banks.

"This is probably the most diverse place you've find in town," Stanway said.

Despite what some people think, the small-scale community farmers don't compete with the town's larger, traditional farms, Stanway said.

For the dwindling number of Chelmsford farmers, they are more likely to become customers because they value locally grown produce.

That's good news for Parlee, whose grandfather started the 40-acre farm in the 1920s. "There's not many of us left," he said.

Follow Grant Welker at Twitter.com/SunGrantWelker.

Chelmsford Conservation Agent has a passion for the workBy Molly Loughman/Wicked Local staff writer

GateHouse News ServicePosted Aug 17, 2012 @ 12:36 PM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1733879237/Chelmsford-Conservation-Agent-has-a-passion-for-the-work?zc_p=0#axzz23kTwm06t

Chelmsford — Virtually all humans need water to survive, a vital source for any community. Protecting local water resources and wetlands is the job for Chelmsford’s new Conservation Agent, Alison LeFlore, who came on board in July. Spending half of her week at her desk and half out on a project site, LeFlore works closely with the Conservation Commission.

LeFlore says the collaboration will soon focus on open space planning and land management for Chelmsford’s 1,200 acres of conservation land. Now beginning a new chapter in life, Leflore says for the last month one thing she has enjoyed is talking to residents about prospective projects.

Environmental issues is what sparked LeFlore’s career path, a passion she harbored since high school and eventually birthing her interest for environmental policy. After high school, LeFlore proceeded to earn a bachelor degree in environmental policy and development from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a master degree in urban and environmental policy and planning from Tufts University.

Following college she worked as the Assistant Coordinator for a small environmental nonprofit in Worcester. She then worked for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin in their Climate and Energy Group before working for a small planning and community development firm, Community Opportunities Group.

Now in her mid-20’s LeFlore’s career brought her to the 357 year-old Middlesex County town of Chelmsford, bordered by two voluminous bodies of water, the Merrimack River, north and the Concord River, east. Totaling an area of 23.4 square miles, of which 22.6 square-miles is land and .5 or 2.29 percent is water, in LeFlore’s eyes, Chelmsford’s glass is half full.

The basic role of a Conservation Agent is wetlands, what duties does this position specifically involve for you in the Town of Chelmsford?

I work with the Town’s Conservation Commission to review applications and protect Chelmsford’s water resources and wetlands. When we receive an application, I make sure it’s complete and make sure that the Commission has all the information necessary to make a decision. If we have an existing Conservation file on the property, I look at that as well as looking the parcel up in our GIS system. I then visit the site so that I can make a recommendation to the Commission. Before the Conservation Commission meets, I write a report for each application that includes my recommendation as well as any outstanding questions I may have. My work with the Conservation Commission also includes education

Chelmsford’s new Conservation Agent Alison LeFlore.

and open space planning. I’m very excited to start thinking about open space planning and land management. The Conservation Commission has about 1,200 acres of conservation land throughout town and working with the Commission and the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards to manage that land is something I’m really looking forward to.

When and what made you decide to embark down this career path?

I’ve always been interested in environmental issues and in high school, I developed an interest in policy so I went to WPI to study Environmental Policy and Development. When I decided to go to graduate school, I quickly realized that many schools separated policy and planning, which seemed strange to me since I had just spent 4 years at WPI studying all the ways in which planning and policy intersected. Tufts was the one school I found that seemed to place an equal emphasis on both and it turned out to be the perfect program for me!

What are the types of challenges and rewards involved with being a Conservation Agent?

I really enjoy my work. I like having a home base and desk, but I also like that I get to go out to project sites. I’ll be able to see the impact that my work has on Chelmsford. In my other jobs, I knew that my work would have an impact, but as a consultant, I didn’t get to do any real implementation – I wrote the plan and then we were done. I’m very excited to be in Chelmsford and get to see how things turn out.

What does a typical day involve for you while on the job?

I’ve been working in Chelmsford for a month now and one of the things I love is that every day seems to be different. Residents come in to ask questions and I talk to people about projects they’re thinking of doing. I do all the standard work things too: email, answering phone calls, etc. I really enjoy what I’m doing.

Since coming on board in early July, what projects or things have you been working on?

I feel like this first month has flown by, I’ve worked on a number of different projects and activities. The first thing I did was prepare for a Conservation Commission meeting that occurred at the beginning of my second week – I visited sites, wrote reports, got the agenda ready, and pulled all the materials together for the Commissioners. I also spent some time driving around town and the Commission’s Vice Chair, Dave McLachlan, was kind enough to spend a lot of time with me – taking me to the town’s Conservation Land, showing me the different neighborhoods and just giving me some background information. I’ve also been reading a lot – the Town’s Master Plan, the Open Space and Recreation Plan and familiarizing myself with the Town’s bylaws and regulations. My job is split between Conservation Agent and Planner. So far, I’ve been spending a lot of time doing the Conservation work, but I’m starting to get involved with some of the planning activities in town as well.

A House Too Full at Third Middlesex District

Candidates ForumPublic safety officials and organizers had to thin the crowd considerably before the seven candidates for state senate in the

Third Middlesex District could weigh in on the issues during an Aug. 15 candidates forum in Concord.

By Patrick BallChelmsford Patch August 16, 2012

http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/a-house-too-full-at-third-middlesex-district-candidates-forum-a30dc71a

It’s probably been a little while now since the turnout for a candidates’ forum in the Third Middlesex District was a part of the story, but that changed this year.

After the announcement in February that state Sen. Susan Fargo, D-Lincoln, would not seek a ninth term, a handful of new Democratic candidates emerged to join those who had already announced their intentions to run.

Concord Democrats Joe Kearns Goodwin and Mara Dolan, along with Alex Buck of Chelmsford and Joe Mullin from Weston, threw their hats in the race, joining Republicans Greg Howes of Concord and Sandi Martinez of Chelmsford, and Mike Barrett, a Lexington Democrat, all of whom had declared candidicay before Fargo revealed her retirement plans.

The excitement and interest around this state senate seat – which represnts a district that includes a national park, an airport, an Air Force base and a stretch of Route 128 – apparently, has been contagious. And all that energy was on display in a big way Aug. 15 in Concord, where a League of Women Voters Candidates Forum attracted a crowd so robust that public safety officials and organizers had to turn away more than 100 campaign supporters and undecided voters in order to comply with fire safety codes.

The forum produced some notable quotables, sure. Like when Martinez, the recurring Republican candidate from Chelmsford, said the last call she’d ever want to receive “is that

my child has been killed by an illegal immigrant,” in response to a question about an issue she feels strongly enough about to break from the party line. But the buzz among the audience before, during and after the formal question-and-answer portion of the evening was the atmosphere.

The streets surrounding the Harvey Wheeler Community Center were lined with red, white and blue campaign signs held by volunteers of all ages. Inside the venue, every seat was filled, the hallway congested as a sardine can and several senior citizens without seats sat cross-legged on the carpet.

When a representative of the League of Women Voters of Concord and Carlisle paused the start of the program to thin the crowd, a number of the departed lingered along the sidewalk in hopes of observing through an open window.

Candidates On the Issues

The Republicans were first to the fore, and Howes and Martinez fielded questions from posed by LWV organizations in the district, as well as questions emailed in to the League.

On some issues, such as medical marijuana, where they’d break from the party and increased commercial aviation at Hanscom Field, their answers differed sharply in terms of substance and basis. In several responses, Martinez

Sandi Martinez Greg Howes

answered “as a mother” or referred to her no tax pledge, while Howes talked about process, and that the role of a state senator is to represent the district.

Regarding an expanded Bottle Bill, for instance, Martinez rejected a deposit on plastic water bottles as “another tax,” and one which could drive consumers away from healthier beverages. Meanwhile Howes, who spent six years as a selectman in a town that’s twice voted to ban the sale of bottled water, said he believes residents in the district “are willing to pay a nickel”

and he would work to address the funding problem if the program is thought to be economically unviable.

One area where Howes and Martinez agreed completely was that neither wanted to touch the “Ryan Budget” with a 10-foot pole.

“Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan have enough to deal with,” said Howes, referring to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan. “They don’t

need my input.”

The five Democrats were second to the stage. Barrett, Buck, Dolan, Kearns Goodwin and Mullin all support the Bottle Bill and public financing of political campaigns, and opposed voter identification law. Regarding the latter, consensus was they would like to see more done to promote voter participation.

Barrett suggested moving elections from weekdays to Saturdays as a means to increase turnout, while Kearns Goodwin took it a step forward and recommended making Election Day a holiday.

All five candidates generally agreed that civilian traffic and freight air traffic should not increase at Hanscom Field and that the Legislature went too far with restrictions on EBT cards. In many cases, the nuanced differences in their answers reflected their backgrounds and identities as candidates.

On the issue of welfare reform and the EBT controversy, Dolan pointed to her background as a social worker and public defender, while Kearns Goodwin worked his veteran-status into his answer to the same question. Discussing civil aviation at Hanscom, Mullin said he dealt extensively with Massport during his turn as eastern regional director of the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board under President Jimmy Carter’s administration.

And, finally, asked about a position that distinguishes them from the other four Democratic candidates, both Barret and Buck highlighted their background instead of a position. 

Barrett, who served for eight years in the state senate before launching an unsuccessful bid for governor in 1994, touted his past experience and Legislator of the Year accolades, while Buck said there’s a case to be made for representatives who aren’t steeped in state politics.  

“I’m an engineer, and I’m going to go back to being

an engineer,” said Buck, noting his work in life-sciences and technology has coincided with Town Meeting membership. “What we really need is folks who didn’t

follow the typical path to elected office.”

Alex Buck Joe Mullin

Joe Kearns Goodwin Mike Barrett

Mara Dolan

Playground fee on Chelmsford's town warrantBy Grant Welker, gwelker@lowellsun.com

Updated: 08/16/2012 07:35:45 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_21326176/playground-fee-chelmsfords-town-warrant

CHELMSFORD -- The warrant for the Oct. 15 Fall Town Meeting is beginning to take shape.

Two months ahead of the meeting, there are as many as 20 articles to be voted on, and most are procedural. One article submitted by petition would charge $10 annual fees to residents to park at Varney Playground, although the proposal lacks many specifics.

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the draft meeting warrant on Monday, and are scheduled to finalize the list of articles Sept. 10.

One article asks voters to support a home-rule petition that, if passed by the state Legislature, would allow Fire Chief Michael Curran to remain on the job past age 65, which is against state law. Curran has asked to remain on the job because of the lack of experience in the rest of the department.

All nine officers have less than two years in their position, and three have less than a year of experience, Curran said.

Curran, in his request for the extension, asked specifically for consideration for two people as his replacement: Deputy Michael Donoghue and Deputy Gary Ryan. He also wants to stay on to oversee the construction of a new center fire station next to Town Hall, he said.

The town may also acquire land using Community Preservation Act tax surcharge funds but officials have not said where the property is located pending the completion of an agreement. If an agreement is completed, Town Meeting would need to approve the expenditure.

Another article would seek approval to tweak the town's dangerous-dog bylaw to better match a new state law. The town's lawyers are reviewing the documents and don't yet have specific changes, Town Manager Paul Cohen said.

The Varney Playground article is meant to start discussions on how the North Chelmsford park could be improved, said Maria Karafelis, the Quigley Avenue resident who submitted a petition to include the proposal on the meeting warrant.

A redesign is being planned for the park by the Varney Playground Master Plan Committee.Karafelis is not a member of the committee but said she wanted to propose a way to make it easier for Chelmsford residents to use the park and beach on crowded days by charging a higher price for out-of-towners.

Chelmsford residents would be charged $10 a year, and nonresidents $5 per person, per visit.Karafelis didn't have specifics for how the plan would be enacted.

Another citizen petition would have called for a rent-control bylaw, but the Chelmsford Commons mobile-home-park resident who submitted the petition didn't obtain the necessary 10 signatures from certified voters because three were ruled invalid.

The Varney petition barely met the minimum, with 11 signatures, but one deemed invalid.

Follow Grant Welker at Twitter.com/SunGrantWelker.

To read over the “draft”

CLICK HERE

TV CORNERChelmsford TeleMedia

Encore:Back to School Special

With Dr. Frank Tiano, Superintendent of Schools and Anne-Marie Fiore, Director of Technology and Information.

CLICK HERE for the latest show

AUGUST 13th BOS meeting

The Town Manager and Selectmengo over the “Draft” of the Fall Town Meeting Warrant

CLICK HEREDiscussion about Town Meeting Warrant starts at21:10

The Current BuzzHost: Dean Contover

With guest

NikiTsongas

CLICK HERE

EXTRA EXTRAS:

For Chelmsford friends and family to join the ITR Email list write to intownreport@gmail.com And if you would like to read all of the articles in this magazine and more as they happen on a daily basis, please join the ITR Facebook page which is linked here…

CHELMSFORD’S IN-TOWN REPORT

Free Movie Night sponsored by

Chelmsford Police Athletic League

Thursday, August 30 at 7:30p,

Venue: McCarthy Middle School

Address: 250 North Road, Chelmsford

Food and drinks will be provided but bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week

August 19th – 25th, 2012

Tallent Family Benefit Night Announced!!!

Join family and friends of the Tallent Family for a night of giving to support this family on their road to recovery.

Friends and Family members of the Tallent Family join together in hosting a Benefit to raise funds for the Family to help them defray the costs associated with the tragedy that struck their family in July 2012. When Steven Tallent suddenly suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk or see this incredible family found themselves faced with a situation that not only left them struggling with how to handle the recovery, but how to navigate the financial implications such a tragedy imposed upon them. With 3 small boys under the age of 8 to care for and raise and Steven now recovering at Spaulding Rehab Center; he and his wife Erin are left wondering how ends will be met, how to raise their boys while navigating Steven’s recovery and what their future will now look like.

With support and donations of many personal, professional, local and national organizations their family and friends have put together a benefit night designed to raise funds for the family. The Benefit will be hosted at the Radisson Hotel in Chelmsford, Ma. on September 22, 2012 from 7:00 pm – 12:00 am. The evening will include entertainment provided by a local D.J. as well as a Silent Auction and a Raffle; with appetizers provided by the Radisson and a cash bar.

Advanced tickets can be purchased by contacting one of the Benefit Committee members noted below or purchased at the door. The price for admission to this Benefit will be $25.00 per person.

This will be a fun night where all can come together in support of this incredible family and their long journey to recovery.

In addition to this benefit, those that wish to make a financial donation directly to the family’s fund set up at Citizens Bank, have been asked to make those donations out to:

Tallent Family Fund - mailed to: Erin Tallent, c/o Roger Jacob, 39 Lakeview Terr., Waltham, MA 02451. Or you can deposit it directly at any Citizens Bank Branch, please use the name of the fund above.

Lastly their family and friends are continuing to monitor and maintain a family website where updates on Steven’s recovery are made, specific needs of the family can be posted and where others can donate meals, times, etc.

Please visit: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/660533/ to get more information.

If you have any ability to help in any way or to donate resources or financial support to this family & for the benefit/ fundraiser please contact: Jen Bartleman at (978) 804-0019/ jenbartleman@gmail.com, Nancy Correnti at (617)413-5662/ nescorrenti@yahoo.com, Kelly Gooltz at (978) 609-7139 / gooltzk@gmail.com , or Ameena Langford at (781) 504-5519 / amlangford@gmail.com

This  event  helps  support  our  wonderful  German  Shepherd  dogs  and  will  help  animal  lovers  learn  about  your  group/products  and  services.  Rescue  groups  and  vendors  reserve  space  for  Free,  however,  dona>ons  are  always  appreciated.  The  picnic  grounds  are  spacious  so  there's  plenty  of  room  for  everyone  to  display  their  products  and  services  to  the  many  par>cipants  at  the  event.

Last  year  was  a  huge  success  and  we  hope  to  have  even  more  tables/demos  this  year!  This  event  is  promoted  in  many  of  the  local  newspapers,  including  The  Boston  Globe,  on  our  Facebook  and  TwiEer  pages,  the  GSRNE  website,  as  well  as  extensive  word  of  mouth  with  over  1000  current  members  throughout  the  New  England  area.  We  have  submiEed  public  service  announcements  to  many  radio  and  TV  sta>ons  and  their  websites,  and  we  would  like  to  add  you  as  a  par>cipant!

If  for  any  reason  you  are  unable  to  aEend,  please  consider  placing  an  adver>sement  for  your  business  or  organiza>on  in  our  event  booklet  or  dona>ng  items  for  the  event.  Helping  GSRNE  in  any  way  is  a  great  marke>ng  tool…our  members  greatly  appreciate  the  businesses  and  organiza>ons  which  support  GSRNE!

Adver>sing  space  can  be  purchased  by  contac>ng  GSRNE  at  the  e-­‐mail  address  below.  Business  card  adver>sements  may  be  placed  in  our  booklet  for  $15.00  each,  a  half  page  ad  for  $25.00  or  a  full  page  ad  for  $50.00.  If  you  wish  to  support  GSRNE  in  a  unique  manner,  we  are  offering  the  inside  front  and  back  covers  for  $75.00  each.  

Please  consider  suppor>ng  GSRNE  and  joining  us  for  our  12th  Annual  Walk  ‘n’  Wag  in  any  way  you  can.  We’re  planning  on  a  fun-­‐filled  day  of  demonstra>ons  and  games  in  addi>on  to  the  Walk!  Most  importantly,  your  business  or  organiza>on  will  have  access  to  hundreds  of  enthusias>c  patrons!

Reservations must be finalized by September 17th, 2012.Advertisements must be finalized by September 17th, 2012.

Please reserve as soon as possible as we expect space to fill up quickly!TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT OR PLACE AN ADPLEASE E-MAIL WALKNWAG@GSRNE.ORG

Visit our website often for updates: www.gsrne.orgCall 978 443-2202 if you need someone to contact you by phone!

We appreciate your support!IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

•PLEASE bring a tent or EZ-up for shade (10”x10” size) and your own table/booth/chairs, etc; electricity is not available. • The MC will mention rescue groups and vendors by name throughout the day. • You may sell merchandise from your space (sorry, food and drinks may not be sold). • All groups and vendors must pre-register. • Free parking available. • Set up will start at 9:00 am, and all cars must be off the field by 10:00 am. • The event will end at 3:00 pm and no cars will be allowed on the field until 3:00 pm.

TENATIVE SCHEDULE

9:00 a.m. – Set Up Begins

10:00 a.m. – All Vehicles Off the Field

10:15 a.m. – Walk Registration Begins

11:30 a.m. – Walk Begins

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Demonstrations

3:00 p.m. – Clean Up Begins

Chelmsford Historical Society Farm Fair

The Chelmsford Historical Society is holding its annual Farm Fair on Saturday, September 15th from 12 noon to 4 PM at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, 40 Byam Road in Chelmsford.

Come and see what life was like in the rural farming village of Chelmsford in earlier times.

The Barrett Byam Homestead Museum will be open for self-guided tours of the house, its military room and a recreated old -time general store. Chelmsford Historical Society members will be available to answer any questions you may have about the antique treasures you will discover within the homestead.

Outside, there will be hay rides, pony rides and demonstrations of honey and cider making, as well as spinning, weaving, and farming techniques new and old. Children will have the opportunity to try out chores they would have been expected to do during Colonial times, including making their own apple juice!

Local farm produce, penny candy for the children, Chelmsford Historical Society books and collectibles, and refreshments for all will be available for sale.

Musical folk group “Two Cat Folk and Friends” will entertain throughout the day.

For more information call Bernie Ready at (978)256- 6058.

Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted

CLICK HEREfor Race Brochure

CLICK HEREfor Ryanʼs Story

CLICK HEREfor WEBSITE

Here is your direct link for registration:http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2032526

NEVER FORGET

Laugh while you can...

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“We boil at different degrees.” - CLINT EASTWOOD

And from the FARSIDE of Chelmsford

How the BATMAN found his voice

CLICK HEREMay not be suitable for younger children

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