Chelmsford's In-Town Report:04-14-13

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TOWN ELECTION 2013Askenburg joins Hanson on Chelmsford selectmen

Maloney narrowly edged; Apostolakes wins Planning Board seatBy Grant Welker, [email protected]

Updated: 04/03/2013 11:35:04 AM EDTLOWELL SUN

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_22932488/askenburg-joins-hanson-chelmsford-selectmen

CHELMSFORD -- Matt Hanson was re-elected to the Board of Selectmen and Janet Askenburg, a School Committeemember the last three years, won the other seat on the board in Tuesday's election, which drew about 17 percent of voters.

Patrick Maloney, a co-chairman of the Permanent Building Committee and founder of a construction-management firm,finished only 56 votes behind Askenburg. A first-time candidate for selectman, he said he expected a close race and thathe'll still devote himself to helping oversee the new fire station on Billerica Road, among other projects.

"I couldn't be prouder of my team," Maloney said, adding later, "I still have some work to do for the town."

Hanson, a 24-year-old television production assistant andLittleton Road resident, won all nine precincts, just as he

did three years ago when he was elected to his first term.He said he didn't know what to expect in the election anddidn't take anything for granted.

"I'm excited to be moving forward," Hanson said. "It's just a shame only two of us could get in there."

Hanson received 2,084 votes in all, and Askenburg1,699. Maloney got 1,643 votes, according to unofficialresults.

Roland Van Liew, the CEO of Hands On TechnologyTransfer, received 1,376 votes for selectman. Bob Joyce,

a Planning Board member and an information-technologyspecialist, received 865 votes.

Askenburg, a 47-year-old Westford Street resident and aprincipal for a tax-services firm, said she was "very excited " about her victory in her first campaign for Boardof Selectmen. Voters, she said, supported her platform of accountable leadership, fiscal responsibility and goodcommunication.

"I'm thankful that they continue to support that message," she said, minutes after being sworn in along with Hansonby Town Clerk Onorina Maloney.

Van Liew also lost his Town Meeting seat. He had been a representative, but the seat was declared vacant because hehad not attended at least half the meetings. He said he was "somewhat baffled " by the results but added, "that's

why I'm not a politician."

"I'm surprised and disappointed at the low turnout ," Van Liew said. "I don't know what it takes to get

people out and vote."

Joyce didn't return a call seeking comment.

Turnout for the election was 17.4 percent, with less than 4,200 of the town's 23,912 registered voters going to the polls.Last year's election drew 24.5 percent of voters, but it also included a ballot question of whether to approve a new $7.8

million fire station next to Town Hall.

In the only other contested race Tuesday, Jeff Apostolakes of Queen Street was elected as a Planning Board alternatemember, defeating incumbent Nancy Araway.

Barbara Skaar, the president of the Council of Chelmsford Schools, was elected to the School Committee seat vacatedby Askenburg. Evelyn Thoren, another School Committee member, ran unopposed and was re-elected. Skaar was thetop vote-getter, beating Thoren in all nine precincts.

All other races were unopposed. The winners were: Eric Kaplan, Board of Health; Henry Parlee and incumbent EdmondRoux, Planning Board; Lisa Daigle and David Braslau, both library trustee incumbents; incumbent Mary St. Hilaire,Housing Authority; Constable William Spence, an incumbent; and incumbent Gerald Hardy, Cemetery Commission.

Follow Grant Welker on Twitter @sungrantwelker.

Winning Board of Selectmen candidates Janet Askenburg and MattHanson are sworn in by Chelmsford Town Clerk Onorina Maloney atTown Hall Tuesday night. Hanson earned re-election. Askenburg is

joining the board for the first time.SUN Photo / JULIA MALAKIE

mailto:[email protected]








Chelmsford 2013 Election ResultsBy Andrew Sylvia

April 2, 2013Chelmsford Patch

Read more:

http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/chelmsford-2013-election-results#photo-12060782

Hanson and Askenburg Sworn in AsChelmsford's Newest Selectmen

After weeks of campaigning, the race camedown to just 56 votes.

By Andrew SylviaApril 3, 2013Read more:http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/hanson-and-

askenburg-sworn-in-as-chelmsford-s-newest-selectmen

Chelmsford TownElection 2013

CTM-TV - SPECIALSwithKelly Beatty,

Mary Gregoire,Dennis Ready

CLICK HERE for Show

Hanson, Askenburg win

Chelmsford selectman raceBy Staff reports

GateHouse News ServicePosted Apr 03, 2013 @ 12:00 AMLast update Apr 03, 2013 @ 02:28 PMChelmsford Independent

Read more:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x846078114/Chelmsfords-2013-Annual-Town-Election-winds-down#axzz2PoHvndj2

Town of Chelmsford Election April 2, 2013 Unofficial Results

including Town Meeting Representatives

Read more:

http://www.townofchelmsford.us/DocumentCenter/View/3535

http://chelmsford.patch.com/users/andrew-sylvia



http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/hanson-and-askenburg-sworn-in-as-chelmsford-s-newest-selectmen


http://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01497&video=149273





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Election day photos by Andrew Giannino



Chelmsford Sewer Fairness Alliance Reaches Out

on Election DayITR facebook●4/2/13

Submitted by the Sewer Fairness Alliancehttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151359173824007&set=o.68800427919&type=1&theater

Members of the SFA, the Sewer Fairness Alliance, took their message to the larger Chelmsfordpublic today, holding signs about their issue outside town polling places. The group represents over

500 homeowners in Chelmsford who feel that they are being treated unfairly regarding sewermaintenance, repair and replacement of mandated grinder pumps. While all homeowners includingthose with grinder pumps pay to support the town pumps and generators in the town pump houses,the town does not support the mandated grinder pumps. All 9 precincts were manned for all or partof the day and at times, other SFA members stopped by to lend their support. I spoke with DavidFoley at the precinct 4 poll. He was holding a sign and trying to stay warm on this very cold andwindy evening. “I feel like I am doing something to move the issue forward.” He told me. A signholder for one of the candidates for Selectmen was asking Dan about the SFA. After Dan explainedthe issue, he said “I had no idea this happened in town. This is a real public health issue that needs to be addressed."

The homeowners who have joined the SFA are telling their grinder pump horror stories and you canread them on the SFAʼs website, http://www.sfa-chelmsford.org/ . One of the most critical issuesrelates to sanitation and public health in the event of a power outage that lasts more than a coupleof hours. The grinder pumps donʼt work when there is no power. The pumps require largegenerators of at least 6500W to keep just the pump running. Of course in heavy snow or stormyweather, it is difficult to move a generator around and keep it filled with fuel. Homeowners withphysical limitations would find it impossible to do. As one member said, “How do I tell my 88 year old mother, who has dementia, not to flush the toilet.” The pump well fills quickly when thepump is off and will back up into the home or overflow into the yard. Another homeowner found her

children playing near a failing pump which was spewing fecal material up and around the perimeterof the pump cover. In her case the alarm on the outside electrical panel did not sound to let herknow the pump stopped working.

The group plans to take their case for fair treatment to the fall town meeting.

Pat McGahan Ann Pelle and Bud Witt

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151359173824007&set=o.68800427919&type=1&theater

http://www.sfa-chelmsford.org/







Lowell Sun: Sunday Political Columnby Grant Welker

LAST WEEK'S election in Chelmsford did not necessarily mark the end of publicservice for ofcials now out of ofce or candidates who weren't elected.

Selectman Jon Kurland, who did not seek re-election, said he's still interested in

doing something "less labor-intensive" but isn't sure what. He has served on theFinance Committee, but said he's not likely to return and is considering his options.

Patrick Maloney, who came 56 votes shy of winning a selectman's seat, remains aco-chairman of the Permanent Building Committee. Minutes after finding out he fellshort in the election, he cited projects like the new Billerica Road fire station,public-works building on Alpha Road and Chelmsford Country Club renovationsthat he'll help oversee. "I still have some work to do for the town," he said.

Bob Joyce still has two years remaining on Planning Board term. He said he

"probably will not" run for selectman again.

Roland Van Liew, who fell short in votes for selectman and Town Meetingrepresentative, said he wasn't sure right away how active he'd stay in town matters.

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_22973662/kennedy

A New Order:

BOARD OF SELECTMENChairman: Matt HansonVice Chair: Pat WojtasClerk: Janet Askenburg

SCHOOL COMMITTEEChairman:Mike Rigney

Vice Chair:Evelyn ThorenSecretary: Barbara Skaar

PLANNING BOARDChairman:Ann McGuigan

Vice Chair:Ed Roux Secretary:Mike Raisbeck


https://www.facebook.com/ann.mcguigan.79?group_id=68800427919

https://www.facebook.com/ed.roux.5?group_id=68800427919









Matt Hanson is Chelmsford board'srising young star

By Grant Welker, [email protected]: 04/04/2013 09:36:05 AM EDT

Lowell Sunhttp://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_22946246/matt-hanson-is-chelmsford-boards-rising-young-star

CHELMSFORD -- It's a feat that could take other candidates years to accomplish, throughserving time on other committees, buildingname recognition through time and touting jobor public-office experience.

Matt Hanson, first elected at 21 as aChelmsford selectman in 2010, was too youngto play off those attributes. But he knocked on alot of doors, made himself highly visible,prepared well for debates, ran a positivecampaign, and made himself accessible,including putting his cellphone number onmailings sent to voters.

"I think it's a lot of little things," Hanson saidWednesday of what has made him successful, aday after his resounding re-election.

Hanson was the top vote-getter three yearsago, a year after his first run for selectman. OnTuesday, he matched the feat. In both elections,he also claimed victory in each of the town'snine precincts.

On Tuesday, Hanson, 24, beat runner-up Janet Askenburg, who was elected to the seatvacated by Jon Kurland, 2,084-1,699, a marginof 385 votes. In 2010, Hanson beat the next

closest vote-getter, Kurland, by 570 votes.

Kurland was a strong Hanson supporter in this year's election.

"I think the taxpayers have been paying attention to how hard he's been working as aselectman," Kurland said. "I've been telling people, I think Matt's grown 10 years in the

past three."

That maturation apparently earned him enough respect among his peers to be unanimouslyelected chairman at the board's reorganizational meeting Wednesday evening, wheremember Pat Wojtas was named vice chair and Askenburg elected clerk.

Kurland said another reason for Hanson's success is that he has gotten more comfortable indebates since his last run, and has done a lot of behind-the-scenes work as selectman withliaison assignments and other responsibilities, Kurland said. "It's just proof that hard work

pays off."

Hanson first ran in 2009 -- when he was too young to sit down over a beer and talk politics --and finished fourth out of six candidates, with 955 votes, about half the total of the top vote-

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen:

Matt Hanson


http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_22946246/matt-hanson-is-chelmsford-boards-rising-young-star







getter. After that campaign, Hanson said, he learned the importance of building relationshipswith people.

Some voters told them they would have voted for him if they had only known him better at thetime. So he held them to it, calling those voters and saying "you said if I ran again, you'd support me." He got more than three times as many votes, more than 3,000, only a year after his first run.

Accessibility has been a major part of Hanson's effort to appeal to voters.

He holds weekly open-office hours at the Java Room, and openly gives out his email andcellphone number. Some voters, he said, called him simply to thank him for giving out hisnumber on mailings.

"It does mean a lot to people, that you're open and accessible," he said.

Hanson was a University of Massachusetts Lowell political-science student when he was

elected as Town Meeting representative at age 19, and a full-time substitute teacher whilefinishing his master's degree when he was elected selectman in 2010. He got his master'sfrom UMass Lowell in regional economic and social development in 2011.

Hanson was a program manager for the Lowell Police Department until earlier this year,when he became a television production assistant for Unit 51 Films, a Dracut firm. He startedout part time for the studio at age 16, working the boom microphone, then worked his way upto cameraman, video editing, acting and directing.

Marge Hanson, Matt's mother, credited her son's "extra effort " he puts into campaigning. Hedoes it not because he wants his name in the paper, she said, but because he truly caresabout the town he grew up in. His people skills likely came from his father, Kenneth, a musicteacher, she said. His interest in politics didn't become clear until his freshman year incollege.

"He goes out of his way to make sure he's out with the public," said Hanson, a retiredfinance director. "I think a handshake and a conversation with someone goes a lot further than just a bulk mailing."

Hanson posted a statement on Facebook after his election as chairman, which read, " I promise to continue to work tirelessly with my fellow Board members and the rest of the community for the betterment of the Town of Chelmsford."

Askenburg also found early success in her first political campaign. In 2010, she topped theticket in all nine precincts while running for School Committee. On Tuesday, she beat PatrickMaloney, a co-chairman of the Permanent Building Committee, by only 56 votes to claim thesecond seat on the Board of Selectmen.

"She's a go-get-'em girl," said Michele Manzelli of Summit Avenue, who voted late Tuesdayat Town Hall, citing Askenburg's success on the School Committee. Her husband, Peter, alsovoted for Askenburg.

Another voter, Drew Harmer of Luan Circle, said he believed in Askenburg's values and fiscalresponsibility. He voted for only Askenburg for Board of Selectmen, he said, because hedidn't want other candidates getting a higher vote total as a result.

Follow Grant Welker at Twitter.com/SunGrantWelker .

http://twitter.com/SunGrantWelker





Maloney raised most in

Chelmsford electionBy Grant Welker, [email protected]

Updated: 04/13/2013 06:35:09 AM EDTLowell Sun

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_23018611/maloney-raised-most-chelmsford-election

CHELMSFORD -- Selectmen Chairman Matt Hanson earned the most votes in last week's election, but it

was Patrick Maloney, who narrowly lost by 56 votes, who raised the most money, including the most

contributed by any candidate.

Candidates in the April 2 election had to submit records eight days before the election detailing how much

they raised and spent, and other details, since the start of the year.

A final campaign report is due May 2.

Maloney, who finished third in the race for one of two Board of Selectmen seats, raised $4,500, including

from former Selectman Sam Chase, who gave $150, and School Committee member Evelyn Thoren,

who donated $150 also. Maloney also contributed more than $2,300 out of his own pocket, nearly half of

it for lawn signs and the remainder for miscellaneous campaign items like buttons and stickers.

Hanson, who topped the ticket in all nine precincts, raised $4,230. Contributors included Trinity EMSPresident John Chemaly and co-owner Gary Sepe, who gave $350 apiece, Historic District Commission

member Dennis Ready, who donated $100, and his mother, Margaret Hanson, who gave $250. More

than half of his contributions came from donors who gave less than $50, who do not need to be named in

campaign-finance reports.

Hanson's campaign spent the most of any candidate, $1,606, including $456 on lawn signs, $290 for a

fundraiser at Princeton Station, $286 for an online advertisement, and $190 for supplies for the

fundraiser.

Janet Askenburg, the newest member of the Board of Selectmen, raised $2,745. Among her contributorswere her campaign treasurer, Paul Gleason, a member of the Chelmsford Republican Committee, who

gave her $250. She also claimed $1,727 in in-kind contributions in the form of a loan forgiveness from her

campaign committee.

Askenburg said she spent only $90 for a campaign party on March 15.

The two other candidates, Bob Joyce and Roland Van Liew, both claimed no expenditures. Van Liew, who

finished fourth, also listed no donations but claimed $2,061 in in-kind contributions from himself, for lawn

signs and campaign flyers.

Joyce, who finished fifth, claimed $2,000 in donations from only two people, he and his wife, Rosemary.

His campaign fundraiser was March 16, the day after the cut-off for the finance report, so his next report

will detail those expenses, along with the donations, he said. He estimated he spent $2,400 to $2,500 on

the campaign.













Chelmsford finding funding for fieldsBy Molly Loughman/[email protected]

Wicked Local ChelmsfordPosted Apr 04, 2013 @ 12:34 PM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x846078562/Chelmsford-finding-funding-for-fields#axzz2PR9GsnmB

Chelmsford —The Synthetic Recreation Field Committee is nearing its end-of-April deadline to raise another $300,000 to meet a$500,000 goal to fund two synthetic turf fields, a new track and other improvements at McCarthy Middle Schooland Chelmsford High School.

The $3.1 million project is partially being paid for by the town ($2.6 million), with the rest left to the committee, which has already sponsored multiple fundraisers this year.

"What’s so exciting about it, is it isn’t one person raising money, it’s an entire community that have stepped up to the plate," said Synthetic Recreation Field Committee member Sal Lupoli, who heads thegroup’s fundraising efforts.

So far, the committee has generated $200,000 of commitments, with money already being spent on engineering.

According to Lupoli, a wide spectrum of groups throughout the area has supported the endeavor — individuals, local banks and businesses, police and fire departments, various athletic departments in the district and country clubs.

"The idea I had was to create ‘silos’ responsible for ‘x’ amount of dollars to be raised ," said Lupoli, who assigned a "silo" for sectors in town.

"The idea discussed was how to create a whole coalition… everyone of them have gone above and beyond. Those are the real heroes who’ve gone around to our entire community," said Lupoli, a 35- year resident who is president and a coach of Chelmsford Pop Warner and former CHS varsity football coach.

" Primarily, my big focus is for the kids. Number two, it’s an image… because almost every singlecommunity in the surrounding Merrimack Valley towns has a synthetic field… the CHS athleticdirector literally has to shut the field down because it gets so beat up," said Lupoli.

The project will not only include two new synthetic fields and a new track at McCarthy, but also bleachers, fences,goal posts, score boards, lights and more.

" So it’s really something that’s going to activate from dusk all the way to nighttime. If you have nochildren in the schools, you’ll still be proud of the image and you’ll still be able to use the facilities.”

Town Manger Paul Cohen agrees grass fields cannot withstand current use from the thousands of youth participatingin soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and football, saying the ground becomes either muddy or hardpan.

Cohen cited turf fields in Lowell, Westford, Tyngsborough, and Acton.

"The fields will be another resource as part of the quality of life in the community, similar to theother open space lands and historic resources," said Cohen. " As for the fundraising efforts, the

activities help strengthen the bonds across the community. It's great to see people workingtogether to benefit the children in so many different venues."

The first fundraiser was the Turf Field Kick-Off at Princeton Station in January, which accumulated over $15,000.Next, two comedy shows in March, also at the Princeton Station, raked in approximately $8,000. The ChelmsfordFire Department was instrumental in the tollbooth fundraising in March, which garnered over $10,000.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our town to provide safe and consistent recreational spaces… The ability to have fields available during most of the year instead of just a few months isinvaluable in terms of competitiveness for our athletes and revenue generating opportunities," saidSuperintendent Frank Tiano.

Currently the Chelmsford Police Department is helping to hold a fundraising raffle to win a 2013 Harley DavidsonStreet Glide, worth over $20,000. The purchase will be tax deductable and all proceeds from the raffle will go to fundthe turf fields. The CPD has raised over $25,000 in overall funds for the fields to date, according to Lupoli.

Moving forward, on April 21, the committee will help sponsor the Lions 5K Run and Walk-a-Thon at McCarthy.Plans are also being made to hold a nine-poker tournament through Bay State Poker, with help from the CPD.

Turf field fundraising needs help from passionate people who want to get active in Chelmsford and become apart of the process, stressed Lupoli. The more connections, the more money, he explained.

"There is always a reason not to do it or to put it off," Lupoli said. " So the motto is, if not now, thenwhen? If not us, then who? "

For more information or to donate, visit chelmsfordturffield.com.



http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x846078562/Chelmsford-finding-funding-for-fields%23axzz2PR9GsnmB

http://chelmsfordturffield.com/











Saturday Chat

Lions' pride must shine in turf war The Lowell Sun

Updated: 04/13/2013 06:35:19 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/kendallwallace/ci_23018614/saturday-chat

CHELMSFORD -- This town always has been proud of its school system, both on the academic side

and on the various athletic fields.They have been a powerhouse in a wide variety of sports in the Merrimack Valley Conference.

Despite its success, the town is one of the few in the MVC that lacks a turf football field and needs toupgrade its track-and-field facilities.

After years of discussion, the town is preparing a major project to elevate these facilities with a $3.1million investment that would serve the high school and the wider community.

Part of the project calls for the private sector to raise $500,000 to complete the work.

I've talked to some town folks who tell me it can't be done. They say it's not a town that has had torespond to major community causes at this level.

This is where Chelmsford pride and one of Chelmsford High's most successful graduates will cometogether to prove, I feel, the doubters wrong.

Anyone who thinks it can't be done in Chelmsford probably has never met Sal Lupoli.

Sal is a doer. He makes good things happen -- and this a good thing for Chelmsford.

He is the guy who has built a pizza empire, who has opened a number of upscale Salvatore's

restaurants, and performed a miracle in developing thousands of feet of industrial space in rehabilitatedmills in Lawrence where about 4,000 people now work.

Some people think he has a King Midas touch in business. The truth is he just works harder andsurrounds himself with good people. I've never met anyone with more confidence or a stronger "can-do" attitude.

He is at a point in life where he can get involved in community projects and is taking the sameapproach to making this work for the town as he has in business.

He is convinced this is a matter of pride for the community and that the public sector is willing to do itspart. He is also surrounding himself with good people willing to work for the cause.

Chelmsford actually has one of the best sports-complex sites in the state, Simonian Stadium, and thetrack facilities at the McCarthy school are right off Route 3, near the Drum Hill rotary. The improvedfacilities will likely eventually house regional and state tourneys, bringing revenue opportunities to thetown.

Lupoli says he wants the safest and best possible facilities for the students and the town. He fondlyremembers his days at Chelmsford High. He feels the teachers and coaches played a huge role inmolding his life. He is very proud of his school, his town and what he has accomplished personallybecause of the community and its resources.

I've spent a lifetime working on many community projects in Lowell. I have always marveled at the waypeople in the city come together for good projects, particularly if they involve an investment in the futureof young people.

I have to confess, I don't know suburban communities. But I can't imagine that Chelmsford, with itsresources, leadership and sense of pride, would let this fail.

Kendall WallaceChairman of the Board at The Sun.

http://www.lowellsun.com/kendallwallace/ci_23018614/saturday-chat

http://www.lowellsun.com/columnists







OPEN SPACE STEWARD Lessons on Chelmsford's Oak HillBy Joanne Stanway/[email protected]


Chelmsford Independenthttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1522347982/OPEN-SPACE-STEWARD-Lessons-on-Chelmsfords-Oak-Hill#axzz2PcmRP8eR

Chelmsford —I was out of town for a few days last weekend, and my husband Phil was able to get a lot of ChelmsfordOpen Space Stewardship stuff done.

The biggest accomplishment was helping to conduct a walk of the 66-acre parcel of land known as Oak Hill in North Chelmsford last Saturday. Now, of course the group of 15 or so people didn’t walk the entireproperty, but it got a real good education along the trails. The recommendations from the Oak Hill Study Committee will be voted on at spring Town Meeting, so Phil was glad to see some representatives,members of the Conservation Commission and other interested parties take advantage of the opportunity to learn more. Special thanks to Oak Hill Study Committee member George Merrill, who talked about thehistory of the site and answered a ton of questions, which was very beneficial to the group. Thanks also goout to North Chelmsford Congregational Church for allowing the group to walk its land, Scotty Hollow Condominiums for allowing a one-time parking pass, and to Town Manager Paul Cohen and DPW Director Gary Persichetti for permission to walk the Swain Road and Oak Hill sites (both belonging to thetown).

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1522347982/OPEN-SPACE-STEWARD-Lessons-on-Chelmsfords-Oak-Hill#axzz2PcmRP8eR

Photos by Scoop



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Chelmsford gets bids to refinance sewer debtBy Grant Welker, [email protected]

Updated: 04/05/2013 06:36:29 AM EDTLowell Sun

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_22960187/chelmsford-gets-bids-refinance-sewer-debt

CHELMSFORD -- Bids were received by the town Tuesday for a $5.3 million bond sale torefinance debt for the townwide sewer system, purchase a 28-acre farm off Pine Hill Road,and pay a portion of the capital budget.

As part of the bond sale, Chelmsford also was lauded by Standard & Poor's for what thecredit-rating agency called "strong " financial management practices with a low per-capitadebt burden. With no major capital needs in the next five years other than the Billerica Roadfire station set to begin construction this year, debt should not be increased substantially, theagency said.

Standard & Poor's also reaffirmed a credit rating of AA, to which the town was upgraded lastJune from AA-.

"I think it speaks well to the town's position," Town Manager Paul Cohen said. "Hopefully,it affirms to the community that we're sound fiscal watchdogs for the community and that we're acting in a proper manner."

The town received seven bids for its bond sale, with the lowest bid coming in with an interestrate of 1.58 percent. Selectmen are scheduled to approve the bond sale Monday.

The $5.3 million bond sale includes $3.6 in refinanced debt for the sewer-system project,$785,000 for the purchase of the Sheehan Farm and $932,000 to pay for part of the fiscal2013 capital budget.

Refinancing the sewer system debt with a lower interest rate should save the town anestimated $457,000 during the remaining 11 years of the borrowing, Cohen said.

Those bonds were first issued in 2004.

The 28-acre Sheehan Farm, which includes three adjacent parcels, was purchased for nearly$1.6 million after receiving Town Meeting approval last October. The remainder of thepurchase price was paid for in cash.

The improved credit rating saved the town an estimated $181,000 when last summer itborrowed $9.4 million, including $7.8 million for the new fire station, according to the town.


☆☆☆☆☆☆☆Chelmsford Massachusetts Standard & Poors Credit Ratings Report 2013

CLICK HERE to read




http://www.slideshare.net/re007hq/chelmsford-massachusetts-standard-poors-credit-ratings-report












Vote on Varney PlaygroundPlan Expected This Month

A $1.7 million plan was presented Monday; a vote is expected on April 22.By Jay Oza

4/8/13Chelmsford Patch

http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/vote-on-varney-playground-plan-expected-this-month

Bill Gilet, chairman of the Varney Playground Master Plan Design Committee, presented thecommittee’s proposed master plan to the Board of Selectmen on Monday night.

“The objectives, just to be clear, were to really design the landscape of the park; it includes the

baseball fields, the beach, the boathouse, and the basketball and tennis courts,” Gilet explained.

The board was generally accepting to the proposal, despite concerns from some residents, but votedto continue the public hearing during the board’s next scheduled meeting on April 22.

The absence of board member George Dixon prompted board member Jim Lane to point out Dixon’s

dedication to this area of Chelmsford and the board unanimously agreed to postpone any motion insupport of the plan.

The proposed plan features numerous amenities including maintenance of the current boathouse, boatramp, tennis court, basketball court with lighting and stadium seating, baseball field with newscoreboard and dugouts, fitness center, sledding area, and a “ splash pad ” water recreation area.

The plan costs $1.7 million excluding contingencies. The master plan was proposed in three phaseswith the first costing $450,000 and focusing mainly on bringing the area into ADA compliance.

The second phase would concern the baseball, tennis, fitness, and parking areas. The third wouldinclude improvements to the beach and boat area.

The plan could be voted on as early as next spring’s town meeting.Citizens expressed concerns over parking and incidents around the basketball court. The proposedparking situation includes 30 spots on Adams Street with two handicap accessible spots; the VarneyStreet lot includes 16 spots and one handicap accessible spot.

“We’ve done our best to listen to everybody in the community in trying to design it so that you

have parking,” Gilet said in response.

“ Does that create issues? Sure,” he continued. “ But at this point, this is the best option out of the

two for both safety and the use of everyone in the area,” Gilet said.

In order to assuage any issues surrounding the basketball court; the committee suggested moving thecourt to border Adams Street, where it is more visible and accessible to police cars. The basketballcourt is the only area of the playground with lights.

“ It’s really accessible to see the line of sight that you’re asking for for the police patrols,” Giletcommented.

State and federal grant money isexpected to help the city pay for theproject. A grant application is dueon April 24, just in time for theboard to make a decision at its next

meeting on April 22. The grantwinners are expected to beannounced in June.

Click here to view the official VarneyPlayground Master Plan.

http://chelmsford.patch.com/users/jay-oza


http://ma-chelmsford.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=453

http://ma-chelmsford.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3096











Chelmsford energy-saving project heads to April voteBy Grant Welker, [email protected]

Updated: 04/06/2013 10:08:30 AM EDT

Lowell Sunhttp://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_22969431/chelmsford-energy-saving-project-heads-april-vote

CHELMSFORD -- Rooftop solar panels would be added to each of the town's schools, and streetlightswould be retrofitted with LEDs as part of an $18.1 million energy-efficiency and conservation project thatwould also include less visible aspects, such as better insulation and low-flow water fixtures.

If voters at Town Meeting on April 29 approve the project, the town would take energy savings fromincreased efficiency and invest it in more energy-saving features. The savings are guaranteed byJohnson Controls, a company hired by the town for the project.

Chelmsford spends about $1.6 million on utility costs each year for the schools and other buildings itowns. A review of buildings showed that budget could be reduced by 43 percent, or $688,000, byadopting the changes proposed by Johnson Controls.

"The funding for the project exists in that budget today," Jim Cotton, a general manager for thecompany, told the School Committee last month. He also presented the plan to the Board of Selectmen.

"In the long term, it's a terrific idea," Jon Kurland, the selectmen chairman at the time of the hearing,said in an interview, praising the proposal both for its environmental and financial benefits.

"This would be the type of program that helps us essentially be self-sufficient from fossil fuels,"Kurland added. "It's a very ambitious plan, but I think it's a plan that will save taxpayers over time."

Solar panels, generating a total of 2.4 kilowatt-hours of energy each year, would be added to the roofs of all seven public schools, plus a ground-mounted solar array behind the Harrington Elementary School.The Community Education Center, formerly the Westlands School, and the new Department of PublicWorks building under renovation on Alpha Road would also have rooftop solar panels.

Those systems are expected to offset $333,000 a year in energy costs.

School Committee members expressed concerns at a March 26 meeting about the ground-mountedarray at Harrington, including potential vandalism. But it is a central piece to the feasibility of the project,and it would serve as a visible and educational component for the community, Cotton said.

Parker Middle School's conversion from steam heat to hot water would be completed, and unit ventswould be replaced at Parker, the high school, the Byam and Harrington elementary schools, and theCommunity Education Center. A chiller at Center Elementary would also be replaced.

The School Committee members voted 2-0 to support the project, but three members -- Janet Askenburg,Michael Rigney and Evelyn Thoren -- abstained, saying they wanted to hear from Police Chief JamesMurphy and others in the community before voting.

Town Hall would get a new boiler, among other equipment, the Senior Center would get a new furnaceand cooling system, and other buildings, including fire stations, would also get more efficient equipment.More than 2,200 streetlights townwide would be retrofitted with efficient LEDs, or light-emitting diodes.Construction is slated to begin in July. The school work would mostly take place during the summer or other school breaks or after normal school hours, Cotton said.

By the end of the 20-year contract with Johnson Controls, the project should earn the town more than

$24,000 annually thanks to efficiency improvements and the solar panels, he said. Costs for the upgradesand equipment will initially be covered by borrowing this summer, and will be repaid by funds freed upfrom the utility budget because of savings.

The town's so-called carbon footprint, the effect of power consumption on the environment, would bereduced by the equivalent of taking 431 cars off the road, according to a Johnson Controls estimate.Chelmsford is also looking to lock in current electricity rates for town-owned buildings for another twoyears while rates are down, Town Manager Paul Cohen said.

Follow Grant Welker on Twitter @sungrantwelker.


http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_22969431/chelmsford-energy-saving-project-heads-april-vote







ASK THE

MANAGER

ITR: What is the current status of the new fire station to be built on

Billerica Road adjacent to the Town Offices?

Paul Cohen: Advertising for the site work related to the new center fire

headquarters will begin next week. This initial phase of the project will

consist of the preparation of the parking lot area behind the Town Offices,

followed by the grading of the fire station building site and apron. This work

should be completed by the end of the summer. The construction of the fire

station building is scheduled to begin at that time.

The fire station is scheduled to open by Labor Day 2014.



ITR: What is the current status between the

Town and the Chelmsford Sewer FairnessAlliance concerning their ongoing problems

with grinder pumps?

Paul Cohen: The Board of

Selectmen and I are aware

that the Alliance is in the

information gathering stage.

Once the Alliance has gathered

its facts and developed a

proposal, we anticipate that

they will act upon our offer tomeet to discuss their concerns.

ITR: With all the talk recently of energy saving projects, will the town

again attempt to lease it's Swain Road landfill to build a solar farm? If

so, will it have to go through Town Meeting, again, for approval?

Paul Cohen: The use of theSwain Road landfill as a solar

farm will require Town Meeting

approval. This may be a site for

a community solar farm for

residents and businesses who

are unable to place solar panels

on their homes or property due

to shading or other limitations.



ITR: As spring Town Meeting

approaches, we have a few articles

submitted by citizens. In the past

some citizen petition articles did

not make it all the way to a Town

Meeting vote because of problems

with their wording or with legalities.Will all of these current citizen's

articles make it to a vote by Town

Meeting representatives at spring

Town Meeting?

Paul Cohen: Town Counsel has

advised me that the citizen petition

warrant article that proposes to changethe Board of Appeals from an appointed

board to an elected board is not in the

proper legal form that is necessary for

an amendment to the Town Charter.

ITR: On March 29th ITR facebook broke the news that the old Stop andShop plaza property was being sold to a developer out of Concord,

MA. with the intent to add two restaurants and 3 retails shops. Also

that the original owners of the property, Stop & Shop, stipulated

that no grocery store could go into that plaza for 10 years. Can you

give us any insight or updates on this development?

Paul Cohen: IhavebeeninformedbyStop&Shop

representa5vesthatthereis

nosignedpurchaseandsale

agreementforthesaleofthe

centerplaza.Stop&Shop

officialshaverepeatedly

madeitcleartoTownOfficials

thatthecompanydoesnot

plantoopenasupermarketat

thecenterloca5on,noristhe

companywillingtosellor

leasethecenterplazaforuse

asagrocerystore.



Chelmsford Town Meetingmembers to act on 34 articles


Chelmsford Independenthttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1431006657/Chelmsford-Town-Meeting-members-to-act-on-34-articles#axzz2Q5psV85n

Chelmsford —

Town Meeting will convene Monday, April 29, to act on a 35-article warrant.

Article 17, according to Town Manager Paul Cohen, could be of strong interest: the Chelmsford Housing Authority's request for $2.1 million in Community Preservation funds towards the construction of 115units of affordable housing off Littleton Road.

The article was submitted by the Community Preservation Committee and requires a two-thirds vote.The CHA and its non-profit CHOICE Inc. will be partnering with Stratford Capital Group to develop theapproximately $32 million project, known as Chelmsford Woods Residences.

Also of interest is Article 18, a $2 million request for synthetic turf athletic fields at Chelmsford HighSchool and the McCarthy Middle School. The article was submitted by the town manger and requires atwo-thirds vote.

The project involves $1.2 million in Community Preservation funds and $800,000 of borrowing to berepaid from field rental and advertising revenues.

Additionally, the Synthetic Turf Field Committee plans to raise private funds for the project.

Energy management Article 19 is the $18 million energy management performance contract, financed by energy efficienciesand solar electricity panels. The article, submitted by the town manager, requires a two-thirds vote.

The purpose of the contract, Cohen explained, is to make energy and water conservation improvementsto town-owned properties, including consulting services costs, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates,

bidding services and related expenses.

The said sum will be under the direction of the town manger. It authorizes the School Committee,superintendent and Board of Selectmen to apply for grants. In addition, the town authorizes the

superintendent and town manger to enter into any and all contract and agreements as necessary.

Medical marijuana Article 25, a temporary moratorium on medical marijuana treatment centers, was submitted by thePlanning Board and requires a two-thirds majority.

The article comes as a result of last November’s state election approving the cultivation, distribution,possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes, effective Jan. 1. State guidelines are to bereleased from the Department of Public Health to provide regulation guidelines.

Chelmsford intends to study and consider regulations for the treatment centers and the potential impact

of the state regulations on local zoning by amending the zoning bylaw regulating dispensaries and otheruses related to medical marijuana regulation.

The memorandum will allow the town time to address the consequences of medical marijuanadispensaries in town and to enact bylaws in a manner in accordance with sound land use planning, goalsand objectives, Cohen said.

The Town Meeting, which could last three nights, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center.

For more information, visit townofchelmsford.us.


http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1431006657/Chelmsford-Town-Meeting-members-to-act-on-34-articles%23axzz2Q5psV85n

http://townofchelmsford.us/









The Town Moderator (Richard DeFreitas )be conducting

a seminar on "How To Be Effective At Town Meeting" at

6:15 (45 minutes before the Town Manager's pre-Town Meeting)

at the same venue... Chelmsford Police Station on

Wednesday, March 24th. He will answer any and all

questions you may have.

Attention Town Meeting Reps!

The Finance Committee Warrant Book is now available

online or you can pick up a copy in the Town Manager's

office.

The Town Manager's Pre-Town Meeting will take place

on April 24 at 7:00 PM at the Chelmsford Community

Center at the North Town Hall.












From the Town Moderator...

As I outlined in my appearance before the BOS last Monday, there will be 3 seatsavailable for 3-year terms on the FinCom starting July 1st. Please read the following forrequirements and procedures before applying.

Thank YouR E DeFreitas



The Board of Selectmen will be

holding a public hearing on the

summer seasonal closure of Pond

Street on Monday, April 22 after 7:00

p.m. in Room 204 of the Town

Offices.

Facebook Chatter:

Philip Stanway

Now is your chance to speak out on this issue! please spread the word. COSS supports closure as people FLY downthis road and its only a matter of time till a child is hurt.

Marlene Cote Phil I don't mean to start an argument, but the last time I drove on Pond St. I had to crawl at less than 5 miles an hour inorder to not lose my front end in the sand pits. I don't want to see a child hurt, and if closing the road will alleviate any danger, then I say,ok. But the "road" should be fixed before it is reopened.

Philip Stanway Is not an argument... yup it washes out all the time.. the park fills with water... it washes the beach out... lots of drainageissue on the site. Please send a letter with your issues or go to the meeting. The more information the BOS has the better plan they cancome up with. Not sure what they can do about the road as its so close to the water. I look at this as one step in the right direction. lotsmore to go but one step is still a win.

David McLachlan Did i miss something. if you fix the road it encourages speeding so don't fix the road.

Marlene Cote You could fix the road and install speed bumps.

Colleen Stansfield I agree, close the road, fix the drainage and then fix the road. Speed bumps are an excellent idea.

David McLachlan This road does not need to be a cut though.

Colleen Stansfield But Dave, wasn't there a public safety issue?

Philip Stanway Problem is if you use a GPS it tells you to use it. Saw a guy zipping down there this afternoon was doing about 40.. Jammed his breaks when he saw the dirt. Its a bad road.. you pave it and I think you would have run of issue to the pond and drainageissues from the park. Hopefully someone from Conservation will be there to speak to those issues.

Marc Morency I strongly oppose paving the road. It does not need to be used a cut through with the incredibly close proximity of MapleRoad. It will also take away from the character of the beach. With that said, there are many, not all, that speed down Pond St. (holes, sandpits, and all) and do not seem to care about the undercarriage of their vehicles or the safety of others. As a result, I don’t think speedbumps would help slow these people down. Closing during summer months would be ideal. Mapquest and my GPS both indicate awarning that it is still closed during summer months. How is it proposed to be blocked of ? Proper signage indicating “not a through way”or something of like would be important to residents of the road as their driveways are already frequently used for turning around.

https://www.facebook.com/philip.stanway

https://www.facebook.com/funnylady


https://www.facebook.com/david.mclachlan.39




https://www.facebook.com/colleen.stansfield







https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2014582












































13 Chelmsford officers honoredfor their service

By Grant Welker, [email protected]: 04/10/2013 12:30:50 PM EDT

Lowell Sunhttp://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_22993891/13-chelmsford-officers-honored-their-service

CHELMSFORD -- For going above and beyond the normal call of duty in the past year, 13 officers wererecognized in an award ceremony Wednesday by the Chelmsford Police Foundation.

In one case, officers investigated what began as a call for loud music, which led to an arrest for sexualassault. Another officer arrested a suspect in a park assault, and others apprehended an emotionallydisturbed man at a Boston Road apartment complex.

In the most serious case, officers helped dozens of residents of a Woodcrest Condominiums building onLittleton Road escape a fire that ultimately left a married couple dead. A lieutenant was also honored for helping the department win $100,000 in grants for equipment.

Those 13 officers were being awarded, but all of the 50-plus on the force deserve recognition, PoliceChief James Murphy said.

"We could probably give out an award to practically all of them," he said.

Patrol officer Anthony Spinazola, the first officer to arrive at theJan. 5 late-night condo fire, ran down hallways inside thebuilding, banging on doors to get residents to leaveimmediately. Officer Brian Ubele did the same -- even after hisfather, Dan Ubele, a firefighter, passed him in a hallway andtold him to get out right away. Three others, officer DavidMackenzie, inspector Craig Walsh and Sgt. Edward Quinn,also received a merit award of lifesaving for their service duringthe fire.

In an incident last April, officers responded to a call for loud music on Smith Street but thought somethingwas strange in the home, where a 55-year-old man was with teenage boys. An investigation found thatthe man had offered the boys money, drugs and pornography. He was charged with rape and abuse.

Two officers, Daniel Goguen and John Goffin, and Sgt. Gary Hannagan were given a merit award of recognition in that case.

Three others were recognized for their work in apprehending an emotionally disturbed man at anapartment complex on Boston Road in November. The man assaulted one officer and began to attackbefore an officer subdued him with a Taser gun, Murphy said. For their work in that case, patrol officersRobert Murphy, Francis Teehan and Gary White received a merit award of valor.

Last July, officer Brian Richard responded to Varney Playground for a call about a fight in which one manhad hit another with a baseball bat. Richard stopped a car leaving the scene, and inside the vehicle wasthe suspect and others who were also arrested on warrants.

The suspect was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct, aswell as on outstanding juvenile cases. Richard was given a merit award of recognition for his work.

Lt. Colin Spence, a veteran of nearly 20 years on the force, was also given a merit award of recognitionfor his work in obtaining grants for the department. Spence has helped the department install laptops incruisers, automated license-plate readers and other technology and equipment.

The Chelmsford Police Foundation is a nonprofit founded in 1981 to help the department with expensesand programs. It recently allowed the department to buy new shotguns and raincoats for the Honor Guard.



http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_22993891/13-chelmsford-officers-honored-their-service










Westford rep's sex-offender bill gets boost Calls for online posting of Level 2 or above

By Robert Mills, [email protected]: 04/11/2013 07:39:16 AM EDT

Lowell Sunhttp://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_23002127/westford-reps-sex-offender-bill-gets-boost

BOSTON -- The House of Representatives took a major step towardmaking information about Level 2 sex offenders available onlineWednesday when the Ways and Means Committee added aprovision that would do so to the 2014 budget bill.

Rep. James Arciero, D-Westford, has been leading the push to makeinformation about Level 2 offenders available online for several yearsnow. Last year a bill he filed to do so was reported favorably out of the Judiciary Committee.

That bill was never voted on, though, since the legislative sessionended two days after the Judiciary Committee approved it.

Passing a standalone bill may not be necessary now since theprovision was added to the budget with support from Speaker RobertDeLeo.

The overall budget bill will now be subject to amendments before a final vote in the House,so the provision could still be removed, though it appears to have broad support in theHouse. Arciero's standalone bill had 36 co-sponsors.

It was not immediately clear how much support the proposal has in the Senate, thoughMinority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, has expressed support for the idea.

Information about Level 3 sex offenders is available online, but information about Level 2offenders is only available to those who visit their local police departments. Information aboutLevel 1 offenders is available only to police and a few other government agencies.

Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg, is one of the co-sponsors of Arciero's bill, and he saidthe move by the Ways and Means Committee puts the proposal on a solid path to become

law.

"I think this has great potential to go all the way and have the governor sign it,"DiNatale said.

Gov. Deval Patrick has already expressed support for making information about Level 2 sexoffenders available online.

Such a move would bring the state closer to compliance with thefederal "Adam Walsh Act," or Sex Offender Registration andNotification Act, which calls for information on all levels of sexoffenders to be public.

If the provision passes and such information is posted online, thestate could become eligible for about $600,000 per year in federalgrant funding, according to Arciero and Laurie Myers, of Chelmsford, who has supported the idea. Myers is the presidentof Community Voices, a victim's rights organization.

Laurie Myers

James Arciero


http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_23002127/westford-reps-sex-offender-bill-gets-boost







Myers and Arciero also support making information about Level 1 sex offenders availableonline, but that proposal has not been the subject of public hearings or the amount of debateas the proposal for Level 2 offenders.

Arciero and Myers said that proposal is still on their agenda.

"The discussion about Level ones is not thrown out the window," Arciero said. "We still need to have that discussion."

Myers applauded both Arciero and the Ways and Means Committee for moving forward withthe proposal.

"This is great news," she said. "The Massachusetts House of Representatives is to becommended on recognizing the dangers posed by sex offenders to the citizens of Massachusetts and the rights of law-abiding citizens to know who is living their vicinity and the potential dangerousness of these individuals to individuals and family,and especially to children."

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

FYI:

-Level 2 and 3 Sex Offender-totals by Town

-CHELMSFORD

Level 2

37

Level 3

4This information was modified on:

4/12/2013 4:00:50 PMhttp://sorb.chs.state.ma.us/HTMLTownOutput.ASP?NTown=CHELMSFORD

http://sorb.chs.state.ma.us/HTMLTownOutput.ASP?NTown=CHELMSFORD





A Taste of Chelmsford continues to satisfyBy Molly Loughman/[email protected]

GateHouse News ServicePosted Mar 20, 2013 @ 11:31 AM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x846072215/A-Taste-of-Chelmsford-continues-to-satisfy#axzz2PoHvndj2

Chelmsford — 1 This year’s 14th annual Taste of Chelmsford, an event hosted by Chelmsford Center Elementary School'sParent Teacher Organization, welcomed 360 guests for a massive food and wine tasting from 23 restaurants and caterersat the Radisson Hotel Monday night. By the end of the night, big raffle and prize items were given away, including Bruins

tickets, a Tyngsboro Sports birthday party, free dance camp and a variety of restaurant gift cards. With numbers stillcoming in, approximately $10,000 was raised this year for the PTO, a record-breaking amount. The funds raised are forCenter School enrichment programs.

2 Throughout the 7-10 p.m. event, attendees ate and mingled with residents of Chelmsford and surroundingcommunities. According to Center School PTO member Jeff Robinson, who coordinated the Taste of Chelmsford the pasttwo years, what set this event apart from others was more food due to additional vendors. This year’s participating localrestaurants, a balance of regulars and newcomers, offered up a variety of food, including a specials, such as lobster rolls,shrimp, tuna tacos, sautéed pasta dishes on the spot, crème brûlée and more. Another notable difference this year,according to Robinson, was the decorative and creative table displays, along with more desserts. Robinson credited theentire Center School PTO for each member’s role in the production of the annual event. By joining forces, it is incredible what can be done, added Robinson.

Quotes"This is a great community event and fundraiser… Jeff is a super leader. He knows how to motivate people and bringeveryone together to make this event possible. We had 23 great restaurant and food and beverage providers whoparticipated and really are the centerpiece for this event. Without the commitment and generosity of these great foodand hospitality providers, including the Radisson, we would not be able to make this event a reality year after year. As aPTO, we are privileged to have talented parents who contribute their skills and time to make this event possible… [Jeff] works with a team of talented volunteer parents and caregivers from Center School (some now have children who havemoved on to middle school and high school, but still return to make the event possible)."

— Maria L. Santos, Center School PTO president

"This is the fifth or sixth Taste I have volunteered to work. And while its a lot of work, its really fun working together with Jeff and the other volunteers to help orchestrate a great event that is our single largest fundraiser for the CenterSchool PTO. My husband and I volunteered several years ago, and once it was over, we said, ‘oh my goodness — that wasawesome … so each year we have been delighted to bring more family and friends… While I work a good portion of theTaste, it’s really fun to take a break and sample the many different foods… It’s also fun to admire the differentrestaurant's table setups and displays as they have become more inventive and attractive… Over the years, Chelmsfordhas grown so incredibly diverse and the number and variety of restaurants reflect that… it’s a terrific investment in bothour youth, as well as our business community. We have a lot to celebrate and showcase. I see firsthand how enrichmentprograms support student learning… fundraisers such as this one are essential in order to bring these programs to ourstudents… And yes, I will be there next year — working!"

— Hana Barker, Enrichment Coordinator for Center School PTO

Contest winners"Brad the Dad" Award: Lester's Roadside BBQ - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Skillful Skillet Award (Principal Raymond and staff's favorite): Bianco'sCatering Italian Sausage Cacciatore

Smart Spoon (for best table display): Sweet Enough

Sal's: Received a "Positive Paw" for 10 years of participating in the Taste of Chelmsford

People's Choice - attendees voteBest Appetizer: Catering by PJ - Linguica Wonton StarsBest Entrée: Yong Tong II - Pad Thai ChickenBest Dessert (three way tie): Gibbet Hill Grill - Coffee Creme Brulee, Keyks -Chocolate Mango Pistachio Trifles, Rufina's: Zabaglione Mousse



http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x846072215/A-Taste-of-Chelmsford-continues-to-satisfy%23axzz2PoHvndj2









Should The Chelmsford School Year Begin on Rosh Hashanah?

The topic, and related issues around religious holidays and the school year schedule,was a heated debate on Tuesday. Today we want to get your take.

By Andrew Sylvia4/12/13

Chelmsford Patchhttp://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/should-the-chelmsford-school-year-begin-on-rosh-hashanah

At Tuesday's School Committee meeting, residents voiced their concerns with the factthat the 2013-14 Chelmsford School Year will begin on Rosh Hashanah, a discussionthat also included concern over tests given on religious holidays.

In discussion with the teachers' union, it was determined that a start earlier thanSeptember 1 would not be feasible.

The board voted to begin the next school year on Sept.4, with a professional day onSept. 3.

Rosh Hashanah will begin on the evening of Sept. 4, ending on the evening of Sept. 6

Today, we want your take. Is it appropriate to begin a school year on a day when many students and faculty membersmight be able to attend due to religious obligations? What about other parts of the school year? How do snow days

and the end of the school year (it was approved for June 26 during Tuesday's meeting, with June 27 being the last dayfor staff.)

For more information, we've attached the Telemedia video of the meeting (debate is between approximately the 9:00and 57:00 marks)

CORRECTION: Rosh Hashanah last from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6, not Sept. 3 to 5. We apologize for the error.

CLICK HERE for video

Statement to the Superintendent fromthe teacher’s Union:

________________________________________

Dear Dr. Tiano,

It is the feeling of the Executive Board of the

CFT that it is too late to consider moving thestart date of school for the fall of 2013. If sucha concept were to be entertained, the calendarshould be published in the early fall, so thatstaf and parents alike would have ample timeto plan for the change in schedule.

Sincerely,Kathryn Chamberlain, PresidentChelmsford Federation of TeachersLocal #3569


http://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/should-the-chelmsford-school-year-begin-on-rosh-hashanah












Chelmsford has a new 'Hope' By Molly Loughman/[email protected]

Wicked Local ChelmsfordPosted Apr 05, 2013 @ 08:38 AM

Chelmsford Independenthttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x846078761/Chelmsford-has-a-new-Hope#axzz2PoHvndj2

Chelmsford —" Show Your Hope," a program spotlighting how goodness can grow out of hardship, has hitlocal television screens via Chelmsford TeleMedia.

The show’s creator and host is Stefani Bush.

"‘Show Your Hope’ was created because I wanted to offer something positive in aworld where the focus is all too often on thenegative. It was actually something I cameup with back last year, but I had been too

sick to follow through with it," said Bush, alifelong Chelmsford resident who has mitochondrialdisease.

Bush has confronted her own share of difficult times with her husband and two children. After witnessing the amazing power of the human spirit through her patient advocacy over the years, she felt compelled to share the power of hope with everyone she possibly could.

" It is incredible and uplifting to hear stories of people overcoming adversity…

we've had our share of tough times, but I decided that I had a choice: To let it take over my life and ruin everything good that was left or to do somethinggood and live and give as much as I can," said Bush, who wanted to teach her childrenthere is always something to be grateful for.

" And that we can do good in the face of not good," she said.

The first episode aired on Wednesday, April 3, and will also be on at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 5and 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, on Comcast Channel 8 and on Verizon Channel 38.

Permanent airtimes are yet to be determined.

Bush said "Show Your Hope" targets anyone and everyone.

"You see, all of us, from time to time, struggle. Whether the struggle isemotional, financial, or medical — we all know what it is like to hit difficult times. I feel like we could all do a whole lot of good in this world if we shared the struggles we've endured and the ways in which we've overcome them," Bushsaid.

According to Bush, the format of the 30-minute show is casual and free flowing. Each episode will depend on the individual, the story and wherever they lead to. Some guests may have atrade, a talent or something they want to share, besides having a discussion, said Bush.

Guests on "Show Your Hope" can be anyone who has faced adversity with a story to tell aboutovercoming affliction and the resulting goodness.

"The first show was how a Christian music artist, Jonas Woods and his wife, Becky Woods, were able to battle her cancer together, grow closer, be real and



http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x846078761/Chelmsford-has-a-new-Hope%23axzz2PoHvndj2









honest with thousands of blog readers and share, through music, their storyand their hope," said Bush.

During the show, Woods played two of his songs onhis acoustic guitar expressing his struggles.

Another episode will reveal how a man, whosuddenly lost his eyesight and the ability to walk, wasable to transform his "disability" into ability. Withthe help of his service dog, the pair successfully climbed all 48 of the White Mountains, makinghistory, according to Bush.

" At some point, I'll share my story too. But for now, I wanted to get a few other storiesout there first," said Bush.

Bush’s aspiration is for viewers to be able to connect with "Show Your Hope" stories and seehow, even through the most unimaginable or darkest times, there is light, chances to do goodand opportunities to make a difference.

" I want them to feel that anything is possible once they have hope and I want them to know they are not alone in this life… As long as there are people out there willing to share their story, I want to be there to help them share it," saidBush.

Bush credits the CTM staff for their efforts in ensuring all the bases were covered with a clear vision and defined direction throughout the planning phase.

"CTM has been fantastic," said Bush, who explained coordinating schedules was the mostimportant step in the planning process. She described the CTM staff as helpful, professionaland flexible.

" Ideally, I'd like to find more individuals from Chelmsford to appear on theshow, but I've got quite a few from surrounding areas who are willing also,"she said.

Bush looks forward to enlightening others about her experience. She also anticipates thecountless opportunities to meet individuals with their own stories to share.

" I think that being able to share that with this community is what has me most excited. Everyone has a story and deserves to be heard!"

To become a guest or to learn more,email Bush at [email protected]

or visit the show’s Facebook page atfacebook.com/Showyourhope2.

For more information on CTM, visit chelmsfordtv.org.


http://chelmsfordtv.org/








Show Your Hope: Cuppa Daywith Kurt Stahl

CLICK HERE

Show Your Hope:If You Lead, I Will Followwith Jonas Woods

CLICK HERE

Politically Incorrect With Tom Christiano

April 9th GUESTS:

Pam Armstrong, Jon Kurland,

Sam Chase, Charlie Wojtas

Topics: POST ELECTION ANALYSIS SHOW

CLICK HERE for show




























WN Lkwith

Dennis Ready and Mary Gregoire

Finance Committee Meeting:

Reviews the Spring Town Meeting warrant

Part One: March 28, 2013 CLICK HERE

Part Two: Finance Committee looks at the CitizenPetition articles for Town Meeting

April 4, 2013

CLICK HERE

April 3rdGuest:

State Representative

Tom Golden

CLICK HERE

April 10thGuests:

Selectman Pat Wojtas

Town Moderator Richard DeFreitas

CLICK HERE















© Chelmsford TeleMedia 75 Graniteville Road Chelmsford MA 01824 Phone:978-251-5143

Fax: 978-251-5173

Email: [email protected]

Co-hosts Dr. Frank Tiano,and Anne-Marie Fiore

TOPIC: Synthetic Turf FieldsGuests:Nick DeSilvio, Paul Cohen,George Dixon, Greg Piper

CLICK HERE for the Show

Town Manager’s RoundtableWith your Town Manager Paul Cohen

Subject - Spring Town Meeting

Guests:

John Sousa, Evan Belansky

CLICK HERE

for show
















EXTRA

EXTRAS:

For Chelmsford friends and family: to join the ITR email list, write to

[email protected]. And if you would like to read all of the

articles in this newsletter and more as they happen, please join the

ITR Facebookpage which is

linked here…

CHELMSFORD’S

IN-TOWNREPORT

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆A CTM Special PresentationJoin us this Wednesday April 17th for the premiere screening of Fred Barzyk's Golden Age of Radio - The Video Version.

Fred Barzyk's "The Golden Age of Radio" - The Video VersionBack in December, Fred Barzyk, in conjunction with the Chelmsford Players and other groups, staged a fun-filled old time radio play complete with comedy, drama, commercials,

live sound effects and more. It was a smashing success. And, this Wednesday, it's your chance to see it all over again - this time on the big screen because CTM volunteersrecorded the show!

Just come to the Chelmsford Center for the Arts this Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00pm. Theshow runs just over an hour. And, admission is free. So, bring your family and friends.

Hope to see you there,

Pete PedullaProducer Chelmsford [email protected]

Whatever you do…

DO NOT

CLICK HERE


https://www.facebook.com/groups/intownreport/






https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LhNYSbaA0CI



























Chelmsford Open Space Stewardsto host Country Roads Wicked Local ChelmsfordPosted Apr 10, 2013 @ 04:18 PMhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x1431006640/Chelmsford-Open-Space-Stewards-to-host-Country-Roads#axzz2Q5psV85n

Chelmsford —Twenty miles of trails, four community gardens, hundreds of projects, about 35,000man hours, countless volunteers, and a budget of $500 a year pretty much sums upthe Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship – a group of resident volunteers who cametogether seven years ago to help maintain open space trails in town so they could beenjoyed by everyone.

The community hasresponded in kind by

enthusiastically using thetrail system, participating inevents, and lending a handon major projects such asfence building, culvertfixing or site cleanups. Localcommunity groups and businesses have alsogenerously helped to

support COSS with theirexpertise, funds andequipment use.

The celebrate this collective effort, and to help raise funds to pay for project suppliesand gasoline for mowers and other tools, the Stewards are hosting a fundraisingevent on Friday, April 19 – Country Roads & Open Space – from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.at the Chelmsford Community Center at North Town Hall, 31 Princeton St. in NorthChelmsford.

The event includes a lively performance by pop-country, Nashville recording artistKrista Angelucci (who hails from Billerica) and her band, some line dancing, a silentauction, food and cash bar. Angelucci’s debut album "Like it or Not" is now availableon iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon, and tour dates are available at www.kristaangelucci.com.

Tickets for Country Roads & Open Space are $25 each and may bepurchased at the Chelmsford town manager’s office or reserved in advance by contacting Joanne Stanway at [email protected] 978-273-1473.


http://www.kristaangelucci.com/










at Chelmsford High SchoolThe students of Chelmsford High School's Fine and Performing Arts Department aregearing up for this year's musical production, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.

Production dates are May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and shows will begin at 7:30 pm.It is anticipated that all three performances will sell out. Consider purchasing yourtickets in advance for best seating. Advance ticket sales will be as follows:

· at any lunch at CHS after vacation from April 22nd

· in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center from 6 - 8 pm on Thursday, April 25th,Monday, April 29th, Tuesday, April 30th and Wednesday, May 1st.

· by filling out the ticket order form and mailing it along with a check for $15 perticket as indicated on the form. Orders may also be dropped o at the front ofce inan envelope for Carl Rondina.

Ticket order forms can be downloaded from any Chelmsford Public Schools Website.

CLICK HERE for ticket forms· All ticket purchases are non-refundable

Remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the performances.If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Venue: Chelmsford High School Performing Arts CenterAddress: 200 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford, MA

http://chs.chelmsford.k12.ma.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1625589/File/CHS%20Musical%20Ticket%20Order%20Form%201.pdf?sessionid=1a87ff1f65fc724e22ec0eaaa043f1bc











Advertisement Opportunity - Phantom of the Opera Program

The students of Chelmsford High School's Fine and Performing Arts Department will bepresenting Andrew Lloyd Webber's, The Phantom of the Opera on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at7:30 pm.

Veteran music director and producer, Carl Rondina, and theater director Lauren Cochran willbe working together to produce this timeless masterpiece.

“This is a huge undertaking, but we are going to give the audience a truly professionalexperience,” says the legendary Rondina.

TAMY award winner and recent METG best actor, Shayan Sobhian, is cast as the Phantom.With Kaileigh Bumpus as Christine and Chris Torres as Raoul, the entire cast is the best of the best.

With over 120 students involved in cast and crew, this is truly going to be a once in a lifetimeexperience. Expenses for such a show are quite large and the department is looking for donations to help defray costs.

Students will be selling program ad space. Ads will start at $10.00 for “shout-outs” and up to$100.00 for a full-page ad. We will also be featuring lobby displays for generous “Patrons of the Opera Populaire.”

“Over the years, we haven’t had to advertise much but this show requires many unique andspecial effects. If we want to do things right, we need to have some financial backing.” saysCochran. Students will be soliciting ads during the next two weeks. Please help with this

fabulous production!

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Ms. Lauren Cochranat Chelmsford High School (978) 251-5111 ext 4222 or email [email protected]





Coming Attractions at the CCA…April

Mondays, April 1 through May 20 – “Photography and Fine Art” class with Robert Moll. This 8 week class will draw on classical masters(and some modern ones) for inspiration. Each week students will bringtheir work in for discussion and critique. $120. Register on line atwww.mktix.com/cca or at the CCA. Late registration will be permitted.

Fri., April 19 at 7 pm – The Chelmsford Center for the Arts will be filled with flowers to

welcome spring with “The CCA in Bloom!” Art by local artists will be interpreted by floraldesigners from our town garden clubs and professional floral designers. In the gallery willbe a special show, “The Garden in the Gallery”. Tickets for the Friday night opening galaare $25.00. Cash bar, wine/beer, hors d’oeuvres and sweets, music, and more. For moreinformation call 978-250-3780 or check our website www.chelmsfordarts.org

Sat., April 20, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sun., April 21, 2-4 pm – Enjoy the display of art and

flowers of the CCA in Bloom!

Sat., April 20, 7 pm – Please come and say farewell to the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty at this very special performance. This is one of the last performances by musicians from theband. Tickets are free at the CCA or the Library.

Sun., April 21, 4:30 pm – Music in Bloom, a special piano concert by students from thestudio of Houry Schmeizl to benefit the CCA Steinway B Fund. This concert is free.Suggested donation to benefit the Steinway B Piano Fund $10 adults, $5 students. Theprogram will include Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Grieg, Chopin, Liszt, Rimsky -Korsakov, and a few surprises!!

Fri., April 26, 7 pm – Friday Acoustic Coffeehaus Open Mic hosted by Ruth Canonico with aspecial Feature. Bring the family to listen or play. $5 at the door

For more details visit our website: www.chelmsfordarts.org and check back often for up to date information.

http://www.mktix.com/cca

http://www.chelmsfordarts.org/










Checkoutwhat’shappeningat

ChelmsfordCommunityCenter

atNorthTownHallthisApril!!

Seeourwebsiteformoredetailsandthefullcalendar

www.chelmsfordcommunitycenter.org

reachusat978-656-1853orbyemailatinfo@chelmsfordcommunitycenter.org

Sco>shCountryFamilyDanceonthefirstFridayofthe

month,5/3from7-9pm .Dancelessonsanddancingforall

ages.

$3perperson,$10familymaximum.

ChelmsfordOpenSpaceStewardshipFundraiseronFriday4/19.

"Country Roads and Open Space" ... A fundraising event for the ChelmsfordOpen Space Stewardship featuring local country music artistKrista Angelucci!

**Music, Food, Cash Bar, Silent Auction**

Featuring local (and Nashville) pop-country recording artist Krista Angeluccifrom 8-10pm! FULL BAND 2 HOUR SHOW!

Stick around after the performances as the DJ spins some popular countryhits and try out some line-dancing! Find out more about this amazing artistat www.kristaangelucci.com.

There will also be a fun photo booth where a photographer will be takingphotos for free!

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by contacting Joanne Stanway at978-273-1473 or [email protected] or at the Town Manager’s oce.Checks can be made payable to "Town of Chelmsford/COSS."

Donations welcome and appreciated.

Proceeds will benefit the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship, a residentvolunteer organization that helps to maintain Chelmsford’s open spaceproperties with support from the town, Conservation Commission,Community Preservation Committee, local businesses, communityorganizations and volunteers. It is estimated that COSS gives the town$90,000/year value in labor and donated heavy equipment use.

B.RankinPresents PlayingwithWindSunday5/5from3-4pm .Whereartsandsciencecollideforchildrenages5andup.Costis

$10perchildandparentsarefree!

ShadowPuppetShowonSunday,May19at3pm. JackandtheBeanStalkwillbeperformedbyNappy’sPuppets.

Ticketsare$10perperson.

YogaClasses:

Tuesdayeveningfrom6-7:15pmwithShakQWellnessYoga–agentle,moderateclass(upperhall).

Tuesdayeveningfrom6-7:15pmwithChristyFinn(lowerhall).

Wednesdaymorningfrom9:45-11amwithShakQWellnessYoga–agentle,moderateclass.

Wednesdayeveningfrom6:15-7:30pmYogaforVitalityandIncreasedEnergy(moderatelevel,beginnerswelcome)withCharlo\e

O\.

Saturdaymorningfrom9:30-10:45amwithChristyFinn.

http://www.chelmsfordcommunitycenter.org/














Laugh while you can...



- Q u o t e o f t h e w e e k -

"When people say Government’s Money or

Public Money, they are actually talkingabout Tax Payer Money or our money.

Money that they take from us that’s notvolunteered to them. So with this being

the case, they need to be as ef

cient withour money as possible so they waste aslittle of it as possible."

- Margaret Thatcher



In-Town ReportNews Links

LOWELL SUN

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chelmsford Patch

Chelmsford TeleMedia

ITR ONFACEBOOK LINK

If you have any comments or suggestions for

the In-Town Report write Roy at

[email protected]

http://www.lowellsun.com/

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/


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Chelmsford's In-Town Report:04-14-13

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