Itr november 14 2010

ovember 14 2010November 14 2010

Chelmsford voters bring back WojtasWojtasBy Ed Hannan, Sun Correspondent

http://www. owe sun.com/c 16510413?IADID=Search-www. owe sun.com-www. owe sun.com

11/03/2010

CHELMSFORD -- Voters here returned a familiar face to the Board of Selectmen last night, electing former Selectman Pat Wojtas to fill anopen seat on the board.

Wojtas received 6,101 votes, comfortably defeating Planning Board member Jim Lane, who received 5,082votes, and political newcomer Jerry Loew, who earned 2,686 votes. Turnout in this race was strong, with the14,246 ballots cast representing slightly more than 60 percent of the 23,000 or so registered voters in town.

Wojtas won seven of nine precincts, with Lane picking up Precincts 3 and 7. Loew finished third in all precincts,although he did finish within 13 votes of Lane in Precinct 9.

The seat opened after former Selectman Sean Scanlon resigned to take a new job. Scanlon was elected to athree-year seat in April 2009, so Wojtas' term will run through 2012.

It returns Wojtas to the board, where she served a single three-year until losing her bid for re-election in April.

"It's been a very challenging campaign. We've had to fight for visibility with all the races at theIt's been a very challenging campaign. We've had to fight for visibility with all the races at the

state and national level,state and national level," said Wojtas. "I'm so grateful for the residents and voters of ChelmsfordI'm so grateful for the residents and voters of Chelmsford

t th y pa d a t nt n to his r ce a me t and vot d in n i or d ma ne nd I m that they paid attention to this race and came out and voted in an informed manner and I'm es--

pecially grateful for the outcomepecially grateful for the outcome."

Wojtas says going to meetings and speaking with current selectmen at least once a month should help her transition into the seat. "I feel like I have a good relationship with otherboard members and the town manager.I feel like I have a good relationship with otherboard members and the town manager."As to why voters returned her to the seat they ousted her from just seven months ago, Wojtas said, "M ybe hey aliz t e ne tMaybe they realize there needs to

be some continuity and institutional knowledge on the board. It's good to have fresh ideas, but it's also good to havebe some continuity and institutional knowledge on the board. It's good to have fresh ideas, but it's also good to have

back obackground."

Wojtas said she expects to see her opponents again in future races.

Lane said he will consider running again. "We have no regrets. We ran a good, clean campaign. We'll re-evaluate over the nextWe have no regrets. We ran a good, clean campaign. We'll re-evaluate over the next

couple of o hs e what happenscouple of months and see what happens."

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Dahlberg Dahlberg Won't Seek Another Term as SelectmanSelectman Eric Dahlberg said he looks forward to spending more time with his family.

www. hel f rd. a ch c mwww.chelmsford.patch.comBy Krista Perry | November 5, 2010

Selectman Eric Dahlberg has decided not to run again for his post as selectman in April.

Dahlberg said the decision came as he is getting busier with work and family obligations.

"I have decided not to run for re-election because I don't believe I will be able to give the board the 100 percent it reI have decided not to run for re-election because I don't believe I will be able to give the board the 100 percent it re--

qu es or a other three ea ,quires for another three years," he said. "It a t e ision f e, bec e I hav njo ed e ry cond of tIt was a tough decision for me, because I have enjoyed every second of my time

on the board, but it's the right decision for the town.on the board, but it's the right decision for the town."

Dahlberg recently ran as a Republican for Susan Fargo's state senate. He lost in the primary to Sandi Martinez.

"I hav ea ly a r ciated t o t nity t rv he ax ye of C l sford on he rd of e e t n f heI have greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve the taxpayers of Chelmsford on the Board of Selectmen for these

past three years,past three years," he said. "It's been one of the most fulfilling, challenging, interesting exIt's been one of the most fulfilling, challenging, interesting ex--

perie s of y lif . I or d t fin hin t o stay g e a he tperiences of my life. I look forward to finishing strong and to staying engaged in the town

for many years to comefor many years to come."

Dahlberg said he hopes his early announcement gives potential candidates time to consider running forhis seat and gathering support.

"My four colleagues - George Dixon, Matt Hanson, Jon Kurland, and Pat Wojtas - are awe"My four colleagues - George Dixon, Matt Hanson, Jon Kurland, and Pat Wojtas - are awe--

some people,some people," he said. "They need a fifthThey need a fifth."

Jim Lane, who lost a bid for Sean Scanlon's vacant selectman seat to Pat Wojtas on Tuesday, said he hasnot yet decided if he'll run for Dahlberg's seat.

"I'm going to take some time with my family and evaluate all that and put together all theI'm going to take some time with my family and evaluate all that and put together all the

dat f t s t l ctiodata from this past election," he said. "I'm t re epa d t m ke a ision. It sI'm not really prepared to make a decision. It's

something I need to talk with my family about ... It's been a long campaign. I'll take timesomething I need to talk with my family about ... It's been a long campaign. I'll take time

t de o pre and ... ll ma e a de ioto decompress and ... I'll make a decision."

at Wo tasPat Wojtas

Eric DahlbergEric Dahlberg

Chelmsford commission seeks $2M$2Mto fill sewer-project shortfall

By Rita Savard, [email protected]://www. owe sun.com/c 16541791?IADID

11/06/2010

CHELMSFORD -- Earlier this year, town officials celebrated breaking ground on the last phase of a 20-year, $165 million sewer project. Nowsewer commissioners say they'll need to borrow another $2 million to see the project to completion.

On Monday night, members of the Sewer Commission will ask the Board of Selectmen to call a Special Town Meeting for Nov. 29 to see if thetown will appropriate more money to fill a gap in the project's budget.

Barry Balan, chairman of the Sewer Commission, declined to comment on details yesterday before presenting the issue to selectmen.

But Town Manager Paul Cohen said workers ran into unforeseeable soil and site conditions in the last stretch that put the project in the hole.

"Test borings were taken before the work began,Test borings were taken before the work began," Cohen said. "But then sometimes you encounter reality. It's hard to deBut then sometimes you encounter reality. It's hard to de--

termine everything you might come across in a project like this."termine everything you might come across in a project like this."

Balan said in March that the entire town would be connected to sewer by 2011 -- about 190 miles or more than 1 million feet of pipe.

Since the first sewer pipes were installed in 1986, rising construction costs posed a problem spanning more than two decades. Town Meetingapproved appropriations for the project nine times, including four debt exemptions.

In 2008, Town Meeting approved borrowing $16 million to complete the final phase of the sewer project.

Betterment fees have climbed from $1,200 in 1986 to about $6,500 for residents along the last leg of the project.Cohen said borrowing an additional $2 million will not increase property taxes or betterment fees. It will extend the life of the loan for anotherthree years, Cohen said.

The payback period, which was supposed to be completed in 2029, would be pushed out to 2032.

In total, Chelmsford has received $20 million in grants, decreasing the local share of the project from $165 million to $145 million. Another $1.5million in stimulus funds was applied toward reducing the interest on the $16 million borrowed in 2008.

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In Chelmsford, sewer connections can be costlyBy Monica Jimenez/staff writer

GateHouse News Servicewww edloca /chelm f rwww.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford

Nov 05, 2010

Chelmsford —When Chelmsford resident Jim Reinhold moved into his Crescent Drive home in 1997, he thought what hesaw was what he’d get — a house in need of some repairs, but otherwise without problems. He didn’tknow there was a hidden $37,000 price tag.

That’s approximately how much it will cost Reinhold for a sewer connection between his home and thenearest public main. The other three homeowners on Crescent Drive and those on the attached LambdaLane are planning a project to connect the neighborhood to the sewer main on Park Road. These neigh-bors asked Reinhold to pitch in a few weeks ago.

Most houses in Chelmsford are on public roads and pay a $6,000 betterment fee, which can be spreadover 20 years, to connect to the sewer system. But because Crescent Drive is a private road, its residentsmust figure out how to make it to sewer main themselves.

“A rivate road taxpayers, w ay a undre erc nt of tax s w th no b ne its,As private-road taxpayers, we pay a hundred percent of taxes with no benefits,” Reinholdsaid. “Our roads don’t get plowed. We have to pay for our own construction and mainteOur roads don’t get plowed. We have to pay for our own construction and mainte--

nance. We get all the risk and none of the reward.nance. We get all the risk and none of the reward.”

Reinhold runs a computer company from his home. Business has been good, he said, but not goodenough to support a $37,000 expense – especially with four kids in college and a house that’s literallyfalling apart. In one or two years, Reinhold said, he might be able to contribute, but at the moment it’s allhe can do to pay the mortgage and the bills.

His financial straits have created tension with his neighbors, who have already opened a bank account andpooled their money – a little less than $100,000 combined – to fund the project. Reinhold is expected to paythem back over the years.

“I have no choice,I have no choice,” Reinhold said. “I can go bankrupt or lose my home. My back is against aI can go bankrupt or lose my home. My back is against a

wall.wall.”

At first, the Crescent Drive residents were facing a $50,000 project. They appealed to the sewer commissionand one of Chelmsford’s selectmen, but were told no one could help them.

“I’ve heard about these situations anecdotally – that some residents could end up paying aI’ve heard about these situations anecdotally – that some residents could end up paying a

connection fee that’s ridiculously high,connection fee that’s ridiculously high,” said Selectman Eric Dahlberg.

Dahlberg, who himself has yet to connect to the sewer system, has not met with Reinhold or his neighborsand he doesn’t know all the details of their situation. But he said he finds it hard to believe some town resi-dents must pay almost $40,000 to hook up to Chelmsford’s sewer system.

“If that’s the case, I can understand why they would be upset,If that’s the case, I can understand why they would be upset,” Dahlberg said.

Reinhold was upset enough to go before the Sewer Commission himself, seeking a loan or reduced pay-ment program, but was told this expense isn’t the commission’s responsibility.

By that point, after getting quotes from 15 different contractors, his neighbors had found George Barnes,who’s worked with the town before. Barnes is willing to take on the job for $37,000 and Reinhold said hisneighbors are anxious to get the project going while he’s still available. Barnes is expected to visit CrescentDrive to assess the area in the next few weeks.

The neighborhood’s other option is to upgrade their street to meet the standards for a public road. But suchan upgrade, which would involve widening the road and adding granite curbs, would be just as expensive asconnecting to the sewer main.

Reinhold objects to the upgrade for other reasons. He said he would have no problem with these standardsif the town’s public roads already met them. But in his eyes, Park Road does not – he said it’s too narrow forhis children to walk safely to school.

“It’s not about me,“It’s not about me,” Reinhold said. “There’s got to be thousands of people in Chelmsford whoThere’s got to be thousands of people in Chelmsford who

can’t afford this construction cost. The town should work together so no person has tocan’t afford this construction cost. The town should work together so no person has to

worry about losing their home.worry about losing their home.”

To begin with, Reinhold said, residents should receive a better explanation of what it means to live on a pri-vate drive.

Town Manager Paul Cohen, on the other hand, said residents should take it upon themselves to be aware ofpossible expenses when they move into a new neighborhood.

“The public has no right to travel on it,The public has no right to travel on it,” Cohen said. “It’s like a personal driveway – we don’tIt’s like a personal driveway – we don’t

maintain it. The bottom line is, they are responsible.maintain it. The bottom line is, they are responsible.”

He also said residents of private drives can sometimes get help from the state – they can receive tax creditsamounting to as much as $15,000. Other residents have chosen to install a private neighborhood well.

Cohen said some private drive residents also appeal to neighbors who are hooked up to the sewer system.Connecting to the system through a neighbor’s property is a much cheaper option. However, this doesn’thappen very often, Cohen said, because people don’t tend to welcome such projects in their front yards.

“It’s unfortunate, but if they have to replace their septic system, it will be costly,It’s unfortunate, but if they have to replace their septic system, it will be costly,” Cohen said.“I’m not unsympathetic, but it can’t be the burden of other sewer users.I’m not unsympathetic, but it can’t be the burden of other sewer users.”

Sewer Commission chairman Barry Balan estimates 20 to 30 Chelmsford residents have faced the choicethe Crescent Drive neighborhood now confronts. The last pipe in the sewer system was laid last month andover 10,000 homes are connected to the system, with 400 or 500 left to go.

“People on private drives should have been aware of what was going on,People on private drives should have been aware of what was going on,” Balan said. “OverOver

25 years, we’ve let people know what was happening.25 years, we’ve let people know what was happening.”

Balan said he feels sorry for these residents, but the Sewer Commission can’t do very much for them. Atown bylaw administered by the Board of Health mandates that residents connect to the sewer system nomore than a year after it becomes an option. Balan himself recommended that private drive residents hookup to the system sooner rather than later to avoid a costly septic system failure.

“We’ve had a few people approach us for help,We’ve had a few people approach us for help,” Balan said. “We do what we can. But weWe do what we can. But we

c n’t o into their tr ets fo fear of liability to the to n.can’t go into their streets for fear of liability to the town.”

The commission did draw up a preliminary design plan for the Crescent Drive neighborhood so their workwith the contractor would be easier.

The neighborhood appears to have resigned itself to the project ahead. But Reinhold is holding out hopethat he’ll find a different solution before the roadwork and the mounting tensions tear his neighborhoodapart.

“As a town, we have to work together so no one has to suffer,As a town, we have to work together so no one has to suffer,” Reinhold said.

Copyr ght 2010 Che msford Independent. Some r ghts reserved

Special Town MeetingSpecial Town Meeting set set

for sewer votefor sewer voteKevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter • Mon, Nov 08, 2010

www lmsfordma snews owww.chelmsfordmassnews.com

Sewer Commission Chairman Barry Balan said if he could travel back in time he wouldn’t be at the Boardof Selectmen meeting Monday night.

" n Jun 00 , we asked or 16 mill o to co lete the projec a d sa d e wo ldn t eIn June 2008, we asked for $16 million to complete the project and said we wouldn't be

backback," said Balan. "It turns out $16 million was not enough. No one is more disappointedIt turns out $16 million was not enough. No one is more disappointed

than us.than us." Balan appeared at the selectmen's meeting to request a special Town Meeting to authorize anadditional $2 million needed to finish the project.

As the $165 million, 25-year project entered its final phase, the commission encountered higher-than-ex-pected costs, said Steve Peterson, from the commission's engineer Weston and Sampson.

The commission still needs to build seven pump stations, pay to hookup utilities at those stations, providegrinder pumps to residents who need them and cover the costs of final street paving to 75,000 feet ofroadway.

Other overruns include extra costs for working around utilities that were closer to the roadway than origi-nally thought. There is also legal costs associated with litigation with large developers fighting their sewertie-in fees, said Peterson.

Peterson said resident's betterment fees now set at$6,500, what it costs to hook up to the system, andthe current user charge impact fees will not change.

"We're looking for an additional length ofWe're looking for an additional length of

time on the pa ba k,time on the payback," said Peterson.User fees are now expected to continue until 2030or 2031.

The board agreed to schedule a special Town Meeting for Monday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.

at the Senior Center.

60-day suspension60-day suspension for tow firmBy Rita Savard, [email protected]

http://www. owe sun.com/todayshead nes/c 16530984

11/05/2010

CHELMSFORD -- An inspection by state and local police has prompted a 60-day suspension of the town's towing contract with Ferreira Inc.,because the company's entire fleet was found to have equipment and registration violations.

"Our primary concern is public safety,Our primary concern is public safety," Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen said. "There will be another complete inspectionThere will be another complete inspection

of their fleet bef e t cont ac re esof their fleet before the contract resumes."

The investigation followed an accident Oct. 24 at the Best Western Hotel at 168 Chelmsford St., in which a Ferreira tow truck, called in for apolice-ordered tow, rolled into the building and ruptured a 1-inch natural gas line that feeds a heater in the wall of the building. The line wasruptured below a shutoff valve, so the gas couldn't be stopped until National Grid halted the flow to the building.

A probe into that incident revealed several violations, including:

● No medical certificate in the driver's possession.

● A defective parking-brake system and leaf-spring assembly.

● Inoperable head lamps and license-plate lights.

The truck was placed out of service by the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section.

State and local police inspected Ferreira's fleet last Friday. All seven vehicles were placed out of service.

Police Chief James Murphy and Deputy Chief Scott Ubele met with Ferreira owner Mary Jo Glynn on Tuesday to discuss the violations.

The company's large workload, including tows and repairs not related to the town's tow contract, had put it behind on repairs for its own vehicles, Cohen said.

"Ferreira's has been very cooperative,Ferreira's has been very cooperative," Cohen said. "They put in new procedures they believe, and we feel, will preventThey put in new procedures they believe, and we feel, will prevent

something like this from occurring again. It appears they've taken the matter very seriously.something like this from occurring again. It appears they've taken the matter very seriously."

Dick Mason, an operations manager for Ferreira, said all mechanical issues have been rectified.

"We've requested that the state police vehicle-inspection team return (today) or Monday to reinspect the fleet,We've requested that the state police vehicle-inspection team return (today) or Monday to reinspect the fleet," he said."This is something we take very seriously, and we want to make sure everything is up to par.This is something we take very seriously, and we want to make sure everything is up to par."

Selectman Jon Kurland said the violations call for public discussion.

"We dodged a bullet when the gas line didn't explode,We dodged a bullet when the gas line didn't explode," he said. "Obviously, there have been other incidents involving thisObviously, there have been other incidents involving this

company's tow trucks as well. This is something the board must have an open and frank discussion about.company's tow trucks as well. This is something the board must have an open and frank discussion about."

Ferreira created a buzz earlier this year when it landed the town's three-year contract and set a record by offering the highest amount ever of-fered to a Massachusetts municipality -- $90.25 per tow.

Christopher's Towing, which won Chelmsford's first tow contract, placed out to bid three years ago, argued that the practice is unfair becauseno other companies could compete with such a high price that offered no room for profit.

The average bid amounts for tow contracts based on a revenue-sharing system typically range from $25 to $40.

Ferreira owner Glynn told officials at the time that her unusually high bid was an attempt to give back to the town in which her company isbased, and to prove that Ferreira is a "good business citizen."

Kurland, who previously voiced concerns over the bid amount, said if a business is paying more to the town than what it can charge, he has towonder if something else is getting cut.

"A t cut ing cor s in t aint nanc t ir ve s, or m ing ure hey re gist re r t t es reAre they cutting corners in the maintenance of their vehicles, or making sure they're registered or if their taxes are

being paid?being paid?" he asked. "It's distressing to read that there were these wholesale violations within four months of the conIt's distressing to read that there were these wholesale violations within four months of the con--

t ct b ing wartract being awarded."

The company's contract will be reinstated Jan. 2. Cohen said he doesn't think the offense was egregious enough to call for termination. But inthe future, he said, the town should consider making proof of regular inspections a requirement for contract holders.

"We did o f t d f ye s a o, s we en' c m cr s t t k of equir ent we will l t do it heWe did our first bid four years ago, so we haven't come across that kind of requirement, but we will look to do it in the

future,future," he said. "Public safety is always our top priority.Public safety is always our top priority."

On average, 750 vehicles per year are towed in Chelmsford.

Christopher's Towing, the town's backup provider, will be responsible for all police-ordered tows until the suspension is complete.

Planning Board recall effort droppedPlanning Board recall effort droppedKevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter • Wed, Nov 03, 2010

www.chelmsfordmassnews.comwww.chelmsfordmassnews.com

Roland Van Liew does not plan to turn signed recall petitions into the Town Clerk's Office by today’s deadline.

"There weren't enough signatures to guarantee a recall,There weren't enough signatures to guarantee a recall," said Van Liew. "WeWe ran out of time.ran out of time."

Two weeks ago, Van Liew returned the first slew of signatures needed to start recall proceedings. Those signatures werecertified and the town issued a second set of petitions, which needed about 2,400 signa-tures.

Van Liew believes it would have taken three weeks to collect enough signatures. Thetown's charter only allows two weeks.

He also believes the town took too long to deliver the second set of petitions to him. Heturned in the first set on Wednesday and received the second group two days later around5 p.m.

" eWe s call ad on eekbasically had one week," said Van Liew. "WeWe d d a v l a t ef ort.did a valiant effort."

Van Liew paid for temporary workers to stand at polling places yesterday to collect signa-tures. He claims some Chelmsford officials made it difficult for residents to sign those peti-tions by either "getting into" people's faces or questioning them about why they weresigning.

"The folks who signed yesterday really had to want to sign,The folks who signed yesterday really had to want to sign," he said. "By theBy the

end of the day, the workers, who weren't from Chelmsford, were really energized about the issue. Theyend of the day, the workers, who weren't from Chelmsford, were really energized about the issue. They

were appalled by the officials’ actions at the polling places.were appalled by the officials’ actions at the polling places."

Van Liew said he does not plan to pursue a recall of Planning Board members Sue Carter and George Zaharoolis.

Mainly because he was concern over publicizing the names of residents who signed petitions after some people impliedsigners should be punished.

"I always thought the selectmen election was more important than the recall,I always thought the selectmen election was more important than the recall," he said.

Van Liew was disappointed that Jerry Loew did not win because Loew represented a real choice for residents.

"I'm not going to tilt at windmills,I'm not going to tilt at windmills," said Van Liew. "The voters have spoken. The voters have spoken. They like a little They like a little

corruption with their coffee just not a lot.corruption with their coffee just not a lot."

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Planning Board recall appears likely to fall shortPlanning Board recall appears likely to fall shortBy Staff reports

GateHouse News Service

www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsfordwww.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford

Nov 03, 2010

Chelmsford —It appears a recall effort aimed at two Planning board members will fall short because supporters were unable to collectenough signatures.

“It’s accurate to say we’re unlikely to make the threshold,It’s accurate to say we’re unlikely to make the threshold,” said Roland Van Liew.

Supporters of the recall had until close of business on Wednesday to collect signatures from 10 percent of Chelmsford’sregistered voters. Van Liew had people out gathering signatures at the polling place Tuesday but even with that effort, hewas not confident enough signatures were collected.

“I don't think there's any point in continuing the drive after today. Appealing the actions of the townI don't think there's any point in continuing the drive after today. Appealing the actions of the town

manager and officials would be like appealing a blown call in the NFL. Even if you win the appeal, themanager and officials would be like appealing a blown call in the NFL. Even if you win the appeal, the

am 's a read ver,game's already over,” said Van Liew in an e-mail

Van Liew had targeted Planning Board members George Zaharoolis and Susan Carter.

Van Liew said the Planning Board has overruled residents’ preferences time after time, mentioning the board’s issuance ofa special permit to Epsilon LLC’s 9 North Road development. He said Zaharoolis refused to hear resident Craig Chemaly’sconcerns during a meeting about the project, while Carter inaccurately claimed the board was required to grant the specialpermit. Both members have a particular duty toward the public, Van Liew said, as Zaharoolis is chairman of the board andCarter is its most knowledgeable member.

“They showed a lack of good judgment and a pattern of malfeasance,They showed a lack of good judgment and a pattern of malfeasance,” Van Liew said.

Copyright 2010 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

RolandVan Liew

McClure Files Lawsuit to McClure Files Lawsuit to StopStop 9 North Road Project9 North Road ProjectAttorney cites traffic and property value issues in the area if the project moves forward.

By Les Masterson | 11/8/10

www.chelmsford.patch.comwww.chelmsford.patch.com

The latest turn in the 9 North Road development saga happened Monday when Attorney Richard P. Mc-Clure filed a lawsuit in Land Court in hopes of stopping the project, which he said will lead to more traffic,create safety issues and decrease property values in the neighborhood.

In his lawsuit, McClure takes aim at a number of defendants, including Epsilon Group, LLC, which owns 9North Road, and town officials, including Building Inspector Scott Hammond, Planning Board members,past and present selectmen, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The 38-page suit goes through the property's background, including the fact that the town bought the landin 1976 for $100,000 and that it was undeveloped for 32 years; the preservation restriction; the sale to Ep-silon Group for $480,000 in 2009; as well as the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals proceed-ings, building inspector's involvement, and the "involvement/non-involvement" of the Board of Selectmen.

McClure, who is a lifelong Chelmsford resident, who lives on Westford Street, about 500 feet from the 9North Road property, said he is an "aggrieved person" because of the nearby location of the proposed two-story, 15,000 square-foot professional development.

Other reasons why he would like to see the project stopped is because of the impact the increased trafficwill have on the nearby Center Fire Station, as well as North Road and Academy Street, he said.

He added that the increased traffic will cause a dangerous situation for motorists, pedestrians and the fireapparatus leaving the station.

McClure is hoping to stop a project that has received the support of town boards. Last month, the ZoningBoard of Appeals rejected McClure's appeal of the project. In August, the Board of Selectmen voted that 9North Road plans comply with the preservation restriction. The restriction requires that any building on theproperty must be a barn-like structure and preserve the area's historic characteristics.

Resident calls for investigation of voter intimidationResident calls for investigation of voter intimidationBy Monica Jimenez/staff reporter

GateHouse News ServiceNov 09, 2010

Chelmsford — On behalf of Chelmsford resident Roland Van Liew, local attorneyRichard McClure has sent a request for investigation to the U.S. Attorney's office, al-leging Chelmsford citizens and officials intimidated supporters of a recall petition. Therecall effort, which targeted Planning Board members George Zaharoolis and SueCarter, failed to gather the requisite 2,400 signatures by Nov. 3.

The complaint letter names Zaharoolis, the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager PaulCohen and resident Frances McDougall, accusing them behaving unethically and vio-lating voter rights. On election day, Van Liew claims, Zaharoolis and his supporters in-terfered with those presenting or considering the recall petition.

“According to the gatherers, they were verbally harassed and, in at least two cases, theAccording to the gatherers, they were verbally harassed and, in at least two cases, the

subject of racial slurs because they were subject of racial slurs because they were colored peoplecolored people,” Van Liew said. “At least twoAt least two

polling places reported that supporters physically interjected themselves when voterspolling places reported that supporters physically interjected themselves when voters

approached to sign.approached to sign.”

Van Liew accuses the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Cohenof inappropriately using their offices to influence public opinion aboutthe recall petition. Cohen and the board of selectmen publicly con-demned the petition at their Oct. 25 meeting; Selectman Jon Kurlandinstructed voters not to sign it.

“We also want the general public to be aware that these ofWe also want the general public to be aware that these of--

fici l re wi ling to wo ga nst t e p blic i tere t nficials are willing to work against the public interest – in

this case, suppressing voters’ rights as well as lying tothis case, suppressing voters’ rights as well as lying to

residents in their public statements – when it suits theirresidents in their public statements – when it suits their

purposes,purposes,” Van Liew said.

Van Liew said the actions of Zaharoolis, Cohen and the selectmen discouraged some volunteers from col-lecting signatures for the recall petition. Ultimately, he said, he had to hire out-of-town signature gatherersso they wouldn’t be afraid to go home – and even so, he had to stop gathering signatures on Nov. 3, rec-ognizing his opponents’ hostility had made it impossible to reach his goal.

“There’s no question in my mind that the misinformation and direct intimThere’s no question in my mind that the misinformation and direct intim--

idation by Chelmsford officials limited the recall effort a great deal,idation by Chelmsford officials limited the recall effort a great deal,” Van Liew said.

As for Frances McDougal, a Chelmsford precinct representative, Van Liew’s letterquotes online comments she made before the election and describes them as threat-ening. McDougal encouraged readers to contact Van Liew, listing his address andphone number, which he said pushed him to lodge a formal complaint with the Chelms-ford Police Department.

Attorney Richard McClure said it could be a month before Van Liew’s letter to the U.S.Attorney gets a response, especially so soon after elections. But he predicted an in-vestigator would eventually send someone to Chelmsford to conduct interviews and take statements.

If the U.S. Attorney finds Van Liew’s claims credible, the town officials named in the letter may be sum-moned to the United States District Court to face charges of voter intimidation. Van Liew said these offi-cials have broken the law and should be held accountable and claimed he’s not alone in thinking so.

“I think the fact that we generated a response rate of almost a signaI think the fact that we generated a response rate of almost a signa--

ture per household on average, speaks volumes about how residentsture per household on average, speaks volumes about how residents

feel about the Planning Board,feel about the Planning Board,” Van Liew said. “There’s no questionThere’s no question

at the ’ ve helmi g s ntimen that th Planning o rd and thethat there’s overwhelming sentiment that the Planning Board and the

Board of Selectmen both have members who should be recalled.Board of Selectmen both have members who should be recalled.”Copyright 2010 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Richard Richard

McClureMcClure

Rola d Roland

Van LiewVan Liew

Frances Frances

McDougallMcDougall

Paul Paul

CohenCohen

George George

Za arooliZaharoolis

CLICK HERECLICK HERE to read the letter to

the U.S. Attorney's Office

An Open Letter to ROLANDDear Roland Van Liew:

I have read with great interest your concern for Chelmsford's open spaces, and wouldlike to invite you to support the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship.

For five years, volunteer residents of town have donated approximately $90,000/yearworth of labor and ingenuity, as well as the invaluable free use of heavy equipment andpersonal tools, to maintaining more than 900 acres of open space land.

The properties we care for almost daily include the Lime Quarry, Wright Reservation,Thanksgiving Forest, Russell Mill Reservation, Crooked Spring, Bartlett Park, SunnyMeadow Farm, Red Wing Farm, Heart Pond, Freeman Lake/Varney Park, Deep BrookReservation, and the Cranberry Bog.

We have been so fortunate to partner with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, garden clubs, localgroups like Chelmsford Women of Today, the Chelmsford Mother's Club, the New Eng-land Mountain Bike Association, and local businesses like Riley Plumbing, RainStay,Jones Farm, Parlee Farm, Green Acres Landscaping, Christopher's Towing and count-less others.

Town officials and many local residents have personally lent a hand as well. To generateinterest and use of these properties among the community, we host free family eventsyear round, like our upcoming Day Before Thanksgiving Walk and Amazing DecoratedWinter Tree Scavenger Hunt.

The past two weeks we held a Scarecrow Festival, Pumpkin Armada and Air Pumpkinevents that attracted hundreds of families to open space sites in town. Appreciatingyour interest in preserving open space land, I invite you to support COSS.

We are in need of resources to reimburse our Stew-ards for personal tool maintenance and gasoline,to fulfill a wish list for new tools, wheelbarrows,leaf blowers and more, and to help fund some ofour events.

The community and local businesses are extremelygenerous to the Stewardship, but there is alwaysmore to be done. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you at any of our work parties, walks orevents, so I hope you will consider grabbing a rake,running a lawnmower, clearing a trail, picking uptrash, helping at an event or making a contribution.

Checks can be made payable to the Town ofChelmsford Land Maintenance Fund and sent to the Town Manager's office.

Phil Stanway6 Lantern Lane

Is Phil Eliopoulus Mr. Burns?Is Phil Eliopoulus Mr. Burns?A reflection on 9 North Road and how many cross a line when weighing in on this topic.A reflection on 9 North Road and how many cross a line when weighing in on this topic.

By Brad Marmo | October 31, 2010

www.chelmsford.patch.comwww.chelmsford.patch.com

If I didn't know any better, I would be led to believe that Lance Wilder was not only responsible for incorporating Chelmsford landmarks intothe landscape of "The Simpsons," but also had a part in using one of this town's residents as the model for Springfield's most hated resident –Mr. Burns.

That surely it's only a matter of time before Phil Eliopoulus will be counting piles of money in his mansion while his 9 North Road project is pol-luting our air and poisoning our rivers without a care for the town or its residents.

This one starts and ends for me with one simple fact – if Preservation Agreement was written water tight, we wouldn't be in this situation.

Once you get that out of the way, all we have is the Epsilon Group - of which whom Phil Eliopoulus is the attorney for and de facto face of -pursuing development that adheres to all applicable provisions and bylaws. No more, no less.

As much as I can, I try to keep my world black and white, and this debate has no shortage of gray. I'm sorry, but if I read another "Claim/Fact"article or letter I'm going to lose my mind. Call it for what it is – the Preservation Agreement has wiggle room, and as a result, here we are.Why does it have to be more complicated then that?

Speaking of complications, this story came back into the spotlight this week when Ronald Van Liew took the first step in a two-step process torecall two (initially three) Planning Board members. Many people, and I mean many people, have taken issue with this. It's going to cost thetown money, it's going to prevent residents from volunteering for committees and boards, is it even an appropriate use of the recall bylaw?

The ironic part is, for the same reason 9 North Road is moving forward, Ronald Van Liew has every right to do what he is doing.

Sticking with my love for things black and white, the measuring stick I use for both of these issues can be summed up in the following twoquestions. Are you following due process, and how bad do you want it?

The Epsilon Group appeared before many boards and committees, and not one found grounds to stop development. One common thread Iheard, whether it was in the papers, on the websites, or when watching this debated on the "Politically Incorrect Show," is how prepared PhilEliopoulus was. By dotting every "I" and crossing every "T" he paved the way to pursue a legal course of action in accordance with estab-lished rules and principles.

The Epsilon Group wanted this, they did their homework, everything they did was within their legal rights to do so, and as a result the develop-ment at 9 North Road is moving forward. Mr. Van Liew has every right to do the same.

The problem I have is when people's character gets called into question. I was raised to believe that hard work yields results and fighting forwhat you believe in is noble. I don't like this new trend in society in which people who don't get what they want turn divisive and hurtful.

If you don't like something, work harder to achieve your goals. While I don't agree with Ronald Van Liew's character attacks, I admire his spirit.

Agree or disagree with the development on 9 North Road, the Epsilon Group is fighting for what they believe in and working very hard towardthat effort. Let's stop short of taking our disagreement to the next level and attacking someone's character. I refuse to begrudge a business-man who is pursuing success in legal manner that is in accordance with process.

To put a bow on this, I disagreewith the development on 9North Road. We have tons ofoffice vacancy in this town, andfighting for open space is anoble cause. The planet isn'tgetting bigger and open spaceis truly something we shouldprotect.

The only thing we can do islearn from this situation, moveforward with a clearer pictureof where we want to be andhow we want to get there, andmost importantly, how we canaccomplish this together.

About this column: Brad Marmo serves on theEconomic Development Com-mission in Chelmsford and ispassionate about helping thebusiness community and resi-dents work together toward thecommon goal of making thistown strong from within.

From theFrom the

FARSIDE of FARSIDE of ChelmsfordChelmsford

SPILL  SPILL 

THE THE (Coffee)BEANSBEANSThe latest

"Support OurSupport Our

Town CoffeeTown Coffee"was held at the JonesFarm Greenhouse Cafeon October 27 it had agreat turnout by manyof the local folks.

Photos by Photos by

Tom ChristianoTom Christiano

ue C t rSue Carter

Deb JonesDeb Jones

L ne Jim Lane

ic l KowalyMichael Kowalyk

David McLachlan David McLachlan

on urlandJon Kurland

Jack Wang Nick DeSilvioJack Wang Nick DeSilvio

Kristy Perry Peggy Dunn Angie TarantoKristy Perry Peggy Dunn Angie Taranto

Sam ChaseSam Chase

erryJerry

“The Open“The Open

Space Dog”Space Dog”

Alex BuckAlex Buck

CharCharlie

WojtasWojtas

TomTom

Chris ianoChristiano vid M Lachla P t Wojt sDavid McLachlan Pat Wojtasaul Cohe o nne S aPaul Cohen Joanne Stanway

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W lWinslowam Ar st ong Pam Armstrong

liz bet bElizabeth Twombly

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Da lbeDahlberg

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MMcGuigan

TOWN TALK with 

DENNIS READYDENNIS READY and    MARY GREGOIREMARY GREGOIRE

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

With Tom ChristianoPOLITICALLY INCIORRECTThe election day P.I. show was filled with lively discussions of local,state & national political issues & candidates. The panelists are: Jon Kurland, Mary Tiano,Kathy DuffettJon Kurland, Mary Tiano,Kathy Duffett & Matt HansonMatt Hanson.

Dennis and Mary Gregoire talk about theNovember 2nd town election,the recall

and Van Liew CLICK HERECLICK HERE

Philip Eliopoulos talks to Dennis about hisNorth Road project, the recall,Van Liew andMcClure and the Master Plan

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

F me a d ne l electe l c maFormer and newly elected Selectman

Pat WojtasPat Wojtas

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

The The

Scarcrow Scarcrow

Festival at Festival at

Sunny Sunny

Meadow Meadow

FarmFarm

The The

Pumpkin Pumpkin

ArmadaArmada

at Heart Pondat Heart Pond

SMASHING SMASHING 

PUMPKINSPUMPKINS

Check out theCheck out the

Zimmie footage at Zimmie footage at www.chelmsfordmasswww.chelmsfordmass--

news.comnews.com

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

P otos by J anne Stanw yPhotos by Joanne Stanway

Teachers cut access cut access

to studentsOfficial: Chelmsford union wants to send 'clear and strong message'; School board member: Children shouldn't be 'pawns' in negotiations

By Rita Savard, [email protected]://www. owe sun.com/c 16445736

10/27/2010

‘

CHELMSFORD -- As contract negotiations continue to stall, theChelmsford Federation of Teachers is sending school officials a mes-sage by cutting student and parent access to class assignments on-line and canceling class field trips.

School Committee members said yesterday that contract negotiations should remain at the bargainingtable and not trickle down to students.

"Obviously, the teachers are frustrated,Obviously, the teachers are frustrated," School Committee member Nick DeSilvio said. "We'veWe've

been negotiating in good faith but haven't been able to reach an agreement. But as a parbeen negotiating in good faith but haven't been able to reach an agreement. But as a par--

ent, I find it concerning that kids are being used as pawns in the negotiating process.ent, I find it concerning that kids are being used as pawns in the negotiating process.

T at' ust no right.That's just not right."

The union informed school officials Friday that it is directing members to refrain from using the district's Fu-sion web space. The online tool, updated regularly by teachers, gives parents and students an activerecord of homework and project assignments, test schedules and more.

"As always, students' well-being and education remains a top priority,As always, students' well-being and education remains a top priority," said Kathryn Chamberlain, president of the CFT.

But after working 16 months without a contract -- the longest period in nearly two decades -- teachers hadto send a message to try and speed the process along, Chamberlain added.

"It wasn't a decision we made lightly,It wasn't a decision we made lightly," she said. "We wanted to send a clear and strong mesWe wanted to send a clear and strong mes--

sage but take action that would not have a significant impact on students.sage but take action that would not have a significant impact on students."

Every student, Chamberlain added, still has a means ofkeeping a record of assignments without the need of theFusion page.

Chelmsford boasts some of the state's highest MCASscores and remains one of the top school districts in Mas-sachusetts.

While teachers understand the financial situation the townis in, Chamberlain said, some are still making less than ed-ucators in communities comparable in median income andsize.

"Our hope is to manage to achieve not the topOur hope is to manage to achieve not the top

salary but a level of parity similar with other dissalary but a level of parity similar with other dis--

tricts,tricts," Chamberlain said. "We c rtainly don' wantWe certainly don't want

our teachers to have to take second jobs to makeour teachers to have to take second jobs to make

ends meetends meet."

The teachers' three-year contract from 2006 to 2009 expired June 30 last year. Although they're currentlyworking without a contract, everything in place for the existing contract continues to move forward. Thatmeans more than 54 percent of the teachers still receive step increases in pay.

The step increases, ranging from about 2.2 percent to 5.8 percent, bump up salaries for teachers based ontheir years of experience and earned graduate degrees or academic credit.

The district's current fiscal-year budget has targeted $700,000 for step increases.

But 45 percent of the town's teachers -- about 180 out of 400 -- who have gone through all 13 steps andhave landed at the top of the pay scale are ineligible for step increases. The base pay for those teachersranges from about $63,725 to $72,992, according to annual wage earnings on file in the School District'sbusiness office.

While both the teachers' union and the School Department have declined to discuss specifics of the bar-gaining process, it's common knowledge that employee health-insurance costs remain one of the town'sbiggest budget-busters.

Health-insurance costs for active and retired school employees, including their retirement contributions,total more than $7 million.

Although neither side would comment specifically on health insurance, Chamberlain said both parties arehaving difficulty reaching a compromise in "several areas."

Last month, seventh- and eighth-grade teachers at the Parker Middle School also told the School Commit-tee that field trips to an education camp and to Quebec will not be scheduled if a contract isn't in place byNov. 1.

Chamberlain said that decision was not part of a union action plan but instead was decided separately bythe teachers who volunteer their time at no extra cost.

"Those are things for which people are not paid, and they do consume a great deal ofThose are things for which people are not paid, and they do consume a great deal of

time,time," she said. " e do uppo th i decisio .We do support their decision."

The School Committee responded to the teachers' union in writing, saying it is "disheartened" to learn thatstudents are being denied "two exceptional educational experiences simply because the negotiationprocess has been lengthy."

Committee Chairwoman Kathy Duffett said there is no possibility of reaching an agreement before Nov. 1because both sides met last week and failed to reach a compromise. The next scheduled bargaining ses-sion is slated for the end of November.

"We're all very proud of our staff andWe're all very proud of our staff and

appreciative of what they do,appreciative of what they do," Duffettsaid. "But we're not out of the recessionBut we're not out of the recession

yet, and we have to be conscious ofyet, and we have to be conscious of

that T e S hool ommitte ill c nthat. The School Committee will con-

tinue to bargain in good faith andtinue to bargain in good faith and

focus on the process, but we believefocus on the process, but we believe

those matters should be dealt withthose matters should be dealt with

through our negotiation teams and notthrough our negotiation teams and not

through our t d nts.through our students."

Chelmsford teachers, schools continueChelmsford teachers, schools continue

to talk contractto talk contract

By Jesse A. Floyd/staff reporterGateHouse News Service

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsfordhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsfordNov 10, 2010

Chelmsford —

On Nov. 22, the School Committee and members of the teachers’ union will meet to once again try to ironout differences on a new contract.

According to School Committee Chairman Kathy Duffett, key sticking points continue to be salary andbenefits.

“We offered the teachers a modest contract increase, which they have rejected,We offered the teachers a modest contract increase, which they have rejected,” Duffettsaid.

According to Duffett, the teachers continue to hold out for a 15 per-cent salary increase on top of step increases over the course of athree-year contract.

“The union representatives are standing fast to that,The union representatives are standing fast to that,” Duffett said.

Teachers argue Chelmsford teachers earn the less than peers insimilar towns. That wasn’t the case a decade ago, but Chelmsfordsalaries haven’t kept up, union representatives say.

According to Duffett, the town simply cannot entertain that size in-crease in the current economy.

Teachers have also balked at the possibility of changing health in-surance plans. Right now, the town offers HMO Blue, but wants to switch to another provider with the BlueCross family. According to Duffett, police officers, non-union school employees and food service workersall take the new plan being offered to teachers.

The two sides have been talking about a deal formore than a year, having met 19 times.

“This is a long process, a marathon,This is a long process, a marathon,” Duffettsaid. “Ri ht now, bo h i es are stuc onRight now, both sides are stuck on

Heartbreak Hill.Heartbreak Hill.”

The next contract session is set of Monday, Nov. 22.

“I sinc rely hope we can com t a resolI sincerely hope we can come to a resolu--

tion on these matters,tion on these matters,” Duffett said.

Copyright 2010 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Kathy DuffettKathy Duffett

Contract standoff gets bitterContract standoff gets bitterChelmsford board chairman: Teachers want

'jaw-dropping' 15% 15% pay hikeBy Rita Savard, [email protected]://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci 16583368

11/11/2010

CHELMSFORD -- The teachers' union request for a "jaw-dropping" 15 percent raise over three years --which would increase the average teacher salary in Chelmsford to $74,652 -- has placed contract negotia-tions at a standstill, according to school officials.

Barbara Skaar, a parent and member of the Chelmsford Council of Schools, posed a question to theSchool Committee Tuesday night: What are the issues concerning contract negotiations?

"Whatever was happening between the union representatives and the SchoolWhatever was happening between the union representatives and the School

Committee, it was beginning to affect the studentsCommittee, it was beginning to affect the students," Skaar said yesterday.

After working without a contract for 16 months, Chelmsford Federation of Teachers President KathrynChamberlain said the union was left with little choice but to take action that would send a message strongenough to speed negotiations along.

The CFT's decision to cut student and parent access to class assignments online snapped parents to at-tention.

"Parents are in the routine of checking that daily for homework assignmentsParents are in the routine of checking that daily for homework assignments

and now it's gone,"and now it's gone," Skaar said. "I was surprised how much feedback I'm gettingI was surprised how much feedback I'm getting

on that alone.on that alone."

Skaar had asked School Committee Chairwoman Kathy Duffett for answers before. Tuesday, Duffett an-swered, saying the CFT asked for a 15 percent raise, in addition to regular step increases, and wasstanding firm on that request.

"We have offered modest increases and various options,We have offered modest increases and various options," Duffett said yesterday in a phone in-terview. "We realize o r achers a xcel e t nd e want to ay th m cc rdin ly, buWe realize our teachers are excellent and we want to pay them accordingly, but

we are faced with a dire economic situation in our state and the town, and we have towe are faced with a dire economic situation in our state and the town, and we have to

deal with the reality of our financial situation.deal with the reality of our financial situation."

Chamberlain said yesterday the union "deeply regretsdeeply regrets" Duffett's decision to start negotiating via thepress and the public "despi e er rec nt co nt tha the choo Committ e wants to condespite her recent comment that the School Committee wants to con-

tinue bargaining in good faith.tinue bargaining in good faith."

"Negotiations are supposed to remain private,Negotiations are supposed to remain private," she said. "We will continue to bargain inWe will continue to bargain in

good faith so we're not going to discuss the details of negotiations, except the periodgood faith so we're not going to discuss the details of negotiations, except the period

e're d s us ing was not thre ears, b t f ur.we're discussing was not three years, but four."

Chamberlain said the information Duffett released on the union's pay-raise position "was incorrectwas incorrect

both in amount and percent and in the time spanboth in amount and percent and in the time span." She did not elaborate.

She also challenged Duffett to disclose what a "modest" increase was.

Duffett said yesterday that there was "more than a 10 point differential separating us.more than a 10 point differential separating us."

Skaar called a 15 percent raise request "jaw-droppingjaw-dropping" in this economy.

Frank Neylon, who also has two children in the town's public schools, said his own parents were school-teachers. His father had been a union negotiator for Waltham public schools.

"I understand teachers have to make a living and deserve a fair wage,I understand teachers have to make a living and deserve a fair wage," he said.

"But a 15 percent increase across the board is just unreasonable in today'sBut a 15 percent increase across the board is just unreasonable in today's

market.market."

The teachers' three-year contract expired June 30, 2009. Although they're currently working without a con-tract, everything in place for the existing contract continues to move forward. That means more than 54percent of the teachers still receive step increases in pay.

The step increases, ranging from about 2.2 percent to 5.8 percent, bump up salaries for teachers basedon their years of experience and earned graduate degrees or academic credit.

The district's current fiscal-year budget has targeted $700,000 for step increases.

But 45 percent of the town's teachers -- about 180 out of 400 -- who have gone through all 13 steps andhave landed at the top of the pay scale are ineligible for step increases. The base pay for those teachersranges from about $63,725 to $72,992, according to annual wage earnings on file in the school district'sbusiness office.

The current insurance plan lists doctor visit co-pays at $15, emergency-room visits at $50 and a 30-dayprescription for generic medication at $10.

Health-insurance costs for active and retired school employees, including their retirement contributions,total more than $7 million.

The average teachers salary in Massachusetts is $67,577, according to the state Department of Elemen-tary and Secondary Education. In Chelmsford, the average teacher salary is $64,915.

Pointing out the school district's stellar MCAS scores and graduation rate, Chamberlain has said the unionwas trying to obtain wage increases that put Chelmsford educators on par with teachers in communitiescomparable in median income and size.

Since contract negotiations began, both parties have met 19 times, including two mediation sessions with-out reaching an agreement. The next session is slated for Nov. 22.

Chelmsford Teacher Contract Talks Get Heated

After going without a contract for more than ayear and a half, it was disclosed that the unionwanted a 15 percent pay raise on top of theregular step increases.

That angered the president of the ChelmsfordFederation of Teachers. Kathryn Chamberlainsaid there had been a signed agreement notto speak publicly about the negotiations, andblamed school committee chairwoman KathyDuffett for the leak. She also said the 15 per-cent figure is inaccurate.

Duffett said she was speaking for the schoolcommittee when she disclosed details of thenegotiations, and she stands by the 15 per-cent.

“The offer that the teachers’ union has putforth, that they are standing firm, does total 15percent salary increase,” Duffett said. “That isan accurate assessement.” And, she says, it’sa figure the town can not afford.

The next negotiation session is scheduled forNovember 22.

WB r p t r int vie h Che m fWBZ reporter interviews both Chelmsford

Federation of Teachers President KathrynFederation of Teachers President Kathryn

C ber a at Duf e t hairwom Chamberlain & Kathy Duffett, Chairwoman of

the School Committee.the School Committee.

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

Recycling for a Good CauseRecycling for a Good CauseTown residents dropped off their unwanted electronics for a Center School PTO fundraiser

By Robert Moreau 11/7/10

www.chelmsford.patch.comwww.chelmsford.patch.com

Laptops, TV sets, stoves and lawn mowers.

Chelmsford residents had a rare opportunity to unload these and otherhard to dispose of electronics in a one-stop drop when the CenterSchool PTO hosted a Recycle Day event at the McCarthy MiddleSchool parking lot on Saturday in cooperation with Northeast MaterialHandling.

Kris Lefebvre, who coordinated the event, said she got the idea whenshe went to Northeast to purchase a new storage cabinet for the PTO.

"(Northeast) said, 'oh, we do fundraising for PTOs too,' and that's where this recycling(Northeast) said, 'oh, we do fundraising for PTOs too,' and that's where this recycling

d y ca nday came in," she explained. "Thi s a fa tas ic c mpa y to work with.This is a fantastic company to work with."

Northeast handles corporate liquidation services, buying inventory from clients as well as reselling. "Theyhave stuff from the Celtics. From the old (Boston) Garden. They have everything," Lefebvre said.

Prices for inventory ranged from $5 for small items to a flat $50 rate for acarload of junk, and were set by the PTO. TVs, the only items Northeastcharged the PTO for, were $.45 per pound.

"They gave me this huge list of everything to collect,They gave me this huge list of everything to collect," saidLefebvre. Northeast also supplied a truck, drop-off bins, and a scale;prices for inventory and the event date were arranged by the PTO.

"The company does it for free,The company does it for free," she explained.

" y wife said ' ere s the pi ce o p per (fli r), here's t e recycling day g t d of yMy wife said, 'here's the piece of paper (flier), here's the recycling day, get rid of my

junk. And I said, 'yes.' You can't refuse this,junk. And I said, 'yes.' You can't refuse this," said customer Greg Carlson, who brought a com-puter monitor and air condition that he and his wife had since the 1990s.

"This is great. I'm cleaning out my house,This is great. I'm cleaning out my house," said Barbara Kellegrew,who brought a TV and other appliances. Kellegrew said she found out aboutthe Recycling Day when she was talking to a friend about wanting to get ridof junk around the house.

"It's been a bad week. I've lost a lot of stuff…(even) my car wasIt's been a bad week. I've lost a lot of stuff…(even) my car was

in repair,in repair," she said.

Proceeds went to fund the school's enrichment programs, which include cur-riculum-related and safety presentations. "We have Dan Cripps, who's a We have Dan Cripps, who's a

Native American. He'll actually come in with a teepee,Native American. He'll actually come in with a teepee," Lefebvresaid of one such event.

"(We) incorporate not just enrichment programs dealing with the curriculum, but also life(We) incorporate not just enrichment programs dealing with the curriculum, but also life

lessons,lessons," she said.

Lefebvre praised the work of Center School's administration and parent volunteers, and noted the contri-butions of fundraisers, such as Recycling Day, in making its learning opportunities possible.

"It's a fun loving school… We have a PTO that works very hard for those kids,It's a fun loving school… We have a PTO that works very hard for those kids," she said.

Kris Lefebvre poses next to the Northeast Handling Materials truck.

Photo by Robert Moreau

Photo by Robert Moreau

Photo by Robert Moreau

CHELMSFORD  NOVEMBER 11  2010CHELMSFORD  NOVEMBER 11  2010

Photos by Tom ChristianoPhotos by Tom Christiano

EXTRA ExtrasEXTRA Extras

CHS Performing Arts Center $10 Adult / $7 Student$10 Adult / $7 Student190 Richardson Road Chelmsford, MA 01824

Arsenic and Old Lace, written by Joseph Kesselring, is an old classic comedy that revolves around the eccentric Brew-ster Family. Mortimer Brewster, a New York drama critic discovers that his sweet aging aunts have been "mercifully"sending off lonely old men to a happier place by means of their very tasty "elderberry wine". Mortimer tries to hide hisaunt's peculiar kindnesses from friendly neighborhood policemen and his lovely fiancee by trying to put the blame onhis brother Teddy (a rather bizarre character who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt). As if this mayhem weren't enough,

Mortimer's long lost brother, Jonathan, a nefarious sort, appears in town with a suspicious acquaintance named Dr. Ein-stein. How does Mortimer survive this madness? Come to the play and find out!

Chelmsford Launches New Employment Program:Chelmsford Launches New Employment Program:“Wisdom Works”“Wisdom Works”

Responding to the needs and concerns of the community’s older adult population is part of the mission of the Chelmsford Elder Services/COA.Even before the current economic turmoil, staff saw the signs that seniors will need to work longer, retire later and require more financial re-sources to fund additional retirement years due to increases in longevity.

Here are some of the obstacles standing in the way of 50+ adults obtaining employment:Methods and techniques of searching for employment have changed dramatically; the importance of social networking has increased overtime; older job applicants must develop savvy methods for dealing with age biases.

We have reached out to Chelmsford human resource professionals to help us launch this new job search skills training series of workshops.The age of participants is 50+. The program consists of four weekly two-hour sessions, each one covering a different topic of the job searchprocess, breaking down these obstacles mentioned above. The workshops are led by volunteer trainers with backgrounds in human re-sources who then work with participants in small groups (10-12), training participants how to find jobs in today’s market.

The program we will be presenting here in Chelmsford was designed by Keystone Associates, an outplacement organization, in conjunctionwith Marblehead COA. The state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs staff and a student intern put together workshop materials and an opera-tion manual to guide us in replicating the program.

We will be launching this new program, four evenings in October, and we are hoping you will help us spread the word so we have adequateparticipation in this new venture for us. If you, your neighbor, church member, friend, etc. are interested please call to register, or want moreinformation, please contact Elder Services Director Diana Ryder, 978-251-0533.

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The Chelmsford Senior Ce te The Chelmsford Senior Center would like to offer t e c mmun t a chance to enjoy some delicious pie or th oliday season.would like to offer the community a chance to enjoy some delicious pies for the holiday season.

Under the direction of Linda Desrosiers, Food Service Manager at the Chelmsford Senior Center, she and her staff are baking home madepies so that folks can enjoy this season with their families as much as possible and not worry about baking pies. The prices are very reasonable and range from $9.25 to $13.25. Your pie will be put in a pie box and tied with a festive ribbon. All you have to do is call Linda at the Chelmsford Senior Center to place your order.She can be reached at 978-251-0989. Let her know which pie(s) you wish to order. You may pick up yourscrumptious pie at the Chelmsford Senior Center at 75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford, on Tues. Nov. 23 till3:00 or on Wednesday, November 24th till 1:30 p.m.

Your pie will be ten inches and it will be put in a pie box and tied with a festive ribbon. All ready for you to take home.

All Pies are ten inches. Please order through Friday, November 19th, 2010.

Dutch Apple $9.25Old Fashion Apple $11.25Egg Custard $ 9.25Southern Pecan $11.25Pumpkin $9.25Sweet Potato $11.25Fruit of Forest $13.25

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Life Long Learning at Chelmsford Senior CenterLife Long Learning at Chelmsford Senior Center75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford, MA will be held

on Tuesday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 30from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Please come and join us for an exciting new learning series called“Masters’ of Enterprise: the stories of Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.”

We are pleased to have Professor Gary Hylander from Stonehill College lead these very exciting and informative hour long sessions on the Masters’ of Enterprise.”

The cost is $20.00 per session

Andrew Carnegie’s rise from a poor Scottish immigrant boy to the richest man in the world authenticated for his contemporaries the HoratioAlger myth in American history. Carnegie transformed the iron and steel industry from a scattered assortment of small producers into the na-

tion’s first manufacturing big business.

John D. Rockefeller, known as the “Prince of Oil” Rockefeller emerges as one of the giants of American industry. A ruthless competitor, Rock-efeller’s Standard Oil Company came to control over 90% of the nation’s petroleum production and came to dominate the markets of the

world. With the invention of the autombile, Rockefeller’s business grew in ways in which even he had never imagined.

To register or find out more about this exciting series, please contact:Becky Trepanier, Program Coordinator at the Chelmsford Senior Center

at 978-251-0533

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There is a workshop series scheduled 6:30 – 8:30 PM for: Monday’s November 15, 22 29, December 6. The requesteddonation for the complete series is $20. Scholarships are available.

The four workshop sessions include: “Looking Back – What’s Next?”; “Getting Started”; “Job Search Strategies”; and “In-terviewing”. Human Resource professionals facilitate these workshops developed by Keystone Associates, a premier out-placement firm in Burlington. If you are interested in participating or ant more information please contact Elder ServicesDirector, Diana Ryder at 978-251-0533 ext. 11.

Dear Family & Friends,

Join us for the 8th Annual NIGHT OF 1000KICKS!! Wednesday December 29th from3:00 to 5:30pm

This years receipient of donations collectedwill be Families of SpinalMuscular Atrophy (FSMA) a 501c3 non-profit organization. FSMA is veryspecial to us. We chose FSMA in lovingmemory of our daughter Rachel andon behalf of the thousands of people wholive with SMA everyday. FSMA ison the cutting edge of research to find acure.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy:SMA is the number 1 genetic killer of chil-dren under the age of 21 in 40 people carry the SMA geneSMA has no age or ethnic preferenceFor more information about SMA visit:

http://www.curesma.org/

About Rachel:About Rachel:

Rachel lived for 10 months 2 weeks and 1day. She would've reached her11th Birthday this past September.She LOVED chocolate!Her favorite movie was Telletubbies Big Hug& ElmopaloozaShe loved to chew on a rubber lizard namedLilly.She brought thousands of people together inher short life.

We were very sad that she died, but we are more happy that she LIVED.She wants us to spread the word about SMA, then kick its butt!

Participants of the Night of 1000 Kicks should wear comfortable clothes...it's a good work out!

Thanks for helping us see an end to SMA!

I've attached registration form/pledge sheet for your convenience or go toour website www.alphatkd.com and click on EVENTS or you can pick one up at Alpha.

I've also attached flyers. I could certainly use the help getting theword out. Please print/post where ever you can. That would be muchappreciated.

Rachel's Team T-shirts are available for $15. Please make t-shirts checksout to Michelle Rollinson. Order deadline is December 9th.

All donation checks, please make out to FSMA.

Thanks for all your help and support!

Sincerely,Michelle and Andrew RollinsonMichelle and Andrew Rollinson

Alpha TKDA978-251-1331

Greetings Friends and Family! Greetings Friends and Family!

It's been a busy couple of months for the families of Team Hope! With fall in full swing,we are gearing up for a day of BIG events! Please pass this along to your friends andfamily and help us get the word out!!!!

Team Hope will be hosting TWO blood drives on Saturday, November 20th. Please con-sider giving the gift of life by donating blood at one of these two locations.

Appointments are not required but are STRONGLY encouraged so that wait times arereduced.

Children's Hospital Boston Bloodmobile Drive from 9am-3pm250 Chelmsford StreetKohl's Parking LotTo make an appointment, call Stefani at 978-808-6023

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9am - 2pmSt. Mary's Church796 Boston RoadBillerica, MATo make an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or visit www.givelife.org.

ALSO happening on Saturday, November 20th from 7-10 p.m. at the Nabnasset LakeCountry Club in Westford, MA is the release of Stefani Bush's first album, Hope Rising: The Journey. There is no cover charge and any donation made at the door will be split between theImmune Deficiency Foundation and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Aportion of the proceeds from sales of the album will also go to the Immune DeficiencyFoundation and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

The debut album from Stefani Bush is filled with her raw emotional responses to livinglife with mitochondrial disease and having two children who have primary immunodefi-ciency disease as well as other medical issues. Her songs plead for peace and hopewhile asserting courage and strength. Her music is sure to bring peace and comfort tonot only those who have walked a similar path but also to anyone who has had thestrength to reflect on the difficulties and the gumption to persevere.

For more information or to purchase a copy of the album, please go to: http://www.hoperisingmusic.com/

To hear a taste of what is on the album, go to: http://www.reverbnation.com/hoperisingstefanibush

or visit the Hope Rising Facebook page at:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hope-Rising/61605130844

Remember, it only takes ONE person to change ONE life....BE THE ONE!

Blessings,Stefani and Michelle

Winter Winter

Farmers' MarketFarmers' Market

Chelmsford Agway24 Maple Road Chelmsford, MA

Every SaturdayEvery Saturday10:00am - 2:00pm

Visit our website for a listing of vendorsVisit our website for a listing of vendors

chelmsfordagwayfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

November 13, 2010 thru February 5, 2011November 13, 2010 thru February 5, 2011

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This year's holiday seasonThis year's holiday season

kicks off with the annual kicks off with the annual

Holiday Prelude tree lightingHoliday Prelude tree lighting

at the common, as well asat the common, as well as

other holiday festivities on other holiday festivities on

the first Sunday in December.the first Sunday in December.

Festivities will be from 4pm toFestivities will be from 4pm to

6pm, with the tree lighting at6pm, with the tree lighting at

precisely 5pm.precisely 5pm.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Education is what remains after one has 

forgotten what one has learned in school. 

- Albert Einstein 

From the FARSIDE of Chelmsford...From the FARSIDE of Chelmsford...

If you have any comments on the

In-Town Report In-Town Report

drop me a line atdrop me a line at

[email protected]@gmail.com

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