Early this evening, Sergeant First Class (E-9), Daniel LaFratta Sr., a proud 25 year veteran of the U.S. Army, succumbed at home to esophageal cancer. Dan waged a valiant 18 month battle against this disease, and is finally now at peace, and free from the suffering he has so bravely endured during this period.
Dan, is the father of my wife Jeannine. For those of you who pray, perhaps you'll kindly consider a simple quiet prayer on behalf of her and her two siblings. For those who find comfort elsewhere, perhaps a simple thought of goodwill might be offered within the quiet of your heart.
Grief visits all of us as some point, as it is a part of life. It is in the very act of facing grief with hope and acceptance, that we find the ability to reflect upon life, not with regret, but instead with gratitude for what we have, as opposed to what we lose.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
A Few Final Thoughts About Memorial Day!
Today, while standing in line at Home Depot, that’s right Home Depot, a big box store that I love, I saw this frail gentlemen in his late 80’s, wearing a sport coat and tie while waiting in line. I noticed the ball cap he was sporting which read, “Big Red One”. The Big Red One stands for the U.S. Army’s First Division. I approached him and asked him if he had served with that unit and he smiled and “yes sir”. I reached out to him and shook his hand, thanking him for his service and the gift of democracy he had provided me. As he looked at me, his eyes welled up with tears, he held my hand tightly as though our lives depended upon it, and tried to summon some words. After several seconds with a tear streaming down his face, he said, "Thank You Sir, Thank You, You have made this a most memorable day.”With tears now forming in my eyes, as I stood in the presence of this now frail lion, I gently hugged this man and told him “I would never forget how much I and so many others owe him” and told him how “Honored I was to meet him”. He thanked me again, and we parted, each with teared eyes and heartfelt smiles. That moment released a deluge of thoughts about the great sacrifices he and so many others have made, and how indebted we are to them. This gentle man, a man once young and full of vigor, was an individual who fought for each of us, and is now a man with so very little time left. He is but one of a few left, who now represent the many with whom he once served. Thus, as we close out the Memorial Day Weekend, I thought it necessary to share a few final thoughts, beginning with this reminder of what Memorial Day is. (The remainder of this post can be read by selecting the READ MORE link below).
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own inspiring dedication:
"We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."
_______________________________________________________
So then, just exactly what is it, that so many brave men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for. Well, as a veteran myself, and one who has long held the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice, as well as a loathing for tyranny as sacred principles, I can certainly hazard a guess, based upon the beliefs held by those I’ve served with.
The brave men and woman who have taken an oath to “Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States against all Enemies, both Foreign and Domestic” share a common belief that freedom and democracy are God granted rights that belong to all human beings.
We believe that “Principles should always take Precedence over Personalities”, and that democracy is vested in the people, not the politicians or special interest groups; be they in Washington D.C. or here in Sturbridge, MA.
We believe that the needs of the many, outweigh the wants or selfish desires of the few. For it is the very desires of the few, that lead to the despicable and violent tyranny in Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the former Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Iraq and a hundred other places on this planet. It was, and still is, in some parts of the globe. It is also the tyranny of the few, that has lead to classist and racist systems resulting in woman and people of color being treated as second class citizens.
It was the tyranny of the few, that forged workers to unite in battle against horrendous working conditions via the unionization of workers. It was the tyranny of the few, that lead to the Suffrage Movement as well as the Civil Rights Movement. Equally so, it was the tyranny of the few, that lead to millions of deaths at the hands of the Nazi’s and hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions more at the hands of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge, and Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guard.
It was and is, the tyranny of the few, that has tragically necessitated the establishment of women’s shelters throughout this country. It is also the tyranny of the few, which has lead to the deaths of students and teachers in our schools.
Tyranny though, need not come in the form of violence or dictatorships, oligarchies, or classist forms of government. Tyranny as well, can exist well within the confines of a democracy, when the voices of the many are excluded at the urging of a few. Is not, that form of tyranny, at the very center of racism and discrimination within our own history? Is not, that form of tyranny, in part, the reason that some of our veterans are rotting away in sub-standard hospitals while money is funneled for pork projects elsewhere? Think about our own pork projects here, such as a Hazard (dead, dying, decaying) tree that takes precedence over safety or even our seniors with a small band of tyrants.
Is not that form of tyranny, the reason that my Church, the Catholic Church, finds itself now recovering from the secret and despicable acts of a few, who destroyed the lives of many. Is not, that form of tyranny, in part the reason that so many of our seniors, nationally, are struggling to make payments on over priced prescriptions, escalating food and fuel prices, while CEO’s and politicians are given outrageous compensation packages?
And is not, that form of tyranny, the very reason that a proposed amendment designed to help seniors and others “remain in homes they might otherwise be forced to leave” was beaten to death by 5 selectmen and their S.O.S. handlers? Is not that form of tyranny, the very reason that the Town of Sturbridge was forced to acquiesce on it’s public safety infrastructure standards, in order to appease six individuals over the will of the majority of residents on McGilpin Road, and over 400 residents who signed a petition to remove a Hazard (dead, dying, decaying) tree?
Is not, that form of tyranny, the reason that four selectmen chose to ignore the paid professionals, consultants and desires of the majority of residents at Public Hearings, when they supported a ridiculous warrant article for a 1.0 mgd WWTF? Is not, that form of tyranny, the very reason that those same selectmen chose to fight the proposed Route 15 Amendment, despite the will of the majority of residents who attended both the Public Hearing and the Annual Town Meeting? Is not, that form of tyranny, the very essence which emboldens our selectmen to ignore the desires of the majority time and time again while pandering to a small band of self centered individuals.
Tyranny comes in many forms, some, flagrantly obvious, some, not so. Each and every time an individual decides to merely “Think Out Loud” offering nothing more than hypocrisy, while turning a blind eye and ignoring, or in some cases supporting simple acts of discreet tyranny, they send a message to the tyrants; a message of ambivalence that further encourages more discreet acts of tyranny. And as this ambivalence continues, much as it did in Germany, Japan, the Soviet Union, Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc., as well are right here in the U.S., the lines become so blurred that they no longer exist. At that point, there is no turning back, for there is nowhere to turn back to.
Each and every American soldier swears via his or her oath to “Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States against all Enemies, both Foreign and Domestic.” That oath is a solemn promise to ensure that the needs of the many, take primacy over the selfish desires of the few, and that the governing institutions fulfill their responsibility to ensure that “Principles take Precedence over Personalities”.
The oath we take, is not for most of us anyway, some poetic set of words that sound nice on induction day. They are words of intense meaning and dedication. We do not take that oath to merely sit by while our own elected officials and their families manufacture and distribute misinformation and lies about candidates or issues facing this town. We do take that oath, to merely turn a blind eye while elected officials and their families engage in illegal practices and conduct scurrilous and hypocritical activities in pursuit of their self-centered political agenda.
We do not take that oath, to merely sit by while our political leaders disrespect it's citizenry, ignoring the masses and disrespecting them, by screaming at them as they try to bring issues forward that our selectmen do not favor. We do not take that oath, to simply sit by while government representatives denigrate fellow human beings by referring to them as "low wage casino workers" and "outsiders".
As Thomas Jefferson once said, "Rebellion to tyrants, is obedience to God"; and that my friends, is what our men and women serve, fight, and die for. I shall never forget the debt I owe them, nor my responsibility and obligation to continue on their behalf.
TRC
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Human Toll
This Memorial Day Weekend, it does us well to consider the Human Toll, in terms of U.S. Service Men and Women who have died as a result of War. Bear in mind, that these numbers do not reflect the hundreds upon hundreds of thousands, who have suffered both physical and emotional trauma, that will never fully heal. As such, the suffering of those who have survived combat, continues today, even if only occasionally.Nor do these numbers reflect those still Missing in Action, who have yet to be provided a proper and appropriate resting place. As well, these numbers do not account for the suffering of an endless number of American families, whose lives have been ripped apart by the toll, war has taken on their loved ones.
Iraq War (year to date): 4,082
Korea: 36,516
Vietnam: 58,209
WWI: 116,708
WWII: 419,800
War is an ugly and despicable thing; one that no soldier revels in. It is hours and days of complete nothingness, interrupted by moments or hours of sheer terror. During that horror, the thoughts that are most prevailing, are those of survival, for oneself and one's unit, because in those moments, in that place, the only thing that matters are those you serve with. It is that very aspect of war that leaves treacherous scars in the souls and minds of human beings, which perpetrates a loathing for the violent nature of combat.
This is the very reason, that every time I meet a soldier or a veteran, I make sure to thank him or her for their efforts on my behalf. Were it not for those who have served, and currently do serve, the suffering of millions would be endless.
To each of you, who have given so much, for so many, with so little in return, I offer you and your families, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Telegram and Gazette Letter of the Week: From Fiskdale Resident Velma Franz
The following letter was published in today's Sunday Telegram & Gazette. It was written by Fiskdale resident Velma Franz. It addresses the plastic bag issue in the most pragmatic and responsible approach that I have yet heard or read. The letter was selected by the T&G as their "Letter of the Week" which the T&G policy states that: "Each week, we’ll select a letter to The People’s Forum, on any topic, that we consider particularly interesting and well-written. The writer will receive an engraved rosewood Telegram & Gazette Letter of the Week pen".
Here then is the letter written and submitted by Ms. Velma Franz.
Plastic bag rejection needs some reflection!
LETTER OF THE WEEK
"Sturbridge’s recent rejection of a plastic bag ban in larger stores deserves some reflection. While the basic intent of the proposed bylaw is commendable, many residents found the sledgehammer approach objectionable. There appeared to be little groundwork done by our local boards — some of whom jumped on the bandwagon like Tom Cruise on Oprah’s couch.
An apparent and more deliberate approach would involve: Getting Sturbridge residents involved in providing feedback advice about weighty and consequential issues such as researching the science and ecological effects behind a wholesale shift to alternatives like paper bags; and coordinating with other boards, researching other approaches to control use such as stores charging for plastic bags. This approach works well in Germany where you will see many net and cloth bags. Also, boards should be making clear what the alternatives are and why they are rejected, making it possible to recycle plastic bags at the local transfer station where they are currently not accepted for recycling.
A comprehensive approach would likely result in a successful solution to the plastic bag problem. However, deliberate action is required, instead of a knee-jerk reaction like a total ban.
People want to be listened to and need to buy into something like this. Hitting larger corporations over the head with bylaws is business-unfriendly."
VELMA M. FRANZ
Fiskdale
The letter says it all. Congratulations to Ms. Franz.
Here then is the letter written and submitted by Ms. Velma Franz.
Plastic bag rejection needs some reflection!
LETTER OF THE WEEK
"Sturbridge’s recent rejection of a plastic bag ban in larger stores deserves some reflection. While the basic intent of the proposed bylaw is commendable, many residents found the sledgehammer approach objectionable. There appeared to be little groundwork done by our local boards — some of whom jumped on the bandwagon like Tom Cruise on Oprah’s couch.
An apparent and more deliberate approach would involve: Getting Sturbridge residents involved in providing feedback advice about weighty and consequential issues such as researching the science and ecological effects behind a wholesale shift to alternatives like paper bags; and coordinating with other boards, researching other approaches to control use such as stores charging for plastic bags. This approach works well in Germany where you will see many net and cloth bags. Also, boards should be making clear what the alternatives are and why they are rejected, making it possible to recycle plastic bags at the local transfer station where they are currently not accepted for recycling.
A comprehensive approach would likely result in a successful solution to the plastic bag problem. However, deliberate action is required, instead of a knee-jerk reaction like a total ban.
People want to be listened to and need to buy into something like this. Hitting larger corporations over the head with bylaws is business-unfriendly."
VELMA M. FRANZ
Fiskdale
The letter says it all. Congratulations to Ms. Franz.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Bone Marrow Frequently Asked Questions (courtesy of UMMHC)
Q: What happens if I am a match?
A: If you are found to be a possible match for a patient needing transplantation, we will contact you immediately and give you the option of proceeding to a final test to confirm HLA compatibility with the patient. These tests, authorized by the patient’s physician, are paid for by the patient or his/her medical insurance plan. Then, if the match is confirmed, the transplantation can be scheduled, but only with your legal consent, given after in-depth counseling and thorough
physical examination.
Q: How is marrow extracted?
A: If you are identified as a match for a patient and donate bone marrow, you are given light, general or local anesthesia so you feel nothing during the procedure. Only two to three percent of your marrow is generally collected from your hip area through special sterile needles. You may go home the same day or following day. Your marrow will replace itself in about four to six weeks, in most cases.
Q: How are peripheral blood stem cells extracted from blood?
A: Although stem cells exist in your blood stream, there are not enough to provide for a peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. To increase the number of stem cells, you receive a medication by injection once a day over four to five days. The PBSC collection (similar to donating blood) occurs after the fourth or fifth day of medication.
Q: What is stem cell transplantation? Is there more than one kind?
A: Stem cells, which are in your bone marrow and blood, allow new marrow to grow in a patient in need of transplantation. Patients whose marrow is diseased require new stem cells from a healthy donor to enable their own body to grow new marrow. Stem cells collected from a donor are infused into a patient’s veins through an IV, just like a blood transfusion. Infusion of stem cells collected from a donor’s bone marrow is referred to as a bone marrow transplant. Infusion of stem cells collected from a donor’s blood is referred to as a peripheral blood stem cell transplantation or PBSC. Within two to three weeks, the transplanted stem cells can begin to grow normal cells within the patient. The match for the transplantation has to be nearly perfect. Some patients can find a match within their own family, but for the most part, an unrelated donor is needed. (The REMAINDER of this post can be read by clicking on the READ MORE link below.)
Q: Which diseases can be treated with transplantation?
A: Various types of chronic and acute leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, myeloma, radiation poisoning, and some genetic diseases can be treated by stem cell transplantation.
Q: Are donors only searched for American patients?
A: No, donors are searched for every registered patient seeking an unrelated donor. These patients are from countries all around the world. Many American donors have donated marrow for international patients
and many American patients have found donors from international donor sources.
Q: Who can become a stem cell donor?
A: You may register to become a donor when you are 16 years old, but you must be between the ages of 18 and 60 to donate stem cells. You must also be in general good health, with no history of serious disease; possess a positive attitude and pride in wanting to become a donor, and sign a standard consent form allowing the Registry to include your tissue type in its computerized files for future matching.
Q: What can I expect when I register?
A: You will be asked to read donor education information, complete a consent form and answer a health questionnaire. We will need a sample of cells from the inside of your cheek for testing for the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types. Once your results are complete, you will receive a letter with your HLA type listed, along with a donor identification card. After that, we ask that you keep us posted on any changes in your contact information, because if it is determined you may be a match for a patient, time is of the utmost importance and we may need to reach you quickly.
Q: How do you get my sample for HLA testing?
A: You will be instructed on how to collect cells from the inside of your cheek using swabs. These will be used to determine your HLA type. In some circumstances, a health care professional may swab your
mouth directly. If you are not registering at a recruitment drive, a kit with complete instructions will be sent to you.
Q: What are the risks?
A: There are potential risks to donating stem cells and these include the risks typically associated with receiving medications or anesthesia. Potential risks associated with stem cell donation will be discussed in detail with you by the medical staff of a stem cell collection center before you sign a final consent to donate. You will receive a complete physical examination and a donor advocate will accompany you during this process.
Q: What happens to the patient?
A: If the transplant is successful, the new stem cells begin to produce normal, healthy blood cells within two to three weeks. The patient has received the gift-of-a-lifetime.
Q: Who pays the total cost to donate my marrow?
A: Not you — the patient or his/her medical insurance does. Any reasonable expenses you incur during the stem cell donation process are reimbursed.
Q: What do you do to insure my privacy?
A: There are two important ways the Registry protects your privacy.
1. The Registry adheres to HIPAA regulations regarding privacy and the sharing of personal information. Once in the Registry, your information is searched using only a donor identification number for reference.
2. Should you go on to donate stem cells, your identity will remain anonymous to the recipient. The option of possible eventual personal contact with the recipient may be discussed with you and requires advanced written consent from both you and the patient.
Q: Why do you ask for so much of my personal information?
A: The medical information requested is to ensure donor and patient safety, as well as eligibility. Personal information, such as your Social Security Number and secondary contacts, is used to help us locate you in the future.
Q: Can I withdraw as a donor at any time if I want to?
A: Yes, but once you have given your final consent during the workup process and the patient has begun pretreatment conditioning the consequences of your withdrawal can be lethal to the patient.
A: If you are found to be a possible match for a patient needing transplantation, we will contact you immediately and give you the option of proceeding to a final test to confirm HLA compatibility with the patient. These tests, authorized by the patient’s physician, are paid for by the patient or his/her medical insurance plan. Then, if the match is confirmed, the transplantation can be scheduled, but only with your legal consent, given after in-depth counseling and thorough
physical examination.
Q: How is marrow extracted?
A: If you are identified as a match for a patient and donate bone marrow, you are given light, general or local anesthesia so you feel nothing during the procedure. Only two to three percent of your marrow is generally collected from your hip area through special sterile needles. You may go home the same day or following day. Your marrow will replace itself in about four to six weeks, in most cases.
Q: How are peripheral blood stem cells extracted from blood?
A: Although stem cells exist in your blood stream, there are not enough to provide for a peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. To increase the number of stem cells, you receive a medication by injection once a day over four to five days. The PBSC collection (similar to donating blood) occurs after the fourth or fifth day of medication.
Q: What is stem cell transplantation? Is there more than one kind?
A: Stem cells, which are in your bone marrow and blood, allow new marrow to grow in a patient in need of transplantation. Patients whose marrow is diseased require new stem cells from a healthy donor to enable their own body to grow new marrow. Stem cells collected from a donor are infused into a patient’s veins through an IV, just like a blood transfusion. Infusion of stem cells collected from a donor’s bone marrow is referred to as a bone marrow transplant. Infusion of stem cells collected from a donor’s blood is referred to as a peripheral blood stem cell transplantation or PBSC. Within two to three weeks, the transplanted stem cells can begin to grow normal cells within the patient. The match for the transplantation has to be nearly perfect. Some patients can find a match within their own family, but for the most part, an unrelated donor is needed. (The REMAINDER of this post can be read by clicking on the READ MORE link below.)
Q: Which diseases can be treated with transplantation?
A: Various types of chronic and acute leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, myeloma, radiation poisoning, and some genetic diseases can be treated by stem cell transplantation.
Q: Are donors only searched for American patients?
A: No, donors are searched for every registered patient seeking an unrelated donor. These patients are from countries all around the world. Many American donors have donated marrow for international patients
and many American patients have found donors from international donor sources.
Q: Who can become a stem cell donor?
A: You may register to become a donor when you are 16 years old, but you must be between the ages of 18 and 60 to donate stem cells. You must also be in general good health, with no history of serious disease; possess a positive attitude and pride in wanting to become a donor, and sign a standard consent form allowing the Registry to include your tissue type in its computerized files for future matching.
Q: What can I expect when I register?
A: You will be asked to read donor education information, complete a consent form and answer a health questionnaire. We will need a sample of cells from the inside of your cheek for testing for the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types. Once your results are complete, you will receive a letter with your HLA type listed, along with a donor identification card. After that, we ask that you keep us posted on any changes in your contact information, because if it is determined you may be a match for a patient, time is of the utmost importance and we may need to reach you quickly.
Q: How do you get my sample for HLA testing?
A: You will be instructed on how to collect cells from the inside of your cheek using swabs. These will be used to determine your HLA type. In some circumstances, a health care professional may swab your
mouth directly. If you are not registering at a recruitment drive, a kit with complete instructions will be sent to you.
Q: What are the risks?
A: There are potential risks to donating stem cells and these include the risks typically associated with receiving medications or anesthesia. Potential risks associated with stem cell donation will be discussed in detail with you by the medical staff of a stem cell collection center before you sign a final consent to donate. You will receive a complete physical examination and a donor advocate will accompany you during this process.
Q: What happens to the patient?
A: If the transplant is successful, the new stem cells begin to produce normal, healthy blood cells within two to three weeks. The patient has received the gift-of-a-lifetime.
Q: Who pays the total cost to donate my marrow?
A: Not you — the patient or his/her medical insurance does. Any reasonable expenses you incur during the stem cell donation process are reimbursed.
Q: What do you do to insure my privacy?
A: There are two important ways the Registry protects your privacy.
1. The Registry adheres to HIPAA regulations regarding privacy and the sharing of personal information. Once in the Registry, your information is searched using only a donor identification number for reference.
2. Should you go on to donate stem cells, your identity will remain anonymous to the recipient. The option of possible eventual personal contact with the recipient may be discussed with you and requires advanced written consent from both you and the patient.
Q: Why do you ask for so much of my personal information?
A: The medical information requested is to ensure donor and patient safety, as well as eligibility. Personal information, such as your Social Security Number and secondary contacts, is used to help us locate you in the future.
Q: Can I withdraw as a donor at any time if I want to?
A: Yes, but once you have given your final consent during the workup process and the patient has begun pretreatment conditioning the consequences of your withdrawal can be lethal to the patient.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
An Interesting Article in the Sunday T&G
While the attention of our selectmen seems focused on trail logos, plastic bags, and refuting obvious Open Meeting Law violations, the town of Westminster is focusing on proactive steps to lure and increase business. Below is an article from today's Sunday paper, which addresses some ideas about attracting business. And let me restate as I have in an earlier post, I love logos, in fact I am wearing my "Life is Good" logo this very moment, and my wife shops with re-usable bags all the time. But one might suggest that we need to get a bit more real and start dealing with issues such as economic development, increasing our tax base, reducing the tax burden on homeowners, establishing some type of relief for our seniors and those on fixed incomes, ensuring adequate public safety, etc., etc.
Certainly there are no silver bullets, and I make no claims about the merits or lack thereof, relative to Westminster's approach, but at least the discussion is taking place. Who knows, maybe after our selectmen (well three of them) finish reinventing a "collective vision for the town", (which by the way has already been established via the April 14th elections and Annual Town Meeting), they will actually entertain some dialogue based upon what the voters want.
Here then is the T&G article:
WESTMINSTER— Voters at yesterday’s annual town meeting approved two articles giving town officials the tools they need to help persuade businesses to locate in town.
Voters approved an article allowing selectmen to offer tax incentives to businesses looking to relocate to Westminster. The town approved designation of 254 acres within the Westminster Business Park as an economic opportunity area.
A second article, which designates certain industrial areas as “priority sites,” withstood the same arguments from both sides but in the end was also approved. This article designates three areas — the industrially zoned land in the Westminster Business Park, the town-owned land on Fitchburg Road and the Tyco/Simplex land on Technology Drive, as priority development sites.
This designation allows the town to take a proactive approach to bringing businesses to town. It also requires that the town approve a plan within 180 days of application. Some residents worried that the town would get “boxed in” by the 180 days, or not act soon enough, allowing the project to go forward by default.
Town officials assured voters that most applications are completed within the 180 days and the specific sites that were chosen for designation were ready for development.
Voters approved an article allowing mixed-use buildings in the downtown commercial district. Voters also approved an amendment that will allow residential use in the commercial district. Many homes downtown already have residential use by special permit.
Certainly there are no silver bullets, and I make no claims about the merits or lack thereof, relative to Westminster's approach, but at least the discussion is taking place. Who knows, maybe after our selectmen (well three of them) finish reinventing a "collective vision for the town", (which by the way has already been established via the April 14th elections and Annual Town Meeting), they will actually entertain some dialogue based upon what the voters want.
Here then is the T&G article:
WESTMINSTER— Voters at yesterday’s annual town meeting approved two articles giving town officials the tools they need to help persuade businesses to locate in town.
Voters approved an article allowing selectmen to offer tax incentives to businesses looking to relocate to Westminster. The town approved designation of 254 acres within the Westminster Business Park as an economic opportunity area.
A second article, which designates certain industrial areas as “priority sites,” withstood the same arguments from both sides but in the end was also approved. This article designates three areas — the industrially zoned land in the Westminster Business Park, the town-owned land on Fitchburg Road and the Tyco/Simplex land on Technology Drive, as priority development sites.
This designation allows the town to take a proactive approach to bringing businesses to town. It also requires that the town approve a plan within 180 days of application. Some residents worried that the town would get “boxed in” by the 180 days, or not act soon enough, allowing the project to go forward by default.
Town officials assured voters that most applications are completed within the 180 days and the specific sites that were chosen for designation were ready for development.
Voters approved an article allowing mixed-use buildings in the downtown commercial district. Voters also approved an amendment that will allow residential use in the commercial district. Many homes downtown already have residential use by special permit.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
In Honor of Nurses Day!
Yesterday, I posted an article about today being Nurse's Day, and the importance of recognizing the incredible contribution Nurses make to our physically and mental well being.
This morning I received a chain email and though I am not one who normally responds to such by way of forwarding them to others, I did forward this one, because of it's message which was simple and profound.
As today is Nurse's Day, I thought it appropriate to post the email here as it truly speaks to the beauty of the human heart and soul, and those it is not about Nurses per say, it does speak to the Nurse that may be inside of many of us. Thus, in honor of Nurse's Day, I offer the following post and gratefully thank the individual who forwarded it to me. I have no idea if the story is factual but that is irrelevant, as it certainly conveys a message of hope.
Two Choices
What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query. (The remainder of this post can be read by selecting the READ MORE link below)
The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first!
Run to first!"
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay".
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!
Shay, run to third!"
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home!"
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
"That day", said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:
We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.
The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things".
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:
Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
You now have two choices:
1. Delete
2. Forward
May your day, be a Shay Day.
TRC
This morning I received a chain email and though I am not one who normally responds to such by way of forwarding them to others, I did forward this one, because of it's message which was simple and profound.
As today is Nurse's Day, I thought it appropriate to post the email here as it truly speaks to the beauty of the human heart and soul, and those it is not about Nurses per say, it does speak to the Nurse that may be inside of many of us. Thus, in honor of Nurse's Day, I offer the following post and gratefully thank the individual who forwarded it to me. I have no idea if the story is factual but that is irrelevant, as it certainly conveys a message of hope.
Two Choices
What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query. (The remainder of this post can be read by selecting the READ MORE link below)
The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first!
Run to first!"
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay".
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!
Shay, run to third!"
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home!"
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
"That day", said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:
We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.
The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things".
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:
Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
You now have two choices:
1. Delete
2. Forward
May your day, be a Shay Day.
TRC
Monday, May 5, 2008
Nurse's Day!
Tomorrow, May 6th is Nurse's Day. It is a day set aside for recognition of one of the most difficult, one of the most demanding, and at times, one of the most thankless callings a human being can answer to. Yet, it can also be one of the most wonderful and most inspirational endeavors to undertake.There are many aspects and facets to nursing and certainly a wide range of individuals who answer the call. There is however, one overriding commonality among nurses just as their are Firefighters, Police Officer's EMT's, etc.; that being a true desire to help those in need.
I have witnessed and experienced personally, the wonder and beauty of great nursing care during times of illness or injury. As well, I have observed the comfort and relief good nursing has brought my terminally ill father-in-law, who now, in his last few days is in the care of Hospice. Equally, I have seen the relief brought about by great nursing, recently experienced by my wife's mother, who is valiantly battling breast cancer.
Each of us has, or perhaps will, at some point find ourselves in the throws of our own personal battle with injury or illness. During that battle, despite all else we may endure or experience, it will most often be the care of nurses that made the most difference, physically and emotionally. It certianly has for me.
Thus, if only for a moment, say a quiet little prayer or offer a thought of thanks for those who have chosen such a demanding, at time demoralizing, and yet still beautiful calling, to answer. If you personally know a nurse, a simple hello of recognition tomorrow will mean quite a bit to he or she.
I am most grateful for the tender care, relief, compassion, understanding, and concern, that Nurses have extended me during my time in their care. I understand all too well, how difficult that has been. I am equally grateful for the peace they have extended my family members during their times of need, and certainly now, the care they provide my father-in-law in his last days, and my mother-in-law in her struggles as well.
For those of you who follow in the footsteps of Linda Richards (America's First Trained Nurse) let me offer my heart-filled thanks and best wishes.
TRC
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