Memorializing Those Who Serve While Contributing to a "Sense of Place"

Tomorrow at the selectmen's meeting, I will be making an announcement about an initiative undertaken this past week to secure American flags for the Route 131/20 corridor that will be displayed during the weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veteran’s Day, in observance of the sacrifices of men and women in service to our country.

Having lived here for 6 years, I have always been a bit perplexed by the lack of holiday decor, particularly as it relates to such significant remembrances. Void attendance at the exceptionally executed parade that marked Memorial Day, one might be challenged to identify a holiday weekend here in Sturbridge. Thus, it was clear that something had to be done.

To that end, I reached out to selectman Scott Garieri and Maryann Thorpe (a Sturbridge resident and friend) soliciting their help in a grass roots effort to identify “sponsors” for 40 flags, which will be affixed to poles and displayed on the previously identified holidays. Our efforts secured the committed sponsors for the 40 flags within 48 hours.

Certainly, a fair argument could be made that the town should shoulder this burden; reality however dictates that government is simply unable to should all of the burdens within a community. That is what community is about, for if we are to turn this town around, then the ball has to be moved forward void of bureaucratic delays and time consuming discussions about where the funds will come from and who will be responsible for this or that. Those details serve only as impediments to progress on an issue of such simplicity.

We have been graced with the generosity of residents, businesses, and town officials alike, who have stepped up to contribute to this initiative. Clearly, this demonstrates the benefits of communication, cooperation, and coordination among our many community members.

In the days ahead we will carefully consider the placement of the flags as appropriate spacing is critical to preserve the dignity of both the flags and the community. It is critical that display of these flags is done with the highest degree of respect and decorum, in a manner cognitive of tastefully addressing the town's landscape. Clearly, we welcome your input as to location and spacing, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

Tom Chamberland and the American Legion have enthusiastically offered to maintain the care and custody of the flags in a manner befitting the reverence appropriate to same. Greg Morse, our DPW Director is currently working with National Grid and the appropriate agencies to secure the permits necessary to affix the anchors to the poles. It is our hope that this process will be expedited and allow for a posting of the flags during one or both of this year’s remaining memorial remembrances.

Our efforts to create a “Sense of Place” in the downtown area certainly requires a unified approach consisting of government, business, and resident stakeholders. It is clear that many of our local businesses have already undertaken activities in support of “Sturbridge in Bloom” (one can already notice a pleasant difference down Main Street) and it was felt by Scott, Maryann, and myself, that we needed to compliment these efforts by doing our fair share. To that end, several town representatives along with a group of Sturbridge residents and businesses have committed to sponsoring a flag or two. Surely, each of us recognizes the importance of identifying and addressing the many elements necessary to establishing a desirable and attractive “Sense of Place”. Decor is one of those elements.

I know that many of my colleagues are committed to the success of this cooperative approach to town matters, for such means the success of Sturbridge. To that end, I will shoulder whatever burden is necessary to help revitalize this community; it is our home and thus one of the most significant components of our lives. With that said, I truly recognize, as I believe each of you do, that each step we take together, serves to strengthen the bonds, which are vital to a thriving, compassionate, and desirable community.

I am most grateful and certainly humbled by the support and commitment from each of you – resident, business owner, and government representative alike; I shall endeavor always to serve you honorably and enthusiastically. If we are to create change in our approach to identifying and solving problems, then it is incumbent upon us - to be - that change.

The photo to the right was taken in Holland during the Memorial Day holiday. Similar displays were found in Brimfield, Charlton, Spencer, etc.

River Lands Clean-up - A Labor of Love

Scott Garieri and myself would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), Sturbridge residents, and the members of the REAS Foundation who volunteered their time, effort, and equipment for yesterday's cleanup at the River lands. The tireless efforts of those who were able to assist with the clean-up resulted in 22 truck trips (vehicles donated by the REAS Foundation) and a substantial amount of demolition debris, metal, plastic, and tires (250 tires) being removed.

Specifically, Scott and I extend our gratitude to the following volunteers whose schedules allowed them the opportunity to assist with the project:

Penny Dumas - CPC
Joe Oullette - CPC
Mike Moran - CPC
Kevin Moran
Arnold Wilson
Donna Grehl - Conservation Commission
David Peterkin
Bob Briere
Kelly Emrich
Susan Stebbins
John Stebbins
Joe Ostrengai
Matt Stebbins
Lou Berthiume
Jeannine Creamer - REAS Foundation
Rich Paradise - REAS Foundation
Denise LaChapelle - REAS Foundation
Calvin Montigny - REAS Foundation
Mike Thorpe - REAS Foundation
Maryann Thorpe - REAS Foundation
Emma Thorpe - REAS Foundation
Linda Cocalis, Board of Health - REAS Foundation
Dave Vadenais - REAS Foundation
Dan Matte - REAS Foundation
Jeremy Rines - REAS Foundation
Jeff Tasse - REAS Foundation

Additionally, it is worth noting the equipment that the REAS Foundation brought to bear yesterday:

7 Pick-up Trucks
1 One-ton Dump Truck
1 One-Ton Box Truck
1 Kubota Tractor

As well, we would like to extend our thanks to Chief Ford and the Sturbridge Police Department who have extended an offer of support and help with future efforts. Today, we were visited by Sgt. Mike Blanchard who provided insights into equipment and services, which may be of assistance and value to us in the future. We are fortunate to have the support and assistance of our local law enforcement community.

It was a great pleasure and an honor for Selectman Garieri and myself, along with the REAS Foundation to provide our services to the Town of Sturbridge and the Community Preservation Committee. We thank both for the opportunity to be of service. We also thank the CPC for its tireless efforts in addressing the needs of our Open Space parcels, and for bringing this issue to the attention of the Board of Selectmen.

Again, we extend our deepest appreciation,

Scott Garieri, Selectman - REAS Foundation Chairman of the Board
Thomas R. Creamer, Selectman - REAS Foundation Executive Director

Requesting Action on Hamant Brook

Hello everyone,

Please forward this [correspondence] to your Sturbridge neighbors, friends and family, and other Sturbridge residents. Please respond to me after reading this if you can join me:

Last Thursday evening, an informational meeting was held about dam removal and stream restoration at Hamant Brook. There was good attendance by residents who heard about and saw successful examples of dam removal projects, presented by representatives from American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, and MA Riverways Program.

The general consensus by residents was that dam removal and stream restoration was a good option - there are more pros than cons - plus the burden of cost is taken off residents' shoulders through available mitigation funds and other funding sources.

In attendance at the meeting, the Chairman of the Sturbridge Conservation Commission stated he would send an e-mail to the Selectboard the next day, to set a date to facilitate discussions; however, to my knowledge that has not happened.

RECAP: The Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety requires that Phase I inspections are completed on the Upper and Middle Pond Dams, at a cost of $7,000-$8,000 EACH; reports are due by August and October 2009. These Orders were received in the Selectboard's office on May 3rd and are the first step in the process toward bringing the dams into conformance with Dam Safety Regulations.

The town does NOT have the option of allowing the dams to naturally disintegrate -the choices are: repair, or replace, and there are deadlines and costs involved; OR, approve the Department of Fish & Game's proposal to remove the dams and restore the stream at no cost to residents.

Residents have not been made aware of the costs and deadlines involved with keeping the dams in place. To date, there has been no movement on this issue by the Conservation Commission, Selectboard, or Finance Committee. The 62-62 split vote at town meeting indicates there IS support for dam removal. **The town WILL be expected to fund costs of all inspections, permitting, design, repair or replacement, and maintenance of the dams.**

Estimates to REPAIR these two dams currently range from $487,000 to $517,000.
Estimates to REPLACE the dams go as high as $1.2 million, which does not include inspections, design, permitting or future maintenance.

Please respond to this e-mail: Can you join me in a Citizen's Forum on Monday, June 1st, 8:30 pm, at the Selectboard meeting at the Sturbridge Senior Center?
We must ask the Selectboard to face this issue. The decision to keep or remove the dams is needed soon!
--
Carol Childress
christmas59@charter.net

A letter from a resident on Hamant Brook

Residents of Sturbridge

This is an open letter to all Sturbridge residents regarding the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s (DFW) proposal for dam removal and stream restoration of Hamant Brook, located at the Leadmine Mountain Conservation Area (f/k/a Camp Robinson Crusoe).

On May 28th, from 6:00 pm to 8:45 pm, an informational meeting will be held at the Joshua Hyde Library. On hand will be experts who can answer resident’s questions. Refreshments will be served.

The town meeting in April presented a non-binding warrant article which gauged resident’s support for DFW’s dam removal/stream restoration proposal. The vote was evenly split at 62 to 62. Since the town meeting, however, additional information has come to light which is of utmost importance to residents:

On April 30th, the Sturbridge Conservation Commission received two Dam Safety Orders from the state’s Office of Dam Safety. These Orders pertain to only two of several dams on the site: the Upper Pond Dam is rated a “Significant Hazard Potential”; and the Middle Pond Dam is rated a “Low Hazard Potential.” Both Orders require that the town complete Phase I Inspections and reports by qualified engineers with respective due dates of August 28, 2009 and October 28, 2009. Time is of the essence.

According to the Office of Dam Safety’s webpage, “a Significant Hazard Potential dam refers to dams located where failure may cause loss of life and damage home(s), industrial or commercial facilities, secondary highway(s) or railroad(s) or cause interruption of use or service of relatively important facilities. A Low Hazard Potential dam refers to dams located where failure may cause minimal property damage to others. Loss of life is not expected.”

To my knowledge, the town has not budgeted for these inspections and reports, which are required to avoid fines. If these reports do not meet deadlines, or if the town fails to comply with these Orders, the town is subject to a $500 fine per violation, with each day of violation being subject to a $500 fine. Rough cost for these inspections and reports is (CME Engineering quote): $7,000 -$8,000 each.

Consider the damage caused by flooding in New England in 2005 and 2006. The results of such caused amendments to Dam Safety Regulations to become effective in late 2005, requiring private property owners to report, inspect, and maintain dams on their properties. It is important to note that negotiations to acquire the parcel began prior to such amendments and therefore, no one could foresee the challenges, or requirements, that lay ahead where these dams are concerned. It is important that we act now on this proposal and stop wasting time, or laying blame where it does not belong. Numerous reasons to support this proposal include:

• There is no cost to the town now, or in the future
• Removal of the dams eliminates liability, plus all requirements and costs associated with dam compliance
• Additional agencies will assist, thus removing the burden off the town’s shoulders
• There are numerous benefits to wildlife and wildlife habitat: too many to list here
• Invasive plant species will be eliminated, thus preventing the further spread of exotic plant species beyond the town’s borders via the Quinebaug River
• Restoration of Hamant Brook to its original, natural form, function, and condition
• Potential for the town to work with DFW: Sturbridge can be in the forefront of stream restoration in Massachusetts.

These dams are visibly failed, dangerous, and are a liability to the town and its residents. They serve no good purpose at this time; however, they are responsible for several negative functions, which include blocking brook trout migration and breeding; and they promote erosion, sedimentation, and growth of non-native, invasive plant species. DFW employs wildlife biologists, scientists, and other experts when making important decisions affecting our Commonwealth’s natural resources; there is no reason to doubt their expert opinion on this subject.

If the town does not support this proposal, in addition to the Orders above, residents may expect the following: 1) hired by DFW at no cost to Sturbridge, engineers with Interfluve, Inc. provided a “ballpark” estimate of $715,000, for dam repair, design and permitting, but not annual maintenance. 2) hired by Sturbridge voters at a cost of $12,000, engineers with CME produced a range of costs, from $727,000 to $1,604,000 which does not include design, permitting, inspection services, or the yearly maintenance costs associated with dam operation.

Residents: the opportunity to have this obligation completely paid is knocking on our newly restored town hall door. Costs associated with dam maintenance are expensive and long-term. Residents have a choice: we can either shoulder the burden of all liability and costs now and into the future, or we can approve DFW’s proposal to remove all the dams and restore the brook to its former cold-water trout stream – at no cost to Sturbridge. Please make your support of the proposal known by contacting the Sturbridge Conservation Commission.

Hope to see you all on May 28th!

Carol Childress
Sturbridge resident

Leaders aim to enliven town (reprinted as found in the Worcester & Gazette)

The following article - written by reporter Craig Semon - was printed in today's Worcester Telegram and Gazette and is posted here as a complimentary element to the Downtown Revitalization Summit Presentation, found in the right sidebar.

STURBRIDGE — Business leaders, residents and government officials joined this week in an effort make downtown a vibrant destination stop, not just for town folks but for visitors. Selectman Thomas R. Creamer rallied a packed ballroom in the Publick House Tuesday behind the idea of creating a Sturbridge Merchants Co-operative in an effort to spark a downtown renaissance.

“We have things in this community, but we don’t do anything communitywide to promote them. And I think that’s where we’re missing the boat,” Mr. Creamer said. “We really need to stop talking about, ‘Yeah, we’ve sure got to get our people to buy local,’ and we need to become a community that does everything local.”

Mr. Creamer said he’s hoping the co-operative will create a lively business district that the residents are proud of and people will want to visit.

"I moved here in Sturbridge six years ago. It was a much more vibrant community than it is today. I got married here 20 years ago, and 20 years ago this place was hopping,” Mr. Creamer said. “Right now, there are 32 for sale or rent or empty shops on the Route 20 portion of Main Street. … And it’s going to get worse.”

Politely chastising Sturbridge for having a “disjointed” and “disconnected” downtown that lacks a sense of place, Mr. Creamer said the community needs to cash in on visitors to Old Sturbridge Village and embrace high-profile events such as the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge.

“Why don’t we as a community do all kinds of little things that say to these three or four or five or six or 10,000 people, ‘Hey, we love having you here. We love having traffic. We love not being able to cross the street. We love the town being a mess for three or four days because that means we’re making money.’ ”

During the lengthy brainstorming session, Mr. Creamer proposed putting together guest welcome packages, event packages, destination packages, and cross-businesses promotions to “get some traffic back".

“I’m sick and tired of watching my tax bill go up every single year and watching businesses leave,” Mr. Creamer said. “I didn’t move here to be in a ghost town. None of us did. This is a beautiful community.”

The next meeting is set for 5:45 p.m. June 2 at the main ballroom in the Publick House. Mr. Creamer promised that a four-month commitment from the majority of those who showed up at the inaugural meeting will translate to noticeable and positive results.

Five Dollars

Five dollars multiplied by 300 residents equals $1500, which when added to what has already been collected will provided the funds necessary to help a local fundraiser realize a vision of having picnic Tables on the Common.

Wally Hersee, known for Thinking Out Loud in Sturbridge has undertaken this project in order to provide a place where "young families could gather at a table on a weekend, share a lunch, or just make it a place to anchor [a] groups belongings as they flip a ball back and forth". Considering the beauty of the Common and the lack of seating, it sure sounds like a worthwhile endeavor.

Thus, one might consider a simple approach, which will have little to no impact on one's discretionary income but can have a dramatic impact on the Common in terms of "anchor" spots for visitors. A simple, one-time donation of $5.00 from 300 residents will provide $1500 towards this project, bringing Wally to within a few dollars of his goal.

Please give it some thought, Wally has made supporting this project quite simple and secure through PayPal and one can make a difference by donating even a dollar.

Tree City USA

Today, the Town of Sturbridge was again honored for its continuing commitment to trees, being presented with several awards. For the 20th consecutive year under the guidance and management of Tree Warden Tom Chamberland, Sturbridge has been honored as a Tree City USA recipient.

Old Sturbridge Village hosted the event, which began at 8:30 a.m. with registration and coffee in the Clock Room, followed by a series of presentations beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the Theater.

The presentations began with a welcome and introduction by Department of Conservation and Recreation Urban Forestry Coordinator - Eric Seaborn, followed by Tree Warden Tom Chamberland, who delivered an outstanding presentation of the Sturbridge Forestry Program. Tom provided me with a copy of his presentation which was then added to the audio I recorded and is in the right side bar for viewing. Please take a few moments to watch it as it is most informative.

The next presentation was delivered by OSV's own Christie Higginbotton who provided a historical analysis of OSV's forestry in New England program. Christie was followed by keynote speaker Dr. John O'Keefe, Coordinator of the Harvard Forest Museum, who detailed the history of forestry in New England. Much of Dr. O'Keefe's presentation was based upon his work which is chronicled in his book - New England Forests Through Time, which were available for a mere $5.00.

The presentations were followed by a luncheon sponsored by National Grid and Lewis Tree Service, which preceded the awards ceremony. The slide show in the right side bar below Tom Chamberland's presentation highlights the awards ceremony, which included a Proclamation presented by Representative Todd Smola to the Town of Sturbridge. The day was capped off with a tree planting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on the OSV grounds.

Congratulations to Tom Chamberland and the Sturbridge Tree Warden's Advisory Committee - Doris Sosik, Alfred Champagne, Joseph Kowalski, Calvin Montigny, and Brian Chamberland.