Rogue Picnic Table

It appears that a “rogue picnic table” on the Town Common has raised concern with some residents, including at least one elected official. In what appears to be a classic case of “no good deed goes unpunished”, a generous gift by an anonymous donor has suddenly become somewhat of a “lightening rod”.

Understandably, there is concern about the nature of alterations that take place on the Town Common; such is certainly healthy in a community that treasures its assets. Holding dearly to those most prominent of our local attractions is reflective of the high regard with which we view our community. No doubt, this is commendable.

Such ethnocentrism (a belief in or assumption of the superiority of the social or cultural group that a person belongs to, or further extrapolated – the belief in the cultural superiority of our Town Common), must be balanced against the reality and practicality of what is, as opposed to what is not.

For example, might we not ask ourselves what in fact is the purpose of a Town Common. Merriam Webster defines a town common as, a: a piece of land subject to common use: as b: undivided land used especially for pasture c: a public open area in a municipality. The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), reports that in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries “…these primary common areas often had several uses, including: “nooning” or “warming” houses in which congregations gathered between services, cemeteries (or “burying grounds”), militia training areas, and the “close” in which livestock were kept before and after grazing on common pastures outside of the town”.

DCR further reports that “In 1833 the official separation of church and state occurred in Massachusetts, finalizing the loosening of Congregationalist control over town politics and completing the process of transferring meetinghouse lots from the church to municipalities. The result was a shift away from the agricultural and religious associations to primarily social, political and civic uses where public assembly was often a primary event. Roadways increased, and inns, taverns, blacksmith shops and other commercial and industrial ventures grew more commonplace as civic centers began to grow around the town commons”. Surprisingly enough, contrary to the contemporary view expressed by at least one resident, town commons were also in fact used for “picnic areas”.

Despite the fact that I was initially struck by the “rather sterile and contemporary” design of this particular picnic table (when I first witnessed it (being used by the way) during Concerts on the Common), I must say that in the long view of things it certainly seems to make the most economic sense. There will be lower maintenance costs than those associated with wood, a reduced likelihood of carved graffiti, and reduced repair costs. Equally important, it provides a place for people to gather across from one another and perhaps play an old fashioned game of checkers, cards, or maybe even an old board game. Maybe, just maybe, it will provide a place for people to just sit across from one another and have some good old fashioned conversation.

And, contrary to what some might argue, nobody seems to be suggesting that anyone should be “putting picnic tables all over the place”. Rather an anonymous donor has simply provided the town with an opportunity to provide a meaningful place for someone to sit and enjoy the town common, even if it means picnicking there.

Considering the hemorrhaging of our tax base, along with the steady exodus of businesses we’ve witnessed over the last five years, coupled with substandard fire apparatus, the need for a new elementary school, a lack of proper resources within our Department of Public Works, the issues associated with our fragmented, un-walkable Main Street, a shortage of active recreational fields, questionable cable service, and so many other pressing concerns, one would have to wonder why this “rouge picnic table” is creating such a stir, and if in fact it is worthy of such attention. I for one wish to thank the donor for stepping forward and I commend Lynne Girouard along with Parks and Recreation Committee for taking the initiative to respond to a rare and rather generous offer.

Clearly, we should be cautious in what does take up residence on the Common, but does one truly require a consistory for the placement of a simple picnic table?

Pray

A gathering of untold emotional and spiritual turmoil has visited itself upon a loving family within our community.

There are no words or conveyances that can ever again return the peace once known by this family. The suffering of a lifetime will not mend a heart that has been broken by the loss of a child. One can only hope that God’s grace will find some manner to ease the pain, though undoubtedly such will require a miracle.

For those of you who pray, please do so with urgent dispatch. For those inclined otherwise, perhaps some quiet moments of reflection, grounded in love.

There are those who believe that the flicker of a lighted candle, guides the travel of loving spirits to gather in hope. Today, perhaps a candle struck up within our homes, will guide such entities to bring a miracle to this family.

Celebrating with Old Sturbridge Village

As a resident and an elected official speaking individually, I would like to commend Mr. Jim Donahue and his staff at Old Sturbridge Village for the excellent weekend festivities, which paid great homage to the birth of our nation. The many opportunities provided by OSV for residents and visitors alike to join in celebration were a true testament to OSV’s commitment to our community.

It was nothing short of exciting, witnessing the increased presence of visitors and residents taking advantage of the offerings made available by OSV. For the past two years, people have had great cause to visit Sturbridge during the Fourth of July weekend and clearly, this has been driven by, and through the efforts of OSV and its celebratory partners. To that end, a special thanks as well to this year’s fireworks sponsor, Country Bank. It was an incredible display.

The town of Sturbridge is most fortunate to be the recipients of Mr. Donahue and staff’s dedication to the revitalization of not only OSV, but to this entire community as well. Their efforts are clearly not lost on many of us within the community who are witness to their commitment and to that end, we extend our deepest gratitude.

Thomas R. Creamer, Member - Sturbridge Board of Selectman

Merchants of Sturbridge Launch "Ambassador" Program

The Merchants of Sturbridge kicked off their "Ambassador Program" yesterday, welcoming 5 tour buses full of visitors as they arrived at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. The guests, arriving from New York for a weekend visit to Old Sturbridge Village, were thrilled to be the recipients of such a warm hometown welcome.

Each visitor was greeted with handshakes, smiles, and a small gift bag containing chocolates (courtesy of Sturbridge Candy), an M.O.S. listing of Sturbridge Shop, Eat, Stay, & Play amenities, which had been copied onto festive patriotic paper, along a host of rack cards and brochures with information about Sturbridge.

The Ambassadors - comprised of merchants, residents, and local officials included the following:

B.O.S. Chairman Mary Blanchard
Karin Rokicki (wearing OSV period clothing) - Resident
Dick Vaughan (wearing 1830’s period clothing) - The Spirit 970 Radio
Michael Harrington – Owner, Publick House Historic Inn
Leslie Wong - Resident/Sturbridge Building Department
Autumn Wong - Resident
Maryann Thorpe - Resident
Emma Thorpe - Resident
Patty Affenito - owner Sturbridge Country Inn
Chris Rovezzi – Rovezzi’s Ristorante
Jeannine Creamer - Resident
Thomas Creamer - Board of Selectmen

Unfortunately, we were not able to utilize everyone who volunteered, as we were mindful of not overwhelming our visitors. Certainly, we appreciate the great response from the many who hoped to participate and rest assured there will be many other opportunities to do so.

An email correspondence from Brian Amedy of the Host Hotel confirmed that our Ambassadors were a big hit with arriving guests and the Host extends its gratitude to all M.O.S. members for supporting this initiative. As well, I have been asked to extend a special thanks to those who worked so hard yesterdat at reaching out and making it happen.

The community was extremely well represented and all residents, merchants, and town representatives can be proud of the message conveyed yesterday. The day's highlights are captured in a short slideshow at the top of this article.