"Double celebration for the Hartfords"

The Georgetown Record                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


June 08, 2012
Georgetown —

President Barack Obama spoke two weeks ago at Georgetown native Tim Hartford's graduation from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The president commended Hartford and his classmates for their efforts and service to the nation. It was the second time Obama visited the academy in Hartford’s four years there.

On hand to see it all was “little” brother Matt, who graduated on Saturday with the Georgetown High School Class of 2012.

Tim Hartford was awarded a pilot slot and goes into training for the next two years at Columbus Air Base in Mississippi. 

"I pulled Matt out of school for six days, and we went down for the ceremony and did some hiking along the beach,” said their mom, Heather Hartford. “It’s a double celebration.”

Matt will study investigative services at the University of Tampa in Florida in the fall, she said.

“I'm very proud of both of them."

Heather Hartford said her son Tim became enthralled with the Air Force and jet planes at an early age. She recalls Tim telling her "I want to fly fighter jets" while still in middle school.

During senior year, he put serious time in at Lawrence Municipal Airport, readying himself for a pilot license with the aid of the Eagle East Jet Service, a program offered to aspiring aviators.

Tim Hartford graduated from GMHS in 2007 and was awarded a Falcon scholarship. He attended prep school for a year to prepare himself for the rigorous journey in the Academy, where he began studies in 2008.

“It’s just such a pride seeing and hearing what they go through. They commissioned and put on his second lieutenant bars at the ceremony, " explained his mother. "Just last November he put in for pilot and he was very excited after it was announced he made it."

Read more: Double celebration for the Hartfords - Georgetown, MA - Georgetown Record http://www.wickedlocal.com/georgetown/newsnow/x2067829659/Double-celebration-for-the-Hartfords#ixzz1xWWwMlrB

Locals flock to Georgetown Farmers Market

"Locals flock to Georgetown Farmers Market"
written by William Donovan
July 14, 2010

GEORGETOWN —The Georgetown Open Air Farmers Market kicked off its second season Saturday at Crosby's parking lot, despite drizzly weather and gray skies.

A steady stream of hungry shoppers flocked to the event, which featured about 15 vendors and produce from three local farmers. The market will happen every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. until things cool down in mid-October.

Locally grown goods from Wheeler Brook Farm and Joseph's Garden of Rowley were on sale. First Light Farm of Hamilton is planning to bring fresh goat cheese this Saturday. Baked goods, breads, jams, jellies and crafts are a few other options.

Foodies should know that Fat Belly BBQ is offering pulled pork sandwiches. And those seeking dessert should look no farther than Emily's of Haverhill and Boxford's own Horrible Cookies. Miscellaneous items, such as scented candles, tooth fairy pillows and dog treats are also available.

"There are quite a number of vendors this year," said Jim Lacey, Georgetown resident and member of the Farmers Market Committee. "We're in a better, more visible location than we were last year at the Park and Ride. Three local farms is the most we can work with and support this year."

Lacey is also in the Alliance for Georgetown, the nonprofit organization paying for the farmers markets. The Open Air Market is behind TD Bank. Space is limited, and vendors pay $10 for spots or $30 for four Saturdays.

"There's a woman named Deb Jackson selling whole-grain bread at her Living Well stand. The bread absolutely sells out every time," Lacey said. "There's also a wonderful fiddle and banjo band called Mollies' Misfits performing for us."

July is booked with local acts. The Misfits are joined by Elm Street Music, T Max, and Scott Jones.

Lacey hopes to continue to draw in the surrounding communities with additional advertising, such as the new farmers Facebook page, and the location change to Georgetown Crossing on Central Street.

"I'm definitely going to buy some goat cheese this weekend," Lacey said.

http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x536262391/Locals-flock-to-Georgetown-Farmers-Market

Used tires make for eco-friendly garage

Used tires make for eco-friendly garage

by William Donovan

Correspondent

July 10, 2010

GEORGETOWN — It was on a family vacation to Guatemala five years ago that Elizabeth Rose and Joe Hull first developed the concept of building with trash.

That idea led to the current construction on their 90 Pond St. property, where an eco-friendly two-car garage is in the process of being built with a building material foreign to most carpenters — 210 used tires packed with dirt.

"This is a very viable means of alternative construction," said Rose. "It's very labor-intensive work, wielding a sledgehammer in that sun. Building with tires is a skill that can be learned in half a day."

While in Paxan, Guatemala, in 2005, Rose first discovered Long Way Home, a nonprofit agency working to erect a vocational school out of tires, glass bottles and plastic bottles filled with trash. She was disillusioned by the amount of pollution they saw.

"You'd come across these rivers totally covered with trash," she said. "This stuff seemed totally criminal, but it's not illegal there. Then, I got the idea to build with trash. This gave me even more passion to break the cycle of hunger and poverty."

In time, Rose became chairman of the board of directors for Long Way Home. She took what she learned in Guatemala and applied it to her ongoing project in Georgetown. Rose's project is being assisted by four fellow LWH members from all over the country.

Used tires were chosen because of their resilience, availability and durability. The tires were bought from JP Routhier and Sons in Littleton.

Once packed with dirt, they can weigh 300 to 1000 pounds. When they are stacked and used as parts of walls, a thermal mass is formed, Rose said. This reduces energy costs, as heat is absorbed during the day and later released at night.

Juli MacDonald of GreenBridge Architects of Amesbury was brought in to aid in the conceptual process after many others turned Rose down because the design was foreign to them.

Hull and Rose are encouraging the public to roll on by today to learn more about this innovative green approach. The final row of tires are slated to be installed onto the three walls. Some demonstrations of "tire pounding," the process of packing the tires, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The finished product is going to be beautiful," Rose said. "It can be sculpted. We've been working now for about two and a half weeks, and we're well ahead of schedule. These hot days have slowed us down a bit, though."

Up to 25 tires a day are put into place. A foundation exists, and the tires are being positioned much as bricks are.

"I can imagine the neighbors are going to be like, 'Wow, check it out,' as we finish this," said Ericka Temple of LWH and a Newton resident. "Perhaps, we can get others interested and help spread the word."

http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x1907083876/Used-tires-make-for-eco-friendly-garage

Wish for a 2011 trip to Disney World Granted

Wish for a 2011 trip to Disney World Granted

by Bill Donovan

Correspondent

June 28, 2010

GEORGETOWN — A request for an April 13 to 17 trip with the Middle/High School band and chorus was approved by the School Committee last week.

As of now, 65 out of 70 students are looking to go. Choral director Laura LaFlamme and band director Corey Seapy indicated they are working with scholarship money and fundraisers to help finance the jaunt. Next spring, the chorus will march down the famous streets of Disney for the first time.

Committee members Thursday night lauded them for their efforts. "It's unbelievable. What you guys do every year is off the chart," Erik Zadina said.

"My eighth-grade son is eligible for this trip," David Bjork added.

New anatomy and physiology textbooks coming

Middle/High Principal Peter Lucia told the committee student enrollment in anatomy and physiology has doubled. Forty-three students have signed up as the new academic year approaches.

"The texts we currently use are so old and in three different editions," Lucia said.

The new book of choice is available online with additional materials.

Baker Adams Scholarship essays critiqued

The committee questioned Lucia and Superintendent Carol Jacobs about the quality of scholarship essays they received this past year. Ten percent were good.

"They missed the mark and weren't really capturing the essence," Bjork said.

Committee member George Moker added that the Brooks School offers writing workshops.

There was then talk of adding a writing class at night to assist students with the process next year.

"We teach students the persuasive essay up through high school. A scholarship essay is very different than a college essay," Lucia said.

Perley School Improvement Plan reviewed

Dr. Kristan Rodriguez, director of curriculum and instruction at Perley School, spoke of new developments happening at the school. Fire drill and code blue procedures have been reviewed. Seven staff members are now trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention. This includes crisis de-escalation skills and management.

"There are many new initiatives and curriculum. The Great Body Shop is a health and wellness program we're using now with kindergartners and first-grade students. This is our second successful year of full-day kindergarten," Rodriguez said.

This also included professional development and EpiPen training. Classes on bullying, playground and recess safety, and harassing were conducted by the school adjustment counselor and behaviorist.

Members of the Perley staff also participated in the creation of a technology plan. Teacher Web pages are now being utilized by two employees.

"We conducted a parent survey and found that 94 percent were satisfied with their child's school experience," she said.

http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x383286993/Wish-for-a-2011-trip-to-Disney-World-granted

"Dispatch clash"

"Dispatch clash"

Thu Sep. 03, 2009

Ipswich Chronicle

Written by Bill Donovan

IPSWICH -

Police Chief Gavin Keenan and a representative of the Essex County Sheriff’s office clashed over the prospect of the town joining a regional emergency dispatch center in Middleton at Monday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

Joseph McGowan, attorney of Essex County sheriff, spoke in support of a provincial 911-call center currently in the works in Middleton.

McGowan argued towns like Ipswich could save money in the long run and see improved emergency services by becoming members. Under this affiliation communities pay about $16.25 per capita per year to join and Town Manager Bob Markel said, if estimates stand scrutiny, the town would save about $90,000 a year.

Ultimately, the Selectmen put off action on the issue, saying it needs further study.

The issue had been scheduled for the May Town Meeting, but was removed from the warrant.

Keenan vehemently opposed this plan while delivering a report to the Board, describing it as “costly and ineffective.”

“It’s a more sophisticated, robust center,” said McGowan. “There will be more people in one room.”

This hub features 12 dispatchers on duty managing calls and coordinating responses. Dispatchers use computer-mapping systems to locate those in need. Floor plans could be sent through the center to police and fire departments already on approach to the scene.

“They’re already moving, making one picture everyone can see,” McGowan said.

The center is set to use GPS and CAD. Dispatchers enter information, which then is transferred to dispatchers on site.

Selectman Ingrid F. Miles spoke of a past visit to a call center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “Its a pretty amazing system, everyone is on the board.”

The state is providing $4.9 million grant towards construction of the site, which could handle emergency services of up to 13 communities in Essex County. The center is slated to be built next to the Middleton Jail.

Markel said Ipswich would pay roughly $213,000 annually as a constituent. “If these numbers stand scrutiny, we’d be $85,000 to $90,000 thousand less than what we’re at now.”

McGowan said towns and cities are required to become members for a minimum of five years.

“Police services will be reduced. There will be a loss of local knowledge of the people and geography,” Keenan countered. “We already have the capability of communicating with eastern New Hampshire and the Rhode Island border. Responses will be delayed with GPS exercised from a remote location.”

McGowan said dispatchers would know the streets and communities through in-depth training.

Keenan said about 800 non-emergency calls are handled in a week and 911 calls average 10 a day.

A question was raised about the future of local emergency response employees.

“It’s our intention to absorb personnel, that’s how the project started,” stated McGowan. “They become state employees rather than employees of the municipalities.”

The written agreement does not mention hiring current staff for the Essex County 911 call center.

“This is a truly complex issue,” said Board Member Charles D. Surpitski. “The police chief raised some valid concerns. Having only two police officers on the streets is unacceptable. I think more study is needed.”

http://www.wickedlocal.com/ipswich/news/x1750349215/Dispatch-clash

"Going up"

"Going up: Legion Hall becomes handicapped-accessible"

by Bill Donovan

Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle

Wed Aug 12, 2009

by Bill Donovan

HAMILTON -

It was a momentous occasion Saturday morning at the A.P. Gardner American Legion Hall Post 194 in Hamilton. The building became handicapped-accessible with the unveiling and dedication of a newly installed elevator during the day’s festivities at Legion Hall.

Disabled veterans and guests now have a means of reaching the function hall and trophy room.

This project was possible thanks to funding from the late American Legion member Philip Hansbury. A bronze plaque now shines in the function hall, commemorating his contributions to the post. Hansbury’s son, Joe Hanson, alongside general contractor Sean Scanlon, performed the formal cutting of chestnut ribbon, which adorned the elevator.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome,” said Jack Akin, post chaplain. “I know we’re going to be seeing more Legion members as a result. A good fellowship of veterans.”

Akin spoke fondly of initial elevator rides with the quartet of legionnaires who previously could not access all areas of the building.

“Lawrence Lamson goes down and up and never comes back. They liked it so much. Al Lugee goes on for the second ride, then Everett Crossman for the third. Keep in mind all of these fella’s are in their 90’s. And Dewey Robinson went fourth.” These men hadn’t been in these rooms for years.

This recent development was shepherded by Hanson. Akin said the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the 1990’s was a key factor in making modifications possible throughout the country. He said, “VFW Posts all over the North Shore to this day are not handicapped-accessible. This was a great occasion. We wanted to recognize the generosity of Mr. Hansbury.”

http://www.wickedlocal.com/hamilton/news/lifestyle/x1886162355/Going-up-Legion-Hall-becomes-handicapped-accessible

-Afire-

-Afire-

Aug. 3rd, 2009

Once lost in a sea of neon lights,

glittering orbs gently resting amongst

the stars. The acrid clouds from cigarettes

and dirty mufflers blanket street

performers. Metropolis, oh Metropolis

I entered as a blind pauper

Left like some strange new king of the streets

The sky was ours and everything that lay below

Kindred flames afire

You lead the way