Saturday, November 21, 2009

Local Dems host an evening with Congressman Frank - Click HERE for the story


Posted by Picasa

Drive for Jessie's House in South Hadley: Toys, Food and Clothing


With the holidays approaching, save these dates!  
The Helping Hand of the Chamber is conducting a toys, food and clothing drive for the kids at Jessie's House in South Hadley. They are in particular need of toys for the youngsters, so please dig deep and drop off whatever you can to make these kids happy on Christmas. Dropoff locations are at Family Cuts on East St., Florence Savings Bank at five corners, Easthampton Savings Bank on Rt. 202, Carey's Flowers on Newton St., Chicopee Savings Bank on Willimansett St., Town Hall on Main St., and Berkshire Bank on Lamb St. Mary Sudyka at Family Cuts will also accept cash and shop for gifts for you - what could be easier? The collection ends on December 11.
With Thanksgiving just next week, can the Holiday Stroll be far behind?  December 4th is the big day when Santa arrives and the special tree on the Common is lit to begin holiday festivities. Bring your kids or grandkids for a photo with Santa.  Details will be in the local papers.  Special activities are planned at Gaylord Library just before the Stroll for kids and adults, so beging your fun evening early! Also, plan to stop by Village Eye Care that evening for the Chamber's Holiday Party for members. Invitations will be in the mail shortly.
Visit Us, Advertise your Business: http://www.southhadleygranbychamber.com
Check our latest news: http://www.southhadleygranbychamber.com/blog/




Saturday, November 14, 2009

South Hadley, Easthampton, and Holyoke Democrats named Barney Frank as their "Democrat of the Year" on November 13, 2009 at the Log Cabin - Click here for story

Barney Frank, Joe McCoy (Easthampton Committee Chair), Sarah Etelman (South Hadley Committee Chair) and others

From the Sunday Republican
http://www.masslive.com/republican/
Political power seen in parties
Sunday, November 15, 2009
By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE
sconstantine@repub.com

HOLYOKE - U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Newton, expressed strong support for the idea of political parties Friday night at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House.

He was there to accept the Democrat of the Year Award from the Democratic committees of Holyoke, South Hadley and Easthampton.

About 600 people attended the event, giving Frank a standing ovation with a few cheers thrown in before he even took the podium.

"I'm here with my partner, Jim. I'm continuing to be a member of a group that continues to be criticized and ridiculed - a partisan Democrat," said, Frank, who is the only openly gay congressman.

Being a member of a political party is the best way to get things done, he told his audience, decrying the fact that elections are often decided by citizens who are not enrolled in one.

"The election is often in the hands of people who don't know what they are talking about. ... They criticize candidates for positions they don't hold," Frank said, putting down the types of unenrolled people who are polled in focus groups.

Political parties are needed when large groups of people are going to govern themselves, he said.

Frank lamented what he believes is a paucity of moderate Republicans.

"There are still some of them around. They call themselves Democrats," Frank said. "The moderates have been driven out of the Republican Party."

The congressman went on to declare that capitalism works best in partnership with the public sector.

"In 41 years I have never seen a tax cut put out a fire," Frank said. "If you are an honest businessman you need laws to protect you from dishonest competitors."

Frank's appearance also attracted a group of protesters near the Log Cabin, about a dozen chanting and holding signs with slogans calling for equality for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people.

One of the protesters, James D. Fiorentino of Northampton, said Frank is not doing enough in that area.

Congressman Barney Frank and Brenda Mathieu of South Hadley

Brenda joined the hundreds of other western Massachusetts Democrats who celebrated Congressman Frank as their "Democrat of the Year" at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on November 13, 2009.






Thursday, November 12, 2009

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

From Martha Terry RE November 12 Know Your Town meeting

Dear Bob,

Would you kindly forward this flier to any email lists you have, for example, the Progressive Democrats of South Hadley, the Historical Society, etc?  Thank you for doing this.

Sincerely,

Martha Terry


Know Your Town
Presents

"Comprehending the Comprehensive Plan"

SHAPING OUR FUTURE

A framework for how South Hadley can revitalize its base,
Plan for growth in housing and where to locate it,
Retain our open space and natural treasures,
Cultivate our historical and cultural assets,
Strengthen our schools and municipal facilities
And communicate our community's business


THURSDAY, NOV. 12   7 P.M.
So Hadley High School Library


Come hear, share and participate


Presenters will be members of the
Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee