The South Hadley (MA) Democratic Town Committee

Nomination papers available for elected positions

2012-01-08T12:18:00.005-05:00

Nomination papers are available for any voter wishing to be on the ballot for the March 6th South Hadley Town Election. The deadline to return nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s Office is January 17th.
http://southhadley.org/Pages/SouthHadleyMA_News/034CB4BE-000F8513

Sen. Stanley Rosenberg to speak in South Hadley about redistricting

2011-07-27T17:59:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, July 27, 2011
By Patricia Cahill, The Republican

SOUTH HADLEY - State Senator Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, will discuss the redistricting of Massachusetts, on July 28 at 7:30 p.m. at South Hadley Town Hall, 116 Main St.

The number of congressmen who represent any state depends on the population of that state. There are 10 congressional districts now in Massachusetts. Two of them are in Western Massachusetts.

But, according to the last U.S. Census, the population of Massachusetts isn't that strong.

"It grew," said Rosenberg, "but not as much as the rest of the country."

That means fewer congressmen to look out for the interests of the commonwealth.

And, since Western Massachusetts was more sluggish in population growth than the rest of the state - it actually lost residents in the Berkshires and in Franklin County - that spells trouble.

Rosenberg, who co-chaired the Joint Committee on Redistricting, is among those who have been fighting for Western Massachusetts to keep its two congressional districts.

U.S. Rep. John Olver, D-Amherst, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, have long represented the two districts of Western Massachusetts. Now it's looking like one of them will go.

There are many reasons why that will hurt Western Massachusetts, said Sarah Etelman, chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee in South Hadley.

"Geographically, we're half the state," said Etelman of Western Massachusetts. "To have one person covering half the state would be a huge detriment to our part of the state.

"Congressmen need to travel when they talk to their constituents. It's a ridiculous amount of territory for one person," she said.

"There are a lot of implications," said Rosenberg. "Other communities might trump their requests."

It would also present the surviving congressman with a vast variety of people to represent. Usually districts are formed on the basis of what the people in them have in common.

It's not a good balance when small communities are lumped in with larger communities, said Rosenberg.

Since both Olver and Neal are senior members of the House, the loss is even greater, said Etelman. "Their seniority also impacts our voice and our strength," she said.

Even though it's late in the process, the talk by Rosenberg will help answer questions about what's ahead, said Etelman.

"It's an important issue," she said, "and it's important for people in Western Massachusetts to understand what it means."

The event is sponsored by the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee.

Senator Kerry visits South Hadley Democratic Caucus

2011-02-19T21:45:00.005-05:00

The South Hadley Democrats elected 10 delegates today to send to the Massachusetts State Convention in June. Before the election, we were visited by Senator Kerry, who had a great dialogue with the Democrats present!

South Hadley Democrats Welcome All Residents to Help Elect Democrats on November 2

2010-10-10T20:01:00.003-04:00

South Hadley Democratic Town Committee
P.O. Box 308
South Hadley MA 01075

Date: October 12, 2010 for Immediate Release
Contacts: Sarah Etelman at setelman@gmail.com or Ann Eaton at (413) 533-0346

South Hadley Democrats Welcome All Residents
to Help Elect Democrats on November 2

South Hadley, MA – The South Hadley Democratic Town Committee announced today that all residents of South Hadley are welcome to help elect Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, and other Democrats who will be on the ballot on Tuesday, November 2.

Sarah Etelman, Chairwoman of the Committee, said, “Gov. Patrick and Lt. Gov. Murray are working hard to create jobs, improve education, extend health insurance, and invest in clean energy and the life sciences. They deserve to be reelected.”
In October, Committee members are supporting Patrick’s reelection by holding signs, making phone calls, and sending postcards. They welcome all S. Hadley residents to become involved in the campaign.

According to Ann Eaton, the Committee’s Vice-Chair, “Massachusetts is coming out of this recession faster and stronger than other states, because of Gov. Patrick’s leadership.”

Etelman said that the South Hadley Committee is one of the strongest in western Massachusetts and that many of its members are also supporting Steve Grossman for State Treasurer, Suzanne Bump for State Auditor, and Congressman Richard Neal, among other candidates. Many Committee members also oppose one or more of the three ballot questions that will be on the ballot.

According to Eaton, “The Town Committee meets regularly during the year and we welcome any resident to attend a meeting to find out more about the Committee, with no obligation.”

Besides its campaign work, Committee members are involved in community service work in South Hadley and serve on many town boards and commissions. More information is available at http://southhadleydemocrats.blogspot.com.

Any resident who wants to get involved in the campaign should send an email to Sarah Etelman at setelman@gmail.com or phone Ann Eaton at 413-533-0346.

The South Hadley Democratic Town Committee is officially recognized by the Massachusetts Democratic Party, which in turn is recognized by the Democratic National Committee.

Afternoon with Progressive Champions

2010-07-26T15:17:00.004-04:00

Our Easthampton Democratic Town Committee colleague Joe McCoy is hosting a fundraiser for Mass Alliance on Saturday, July 31st, from 3-5 p.m. For additional information about this event, please go to the events page at Mass Alliance.

"Restorative Justice" in South Hadley - May 5 at 7 pm

2010-05-03T15:47:00.006-04:00

Absolutely! The more the merrier! See you then, Bob. Emily

From: BobJudge@comcast.net">BobJudge@comcast.net
Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 14:12:15 -0400
Subject: Re: Task Force invite
To: empritch@hotmail.com

Emily:

I will attend on May 5. May I invite someone who I think would be interested?

- Bob Judge
----------------------------------------------------------------------
On Mon, May 3, 2010 at 2:02 PM, Emily Pritchard wrote:

...You are all invited (Tanya can elaborate more...) to join an action group that is newly born! We are called "Count Me In" as of now and we are committed to on-going action that will develop events through out the year for South Hadley community members to work with in a "Restorative Justice" healing model.

The goal is to create a forum for people to be seen and heard - much like our group now, and active and engaging events to work on healing and growth organized with the value framework outlined in Restorative Justice (forgiveness, accountability, respect...) We need people who want to continue this work and put it into action in the community. This will look like whatever YOU can design and inspire us with! Please come and bring a friend...The next meeting is this Wednesday, May 5th at 7pm at the All Saints' Church in the commons. Excited to work with you all and really inspired by your dedication to being positive transformation! Look at us making a difference! Thanks for reading,call or email with any questions.

Emily Pritchard (SHHS Special Ed. teacher)538 5063 ext 4602
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:18:16 -0400Subject: Minutes of 4/12 Meeting
From: amdfoley@gmail.com" amdfoley@gmail.com

Hello!

2010-04-12T12:26:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I am looking forward to re-joining you all!! See you on May 6th at the next meeting!

Sincerely,
Jessica Levy

From Carol Constant - Click HERE for more information

2010-03-15T17:07:00.005-04:00

Become a fan of the Women's Fund!

Dear Friend,

Are you someone who is passionate about improving your community? Do you like to get involved in making positive change? You don’t have to think of yourself as a future politician, just as someone who wants to make a difference. If this describes you or any other woman you know in western Massachusetts , I personally invite you to come to our kick-off celebration for the Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political Impact on March 27. You’ll hear an amazing keynote speaker, learn from veteran and new female elected officials, network with other like-minded women, and find out more about the Leadership Institute for Political Impact.

Who else might be interested? Think about the women you know. Perhaps there is a young woman who is a terrific community organizer, or another who excels at her work and is committed to making her neighborhood better. Maybe it’s that woman who is always signing up for committees. Please help us spread the word and pass this on!

Share the Facebook link with your friends! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Womens-Fund-of-Western-Massachusetts/301861295572#!/pages/Womens-Fund-of-Western-Massachusetts/301861295572?v=app_2344061033

Register for the free kick-off celebration by contacting julieh@womensfund.net or calling 529-0087 x 10. Find out more about the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.

Thank you.

Carla Oleska

CEO, Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

OFA 2010 Strategy Session at the Dam Cafe in Holyoke

2010-03-07T14:02:00.002-05:00

Want to make sure we don't have a repeat of the January special election?

Join Organizing for America for our 2010 Strategy Session in your area. The Strategy Sessions are a chance to talk with OFA staff and other volunteers in your area about our legislative and electoral plan for 2010.

As an organization, we have come a long way in the past year. We have lessons to learn from the budget pledge drive, health insurance reform and the Massachusetts Senate Race.

Now is the time to bring those lessons together and look forward to 2010. There are countless opportunities to create change in the coming year and we have an important role to play in making that happen. As a team, we will talk about how to be involved in creating change in our country, both legislatively and electorally. We will talk through national strategy and discuss together what that means for our local community.

Time: Saturday, March 13 from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Host: John Spears
Contact Phone: 617.806.6137
Location:
The Dam Cafe (Holyoke, MA)
2014 Northampton Street
Holyoke, MA 01040

A Message from Corinne Wingard

2010-03-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Lt Governor Tim Murray will be in town this Saturday, March 6th, at 1:00 p.m. to hold a Patrick-Murray Campaign Organizing Meeting for Greater Springfield!

We will meet at DeNardo’s Restaurant, 39 Maple St., in East Longmeadow

In the next 5 weeks we’ll be getting signatures for the Nomination Papers for Governor Deval Patrick and Lt Governor Tim Murray. We’ll be canvassing some neighborhoods and targeting high traffic areas in others. We’ll also begin to ID our voters.

Come and get “fired up” with Tim!!!

Refreshments will be served and everyone who attends will be entered in a raffle to win a great prize, to be announced!

Hope to see you there!

Thanks!

Corinne Wingard

Be nice, Ms. Palin

2010-02-27T19:27:00.002-05:00

Be nice, Ms. Palin

Friday, February 26, 2010

HAYDENVILLE - It is so vital that the issue of bullying is finally coming into the spotlight. It's sad it took a teen's death in South Hadley - and no doubt the deaths of many others unknown to us.

But we all should have seen the bullying epidemic coming and we need to recognize that it is everywhere.

On TV, shows like "Survivor" exalt a cunning, conniving Social Darwinism that has been the dark side of humanity since the beginning, something society has struggled to subdue. "Real life" TV shows send a schizophrenic message because they're not about real life. They exist to sell products, and social consequences of the programming are of no concern.

The programmers think that if it draws eyeballs and advertisers, it must be good. And viewers think if it's on TV and people watch and talk about it, it must be good.

Now, modern communications technology has given everyone a voice and the ability to speak to - or sometimes bully - large audiences without consequence.

Apparently 25 percent or so of our nation, people with "family values," embrace Sarah Palin. Yet it seems to me that she is a bully. She seems to attack for the sake of putting people down and offers little beyond name-calling and playing to the crowd. Nothing constructive. Nothing that informs. Just attack. Isn't that bullying? Or worse, isn't she inciting bullies?

Would one of the definitions of bullying be aggressively slighting someone with misleading or incorrect assertions? Ms. Palin says Obama is "pallin' around with terrorists" # "might be a Muslim" # is "creating death panels"# or "wants to kill your grandmother." Isn't creating fear a part of bullying?

Another definition of bullying might be to attack someone no matter what they actually say. Ms. Palin says Obama is "that charismatic guy with a Teleprompter," yet as Palin said this, she had three talking points written on her hand.

Recently the use of an unsavory word, in private and among friends, led Ms. Palin to call for the resignation of the President's closest advisor. She's trying to bully him into resigning. Yet Rush Limbaugh can say the same word, repeatedly, and he is left untouched by Palin.

Palin recently said she wasn't quite up on world affairs when she ran for the vice presidency. She said on a recent Sunday that "I sure as heck better be more astute on these current events, national issues than I was two years ago."

The nerve of this woman! To run for the nation's second-highest office. The former candidate says that as for her political future, she'll do what's best for the nation "and for the Palin family."

Oh, thank goodness. And for her to be so condescending as to mock American dreams and desires by calling them "that #hopey, changey' thing" at the Tea Party convention shows not just her juvenile approach to serious matters, but her apparent contempt for the voters' electoral choices.

It's no surprise she is adored by the Tea Party people. We are all concerned and disappointed with what has come out of Washington. We are alarmed about what happened on Wall Street after the GOP deregulated the financial world.

But some of us are also alarmed about this Tea Party movement. I am worried about its rising power and wonder what it is doing to our democracy. Tea Party people, in my view, reveled in having their bullying live on TV for all the world to see.

The incivility I see on display does not represent the best of America.

And now, just about everyone carries on personal conversations using devices that can easily be monitored. We carry electronic tools that can track our whereabouts, minute to minute.

Who is listening - and who is watching? Who really knows who? In the hands of bullies, what might this mean?

In these difficult and pivotal times, it is ever so important to have a fresh look at bullying. It's always been there, rearing its ugly head. But now I fear it's out of the bottle and in treacherous bloom.

It's no longer something in the school yard, to be outgrown as we enter the civil, adult world, but rather something to be admired.

It's here within us - and increasingly, it appears to be socially acceptable.

If we don't speak out, we are the bullies.

David Maxwell is a photographer and resident of Haydenville.

2010 MA Democratic Campaign Institute

2010-02-09T11:50:00.004-05:00

The 2010 Democratic Campaign Institute, an intensive weekend training on best strategies and practices for organizing political and grassroots campaigns, will be held on February 26, 27 and 28 in Waltham, MA. For additional information and to register, go to http://www.massdems.org/ and click on the DCI logo.

Democratic Campaign Institute Feb. 26-28

2010-02-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

Democratic Campaign Institute: an intensive weekend training on best strategies, principles and skill development on how to organize a campaign and grassroots organizing. Experienced political strategists, campaign managers, and grassroots organizers will share their experience, strategies and best practices. There will be networking opportunities with Democrats from across the Commonwealth and information for Victory 2010. Folks and groups coming to present and talk include pollsters, data management gurus, grassroots organizers, fundraisers.

Check out registration options for February 26, 27 and 28th at www.massdems.org then click on the DCI logo. Mass Dems contact is Training Director, Gloribell Mota at 617-776-2676. Below is the schedule for Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday with the workshop titles for Saturday underneath the schedule - amazing offerings! Sunday's Candidate session is a must if you are thinking of running, are in the midst of a race or a have a contest coming up - nothing can be taken for granted.

SCHEDULE

Friday, February 26th

5:00-8:00 pm - Registration
6:30 pm - DCI Opening Presentation
8:00-10:00 pm - Welcome Reception

Saturday, February 27th

8:00-9:00 am - Breakfast and Registration
9:00-10:00 am - Open Plenary session
10:15-12:15 pm - Track Sessions
12:15-1:00 pm - Lunch
1:00-3:00 pm - Track Sessions
3:15-5:15 pm - Track Sessions
5:30-6:00 pm - Closing Plenary
6:30-8:30 pm - Networking Reception

Sunday, February 28th

8:00-9:00 am - Registration
9:00-12:00 pm - Prospective Candidate Session

Organizing a Campaign Track

9-10:00am: Open Plenary
Winning Campaigns, Part I-Core Principles of Campaigning

10:15-12:15pm:
Winning Campaigns, Part II-Planning your Campaign-Roles and Structure, Vision, Goals, Strategy and Tactics

12:15-1:00pm: Lunch
Participants should select topic based on their area of interest

1:00pm-3:00pm:
Topic: Developing an Effective Field Plan- Voter Contact, GOTV, Field Structure, Volunteer management, recruitment and retention; List management

Topic: Developing an Effective Message and Media Relations-Forming your message, identifying your target audience, strategy, tactics and media relations.

3:15pm-5:15pm:
Topic: Netroots, New Media and Campaigning Online

Topic: Fundraising and Budgeting

5:30pm-6pm Closing Track
Assessing Campaigns-Defining features of Winning--and Losing--Campaigns

Grassroots Organizing Track

9-10:00am: Open Plenary
The Power of Grassroots Organizing-How Organizing from the Bottom Up is Creating Change

Participants should select a topic based on their area of interest

10:15-12:15pm: Session 1
Topic: The Essentials of Fundraising, Events and Being in Compliance

Topic: Strengthening your Democratic Town Committee

12:15-1:00pm: Lunch

1:00pm-3:00pm: Session II
Topic: Running an Effective Campaign-Strategies, Tactics and Using New Media

Topic: Volunteer Management-Building, Developing and Retaining your Volunteers

3:15pm-5:15pm: Session III
Topic: Volunteer Management-Building, Developing and Retaining your Volunteers

Topic: Data Management: Best Practices, Tools and Examples

5:30pm-6:00pm: Closing Plenary

Spanish Language Grassroots & Electoral Organizing Track- Organizando La Base y la Campaña Electoral:

9:00 - 10:00am Plenaria de Apertura –
Presentation on the state of Latinos in Massachusetts- Presentación sobre el estado de los Latinos en Massachusetts

10:15-12:15pm- Sesión 1
Taller: Los Elementos Esenciales para Desarrollar una Campaña Enfocada en Asuntos de Interés/The Essential Elements of Developing an Issue Campaign

Taller: Los Elementos Esenciales para Desarrollar una Campaña Electoral/The Essential Elements of Developing an Electoral Campaign

12:15-1:00pm-Almuerzo-Lunch

1:00-3:00pm- Sesión 2
Taller: Cómo Desarrollar una Campaña Efectiva de Base Comunitaria Enfocada en Asuntos de Interés-How to Develop an Effective Issue Based Campaign

Taller: Cómo Desarrollar un Plan Efectivo para el Campo de la Campaña Electoral-How to Develop an Effective Field Campaign

3:15-5:15pm –Sesión 3
Taller: Recaudación de Fondos para Principiantes/Fundraising 101

Taller: Cómo Reclutar, Desarrollar y Mantener a sus Voluntarios/Volunteer Management, Recruitment and Retention

5:30-6:00pm- Plenaria de Clausura: Podemos Hacer una Diferencia en el 2010/Making a Difference in 2010

Unauthorized posts on this blog

2010-02-08T07:32:00.001-05:00

Dear South Hadley Democrat:

We have made the settings on this blog as tight as are allowed. Nevertheless, a spammer was able to make two posts on February 7, which I deleted, of course.

Sarah and I monitor the activity on this blog. However, if you see something that does not seem right, please alert either of us right away.

- Bob Judge

What is a Caucus? Why should you attend?

2010-02-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

Dear South Hadley Democrats,

I've had several people respond to my e-mail about the Caucus, asking for more information, so I thought this would be a good way to get the word out to everyone...

The town caucuses being held in February are the times when each town elects its delegates to send to the Democratic State Convention, which is being held on June 5th, 2010. The delegates go the Convention to nominate the Democratic candidates for various offices. This year, we'll be nominating for the Governor, Auditor, and Treasurer's offices.

To become a delegate you must be a registered Democrat in South Hadley as of December 31, 2009, and be nominated and elected at the Caucus. Last year, for the first time, if all slots were not filled after the election process, those who have expressed interest but are not able to be present at the Caucus, could be elected. Except for last year, all slots were filled by those present.

This year, South Hadley has been slated a total of 14 delegates: 5 men, 5 women, the Chair, and 3 alternates. We'd love to get all those slots filled, so if you have any interest in going to the Convention, please join us at the Caucus on February 13th! The Caucus must start promptly at 12:00 PM, so you need to be registered by that time in order to vote or be nominated.

Once again, the important info:

Saturday, Feburary 13: South Hadley Caucus

Registration begins at 11:30 AM, Caucus begins at 12:00 PM

Held at the South Hadley Public Library on Bardwell Street

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sarah

Winter Wonderland Sponsored by KYT - Click HERE for more information

2010-02-01T11:55:00.003-05:00

For Democrats who need a break from changing the world!

Saturday, February 20th from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Ledges Golf Course

Know Your Town has organized a Winter Wonderland to acquaint residents with the Ledges during the winter.

Cross country skiing skating sledding snowshoeing
Activities are FREE Bring your own equipment

The restrooms will be open, and a concession stand will offer hot dogs, popcorn, desserts and hot chocolate for a minimal charge out on the deck.

A Snowman Building Contest will be organized by the High School Leo Club.

Wagon rides pulled by Belgian horses will be offered for a small fee.

Please find attached above a volunteer sheet. KYT needs your help for this event. Call Margaret Jodoin 532-0856 to volunteer.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Cancellation notice will be given by 8 am at Know Your Town or by calling the Ledges 532-2307

Good reading for Massachusetts Democrats - Click HERE

2010-02-01T09:44:00.002-05:00

"Listen up, voters: DA seat matters" - Click HERE or see below

2010-01-30T09:04:00.006-05:00

Laurie Loisel: Listen up, voters -- DA seat matters, a lot

by Laurie Loisel

If a Republican candidate does not emerge in the contest to fill the Northwestern district attorney's seat up for grabs with the retirement of District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel, the job could be filled after the Sept. 14 primary.

So far, the contest is between two Democrats, Michael A. Cahillane, assistant Northwestern district attorney, and David E. Sullivan, register of probate.

Granted, it's early in the election season, but let's hope as the race picks up steam, voters will snap to attention. The position of Northwestern district attorney is a big job and it should not be filled without the residents of Hampshire and Franklin counties having an informed say.

As chief law enforcement officer for the Northwestern district, the DA oversees two full-time offices in Northampton and Greenfield that encompass 47 towns; there are satellite bureaus in the district courts in Orange, Northampton, Belchertown and the juvenile court in Hadley. The DA is in charge of a staff of about 70 and an annual budget - not counting grants - of $4,746,396.

The district comprises every community in Franklin and Hampshire counties, in addition to the Worcester County town of Athol. It is the only one of 11 district attorney offices across the state that operates two full-time offices.

Scheibel has been the DA since 1993, when she was appointed to replace former DA Judd Carhart, who was named to a judgeship.

Set by the state Legislature, all 11 DAs earn a salary of $148,000.

Cahillane has the support of his boss, Scheibel, a South Hadley Republican, who, he said, "is reaching across the aisle to endorse me."

Sullivan has been endorsed by, among others, former DA and now-retired Judge W. Michael Ryan.

Both candidates say they will campaign by going door to door, meeting people in the far-flung district, and educating people about the role of the office. "A lot of people don't know what the DA does," said Cahillane.
And given the pattern that once elected to the post, the incumbent can pretty much take re-election every four years for granted, this race is one worth watching. What follows are thumbnail sketches of the two announced candidates for the seat so far.

Michael Cahillane
Cahillane, a Northampton native, earned a bachelor's degree in political science from St. Anselm College in New Hampshire and a law degree from Suffolk University Law School in Boston in 1999.

Since 2000 he's served as assistant Northwestern district attorney, starting off in the DA's Greenfield office taking cases in Orange District Court. He has handled all manner of criminal matters, now working in the DA's main office in Northampton and responsible for major felony cases that run the gamut from home invasion, child abuse and child pornography to domestic violence, animal abuse and homicide.
Cahillane, 39, says from the early days in law school, he decided where he wanted his career to head.
"I knew that my heart was to be a prosecutor," he said.

He first got a taste of the DA's office while a senior at Northampton High School, when he was an intern there. He did another internship in the office the summer after his freshman year of college.

After college, he spent several years working in the health care field doing customer service and provider relations before deciding to go to law school. He worked full-time while attending Suffolk Law at night, an experience that likely prepared him well for the 24/7 pace of being a prosecutor.

"It was a grind," he said cheerfully. "Basically, you have no life for four years."

Cahillane said he decided to run for DA in June, as soon as he heard Scheibel wasn't seeking re-election.
"It's an opportunity that doesn't come along very often," he said. "It's a dream for me, so I wanted to continue my dream."

He said he sees the DA's office both as an agency that prosecutes crime, and works in partnership with communities and a variety of social service programs and schools to do outreach and education to prevent crime.

If elected DA, he vows to be available and accessible, and notes that he has fostered good relationships with police departments across the region as well as criminal lawyers.

"My success with the defense bar and the community is because I'm willing to listen to people," he said.
He says his relationships with police officers in the region are equally positive.

"I'm one of the people in the office who gets the early-morning phone calls," said Cahillane. "Most police departments in Hampshire and Franklin counties have my cell phone."

In terms of skills, Cahillane notes his experience on a wide variety of cases, his track record in court, and his work "with victims and families, being able to bring justice for them, and to be their voice in the courtroom."
He is married to Christine Capers Cahillane. They live on Bridge Street with their two rescued greyhounds, Gracie and Blue.

If elected, Cahillane said he will remain in the job for a long time.
"My heart and soul is into doing the job of a prosecutor. I have no intention to go anywhere else," he said. "I'm not using it as a stepping stone to any other office."

David Sullivan
Sullivan, 50, register of probate since 2003, also vows the DA's office is no stepping stone. He says he sees the post as that of a public servant.

"I think it's a great way to make a difference in the community," said Sullivan. "It's part of my record in community service to really help the public. The public needs a DA who's involved not only in prosecuting crime but preventing crime."

As register of probate, Sullivan oversees a staff of 11 and a budget of $910,760, managing the entire caseload for the county's family court - adoption, paternity, divorce, custody, guardianship cases, estates and other such matters - "in a fair and efficient way."

As register of probate, he said, he's made the office more accessible to the public, in part by improving its Web site and fostering a more visitor-friendly and welcoming environment. He noted in particular innovative programs to support families going through divorce, including a training program for never-married parents, mediation programs, and helping people who come to court without lawyers.

"What I'm really most proud of is making a responsive and accessible court," said Sullivan.

But Sullivan said his "first love" in law is as a trial attorney, one reason he decided to run for DA more than a year ago.

After graduating from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston in 1986, Sullivan spent two years as a civilian lawyer representing members of the armed services facing court martial and administrative hearings in West Germany.

He and his family moved to Easthampton in 1989, where he and his wife, attorney Catherine M. Hancock, operated a general law practice for 10 years. About 90 percent of that practice, he said, was handling criminal cases. In 1999, he was appointed Easthampton's town counsel, a post he held until being elected register of probate.

He said he sees similarities in the jobs as register and DA in that both are "unique public service jobs." He decided to run for DA in January 2009, before Scheibel announced she wasn't seeking re-election, saying the office needed improvement.

"A district attorney has a real impact on the quality of life in a community," he said. "It's more than being a trial attorney, it's about being a leader for the criminal justice system and the community. It's about being a good manager. It's a unique skill set."

Sullivan said the DA must foster relationships with police in all communities to be successful.
"I think you need those relationships built and strengthened on a daily basis," he said. "And I think you need to have those relationships developed prior to any particular crisis."

Sullivan is active in Democratic Party politics, serving last year as the Hampshire County coordinator for the Obama campaign, and this year working on behalf of Martha Coakley's failed bid for U.S. Senate.
But Sullivan says his work as a lawyer is what's most important to him, which is why he's running for DA.
"It's the best attorney's job in western Massachusetts, really," he said. "This is the people's law office."

Sullivan and Hancock have three children, Marie, 19, Anne, 17, and Minh, 11.

DA candidates have until April 27 to collect and certify 1,000 signatures with the registrar of voters and until May 25 to get those signatures to the state's elections division to see their names on the Sept. 14 primary ballot. The general election is Nov. 2.

The race is on. Do your civic duty. Pay attention.

Laurie Loisel, the Gazette's cities editor, can be reached at lloisel@gazettenet.com.

Watch State of the Union Address at Mount Holyoke College

2010-01-26T14:52:00.003-05:00

Mount Holyoke students and friends are invited to stop by Safford Hall to watch President Obama deliver his first State of the Union address this Wednesday, January 27, from 9:00-10:00 p.m.

For additional information about this watch party and to RSVP, please go to: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/stateoftheunionwatchparty/gp8z3g

Valley vote goes to Coakley, but Brown takes the big prize

2010-01-25T19:46:00.001-05:00

Valley vote goes to Coakley, but Brown takes the big prize ...
South Hadley's Robert Judge and Mike Fisher supported Coakley in large part because of her support for the direction Obama is taking the nation, ...

Know Your Town Candidates' Night - Thursday, January 14th, at 7 PM - Town Hall auditorium

2010-01-07T10:44:00.007-05:00

From: Martha Terry
Date: Thu, Jan 7, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Subject: Know Your Town Candidates' Night
To: ...

Dear Know Your Town Members

Please plan to attend Candidates' Night on Thursday, January 14th,
at 7 PM in the Town Hall auditorium. Selectboard candidates
Mr. Frank DeToma and Mr. Bruce MacCullaugh will answer
questions about South Hadley issues. Refreshments will
be served. The event is free and open to the public so
please pass this message on to others. Thank you.

Happy Holidays and some important dates to know - Click HERE for January 19 Senate election information

2009-12-20T13:55:00.011-05:00

Dear South Hadley Democrats,

Well, this was the Storm That Wasn't of 2009! Most of you are probably rejoicing... I'm very happy for you. For those of us who were hoping for a whopper, soon, very soon...

In the meantime, here are some dates for you to jot down:

Our next DTC meeting:
Tuesday, January 12th, 7:00pm at the South Hadley police station

MA U.S. Senate Election:
Town of South Hadley Election: - Two Selectboard members
Monday, January 19, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m

South Hadley Caucus:
Saturday, February 13th at the South Hadley Public Library, 27 Bardwell Street
Registration will begin at 11:30am
The caucus will begin at 12:00pm

MA Democratic State Convention:
Friday and Saturday, June 4th and 5th in Worcester
(The Convention itself is on Saturday the 5th - there are usually parties and such on Friday, but you do not need to attend those if you don't want to.)

Looking forward to seeing all of you at these events!

Happy Holidays!

Sarah

South Hadley and Mount Holyoke College Democrats can work together again - Click HERE

2009-12-14T08:43:00.001-05:00

Bob Robertson and Bob Judge support Mike Capuano for Senate

2009-12-04T15:41:00.005-05:00

Below is a message from Bob Robertson:

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Robert Robertson
Date: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Subject: Senate (fwd)
To: Bob Judge

Bob Judge:

I would be pleased to have you post my opinion below on the SH Democrats blog. I might add that a further reason for my preferring Capuano over Coakley is the flipflop that she did on the crucial issue of the death penalty.

Bob Robertson

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 4 Dec 2009 09:47:05 -0500 (EST)
From: Robert Robertson
To: Sarah Etelman, Bob Judge
Subject: Senate

Good morning, friends:

After our email exchange last week (and a conversation with Bob Judge...), I spoke with Ellen Story on the phone. I've never met her, but have been impressed by what I've read of her over the years -- a progressive, thoughtful state rep., I believe... She is for Mike Capuano in the primary.

She likes what she's seen of Mike and also had a former asst. go to DC to work in his office, yielding a rave review of him. They say he's plain-spoken but able to build coalitions. Obviously he's a liberal. I know that Bob (Judge) has some things on which he's uncertain or at odds with Mike. I don't have those reservations, so will support him.

... I want to believe that the Coakley lead is weak and overstated. The misleading polls on Bloomberg for NYC mayor suggest that an early lead can be misleading if the leader hits a ceiling. Who knows in our case? So a vote of public preference for Khazei might be a mistake. Again, who knows?

Thanks for sharing your earlier ideas with me. On to Tuesday, however.

Bob Robertson

REQUEST: MHC Dems 'blurb' for blog

2009-12-04T08:10:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Judge and whomever may be interested,

My name is Elisa Loeser and I am the Parliamentarian for the Mount Holyoke College Democrats. The MHC Dems will soon be launching a political blog called "The Sententia" to encourage political debate in the Mount Holyoke and South Hadley community. We are asking for submissions or 'blurbs' to post on the blog that are 250 words or less. Feel free to write about a national or local issue about which you are passionate. Writing about a political issue concerning the Mount Holyoke or South Hadley community is encouraged!

Questions? Or to submit a blurb please email Elisa: loese20e@mtholyoke.edu

Check out the site! ...to be launched w/ articles soon... (http://pub.mtholyoke.edu/journal/thesent)

Thank you!
- Elisa Loeser
Parliamentarian, MHC Democrats

loese20e@mtholyoke.edu

If you don't belong to Know Your Town, please read this post, then click HERE

2009-12-03T12:17:00.003-05:00

Know Your Town (KYT) is a fine organization that serves S. Hadley well. If you are not a member, you are missing out on what will be KYT's terrific progessive dinner on December 12, never mind KYT's excellent public affairs programming. However, Martha Terry tells me that it is still not too late to join KYT in time for December 12. If you are not a member of KYT, I encourage you to join today!

Please see below for more information and please click on the link in the "Title" to access the KYT member application.

- Bob Judge
----------------------------------------------------

Hi Bob,

Yes, this is a wonderful idea! I have attached the KYT brochure. There is a membership form on it that they can fill out and mail back with their dues.

Thank you for encouraging people to join KYT!

And thank you for all you do for the town.

Sincerely,

Martha Terry

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Judge
To: Martha Terry
Cc: 'Robert Judge'
Sent: Thu, Dec 3, 2009 9:54 am
Subject: RE: Final reminder of Know Your Town Progressive Dinner
Martha:

Is it too late for someone to join KYT and attend the dinner? If so, I understand.

If not, I would happy to forward this email to a few people as a way to encourage them to join KYT.

Please advise.

- Bob Judge

From: Martha Terry
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 9:43 AM
To: Bobbie Salthouse
Subject: Final reminder of Know Your Town Progressive Dinner

Dear KYT Members,

I'm emailing you one last time concerning the KYT Progressive Dinner, to be held on Sat. December 12.

If you have not already done so, please RSVP NOW to attend this festive event!

Below is the latest list of members who Barb Fisher has heard from and are coming. If you do not see your name below and if you had emailed her that you are coming, it means she has not received your reply.

Please send her an email at this address: (deleted) Or, if you wish to reach her by phone, her number is (deleted).

We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the Progressive Dinner. It will be a most enjoyable evening--

Many Thanks,

Bobbie Salthouse
KYT, Progressive Dinner Chair

*#** **Name** **Appetizers** **Entree** **Dessert*

2 Linda/Doug Young dip/crackers/veggies/wine pecan tarts/whipped cream
2 Patricia Kraske & son Seafood dish
2 Lucia/Bill Foley veggies
2 Bobbie/Robert Salthouse x
1 Ellie Kepacki Squash/apple casserole
1 Marion Pascone Chile/corn chips
2 Carol/Richard Constant smoked salmon/crackers
2 Bob Judge/Brenda Mathieu Lasagne
3 John/Pat/Sarah Scibak wine
(2) Martha/Tom Terry (App course only) hot dish
1 Julianne Roberts HOST
2 Barb/Mike Fisher HOST (ham/rolls/salad/etc)
2 Julie Miller/H.Boroff HOST

*24* (including 2 for appetizer course only)

Please bring the following if your name starts with:
A-I Appetizers: Hot or cold, chips and dips, veggie platter, beverages, etc.
H-P Dinner Buffet: Hot meat/vegetarian main dishes, pastas, cold cut platter; hot vegetables/side dishes, salads, rolls/butter, beverages, etc.
Q-Z Desserts: sparkling cider, coffee/tea with cream and sugar, etc. (NOTE: Julia Miller's daughter will be baking up a storm and will provide all the desserts, so Q-Z people can either provide drinks for dessert or if you prefer, wine for the appetizer or dinner locations...)

From Judith Ellenburg RE Capuano for Senate

2009-12-03T07:42:00.002-05:00

Thanks for your message Bob and for all the time you spent on the phone.

I talked to Kate Crowther, a MHC Francis Perkins student, who is Capuano's Western Mass Coordinator.

She is bringing signs tomorrow, and I think I'll go out early Friday and Monday.

She is really looking for folks to phone. You have been superb at phoning - and you appear to enjoy it - so I thought I should tell you that they need more folks to do phone banking. I'll try to do some too. Jim Reardon is the other person in South Hadley who has been very helpful to Kate. You probably know him. He has been phoning from his home.

All best wishes and many thanks,

Judith

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

2009-11-21T21:36:00.003-05:00

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

2009-11-21T12:44:00.002-05:00

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/

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

2009-11-14T22:16:00.016-05:00

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

2009-11-14T21:56:00.004-05:00

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.

Dana Muller is an active member of the S. Hadley Democratic Town Committee

2009-11-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

An Evening with Congressman Barney Frank - Click here

2009-11-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

Local Democrats Announce "An Evening with Barney Frank" - Click here

2009-11-06T09:54:00.002-05:00

From Martha Terry RE November 12 Know Your Town meeting

2009-11-04T17:54:00.004-05:00

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

Candidate Forum at UMass, November 8th

2009-10-26T15:14:00.006-04:00

Dear Fellow Democrats:

On Sunday, November 8th, the League of Women Voters and WFCR will be co-sponsoring a Senatorial candidate forum for the upcoming special election in January. This event will take place at UMass Amherst at 7:30pm in the Bowker Auditorium of Stockbridge Hall, and will be free and open to the public.

This forum will run roughly two hours and will be devoted to questions related to both domestic and international issues. The League has enthusiastically requested that those interested in attending the forum submit questions to the panel through an online form on the League’s website, which can be found by clicking http://www.lwvma.org/questions.htm. Both Democratic and Republican candidates whose names appear on the primary’s ballot have been invited to participate.

For anyone who is interested, the League of Women Voters will also be organizing voter registration to take place in Stockbridge Hall beginning at 6:30 pm that evening. Additional details regarding the night’s forum or information on the League of Women Voters can be found online at http://www.lwvma.org/.

Sincerely,

Susan Newton

First Food for Friends delivery this weekend!

2009-10-13T00:14:00.003-04:00

Members of the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee will be participating when the first delivery occurs on October 17th.

If you're interested in helping, or know someone who is in need of the group's services. please visit this link: http://southhadleygranbyfoodforfriends.blogspot.com/

Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!

Sarah

Fwd: Meeting with State Director of Organizing for America

2009-09-21T16:51:00.003-04:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joel Spiro
Date: Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Subject: Meeting with State Director of Organizing for America

Friends,

Just wanted you to call your attention to a meeting this coming Saturday with John Spears, the Massachusetts Director of Organizing for America, the follow up to Obama's grassroots campaign. A lot of us are asking what we can do to push for a good solution for health care and a lot of other things that have to be changed. Now we have a chance to hear John Spears and let him know what we think. Hope that you can make it and please send the invitation to friends. Regards, Joel

Massachusetts Organizing for America Listening/Organizing Tour

With State Director John Spears

2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, Sept. 26^th

MEF, Francis Crowe Community Room,

60 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA

In 2008, millions of Americans joined the political process – many for the first time – to fight for a new kind of politics.
Through one grassroots movement, built from the bottom up, millions of voices called for change and elected President Barack Obama. They proved that ordinary people, together, can achieve extraordinary things.
Those voices enabled a new beginning. But now it's time to make that promise of change a reality.
Through Organizing for America, Americans across the country will continue to organize in their communities and stand with President Obama to bring about a new era of security and prosperity.
The challenges we face can't be solved by one person alone. We need you to get involved.

South Hadley Golf Tournament "FORE" Autism

2009-09-10T21:04:00.003-04:00

Take and Eat in South Hadley is getting organized!

2009-09-01T21:11:00.007-04:00

From: Charlotte Buijnarowski
Date: Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 8:23 PM

Hello All,

Just a reminder that we will meet tomorrow night 7:00 pm at the Center Church for our next round of organizing. It's time to put the final plans in place for our first meal on October 17th!!

We are still looking for volunteers for all jobs; also, please see the updated chart below for our open coordinator positions.

Looking forward to seeing all interested tomorrow!!

Best,

Charlotte

----- Original Message -----
From: Charlotte Buijnarowski
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:14 AM
Subject: Take and Eat in South Hadley is getting organized!
Hello All,
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in being part of the ecumenical Take and Eat program in South Hadley and Granby. Several churches, including the Center Congregational Church, the United Methodist Church, the South Hadley Falls Congregational Church, Our Savoir Lutheran Church and the Granby Congregational Church, will be coming together to prepare and deliver meals to homebound members of our community on one weekend day a month.
There have been several meetings recently, which some of you may have participated in, that have brought us several steps forward in getting this effort up and running. I wanted to let you know what we have accomplished, and what is still needed.
Please read the below information, actively solicit coordinators and volunteers from your church, and join us for our
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:00pm Center Congregational Church on the common in South Hadley

Take and Eat Logistics
DATE AND TIME
We will be preparing the meals on the third Saturday of each month, in the morning, starting (hopefully) on October 17th. This will be an on-going monthly commitment that we are making to the residents who receive these meals.
PLACE
The kitchen of the Center Congregational Church will be the primary preparation site. On occasions when this kitchen is unavailable, the Granby Congregational Church kitchen will be used. Any specialized equipment can be transferred from the primary to secondary site.
FINANCES
Each church will contribute $50.00 per month to cover the cost of food and supplies. This amount will be adjusted going forward based on our actual experience. Center Church is applying for membership to Western Mass Food Bank, and will cover the $125.00 fee. The application process takes 6 to 12 months, but once received will provide low- to no-cost food to us.
VOLUNTEER LIST
I have attached a listing of the volunteers identified to date. Please take a look at your information, and send me any updates. Also, please circulate information about the program to others you feel may be interested.
We would love to add more names to this list! Please contact me with name, contact information and task.

COORDINATORS
We are still looking for additional people to be coordinators for this program. We cannot start without these key people in place.
Coordinator positions are:

Coordinator Role

Responsibilities

Volunteer

Overall Coordinator

Program Oversight
Contact for Take and Eat
Coordinate the Coordinators
Training of volunteers
Communication

***Charlotte Buijnarowski***
Kitchen Certification
Head Cook

Board of Health regulations
Plan the menus

Work with Shopping Coordinator, Kitchen Staff Coordinator

Direct the food preparation

Cathy Irish
Center Congregational Church

***BACKUP COOKS NEEDED***

Treasurer

Food Bank application
Collect and mange money

Allan Patriquin
Center Congregational Church

Shopping Coordinator

Work with Head Cook
Maintain shopping list monthly
Coordinate shoppers monthly

***OPEN***

Kitchen Staff Coordinator

Confirm kitchen staff monthly
Work with Head Cook
Coordinate food prep and cleanup

***OPEN***
Baking Coordinator

Confirm bakers monthly
Provide info on what to bake
Provide packaging materials
Coordinate pick-up / delivery

Bev Pead
United Methodist Church

Packaging Coordinator

Manage inventory of materials
Coordinate packers monthly

Bobbie Ayers
Center Congregational Church

Driving Coordinator

Manage CORI applications
Train drivers on procedures
Maintain route list
Confirm drivers monthly

Bob Judge
Center Congregational Church

Cards Coordinator

Develop Card Template
Update monthly with menu
Coordinate greetings monthly (from children, etc.)

Sarah Smith
Center Congregational Church

Update on "Take and Eat" Program

2009-08-17T10:07:00.005-04:00

Posted by Susan Newton, S. Hadley Town Democratic Committee:

From: Allan Patriquin (Center Church)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:20:50 -0400
Subject: Re: Take and Eat, Inc...
To: Kathleen Ryan

Hello Kathleen...
Thank you for your reply to the several questions I raised earlier. I have received an application form from Hector Figarella at the Food Bank, which has raised some new questions:
1) Should we apply as an "affiliate" of the Take and Eat program, or as an independent organization? One advantage of affiliating with you is the existence of an established program that can perhaps speed up the approval of our application.
(Kathleen): You will need to apply as an independent - Take and Eat no longer is a member of the Food Bank as our Program does not directly prepare any meals and therefore does not utilize those services. As mentioned in my earlier e-mail, the process is currently not very expedient but don't be frustrated by that as you will reap the benefits once a member.
2) In addition to the several churches that will be participating, the local Democratic Committee has expressed some interest in participating. Would this be a problem in combining religious and non-religious organizations? Is there a requirement that all volunteers must be members of the churches that sponsor the program?
(Kathleen): This is not a concern - we reach out to all who are interested in assisting in this program to feed and do a wellness check on the homebound senior population during the weekend. We don't proselytize to the clients as we extend this service to all, regardless of religious affiliation or not.
3) If the application process takes several months to complete, we would like to begin on Saturday, October 17th, and, if necessary, purchase food from other sources until Food Bank food becomes available. Would you have any recommendations about such other sources?
(Kathleen): The client count in S. Hadley is currently 60 - 65. Based on those numbers, the most cost effective and quality purchases would be through BJ's, Price Rite, Sam's Warehouse, and Costco. If any of the congregants have a connection to some of the local farms - that might be a good resource at this time for veggies/fruits. We certainly appreciate your help as we begin to take flight!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: Allan Patriquin
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 10:17 AM
To: takeandeat@verizon.net
Subject:
...an application form to the Food Bank...Center Church will pay the $125 membership fee, and I will set up a financial donation arrangement with the local churches to underwrite our ongoing expenses.

The Republican: "Block grants get jolt from stimulus aid"

2009-08-14T09:44:00.004-04:00

BOSTON - Gov. Deval L. Patrick on Thursday awarded $40.4 million in grants, including $16.5 million for Western Massachusetts, for improving public housing, providing social services and upgrading roads. The governor unveiled federal Community Development Block Grants for communities with populations of 50,000 or less.

Patrick said $31 million came from annual block grant financing and another $9 million from federal stimulus dollars. "By leveraging state and federal recovery funds, we can continue to move our economy forward, put more individuals back to work and fund more projects now and in the future," Patrick said.

The stimulus dollars will go to communities for projects that were turned down for funds last year... The state receives a pot of federal money and then apportions it to cities and towns, which compete for grants.

Amherst, Chester, Greenfield, South Hadley, Ware and West Springfield are among the Western Massachusetts communities that received grants. According to the state, 88 communities applied for grants and 75 received them...

South Hadley netted $800,000 to upgrade two housing units, design a senior center and improve Canal Street...

Vacancies on the Board of Community Action

2009-08-06T15:26:00.002-04:00

Hello:

I serve on the board of Community Action (http://www.communityaction.us/). Below is a message from the Executive Director, Jane Sanders.

If you know an individual who is qualified for and interested in serving on the Board, I would happy to speak with him or her about this fine organization, which serves South Hadley and every community in Hampshire County.

- Bob Judge

--------------------------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Sanders [mailto:JSanders@communityaction.us]
Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 1:20 PM
To: Linda Ackerman; Penny Davis; Tina Elzeneiny; Elizabeth Evans; Kate Finnegan; jerri higgins; mindy kelly; Dr. Sarah Kemble; evelyn mccoy; Sheila Mammen; Andrew Morehouse; Tony Motyl; Carla Oleska; Laura Reichsman; Maria Tarajano Rodman; Christopher Sikes; Andee Williams; Roseann Martoccia; Tracy Gaudet; Daisy Jimenez; Robert Judge; Susan Mareneck; Wynema Phillips-Horve
Subject: We need your help!

Eight of the 24 seats on Community Action’s Board of Directors will be up for election in late October. These Community Representative slots are reserved for people who have or have had lower incomes, and live in either Hampshire or Franklin County. We will have a separate election in each county and elect four of the candidates in each. Only residents who earn up to 175% of the Federal poverty rate and are 18 or older may vote in the election.

Please think about program participants or anyone in the community who you think would be a good addition to our Board. We’d like to have candidates from all geographic areas of the counties, so please think far and wide. Candidates should be people who can reliably attend one evening meeting every other month. We will reimburse them for child care and travel expenses. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month in December, February, April, June, August and October from 6 - 8 pm. We are interested in people who care about our programs, will attend regularly, and will conduct themselves appropriately at meetings. It’s a very informal and friendly group!

You can email me with names, addresses (email or street address) and phone numbers of anyone you’re recommending. We will contact them to invite them to enter to run in the election. It would be great if you can talk to them first to make sure they’re interested. Potential candidates will be asked to attend an information session in late September/early October so they can learn more about the organization and what the Board does.

Having people with lower incomes on our Board is one of the most important ways we ensure that the people we serve have a voice in our programs and policies. We are especially interested in having people of color and people with disabilities as Community Representatives on the Board. Please do your part to make this election a success - thanks!

RE: South Hadley Girls Treatment Program - Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps

2009-08-03T11:25:00.005-04:00

Dear Mary:

First, congratulations on the fine fundraiser on June 6. Bill and Lucia Foley, John and Pat Scibak, and Brenda and I enjoyed it very much!

The South Hadley Democratic Town Committee (SHDTC) met on July 16, 2009. Below is an excerpt from the minutes:

"Community Involvement Subcommittee. Having considered a number of organizations and initiatives for community involvement, the Subcommittee endorsed local food programs as the best option for participation by SHDTC members…. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has launched Hunger Champions, a new campaign designed to step up educational programming and enhance the ways in which volunteers can take part… Other community efforts considered by the Subcommittee included the South Hadley Council on Aging, and the Robert F. Kennedy Girls Program, which serves adolescent girls who have been involved in the court system. Information about these and other community organizations will be posted on the SHDTC Blog."

I have put a link to your program at http://southhadleydemocrats.blogspot.com/ (Scroll down to "Other links of interest"). Please send me any information that you would like us to post there, including any information about volunteer opportunities.

Thanks again for your hospitality and I hope we can find ways to collaborate!

- Bob Judge

Member

South Hadley Democratic Town Committee

From: Mary Rice [mailto:marice@rfkchildren.org]
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 2:17 PM
To: Bob Judge,Sarah Etelman...
Subject: RE: South Hadley Girls Treatment Program - Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps

Bob,

Thanks so much. We look forward to working with members of the committee in the future. We are holding a fundraiser on June 6^th, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus Castle in Chicopee. I have ½ dozen tickets which I'd like to donate to members of your committee. If anyone is interested, these can picked up at our facility during Mon-Fri. business hours (8-4pm) over the next 2 weeks.

From: Bob Judge [mailto:BobJudge@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 10:52 PM
To: Members of the Community Involvement SubCommittee
Cc: Mary Rice; 'Robert Judge'
Subject: South Hadley Girls Treatment Program - Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps

Hello:

I had a good meeting on Friday afternoon with Mary Rice, the Program Director of the South Hadley Girls Treatment Program, at the program location at 87 Canal St. in S. Hadley.

Mary told me that the program's capacity is sixteen girls, who usually are between 14 and 16 years old. She would welcome volunteers from the South Hadley Town Democratic Committee. She said the timing is good, because she is trying to reach out to the community more than has been done historically.

Mary said the girls have all been in court. Some of the girls are mothers. Many of the girls are from Springfield or Holyoke but they come from across the state. They usually stay there for 3 to 6 months before returning home, sometimes to a foster home. The program delivers psychological services, medical services as needed, and it operates an accredited school in coordination with the S. Hadley schools.

Some of the girls have recently started visiting seniors at Hubert Place, next door, to the benefit of the seniors and themselves.

The staff ratio is one staff per four girls. Mary said we could assist by accompanying the staff on field trips for the girls. Or, we could help by working with the girls with crocheting, which is apparently a popular activity there, as the girls got involved in a project to knit for newborns at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. We could help the girls who work in the kitchen.

Mary said the best times for volunteering, because of the weekday schooling, would be the weekend. She would prefer female volunteers, but there are male staff and men can volunteer, too. To become a volunteer, you must complete an application and pass a criminal background check.

I was impressed by the facility and the atmosphere there. I explained to Mary the process that we are using, wherein each of us is gathering information about a potential community involvement idea. I told Mary that we will then recommend one or more efforts to the full Town Committee, and that I would be back to her after we consider all of the possibilities. She said she would be happy to meet with our sub-committee if we wished.

Below is a story from the December Republican about the Program. Mary said that in response to the story, people and businesses from S. Hadley and the surrounding area contributed generously to the program.

- Bob

Teen girls ask gifts for winter

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE

sconstantine@repub.com

SOUTH HADLEY - Staff at the South Hadley Girls Treatment Program want to make sure the girls in the program are not forgotten this holiday season. Many of the girls do not have families and won't receive the presents that most teenagers receive on the holidays.

To make sure they receive some Christmas cheer, the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps, which runs the program here and at three other sites in the region, has started its "Winter Wish" drive. It seeks new hats, mittens and coats for teenagers who may not have any winter clothes.

It also welcomes CDs, board games, makeup, personal care items and other gifts appropriate for teenagers. "One thing they really like is yarn. It goes fast. They all crochet," said Mary L. Rice, the program's director here.

The girls are playing Santa Claus, themselves, by crocheting baby hats and booties for the Welcome Baby Basket program of the Springfield Infant Toddler Services at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield.

Some of their own requests for Christmas presents are very modest. Fourteen-year-old Brenda just wants a teddy bear. "I like stuffed animals," she said. "(A teddy bear) could be a friend to you."

Seventeen-year-old Rosie, who is nine months pregnant with her second child, a boy, just wants baby clothes. "This is my second baby. I put my kids pretty much before myself," Rosie said.

The youths have been sent to the South Hadley program by the state Department of Youth Services.

"Our students are often the victims of abuse or neglect, were exposed to violence and were generally not supported at home, leading them to paths of self-destruction," Edward P. Kelley, president and chief executive officer of the corps, stated.

Although studies show that most children who hurt others have been hurt themselves, Kelley said the public rarely thinks about the reasons why teens break the law or became unlawful and instead see only the unlawful acts.

Rice said the drive will accept pretty much anything with the exception of used clothing. Donations of presents or money may be dropped off weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the center at 87 Canal St....

"Let's be Frank about this"

2009-08-02T20:19:00.005-04:00

Governor Patrick in Chicopee August 6th

2009-08-01T12:03:00.002-04:00

Not trying to overwhelm you with Deval Patrick stuff, as that's really not the point of this blog, but did want to make sure everyone's aware of this event:

Friends:

Governor Patrick will be holding a town hall forum in Chicopee on Thursday, August 6 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the Chicopee Public Library Amphitheater (Main Branch) located on 449 Front Street in Chicopee. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Public Library Community Room.

Keeping to his commitment to encourage civic engagement, Governor Deval Patrick has embarked on his second annual town hall-style meeting tour. All are encouraged to come and talk directly with Governor Patrick about issues they care about.

To RSVP, click here: (Note: you will be required to create an account if you do not already have one on aPebble, our online tool for community organizing.)

Hope to see you there.

The Deval Patrick Committee

Email from the Deval Patrick Committee

2009-07-23T19:15:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

This week, the Governor participated in a series of announcements that will help us not only endure this economic downturn, but come out better positioned on the other side.

First, I wanted to be sure you saw this very important development regarding the Assembly Square Mall Project in Somerville. Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation have committed more than $65 million in state and federal funds to move the project forward. This project, part of the Massachusetts Recovery Plan, will create thousands of permanent jobs and drive long-term regional economic growth.

Watch the video of Senator Kerry, Congressman Capuano, Mayor Curtatone, and the Governor, as they announce the funds for the Assembly Square Mall Project.

Massachusetts led the country in job growth in May, and a recent MSNBC and Moody's study concluded that, of the only 23 metro areas in the country that showed a moderation of the recession, two were right here in the Commonwealth. The work of the Governor and the Delegation on projects like the one at Assembly Square is part of the reason why.

Second, be sure to check out the Governor's personal blog post on Blue Mass Group about his launching of the Community Counts initiative in Worcester. Introduced at the end of last month, Communities Count works with areas that have been hit hard by foreclosure and disinvestment during the economic downturn. This particular effort will leverage more than $6 million in federal and state dollars to create jobs and stabilize neighborhoods in the region.

Click here to read more and join the conversation on BMG.

Finally, as a sign of the Governor's and the state's deep commitment to making Massachusetts a global leader in the manufacturing, research and development of clean energy, the Governor attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Vestas Wind Systems. Vestas, one of the world's biggest wind energy companies, is creating a new research center in Hudson, MA.

Click here to read an article on the story in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette:

Patrick helps wind turbine subsidiary start spinning.

These are the kinds of positive efforts occurring across the Commonwealth that will help us not only endure this economic downturn, but come out in a better position on the other side. Please, forward this message to everyone you think might be interested.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Golar Richie
Executive Director
Deval Patrick Committee

Please join me to help food support efforts in South Hadley

2009-07-23T10:59:00.006-04:00

The "Take and Eat" program provides weekend meals for homebound people in our community. Volunteers are welcome for an ecumenical group comprised of people from several churches (or no church) in South Hadley and Granby, for a one-meal-a-month commitment.

For more information, read the post which contains our letter to Rev. Lori Souder RE our support for food support effort in S. Hadley (below).

If you are interested, there will be an organizational meeting on Thursday, July 30th at 7:00 pm at The Center Church in South Hadley, where people will be organized into jobs which suit their abilities and interests.

Click here to read our letter to Rev. Lori Souder RE our support for food support effort in S. Hadley

2009-07-23T10:52:00.007-04:00

Click here > Facts about Hunger in western Massachusetts

2009-07-17T20:30:00.001-04:00

https://share.acrobat.com/adc/document.do?docid=7576d2d2-e4a7-443f-8160-28417400c1ce

Community Garden Now Open In South Hadley!!

2009-07-16T15:30:00.002-04:00

Please see attached flyer advertising GRO South Hadley's Community Garden Project! We are very lucky to have this opportunity to grow fresh vegetables and flowers alongside our neighbors! Gardening plots are limited and are on a first-come-first-served basis, so reserve yours today before they are all gone!! Plots measure 10 feet by 20 feet, and are available for $20.00. For more information email: GRO.SoHadley@gmail.com

Don't forget to forward the attached flyer to other South Hadley residents who may be interested, and feel free to print it out and post it!!

See you in the garden!

Sincerely,
Jessica Levy

------------------------------------------------

GRO South Hadley Announces Opening of Community Garden!!

GRO South Hadley encourages local residents to become involved in this fun and healthy new project by growing their own fresh veggies and flowers in one of the limited number of gardening plots available. Individual plots are 10 feet x 20 feet, and are $20.00, however no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Location: Town Farm, Route 47, South Hadley

To reserve your gardening plot contact Jessica Levy at levyforlabor@gmail.com.

For more information about the
GRO South Hadley Community Garden Project
please visit our website at http://sites.google.com/site/grosohadley/Home,
or contact Larry Dubois or Linda Young at GRO.SouthHadley@gmail.com

JOIN OFA-MA IN EDUCATION AND ACTION ON HEALTHCARE REFORM!

2009-07-15T10:31:00.008-04:00

I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. It will be hard. But I also know that nearly a century after Teddy Roosevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and the conscience of our nation long enough. So let there be no doubt, Healthcare reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year.
-President Barack Obama

JOIN OFA-MA IN EDUCATION AND ACTION ON HEALTHCARE REFORM!

Dear Activist,

If you have been watching the healthcare reform debate and wondering when you should get involved, the time is now! Even here in Massachusetts, there are several key ways you can become active and have an impact in this debate. Organizing for America - Massachusetts (OFA-MA) is focused on EDUCATION and ACTION as we activate volunteers to support President Obama's priorities of meaningful healthcare reform that guarantees affordable healthcare coverage for ALL Americans, and choice that includes a STRONG public option.

EDUCATION
The more knowledge we have about the complex issues involved in national healthcare reform, the more powerful we can be in impacting the debate. OFA-MA has joined with 1199 SEIU, Healthcare for America Now (HCAN) and Doctors for America to provide you with a healthcare reform education opportunity you will not want to miss:

HEALTHCARE REFORM 101 Forum:
Education and Action
Saturday, July 18
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
SEIU 1199, 150 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester 02125
(Next to the Bayside Expo, near the JFK/UMASS Red Line T Stop)

For more info: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpfxmg

Equip yourself with the tools you need -- including an informed perspective -- to actively work for meaningful healthcare reform. Experts, including people who have been involved in the legislative process, will answer questions such as:

What are the different bills being forumulated in Congress? How will they be reconciled? What is the legislative timeline?
What are the options for healthcare reform?
What is the "public option?" Are there different versions of a public option?
Who are the stakeholders and what do they favor/oppose?
How will national healthcare reform be financed?
What can we do now to organize?

Space is limited! Please sign up here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpfxmg

If you have questions, send an e-mail to OFAMA2009@gmail.com.
There is plenty of free parking and the space is handicapped-accessible.

ACTION
During the campaign, you were part of one of the strongest grassroots movements in history. And now we have an opportunity to impact one of the most important debates in our lifetime. The Massachusetts Congressional delegation, especially those who serve on key committees, needs to hear from you. They must know that we strongly support a public option. The more they hear from us, the firmer they will be and the more likely to take leadership.

In the coming weeks, OFA-MA will collect thousands of signatures on petitions and postcards, and work to educate and mobilize around healthcare reform. You can collect signatures and hand out materials at your local supermarket, farmers market or other location, help us recruit volunteers to collect signatures, or join us when we bring signatures to members of the MA Congressional delegation on July 28. To help us make our voices heard through this signature drive, please write to OFAMA2009@gmail.com. We will get you materials and guidelines.

Come to the forum on July 18 to learn more about the issue and the evolving organizing strategy - including the National Healthcare Reform Week of Action, beginning July 20.

Thank you for staying involved,

Organizing for America - Massachusetts (OFA-MA)

For more information about OFA-MA, go to: www.massforchange.com

Beachgrounds Grand Opening - Click here

2009-07-05T21:03:00.004-04:00

See the next to last paragraph: As a taxpayer, you are certainly "part of a group that made a contribution..."!

Good afternoon:

After two long years, the Beachgrounds Renovation Project is almost complete! As a key contributor to the project, you are formally invited to attend our official grand opening event on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The festivities will commence at 12pm with a brief ceremony and tour of the park.

The day will feature a number of activities for kids including various contests, games, bounce houses, the Roaming Railroad, farm animals and concessions. At 8pm, we will show Madagascar 2 on a large outdoor movie screen. The Recreation Commission will be running this event with various volunteers.

In case of inclement weather, please call the cancellation hotline at 538-5005 for a recorded message about the status of the event.

...If you are part of a group that made a contribution, please pass this on to the appropriate parties.

There is no need to RSVP. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Andy Rogers
Recreation Director

We're on FaceBook, too!

2009-06-23T23:13:00.002-04:00

Anyone interested in exploring FaceBook can create a page and come visit the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee page - it would be great to get some conversation going between meetings!

South Hadley Democratic Town Committee on FaceBook

Meet Vice President Biden

2009-06-09T13:38:00.004-04:00

Just got this e-mail and wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity...

Dear Friends,

I have attached an invitation to a special event in Boston on June 23 with Vice President Joe Biden. The DNC/OFA New England Steering Committee is hosting a fundraising reception and dinner at Fenway Park.

While ticket prices for the reception and dinner range from $500-$5,000, a limited number of reception tickets are available at $250. You can purchase tickets through the following link:

https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/boston0623?custom1=sarah+compton

This event is a wonderful opportunity to support Organizing for America. Here in Massachusetts, we are already seeing how powerful this new organizing arm of the DNC will be in supporting President Obama's agenda. Nearly 500 people attended the Organizing for America - Massachusetts ("OFA-MA") Grassroots Organizing Forum on May 16; and, this past weekend, hundreds of volunteers hosted or attended healthcare reform kick-off events throughout Massachusetts (which received media coverage on ABC News and in The Boston Globe). So many of you continue to work with the local Obama groups you formed during the campaign, and because of your work, our OFA-MA organization here is strong and active. OFA is an unprecendented effort, and I hope you will all continue the work we began during the campaign by working with OFA-MA to support President Obama. Our work will be especially important as the fight for healthcare reform begins. Sustaining this incredible grassroots movement is costly--it will take nearly $30 million a year to launch and maintain OFA staff and initiatives in all 50 states, including here in Mass. I hope you can come to the event on June 23. If you cannot attend, please consider making a contribution to the DNC/OFA.

Many thanks,

Sarah Compton

Complimentary tickets to South Hadley "Wine Tasting" fundraiser!

2009-05-27T16:15:00.001-04:00

Bob,

Thanks so much. We look forward to working with members of the committee in the future. We are holding a fundraiser on June 6th, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus Castle in Chicopee. I have ½ dozen tickets which I’d like to donate to members of your committee. - Mary Rice

From Susan Newton

2009-05-27T15:02:00.004-04:00

From: slnewton@comcast.net [mailto:slnewton@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 1:49 PM
To: Bob Judge
Cc: lovethesnow@comcast.net
Subject: Re: Food Pantry meeting update

Hi Bob and Sarah,

...

Two quick things now, though:

1) It's striking the enormous amount of need already documented by members of our group--your discussions, Bob, with the Girls Treatment/RFK director; Norma's conversations with Jesse's House--and the eagerness of local groups for our help. The needs in South Hadley are virtually invisible compared to many of our neighbor communities, or at least they are to me. Our subcommittee and the DTC as a whole clearly have their work cut out for them.

2) We shouldn't forget the skill set of SH DTC members when thinking about how we can best serve. In addition to "normal" volunteer activities, some of us have high tech skills (both of you, for example) that could come in handy; for lack of a better descriptor, I'm now a professional grantwriter, so may be of some help to nonprofits in that way; some members have marketing expertise that could help nonprofits extend their services; etc. So in the case of some groups, we should be prepared to think outside the box about how to match our potential contributions to specific volunteer opportunities, and may need to suggest those directly to the groups we end up helping. This might also pull in more volunteers from the DTC, especially those who aren't good at, or aren't comfortable with, direct service provision.

All best,
Susan

Community Forums to Address the Budget Crisis

2009-05-12T12:08:00.005-04:00

Message -----

From: Corinne Wingard

Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 10:53 AM

Hi Everyone!

The Governor has scheduled 36 Community Forums around the State with himself, the Lt. Governor, and Cabinet Secretaries about the Budget. The purpose is to provide an opportunity to educate our fellow citizens about what is at stake in the budget crisis and let their voices be heard.

State Legislators have been invited to attend and to speak at the hearings.

In Western Mass Forums are scheduled:

Today, Tues, May 12th, at 6:30 p.m. with Commissioner Sullivan at Westfield State College, Administration Building, Garden Level Room.

Today, Tues., May 12th at 5:30 p.m. with Registrar Kaprielian at City Hall Council Chambers, 70 Allen St., in Pittsfield.

Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30, Municipal Offices, 8 Conway St.,in Deerfield with Registrar Kaprielian.

Thursday, May 14th, at 5:00 p.m. at STCC in Springfield with Secretary Bowles.

Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire House, 411 Main St. in Monterey with Secretary Kirwan.

Thursday, May 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the Brimfield Elementary School, 22 Wales Rd., in Brimfield with Secretary Bowles.

Friday, May 15th at 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 31 North St. in Williamstown with Secretary Bump.

Tuesday, May 19th, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave., in Amherst with Secretary Biialecki.

The Governor himself will not be in Western Mass on this round of Forums, however has been here so much of late that the Boston Globe today in an article about his schedule complained that the Governor is spending too much time in Western Mass!

Please attend a Community Forum if you possibly can, and equally importantly, invite folks you know to be there. I'll be at the Forum in Springfield, and hope to see some of you there!

Thanks!

Corinne Wingard
Western Mass Co-Coordinator
Deval Patrick Committee

Draft text of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform

2009-05-03T13:39:00.003-04:00

The draft text of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform is now available online (cut and paste the following into your browser):

http://massdems.org/docs/Platform%20(FFV).pdf

Delegates will vote the platform up or down or make amendments at the state party convention on June 6.

IMPORTANT MASS. OBAMA EVENT INFO/REGISTRATION!

2009-05-01T15:27:00.001-04:00

From: sarah compton

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009 10:54 AM

Hi everyone,

You can now register for the Organizing for America - Massachusetts (OFAMA) Grassroots Organizing Forum! The event is Saturday, May 16,

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at SEIU, 150 Mt. Vernon St., Boston (near the JFK/UMASS T Stop on the Red Line; there is also plenty of free parking!)

More details on the attached, printable flyer.

Sign up now at:

http://tinyurl.com/MeetOFAMA

Mitch Stewart, National Director of OFA, will join us, along with some great speakers and panelists. You will have the opportunity to become involved in significant initiatives to support President Obama's agenda, AND the event is part of a national "Listening Tour" so you can share your ideas about OFAMA directly with national staff. You can network and begin working with others from your region. The details of the evnt are below--THERE IS GREAT INTEREST IN THIS EVENT--PLEASE REGISTER NOW!

You can show your support for OFA and this exciting event and help defray costs by contributing here: https://www.democrats.orgpage/contribute/OFAMay16

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CAN YOU HELP AT THE EVENT, OR COMMIT TO SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT MAY 16? Let us know! OFAMA2009@gmail.com

PLEASE JOIN US ON MAY 16! This is the event you have been waiting for!

Click here for Center Church Car Wash, Bake Sale and Food Drive - Saturday May 16, 1-4 pm

2009-05-01T14:14:00.001-04:00

Letter from Governor Patrick On Vetoing the Sales Tax

2009-04-30T15:53:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

This morning, I sent a letter to all of the members of the legislature regarding the debate about raising the sales tax. The letter, which follows, details my position that without final and satisfactory action on the several reform proposals before the legislature, I cannot support a sales tax increase and will veto it if it comes to my desk.

I ask that you forward this email to all of your friends, family, and colleagues so that they too can be informed of this very important issue facing our state.

Sincerely,

April 27, 2009

Massachusetts Senate
Massachusetts House of Representatives
State House
Boston, MA 02113

Dear Member:

This afternoon, as the House considers its budget proposal for FY10, members will be asked to consider an increase in the sales tax. Without final and satisfactory action on the several reform proposals before you, I cannot support a sales tax increase and will veto it if it comes to my desk.

I appreciate the need to raise additional revenue for essential services, and have proposed a number of targeted measures and reforms to help meet the need. Our proposals were thoughtful, data-driven and specific, and, in the case of the gas tax in particular, would create jobs and support economic growth. I have deep reservations about imposing a higher sales tax on people during these difficult economic times, especially at the risk of costing the Commonwealth jobs and at a time when we can least afford that trade-off. Doing so without meaningful results on the reform agenda is unacceptable.

Before we consider any broad-based tax increase, we must first regain the public's confidence in government's ability to steward public funds wisely. That's what our reform agenda is about. On that front, we have unfinished work.

The transportation reform bill is now in conference. Real transportation reform requires simplicity, accountability, regional equity and true cost savings. We are not there yet. As I have said repeatedly, without real reforms, I will not support new transportation revenue. Without new revenue, we will unfortunately be forced to rely on toll hikes and MBTA fair increases and service cuts to meet our transportation responsibilities.

Pension reform is now also in conference. We must end the abuses and loopholes that justifiably outrage the general public and embarrass everyone in state government. A final bill that applies only to people not yet on the public payroll does not meet that test.

The Senate has taken no action at all yet on our ethics reform measures. Several municipal reforms, including (but not limited to) an easier path into the cost-saving GIC for municipal employees and elimination of the telecom exemption, still await action, leaving unchanged the pressure on local property taxes. Our proposals to end sales tax exemptions on alcohol, soda and candy to fund public health and wellness programs have not moved. The failure to take up these latter issues has caused us to have to make deeper cuts in local aid and other programs in the current fiscal year.

Crafting this year's budget is more challenging than any other in decades. As you consider the task before us in the coming weeks, be mindful that the times demand that we think and act differently than we have in the past. Together we must make the hard decisions that will deliver meaningful reform in transportation, pensions, ethics and municipal finance now. We must also reach agreement on how to dedicate any new revenue to specific unmet needs in education, health care, human services, transportation, public safety, local aid, and a worsening revenue gap for 2010.

We owe it to the people of Massachusetts to use this opportunity to change the way we approach these problems, and to work together on a more comprehensive solution that will provide the revenue we need while delivering real reforms and real change in the way we do the people's business. Without this, I will veto a sales tax increase if it comes to my desk.

I look forward to working with you to bring about this change.

Respectfully,

South Hadley Comprehensive Plan Community Gathering

2009-04-29T09:28:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday, April 29, at 7:15 p.m. in the South Hadley Town Hall Auditorium, the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) will hold a Community Gathering to solicit community input on the final four chapters of the Comprehensive Plan: Community Design & Land Use, Historic & Cultural Resources, Natural Resources, and Recreation & Open Space. Please go to the following URL for additional information about CPAC's work: http://www.vhb.com/southhadley/default.asp

Community Service at Buttery Brook Park

2009-04-23T13:19:00.006-04:00

For Committee members interested in community service, volunteers are needed for the annual Buttery Brook Park clean-up this Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (in the event of rain, the clean-up will be held on Sunday, April 26).

For information about the park or contacts, please go to the following URL:

http://butterybrookpark.org/

Please give me your comments about this blog!

2009-04-22T21:15:00.003-04:00

Hello:

Welcome! If you got this far, you have been able to join the blog. Please look around at the blog and give me your suggestions. Feel free to make a comment here, directly to this post, by clicking on "Comments" below.

- Bob Judge

SH DTC meeting reminder Weds. 4/22

2009-04-20T07:58:00.006-04:00

-----------------------------------
From: Sarah Etelman
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 10:58 PM
To: Sarah Etelman
Subject: SH DTC meeting reminder Weds. 4/22

Hi all,

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:00. We'll be in the conference room of the South Hadley police station again, so make sure your parking tickets are paid up! (just kidding)

Anyone who is not yet a member of the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee who would like to become a member is invited to attend a meeting and be voted in. Really, we're a pretty cool group, and so far no registered Democrat has been refused, so come on in!

This month's meeting will spend some time continuing the conversation about community involvement, so come with ideas and thoughts on the subject (or if you think it's something we shouldn't be doing, we want to hear about that, too).

See you Wednesday,
Sarah

"ONE Massachusetts"

2009-04-17T13:21:00.001-04:00

ONE Mass Banner
ONE Massachusetts
Virtual Rally : Support Our State!!
April 20-27th, 2009

Dear Robert,

We are excited to announce the official launch of the Virtual Rally to Support Our State!!

Support Massachusetts With Balanced, Adequate RevenuesAs an important member of our network, you know that our state has worked for decades to build a system of public structures that keep our communities safe and healthy, educate our children, "and draw businesses to our state.

Now, in an effort to avoid raising state taxes, the House Ways and Means Committee has proposed to dramatically cut those public structures in a time when we all rely on them more than ever.

All this week, our legislators will be considering amendments to our budget. Debate starts on April 27th. Now is the time to talk to your legislators!!

PARTICIPATE IN THE VIRTUAL RALLY!!

1. Contact your legislators - in the House and in the Senate. Tell them that you support an adequate, balanced tax package that both addresses our structural deficit and stabilizes the public programs that we depend on!

Customize your message by telling your legislators why restoring these public programs is important to your local community!

2. Pass this on to your personal and professional networks via Facebook, to mailing list, or in person - and recruit five of your friends and neighbors to do the same.

3. Let us know how it went! Once you've called each of your legislators, Twitter about it with the tag: #MassRevenues

HAVE QUESTIONS?

* Don't know who your legislators are?
Visit: http://www.wheredoivotema.com

* Want to see a preliminary analysis of our state budget?
Visit: http://www.massbudget.org/

* Other questions?
Contact us: info@onemassachusetts.org

ONCE YOU HAVE CALLED YOUR LEGISLATORS AND RECRUITED FIVE FRIENDS, JOIN THESE EVENTS...
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd

10:00am Press Conference - Boston Community Organizations

* When: Wednesday, April 22nd at 10:00am
* Where: In front of the State House
* Contact Person: Yawu Miller, ONE Massachusetts (617) 821-8552

5:30pm Regional Tax Revenue Organizing Meeting in Western Massachusetts

* When: Wednesday, April 22 at 4:30 pm
* Where: Governor State Office Building 436 Dwight St, Ste 300. Springfield, MA

THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd

10:30am Regional Tax Revenue Organizing Meeting in Central Massachusetts

* When: Thursday, April 23rd at 10:30am
* Where: 484 Main St. Suite 350 Worcester, MA

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th

4:00pm Local Option Taxes, Telecom Tax Meeting With Metro West Legislators

* Host: Metropolitan Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH)
* When: Sunday, April 26 at 4:00pm
* Where: St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly Street (Route 135) in Framingham
* Contact: Michael Brown (617) 645-0226

MONDAY, APRIL 27th - HEAD TO BEACON HILL!

12:00pm - Rally - Invest in Our Future: Stop Budget Cuts!

* What: Event & Lobby Day
* When: Monday, April 27th 12:00-1:00pm
* Where: State House Room 437
* For More Information:
o Harris Gruman, SEIU State Council 617-316-0443
o Carl Nilsson, Neighbor to Neighbor 617-470-5664

1:00pm - Debate on the Budget Begins

ONE Mass logoWant More Information on ONE Massachusetts?
Please check out our new website: http://onemassachusetts.org/
Get connected with other individuals and organizations, get assistance on your upcoming advocacy materials (both general and media), and find the latest news, information, and events affecting the health of our communities!

DTC meeting April 22nd at 7:00 PM

2009-03-20T14:21:00.004-04:00

Our next meeting will be on April 22nd at 7:00 PM at the South Hadley Police Station.

While the agenda is far from being set at this point, our summer/fall fundraiser will likely be on the agenda. All hands will be needed, so if you haven't been to a meeting in a little while, this is a good time to jump back in!

Looking forward to seeing you,
Sarah

2009-03-07T19:26:00.003-05:00

This was sent to me by Dave Sullivan of Easthampton. If you click on the image, it will display larger so you can actually read what it says. ;-)

Organizing for America meeting - South Hadley - March 21, 2-4 pm at the Thirsty Mind

2009-03-04T19:37:00.006-05:00

The Details
Organizing for America--South Hadley (Meeting)
In this second organizing meeting on March 21,2009, open to residents of all towns and cities in Western Mass., of all political persuasions, we will continue our discussion of the economic stimulus package and ideas for local organizing and service projects.

Questions? call Joanna Brown at 413-885-3210 (Please leave your name and number, and how late you can be called in the evening)
Time: Saturday, March 21 from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Host: Joanna Brown
Contact Phone: 413-885-3210
Location:
Thirsty Mind Cafe (South Hadley, MA)
23 College Street (Rte 116)
Diagonally across from Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA 01075

FOR MORE DETAILS, CLICK ON THE LINK ON THE POST TO THE RIGHT.

2 Hearings in Western Mass March 3 and 4 on Transportation in the Commonwealth: All are Welcome!

2009-02-23T21:44:00.002-05:00

I'm forwarding this to all SH DTC members and Democratic friends who might be interested in attending either or both of these meetings.

The more I read and hear about the gas tax, the more I believe it's something we need to do/support. I am going to try to attend the meeting on Wednesday - if you're interested in joining, let me know!

Sarah

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael F. Wilcox & Corinne M. Wingard on behalf of the Deval Patrick Committee
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 4:35 PM
Subject: 2 Hearings in Western Mass March 3 and 4 on Transportation in the Commonwealth: All are Welcome!

Dear fellow supporters of reform in America:

* Governor Patrick will appear at a hearing in Springfield on Wednesday (March 4, at 4 PM) in support of his transportation reform legislation.
* Please come to the hearing to show your support, if your leanings are that way, to learn more if you haven't yet made up your mind, and to voice your suggestions if you have ideas to share.
* There will be an additional informational meeting the day before (March 3, at 3 PM) with Transportation Secretary Aloisi, at the Western Mass office of the Governor.
* Details on these two meetings follow.

If you're wondering why you were selected to receive this email, please see the explanation at the bottom* of this note. Meanwhile, we hope that you will be interested, as we suspect you are, in moving Massachusetts forward, in harmony with the work now being done at the federal level.

Governor Patrick has recently introduced legislation designed to bring significant reform to our transportation system within the state, resulting in operating efficiencies, coordinated planning, and long-overdue repairs and improvements to our physical infrastructure.

There are two hearings scheduled in the Pioneer Valley this week (click on the bolded links below to obtain additional background information):

* Tuesday, March 3, at 3 PM in the Governor's Western Massachusetts office in Springfield [the office is located in the State Office Building at 436 Dwight Street in Springfield, and the phone number is: (413) 784-1200], at which Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr. will be answering questions from concerned citizens.
* Wednesday, March 4, at 4 PM at STCC in Springfield [Armory Square, enter from Federal Street, off of State Street -- click the link for more specific directions], where the Governor will be testifying at a legislative hearing, and will be available to answer questions and take suggestions and comments from constituents.

Everyone is welcome to attend either or both of these hearings.

The administration has set up a special webpage to provide detailed information about the Governor's proposals, at http://youmovemassachusetts.org/

You can also get additional commentary and links to further information at two other webpages:

* A message from Tim Murray on the reform package, and
* A letter from Charlotte Golar Richie, Executive Director of the Deval Patrick Committee, including a link to a Globe op-ed piece supporting the package.

So far, most of the (sometimes heated) discussion here in Western Mass has centered around whether the proposed increase in the gasoline tax is "fair" to our region. What has been missing from the discussion is a needed, and corresponding, consideration of what the benefits to the region will be. The Governor will address these concerns, and make specific points about how our area will benefit. Among these points are that we will finally be addressing, in a serious way, the backlog of projects that have been put on hold ("deferred maintenance") for the past 20 years. This work cannot be done without additional revenue. Other points include (and there are many besides these):

* since the last increase in the gas tax, 17 years ago, inflation has eaten away a third of its value, so less money (in real terms) is now available to spend on transportation projects, at the very time when the need is greatest
* the reforms are not just about reorganizing reporting relationships, and coordinating planning, as vital as those are: it also includes cost-savings changes in the pension system and other measures designed to introduce more efficiency
* the plan includes an unprecedented level of spending on projects outside of the Boston metropolitan area; each region of the state will get at least 3/4 of what it contributes to the transportation fund each year, and more in other years, depending on where the need is greatest (similar to the way Chapter 70 money is shifted from wealthier communities to localities where the need is greater)
* Regional Transportation Authorities (RTAs) will receive a multiple of the level of funding they have gotten in the past -- this will be a huge help in Western Mass
* we should all keep in mind that even money spent on improving transportation links in Greater Boston will indirectly assist those of us in the rest of the state -- the more people who can easily and cheaply get to jobs in Metro Boston will generate wages, and, therefore, taxes that go to all of the state's programs, not just transportation, and the expansion of these programs will benefit the entire state, not just the Boston area

The Governor, as always, welcomes suggestions and alternative solutions. Those who know him realize that he listens to all sides of an argument before making a final decision, and he is willing to take good ideas from any source. What will not be helpful are complaints that are not accompanied by alternative solutions. In that spirit, please come to the hearings to show your support, if your leanings are that way, to learn if you haven't yet made up your mind, and to voice your suggestions if you have ideas to share.

We hope to see you at one or both hearings!

Michael F. Wilcox
Corinne M. Wingard
Co-coordinators for Western Mass, Deval Patrick Committee

* This email is going to a wide list of people, many of whom worked on Governor Patrick's campaign in 2005 and 2006, and helped bring true change to the Corner Office at the State House.

Many others of you have joined our cause, or other related civic-minded activities, since the Governor was elected.

Yet others may be new to politics, having signed up to work on the Barack Obama campaign.

To all of you, we would like to point out the common thread between supporting Governor Patrick and President Obama (gosh, those both still sound so good!).

First, as you may know, the two men are very close personal friends. Also, they share a political advisor who has helped them shape and articulate their common philosophy: David Axelrod (whom, it must be obvious to all, is a genius!). These things are not coincidences, but arise from the fact that both of these leaders share a common vision and philosophy of government. To those of us who worked on both campaigns, we heard echoes of each in the other. In fact, at one point, Obama was accused of "stealing" Patrick's words (on words). What nonsense!

Here is a quotation, for example, from one of Deval's campaign speeches:

... when people say, 'government is bad' let's say 'wait a minute! government is us! it's us!' and so we ought to want that to be smart and effective and efficient and pragmatic and compassionate, because that is the best of who we are and what we have. And if this is the kind of government that you can get behind, that is the kind of government I am ready to lead, and I hope I can have your support.

And here's another, which, if you changed "Massachusetts" to "the United States" and "Governor" to "President" might very well have come out of Barack Obama's mouth:

The Politics of Hope

I believe that an enlightened government has a role to play in helping to make all of our lives better. I believe that each us has a stake in our neighbor’s dreams and struggles as well as our own. I believe in the American Dream, and want to work to put it within reach of more people here in Massachusetts.

That’s the politics of hope. That’s what I bring to this campaign and what I will bring to the office of Governor of Massachusetts. I welcome your support and your participation.

Our point is that it is entirely consistent, even necessary, and certainly to our benefit, to support both our Governor and our President, as they work closely together to bring about the real change that this state and this country so desperately needs.

We hope you will join with us on this exciting adventure, and we look forward to informing you of future opportunities to participate.

--

Pioneer Valley Climate Coalition

2009-02-23T11:22:00.001-05:00

From: Climate Leadership Workshop [mailto:workshop@pvclimate.org]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 9:23 PM
To: shrecycle@comcast.net
Subject: Pioneer Valley Climate Coalition

Hi Veronique,
I helped start the Sunderland Energy Committee several years ago and am now working more specifically on climate change issues. I am creating a website listing local groups working on climate issues and would like to list your group in South Hadley. We would like to highlight the many local efforts and collaborate where there's interest. You can see the website at http://pvclimate.org. If you are willing to be listed, could you send me your organizations name and contact person (if not you) or website. Also, I want to let you know about our upcoming workshop on climate change (see below).

Thank you,
Carl Todd

CLIMATE LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
Sunday, April 19, 2009
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
McConnell 103, Smith College
Northampton, MA

Co-sponsored by the Sustainability Institute, Smith College Office of Sustainability, Smith College Committee on Sustainability, and the Smith College Center for the Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainability, Environmental Taskforce of Hampshire Interfaith Council, Clean Water Action, Mass Climate Action Network and the Center for Ecological Technology

Scientific research suggests very alarming climate changes, and that we are nearing "tipping points". Paleoclimatic records suggest that we need to take strong, immediate action. How do we effectively communicate the climate challenge, mobilize stronger action by more people, and help our communities make the transition to safe, clean, renewable energy?

At this workshop you will receive training, background information, and electronic access to a Sustainability Institute PowerPoint presentation that you can use as you wish. The resources and the training have been developed to help community leaders:
* Describe the latest climate science and what it means for our lives and the world.
* Summarize criteria for solutions that can sustain human civilization and earth's ecosystems.
* Identify common emotions and reactions people have to the science, and share experience on how to respond effectively.
* Engage more people in education and action.

We'll discuss approaches and strategies for reaching different populations. You'll receive updates on advocacy and action campaigns from the MA Climate Action Network.

Presenters:
o Philip Rice, Ph.D., directs Our Climate Ourselves program at Sustainability Institute (www.sustainer.org).
o Tina Clarke, Consultant, Sustainability Institute. Previous Campaign Director for Clean Water Action, certified Transition Towns Trainer (www.transitiontowns.org).

RSVP: Help us ensure enough refreshments and materials. If possible, please RSVP by sending an e-mail to workshop@pvclimate.org with your name and email. Or, go to http://pvclimate.org. Requested donation is $15 but all are welcome, regardless of what you can afford (Free to Smith College faculty, students & staff). If questions, please contact Tina at tina@pvclimate.org, 413-863-5253.

Join us at Johnny's on February 21!

2009-02-19T11:53:00.002-05:00

From: Joanna Brown
To: Bob Judge
Sent: Sunday, February 8, 2009 9:34:30 PM

Joanna Brown wants to be your friend on the My.BarackObama.com network! Go to the URL below to accept the invitation.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/socialnet/mynetwork

A personal note from Joanna Brown:

Dear Bob,

I have just posted an organizing meeting for South Hadley for Organizing for America. It will be on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 2:30-3:30 at Johnny's Bar and Grill. This is a discussion to share what we want to see for economic recovery, both nationally and here in this area, and to talk about what we want to do next.
I hope you can join this gathering (look it up by date Feb 21 or South Hadley organizing meeting).

Joanna Brown

February 26 Know Your Town Meeting to discuss the town budget

2009-02-15T14:38:00.001-05:00

From: "drllyoung@comcast.net"
To: JULIANNE ROBERTS
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 12:35:34 PM
Subject: Re: Feb. 26 program

Know Your Town's next program will be on Thursday, February 26 at 7 p.m. in the high school library. The timely topic will be an update on South Hadley's budget and what is being proposed for the 2010 budget which begins on July 1, 2009. Will taxes need to be raised, services reduced or eliminated and positions cut? Guest speakers will be Town Administrator, Barry DelCasilho, Gus Sayer, School Superintendent and Tom Terry, Chair of the Appropriations Committee. What are your priorities? Come share your views with those that will be proposing decisions at the May 9th Town Meeting.
Please plan to attend and bring your friends and neighbors. If you can provide a bake good for the refreshment table, that would be helpful!

Link to register for June convention

2009-02-14T11:56:00.002-05:00

Bob,

There's a well-hidden link (right under the Caucus 2009 link) on that page that takes you here:

Pay Your Delegate Fee Online
http://www.massdems.org/caucus/delpay2009.cfm

Sarah

----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Judge
To: 'Sarah Etelman'
Cc: 'Robert Judge'
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2009 5:03 PM
Subject: Register for convention?

Sarah:

I’m looking at http://www.massdems.org/caucus/caucus09.cfm but I don’t see how to register!

Town Democrats Elect Convention Delegates

2009-02-13T11:42:00.002-05:00

For the full story, click on the link to the right!

National Day of Service Can Drive Results

2009-01-21T16:24:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Happy January 21st - what a week we're having! Yesterday's events brought me to tears of joy many times, and reminded me what we can achieve when we all work together. Congratulations to all of us, and to our new President!

And then today, we took two carloads of canned and boxed food items to The Food Bank. They helped us unload the boxes and bags of food, and put everything in this huge crate to brought into the warehouse. All in all, our collected donations came to 539 pounds! Talk about an achievement!

Thank you to everyone who participated in President Obama's National Day of Service - my heart is full. Below is the press release the Odyssey is sending out to the local media.

I hope to see many of you at tonight's South Hadley Democratic Town Committee meeting at the South Hadley Library at 7:00 PM - we have several seats available for new members!

Best wishes,
Sarah

The Odyssey Bookshop

9 College Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075

www.odysseybks.com

January 21, 2009 . Press Release . For immediate Release

South Hadley Residents Donate to The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

The Odyssey Bookshop has acknowledged the generosity of the people of South Hadley, who answered President Obama's National Day of Service by donating food items to The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Donations were made at a collection box, which was set up at the Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley's locally-owned, independent bookstore, for the week spanning January 12-19. Donations amounted to 539 pounds of canned and boxed foods.

"In these tough economic times, it's heartwarming to see neighbors coming together to help each other. The contributions were greatly appreciated," says Sarah Etelman, part-time Odyssey Bookshop employee and host of the event.

For more information on the food drive, please contact Sarah Etelman at setel...@gmail.com or Emily Russo Murtagh at odysseyn...@aol.com.

South Hadley Selectboard votes to oppose Question One

2008-10-23T14:21:00.002-04:00

At its October 21 meeting, the South Hadley Selectboard voted to oppose Question One.

Board divided on Question 1 recommendation

2008-10-21T15:54:00.002-04:00

Board divided on Question 1 recommendation
By STEPHEN C. HILL
Staff Writer

Saturday, October 25, 2008
While no members of the Board of Selectmen expressed support for the Nov. 4
ballot Question 1, which seeks to eliminate the state income tax, the board
was split when it came time to take a stand on the issue.

The board voted three to two to express its opposition to Question 1, with
Chairwoman Carlene Hamlin and Greg Sheehan dissenting.

Hamlin said the board has in the past refrained from voting on ballot
questions and would be setting a precedent or policy if a vote were taken on
this measure. Selectman John Hine said taking a position on ballot questions
can be done on a case by case basis and Robert Judge and Marilyn Ishler
spoke against Question 1.

"I think at this time it's important for the community to know we've looked
into this and that we think it would be bad for the community," said Ishler.
"The cuts are going to be so great that it will do damage to our town."

Judge said the hard numbers are unknown but a significant reduction in the
town's assistance from the state should be expected if the question passes
and it "would be terrible for the town of South Hadley."
###

Why does NJ Heim of S. Hadley oppose Question 1?

2008-10-16T14:01:00.002-04:00

I sincerely hope people see the multitude of problems ballot question one (1) could cause, if people vote yes.

I lived in California when a similar choice was on the ballot. People voted for it, and it went through. As a result, libraries were only open 1/2 day per week, access to parks was closed because they could not be maintained, and a plethora of other services simply went away - until it could be put back on the ballot, and people could vote to reinstate those services (and be taxed for them, of course). Anyone who thinks municipalities tax individuals so they can have a budget surplus must be from another planet... tax money supports services everyone uses, whether they realize it or not.
-NJ Heim

Why would people vote no on this question

2008-10-14T12:09:00.002-04:00

I am voting no because it would affect our schools, our libraries, and all the services your town now provides, not to mention your property taxes.

Bill Foley says "No" to Question One

2008-10-14T11:32:00.003-04:00

Please think of the options before voting on this question. Without a state income tax the burden will fall on the homeowner. I strongly support the "VOTE NO" campaign.

Scary to Imagine Question One Winning

2008-10-13T21:51:00.002-04:00

I am firmly against Question One for so many reasons: it would adversely affect budgets of social service programs, schools, libraries, public works, services for the elderly and so much more. I've heard that across the state the vote may be very close on this issue, so it's important that everyone comes out to vote against Question One on Nov. 4.

South Hadley No on 1 Coalition meeting notes

2008-09-07T08:04:00.002-04:00

South Hadley No on 1 Coalition Meeting
September 3, 2008

Sarah’s Notes

In attendance: Marion Canning, Jim Canning, Ann Eaton, France Abrams, Robert Abrams, Gary Steigerwalt, Kate Bedard, Bill Foley, Win Lavallee, Peg Lavallee, Robert Salthouse, Bobbie Salthouse, John Scibak, Bob Judge, Brenda Mathieu, Ellen Cohen-Mehlhorn, Skip Jodoin, Margaret Jodoin, Michael Rosner, Donald Marshall, Beth Reidel, Nate Therien, Susan Newton, Sarah Etelman, Pam Schwartz

• If this question passes, 40% of the state budget would be eliminated, and would go into effect January 1, 2009
• There was a similar question on the ballot 6 years ago, and it got 45% of the vote
• The average “back in pocket” would be $3,700
• Voters will be ID’ed with the “vote no pledge card”
o Name and street address are needed
o We’ll build a pipeline to drop off and gather the cards
o Can go online and fill out the pledge cards or fill out paper cards
• Kickoff meetings/public moments will be happening:
o 9/16: Amherst/UMass @ noon
o 9/17: Northampton @ 5:30 PM
o 9/18: Pittsfield
o 9/23: Springfield @ 5:30 PM
o 9/25: Greenfield
• In October, focus will be on phone banks, canvassing, visibilities (sign holding)
• The “yes” vote is being sponsored by Carla Howell, a Libertarian

In South Hadley:

• Columbus Day point person: Kate Bedard
• PTO point person: John Scibak (see below for update)
• Council on Aging/Newton Manor/Loomis Village point person: (TBD – Win Lavallee to contact Linda Young)
• Fire Districts point person: Kate Bedard
• Police point person: Bob Judge (will wait for contact from police first)
• Cable access/channel 15 point person: (TBD – Ann Eaton to contact Connie Clancy)
• Election Day sign-holding coordinator: Gary Steigerwalt
• Lawn sign coordinator: John Scibak
• Data entry: Ann Eaton
• South Hadley general coordination: Sarah Etelman
• Regional coordination: Pam Schwartz

Don’t forget to post at http://southhadleyagainstquestionone.blogspot.com/

Update from John Scibak re: PTOs

The first Open Houses are 9/10, 9/11, 9/17, 9/18, and 9/24
Gus (school superintendant) has agreed to us having a table in the lobby to hand out fact sheets/pledge cards to the parents and teachers (about 700 students at the middle school, and about 80% parent turnout is expected)

Karen Walsh Pio says "No" to Question One

2008-09-05T21:33:00.002-04:00

I am a believer that you get what you pay for. The income tax funds much-needed services to cities and towns in Massachusetts and I think it would be both short-sighted and foolhardy to eliminate it. Massachusetts offers its citizens wonderful communities in which to live, raise children, and grow old. Our quality of life is excellent but it doesn't come for free. I hope people take a moment to think about everything they would lose in basic community support and safety, education and town services. There just wouldn't be any money~ 40% of the Commonwealth's budget would be gone. I'm voting against it.

Karen Walsh Pio

Why Judy Van Handle will vote "No" on Question One

2008-09-05T21:31:00.002-04:00

We have so much to be grateful for as Massachusetts residents -- a wonderful mix of the mountains and the ocean, terrific private and public schools, one of the world's cutting-edge centers of medical research and a legislature and governor that have stood up and ensured equality for all of its residents. Thus, it would be foolhardy for anyone to vote in favor of eliminating the state income tax. Of all our taxes, the state tax is the least onerous and most beneficial. I can only shudder to think what would happen if it were abolished. Talk to any New Hampshire resident about their astronomic property taxes. Does anyone really think that would not happen here, with similar dire results? By voting no on Question One, you would be making sure that our state -- and municipalities -- would continue to receive the money needed to maintain services. Why tamper with a proven formula? Make sure Massachusetts remains the best state in the nation by voting no on Question One.

Suzanne Cordes of S. Hadley will vote NO on Question #1

2008-09-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

Hi Bob-

I will DEFINITELY being voting NO on Question #1 - without a doubt! I cannot be there on Sept. 3rd but I will get the word out to friends. Thanks for keeping me informed.

Suzanne

Linda Young of South Hadley will vote against Question One

2008-09-02T12:48:00.002-04:00

"I am opposed to eliminating the state income tax." - Linda Young, S. Hadley

The Rev. Lori Souder of S. Hadley opposes Question One

2008-09-01T01:15:00.002-04:00

I agree how it's a more than a lousy idea---would place us all into a tailspin...my thoughts are with you... This makes me think of AZ, how Sun City does not have any schools or youth...or school tax...MA would become a larger Sun City with senior citizens traveling around in golf carts. Thanks for notifying me friends. Lori

Please join us on September 3 at 5:30 at the Egg & I!

2008-08-30T17:00:00.002-04:00

From: Sarah Etelman [mailto:setelman@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 10:23 PM
To: Sarah Etelman
Subject: Vote No on Question 1 informational/organizing meeting

Save the date!

When: Wednesday, September 3, 5:30 PM
What: An organizing/informational meeting about the Vote No on Question One
Where: The Egg & I restaurant, 26 Main Street, South Hadley

Eliminating the state income tax will take about $12.7 billion, or about 40% of the state's budget. This will have a devastating effect on many of the things we think of as basic necessities. For some of those details, please visit http://votenoquestion1.com/.

We'll get more information out soon, but in the meantime, please mark your calendars to join your friends and neighbors (and please feel free to bring friends and neighbors with you as well!) at this important meeting.

There will be good, inexpensive food and drink available at the Egg & I for anyone who wishes to have dinner or snacks while we're there.

See you on the 3rd!

Sarah Etelman

Message sent to:
South Hadley DTC
PDM South Hadley/Holyoke/Hadley

Coordinator Role	Responsibilities	Volunteer
Overall Coordinator	Program Oversight Contact for Take and Eat Coordinate the Coordinators Training of volunteers Communication	*Charlotte Buijnarowski*
Kitchen Certification Head Cook	Board of Health regulations Plan the menus Work with Shopping Coordinator, Kitchen Staff Coordinator Direct the food preparation	Cathy Irish Center Congregational Church *BACKUP COOKS NEEDED*
Treasurer	Food Bank application Collect and mange money	Allan Patriquin Center Congregational Church
Shopping Coordinator	Work with Head Cook Maintain shopping list monthly Coordinate shoppers monthly	*OPEN*
Kitchen Staff Coordinator	Confirm kitchen staff monthly Work with Head Cook Coordinate food prep and cleanup	*OPEN*
Baking Coordinator	Confirm bakers monthly Provide info on what to bake Provide packaging materials Coordinate pick-up / delivery	Bev Pead United Methodist Church
Packaging Coordinator	Manage inventory of materials Coordinate packers monthly	Bobbie Ayers Center Congregational Church
Driving Coordinator	Manage CORI applications Train drivers on procedures Maintain route list Confirm drivers monthly	Bob Judge Center Congregational Church
Cards Coordinator	Develop Card Template Update monthly with menu Coordinate greetings monthly (from children, etc.)	Sarah Smith Center Congregational Church