Community Journal

More than a 150 walk to school

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Walking to school became the "in thing" on Wednesday, May 7, in Ashburnham as more than 150 students walked to school with more than 45 of their teachers, parents, grandparents and other adults. The students walked from one of two locations in town. both having police escorts along the narrow and mostly sidewalk-less routes.

Hitting it hard

05/09/2008

Oakmont Spartan softball player Caitlin Morse comes around on a pitch as she takes her turn at the plate. The softball team is one of the many teams that in the heart of their spring season. For more sports coverage turn to pages 8 and 9.

Voters send four items to the ballot

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Voters passed the Ashburnham's operating budget without the addition of a paramedic/firefighter, but with the money to pay the town's portion of the school district's debt service, and sent four articles to the ballot box for this June.

Westminster voters say keep old town hall

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

The majority of residents at the Westminster Town Meeting voted to preserve the old Town Hall after a nearly 30-minute debate. The Selectmen had put an article on the warrant asking voters to approve the demolition of the building.

Town gets paid back taxes from lawsuit settlement

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Ashburnham was the only one of a number of major creditors that were paid in a settlement of a bankruptcy case by the Church With The Good News, Inc. The town was paid $55,103.43 in attorney's fees and back taxes in the case that was settled on April 28, according to Interim Town Administrator Paul Boushell. The town had been seeking back taxes for the years 2001 to 2008.

Benefit Day to honor Jordyan Taylor Kalagher

05/09/2008

The Jordyn Taylor Kalagher Scholarship Fund Benefit Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Oakmont Regional High School, 9 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham. Kalagher was a 16-year-old junior at Oakmont who lost her life this past December from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Selectmen focus on budget issues after town meeting

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

The budget and future meetings dominated the discussion during the Ashburnham Selectmen's meeting on Monday, May 5, as the board met for the first time after town meeting.

More than a 150 walk to school

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Hitting it hard

05/09/2008

Voters send four items to the ballot

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Westminster voters say keep old town hall

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Senior Babe Ruth team could form

05/09/2008

A Senior Babe Ruth team for baseball players between16 and 18 years old from Ashburnham or Westminster is being formed. Any players who were born on or after May 1, 1989, but before May 1, 1992, are eligible. Registration forms are available by contacting Jack Dwelly at (978) 874-0542 or by e-mail to tdwelly@hotmail.com.

Wildflower walk to be held

05/09/2008

The next meeting of the Westminster Historical Society will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at society headquarters, 110 Main St. The group will travel by car for a short wildflower walk at a nearby location. People are reminded to wear bug repellant and appropriate clothes for the Mayflies. Refreshments will be served after the walk.

Lane offers lectures on Middle East

05/09/2008

Westminster resident George M. Lane, formally the U.S. Ambassador to the Yemen Arab Republic, will conduct three lectures on the Middle East on May 14, 21, and 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at McKay Campus School, Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg.

Spring Give-Away to be held

05/09/2008

St. Denis Parish will host its second annual Spring Give-Away. Grand prize is $10,000 with second through eleventh prizes of $250. Ticket cost is $100 (limit of 300 tickets to be sold). Drawing date is Saturday, May 31, 2008. For tickets, or more information, call Kim Nolan at (978) 827-5428, Dorene Francis at (978) 827-4857 or Deacon Rich at (978) 343-6367.

School Events

05/09/2008

Meetinghouse Elementary School Tuesday, May 13 - First Aid Course, 3:30 p.m. Westminster Elementary School Friday, May 16 - Grade 4 Field Trip to Museum of Science, 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. J.R. Briggs Elementary School Wednesday, May 14 - PTO meeting, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Applewild School presents Founders Award to Ronald Ansin

05/09/2008

Kurtis and Nicholas Bryars' grandfather, Ronald Ansin, was honored with the Founders Award at Applewild School in Fitchburg on April 25. Ansin, an honorary trustee, began his long-term association with the school when he joined the board in 1971.

Alumnus honored at FSC

05/09/2008

Westminster resident Frank Worthley received the Alumni Booster Award in recognition of his tireless support of Fitchburg State College. Worthley, a member of the Class of 1960 and Class of 1975, was honored as one of 11 alumni during a dinner on Friday, April 18, at the college.

Student Receives Who's Who Award

05/09/2008

Ashburnham resident Heather Woodward, a student at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, received the award for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. The Who's Who award recognizes individual effort and contributions in the classroom, on campus and in the community.

Spartan Scuttlebutt:

By Greg Smith OAKMONT ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL — 05/09/2008

She does it all: vice president of the Oakmont Student Council, organizer of Freshman Orientation, coordinator of the Homecoming parade, student member of School Council, co-chairperson of Claus for a Cause. Our March Spartan of the Month even starred on the track and the field hockey teams before a knee injury sidelined her.

For your work

05/09/2008

Westminster Fire Capital Kevin Nivala wrote to the chiefs of both the Fire and Police departments to recognize Police Officer Amy Ballentine and Firefighter David Monty for their work in pulling a man out of burning car.

Elizabeth D. (Mazzola) Lewis, 86

05/09/2008

WESTMINSTER - Elizabeth Donata (Mazzola) Lewis, 86, of 110 Narrows Road, formerly of Leominster, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, of pancreatic cancer. Elizabeth was born in Newton, the daughter of the late Mary (DeLuca) Mazzola and Gerardo Anthony Mazzola. She was very proud to be the first generation Italian-American.

Garrett Martin Maguire, 21

05/09/2008

ASHBURNHAM - Garrett Martin Maguire, 21, beloved son of Dennis M. and Linda (Quinn) Maguire, died Sunday, April 27, 2008, in Ashburnham. Garrett was born in Bellevue, Wash., on March 11, 1987, and was raised in Alaska before moving to Ashburnham six years ago. He was a 2005 graduate of Oakmont Regional High School.

Michael Arsenault

05/09/2008

ASHBURNHAM - A celebration of the life of Michael Arsenault will be held Friday, May 23, at 6 p.m. at Ashburnham Community Church, 9 Chapel St, Ashburnham. The service will pay tribute to Michael's contributions and accomplishments and provide an opportunity for family and friends to share stories. A reception will immediately follow downstairs in the Community Center.

Monique A. (Bolduc) Antil, 91

05/09/2008

SOUTH ASHBURNHAM - Monique A. (Bolduc) Antil, 91, of South Ashburnham, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, in UMass Memorial Healthcare, University Campus, Worcester, after a brief illness. Monique, daughter of the late Napoleon and Berthe (Beaudette) Bolduc, was born on May 5, 1916, in Gardner, and lived in Gardner and Ashburnham all of her life. Her beloved husband, Louis J.

Editorial

05/09/2008

Over the last few weeks and months everyone has been focused on the details of local budgets and how to handle the increases in costs and the losses in revenue. But every now and then town officials need to step away from that and focus on the good and the service in our communities.

Letters to the Editor

05/09/2008

Thankful for cooperation between church, community To the Editor: I have to admit that when my family and I moved here to pastor Peoples Church over three years ago, we knew nothing about Ashburnham. We were excited and maybe a little anxious to learn about our new community, and that is exactly what we found- a community.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL QUESTION OF THE WEEK

05/09/2008

Are you going to visit the Westminster library at its temporary location? Yes, a little drive won't stop me. I don't go to the library ever. No, it's too far out of the way. Cast your vote online at www.thecommunityjournal.

SpeakOut

Dick Mackey WESTMINSTER RESIDENT — 05/09/2008

One reality that all residents of Ashburnham and Westminster as well as every other town and city in Massachusetts would agree on is that the state mandates too many programs while at the same time falls short on funding them. This is especially true in our public schools.

Resident says tax impact is too much

05/09/2008

To the Editor: Now that the dust has settled after the defeat of Proposition 2 1/2 last year and the Town Administrator and the Superintendent of Schools can't figure out why, I think they should go back to school. In the last few months a paper was sent around giving the tax rates of the cities and towns around us and Ashburnham is $2 per $1,000 higher than the rest.

Fresh Air Fund says thanks to hosts

05/09/2008

To the Editor: National Volunteer Week is one of the highlights of the year for The Fresh Air Fund, and I would like to use this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks to our dedicated Fresh Air hosts, volunteers and supporters in the Gardner area. They truly embody the meaning of the 2008 National Volunteer Week theme, "Volunteer to Change the World.

CALENDAR

05/09/2008

9 FRIDAY A Fish Fry will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fitchburg Lodge of Elks #847, located at 860 Ashby State Road, Fitchburg. Cost is $7. Call (978) 342-9032. 10 SATURDAY Boy Scout Troop 41 Fitchburg will hold a plant and yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot between the Lipton Center and Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main St.

A WIN

05/09/2008

Oakmont's Emily Boucher steals second while St. Bernard's shortstop Alyssa Papia reaches for the errant throw during action at St. Bernard's.

In the Spotlight

05/09/2008

Name: Abby Sowders Hometown: Westminster Age: 16 School: Oakmont Regional High School Family: Mom - Ellen; Dad - Ben; Brothers - Ben and Adam Sport (Current): Outdoor track Team and League: ORHS, varsity Other sports:

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

05/09/2008

Friday, May 9 3:30 p.m. Boys' Varsity Tennis at Bromfield 3:30 p.m. Girls' Varsity Tennis at Hudson 3:30 p.m. Girls' Junior Varsity Softball vs. Narragansett Regional 3:30 p.m. Boys' Junior Varsity Baseball vs.

Hurdling to the end

05/09/2008

Colin Banahan, a senior on the Oakmont Regional High School's boys' track team, takes a leap over the hurdles on Saturday, May 3, at the Robert Duncan Relay Meet held at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury.

Oakmont Spartans' tennis scores

05/09/2008

Oakmont Girls' Tennis team played at Bromfield in Hardward on Friday, May 2, and took the match with a 3-2 win.

Locals participate in Olympics

05/09/2008

On Thursday, May 1, 450 athletes converged on Fitchburg State College's campus to compete in the annual Special Olympics North Central School Day Games. Among the athletes was Isaias Palermo Jr., of Westminster. Palermo ran in the assisted 50-meter dash for the visually impaired. The 50- meter run is done along side a rope so the runners can stay on course.

Meeting Matters

Compiled by Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter — 05/09/2008

Top Story: Selectmen voted to approve a new abatement process for Westminster residents whose insurance does not cover all of the expenses related to an ambulance response. The abatements will be for those patients that meet financial income levels "at or below the most current HUD Low-Income Limits established for the Fitchburg- Leominster area.

Town tries to change court decision requiring it to pay fees

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Alan Seewald, Westminster's town counsel, appeared before the Massachusetts Appeals Court on Monday arguing that the town should not have to pay more than $56,000 in attorney's fees from a 2005 case.

Library construction project, relocation move forward

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Westminster's Forbush Memorial Library Board of Trustees heard from Library Director Margaret Howe-Soper, who said the library's temporary location is nearly ready to open.

Veterans' Office status update

05/09/2008

Westminster veterans who are looking for a connection to state or federal services will have look towards town's assistant veterans' agent for a time. Philip Buso, who is also the Gardner veterans' agent, will be the contact for Westminster veterans. Buso served as the town's veterans' agent for about four years in the early part of the decade.

Lions to host upcoming events

05/09/2008

The Westminster Lions are planning their annual auction to be held at the Westminster VFW field from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. To donate items, please call (978) 874-0487. Please be aware that the Club can no longer accept appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and washers for the auction along with televisions, computer monitors and CPUs.

WORSHIP COLUMN

05/09/2008

ASBHY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Located at The Common, in Ashby. If you are seeking Christian worship, service and fellowship, please join us Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. for worship service and Sunday school. Nursery care available. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7.

CALENDAR

05/09/2008

Editorial

05/09/2008

Letters to the Editor

05/09/2008

COMMUNITY JOURNAL QUESTION OF THE WEEK

05/09/2008

SpeakOut

Dick Mackey WESTMINSTER RESIDENT — 05/09/2008

Resident says tax impact is too much

05/09/2008

Fresh Air Fund says thanks to hosts

05/09/2008

A WIN

05/09/2008

Oakmont's Emily Boucher steals second while St. Bernard's shortstop Alyssa Papia reaches for the errant throw during action at St. Bernard's.

In the Spotlight

05/09/2008

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

05/09/2008

Hurdling to the end

05/09/2008

Oakmont Spartans' tennis scores

05/09/2008

Oakmont Girls' Tennis team played at Bromfield in Hardward on Friday, May 2, and took the match with a 3-2 win.

Locals participate in Olympics

05/09/2008

Elizabeth D. (Mazzola) Lewis, 86

05/09/2008

Garrett Martin Maguire, 21

05/09/2008

Michael Arsenault

05/09/2008

Monique A. (Bolduc) Antil, 91

05/09/2008

WORSHIP COLUMN

05/09/2008

Town gets paid back taxes from lawsuit settlement

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Benefit Day to honor Jordyan Taylor Kalagher

05/09/2008

Selectmen focus on budget issues after town meeting

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

The budget and future meetings dominated the discussion during the Ashburnham Selectmen's meeting on Monday, May 5, as the board met for the first time after town meeting.

Meeting Matters

Compiled by Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter — 05/09/2008

Town tries to change court decision requiring it to pay fees

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Alan Seewald, Westminster's town counsel, appeared before the Massachusetts Appeals Court on Monday arguing that the town should not have to pay more than $56,000 in attorney's fees from a 2005 case.

Library construction project, relocation move forward

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER — 05/09/2008

Westminster's Forbush Memorial Library Board of Trustees heard from Library Director Margaret Howe-Soper, who said the library's temporary location is nearly ready to open.

Veterans' Office status update

05/09/2008

Lions to host upcoming events

05/09/2008