Letters to the Editor
State representative appreciates voter support

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the voters of the First Worcester District for re-electing me as your state representative. It has been and will continue to be a great honor to serve you. To the voters of the Westminster, I would like to thank you for your overwhelming support. This was an incredible vote of confidence and I assure you that I will continue to work hard in the district and to stand for good government on Beacon Hill.

I especially want to thank the greatest group of supporters anyone has ever had. When I first ran for office, I had a handful of people to do the work of fifty. This campaign we had fifty plus folks do the work of five hundred. We always kept our promise that this campaign would only be positive and upbeat. I do wish to commend Nate Kaplan for running a hard campaign.

Finally, I would like to thank my family. It is they that make the sacrifices and I thank them for allowing me the opportunity to serve the district. My life has been enriched beyond words in getting to know so many of you and attending so many events over the last four years. Once again, thank you and see you soon.

Sincerely,

Lew Evangelidis

State Representative, R-Holden

Superintendent and school committee say thanks

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations and businesses that made a financial contribution towards the multi-purpose synthetic athletic field. These organizations and businesses include Anderson Timber Harvesting, Inc., Brian's Equipment Repair, Inc., Oakmont Booster Club, Oakmont Chargers/Pop Warner and Oakmont Overlook music parents association. These organizations and businesses allowed the project to move forward by making up a $6,500.00 shortfall. Your support and generosity will benefit the children in Ashburnham and Westminster for many years.

Sincerely, Michael Zapantis, Superintendent of Schools Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District Reader commends letter writer and town moderator

To the Editor:

I applaud Keith Harding of Westminster for his well written article entitled "Voters asked to think about votes at town meeting" printed in The Community Journal on November 10, 2006: "We are voting to sacrifice some quality of life for that household. To some it may be just giving up a weekend away, to others it may mean giving up new tires for the family car, to others it may mean cutting back on Christmas gifts for their children, and for some it will be the last straw that drives them out of their homes." I could have not stated it better. Mr. Harding hit the nail on the head. I commend you for your concern and caring comments.

I also applaud Westminster's Town Moderator John Bowen for appointing Mr. Keith Harding to the advisory board. Westminster residents are extremely fortunate. Westminster residents are allowed to speak out and share their opinion without being penalized. Unfortunately, that is not the situation in Ashburnham.

I have volunteered twice to become a member of the advisory board but I have been turned down twice. I choose to speak out because I care about the town of Ashburnham. I was informed that I was not allowed to serve on the advisory board because I am "vocal" and I do not follow the "Webber Doctrine."

Again, I commend Town Moderator John Bowen and I congratulate Keith Harding.

Maggie Whitney

Ashburnham