June 19, 2009 RSS feed / Front Page

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A wish to play on

Fifth graders at Briggs Elementary dedicate a gift from Make-A-Wish
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER
This story contains a video Smiles mixed with tears as a wish was granted on when the obstacle course at John R. Briggs Elementary School was dedicated in memory of Rachel Lee. More...

School override failures ensure deeper cuts

Paramedic grant rejected by voters in Ashburnham
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Voters rejected four override requests in Ashburnham and Westminster on Tuesday locking in a second level of cuts for the schools and sending the Ashburnham Fire Department back to grant writing. More...

Briggs settles in to Ashburnham job

"I'm going to run this community as my own community." — DOUGLAS BRIGGS ASHBURNHAM TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Monday afternoon brought Douglas Briggs into this fourth day on the job as Ashburnham's town administrator and he is using his years a volunteer in town government to attack a long list of priorities. More...

Special Sections

People & Events

COMMUNITY CHOICE

Celebrate Father's Day at antique and classic auto show

FITCHBURG - The Mid-State Antique Auto Club presents their 30th anniversary Father's Day Antique & Classic Auto Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21, at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, 1050 Westminster St. More...

CALENDAR

1FRID9AY London-style fish & chips will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Fishnet Caf More...

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Opinion

Editorial

Gift-giving

Fifteen months ago, members of the Ashburnham-Westminster community joined together to raise money to help the Lee family as 10-year-old Rachel Lee battled brain cancer. More...

State needs to cut budget but also needs new revenue

By Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan and Sen. President Therese Murray

Several weeks ago, the Senate passed an operating budget for Massachusetts that reflects the troubling condition of the economy here and across the globe. More...

COMMUNITY JOURNAL QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What kind of businesses should the towns try to encourage? Small Mom-and-Pop style stores and restaurants • Small to mid-sized industrial businesses Large scale commercial and industrial companies • A mix of all of these More...

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Schools

Students bring to life the wonderful world of Oz

At the beginning of May students at John R. More...

School Events

Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26

Westminster Elementary School Wednesday, June 24 - Early release, last day of school John R. Briggs Elementary Wednesday, June 24 - Early release, last day of school Overlook Middle School Monday, More...

MWCC honors outstanding academic students at annual event

Mount Wachusett Community College honored the academic achievements of outstanding students during the annual Evening of Excellence awards ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Leominster. More...

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Worship

WORSHIP COLUMN

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. More...

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Ashburnham

Future pub gets town approval for liquor license

By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Ashburnham selectmen approved an allliquor license to a sit-down restaurant slated to open in the town center. More...

Library kicks off summer reading program

The Stevens Memorial Library at 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham, will launch this summer's reading program, "Starship Adventure at Your Library," with free registration, food, and music from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. More...

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BREAKING NEWS: School committee considers reducing transportation

Ash-West officials take up budget debates again
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

POSTED, FRIDAY, 3:31 P.M.) Some members of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee think now is the time to reconsider the school transportation policy following a failed override and the prospect of more budget cuts. The School Committ More...

BREAKING NEWS: Two local school-aged children diagnosed with H1N1

By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

(POSTED, FRIDAY 1:34 P.M.) Two Ashburnham residents have been diagnosed with the swine flu (H1N1), according to health department officials and these represent the first cases in Ashburnham and Westminster.One of the students attends Oakmont Regional More...

CASA volunteers needed in North County area

By Karen Mann JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

Last year, more than 325 abused and neglected children in Worcester County received help from The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Project, due in large part to community members who serve as volunteers. More...

News

Girl Scouts to host community food drive

During the month of June, Girl Scouts throughout central and western Massachusetts are participating in food drives to benefit people in need in their communities. Food supplies at community pantries are critically low during the summer months. More...

Article

One of the demonstrators shows how to spin wool on Saturday during the Fiber Festival that was sponsored by the Westminster Historical Society in celebration of the town's 250th Anniversary. More...

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Sports

Season closer

The Oakmont spring sports season concludes with the girls' varsity lacrosse team (upper right) making it to district level play in their first season. More...

Hall honored at the end of soccer career

NORTH ANDOVER — Caitlin Hall of Westminster was named the 2008-2009 Northeast-10 Outstanding Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year this year. She was selected by the Northeast-10 Faculty Athletic Representative Council (FAR). More...

5K scheduled

The Westminster 250th Anniversary 5K Road Race & Fun Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Aug, 22, at 9 a.m. Register by Wednesday, Aug. 5 and participants are guaranteed a free T-shirt. More...

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Police Log

POLICE LOG

Ashburnham Monday, June 8 1:37 a.m. Winchendon Road - Suspicious Activity; Juvenile Arrest; Age: 17; Charges: Warrant 9:38 a.m. Walk-In - Request to Speak with Officer 11:06 a.m. More...

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Obituaries

Mark William Savoie, 48

Was decorated U.S. Air Force veteran

ASHBURNHAM — Mark William Savoie, 48, of South Main Street, died Monday, June 8, 2009, in the Fisher Hospice Home, Amherst, following a struggle with cancer. Born in Gardner on Jan. 2, 1961, he was the son of Clarence R. and Helen A. More...

Richard G. Fortier, 22

Was avid hockey player; enjoyed all sports

ASHBURNHAM — Richard "Ricky" G. Fortier, 22, of 193 Lake Road, died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Westminster. Ricky was born in Fitchburg on April 29, 1987. He was a 2005 graduate of Oakmont Regional High School. More...

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Westminster

Article

The Westminster Town Band performed Sunday despite the occasional rain showers. Many area residents turned out to listen to the music staying under umbrellas and tents or sitting in their cars. More...

Fishnet Café to offer London-style fish and chips

London-style fish and chips will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, in the Fishnet Café, located at the Bread of Life Church, 22 State Road East, Westminster. Fried fish and potatoes, coleslaw, and more served. More...

Town wide yard sale planned

The Westminster Historical Society is planning a Town Wide Yard Sale for Saturday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Historical Society will advertise the Town Wide Yard Sale in all the local papers, cable TV and radio stations. More...

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