Art Campbell

Art started The Groton Line late in 2009 as a synthesis of two careers in newspaper journalism and technical communications -- writing about networks, computers, and software. He's lived in Groton 20+ years, so he qualifies as "one of the new guys."

Kevin McKenzie Comedy Fundraiser Thursday 06/20 At The Bull Run

By Art Campbell

Jun 192013

An evening of comedy is planned for Thursday evening as a benefit for Kevin McKenzie, Groton’s long-time representative to the Nashoba Valley Regional Technical High School.

The event was announced in an e-mail from Groton Board of Selectmen Chairman Peter Cunningham, who wrote, “As many townspeople know, Kevin McKenzie has been Groton’s school committee representative to the Nashoba Valley Regional Technical School for many years. Kevin did an outstanding job as our representative and Groton has benefited greatly from our affiliation with the school.

Presently, Kevin has significant medical issues which require a high level of nursing home care that is not being covered by insurance and his family is under considerable financial stress. There will be a series of fundraising events taking place during the summer, with the first one occurring this Thursday evening (June 20) at the Bull Run restaurant in Shirley, sponsored by the Nashoba Tech athletic department. ”

The event tomorrow night is a comedy night and dinner service. The dining room opens at 5:00 p.m. and the comedy night begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 before the show and $20 at the door. The Bull Run is at 215 Great Road (RT 2A), in Shirley.

Cunningham noted that, “A fund has been established at the Groton office of the North Middlesex Savings Bank to help the family and those wishing to contribute can send a check to NMSB, P.O. Box 1250, Groton, MA. 01450 made out to the ‘Kevin McKenzie Medical Support Fund. Please consider offering support to Kevin and his family during this time of need.”

Flash Flood Warning Issued For Groton

By Art Campbell

Jun 182013

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Groton area, already under a Flood Watch for more general flooding from this week’s heavy rains.

Statement as of 3:03 PM EDT on June 18, 2013

… A Flood Warning remains in effect until 445 PM EDT for northwestern Middlesex and northern Worcester counties…

At 259 PM EDT… heavy rain fall earlier this afternoon dropped a quick one to two inches across the warned area. Expect Urban and Small Stream flooding to continue to occur.

Some locations that will experience flooding include… Leominster… Fitchburg… Hubbardston… Gardner… Templeton… Lunenburg… Westminster and Ashburnham.

Groton’s Summer Camps — There Really Is Something For Everyone!

By Art Campbell

Jun 182013

Groton’s got woods, lakes and ponds… perfect summer camp territory. At least four camps are running programs in town this summer, and the Nashua River Watershed Association has a series of camp-like classes that would qualify.

If the kids — or you — are looking for something kid-worthy to do for July and August, we’ve brought together the best summer camps that Groton offers so you can compare the offerings in one place. Each organization, 3Rivers Arts Artworks Camps, the Groton Pool and Golf Center, Grotonwood, Lawrence Academy, and the NRWA is summarized in the sections below, and at the end of the article we’ve set up a summary table. Most information is quoted from the camps’ web sites.

It’s not too late to sign up. Although some particular programs are full, many are still accepting enrollments — 3Rivers Arts, for example, is offering a $50 discount on a third week-long specialty camp session when signing up for a regular two-week session.

Each has something unique to recommend it. 3Rivers concentrates heavily on the arts, from painting to theater. Grotonwood stresses traditional camp-in-the-woods activities in a “supportive Christian environment,” and a unique offering for grandparents to camp with grandchildren. Lawrence has the broadest range of programs, from language immersion programs to game design and survival skills. NRWA emphasizes the environment and interacting with the outdoors in a relaxed small group atmosphere in which each class is the entire “camp.”

3Rivers Arts Artworks Camps

3Rivers Arts is carrying on a long-time program touching most of the performing and creative arts plus basketball, tennis, and Legos this year. The camp is on the grounds of Groton School, off Farmer’s Row.

Two week sessions are planned in Art, Theatre, Music, Dance, Swimming, Tennis, and a Counselor-in-Training Program. One-week specialty camps are planned in LEGOS, Jam Session, Art + Word, and basketball.

Prices range from $325-$625, but there is a special for people who sign up for a two-week session — they can add on a one-week specialty camp (LEGOS, Jam Session, Art + Word, Basketball) for $50 off. When registering on the web site, use the Promo code: PROMO2013.
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.(9:00 – 1:00 available for Jr. Campers)
Located at Groton School, 282 Farmers Row, Groton, MA

For more than 30 years, 3Rivers Arts summer camp ArtWorks has provided the ideal environment and a unique opportunity for children to appreciate the arts, as well as develop physical and mental skills through programs that are enriching, educational and fun. 3Rivers Arts believes participation in the arts plays a key role in a child’s intellectual development; therefore our camp is one of the few in the area whose primary focus is the arts, but also includes outdoor recreational time, swimming, basketball, tennis, and Lego camp. We offer programs for children ages 4-16. We believe camp provides an opportunity for personal growth, to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships.

Children’s before- and after-care is available, and all campers participate in recreational swimming.

Artworks may offer the best lunch of any of the local camps. An option available to campers who want to eat healthy is 3Rivers Arts’ box lunch partnership with Groton Wellness.

The camp wrote in a press release, “We are proud to partner with Groton Wellness to serve amazingly healthy lunches to our campers! 3Rivers Arts Executive Director Monica Hinojos has consulted with Chef Paul from the Farm to Table Cafe at Groton Wellness to plan a menu of local, farm fresh, healthy, delicious lunches your kids will love, with affordable convenience you will love!

We need a minimum of 30 sign-ups per session to offer this program. To kick it off, we’ll give you 15% off when you sign up! Give yourself a break this summer, and let us serve up a lunch you know will be healthy and fun! Choices include yogurt and fruit parfaits, healthy wraps, homemade mac and cheese and more. Sign up for box lunches when you register for camp!”

Groton Pool and Golf Center

The Groton Pool and Golf Center offers concentrations in tennis, swimming, and golf for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Healthy snacks and lunches, use of golf clubs and tennis racquets are included in the tuition. Children who have completed grades K-6 are invited to attend our camp. CIT program is available for children who have completed grades 8 and 9. The camper to staff ratio is 5:1.

Before & After Care Programs are available!

Please remember to include a towel, swimsuit, change of clothes, sunscreen, sneakers, water bottle and a hat as children are outdoors most of the day.

Children are grouped in the following age groups:

Group A : Completed grades K – 2
Group B : Completed grades 3 & 4
Group C : Completed grades 5 & 6
CIT Program: Completed grades 8 & 9

Counselor in Training Program
This program is for young adults who have completed grades 8 and 9. Cost is half of regular tuition and includes daily lunch. C.I.T.’s are mentored and supervised by Lead Counselors and will receive an evaluation upon completion. Two week minimum attendance is required.

Grotonwood

Each of our summer camps is specially designed to cater to the unique needs of our campers. For over fifty years families, young youth, teens, and adults with disabilities have found fun, faith, and fellowship at Grotonwood!

Our general camp program is designed to create a warm, nurturing, safe and supportive Christian environment. It is our hope that campers will grow in their faith, make lifelong friendships, and develop strong Christian values.

We are excited to have you join us at camp where we offer three types of camping sessions for adults with disabilities. Each type of camp is designed to meet specific needs and foster abilities through appropriately designed activities and outings.

The kids have been cooped up in their classrooms at school long enough! Summer is on its way and it’s time to cool their craving for some outdoor adventure at summer camp! Grotonwood camp offers unique day camp programs for kids ages 5-12 that provide your child the opportunity to experience all the daytime fun that our overnight campers enjoy. Our trained day camp counselors are all geared up to gather your little ones and keep them safely engaged, entertained, and energetic all day long.

New for 2013! Come to camp with your grandchild and spend your week sharing stories around camp fires, swimming and boating in the lake, and building memories that will last a lifetime!

Lawrence Academy

Lawrence Academy is dedicated to providing children and international students recreational and educational summer programs. We strive to maintain a staff of career educators who are skilled in the programs they direct and of counselors who will serve as positive role models for our campers at all times. The 100-acre Lawrence Academy campus provides the setting for over 30 day camp offerings for children entering grades K–12 and overnight English, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, and French immersion programs.

The camp day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Early drop-off is available at 7:30 a.m. and Extended Day until 6:00 p.m.

Most camps include time in the Lawrence Academy outdoor pool.

Transportation is available to and from Acton and Westford.

LA Day

LA Day is Lawrence Academy’s signature day camp. The camp is offered during all ten summer programs sessions. The theme of the camp is good old-fashioned summer camp fun. Each week is filled with a wide range of activities: swimming, tennis, sports, outdoor games, and arts & crafts. This camp offers a fun, well-rounded summer camp experience offering campers a little bit of everything from water balloon races to tug-o-war. Campers are placed in coed groups by age and enjoy new friendships while participating in activities of their choice. All campers participate in daily swim and tennis lessons. Lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided.

Entering Grades: K-7th
Cost: $350
Sessions: Offered all 10 weeks of camp

Sports Camps

2013 Sports Camps
All Sport
Baseball
Basketball
Boys’ Lacrosse
Field Hockey
Flag Football/Ultimate Frisbee
Girls’ Lacrosse
Soccer
Volleyball

Lawrence Academy Sports Camps offer campers a chance to spend a week learning and enjoying skills and games that focus on a specific sport. All of the camps include lunch, drinks, and outdoor swim and recreation time. Sports camps are available for campers entering grades K-12th. The age of participants for each camp is based on the school grade the camper will enter in the fall of 2013.

Specialty Camps

Artist-in-Residence
Broadway-Bound
Board Game Design
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
Computer Game Development
Cooking
Craft Camp
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Creative Writing
Dance
Digital Photography
Fairytale Theatre
Fashion Design Camp
Jr. Naturalist
Math
Outdoor Adventure
Remote Control Pirate Ships
Robotics and Jr. Robotics
Wilderness Survival Camp
Web Design Workshop

Lawrence Academy Specialty Camps offer campers the opportunity to spend a week or two learning and enjoying activities that focus on a specific subject. All of the camps include outdoor recreation and swim time. Lunch is provided to all campers. The ages of participants for each camp is based on the school grade the camper is entering in the fall of 2013.

Nashua River Watershed Association Eco-Adventures

The smallest camp offers a nice range of science and eco-based programs for kids, through July!

Wilderness Summer Survival Week for Ages 11-14

July 15 – July 18, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Challenge yourself in nature with four adventurous, action-packed days of hiking Groton trails through numerous conservation properties, paddling the Squannacook River, developing summer survival skills, and exploring the inner world of our local river, woodlands and fields while making new friends. Outdoor adventure at its best with River Classroom Director Stacey Chilcoat. Program fees are $200 for NRWA members or $230 for non-members.

Wild World of Water Week for Ages 6-8

July 22 – July 25, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Escape the heat of summer with a fun-filled four days all about water!! Collect aquatic critters from the Nashua River, make a fresh water aquarium, do water experiments, make mini-boats to race on mini streams, and stay cool each day with lots of water games. Perfect for nature & water loving kids! Led by NRWA’s fun-loving naturalist educator Diane Lauber. Program fees are $180 for NRWA members or $210 for non-members.

“How Do Fish Breathe Underwater?” & Other Wonders of Nature

The Science Behind Our Curious Questions for Ages 9-12
July 30 – August 2, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Did you ever wonder why the sky is blue? How do birds fly? Or why are so many animals brown? Join NRWA’s Education Director Mary Marro for this 4-day summer program where we will begin by asking questions about nature & science then design a method to answer those questions. Each camper will create their own investigation using scientific process and run their own scientific activities or “labs” to answer their question. At the end of the week, the participants will become “published scientists” as they write down and sketch out their projects to be published in the NRWA newsletter!

Program fees are $190 for NRWA members or $220 for non-members.

Pre-registration is required. To register for any of these programs, please contact Mary Marro, NRWA Environmental Education Director, at [email protected], or Stacey Chilcoat, NRWA River Classroom Director, at [email protected], or call the NRWA at (978) 448-0299. Hope to see you in July!

Groton Camps Quick Reference Information

Camp	Focus	Themes	Ages	For More Information	Location
3Rivers Arts Artworks Camps	At Artworks Camp, every day our campers are happy, having fun, learning something new, building confidence and self-esteem, and enjoying just being a kid!	Art, Theatre, Music, Dance, Jam Session, Swimming, Tennis, Counselor-in-Training Program, Lego Camp, Basketball Camp, and Art+Word	Junior campers 4 – 6 years old Senior campers 7 – 14 years old Counselors-in-Training (CIT) Program 14 – 16 years old	Web site For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call one of the co-directors, Betsy Carbone at 978.785.9008 or Jennifer Hawes at 978.480.0441	Groton School, Farmers Row, Groton
Groton Pool and Golf Center	At the Summer Camp at Groton Pool & Golf Center, children who have completed grades K – 6 have fun learning and developing skills in golf, swimming and tennis. Our CIT program is offered to children who have completed 8th or 9th grade. Equally as important, children develop self confidence, learn fair play and benefit from daily social interaction with their peers.	Swimming, Golf and Tennis are taught by certified instructors. Healthy snacks and lunches, use of golf clubs and tennis racquets are included in the tuition. Children who have completed grades K-6 are invited to attend our camp. CIT program is available for children who have completed grades 8 and 9. The camper to staff ratio is 5:1.	Kindergarten through sixth grade.	Web site Carol Wright [email protected] (978) 448-3996	Groton Pool & Golf Center 94 Lovers Lane, Groton
Grotonwood	Each of our summer camps is specially designed to cater to the unique needs of our campers. For over fifty years families, young youth, teens, and adults with disabilities have found fun, faith, and fellowship at Grotonwood!	From one-week introductory camps, to 2-week specialty camps, to our five-week Leadership Development Program, you’re sure to find the camp that’s perfect for you! Each day is chock full of fun activities like swimming, archery, rock-climbing, arts and crafts, group sports, and more! You’ll learn about God and how to serve others in our daily Chapel times and cabin devotions.	Ages 5-12 and adults.	Web site Phone 978.448.5763 Email: [email protected]	167 Prescott Street, Groton
Lawrence Academy	Lawrence Academy is dedicated to providing children and international students recreational and educational summer programs. We strive to maintain a staff of career educators who are skilled in the programs they direct and of counselors who will serve as positive role models for our campers at all times.	The 100-acre Lawrence Academy campus provides the setting for over 30 day camp offerings for children entering grades K–12 and an overnight English, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, and French immersion program for American and international students. Summer programs include traditional day camp, sports camps, and specialty day camps including Wilderness Survival Camp, Crafting Camp, Board Game Design, Jr. CIT, and 3D Computer Graphics.	Kindergarten through high school.	Web site Michelle Waldie, Director of Summer Programs [email protected] 978-448-1610	Powder House Road, Groton
NRWA Eco-Adventures	NRWA series of programs for kids aren’t really a camp, but a continuing series of classes that gets kids outdoors and thinking about the natural world.		6-14	Web site. For more information or to register, email Mary Marro, NRWA Environmental Education Director, or email Stacey Chilcoat, NRWA River Classroom Director, or call the NRWA at (978) 448-029.	592 Main Street, Groton, MA

Found Cat(s) in Pepperell Road / Hill Road / Kemp Street Neighborhood

By Art Campbell

Jun 172013

Susan Hogan

Found cat in Groton

This cat has been in my yard for the last several weeks. We were able to trap her tonight. She appears to be female, has double paws and is wearing a collar. She is too frightened right now to handle for a closer look, but based on her coloring, I feel sure she’s a girl, and she appears young. A second cat appeared around the same time, which I have not yet seen, but am told is a calico. The second cat has appeared with a pair of kittens as well. If ANY of these cats sound like they are yours, please call me at 978-448-3390.

Thanks

Sue Hogan

Town Meeting — Leave It Alone Or Change It? Study Commmittee Wants To Know

By Art Campbell

Jun 152013

Art Campbell

Squannacook River Runners and Groton Police stand to honor victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing at the start of Groton MA Spring Town Meeting

Are you a Town Meeting regular, an occasional drop-in, or a confirmed no-show? The town, specifically the committee that can recommend changes to the format of the bi-annual exercise in New England style democracy, wants to know.

A Town Meeting Review Study Committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in December 2009, after several long threads of email messages on the Talk About Groton email list proposed, debated, and shot down ways to improve Town Meeting. The email thread by residents and the appointment of the committee were both based on the assumption that having a small group of voters, from fewer than 100 to as many as several hundred, make multi-million dollar decisions for the town wasn’t a great idea, and the parallel assumption that greater participation would be a good thing.

Town Clerk Michael Bouchard reported that in the last election, on April 30, there were 7659 voters in Groton.

In the April town election and state senate primary, fewer than 20% of them voted.
At the regular Spring Town Meeting, on a Monday evening, according to meeting minutes, “173 (2.26%) voters were present. Later in the proceedings 241 (3.15%) voters were present.”
At the Special Town Meeting in January, a Saturday morning meeting where financing for the town’s new central fire station was the lead article, according to meeting minutes, “… at 9:15 AM, 281 (3.67%) registered voters were in attendance. (Ed. Note: At 10:00 am, 398 (5.2%) voters were in attendance.)”

You may have already seen the paper version of the survey in your bill from the Groton Electric Light Department. If not, it’s in the mail, available on the town web site, and here on The Groton Line.

The survey form is being widely distributed to encourage residents to take part in the survey.

“Our goal is to get about 700+ total responses to have a good confidence level with a +/- 7% margin of error. That’s about all we can do for a population the size of Groton. Then the Committee can slice the data based on what demographics are in the survey,” Barry Pease, the committee member who coded the survey, said. In addition to Pease, committee members are Ellen Baxendale, Robert L. Collins, Alberta Erickson, Ailson K. Eyedenberg, Greg R. Fishbone, and Scott E. Harker.

According to the town web site, the charter of the committee includes four tasks:

1. Review the Open Town Meeting and study different options to this form of Government, i.e. Representative Town Meeting, etc.
2. Develop recommendations on the best day of the week to hold Town Meeting in order to increase participation (i.e. Monday night vs.Saturday morning)
3. Examine accessibility issues and research available technologies that offer solutions for greater voter participation while maintaining the integrity of the meeting and voting.
4. Consider options for educating new and existing voters on Town Meeting and make recommendations.

Also mentioned on the web site is the committee’s deadline –The Committee shall endeavor to complete its work in a reasonable amount of time, but should have its recommendation to the Board of Selectmen no later than June 30, 2013. Given that the Board of Selectmen voted on June 10 to re-appoint the committee, the deadline may have been changed, but no minutes of committee meetings from the last six months have been posted on its web page, so that was difficult to confirm.

Depending on the committee’s recommendations, and which of those are endorsed by the Board of Selectmen, town by-laws or the town charter may have to be modified — by Town Meeting. More extensive changes may require modifications to state law, which ultimately controls what is permitted and what is not.

In the introductory letter to the survey, the committee stresses the importance of participating by completing the survey:

Our Committee will, ultimately, provide a report which outlines identified voter concerns, an analysis of how Groton compares with best practices of similar towns as to its conduct of Town Meeting and registered voter participation, and recommended courses of action for the Board of Selectmen’s consideration.

Over this summer, the Committee will publicize and hold a public hearing to solicit town-wide input. In the interim, your own responses to the content of this “Town Meeting Survey” will greatly assist us in our effort of developing statistical information on resident participation in Town Meeting, identifying Town Meeting issues deemed important by Groton’s registered voters, and assessing registered voter opinion on a variety of suggested improvements, to Town Meeting, brought forward, to-date. [sic]

We hope every registered voter will take the time to complete this survey….

The survey is in a frame below, if you’d like to preview it. To fill out the form online, click the Download icon in the upper left corner of the frame or click here to download the file. Then open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader. You’ll be able to check off your answers and return the file to the committee automatically.

It’s Looking Like A Lost Lake Weekend

By Art Campbell

Jun 142013

The water that’s been falling on Groton this week is going to be in Lost Lake by the weekend, and the forecast is for dry and sunny. And that’s making Andrew Davis and Art Prest pretty happy, because they’re hoping you’ll be in or at the lake too.

Davis is organizing the Sargisson Beach spring cleanup Saturday morning, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The annual volunteer event gets the town beach in shape for the summer. Volunteers pull weeds, both in and out of the lake; pick up litter and debris; and spend some time splashing on the beach. The Weed Harvester Committee helps out by loaning a trailer to haul the stuff away. It’s a family-friendly event where everyone is encouraged to bring their own tools (shovels and rakes and wheelbarrows) and help pitch in to make the beach a community showplace. Also, you can check out how this spring’s Sonar weed treatment has helped clear the waters. You can sign up using the online form at http://bit.ly/grotonbeachcleanupJune15th-2013 or surprise Davis and just show up. For more information, you can reach him at [email protected].

While you’re there at the lake, you can also join the Groton Lakes Association — you don’t have to live in around the lakes to sign up — to give the outfit some lobbying muscle and a wee bit of (tax deductible) cash. Prest is the group’s president, and he writes in an email that the association’s annual membership drive is happening right now. He writes:

In our last GLA Membership Drive in December of 2011 we set some pretty lofty goals in our plans to eradicate the non-native invasive weeds that were taking over our lakes and I am proud to say that we accomplished almost all of them with respect to Lost Lake and Knops Pond: 1) we proved that we did not have any endangered species present; 2) we obtained almost unanimous approval from the Town of Groton boards and committees to treat Lost Lake and Knops Pond with the herbicide Sonar and; 3) we succeeded in getting our Town Warrant Article approved to have the Town pay for the treatment. These efforts culminated in the first of two or three treatments with Sonar on April 24, 2013 and a second treatment on May 22, 2013.

However the job is not over. We need to develop and implement plans to restore Baddacook Pond which is being increasingly infested with the same weeds that that were destroying Lost Lake and Knops Pond. And we need to take steps to prevent further infestations of the current and future species of non-native invasive weeds or other non-weed species like Zebra mussels. We are developing plans to prevent new weeds and other invasive species from coming into our lakes at the public boat launches. Our plans include the distribution of educational brochures to boating guests at our lakes, enforcement of the newly signed Nuisance Weed Act by having boat/trailer weed inspection and monitoring, and researching the feasibility of a permanent wash station at the boat launch. We are also working with the town to reduce the amount of nutrients coming into the lakes from the houses on the lake and from the watershed around us.

Lakes Association members will be helping with the clean up and handing out paper membership forms that you can fill in and return with a check, or you can download the form here. You can also sign up online by sending the group $25 for annual dues with this line. And visit the association web site for more info on its history and activities.

Ginny’s Turtles Tale: Sometimes A Girl Just Needs A Lift

By Art Campbell

Jun 142013

Ginny Bennett, Groton’s turtle steward, sent in a short email update from the roads around Lost Lake:

Last week, during the pouring rain, I was patrolling for turtles on Groton roads, when I came upon this large young lady strolling straight down the road. Now, usually the turtle is moving from one side of the road to the other, but this big mama was going straight down the road. Not knowing where she was heading, and she was surely about to be run over by some vehicle — either upland dirt to lay eggs, or back to Lost Lake, I decided the get out my snow shovel and move her to the closest side, which was wet dirt on the side of a steep hill down to wetlands. After moving her there, I left for ten minutes and came back to see if she did indeed walk down to soft dirt, but she had not moved.

I then slid down the hill, shovel in hand, and scooped her up, and deposited her on the other, lakeside, side of the road. I left for ten minutes, and when I came back, she had disappeared into the lake.

Certainly, that was the most strenuous snapper road crossing ever, as I was wet, she was hissing, the sand bank was steep, and her destination remained a mystery.

Getting a ride on the magic shovel transporter | And on the other side of the road | In the spring, you have to stop to smell the roses |

Some New FACES In Groton

By Art Campbell

Jun 132013

Girl and Fence by Alicia Dwyer's; charcoal on paper mounted on metal

Girl and Fence by Alicia Dwyer; charcoal on paper mounted on metal

You can seem some new FACES in Groton next Tuesday, when the Groton Public Library host a reception with the artists who created its current FACES art show, next Tuesday, July 16th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. FACES is an exhibit of portraits executed by artists of many different media and styles, on exhibit in the Owen Smith Shuman Gallery of the Groton Public Library through Friday, August 30, 2013.

According to the press release from gallery curator Deborah Santoro, “This show seeks to showcase the portraits that artists have hidden away in their studios. The artists in FACES use the human face as a starting point for expressions that are both personal and charged with meaning. Using a variety of media, from photography both digital and darkroom-based, to video, ceramics, and painting and junk metal, these artists plumb the depths of the human psyche. Come see Paul Quintin’s junk metal sculpture “Prisoner” and the intriguing ceramic forest faces made by Eleonora Lecei, a widely exhibited sculptor and art instructor at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School.”

“A first for the gallery is the inclusion of video art by internationally exhibited video artist and art professor at UMASS Lowell, Ellen Wetmore. Her single channel video “Searching for Dora Maar” pays homage to cubism in a humorous way while riffing on Pablo Picasso’s portraits of his mistress, Dora Maar.”

Searching For Dora Maar by Ellen Wetmore; single channel video

“The Groton area abounds in FACES talent — artists with a Groton connection include Katharine Bell, Petra Breen, Eleonora Lecei, Hanna Melnyczuk, Martha Oldham, Paul Quintin, Ellen Wetmore. Other aera artists to come and see include Beth Andrews, Jean Butler, Alicia Dwyer, Lynn Horsky, Ronald Hubbard, Doreen Manning, Jill Pottle, and Suzanne Révy.”

“And who knows- you just might see a FACE that you recognize!”

This exhibit was made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust. Library hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10-9, Friday 10-5, and Saturdays 10-3. For more information, go to the library’s website at www.gpl.org (click on ‘Events and Activities’ and ‘Art Gallery’) or email the curator, Deborah Santoro, at [email protected]. If you are traveling to see the show, it is recommended that you call first to see if there are events taking place in the gallery.

Power Vacuum Filled: BoS Appoints Alberghini, Jennings, and Robertson to Personnel Board

By Art Campbell

Jun 122013

The Board of Selectmen ended several years of controversy Monday night when it appointed Delores Alberghini, Dr. Mary Jennings, and Bud Robertson to the town’s Personnel Board. The board has been without members since June 2011, when the BoS voted to disband the board and declined to appoint any members. Norma Garvin, Rule Loving, and Michael Manugian also applied to the Board of Selectmen to be appointed to the Personnel Board, but received fewer votes than the three new members.

This Personnel Board is likely to be advisory to the BoS; to the town’s Director of Human Resources, Suzanne Loverin; and to the town manager for the near future. They are also expected to work with the By-Law Review and Study Committee to clarify the Personnel Board’s role because conditions have changed since the governing by-laws were enacted and since the town charter was adopted. Originally charged with an active role in day-to-day operations such as hiring, setting wages, and resolving grievances, some town Personnel Boards earned a reputation for exceeding their roles.

Since then, over several decades, two trends ran in parallel: most town employees have joined unions and town government has changed both in form and function.

When town employees join unions, they reduce the number of employees covered by by-laws and the Personnel Board because union contracts typically include grievance procedures outside the town’s control. Last week, most of the members of the by-law employees that would have been under the Personnel Board’s umbrella and the town’s personnel by-laws formally told the Board of Selectmen that they would be represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 93, AFL-CIO.
Eleven employees, mostly department managers, have signed cards stating intent to join the union, leaving three by-law employees: IT Manager Jason Bulger, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager Patrice Garvin, and Director of Human Resources Suzanne Loverin.
On the town side, things shifted rapidly several years ago when the town charter was adopted and Groton hired a town manager and HR director who took over much of the remaining work of the committee. Older by-laws were still in effect because they had not been changed, although a recent opinion from the town’s attorney stated that the charter and by-laws could co-exist.

Most of the applicants for the Personnel Board vacancies thought the board was important to preserve, but were open to change in its future.

I think, given the current bylaw and the number of bylaw employees, the personnel board is pretty much marginalized

Manugian told the selectmen, “I think it’s very important to have a citizen role in this area given the fact that the HR director reports to the town manager, so all of the HR activities funnel through one person. I think, given the current bylaw and the number of bylaw employees, the personnel board is pretty much marginalized — there’s not too much for it to do.

“I was a bit more interested in the personnel board when it did have non-union members because, as it is described in the bylaw, it seemed that the personnel board did have more responsibilities,” Jennings said during her round. “But I think there’s enough in the bylaw now to make the personnel board a viable group that the town manager and selectmen could rely on. The selectmen rely on many boards, and those boards are staffed by people who have an interest or expertise in that area. I see the personnel board being a board like that.”

Personnel Board Terms and Voting Results

Delores Alberghini	four votes	One year term
Norma Garvin	no votes
Mary Anne Jennings	four votes	Two year term
Rule Loving	one vote
Michael Manugian	one vote
Norman (Bud) Robertson	five votes	Three year term

Alberghini pointed out that she has worked with HR issues for more than 30 years, and is a former Personnel Board member. “I thought I would work with the by-law review committee and see where we can help as a committee, rather than say ‘Í’d like to see this happen or that happen.’ I haven’t been that involved with it, but I’d like to work with it. But I can’t really say I have a vision until I look more into it.”

Robertson agreed with the selectmen’s wishes, saying the Personnel Board, “My view of the personnel board is that it should be more strategic and advisory. In the old days, it was tactical. I don’t think it should be tactical. I think it should be looking at things like best practices, looking at things like if there’s help needed in hiring. If there’s a grievance, and it is asked to be involved, it should be, but I don’t think it should be involved in every day because that’s not what an advisory board is, and I think this is an advisory board.”

The 2011 BoS vote was intended to streamline operations and move its duties to the two town officials and the BoS. It required a by-law change to be approved at the 2011 Fall Town Meeting; but the proposed change was defeated. That left the Personnel Board and its role in limbo because the BoS never filled the vacant seats, although the by-law states that the board should exist. The Board of Selectmen took no action until after Jack Petropoulos was elected to the BoS in 2012. He pushed to reconstitute the board on the strength of the resident’s 2011 Town Meeting vote and because it was required to exist by the by-laws. Rebuffed by the other selectmen, he collected more than 200 signatures on a citizen’s petition to force the issue at the 2013 Spring Town Meeting. Instead, the BoS voted to reinstate the Personnel Board, the action that precipitated the town’s department managers to unionize.

BoS Chairman Peter Cunningham said he was satisfied with the outcome of Monday’s meeting, but the issue and role of the board would continue to be examined by the By-Law Review and Study Committee, and that review may lead to another article in this fall’s Town Meeting that would clarify the role of the Personnel Board.

Petropoulos was also satisfied, he said, “Most importantly, I think that today we are in compliance with our by-laws and with the will expressed by our Town Meeting vote, so Monday’s move by the BoS put us in a good place. In the end I think that we seated three individuals that have a good handle on the value that a Personnel Board can offer to a community that has a Town Manager and a full time HR Director. I was impressed with the vision that they expressed for the future of the Board, and their interest in advancing that change.

Groton’s Newest Business Opens: Doodle Doo’s and Dogs Too

By Art Campbell

Jun 122013

Art Campbell

Stacey Strauss pauses with Bosley (l) and Chardee MacDennis, her cairn terriers

Groton’s newest business is going to the dogs — on purpose. Stacey Strauss, of Westford, recently opened her first dog grooming salon, Doodle Doo’s and Dogs Too, at 158A Boston Road, across the parking lot from Johnson’s Drive In.

This weekend, she and her two assistants, Bosley and Chardee MacDennis, her cairn terriers, opened the bright, sunny, space to talk about the business. Originally from Alabama, Strauss has been in Westford for eleven years. Two of her sisters are also groomers, she has a year of formal training, and has six year’s experience working as a groomer in other salons, most recently for four years in Bedford. This a career shift for her, leaving behind 25 years of restaurant management experience.

“I found this little place, and thought it’d be perfect. It was already set up, so there wasn’t a lot I had to do,” she said.

Strauss prefers that customers make appointments but does accept some walk-ins if there are spaces in the schedule. She doesn’t like to keep the dogs waiting in kennels, so she doesn’t overbook, she explained, “I like to only do one or two dogs at a time; I don’t like to have to kennel them unless I absolutely have to. And I don’t keep the dogs all day, because they have to be kenneled. I just keep them as long as I have to — and hour and a half or two hours.”

Strauss grooms all breeds, but has a specialty. “I called it Doodles because… you know dogs that are bred with poodles are called ‘doodles?’ Yorkipoos, cockapoos, you cna go on and on and on — probably 25 to 30 percent of my business are doodles. They’re hugely popular right now. And they’re usually really smart and good dogs. They’re a family dog; lots of them are the perfect dogs for families,” she said.

Her own heart is in the Scottish highlands though — she and her husband Frank foster dogs for the Northern New England Westie Rescue, an organization that helps west highland terriers and related breeds who need homes or other help.

Doodle Doo’s and Dogs Too
158A Boston Road
978.448.8008

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